Instagram Changed This Artist's Life

Art school was too expensive so Lauren Brevner taught herself. Then the Vancouver based mixed-media artist made a lane for herself using social media.
»Subscribe to CBC Arts to watch more videos: bit.ly/CBCArtsSubscribe
For Vancouver artist Lauren Brevner, Instagram actually changed her life. In this video, Brevner lets us into her Vancouver studio as she puts the finishing touches on her latest works. She tells us about the Japanese designer who changed her life, and how she got her art out into the world.
Follow Lauren Brevner on Instagram: laurenbrevn...
Find us at bit.ly/CBCArtsWeb
CBC Arts on Facebook: bit.ly/CBCArtsFacebook
CBC Arts on Twitter: bit.ly/CBCArtsTwitter
CBC Arts on Instagram: bit.ly/CBCArtsInstagram
About: CBC Arts is your destination for extraordinary Canadian arts. Whether you're a culture vulture, a working artist, an avid crafter, a compulsive doodler or just a dabbler in the arts, there's something for you here.
Instagram Changed This Artist's Life
/ cbcarts

[@LillenArt2]

What's her instagram?

[@CBCArts]

Lauren's Instagream: @laurenbrevner :)

[@soljoner]

CBC Arts what's the name of the beat at the beginning of this video?

[@pocahontasseguinart7099]

CBC Arts trying to get customers and reach people with my art using social media’s are very hard and not as easy. It’s a struggle and I’m born with an disability so I know what struggle is and I’m really gifted and a true self tought artist. I’ve been trying to to sell my jewelry that I hand made and designed on Etsy , didn’t work and people are rude and ignorant and they ignore my work , I’ve been trying to get noticed, nothing worked on social media like DeviantArt.com There are a lot evil people in the world that never care about gifted people that paints there real originals like a true artist. People don’t care and ignore and just think they know everything. I paint how I feel and imagine. I’m born with microcephaly and I know what true art is more than others. They only also care about is waiting to take people art works after they die to get noticed and that’s sad. Something needs to change people need to know people like me are art there no matter if your born disabled or not. People like me deserve to be noticed not just dumb people say oh I like it or 4 followers and ignore and say I want it . You got to help support them , help them. If they are kids or disabled adults living with family ask them to speak to our family members to call them and say I’ll help your child or young adult child ,just do something. Don’t just shut there and and enjoy seeing them upset and depressed. There’s a big reason why I want to paint and make jewelry. Help us , and don’t watch people comment and act and pretend your listening to us , say something don’t say anything rude and ignorant. I’m speaking up for artist like me and myself, I’m standing up what’s right. It’s the truth and a fact. If I ever get discovered I’ll help people and animals that need help and I will make sure Artist like me gets to be discovered.

[@cilkandmookies]

I feel for you and believe that everyone deserves recognition in this world. It is important that you express yourself and create for YOU first and foremost. If you love the process, then sometimes that is enough. If you can also make a living off it, then that is a bonus. Don't lose hope and keep pushing. Good luck.

[@rodedwards8108]

@trash.com

[@aprilpuff]

- lauren owes her entire career to her own effort, not an app... - her artwork is beautiful, really resonates with me

[@dingdong4675]

BW 199x yeah but instagram is a platform to easily share her art work with the whole world. It makes it easier to build an audience and turn your art into a profitable business.

[@om-nj2hw]

She did the work, but if it's not seen by anyone, it's just collecting dust in home. So in that way it was a help

[@Ryo8761]

Ding Dong more like her, finding a way to market herself. Could be any other self publishing platforms. KZbin, Facbookbook, Tik Tock, ect. But her artistic ability is the driving point.

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

She burglarized the House of Klimt

[@PewpewDrawing]

Promotion? I think by experience that unfortunately success on the internet is not a meritocracy.

[@passage2enBleu]

As Lauren said: 'Do what you can with what you have, ... put in the hard work and time... and you'll be fine' (the rest will follow).

