I Am Once Again Asking You To Make Your Art Pro-Social

Art calls: www.patreon.co...

[@alfred8936]

If having no community is art on hard mode, being stuck in Midwest suburbia with zero social infrastructure is a bad spawn

[@hwithumlaut8288]

Jreg is against online communities for some reason. But they better than no art community.

[@REY.3727]

​@@hwithumlaut8288real life communities are far better and you will see why when you engage with them. it feels more real and is more motivating and connected to everyone involved

[@REY.3727]

definitely. but there's still communities, you just have to look!

[@Churrb]

I’m literally right here in the middle of a Midwest suburbia with zero social infrastructure… you just called me the fuck out…

[@segadoeswhatnintendont]

​@@ChurrbMaybe you could start a socitey together!

[@deadsoon]

This did make me cry. I am severely isolated, never have had a long lasting friendship, and stopped posting art online. I have nowhere to feel supported or safe. People in general aren't safe. That's all I learned my entire life. I make art as a means to cope and show it to no one. Nobody in my life seems invested in it. When I tried to post it online, I became even more insecure on my ability and deleted everything. Even when I got positive reception, it didn't feel all that great. Because it all feels meaningless. Everything feels meaningless, so my art feels obsolete because it says nothing.

[@user-ib2bt4ck7y]

I feel you so much buddy, I am in the same way isolated and have been for years. I have stopped making art for a while now but my soul calls me to it everyday, I just am not very confident in my ability. I hope we can both find a way in this world, and I am sorry you're feeling so alone.

[@JenSell1626]

My friend born in 1966 was just released to announce the publication of his new book, about something that was his childhood passion and all the skills he acquired over the years mixing in to making something truly unique and remarkable. He's pretty solo and I'm pretty solo and we are a thousand miles apart, but he's now suddenly in several communities because each group is unfamiliar with all the other things he brought to their medium. And only all his life experience and never being shamed out of what he was passionate about could have made this book. There never was a big plan. And he is celebrating, but I wish he could really, deeply take in the joy unmarked by anxiety, doubt, imposter crap. THAT is what is hard to undo at that age. There's a lady that was a cham prof same as me, then in her 70s she applied her knowledge to be a chem artist, and now she's got a channel. I had a 74 year old night school student who had lived through two revolutions in china. The point of doing stuff is to be out there in the mix, so you can make these weird intersections that produce something unique. That's why you are forced to pick a major early. Think of the coolest jobs, and if your career counselor could have told you about them. I hope you keep doing it, literally nobody knows where it might go, but it will probably be surprising. And yeah patience suuuuucks, not my strength.

[@cypresshill9268]

I feel the same. I just study forever. and I will until I die.

[@staceypeak199]

I feel personally attacked and called out.😅 Seriously thanks, I needed that. I have been accepting the fact that I need some kind of sense of community in art. I feel like such a beginner that I don't even know where I could possibly belong. I've searched out some art groups on Facebook but honestly that's all affected by algorithms and other internet yuckiness. I just want something that feels a bit more authentic. I want something that helps me focus and feel motivated. I don't need anything that detracts from my motivation.

[@anotherway917]

Haven't watched the video yet but your comment resonates. Totally know the feel of scrutinising each action I do and can't find the meaning of anything because things can all end, and people really can just do (or not do) what they wanted and we are just assumed to accept the risk when sh•t happens. The worst part is even when there are 2 people very similar and lonely they can end up going apart, it's really too much to take esp when things were once good.

[@l2ic3]

its like it physically pains jreg to be straight forward and sincere, and his face can barely take it.

[@Noperare]

Removing his layers of irony feels like being skinned alive to him.

[@EpicGamer-yv5nf]

I think it's more that atomization deeply concerns him (maybe more than any other concern with society) and that the resistance to togetherness and companionship that he routinely sees in the culture around him scares and upsets him, to the point of frantic pleas to his audience to be better. I respect the passion.

[@PlayerTenji95]

@@EpicGamer-yv5nfme too! First video I saw by him; he seems nice!

[@Drekromancer]

@@EpicGamer-yv5nf Me too. I've never felt more seen by one of his videos. And I've never agreed with him more wholeheartedly. I'm a therapist, and I became one specifically because I wanted to learn how to fight the plague of atomization wreaking havoc on our society. Since I learned my skills and started seeing clients, I've come to realize that these things are even more important than I gave them credit for. I really liked one line he said toward the beginning, because it echoed something I've expressed as one of the main takeaways from my work: _community is not optional._ We grow up thinking it's just an optimal way to function, but as I've gone into the work and come to understand people's needs, I've realized that it's mandatory. People treat it like sugar - nice to have, but unnecessary - when it's really like air. If you go without it for any amount of time, you've got like a 2 minute window before things start going _seriously_ wrong. And I really appreciated what he said after that, too. "I'm sick of how sick we all are." I see it too. Now more than ever. And that leaves us with an ultimatum: what will you do about it? For me, the answer is: I'm going to reach out to the people around me, so none of us have to keep facing life alone. But I was already committed to that track. This video is a stirring call to action, and it is my sincere hope that many of the people who watch it will walk away with some of the same resolve I carry. It only takes one person to reach out a hand to someone else. Then, all of a sudden, everyone else realizes they have permission to do the same. 🙂 We won't all make it in terms of our goals, but in terms of our mental health and life satisfaction, the best way you can boost your odds is by reaching out. Now go make it happen, you magnificent bastards.

