How To Launch Your Art Career in 2024 (seriously)

[@ssavaart]

As a veteran artist... I think what you're doing is wonderful. I love your passion and that you're sharing with others. Bravo. ♥

[@maheshchoubisa6775]

Hey Scott, good day. I love your work.

[@ssavaart]

@@maheshchoubisa6775 Hi. Thank you! ♥

[@ayesha4687]

Omggg hiii Scott how are youu!?

[@felizegberink7850]

When i saw on your website that you were selling copies of your art and even sketches, i searched on youtube and found this video, its a pleasure to also find you in the comments here (:

[@zevuu_]

OMGGG YOU ARE MY FAVOURITE ARTIST🥺🥺🤩🤩

[@Leewheeee]

THANK YOU, oh geez I thought I was the only one who preferred KZbinrs that posted less, haha. I mean don't get me wrong, there are artists that post super often that I love too, but there are some that only post every 2-3 weeks... and I genuinely look forward to seeing what they've worked on in all that time.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Yes!! When really established creators post all the time and fill up my subscription box it feels like they're just using their following for money and not really caring about the quality of their content. I think the ideal model should always be to do whatever you need to grow to a certain point and then scale back to increase the quality. You can always tell when someone's heart isn't really in it IMO

[@Leewheeee]

@@KelseyRodriguez oof yeah I feel that. I think another scenario in which it happens is with people like Jazza? Don't get me wrong, I adore his creativity and ambition (huge inspiration to me). But with the sheer amount of stuff he's been able to pull off (largely with the help of his growing team) spread across his multiple channels... sometimes I feel too overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have to watch so I put it off until later 😅 (his Tabletop Time team's stuff has been really cool lately though. Each thing feels a lot more "complete" than his art channel videos ngl haha)

[@MonicaMolinar]

Thank you for your comment, @CopperCoinStories. I am just getting started with launching my channel, and have been contemplating how often I’d like to commit to posting. Some of my favorite channels post weekly, but like you, I also prefer the bimonthly posters, and find myself looking forward to those even more. Those bimonthly videos tend to be a bit longer too - maybe 10-15 minutes - which allows to to take a mini-break and enjoy. I helped a dear friend of mine get some music out recently, by posting a video of him playing and singing a couple of coverslip before I was ready to begin sharing my own videos, but quite a few people have seen that one, and a couple of them have commented on it, so I’ve decided to leave it up there, and I’ll just add my own content as soon as I finish editing my first video - a Tri Glide Ride through Red Rock Canyon - inspiration for lots of additional content and art projects. Again, thank you for confirming that “a couple of times per month” is OK and can even be preferable.

[@justt3ph3n60]

Oooh! this Hawkins timetravelers party 🥳 for force users. . .

[@theimaginist3310]

@@KelseyRodriguez I agree! There are some long-form content creators who take months to finish their work, but once they’re finished, I’m more than willing to push everything else aside to watch their videos. Some of those videos can be up to three hours long, and I love every minute! Lol

[@LouiseStigell]

"Art is not content". This was exactly what I needed to hear today. Couldn't agree more. I'm currently struggling a bit with keeping up with my schedule and have too many projects I want to do. And however much it pains me that I can't clone myself or work faster and more efficiently, I think I need to slow down my pace a bit and - like you mentioned - focus on quality over quantity. Man... patience is not my strength. 😂 But this video gave me some encouragement. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@SOULarLioness]

I FELT this.

[@nicolasb.henry294]

Quality is everything

[@NancyRodrigoStudio]

♥️💯♥️

[@thecoolwhipkid2026]

My brain watching this video: ⬆️➡️↘️↖️⬅️➡️⬅️↖️↙️⬇️↗️↕️↔️↙️↙️

[@GemmaSampsonArt]

"The goal here is to launch your art career, not to become a content creator." Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! You speak so much truth Kelsey. I needed to hear this. It is so easy to lose focus when there is so much advice about on youtube. All the best ❤ P.S. I'm loving the notion downloads/workbook in your shop. So helpful. Thank you

[@Reesispiecis]

IKR?!!

[@MagicaTuHermana]

Thank you Kelsey, I am 24. Finally admitted that I a wanna do art for a living, I have tons to learn but creators like you make me realize I was just scared of being an artist without money and I was just trying to lie to myself to fit in a career where I wasn't happy ♥️

[@moira1734]

i’m in the same boat and wish i had realized sooner

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

I'm 36, I don't have a career and I wish I had realised this sooner too. Don't worry, you have plenty of time to follow your dream 💜

[@hartlessforever]

I'm 24 as well and have come to the same conclusion. I feel its the right choice

[@Dameink]

I’m turning 30 and I’m just deciding to take my art as a career after being one of the best from a 6 years divisional art competitive program. I relate to the comment

[@hiwaga7399]

I'm a disabled artist, and I know what I want, but I've been struggling with getting there. I can't do something everyday. And social media thrives on that consistency. Watching you explain that I don't have to post daily _forever_ was the advice I needed to hear today. Thank you so much for that.

