Let's talk about your Dream Pictures

[@StevenZapataArt]

Info on my 8-Week Online Workshop (Sold out now, thanks everyone!): www.stevenzapata.com/workshops

[@MrAaaaazzzzz00009999]

his studio keeps getting more dripped up with every stream

[@humpsterthedumpster3653]

love that pattern on the wall it's so cool

[@Robo3uttz]

I just realized I have pages of notes of ideas going into paragraphs of specific detail of how it should be, gathering references and images of the whole thing that I’ve envisioned but not once acted on any of these dream ideas. I feel idiotic right now. All I’ve been doing is practicing, studying, and exercising. Then I go on spurts of sporadic fun ideas to keep me entertained, thus motivated to continue. I’m probably going to have a lot more fun and enjoyment from drawing now. Thanks for pointing out the obvious goal I didn’t really approach before.

[@Reaching_for_Divine]

"it's not that good baby" oh god i'm sobbing

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

Absolutely broken

[@kyokusei]

MAKE THE DREAM PICTURES!!

[@StevenZapataArt]

MAKE EM

[@astrorobinson3716]

I’m so happy you exist, Steven. I’m so serious. I go in and out of my dream pictures. I’ll start them, they won’t meet my expectations, then I give up. I’m done giving up on my dream pictures. You’ve helped me so much over the years. I keep you voice playing the entire time I draw or paint on my tough days. ❤ dude

[@zepto5945]

Studio looks awesome!

[@Fracasse-0x13]

I'm not even an artist but every single video you make is always super relevant to me!

[@merediths8377]

i love this term. I think online art scenes/the pressure of the algorithm has recalibrated people toward "safety", but that road goes nowhere! the way you frame art concepts (especially internal/psychological ones) is so helpful

[@masonoreilly7512]

Just wanna say after having watched this vid like three weeks ago, my mentality on art has changed DRASTICALLY and my output has improved tenfold. Thank you for the wise words friend 🙏

[@Ranarr]

Having been in Stevens first workshop I have to say that it was worth every penny. In all honesty I just threw my money at the workshop because I was in such an existential dread I needed anyone to come and help me. The little I saw of Steven's videos at the time was enough to know that there was a little bit of light out there. It's been over three years since the workshop and his god-damn smooth talking uppercuts of verbal medicine still ring true, with years of baggage still dropping off my shoulders to this day. Hopefully this helps anyone who's on the fence. You deserve investing in your heart. The workshop spans beyond the art and goes into corners of your life you never knew needed your attention. Good luck! Avi

[@StevenZapataArt]

You're the best Avi, cheers my friend.

[@juliosantos9772]

Get in that workshop, people! Absolutely life changing, highly recommend it!

[@twomoledmiddlefinger353]

O.O i got mentioned !!! I'm doing those dream pictures now constantly rather than doing those painful years of practice limbo (2 years straight gestures), glad I learned it early on my art career that your should always do those dream pictures C: thank you for your vods Steven!! goat artist (at least for me)

[@autumnrose9922]

Jesus Christ, this lighting is making the video look amazing, Steven! 😊

[@el3mentOFlife]

This is exactly what I'm been pushing myself through this year. Go and make the things i daydream about instead carrying the mindset of "if I just do a couple more studies, I'll be good enough. Go make the thing, then analyze the work, and most importantly, just put it out and share.

[@tonypop1007]

I think the thing that most don't consider is that your dream pictures and practice does not have to be mutually exclusive. Steven, I appreciate your ability to get to the heart of things. In that spirit I realized that I've been using practice as an excuse. Thank you

[@LE0NSKA]

SHUT UP STEVE! ITS GOOD GOD DAMN IT! YOU'LL SEE!

[@StevenZapataArt]

lol this one got me

[@LrnzLpz-vv7mq]

OMFG NEW VIDEO FROM STEVEN ZAPATA LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Edit: now talking seriously, thank you for clarifying what do you mean about "dream pictures" with concrete examples from your experience. Ever since you started talking about them on your streams and QnA videos, I´ve always felt like I was falling behind in one way or another everytime I was "studying" or working on a project that wasn´t orchestrated by me. But now it comes clear to me that working on my dream pictures is something completely natural to me, and I´ve never had to face the difficulty of not having a dream picture, as you descrive in your video. I feel relieved, and I think I´ve learned something new about myself reflecting on this. I hope the best for what you´re doing with your workshop and all your students.

[@kavel_draws]

If I could choose a KZbin video to be my drawing mantra, it would be this one. You've done an excellent job not only reading my thoughts, but addressing them in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Thank you for making this, I'm off to go work on my "dream pictures" 🙌

[@emmablomskog3593]

As someone who took the workshop last time, I highly highly recommend it to any artist at any level! I have rarely experienced an equally open teaching environment before or since, Steven is a gem in his explanations and engagement. I still use the tools I learned then, and the experience gave me a much better sense of not only what kind of pictures I like doing but how I can achieve them within a realistic scope. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other like-minded artists. So, yes, please consider it!

[@StevenZapataArt]

Thanks for the kind words Emma! You're the best, keep up the good work.

[@emmablomskog3593]

@@StevenZapataArt Thank you! Glad to still be following you!

