I quit my job to become a full-time artist...and I failed.

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Ok this is more like a podcast episode but hopefully it gives you a bit of insight on what steps I took to quit my 9-5 job and the lessons I learned, even though I ended up kind of failing at my overall goal. Also you can see some real time footage of me painting a portrait- it's quite a slow process of building lots of layers! Grab your sketchbook and join me :)
✦ Materials ✦
Paper: Strathmore Toned Tan Mixed Media Journal (I cut out a piece of paper from my sketchbook)
bit.ly/3NbLNzi
Paint: Holbein Gouache
bit.ly/3vWSyyw
Paint: Winsor and Newton Gouache
bit.ly/3tZGax6
Brushes: Princeton Velvetouch Brushes
bit.ly/3S8KfqE
*I use affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you buy through my link (at no extra cost to you!)
✦ What I use to film ✦
Panasonic Lumix G85 Camera
amzn.to/3l48xFj
iPhone 13 Pro Max (renewed version)
amzn.to/3wTZc5w
✦ Music ✦
Music by Chinsaku - Next to you - thmatc.co/?l=53A4ED89
Music by Chinsaku - Moonset - thmatc.co/?l=E831C531
Music by Chinsaku - Esta Luna - thmatc.co/?l=E8A752D9
Music by ninjoi. - Sakana - thmatc.co/?l=2A890445
Music by Chinsaku - Blossom - thmatc.co/?l=0A185C3E
Music by Obie Hans - Floating Between - thmatc.co/?l=81C32CBC
Music by Lofi Breno - Focused on Focus - thmatc.co/?l=ECE8C2D8
Music by Mark Generous - Gelato - thmatc.co/?l=075508D0
birdsong by AHOAMI tunetank.com/track/6070-birds...

[@sofiapavanmacias]

wow I'm so so touched by all the comments on this video- I'm doing my best to reply to them but please know I'm reading them all! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for listening to mine. I've been so surprised to read so many similar journeys/feelings which really helps me feel less alone- thank you ❤

[@ThailandTerry]

Most people do not succeed in pursuing their dreams because they just simply do not get started and put up obstacles and excuses as to why they cannot do it. Good for you taking the plunge and investing in yourself. Best of luck to you.

[@GrayWithMe]

I quit a 6 figure job to take a 70% pay cut to be an addictions counselor- I failed because I saw the harsh reality of the mental health industry and went back to corporate life. By taking that risk I lost my pension, financial security, and will now have to work longer in order to retire. I have regrets but at the same time I am proud of myself for taking the chance.

[@JuliaChiarelli]

I did the same thing and I also failed, now I'm in a journey to find a job but I didn't have any luck yet. I can't say I became more creative, actually it got worse. I don't fell like a creative person and I don't feel the same joy as before. Art became toxic to me and rarely re the moments where I'm happy doing art. The one thing I'm grateful is that I also have a partner to help me with my plans and my family to support me when I need.

[@elisendagil]

Dear Sofia, I feel this message is super powerful.

[@AFKDINOSAUR]

I really needed this. Mid 30s and burned out with my corporate job and wanting to take a sabbatical, this has really given me some things to think about. Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your experience.

[@ghammer2048]

Thanks for telling us you failed. Love that honesty that 99% of youtubers hide.

[@BoneLonesome]

I also quit to become a full time artist and I fortunately did manage to make it a full time job. The sad part is a see a lot of artists way more talented than I am not make it. There is so much luck involved on top of having to have talent. Being in the right place at the right time...things totally out a person's control. I was around 30 when that luck hit me. The longer you stick with it, the more chances you have of the luck portion kicking in, with the benefit of getting better each time you produce work. I also got an F in high school art and failed college art...twice (though I think that had more to do with my autism and the way I need to learn than anything else). It took my wife even longer, she did not make it as an artist full time until she was in her 40s, up until then she fell back on graphic design to pay the bills. It can be very disheartening but all it takes is for one moment to completely change your trajectory for the better. You are young and have a lot of talent, stick with it. You never fail until you either give up or come to an end.

[@nereastudio]

New subscriber here! My name is also Sofia hehe but thank you for this. I am 28 and now looking for a full time job because I couldn’t make a living out of my art, and I started to feel like a failure sine every youtube video showcases a “i quit my job to become an artist and became rich” meanwhile i was struggling so much. Thank you for being real and opening up, it helped me a lot ❤

[@MichaelOrtega]

I quit 2 times and I’m in the process of trying one last time. From my experience, having not one or two, but 4+ sources of income BEFORE you make the move is extremely important. At least one of these sources CANNOT be related to your talent and must be 100% independent from a boss. The other 2/3 can be freelancing, or performing work as well as royalties. Investing in a financial (high interest or dividend) to grow over the years can help you if you can sustain yourself for a few years to prevent you from panicking if you fail. It will be your “safety net”. Avoid DEBT as much as possible. Learn to budget. Quitting your 9-5 is all about money management. You are talented, you already know you have worth. Now learn to earn money from it in MULTIPLE ways, and learn to manage that income.