[@kassyrlee]

Here to let you know you're not alone 🤗 even with every resource and all the time in other's eyes, it's harder to achieve the things you are trying to manifest when most of your energy goes to defense in your mind/body fighting you. We just have to remember that only makes our work more valuable and others, the right ones, will wait to get to appreciate it. 🙏 Keep healing and creating 🌱

[@P-M01]

ill enable you dw

[@beans9288]

Same here. I’m probably gonna spend the next couple months just prepping content so I can post everyday without actually having to *do* everyday, might be worth a shot?

[@Antony_Oscar]

Same

[@ktyy777]

@@beans9288 I tried doing that for clients as an SM manager! Planning and creating content tho takes much more time than people think… but a key thing is to set that up and then focus on growth strategies to build engagement (aka following a bunch of people first in your niche until a good chunk follow you back). Then be sure to reply to comments sometimes to encourage reach ✨

[@RealityRisingArt]

Thank you so much for this. "Art is not content" is something I really needed to hear. I do realistic colour pencil drawings but I'm very slow because I prefer quality over quantity. It takes me 2 - 3 months (or 60 - 90h of actual drawing time) and I feel this constant pressure to produce more and that I'm never going to succeed if I don't. This video has helped and reassured me so much ❤

[@Meraxes6]

It takes me 50-60 hours to make a single painting too, I keep thinking that I need to paint faster but honestly the pieces I’ve spent the most time on sell the best and perform the best on social media. Quantity over quality ftw. Although learning to be more efficient is always possible

[@makizenin1840]

@@Meraxes6 But then how do you keep up with Instagram algorithm? Because it slow down the user grow if they don't produce much contents

[@Ebony.B]

@@makizenin1840 personally, I don’t even use Insta.. their algorithm has become video based

[@Ebony.B]

I’m supporting you 🤍 it’s okay you don’t need to pump out content. Your work is gorgeous!

[@makizenin1840]

@@Ebony.B EXACTLY. It's so exhausting!! I'm also planning to leave Instagram and wanna start a KZbin channel although I don't have enough money, time and space to dedicate myself fully to KZbin (at the moment) but I hope I can start my art channel someday:)

[@thecelestialheart]

As a 33 year old who finally admitted to herself that she is an artist. Thank you for this. You have added some structure into my long term planning and I am eternally grateful! Wishing you so much success and happiness!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Ahh thank you SO so much for the super thanks!! I genuinely love reading messages like this from people, so glad I could help. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I should cover in more detail!

[@DragOmDrasmin]

33 here too who had my coming out as an artist party earlier this year! It was TERRIFYING and SO EMPOWERING… now to keep the momentum going!! ❤️‍🔥

[@crunchyprincess9583]

In the same situation :)

[@wildernessisland2573]

36 here and finally getting started building my art career after already building a completely different, unsatisfying career in engineering. For years I've been telling myself I'm going to make a change, and now I'm really doing it. I've recently made a few sales and it's encouraged me to keep going (and paid for some supplies!)

[@wildernessisland2573]

@@DragOmDrasmin omg a party! That's a great idea!

[@KeoKitti]

I love that your intro resembles a frantic art professor who is late to their own first day of class 🥰🤣 so accurate

[@KelseyRodriguez]

you get it

[@The_Open_Book]

I think you're the first person I've ever watched to say that the career/passion you're pursuing isn't the content, and that you're not trying to be a "content creator", there's a difference. I think a lot of people get lost in the process of staring/strategy that that investment overshadows what they were doing in the first place. Thanks for the advice!

[@theseanwardshow]

What up Kelsey! Here's a note for those starting out - it never gets easier. Mo money mo problems and all of that. Be ready to reinvent yourself and start all over again every few years.

[@saganc.4090]

yeah, ur probly gonna have to do that if your making stuff like you make. Your brand has to carry you, and if your brand is pretty bad then your going to have to follow the algorythm

[@amalgamilabs537]

I don't think you can ever come back too strongly after making *squints* "Spiderman Vs. Jedi Elsa," but I like the optimism

[@theseanwardshow]

@@amalgamilabs537 as opposed to someone who has done literally nothing?

[@jdos5643]

So what all this is telling me that artist cannot he successful. It’s chasing a few bucks here and there. Don’t you have to also know tax and business stuff? It seems like an impossible career for artist.

[@jdos5643]

So what all this is telling me that artist cannot he successful. It’s chasing a few bucks here and there. Don’t you have to also know tax and business stuff? It seems like an impossible career for artist.