[@l.36125]

oh hey, it's the comment from his newest video

[@Mandus_The_Mad]

"The road you are walking is littered with bones. And most of them died alone" hit so hard for no reason.

[@nharo2442]

I read this comment right as he said it in the video. Spooky, man.

[@ironichoneybadger5066]

This isn't just a problem with art, it's community in general, I remember a video from a while back talking about how social institutional-ism is dead, and I think that's accurate. people replace their communities with internet communication and assume that's how their brains want things to be, but then no one talks to anyone and real problems are never solved. I'm in the maker and robotics community where I live and it's hell some times to manage a bunch of people, but what you're saying is true, no one else is doing the job of managing community cultivation or maintaining that community. It's hell

[@raulcook8164]

I'm in the same community and oh man is it hard to start anything! it feels like everyone (at least in my area) understands everyone else as a means to an end, a helping hand or an audio encyclopedia/machinist's handbook. Not to downplay the utility and convenience there, but dang...

[@BeenThere-tn6xs]

​@@raulcook8164is that bad or good?

[@ironichoneybadger5066]

@@raulcook8164 dude it’s crazy

[@darkojan14]

Linky to the vid plz

[@ironichoneybadger5066]

@@darkojan14 huh?

[@PatriciaSmith-dm8sj]

A few month ago I hired someone else, but he was very rude and walked in stating he's here to clean the windows without a simple hello or anything. My cats felt very uncomfortable around him. When my windows needed a clean again I went to the phone book and found Gregory Guevara. Not only did he make my windows sparkle but my cats LOVED him! Absolutely recommend, no need to do business elsewhere. So glad to be supporting young folk in the area.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

I hope he comes with a frilly feather duster and maid outfit. kitty ears would be good too.

[@avablobbity4757]

Make him do it in a maid outfit

[@SangreFriasBack]

@@avablobbity4757Kinky

[@unwrthy6780]

I love this tutorial! Who knew that making banana bread was so easy?

[@MenkoDany]

You make it... *together*!

[@jellywizard]

Oddly I find that a lot of art communities online devolve into hoards of artists just trying to flex on each other in an effort to ahead. We aren't working together, giving feedback, or trying to inspire each other. It just becomes another place to advertise and compete. To me, it is sad. I've been searching near and far, still no luck finding an art community that wants me much less jives with my personality. I want nothing more than to be involved in a community that pushes me forward and directs my efforts to a concrete project, and yet it continually eludes me. Going alone is hard mode yes, yet paradoxically staying in and refinding my craft is so much easier to do. It's the only thing I can really control.

[@jellywizard]

I go to a local figure drawing club. It's funny, the organizers have tried setting up critiques in the past. They never worked. Everyone wants to be critiqued, nobody wants to give it. Is it because we all feel so insecure in our abilities? Or are we just selfish?

[@_Aperture_]

@@jellywizard I know that I personally felt guilt over wanting crits at my local figure drawing sessions. When they introduced the idea of having crits for figure drawing I shied away because I knew I wouldn't be inclined to give crits. It was definitely out of insecurity for me.

[@hannie-byt3]

I agree - artist communities can be really fake and pretentious

[@kittokattxx]

i think potentially you could get more value / less competition from trying to make friends / find community who also do art but in a different medium

[@guywithyoutubechannel8176]

Having a community of artists who appreciate each other's work is like a gym where everyone spots each other, and encourages each other to be better. There is a manic you who has creative episodes and generates art in his brain. There is a sober you who is not creative at all, but is able to do the work, inspired by the other you, but doesn't care to do someone else's work. You bridge them together by sharing love in the middle, and a community is definitely a good pushing force to accelerate desire to create, and share art.

[@KYLETISZAI]

How do you think the best way to build a community is? I love artists and art.

[@nolanbrewermusic]

I'm someone who falls for the "oh if I just sit at the computer for 3 more hours I'll make it". This 3 hours turns into a whole day wasted at the computer in whatever program I'm learning, because I am addicted to that feeling. Thank you for this video, it gives me a lot to think about.

[@nuklearboysymbiote]

Aight wanna collab?

[@Lucky9_9]

@@nuklearboysymbioteIf he’s in, I’m in!

[@katemcneely556]

When art is about connecting with other people’s experience its crazy how easy it is to forget we’re supposed to like connect with other people

[@noahtime_]

needed to hear this man. im one of the 1 in a gorbillion people that made it as a creator basically alone. it sucks shit. but community is starting to make it feel better. i wish i'd understood this sooner

[@beangobernador]

Woah it’s the guy ^^^

[@eric_the_egggremlin]

the fanfiction writing community saved my life as a depressed teen, and I met some of my dearest friends through writing. humans are social creatures and we need each other.

[@MasterEth]

In all my life, I've never had someone in real life to completely relate to, it's always been online. Which is still good, but having an actual artistic community, is so hard to find.

[@marshallmcluhan33]

Create one, it's like that movie Field Of Dreams or whatever

[@adamvrbosic2951]

You don't have to completely relate to somebody to be a community. You just have to accept them and work with them and vice versa.

