I was an utter creative failure. I changed. You can too.

[@chrispietryga8710]

It's not in my drawer....it's still in my head. Still, I'm only seventy one, loads of time. Always enjoy your videos...hi from the UK. ☺

[@SketchBookSkool]

Wonderful!

[@sheilacym]

Snap…..I’m 71, too, and also from the U.K. 🤗 Love Danny’s books 🤩💕

[@wordyballoons]

Bruh...71 is not loads of time.

[@bonfireballads]

I appreciate that you used the comic sans font while quoting the comic book company.

[@Uapa500]

I've been working on it since I was 15. My comic book. I corrected it, I re-drew it, I keep adding bits. I wanted it to go out there and be seen. And I keep keeping it in the drawer, cos I don't believe in me. This video almost made me cry. I need to do something. Thank you 💖

[@jennykruse2335]

I wanna See it ❤

[@beninhalopes1012]

You inspired me to start my first sketch book journal at the age of 53. You're so inspiring and your relationship with art making is so beautiful! Thanks 😊

[@aure-wtm]

by generating energy, you cause things to happen ❤

[@oshiino2845]

I once read a quote somewhere that really drove home the idea that you mentioned in the video. "Luck is where hard work and opportunity meet." Thank you for your story of preservance and I am happy you've made it Mr. Gregory!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you for your inspiration. When I was in High School 47 years ago one of my teachers wrote in my year book. She said, " You're Perseverance is a gift to you". I thought about that statement many times over the years. It definitely pays off to be persistent. I love your story. I have also enjoyed reading, "Art Before Breakfast" two times. I will need to be on the request list at the library for your other books. Thank you so much.

[@classicaldeb]

I hope that your teacher didn't use the incorrect: You're! 😂

[@jonr6680]

In another context (fitness), those folks know that success is the TOP of the mountain. But CLIMBING the mountain is hard. Running is hard, bodybuilding is hard. Growth is hard, progress is hard. But also competition is brutal, there is no hiding from it. Artists are typically solo, arguably introverted. That's an extra hurdle. Rejection is JUDGEMENT, and nobody likes that. Perseverance is also a trait of all people who feature in stories of survival, crisis, trauma. Most folks only actually practice it very rarely, hence the unpleasant sensation is a shock. Fitness and other challenges that you can control will enable you to practice perseverance, in bite size chunks. Plus coffee. Lots of coffee.

[@Onthe9thlife3730]

Survivability bias though, many more who persevere don't make it to be known or succeed.

[@christinebarnes3616]

In my basement (studio), I have nearly 40 sewing/embroidery/papercraft projects finished. I've been to more creft fairs than I can count. The odd purchase here and there brings thankfulness, but zero excitement. I like to make too many types of things- like a general store of crafting, I suppose. Find my passion. My passion is dying. Keep trying. Buyers won't pay what I feel my work is worth. In my drawers, I have many handmade treasures. None are my passion. I dont know how to find it. Keep trying-and crying. Thank You for your wonderful videos. You are a treaure.

[@fibee8324]

Where have you been all my life?? So happy to have found your channel - thank you!

[@PeterPalmiotti]

Great video! I would add pick one path to pour your creative energy into. Far too many times I see people change paths so many times, they don't wait for the universe to help them.

[@digsdorito6797]

"By generating energy you cause things to happen" I like that. It spoke to me; Keep doing stuff instead of just thinking about it . Inspiring story, thanks for sharing this!

[@libertadx4]

I wish I have had a father, a friend, a teacher, or a partner like you. 😽 Thank you for your lovely inspiring videos.

[@sunnycharacter]

You mentioned an extremely vital thought in regards to trends, popularity, rejection and acceptance. And that is change in marketable tastes and what publishers’ feel will make them money. If they aren’t in the market for what a creative has to offer, it doesn’t matter how you present it or how brilliant your work is at the time. They’re not ready. Persistence truly is the key here because if you toss enough darts at the target, eventually you’re going to hit the bullseye. Wonderful video! By the way Danny, I have a portfolio of art and some of it (I thought needs to be kindling) but then as I go through my compilation of hits and misses, I realize hey, we have to start somewhere. My husband says sell them! I’m not ready, and I’ve had a few commissions. But I want to compile enough hits and misses to offer anyone that sees something they like. I may not like it, but surely there’s someone out there that can’t live without it. I have no delusions that I’ll make a to. Of money at this stage in my old life. But if a piece gives someone joy, that’s payment enough.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Best of luck!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@SketchBookSkool Thank you! 😊

[@zenfuldancer]

I really appreciate your story of perseverance, Danny. I’ve worked in arts and entertainment for 30 years and staying in the game-continuing to create everyday- IS the game. This is resilience. Appreciate you.