[@EmilyE96]

"Your goal is to launch your art career, not be a content creator" is probably one of the most concise and profound ways to put it. Posting once or twice a day to feed the algorithm sounds more like you're working for it than trying to establish your own career. So glad I heard this today.

[@amberhowieart6230]

Thank you so much for acknowledging that art takes time to create and therefore artists can’t be expected to keep up with a social media schedule in the way that other content creators do. That’s so liberating to hear. I feel like I now have permission to take my time with my work to share quality over quantity x

[@NeddyisNeddy]

This is an amazing video and I highly recommend it for any artist! Not long ago I was in a phase of “re-evaluating my art career “ and you basically hit the nail on everything that I realised. Social media should always be a tool for artist! A lot of us fail to remember that being an artist does not always mean being an online content creator. I hope anyone watching this that was once in a similar place as I was ( confused with the direction of their art career) can see that there are so many possibilities beyond just having a large following on socials media. Once again this is an amazing video!!! 💖💖💖

[@Abenithegreat]

I’m currently in that phase ...not knowing what to post ,thinking am I too late and don’t get me started on the reels ,what audio to use,is this good enough to be posted,what’s my niche ,it’s all so confusing so I’m watching this to help me ...because I really need to push my art career

[@bendemare5270]

Yaaaay a Black artist who is either afab or a Woman, I'm subscribbing

[@bendemare5270]

​@@Abenithegreat I subscribed to you too if you ever post

[@brebytheway]

that was my biggest takeaway too! as someone who's been hustling on social media for probably a decade on and off it's such a huge relief to realize eventually and even now you can come up with your own posting schedule that works for you and let your art, brand, and consistency do the work

[@reefprayerresin]

@@Abenithegreat - Hi. I’ve just written a rant on a post above, about this…. I so know what you’re saying! She’s made a such a valid, and commonsense point. - It’s given us permission to be artists again!……. The part missing for me, and I see in lots of other artists here, is the lack of realisation that we need self care. - Always pushing…. We need to fill our own well, so we’re not giving our all to our craft, and feeling exhausted, empty and confused. I’ve recently read about doing a morning ritual before starting my painting day. I’ve seen KZbinrs tending to their potplants as part of their morning ritual, to focus on starting their day, which is a lovely way to start. I read doing a meditation on financial security, and another one on self confidence, and wearing a grounding scent (I use sandalwood) can ground us and change our perspective. So I’ve been starting my day with a shower, facial, makeup, sandalwood and these two meditations and boy - does it make a difference!!! I feel so luxurious after it all! - Very grounded, satisfied, and without a worry in the world, ready to cruise through my painting! For me, this small new morning ritual is totally life changing, on many levels. I feel grounded, confident, not worried about lack of money (think the law of attraction here), I’m actually looking forward to painting a painting I’ve been struggling with for 2 years, and I’m dressed and ready for the day, so I can drive to the shops and buy food! - Up til now, I’d just drag on my painting clothes and eat whatever is in the pantry, putting off shopping every day, because it’s too much effort to get dressed and look decent, on top of struggling with this painting! - Living in overwhelm! The difference is like chalk and cheese. So obvious, yet so simple and life changing.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I just launched my first ART PRINT collection on my online shop! Check it out!! :) www.kelseyrodriguez.com/shop

[@magdimate1353]

It seems that artistic social media can draw attention to beautyful single artworks but these artwork maybe used in a more complete composition and as it is posted before the completion of said composition element of novelty is removed for the viewers.

[@Meraxes6]

Girl this is beyond helpful, thank you so much for doing what you’re doing ❤️ I’m just starting to make decent money from my art and I’m looking at how to move forward into phase 2. The way you lay it out makes a lot of sense. I’ll definitely be watching more of your videos 😊

[@glr_creations]

Taking all the notes! 💛

[@ArtZen111]

You are an absolute sweetheart, I hope you have an amazing career, especially because you're willing to share beyond the ones who don't or won't. Steve Jobs would agree w me, you're the special one💜 to share your knowledge for others to grow, sincerely Deedie

[@violentblythe401]

I literally took notes!!!

[@errohaze2683]

A very fantastic video! When it comes to "comparative advantage" I really love the idea of doing videos documenting my art journey. The way you share the career aspects of the art journey, I'd love to just show my practice. There's so many tutorials out there from experts, but I think it'd be very rewarding to see people who are learning with the viewer! They're always my favorite kind of videos!

[@brittanys5969]

This is exactly the approach I was thinking to take when I start my channel. I'm not an expert. And like you said there are already plenty of tutorials available. I think an artist's journey type of approach would be different but also inspiring.

[@azul4904]

i was so excited to use koji and i looked it up and it’s been shutdown:( i think it was bout by link tree or smt like that

[@heyfella5217]

Love this. I get super hype about thinking about my art career, but I always get burnt out. WAY too easily. I know mental health shouldn't be an excuse, but it just destroys me. But I just have to keep going.