[@timgehrsitz3267]

Jreg used to be a cryptid that would appear in my feed to bewilder me and make me feel uneasy, now the dude is inspiring me in ways I genuinely need to be inspired. Dude, seriously, thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

[@fedja4491]

I know its part of your point but your "jreg" videos alienate me because you are insisting on concealing sincerity and hiding behind irony. I just want to say that I really enjoy seeing you being straightforward and honest about something. It's nice seeing that a person/artist is behind your work, and not just some kind of demonic meme ridden stream of internet consciousness. And before some jregist loser says "parasocial relationship", no, it's not that, I just need to relate to the human element of art or any kind of expression. Otherwise it is hollow to me.

[@arv584]

i am once again watching a greg guevara video

[@mysillygirl]

you nd me both brother

[@timisontube]

I am once again leaving a reply to a comment on a Greg Guevara video that is less funny that the comment I am replying to

[@shaebrown2872]

is it me or is he sincere on this channel and ironic on the others?

[@МайкрофтФель]

I love community so much! I wish other people were real

[@E4439Qv5]

I wish... other 'people' more openly embraced their _capacity_ to be real.

[@tinkerjae]

Hey Greg, I know you're probably not going to read this but to anyone that does, I took advantage of the inspiration from that video of like "how to be an artist" and I made a group of people at my uni that are into art and make different mediums of art. We meetup every week and share our works and progress of things we are currently working on. It's a good way of keeping connections, making friends, finding people to collaborate with/share with, and gets people out of the social media death spiral that is trying to post your art online. We've also got many creatives who make more stem or tech oriented projects. I sit on the boundary of being someone who loves music but is a lover of engineering and stem as well, so I made sure to cater to a variety of different interests of people. This group has turned out surprisingly not shitty and I would implore anyone who likes anything to make a group about it, I like a lot of things so I made a group that caters to most of the shit I like. Thanks for reading, good luck, if you have any questions please ask.

[@dawson8239]

you have inspired me. I'm going to form a similar group on my campus, thank you. when forming this group, did you treat it like an organization or a group of friends? and how did you get the word out about your group? I was considering my university's snapchat story and posters, but I'm unsure of how effective that would be. thanks!

[@tinkerjae]

@@dawson8239 Hey! Actually we just grew a lot at the beginning of this semester. At first it was kind of like a group of friends but over time it's grew a little bit more to be a sort of social club. I treat it kind of like a mix of both. I organize the events (mostly just meetups) on my own. The vibes in the meetings tho are nice and friendly so it's a bit of both. It's also open to anyone who wants to join so one more point for an organization. We got the word out by telling people to share the idea with their friends, also posters all throughout our college campus. It was pretty effective for us especially since we put them up at the beginning of the semester when all the new students are coming in and getting used to stuff and joining clubs. We're not registered or affiliated with our university proper, but we do meet on our campus and mostly consist of uni students, however the club is open to anyone able to make it to the meetings. If you have any questions about this, shoot me a message on discord "tinkerjae" is my username.

[@landencarr5443]

visual art, poetry, music, performance all of these are art, and are worth sharing

[@darcy_1]

This is honestly surprisingly close to how I feel about community. Like, guys, we can just choose to be more social. I’m fucking sick of how people just give up or never try. You’re talking about it in the terms of art and art communities but like same with other stuff. Friends and family? Just text them??? People who think like you in your own city? Just look up local groups and see if there’s people who are saying the same stuff you’re thinking and message them. Honestly the more I think about it, the more I understand that many people don’t get this because they’ve never been taught this. So maybe I’m not so mad anymore but point it takes all of us to explain this to people. So good video, this is a very good thing to say out loud. We need to be better to each other and cure that collective sickness. Thanks bud anyway good night

[@Anton15243]

My excuse is that any sort of rejection I feel from others when trying to socialize feels like a hard gut punch, so trying to get into unfamiliar social circles is like a mountain climb for me. I keep thinking of the right thing to say, but that means I'm not participating, and when I do try to go "just say anything" everyone seems to ignore my input, which makes me feel even more unwelcome

[@dijaouija]

Yea a lot of ppl are traumatized from others. There’s no trust left in interactions with strangers because people have tried before and got burned. It feels safer to be alone because reaching out is a risk. Not saying it completely justifies being isolated but some ppl need to be alone rn to heal their wounds and give love to self that they never got from others

[@scobeymeister1]

​@@demihauHey, same, BIG same, but like that might be part of the problem? Like I thought I was a huge introvert but actually nah I'm just autistic and depressed and talking to people was so draining I never did it. Except the isolation was keeping me depressed so it was a nasty cycle I was trapped in. But like now that I'm in the habit of talking to people I actually like and can be myself around, I have like so much more energy. It's actually insane. Like I know it sucks and it's hard but you won't know if you're missing out if you never try. You gotta take that first step even if you think you'll hate it but then you might not 😊

[@perplexity000]

We used to have a really thriving art community through message boards back in the early 2000s, I really miss it. There were a lot of professional artists willing to give invaluable critiques and feedback. It must be hard for younger artists starting out today.

[@dariofromthefuture3075]

uhhh exept for new masters academy, learnSquared, Domestika, endless youtube videos. It's never been easier.

[@squarrot9355]

I gotta say this man every time you open your trap now it's the most genius sht over and over again. Please talk more often

[@salthin]

Fighting the cringe spammer. Kudos internet person!

[@heckYEAHman.]