[@E.l347]

Ken Neth inspirational

[@mlmla9078]

oh, that gives me a little hope

[@FilipePintoArt]

Same :p

[@poopingbuffalo2095]

Ky My Art schools doesn't make you a good artist. Just teaches you fundamentals the first year. You're better off buying a $1000 dollars worth of art supplies and watch tutorials on KZbin. You can even get a job

[@Boltergeist117]

Self taught is the only way to go. Art school is no different than cookie cutter public school for anything else. they don't teach you what you need when you need it. Just do it yourself. That's what i've done.

[@Macnavor]

Yeah well art it's not about having the perfect image it's about finding a message that's you can relate too, makes you feel good about yourself or it outshines some characteristic of youreself! You don't need to have major in art only experiment and do what you're comfortable with! I'm really with her on this one its more about having fun with the process than just being amazed with the final result!!!! Cheers!!!

[@philwilliams470]

Pooping Buffalo ........ TOO RIGHT! - I've seen the System from the inside for decades (retired & nackered Life Model!) ...... Had short bouts working for Freud/Bacon/Kitai/Uglow & most of the London Schools & the students were NOT landed with Debt; like now. ...... 15 years later, (1992) I started at J Moores (Liverpool) till 2012. IF, you feel you NEED an Art School; then OK - but their ARE other 'Routes' you can take. & of course, you don't land yourself with a load of debt! ..... GREAT to hear She is selling so WELL! - & She's NOT payin' 40 or 50% through a gallery! - She has seemingly found Her Own 'Window to the World'. GOOD LUCK TO HER!

[@kora___9991]

Her art reminds me a lot of klimt

[@natlisan]

I was thinking that as well!

[@lizardqueen6041]

Caroline B My thoughts exactly!

[@coi2557]

"Klimt was the most influenced by Japanese art and its methods." so reaction chain .. Quote: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Klimt

[@NWEkakashi]

Yes, mee toooo ... the art of the Girls emotion(s) and.. de colors and the art .. wonderful!: GREAT JOB. ♥

[@mosesart.47]

Caroline B can't lie, the similarities are pretty close

[@AnhjunLozfen]

The fact that art schools are more expensive than regular schools is absolutely ridiculous.

[@lakedolfin]

Art schools are NOT more expensive than regular schools.

[@AnhjunLozfen]

Yes, they are. Search "Art Center of Pasadena" and any other private art schools.

[@thaiscarneiro2556]

This may change depending on the country/city. In Brazil, this is a true fact. :)

[@LynnePriceStudio]

SCAD is over $30,000 a year.

[@iLoveTurtlesHaha]

It's like art schools were made by failed artists to take money away from people and not teach them art. XD... I kid obviously.

[@paloma6938]

I see a lot of people that are upset over the fact that she does not mention certain styles and artists she is obviously influenced by, but the video is only four minutes. Relax, there is only so much she can cover within that time frame. :)

[@WOLFanddBEAR]

People are always quick to negative judgement.

[@LeiliMana]

Yeah you're right but her art style is so on the nose, without reading the comment section first thing I said is exactly what most people thought: her art looks a lot like Gustav Klimt's. Doesn't make her work less appealing and less worth but its just something most people thought when they saw her paintings

[@sadisticgirl_]

and she doesn't have to.

[@mirrormirror444]

Alienor it does seem like she copied Klimt

[@paulgabel8261]

I think everybody can see the obvious Gustav Klimt in there.

[@xXJAng3lXxx]

I feel like being a successful artist really just comes down to putting in the time and effort.. which can be difficult

[@mysecretsketchbook865]

Do what you know. Makes you happy. Inspires you. Peace from England UK

[@y3ee3e]

she's actually talented and very unique in her style. well done on reporting on someone that has real skills and a good story.

[@Ryanfern99]

I love her final words about how there's no ''one way.'' It reminds me that we all shouldn't be so fixated with how this person or that person does/did something, and we shouldn't compare ourselves to others excessively because everyone truly is different. Thank you Lauren!