[@bendemare5270]

mental health is important.

[@reefprayerresin]

@heyfella5217 - I can really relate to this. The exhaustion, and having to keep going. Being stoic….. I recognised this in myself about 10 years ago. When I start something, I’m like a bull at a gate, and get very single minded and focussed in on it. Sometimes I’ve been so excited, I had to work through the night, and then go to work the next day, though not so much these days. Other times, I’ll push myself, and push too far, then need to have days of doing nothing. I’ve realised that sometimes when this happens, my eyes are suffering, and they just want to be closed…. I think it’s ‘eye strain’ and it feels sickening. - A result of being stoic, having to keep going, no matter what. I’ve learnt over the years, to pace myself. I’m starting to recognise stoicism in myself (finally, at age 67!) and it shocks me. My personal motto is ‘paint with Joy!’ ……. When I get eye strain, or am pushing myself, I’m not painting with Joy, I’m being stoic. Not good! I have had the experience of painting with absolute joy, jumping out of bed as soon as I wake up and straight into it, and not being able to stop myself. Painting for about 4 hours, all the time my piano would be calling me, so I’d jump on it and usually play for about 4 hours, then back into my painting for another 4 hours - It’s an absolute pleasure and so exciting to live like this. Chilled and unhurried…. It feels so luxurious. It’s soul food…. Having experienced both this and stoicism is like chalk and cheese. The comparison in the artwork produced by from these two points of view, is also chalk and cheese…. Which artwork will sell better? How will each make the viewer feel? - Another great question to ask ourselves. Also questioning ourselves - clocking in and asking the questions: Do I need more self care? Always, am I painting with Joy? Also, pacing ourselves and breaking things down into baby steps helps prevent overwhelm. Sometimes it needs to be baby, baby steps! I’ve recently read a suggestion that starting the day with a meditation on self confidence and one on financial security, gives a very solid grounding for the day. Also, a grounding scent (I love sandalwood), and to use these as an automatic ritual/habit before starting my day. Although most days I don’t go anywhere (by choice), putting makeup on after my shower, sandalwood, then doing these meditations, puts me in a totally different space compared to ‘pushing myself’ or resenting whatever it is I’m painting. I feel, look and smell luxurious, by doing this ritual before I start the day. And it’s making a huge difference. I notice some artists on KZbin do yoga, and/or water their potplants as part of their morning ritual. Music, incense, flowers, a leisurely breakfast, whatever takes your fancy, as part of self care, so you’re feeling luxurious and nourished, is what is coming into focus for me now. So my well is full, and I can create with Joy.

[@Snoight]

Competing with the AI art that is flooding all social platforms, bots that repost my work, people that resell my 3d models is making life as an artist more difficult than ever before. You will see your art on t shirts, print stores, merch stores etc etc and there is NOTHING you can do about it because 10 more will pop up after the one is FINALLY taken down. So bloody exhausting...

[@marianacostea]

This was absolutely incredible. Especially how you outlined the significant difference between being an artist and NOT a content creator. I have social media platforms that I rarely use, because I look at content creators and get anxiety. I do not want to be that intense about social media, but I LOVE creating art and learning and growing there. THANK YOU

[@JustinJetZorbas]

Your title says 2024, but you posted this video in 2022? Does it get updated each year? lol

[@googledesgracado6902]

I’m only in the first minute but it sounds like this is not a video about starting a career in art but rather how to work with social media. Does it address the actual making of works?

[@liubavasemenkova8313]

Just finish the video dude

[@LizzVisions]

This is SO FREAKING GOOD!!! So many things I've been thinking of in scaling my art business you mentioned in this video, like having an email list and building as an artist on social media (but not treating it the same as a fashion blogger who posts 2x a day on IG). SO MANY GREAT TIPS HERE. 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@bendemare5270]

I subscribed to you 🤎

[@TulipeCrochet42]

Hey, thank you for this video! I had taken a coach to try to figure out how to launch an art career, but I have learned more from your video lol ! I just have one question: Do I have to show myself? Does it have an impact on people's interest? (I'm not comfortable showing myself to anyone for now xd) Good day to you! Thanks again!

[@persephoneblack888]

Thank you for making these videos. I studied art in my 20s but ended up in science. I never forgot my passion for art though. All my life people told me I couldn't make money doing what I love, and I'm glad I found your videos. Now I can take notes and make a strategy.

[@AstroTreman]

Same! I've been on the wrong path for half my life I think: my inner child knew that art was my thing!

[@jasilynthegirl]

I really want to know how to get in galleries like how they use to do it before technology . That’s my goal . Don’t know me, don’t study my life, just enjoy the art. the basics. Social media is not the answer for me. It’s not raw . Art is. I rather feed my time to making art . Then making content. Just had to speak me truth. Like is that still even possible?