Brother yaps too good, got me suffering from yapaholism

[@dukedunac]

Thanks Greg! Time to jettison these thoughts from my brain so I can continue to delude myself into believing there's no way out of my current situation, because the thought of putting effort towards something challenging and meaningful scares me!

[@blue4669]

But if you do it scared, you get the chance to be rid of the scariness. And even better, it'll be less scary next time. Oh and the joy of having made something

[@kelechi_77]

Creating never gets easier, it's like a battle every single time that you just know you have to undertake, going through all the trepidation to finally arrive at something that makes you think "hey that's not that bad", you get comfortable only for the realization to creep in that you have to do it all over again the next day go through the same hurdles, you have to step out of your comfort zone each time. Art is a language, you have to be consistent with it to be fluent, there's no "skill", whatever methods you undergo to create your art is your language, you create your standards, all you have to do is face your fears every single time and venture into the unknown.

[@desu38]

Better keep deflecting with irony. Whatever you do, don't actually sincerely sit with those thoughts and feelings. And if you do, keep endlessly navel-gazing about it without actually taking any kind of steps whatsoever. In fact, just do whatever it takes to avoid anything remotely difficult. The most important thing for you right now is to stay comfortably numb at all times.

[@dukedunac]

@@desu38 Right now? What do you mean right now? This is the objectively correct course of action for everyone, no matter their circumstances!

[@Hope-ti3ts]

This is why I’ve been trying to find a club for writers in my area, 1. To get constructive criticism but also 2. Because the sense of community. Also funnily enough this problem makes me think of the Warrior Cats animation community 😭 Dozens of artists come together to make these animated music videos, and there’s like hundreds of these

[@gavfeels]

warrior cats RESPECT!!!

[@mihoyhoy]

i made an art club in my community after realizing there was nothing like it in my area. it doesnt have donations, it’s just something where me meet up at a place and draw together. best damn thing i’ve ever done. even if you think you can’t do it, give it a try!

[@miramller1101]

I started a writer's club for the same reason, been going strong for almost two years and it's the best! I don't have any special knowledge but just invite people to come and share their stuff, and everyone really appreciates the space. I can really recommend just doing it if you're missing some community! I just invite people over to my apartment but you can also find community spaces, probably lend a room at the library.. everyone's just waiting for someone to take the lead, and once you manage to connect with the right people - might be a little while - it is so so worthwhile!

[@Erthelgane]

This man is a genius, there is no other way to describe him (other than quite troubled)

[@Sandra-Hansen]

Hello Gregory. it's Sandra... My windows are quite dirty and in need of a good clean, and I have heard you're just the man for the job. I have heard lovely things about you, about how diligent of a worker you are. You could come over for a quick cuppa, and I've got two cats I know you'll love...

[@engineergaming8695]

Hello Sandra! It's Gregory, just on a different account. I'll be over in a few hours. No need to share address or anything! I already know where you live. I absolutely love cats and I'll be happy to have some tea ^^ Just so you know, I prefer herbal teas over anything. Much love Gregory ♥♥♥

[@ZelphTheWebmancer]

@@engineergaming8695 I'm scared of whatever is happening here

[@Animestar5]

I can just see the floating head swaying side to side 😂

[@paultapping9510]

Gregory sipped the rapidly cooling cup of tea. It had an astringent bitterness to it that faintly tasted of something Gregory couldn't quite place. Was it... almonds?

[@Jack.Strait]

@pping9510 Gregory's sense of taste had kicked in all but a moment too late. As the distinctive flavor sank in, it became abundantly clear that it was not the hint of almond he was noting. He felt his face flush in horror as he grasped what was about to happen to him. Suddenly he found himself leaping to his feet. "Sandra you miserable wench, you know how much I hate cashews" he screamed.

[@landencarr5443]

"The Road you are walking is littered with bones, and most of them died ALONE" is just about the hardest fucking quote ive heard in years.

[@toatrika2443]

"a great man with a great gaming pc" is such an incredibly funny expression holy shit

[@Jackpauler4lyfe]

Hey Greg, thanks for still being this passionate about your craft and continuing to share your work and thought processes behind your work. I haven’t been watching much of your content lately, but I just want you to know how helpful your videos have been for me on my artistic and cultural journey. I’m sure you already know this, but the amount of views on these is zero indicator of how impactful or important the message is. Keep doing what you do best ❤️

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

"Why is nobody doing this really important thing?" "Something something the Invisible Hand of The Free Market will take care of it."

[@Drekromancer]

I've never felt more seen by one of these videos. And I've never agreed with you more wholeheartedly. I'm a therapist, and I became one specifically because I wanted to learn how to fight the plague of atomization wreaking havoc on our society. Since I learned my skills and started seeing clients, I've come to realize that these things are even more important than I gave them credit for. I really liked one line you said toward the beginning, because it echoed something I've expressed as one of the main takeaways from my work: _community is not optional._ We grow up thinking it's just an optimal way to function, but as I've gone into the work and come to understand people's needs, I've realized that it's mandatory. People treat it like sugar - nice to have, but unnecessary - when it's really like air. If you go without it for any amount of time, you've got like a 2 minute window before things start going _seriously_ wrong. And if you look around today, you see a world of people who walk around blue in the face, trying not to pass out from oxygen deprivation. They're coming apart at the seams, and this is the primary reason. I really appreciated what you said after that, too. "I'm sick of how sick we all are." Because I see it too. Now more than ever. And that leaves us with an ultimatum: what will you do about it? For me, the answer is: I'm going to reach out to the people around me, so none of us have to keep facing life alone. But I was already committed to that track. This video is a stirring call to action, and it is my sincere hope that many of the people who watch it will walk away with some of the same resolve I carry. It only takes one person to reach out a hand to someone else. Then, all of a sudden, everyone else realizes they have permission to do the same. 🙂 We won't all "make it" in terms of our artistic goals. But in terms of our mental health and life satisfaction? We've got a real shot to make a difference. And the best way you can boost your odds is by reaching out. Now go make it happen, you magnificent bastards. ❤