[@lobinski07]

You're such a nice guy, it's always a pleasure to listen to you. and it's educational, even though I'll certainly never publish a book 😂

[@Rohvannyn]

This is what I needed today. I have a drawer full of old art and a scanner coming today. Not all my art is public worthy but some of it is, this was a fantastic inspiration

[@EviesHangout]

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. My creative endeavor is writing novels, and your videos were on my recommendation page as I enjoy hearing about other people's processes. Then when you got to the fact that you are the author of Everyday Matters, something looked familiar. I ran to the bookshelves I share with my husband. There was your book: And Illustrated Life. My husband bought it years ago because he loves doing art as well as his hobby. I am so happy I discovered your channel, and it's definitely inspired me to try illustrated journaling as another means of storytelling. Thanks again for your words of wisdom, and I hope you have a wonderful week.

[@paulonavarroCR]

Thanks for the message, watching the video I felt identified with the rejection aspect, I am a painter in a fairly small scene in my country Costa Rica, I studied Art and then I have worked mostly in Education as a professional career, I am 40 years old and I have been thinking about the idea of returning to the art scene, I see it as a long term project, this video is a healthy reminder of life, and how to keep moving forward despite the difficulties, I value it very much, thanks for the sincerity and experience shared, it is very helpful!

[@rubaidasharmin4579]

Got rejected in 20 interviews but still trying.

[@carolinependleton8445]

Beatrix Potter had the same problems with publishers,she never gave up.❤

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

This video is in other words “look at the cool thing this dude did since you were born 24 years ago”, I love this video, absolutely wonderful storytelling Denny, I find it so helpful.

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

I needed this so much! Thank you for being in my feed this morning!

[@ingridbrooks7422]

Wow! Thank you for reminding me about what is waiting to get out the drawer!

[@Payal_mathur]

You are devilishly handsome 😊 and you have a gift of expression! We’re so fortunate that you use it to help others! I have a bunch of art that I don’t know how to transform into something that would sell. And a bunch of ideas in my head that get lost in the daily chores. But I do continue to make art and share it the way you taught me to and build connections even though it’s online and not in person.

[@pinkyandpanda]

you remind me of all my favorite school teachers! thank you for your videos!

[@meggaawesome16]

you're a really nice guy. i appreciated your video and how relaxed, safe and inspiring it was. thank you

[@ObscuredLotus]

Thank you so much for the reminder. You are appreciated

[@danielleolson5009]

Thank you, thank you for this perfectly timed push to believe and keep at it. Love your videos!

[@TheLittleEconomist]

This advice isn’t just relevant for creatives it’s relevant for so many other areas too like interviewing to get a new job.

[@creativewah]

Love this video! I have a children’s book manuscript my daughter wrote that I’m supposed to illustrate, but I keep procrastinating. I’ve never done illustrations for a book before! 😬 I’m going to do one thing this weekend that starts the process. Thanks for the inspiration! ❤❤❤

[@Inkhaurt-Design-Art]

I love this video which essentially means that I love you ❤️. Thank you, Danny 👋.

[@spaceflows]

I am very grateful for this video, particularly today, as this has been a tough one. Thank you 🙏

[@JOHNOGRADY-un2ft]

Lovely,thank you so so much.😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@briannorwood9983]

Excelent video, If I was still teaching motivation classes, I would be using your video for my students.

[@rahulparnaik8299]

What a lovely video Danny!

[@deborahbickmore3743]

You give me hope, just to be who I want to be.❤

[@magalysuarez3233]

Congratulations!!!😊

[@coline_ebb]

I find it so hard to keep up the contact after events like "cocktails parties". Sometimes people, even editors, show interest - but once I'm home, my confidence disappear and I don't write them :(

[@SketchBookSkool]

That seems a shame. Take a risk. Try it once and see what happens.

[@randito2387]

A "10 year overnight success." This is a line that I stole from DDP -- yeah, the professional wrestler -- who had the same advice but from a different point of view. Of how he overcame adversity, and get "getting up" from setback after setback.

[@artwithalexander5359]

in my drawer? several children's books and a full on sci fi /fantasy novel for adults i never finished... close to 30 years of off and on work.

[@sheilacym]

Am currently reading your fab book, “You Do You”. I can relate very much to the beginning chapters. Love it, Danny ….and thank you, too, for all of the great books that you have written. I really do treasure them 🤩💕💕🥳

[@olderendirt]

So insightful. I have a drawer of poems and lyrics I wrote during a fertile writing time 20 years ago. When I read some now some are really bad, but some are really good - with a little polish. Thanks for sharing your journey and the possibilities it brought to you.