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thank you for the tips! I am trying to post consistent content on KZbin but got stuck a bit lately. I am making coloring books on Amazon KDP, and am considering making either a comic/manga or a visual novel game based on one of my stories I have written and characters I have created. I have many ideas but it's hard to focus and make consistent work.

[@nikkiexo7807]

saying an artist should be different from regular content creators and not be afraid to post irregular was so important!! thank you for all your amazing advice

[@blackkoneko9367]

Girl you are GOLD. Thank you so much for this video. I started getting back at art last year and I'm using KZbin as my journal to improve my skills. Since I didn't draw in years ( sometimes I start and stop or I'm not inspired...) my skill level is back to square one. But honestly, I'm having fun drawing again. Thank you again for this great video. You gave so much good information.

[@fernbedek6302]

I find it fascinating how many people talk about email lists, when I barely use my email and have changed primary emails at least as often as social media.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

tbh that sounds terrifying to me, switching all your accounts over to a new email must be such a hassle??

[@uselessweirdo]

OH MY GOD, KELSEY. OH. MY. GOD. I feel so blessed to have found your channel because this content is literally GOLD. I've seen A LOT of videos on how to build an art career, but all of those were from the content creator pov and it made no sense for me. "Art is not content" resonated deeply with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us 🖤

[@bendemare5270]

Where can I watch your art please 🙏🏽

[@liapann7361]

Seriously thank you! I'm always so stressed to post on social media because I feel like I can't provide content regularly. But your video really helped me gain confidence! I'm not lost anymore!

[@CourtneyMermaid]

I am so impressed by what you are creating! I only found you this year but I'm so glad I did because a lot of what you talk about actually applies to what I do as well. You are absolutely crushing it and I can't wait to see where this journey takes you!

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Would be interesting to see what you recommend re social media now AI is such a huge issue for artists who share their work online. As someone who is just growing the confidence to even admit to myself that I could possibly be an artist and pursue it as a means of income.. its daunting. It makes me not want to share my drawings online at all.

[@namabeni]

"It takes time to make what we make, and we should give that the respect that it deserves." As someone who launched back in 2017 and hit a hard burnout last year, I am here to refresh my brand and re-launch again. Thank you for all of this, Kelsey. I admit I did consider myself a content creator for the majority of the time I was creating in those 5-6 years. Pumping out content, running myself to the ground and not getting the financial stability I wanted from my art. It's difficult. And it doesn't really get easier. But we artists never really credit ourselves how much we grow. How much we grow stronger- with skills, strategy and business savvy. That takes time. That takes strength and launching-attempting- takes so much courage. I'm proud of you! I'm proud of us! Please keep going!

[@jdos5643]

I want instant success. I’m too impatient for years out. I need millions now.

[@BandaInku]

Love the thought of "Make your art an event" and not stressing about posting irregularly. As a KZbinr and creator and artist I really connected with that advice. Great video!

[@brebytheway]

6 months to a 100 subscribers and a year and a half to a 1000 is really so important for creators to hear I think, just to know that even if growth is slow, it's still real growth and can eventually start becoming exponential growth

[@Roottech25]

breath girl... pause when you talk. ;0)

[@thedbleaxe]

This is great! Very informative, especially for people over 40 who finally have the courage to pursue their art careers. I have been putting this off for over 10 years now and your channel and others like yours have advocated to start no matter where you are in life. That is both uplifting and inspiring. Would also love to hear tips on how to start it while one has a full-time job. Thanks Kelsey! No matter what others say, what you do is very valuable to a lot of people!

[@kevinhernandezrosa4819]

Most this stuff you do isn't art. This channel relies on people wanting roadmaps and your channel teaches people to make roadmaps and follow models. Doing all these things can waterdown one's energy to do what it is that art exclusively offers the world outside of algothrimic, economic and value incentives. How about forget "launching' an "art career" and just make art and learn to make money otherwise. Making money making art can also be very alienating. Following most of this advice will significantly alter the type of artwork that gets produced by it.

[@catgrrr1]

I’m struggling because I cannot find my community. I am a voice actors/musician/artist. I don’t really know who else lives in these intersections on KZbin. I’ve tried just… searching for voice acting or artist. But I am struggling to find any content that is interesting (it’s all educational. I am not trying to go into the educational space). How do you find a community?

[@madisoncano8772]

i very much admire your passion for youtube and art and progressing your career as an artist. As a self taught very amateur artist in Art School who has recently decided I want to pursue art full time and quit school because I dont feel like its giving what I know I already have (if that makes sense) and sometimes I feel like my ambitions are too high or like itll never be enough but looking at others and feeling their passion always reminds me that those who have the lives they want, wanted it so bad that they did anything and everything to make it happen no matter what others thought. Just thank you because you're being very helpful and I very much appreciate your existence even though you probably wont see this

[@inuakatsuki]

What do I have that others creators don't?... A very inconsistent schedule/art style/theme. I'm the embodiement of inconsistency :/ edit: ok but, somehow, i had an epiphany from this comment and your video, like, thank you!