[@TelPhi_]

"rare neuroticism w" LMAO cant watch the whole video rn because my youtube app is broken?? but this little bit that I watched was great I love you jay reggie

[@storytimesongs1]

“The road you are walking is littered with bones, and most of them died alone.” That is such an incredible lyric for a song, holy shit. I wish I came up with that haha!

[@TANIMAYTO]

Fantastic video. I think making art for a n invisible audience has made us a bit crazy. It's surprising how little we actually need if the people we're interacting with are REAL PEOPLE.

[@buni2196]

I want a community not because I don't want to play on hard mode, I can play on hard mode, but because I get a nice feeling every time I have a friend who lso likes art appreciate my work and that feeling is itself valuable.

[@kemaranight2456]

✨THANK YOU! THIS YELLED AT ME IN CONFIRMATION, LOL. I stepped back from people trying to convince me I can do it alone instead of trying to help me succeed. Every time I vent about wishing I had a team to be a more effective artist, I’d hear negativity. Like, my art is the bomb - even if I die before it ever pops, I know it would *and will!* However, after going it alone for so long (along with trying to perfect) I’m now burnt out and tired, to a place I started to “what’s the point?” at making art. This video came right on time. We *deserve* to work with other artists so we can become a collective FORCE! To help each other grow and get out of our own heads. I’ve been saying this, I’m just grateful to find the people who feel me :)

[@dawfdawf9169]

So glad to see that your living situation has improved

[@PilotGSPL]

ok, but like how '_' ...

[@CarlosAM1]

Eh, I don't really know anyone IRL who is as invested in art as I am, most I do is share it it some communities and social media, so any artists I talk to are online, while with my IRL friends I mainly try to help them improve. As for learning art itself though for now I do it mainly alone and via some samples of feedback from other people, same as every single one of my other hobbies. The sheer volume of information on the internet has made it really easy for me and others to learn anything, all the way from drawing to literal rocket science. However, as you mentioned it would be nice to make an actual friend online who likes said things to the same degree I do, being able to constantly engage in conversation and help each other in the process to far more detail. As for now every single one of my interactions with other artists online has basically boiled down to talking every once in a blue moon or a quick little bit of feedback on a specific artwork.

[@gatergates8813]

This used to be known as "creating a scene"- Andy Warhol would be proud. Keep at it brother

[@reallyidrathernot.134]

hey is that not just me that has no scene anymore?

[@memeboi3684]

When He talked about the studio, I immediatly thought of Warhol's factory

[@evelyncarr6421]

Is there anything I can read about "creating a scene"?

[@jackvancekirkland]

Complain about not having a scene, create scene, complain about scene and the people in it... I'll pass thanks

[@sourgreendolly7685]

@@reallyidrathernot.134It's not a scene, it's an arms race (sorry I had to)

[@MalicProductions]

Reading a little blurb about how HP Lovecraft wrote an estimated 100,000 letters, mostly to fellow writers, was a big shifting point for me. I started intentionally getting in touch with more creatives after that. Would recommend writing letters too, as far as hobbies go.

[@mk-aka-morgan8386]

My local library used to have an art day for artists to come in and do art together, but when COVID hit most people stopped showing up permanently 😢

[@Comdost]

Making art with others is so amazing, every artist needs to experience it. I guess it kinda breaks the frame that art's ultimate goal is only self expression, so many artists don't wanna try it. Reminds me of a quote from an old school animator from disney: "No one has things entirely their own way, but in the end the result is better than what we could have achieved alone."

[@Happytravellerkimmy]

As someone who is lightly invested in my hobby art, art classes held by art galleries and collectives have been the best present to myself ever. So, if what he's proposing sounds daunting because you're introverted or shy or socially awkward try community art classes. 😅

[@nosidenoside2458]

There are a lot of voice acting youtubers, and they collaborate. It's always nice to watch those videos. There's another voice acting youtuber i know who doesn't really collaborate, but has recently tried to achieve the same thing with ai voices. I'm not going to name names, but it just isn't as good.

[@handitover.]

A few months ago I started recording samples of sounds I found interesting in my daily life, including clips of my friends making funny noises or jokes. I like messing around in garageband and have turned a few of my friends' samples into little songs, and in the past weeks they've been coming to me more and more with ideas for melodies and riffs and styles that I never would have tried without them. It's shitty music purely for our little in-group but it's so damn fun lol

[@GrrrlStyleNow]

Thank you for this heartening speech! So many of us come to art through being peculiar children who draw or write or make music in a corner, that we don’t realise that the art and the loneliness are not actually dependent upon each other. In adulthood, we can start pushing our desks together in the middle of the room instead.