[@mariz_aina]

her words are so inspiring indeed there's no one way

[@stardustgirl2904]

cubomania3 Honestly now days everyone is an artist, everyone can draw ,and paint ! It just tales a lot of practice!

[@larryslemp9698]

And what's your point? You can't take anything away from her!!

[@pocahontasseguinart7099]

cubomania3 well I’m a self tought artists that’s born disabled and I can’t work in the outside world but people still barely notice me and not buying my master pieces, and I’m always original and people say I can’t be an artist because I’m not in college but I’ve seen a lot evil and ignorant people with no heart or souls and understand why I paint and I can’t go to college but my family say you don’t have to be in college to be an artist. It’s still a struggle even now it’s a struggle

[@Art_Travel_and_Hobbys]

Being a self taught artist myself, I never felt the need to pay someone thousands of dollars to learn how to paint like them when I clearly saw the value in my own style... As far as being a great artist, it comes down to honing your skills to perfect your own unique imagery...

[@Aleyderp]

Hey friend looking for some inspiration: I'm a self taught artist for 22 years, no schooling, just started really young. I now teach art privately to young people. I say the same things all the time to my students "every great artist started off as a bad one" and my favorite from Ratatouille "not everyone can be a great artist but a great artist can from anywhere" it resonates with them. Within a year, the progress is astounding with the kids I work with. You will get there too. ♡

[@user-un4pb9mc3f]

oh thank u im this bad one now..

[@santhuartlines9173]

Hello .....i want to get in touch with you for my progress in art

[@santhuartlines9173]

Iam from india

[@mikhailv67tv]

I love your work. I'm starting my Art "career" at 50 and your work is the best I've seen on You Tube so far... Collage is a favourite medium and yours is wonderful

[@brianmwangi5082]

You have a great future ahead of you

[@nawalkarim2753]

A year back she was having around 27k followers on Instagram.. its a god blessing.. now she is having around 48k😍😍❤❤

[@marielaveau6362]

I did the same thing with teaching myself how to draw and paint. I went to the library and got books on watercolor and drawing and taught myself how to be an illustrator.

[@Tanicaspe]

Loved her work for quite some time now. The way she uses gold and patterns is exquisite! You're doing great Lauren!

[@tompinion4138]

This young woman gives great advice. She is wise beyond her years and a talented artist.

[@BKLevi]

Thank You for the inspiration. I really needed to hear and see what you had to offer. Thank You for sharing and being so genuine :-))

[@mconesa52]

No doubt influenced by Gustave Klimt, but has developed a very personal and distinctive touch and originality. She has a good commands of the human body, face features and proportions. Excellent and creative works.

[@TheSoulCollector13]

She used to make videos about making ball jointed dolls. I loved those vids. They got me in to sculpture art and doll making.

[@michellepereira2328]

Wow. Your art is beautiful. I do agree that we can learn a lot on our own if we are interested. There is no limit to where you find inspiration and instruction.

[@BamBam-ib6qk]

Great to see videos like these. Very inspiring for artists. Thank you CBC Arts!

[@bl4wright]

Woooow same experience. I learned from library books and you tube videos. Painted for myself until a friend said post on Facebook. Been selling ever since. Your work is amazing.

[@connieebinger6343]

Love this video! Not only is your work fantastic but the words you have to offer about doing what a person does best with what they have and not thinking there’s only one or two paths to successfully doing what you want to do are totally inspirational. And thank you Instagram!!

[@artistsinresidencelive9234]

Fabulous work! Loved hearing your story, and seeing that amazing studio space.

[@artsculpture1024]

Such a wonderful story. Enlightening.

[@francescadoriano9318]

Thank you so much for this video!!!! Such an inspiration. X

[@rameshwortandukar]

wonderful & marvelous works Lauren... hats off to you!

[@hannahtenorio9564]

I was so inspired . I really like painting and sketching and i want to educate my self more about it .

[@MyIRISSS]

This was just what I needed today! Thank you!