[@carolinebogo]

I'm facing the same challenge: quit my 9-5 job during the pandemic to follow my dream of becoming a full time freelance illustrator PLUS moved abroad after that, so obviously I have no ideia what is like being financially stable anymore 🙃 I'm looking for a part-time job and I can't wait to pay my rent without having to sacrifice my mental health. I feel better knowing that I'm not the only one facing these struggles. Thanks for sharing you experience here ♥

[@liseb.4485]

I’ve turned 30 and returned to art school last year. Totally reckless but I’ve never been happier. I know I won’t regret this in the future.

[@Elena-Studio]

It's crazy to me that with 45.5K subscribers, you are still a "small creator" on KZbin. Thank you for sharing though. It helped me to realize maybe the goal isn't to be a full-time artist but to at least have 2 years to focus solely on art & getting better. Saving up to make art for 2 years seems more reachable than trying to be a full-time artist soley with no other incomes.

[@AuroraPUNK]

I'm a professional artist that went full time after about 7 years of slow, planned growth, and then after the pandemic had to weather large losses in my life and "coast" in my career until I was able to really focus on making new work again. My income atrophied in that time and I'm only now trying to climb my way back up. I often felt like I failed and was angry that circumstances completely outside of my control uprooted all the work I had put in and the progress I had made. It was as if I was back at square one--I grieved that for a long time.

[@lemmidraws]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m 35 and pursuing art as a hobby for the moment, but I hope to make the switch in a few years and leave my 9-5. I’m the sole bill payer, so I need to be a bit more careful/have a bigger buffer with savings before I can take the plunge. I’m trying to remind myself to enjoy the journey and focus on improving my skills, rather than getting myself down about not being able to make the switch now. We’re all on on our own path and your commentary on societal expectations is something that really resonated with me. Good luck!

[@diegooland1261]

Far too many people leave out the, "I have a partner who is financially supporting me," or "I'm a trust fund baby and will never have to work a day in my life." By leaving this out it creates a totally false and misleading picture. Thank you for being honest about the money part. I have a call scheduled this morning with a friend who is trying to make it with her art. I'm considering it and the numbers just don't pencil out. I don't have the savings to quit so I'm in the keep working and keep creating stage. Thank you for your insights on how to do this.

[@atcreateartworks]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It takes courage to decide to take the two years for your art and step outside the norms of society. There is nothing wrong with it though modern society often makes us feel that it is. You started a lot sooner than I on your art journey and I commend you for it. I did everything society tells you to do (ie, stable 9-5 job, retirement account, a mortgage) but life’s unexpected things still happen no matter how much I planned. I wish I had also made sure I also pursued a passion that created inner joy in life. Do those things sooner than later whenever you can. But now is better than never. And you did that for your life. And though I agree planning is always a good step in any decision making, I think it’s important to let the art journey be intuitive and leave room for exploration and organic growth which I think you did. Take it from someone who’s a big planner, but at times to a fault. I think it slowed my creative growth. I think planning for the big things is key, like you set a timetable, set aside a budget and funds and had a support system. I’m still learning as I go on my art journey. I’m much older than you so don’t worry about your age. Just have the courage you’ve shown to keep pursing your passion in a fulfilling and productive way if you want it to be a career. You have time. It’s better than never starting at all. Debbie Millman is quoted, “I think it is actually more important to have courage [than confidence] because you tend to be more afraid to do things that you’ve never done before and thru which you have no previous experience of success.” Excuse me for rambling so long. I wish someone told me the same a lot sooner in life. I just wanted to applaud you for your courage. 👏 It was very encouraging to hear your experience. Best to you 😊

[@alanzheng7019]

I am the total opposite I went from a contract concept artist to a full time government worker. I didn't feel like I failed but I also feel that the career choice wasn't financially stable. Now that I have secure this current job, there may be a chance I will freelance on the side. Love the message of the video and quite inspiring. Kudos to you.

[@Nadeirevyk]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm also in my 30s and want to be a full time artist. For me, it's especially difficult to not compare myself to younger artists. Here's to hoping that everyone here accomplishes their goals ❤

[@jdrewsdraws]

What I really appreciate about this story is how you put the effort into making your dreams come true. Even if it didn't happen right now, it doesn't mean it won't. I have tried many versions of following my art passions and have failed in many ways at this. But it all comes back to picking yourself back up and rethinking how to get where you want to go.