[@zenithalmighty]

this issue was actually the prime reason i've went on an art hiatus since 2021. i'm slowly easing back into it because i had to really break down why i became a cartoonist to begin with in order to fall in love with it again, but being a social guy in an area where you're surrounded by artists in different niches (music, etc) and you're around them constantly interacting with each other within their own communities, it becomes excessively motivation killing when you go back to your own niche and realize there's no fuckin community at all. i've observed this problem aint as bad in LA, california for artists/cartoonists, so i'm trying to make the move over there from NY partially because of it

[@RileyG]

Nothing feels better than to have some creative friends you can really talk with about projects and art!! I don’t get to see my friends very often irl, we live a few hours away from each other and work tends to keep us apart, but when we get together we all basically do mini showcases of what we’ve been working on and we hype each other up and give advice on how to improve. We try to keep each other updated and send WIPs in a group chat, that way we can get helpful critique when we need it ^-^ Back when we were all in college, we would meet up for meals and make SO MUCH ART because we were always collaborating on ideas and giving advice and problem solving together. Genuinely some of the best creative energy I’ve ever really experienced was at that lunch table haha

[@Revolupine]

TFW the power of friendship is real all along. Seriously, it was wild and shattering to my sense of self to learn that I actually like being around other humans! I like talking to other humans! Holy shit! I still have a low social battery, but that's just because the social circumstances I was in before were hostile to me. I really, actually, truly found my people. And it's still hard to open up, to overcome my anxieties, but damn if it hasn't been rewarding in these past few years.

[@jaredbashaw3828]

Dang. That “if you don’t personally know anyone who likes your work, and you don’t consume the work of anyone you know” hit hard. I have never met anyone who has read my writing 😅

[@saltations_]

looks like this came to jreg in a dream he just woke up from

[@IsaIbnHalim]

You’re so spot on that it’s frightening. This is one of those “the algorithm is reading my mind” moments.

[@soirema]

Wow im so glad i clicked this video! You are so right! And im gonna brag here, because i m working on my own project, and i had a lot of this ego to "do it all alone", longer? Sure. But the satisfaction .. But week ago i reached out and just asked is someone would like to help me, for free, I can only share my knowledge with them. I found 2 people and now qe are working together... honestly I didnt think anyone would reach out so this is crazy. And one of these people are much nore expirienced and skilled then me. And they wanna work on my project?? Unbelivable...! But Im so happy now :D

[@FredCroydon]

GREG..... GOOD WORK ON THE WINDOWS. CAN I BOOK YOU IN FOR A WASH ON THE FIRST FOR THE STORE..... NEEDS A GOOD CLEAN FRED

[@engineergaming8695]

Hey Fred! Greg here, just on a different account. Just call my receptionist and book an appointment! Due to my devotion to the lord though, I'm not available for Sundays.

[@FredCroydon]

THANKS FRED

[@greedo7]

once again i now know literally noone whos also in ottawa, glad u made it out 💀

[@jackiemoffitt6780]

I needed to hear this rn, I always had these lofty and kinda communal goals of wanting to start some type of multimedia collective and kinda got disenchanted but this tells me to get back on the path.

[@justflavio]

Absolutely agree. I've been so lucky that the friends I've made in real life are also artistically inclined. Or maybe thats the very reason that we've been able to stay friends as long as we have. Either way, we all share and experience each others stuff, and its very helpful. Make a community! Everyone wants to be part of one, but people struggle to just be the one who gets everyone together. DO IT! BE THE ONE!

[@Tyler12905]

Where can i go out to find a community?

[@justflavio]

@@Tyler12905 College is one place, although I know that's not exactly an option for a lot of people. You can also find people with similar interests by going to different local events near you. Like, Magic the Gathering for example, there's a local shop near me that hosts tournaments every Saturday. Smash bros has local tournaments basically anywhere if you live in America. I'm sure there's similar events for other games, or even clubs for just video games more generally as well. Book clubs are an option, a lot of local libraries will have a list of different local book clubs. Basically, just take something you're interested in and try to find local, in-person events for that thing. Church is also an option, particularly home groups, or house churches. A smaller group of people that doesn't let you fade into the back as much. There's usually free food at things like this too, so that's always a win. The most important part (no matter which option you choose) is to be persistent, keep going and keep trying to talk to people even if you're uncomfortable or anxious the first few times, and also to just put yourself out there. I am naturally very bad at conversation, so I would either 1) find a group of 4 or 5 to sort of just walk up and stand near them so I can let the group do the talking while I figure out how I can fit in before talking, or 2) Ask people questions about themselves. People love to talk about themselves, and if you just ask them questions, they'll carry the conversation. Just be sure to show genuine interest. Saying all of these things make it seem easy, it isn't, it's very difficult to make friends and build a community from scratch, but it is possible. Make a discord server or a group chat for you and some of the people you get close with at the events/clubs. Start to plan hangouts outside of just this one common interest that you have. This isn't complete advice, but it's the best that I can give. I hope you're able to find your people♥.