[@rbca7700]

She's so genuine! A true inspiration 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿

[@andrealue7209]

Love it !! You’re amazing and unique I truly love your work and I love about the story of the inspiration or motivation behind your work sometimes all it takes is be willing to be open 🙏👏👏👩🏽‍🎨

[@gurucarcar]

I am so happy for her. She trusted and shared her art and it was received and recognized.

[@raffib3445]

I quit my previous job to become a full time artist! It is really hard, especially during this pandemic. I feel so demotivated. But this gave me a little hope back. I know that art is my life and now I m much happier even with no regular income ♥️

[@susantarrazinger8114]

great tutorials for learning art techniques. I particularly like how comparing an orchestra's. combined sounds to painting. Thanks .

[@arosefortes6507]

Wow! I love her style of art, the colours and flow and with the gold. Very inspiring and amazing story. It takes a lot for an artist to be self taught and confident at the same time! The added plus of being noticed. As she's stated perseverance .... Even if years have gone by before your work is noticed, keep doing it if it makes you happy. A person's art changes over time even as the person changes over time as we grow n see things from a different perspective that is reflected on the canvas or art of the creator.

[@FreyaGem]

Gorgeous work and great advice...thanks for the inspiration :)

[@JesseNickelltheFourth]

Incredible art & wise advice, thank you.

[@Slayermunch]

The Best Awesome video content on youtube that i have cam across ever that not only tells how achieve success for artists but to channel their thoughts to achieve what they need to achive. Loved this.

[@melaniemarshall6942]

Way to find your creative side girl! I love what you create.. your style and your enthusiasm are appreciated.. you have done so much to further yourself with your Art.. and you must be very proud of yourself..Thank you for sharing and much success for your happiness as a beautiful creator of Art ox

[@LaurenMakai]

Very inspirational ! Really stunning art ! 😊

[@yagernotes]

Beautiful work with a beautiful story! You are truly living your dream! I’m inspired!

[@christine2955]

Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing & God bless!😊👍💕

[@ritafernandes1105]

❤️ Inspiring!!!! Beautiful work and even more important, such an amazing soul you have!! : ) congrats you' artist!!

[@markdonovan1540]

Pure talent, hard work and an open mind to explore and learn.

[@macmac_]

What an inspiration. Resonates with different fields of work

[@PaulCarterArt]

Great tips and reminders to learn by doing is the only way. Thanks for sharing the journey🎨

[@kellyriddle9915]

Excellent!! Good for You, for stepping Out of your comfort zone, and Awesome , INSPIRING message for other introvert artists!!!

[@eveeichner3627]

Stunning work! God Bless you in your art career!

[@CSBTelevision]

Artistically awesome story. Always change your can'ts into cans. Congrats to Lauren and her success.

[@jayneyharmony]

Thankyou so much for your wonderful story. Your words are inspiring very wise indeed and your art is so beautiful. 😍 🖼

[@doreen7666]

Wonderful! Such an inspiration!

[@drawingandsketching3968]

very surrealist approach with shapes, I'm a little obsessed with her color palette

[@kimberleyjohnson6645]

What an awesome and inspiring story. I love her work

[@robyn9513]

Absolutely amazing! Very talented!

[@iliagugenishvili7976]

Very beautiful. I hope I am gonna have one of her creations at my place sometime in the future

[@ingridcoke1360]

Awwweeesome Lauren! Awwweeesome work! Super super powerful words of Wisdom..... Thanks so much for sharing.

[@peacock69mcp]

WOW! Amazing creations. Love it.

[@jerryschwimmer8559]

Great advice, like anything else, work at and get really good at it. For me, Art school was a lot of fun but learned more in the library.

[@TheGazingstar1971]

Loovvvvveeee your art work its amazing!! :) I grew up really poor to but love what your mentor told you and how you worked towards your goals and its exciting that Instagram helped your dreams come true!! ♥️ to you Lillen Art!!!