[@virtcreates]

Okay… now that I’ve actually watched the video through, I have decided you are now my Coach. Everything you said, especially your perspective and vision for the future, is the most realistic and honest and just idk appropriate thing I’ve ever heard someone espouse concisely and effectively. Thanks Coach, I’ll be back. Our working relationship may be one-sided right now, but you’ll see one day that I am your apprentice, your trainee.

[@jojolee9486]

Appreciate the helpful, no BS style of video! Learned a lot as an aspiring self employed illustrator 🙏🏻

[@BlairMuellerArt]

I've often struggled with creating videos about my art because of a few reasons... sure, I've been on KZbin a long time (Since 2006... literally before some huge KZbinrs were even BORN), and I've created/been part of several channels, as well a very successful collab channel (youtube deleted it long ago), but one thing noone ever really says is just how much time making videos eats up. Planning, writing, filming, editing, uploading... while also creating art (which is the main focus of my channel as of late) takes so long that the whole process of making the video of me making the art really wears me down and I lose the passion to make the art and I dread the process of having to make the video. Also, so many artists on here have a team of people who do all of that for them... If you can't afford the lights and camera and time, the quality of your video seriously falls short of other channels, which is not appealing to viewers. The other thing noone ever really seems to talk about is the countless hours required each day to go out and find your followers... they don't just appear out of nowhere. I honestly don't know how many youtubers have time to do art at all. And then ALSO maintaining a dozen or more various other social media accounts, services, platforms... I'm genuinely baffled at where people find the time. I barely have time to even just do art, and occasionally post to FB/IG, update my website, etc... and this is even with getting up at 4am every day. The only way I can think is that most of these people live at home and have no expenses and don't have jobs, so they literally have 24 hours each day. I only have like, 3-5, and that's barely time enough to do the few things I mentioned above. Anyway... just my two cents and perspective on this topic. It's 10x harder than any youtuber will tell you. I don't mean this to be a negative comment, I just really struggle with this, and I'd love to know how other people get past this hurdle. I don't even bother making videos because I just don't have the time or decent equipment. KZbin is so very different now than it was 15 years ago.

[@gypsysghost]

okay yes i hear you, but what do you do if youre like mentally stuck/have art block and cant produce anything worthwhile, and what if you lack resources such as a camera and mic or like art supplies in general?

[@wikia9278]

either you work with what you have, create content by posting pictures you take with your phone instead of making videos if you don't have a camera, maybe use subtitles and text to speech to write what you want without a mic. maybe get a job for some time to get enough money to buy what you need.

[@bisnuto]

This is basically "how to becme an influencer", and not necessary an artist, wich is quite hard if you dont have the "sales" talent. How about get a job in the industry?

[@tessatheartist33]

What if you are patient but everyone else around you is not because youre not making that passive income

[@lackeymb_art]

Really REALLY appreciate the differentiation between being a content creator vs. being an artist who shares content as a means to an end. THANK YOU!

[@NikoleTheAnimator]

Your comment saying Art isn't content, was extremely impactful to me. There was a period of time where I spent nearly 6 months posting 3 videos a day to TikTok, daily posting on instagram, etc. And while I was seeing growth, I was unhappy with a majority of what I was making because I wasn't focusing on quality. And that level of posting wasn't sustainable, and caused me to spent the last year completely burnt out from making art in general. I;ve finally been wanting to get back into things and now, Looking at it from the perspective you shared, has made me more empowered to jump back into making videos on TikTok and here on KZbin. This time with my focus on quality, thank you for taking time to make this video!!

[@markshadows3667]

My gf and i have had an art business now for 7 years and we're getting pretty successful. But the last year our engagement and online sales have decreased to almost nothing. We still do great at conventions and in person events. But on social media our reach just seemed to stop abruptly. Its happened to a lot of fellow artists i know but then i see some that just started who have had just huge growth. Im not sure what we're doing wrong.

[@aliwondersalot]

I appreciate the enthusiasm and the advice you give Kelsey! I’ve been on Instagram for years and have gotten tired of the low engagement, not to mention I feel artistically restricted there, so I’m trying to dip my toes into the KZbin pool lol

[@bendemare5270]

Subscribed

[@giuliamoraes4525]

I really dont know how to balance my college, personal studies, social media and art career... What if i can't make it? What if i mess everything up? Why everyone seems to be dealing with all of it better than i am?

[@Belzebel]

Thank you, now my boyfriend can stop forcing me to draw every day

[@padyn4911]

Finding your channel has really inspired me to start launching my art career. It always felt like to big of a task for me to accomplish, but the way you break it down makes me believe in myself, and know that I can do it! Thank you Kelsey, you are amazing!