[@justflavio]

​@@Tyler12905I replied to this yesterday, but my comment seems to have been deleted. Basically, you can find people at college if that's an option for you. Join a home group from a church, or find a small house church if that's your thing. Find events near you for things you're interested in. Smash bros has local tournaments basically everywhere in the US. Local card shops often host weekly tournaments for Magic or Yugioh, and I'm sure there are similar things for other communities. Local libraries often have multiple book clubs, so you could join one of those. Once you make some friends at these places, make a group chat or some way to communicate and plan hangouts with them outside of the event. If you struggle to talk to people like I do, I'll give you the best advice someone gave me. Ask people questions about themselves. People love to talk about themselves, and they'll carry a conversation if you let them. This isn't complete advice, but it's the best I can give, I wish you luck ❤

[@justflavio]

@@Tyler12905 KZbin keeps deleting my comments whenever I try to give advice :(

[@justflavio]

Ok, I'm gonna try one more time, hyper condensed this time. Find events or clubs for something you're interested in (smash bros, MtG, books.) And start to get to know a few people there. Once you get a few people that you're close with, get some way to communicate outside of that one single event/interest. Hang out outside of it and get to really know each other.

[@e_0033]

once again coming with these insane points which should be obvious but when actually put into words they become so much more real

[@evyiam3780]

I SECOND THIS SO MUCH I am an artist. Perhaps this just means that I have a better way of recording my mental status by the art I make, but I think his message here really applies to any human being. I became more active in a community and it greatly improved my creativity levels, hell, everyhting really. I make so much more art now than before because I feel like the audience for it appreciates it. And that is BECAUSE I interact with my audience more. Pls listen to his message here, whether you’re an artist or not. There’s this one vsauce video abt logic and reasoning, even basic stuff like that shouldn’t be done alone. Internal monologues get so much worse when they never are expressed in dialogue.

[@thenew4559]

How do you become more active in in-person communities as an artist?

[@evyiam3780]

@@thenew4559 i can’t really say abt in person, and I think there is some irony in the fact that the community I refer to is an online one, but I think it is a tight knit community nonetheless. It’s one place where my niche interests are appreciated and I think it has greatly improved my self esteem and helped me be more confident in my in person interactions and in making my artwork

[@bbludacious]

"Rare neuroticism W" what a banger quote

[@amandadiamond7147]

We're also being worked to death in underpaying jobs.

[@sleepyyghostt]

One of my biggest drives to create art right now is to make art about my d&d group and the story we're creating together. I've been working on an animatic and the target audience is basically just my friends. its been really really bringing the social aspect of creating art to the forefront, and its one of the most wonderful things i've experienced in a while!! The bouncing back and forth of ideas and creation and connection, even if my things aren't being seen on the widest scale, is really what art is all about. There's joy and love, right at the core of it. I've also really been working on slowing down when it comes to 'consumption' of art online and following individual artists much more closely in a way that feels a lot more meaningful than the endless scroll of a million hours of someone's life and work thrown into a void to be glanced at for a split second by a ton of people then instantly forgotten, moving to the next and the next and the next. There's so much connection to be made It's so good to hear you talking about this, I'm definitely glad for this rare neuroticism W ;D

[@clairechenoweth2765]

brilliant. community-centered thinking propels us all forward. 100/10

[@Dave_the_Dave]

I'm not much of an artist. But I am an engineer and inventor. I'm so grateful that, through trial-and-error, frustration and sheer luck, I have ended up working in a collective (company) where I have amazing collaborators. In my early 40s I now feel like I'm the most able to be myself, have the most appreciation for others, feel the most appreciated and that our project is so meaningful. I wish all of our entire society was considered a creative, collaborative project, with a role suitable for all.

[@duckmoonduck]

as much as uni was incredibly difficult i miss just sitting around a table with other artists, all working on our own thing but discussing our work and making suggestions to each other... such a fun and inspiring environment that im scared ill never find again. going back home to such a bland souless town crushed me. Id rather be back at uni having daily panic attacks but a fun community to be a part of than where i am now, way fewer panic attacks but 0 community. And the fact that uni experience got cut off half way through because of covid makes it worse.. just as i was getting comfortable too.

[@duckmoonduck]

it feels so hopeless but i still cling on to some hope that ill find that irl community again one day

[@GNVceramics]

This is violently true, I work in pottery and this sort of collaboration they’re talking about kinda exists by necessity and I love it. The entryway to pottery is oftentimes expensive and involves multiple complex materials and machines which necessitates sharing at points of scarcity. Big painful questions about design, recipe, process demand answers that can’t really be provided impersonally, and from that you get a community of people that are simply forced to work together

[@urelsen]

Wow! You really showed those solo artists whos boss!

[@heikkiaho6605]

having even one friend to exchange feedback with will definitely make you better in your craft, because you don't have to figure out everything on your own. some things that you struggle with might be incredibly obvious to someone else and vice-versa. but i also think that sometimes you might have a better idea/vision for what you want to do. but then i guess it might be about finding the right people (who share that vision).

[@jaybonny1954]

This is the kind of shit that guys who want to know what I know say to get me to come over and do shit for them

[@Dragoniiia]

I wanted to thank you for all of your work. I've been watching you since the begining of centricide and you have been very inspiring ever since. You were always able to articulate feeling and fears and frustrations I wasn't able to put to words properly. I love your push towards comunity and how frustrated you are with todays world. I am too and I'm striving to change it. Fortunetly I have my community of artist and roleplayers, still surviving an triving on old school forum and chatting via discord. Over the years we started meeting each other and making friendships. It always pains me that they are so far away most of the time.

[@PiFiFo]

I gotta say this man every time you open your trap now I hear something new because I'm not terminally online memorizing your opinions. Thanks for sharing your perspective, I'll take it into consideration.