[@art4soul384]

Beautiful art works!! Impressive💕

[@taniasmith619]

So beautiful and such a humble woman. Your work is memorizing.

[@theshow-howshow7400]

it's great that instagram has worked out for her so well!

[@susancampos8959]

CBC arts thank you for sharing your beginning s and successful with your culture and your art creativity and your freedom to follow your heart with your artwork. And about your App. As you self taught your skills and your talent. GREAT and beautiful! Joy and Peace to you!

[@Davy.J.Y]

This work is very much like Klimt. Wonderful artist, love the paintings and well deserved success..!!

[@rachelanne5060]

First, those words from that man in Japan--then, the impressive heart and passion and perseverance you put into creating (and continue to create) your considerable body of beautiful work. Plus you have amazing talent. Then you were courageous enough to put yourself out on instagram after your brother was caring and smart enough to suggest it. That is a great story, to me it was more about you and your immense capacity against odds to make beauty anyway rather than instagram. Though it is wonderful.

[@AlexCio]

She's brilliant! Have never thought of using papers to create an image with it! Will try to do something like this on my own! :)

[@nikoandroevangelista6664]

This is great content. Very informative & inspiring. :) like it

[@DextraVisual]

Absolutely gorgeous work.

[@Lifelikesky]

Really beautiful what she creates, very good quality art!!! Thumbs up from a neighbor in Montreal!! :)

[@lucillefemine2339]

Beautiful work. And self-taught is best!

[@johnhedberg7911]

just WOW!! Beautiful paintings!

[@sharonb.710]

I absolutely love your art!

[@jennyhughes4474]

Well done to her for working so hard & making good art!

[@donaldgrippin6252]

this is dope ♨️ keep it coming!! 💯👌🏽

[@shre9]

Love her work and her room! ♡

[@enjogior5489]

Her work is so beautiful and unique....

[@liliu8426]

Yay! #VancouverSquad, so much creative people here!

[@Art_Travel_and_Hobbys]

I love her work... Wow, self taught as well. Kudos 👍

[@spicesmiles]

thank you, you are an inspiration. may you keep on in joy

[@newflava89AGAIN]

Her quote at the end tho YAAS GIRL YASS!

[@DrJones-nh4my]

I love her learning style. And her art work

[@anthonytanner2343]

There are a few negative comments here. Although her style resembles other artists' work doesn't mean her work isn't original. It's hard to be completely original these days. Even the Old Masters would copy or take elements from each others', or past, work. It's natural to want to mimic elements of others' work early in your career and her style will only develop and become more defined over time. I commend Lauren for her work ethic and I find this the most inspiring thing about this video. Keep up the good work!

[@affirmativeart4664]

wow , true inspiration, amazing story, thanks for sharing , what a talent

[@jrsinsf]

Beautiful work! a re-imagining of Klimt's paintings

[@rosaneufeld3416]

I love your work. Wonderful 🦋

[@worldbfree3439]

I dig the grind, passion, motivation. greetings from monterey, calif.

[@darksky4391]

thanks for sharing your artwork you really are an inspiration

[@yildizozlemates4247]

I love her work

[@AftrskewlXprmnt]

YOU GO GIRL!!!

[@swaddington9399]

great art, great words, love it!💕

[@animalartist68artworld3]

Iam a self-taught Animal Artist! And this video really helped me a lot!!! For me I share my artworks on Instagram on my Instagram page! 😊😃😄 thanks for these awesome tips! 😊💗🎨 Iam hopping to continue art as a animal artist and keep on dreaming and not giving up! 😊💗

[@scaredypicker]

Incredible. She is an inspiartion to everyone who wants to follow their creative passion!

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

Wow! Awesome art... and a powerful message.

[@brunildamarrero2095]

Beautiful work!💖

[@whatadollslife]

stunning work

[@Art__x__Mr.M]

I do needed this. Keep fighting the good fight

[@ceciliasawicki6647]

I love her art work

[@widsof7862]

i first thought of Klimt when i saw the first pieces. Love the story