[@zenbrunch4875]

Being an artist blike: so u think u can art? Ok just pour all ur savings and vacation funds into equipment work full shifts improving ur skill while being a part time waiter and full time graphic designer and also dont forget to fill out these 20k pages of open calls cuz u already paid the application fee and the deadline is tomorrow not just for the open call but also ur rent which is the only thing u can afford so better find a philanthropist sugar daddy to take out for dinner cuz god knows the blue paint isnt as tasty as it once was.

[@1artistatwork]

Next time you do a video, put your hands down. Very distracting to have hands waving all the time.

[@jorgefernandezrego4833]

Just put the likes number the same as my birth year. Nailed it, you may say.

[@steveguse5802]

"THIS is the part where you start making money" *drops ad nice lol

[@fatherpucci6111]

girl. you sounds like you are recording in the middle of emotional melt down. why do you sounds like a woman about to cry?

[@doctorfloydhayworth9080]

Why the hard sell? Always the same pitch. Sign up on social media and get rich. Seems fake and funded to me.

[@VitalisProd]

vid and advices are nice, but here some notes: -put your cam a bit further, youre too close -try to gesticulate a bit less, its too distracting -add b-roll. Vid of you talking is a bit repetitive, add some variety of visuals

[@nidgithm]

ive been stuck on the "what makes you unique" for years now... i just cant find anything

[@expiredkneecap5930]

I’ll remember this when I’m a full time artist 👹

[@shirachanchinski6869]

Kelsey is this necessary to show your face on social mídia to succeed in your perspective?

[@joshsauer4725]

“A little bit of everything all of the time” Omg Bo Burnham was right

[@cremidraws2560]

You were the one who inspired me to make a youtube channel and dont rely on instagram anymore. I hope i will get there with time :D I am still new

[@gregoryrunningelk865]

Kelsey are your plants real? You should put all your plants together so they can talk and visit each other for growth. Love your work by the way.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Yep, they're all real! I might do a bit of an impromptu plant tour in a studio vlog sometime hehe, thanks for watching!

[@emmagillette6249]

I would definitely be interested in a video about setting up a Koji profile!

[@PrivateCommenter]

Heavens, two seconds in and I like you already. 😅 haha!

[@lc360]

holy shit this is the most reasonable and least intimidating guide i've ever seen.

[@virtcreates]

I LOVE your thumbnail and intro 😂 The tone was nailed, you’re a killer.

[@fishisnotfishfish2267]

Welp so much for my art career if u gotta use social media im out

[@rhinoman1984]

I would also like to add, keep learning and adapt to new skills, techniques and (digital) tools. Stay on top and try to be current and be open to learning the latest software, drawing tools and apps that become available. Otherwise you're going to get left behind and you will not be as marketable as you were a year ago.

[@lucafoltranarte]

Thanks for your work Kelsey, I've just made my list on my flaws as an artist, and I am sure to say that it was your passion, enthusiasm and genuineness to kickstart the process. Big hug

[@fuzzydragons]

I try to keep a schedule posting on social media since it actually makes me create, I need that for motivation or to get my butt actually creating i need a big white board like that, would come in very handy for time keeping. no idea where i would put it tho lol

[@fwoggangidk]

I like your videos. It may be because of your dynamic way of talking, I find myself engaged watching your content. Not a second has been skipped. It may also be because of your beauty 🤔, but probably both. In either case, I'll consider the tips and informations you shared in this video, and see how it goes. The biggest step is, we all know it, prepare to getting started. For now, I'll get back to drawing my Hermit and hermit Shells. These little fellas are pretty difficult to draw when considering the details of the bodies.

[@thesoupcrypt]

I feel like I wanted to just give you a standing ovation at the end of this video, wow I could literally just see your plan/strategy unfold. I am so glad you found and followed your niche I feel like you are going to go so far with it. Thank you for this, it was incredibly inspiring!

[@DnVFMVs]

now i truly know why my art degree is useless

[@alexanderperez5282]

this is truley inspiring i will hopefully make u proud bc your words are art itself thank u

[@kz.m4251]

As a creative person, an entrepreneurial mindset doesn't come easy. I'm repulsed by the thought of digging through other people's work/"content" and aping what they've done. That said, if you want to make a living as a visual artist, some of these steps are likely necessary. If you already have an entrepreneurial spirit, then... count your blessings, because the rest of us are in a civil war with our conscience. Thanks for the very helpful video!

[@luealie7521]

"And then they fuck off for *three months* and you miss them" bruh I felt that so hard. XD

[@inkandcaffeine]

I'm still not quite confident in my paintings to start selling but its definitely a goal of mine within a few months!! Love how simple but motivating you made this video :)

[@DuncanCustomAirbrush]

This was very encouraging and it really was interesting what you mentioned @9:54 ! Thanks!