[@llamasmeowing2061]

When Jreg has more of a social life than you (I am more concerned now)

[@moltenguava9418]

I agree 100%, get out and meet the artists in your area, collaborate. Its such a good way to refine your own skills by learning from others. The tensions are a good thing because they mean people have to explore new frontiers in their art so they can work with others. Plus other artists can hold you accountable for showing up and actually make the art when your working with them.

[@Nobody-hr4gt]

i wish i didnt have such like insane fucking social anxiety bc when i say insane i mean it i percieve a person and my mind completely blanks i dont like going anywhere without a friend and a lot of my friends either arent artists or seem to think my interests (and by extension the art i make of those interests) are bothersome and i dont know how to talk to people like at all and everyone seems to find me annoying and i dont know if i need to talk to them to see if thats just how they speak or if im being sensitive (because a lot of it is just autism between all of us tbh) but man i wish i could be ina community where everyone is like "hell yeah art" rn

[@TheNewTravel]

I think a lot of artists feel misunderstood and that’s what leads them to make art. So working with others is challenging because you think they won’t understand your vision (and vice versa)

[@artemisiakyrell7727]

This is why I'm so hell-bent on working at a studio in-person rather than remote working or going freelance, the community you make with other practitioners isn't replaceable & it makes working for even the worst studios worth it

[@con_the_artist6823]

I feel like ottawa is a place where it's easy to have an art community. Hell, there's 5 major animation studios here, multiple art markets. Toronto is so big that it's almost like decision paralisis. The community is so big with no structure.

[@IIlllllIIIllllIIIlIllI]

Oooh, JUST make a friend! How come I didn't think of this? I'll tell a homeless person to JUST get a house next time I see one as well

[@MarxistMogger]

getting a house and making a friend is different. Yea theres systematic reasons why so many people are lonely now but you can just start talking to people.

[@sp123]

yeah its a lot of inertia to make friends with adults, most dont want to make friends

[@Edible_Kittens]

Of course we need community, to improve and to appreciate the wonders our peers are capable of. I remember Istebrak, an art channel, talking about why she started her monthly challenges and subreddit - community is a must. Not a nice-to-have. You can still have your distant idols and grow in isolation, but you will never grow as much without some support and feedback. Death to the lonely hermit artist pathos!! You deserve love!!

[@rozzgrey801]

As an artist I strongly believe artists should do whatever they want and never listen to anyone trying to tell them what they 'should' be doing.

[@NeilBraun]

Somehow this comes off as satire to me. Also I find it impossible to think around people bustling about "creating community", its like people "creating content" but impossible to ignore.

[@absolvt_]

Artists are really hard ones to manage but community of arts is indeed highly rewarding

[@cennamonzimt]

Honestly I believe this is one of the most important statements out there. Mans always got a good point in general, I so wish Jreg was widely seen as being more than "just another wacky insane internet comedian".

[@shalhevethannakelman1347]

No way this goes up the same night I decide to give art a chance

[@aubreypressley1450]

This video was genuinely a wakeup call. Thank you.

[@confusedpozole406]

I already loved ur videos, but this made me like you as a person. You’re totally right

[@sihplak]

Legitimately the best video you've made

[@TempoTantrumsImprov]

If I didn't have my comedy collective, I would be completely hopeless right now, at this terrible moment in history

[@toracora662]

im so happy i came across this video because this is exactly how ive been feeling! im a senior in HS planning on going into traditional animation as my area of study in college and eventually my profession in the future. i am doing whatever i can to demonstrate to people (online or IRL) that "this is my art!" on a professional, and what you said, a "social" level. and making sure to reciprocate the same with other people, too! its so important to communicate, share, blah blah, because the art industry is a SOCIAL industry! at least this is what i believe. thank you for this video! also has anyone told you you look like Ben Schwartz

[@flexprog3374]

Ouch, this feels like a personal attack. I am definitely guilty of trying to do everything alone and hating having to communicate about what I do, and this is a problem. But I also think that a lot of artists need help to communicate because there are bad at it and will never get good. For lots of us, this is why we are artists : we create BECAUSE we have trouble communicating normally.

[@intrawovenarts]

Hi! Fellow artist in Toronto here 👋🏻😌💞 Thanks for this, it's ESSENTIAL to have community, I agree. Could talk about this for days 😅

[@adempc]

Solid advice. Thanks for posting this absolute gem. It isn't totally true for everyone, but is true for most "artists".

[@soup8162]

absolutely agree with everything said in this video and not just as an artist myself. community is a necessity in everything and its been obliterated in the past few decades. we NEED to build it up again

[@Kuzey457]

Online can be better than nothing sometimes, especially if you're far away, but the act of meeting in person, hearing each other's voice, experiencing art with all five senses cannot be replaced. People are so eager to do online now, but only because their full attention isn't there, and if it's not there, then why even bother?

[@Alernategem]

One man bands are impressive, but a good orchestra will outclass them every time.

[@K2stazh]

This is painfully true... Now how do i overcome my debilitating social anxiety and stop coping by telling myself "Yeah i prefer to be alone anyway" ?

[@__Henry__]

therapy, relating with supportive others, buddhism, yoga, contemplation, trying new things, eat well, sleep well, exercise

[@brain_cell]

Hearing our one true mayor call that city "Toronto" sent chills down my spine

[@lukalot_]

As someone who spends a lot of time running a creative community, this video is really inspiring!