[@sirguy6678]

Excellent video! I think perseverance is the “assumed task” when people talk about becoming a success in anything- but no one really understands the 10,000 hour rule- people want a short cut - not putting in long hours of hard work-

[@Spinninya]

"The universe likes people who are willing to stay in the game, even if they loose"

[@HaifaShawwa_EtiquetteProtocol]

You Sir, is such an down to earth inspiration. Thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

So nice of you

[@artscience9981]

What do I have in a drawer? I have a whole bunch of acrylic and watercolor paintings that I’ve done over the last decade or so. I tried a few shows, didn’t sell much. Then my regular job (engineering) got so busy I haven’t had time to do shows and enter competitions. I hope when I retire I can get back to selling my work.

[@Crick2x9]

Luck is when opportunity and preparation meet.

[@natal8261]

wow!!! ... and bursting grattitude 💐

[@eleanor.shadow]

Fail, try again, fail better.

[@PTBeverly]

I feel that you really need to meet and talk to people face to face to make things happen. Just sending a resume or your work to a company doesn’t set you apart from anyone else.

[@HannahMorenDraws]

I feel like I've been emailing companies with work a lot! But have had little success - it's disappointing and I rarely get feedback (which is normal, I know) but I don't know what to change / work on / or who to send to instead! Same with youtube! Just throwing things against the algorithm - one video 12k, a few later, 96 views! But I'll keep going - to me, right now at least, there's no other option~

[@heyjude85]

Fascinating! You didn't really need anyone to tell you that you were talented and had a unique vision. Thanks for sharing!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lisasremnant]

All types of art/creativity are subjective. It all depends on staying in the game, and marketing.

[@hatsunesakai8259]

Those are the words I need rn ❤

[@DavvyKat]

I guess you can say I’m a digital artist who got himself started even though I’ve been drawing digitally for nearly over a year now and I have dreams and plans on making graphic novels and comics revolving around anthropomorphic animals, which is my all time favorite subject matter. I have this one project that’s considered big and even though I might have the confidence to work on it, I am scared that it might get rejected by publishers and maybe consumers in general since I really want to share my work to the rest of the world. I’m scared this comic project might not be appreciated.

[@wendybarkett7222]

My stuff is in a drawer,on shelves, on walls. I'm all over the place in my art practice so I guess I'm meeting one goal of enjoying doing it. I'd love to some day offer a powerful art that shows the pain of my adoption search. Not sure how yet 🤷‍♀️

[@mariavalente6304]

Show us more of the shelf!

[@Onthe9thlife3730]

My life experience is the opposite, the harder I worked the more people just used me and threw me away once I hit burnout and couldn't do anything. Recovering from burnout with no viable sustainable options for making an income, homelessness seems to be my only option since I don't really want to die but that still woll have the same outcome with my disabilities. I was using everything I had just to work full time and it cost me my health because of those undiagnosed disabilities. How do people actually have the time energy and space to write a book?

[@DarrylMetcalfe-e3w]

Inspiring. Thanks 🌞

[@susan-sn7jg]

U may say universe and I may say God (who is the creator of the universe). Either way we are looking for purpose in this universe. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@michellefarooqi9992]

Thank you for this video. It’s inspiring and thought provoking. I live in Lahore, where you spent some time in your youth, and I find your life journey very interesting. Are any of your books available in Pakistan?

[@angeloszois9673]

What to do with my old art work canvas ? No sales and no more storage space.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You could always reuse them. Van Gogh did!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

I am sure that my teacher didn't use the word "you're". I am not very good with my Grammer. I know that mistake is all mine. Lol. I am 65 years old and still have Dyslexic problems. Thank you for reading what I wrote. Have a good week.😊

[@SketchBookSkool]

(((hugs)))

[@nataliasmetanina219]

Oh I just saw a book in Russian in your video 😮 Let's see if I can get my hands on it, I was just wondering where I can buy your journals, even in English. The only way is to order from Europe or the US, but shipping might cost me a fortune🙃

[@SketchBookSkool]

Many of my books have been published in Russian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, German...

[@kimjune4978]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@janmorrison4141]

One published ‐ three looking for a home. A play midway. Bum glue my daddio told me - bum glue.

[@jessicasessan9755]

Hi, I'm wondering what kind of crayons you grind to powder and then draw with to draw skin?

[@SketchBookSkool]

Huh?

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

just curious question for Danny, for your published books, did you ever end up self-publishing or did you wait to get a greenlight from an established publisher? also I feel like you built up a pretty sizeable social media following. so wondering, did you get publishing contracts after being able to say to a publisher, ok, I have an active audience of about X number of people? not sure if you already wrote about things like that elsewhere, ...

[@SketchBookSkool]

My most recent book, You Do You was self-published and is available on Amazon.

[@melusine826]

Survivor bias is also a thing

[@SketchBookSkool]

?

[@peckerdecker]

Good video. To answer your question: _what do I have in my wardrobe draw_ ? Answer:. My one and *Only spare underwear* :) .... & No! None of you ladies (or blokes) are Gonna get my boxers:) Thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

Good one!