[@bastelbutze]

I like how you casually flip us off at 3:26

[@olyna]

what are you still doing here? seriously you have so much work to do. Quite right!!! Excellent video, really well done Kelsey. And Thank you so much to your sponsor!! Koji is absolutely awesome, beyond anything I could ever imagine!!

[@Izukaito]

I may be a beginner at being a "digital artist", but I do have some recommendations and tips: -find your art style FIRST before anything else (gothic, comedic, enlightening, wholesome, etc). Your art style typically represents your personalities as it does revolve around emotion and conveying a message to your audience; sketching, photography, etc. -it's best to post your works FIRST before allowing a number of people to follow you: if anybody tries to repost and claim your work as theirs, utilize the time/date against them. Keep as much evidential progress as you can: WIPs, drafts, originals, etc. -not every idea you have will turn out as expected, it may be changed to a different format -make as much work as you can BEFORE starting a page or such. Doing so could prevent the stress of inconsistent posting -if you are new at what you do, so was everybody else. Keep your mistakes so you can avoid them next time, or make them into something else -organize them away from what you DON'T want to get rid of -DO NOT rush your work if you want it to be good. Don't accept a challenge without taking it one step at a time -the flaws you see in yourself are just challenges others will have for you. You won't be able to achieve those challenges unless you make practice FIRST

[@cliffdariff74]

If we decide NOT to use social media.... can we still move forward... the reality is selling art content/products is not a goal,... but selling actual finished art as a business is the goal.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Sure, like I said, networking in-person is the key for that. Getting your work into coffee shops, submitting to galleries, displaying at art fairs, etc. Social media is more accessible for most though.

[@АлександраГришина-с5р]

It's all cool and stuff unless you tried before and it sucked and you already have the worst job that you hate that barely keeps you surviving and you just know that being patient may be the longest time

[@PinkShawty149]

Same, stuck at a dead end job that’s sucking the life out of me, I just want to paint

[@mr.shgamingguy]

I love it and i love u Kelsey Rodriguez.

[@cosmicgold2616]

When Kelsey said "Art is not content" I fell tf OUT! THANK YOU! I'm new to your good graces and I'm so glad you have decided to share with us.

[@_potato_1225]

I don't know I just find her so beautiful that I had to re-watch to get what she's saying 🤣

[@travisherman7831]

I wish I hadn't relied on traditional methods for so long. I'm excited to be apart of this community ❤

[@hi_rollingmeerkat]

Love this video! Thank you for sharing it with us. Totally agree that an artist is not a content creator. Posting art works or the process online is about creating an event and an experience. It requires much more effort and a certain level of self-restraint.

[@d.9882]

Thanks for this! I'm in my last year of secondary school and working really hard on strategising/mapping out a successful path in art afterwards😣 This is really scary and unconventional, especially in my country and resources like this are such a big help! They make me feel like the sky is just the beginning in pursuing my passion. By God's grace, I'll reach my goals. Thanks again and keep going, youre awesome❤

[@valeriebarbera1061]

(Vent) I honestly don’t really even know what’s going on with me. I became an artist cuz I felt like it was the only path for me to go down, but now I wish I picked something more straightforward, but I also know going to a normal job that’s the same every day would eventually make me dread going. But at the same time, I really dislike the idea of having to become An Internet Personality to market my art. Obviously I love the idea of a passive income, but the thought of having to make KZbin videos in order to get Adsense also makes me wanna rip my skin off, because I used to make animatics every once in a while, but now those feel like too much effort for me to force myself to do, so then I think I’d rather do a chill painting vlog, but then I think about how to make it entertaining and not literally just me sitting doing nothing. What do I talk about in the voiceover???? The only part of the whole process that I feel actually ok with is designing and packaging orders, but I know it’s unrealistic to think I can get away with focusing solely on a shop with no internet presence. I think I’m just a fatal combination of impulsive and indecisive, cuz literally yesterday I decided I would start a twitch channel and make money there and stick to a strict schedule, and it felt so easy then, I was actually excited, but now I feel so overwhelmed and im already second guessing. I feel so unwilling to change and learn a new lifestyle that feels so unnatural to me, but I feel like it’s my only option. I think I just have to accept that there is no life I can live that will make me perfectly 100% happy, and I just have to deal with the hard parts to get the best I can get.

[@aryan_k_8296]

hey how is it going now just curious😅

[@matheuspena475]

Is there ANY way where i don't need to use social media? I absolutely hate using and creating content for social media

[@KelseyRodriguez]

sure. art fairs, conventions/artist alleys, galleries, coffee shops, wholesaling with retailers, art licensing, working in one of many full time gigs in fashion, gaming, animation, advertising/editorial. google is at your fingertips

[@Chakrafour]

I liked the play off of Ferris Bueller's Day Off at the end!