[@remybernard5222]

I knew it and it's good to hear it from you Steven. I'm having the hardest time putting energy in drawing what i'd like to draw (fantasy characters, monsters, angels and creature in the path in between, whichever way they're going), but I can get a grip on myself for life drawing, exercises and copies. Feels reassuring, just like video games calm my nerve because the limits and goals are clear and set by someonelse. But I'm conviced now I will never feel like I'm doing what I came here to do as long as I don't attempt those drawings, as soon as possible and with my present means. Thanks again for making sense of what was tickling my consciousness 🙏

[@Maelt_]

this is exactly what i had to be told thank you very much

[@mizubiart6230]

Steven you’re like right time right place every time with these videos????? Bruh while doing master copies for DAYS nay WEEKS I’ve been straight up hallucinating my own imaginary worlds. Like not actually hallucinating but super vividly. I am so sorry for not doing the course I’m literally so busy with art school!

[@StevenZapataArt]

Don't apologize! Handle your life, the course is always sitting there.

[@mizubiart6230]

@@StevenZapataArt yeah! Right now I’m trying really hard to get into a program that is very competitive, so that’s my main focus. The deadline is in march. After that I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time for the course. Thanks for being patient :)

[@suplexmess37]

Thank you Mr. Zparkle

[@sethhat9620]

Yo dude, the studio is looking fantastic!

[@karou3205]

I just got super hang up on what Proko used to say about having to STUDY THE FUNDAMENTAAALSSSSS ;-;

[@StevenZapataArt]

It happens to all of us- just gotta recalibrate every so often!

[@Lynriz_]

The lighting! The quality! It looks great. I clicked before I even read the title

[@dash_user]

you've kept my focus the whole time. I have ADHD.

[@simplylaith]

solid! super solid steven! there has been an epidemic of the "professional student" in the art world lately. and very little viewing artistic skills as a language to communicate something and as you continue communicating, the language improves.

[@zacharycieszinski5465]

Just wanted to say I've been enjoying the premium content in FFI, been useful for the piece I'm working on, been muscle bellying out of my mind🤯

[@IamTerics]

I knew this was an ad going in but damn did I get read like a book in that first half.

[@kevinrampersad9202]

Wow..Steven is soo onn with this mann. This is how I have approached art all of my life...I've drilled thousands of exercises over years n years...not just 'to get good' but it was ALWAYS ALL about getting good ..nah, forget 'good' - GREAT! at MY Dream PIctures...and yeh..I'm getting there..again..Steven gives the best advice out there..take his courses..! 👍

[@inquizitive1]

I always felt like when I drew for fun instead of money I was procrastinating it practicing but thinking of it as dream pictures is a nice way to spin it 😁

[@josiah-q5c]

You talk like such a gentleman bro keep up the amazing videos

[@akanay108]

I made a few dream pictures in last few years, thanks to you steven

[@theSup3rNerd]

I tend to skill in ideas and creativity but almost don’t care about the art fundamentals and all the technical stuff that makes you a skilled artist. Both extremes are difficult to handle. But I still prefer to exercise as I finish my own pieces. It’s a hard process but I love it so much.

[@sillyvoidcreature]

i like how Steven has no bad takes

[@MoyoWango]

Only Steven could make a 10 minutes add we enjoy watching. But worry not, I had already signed up before this video!

[@Reaching_for_Divine]

I'm so hyped for the workshop and so lucky to take it AGAIN - coincidentally, I just finished a drawing that is a "dream picture" and is similar in themes / motifs to the "dream picture" I did during the first workshop!! It'll be fun to start class and compare them!

[@StevenZapataArt]

That’s awesome! I’m excited

[@eldenbahni]

What a gorgeous looking image! The studio setup, lighting, Strapping Draftsman™ center frame... It even sounds good! Gets me so hyped for the Design Course, it's gonna be amazing! ^^

[@StevenZapataArt]

Haha thank you! We're working hard on the design course. Wait till you see all the effort my editor is putting into things like motion graphics and animating my diagrams for the course!

[@eldenbahni]

@@StevenZapataArt Can't wait!! Is there any info on when you might schedule your next 4-week Workshops? I really wish to attend, but have neither time (Central European Time) nor money (Swedish Money 💩) to attend this time around.

[@milliebeesart6700]

Damn this is my exact issue. It’s sad to admit but I think 90% of what I draw right now are studies that I think will be helpful in the long run but I ultimately find boring. I’m so out of practice drawing things I’m passionate about that it’s like I’ve forgotten how to do it altogether 😫 I didn’t have the money to sign up for your mentorship this time around but I will definitely start saving for the next time you are available

[@treewatcher4620]

The rim light on your face in this video is amazing... p.s MAKE THE DREAM PICTURES!

[@tentalcos5447]

beautiful background!

[@mustanggox]

I never realized it's been so long since I've made any dream pictures. Studies, commissions, sketches, much smaller scale paintings using elements from a hypothetical dream picture, but I never put them into practical use because I guess I didn't feel worthy of it yet. All that and I still wonder why I feel so stuck in art lmao, this whole time it's been self-inflicted.

[@RakiAlhazmi]

can taro mew rah

[@MarschelArts]

That... hurt less than I feard, still more than I hoped. I dance around several "dream pictures" or "dream stories" for years now. Starting on and off, getting stuck at: I'm not good enough. It's true, the best one can do is just start, entjoy the process and not to fear the outcome. yet it is so hard to just do that... I often just "lock up", feeling like I can't even hold a pencil anymore. Yet, drawing something else, somehow works. Its infuriating.

[@waynemosher3244]

It's been around for ever. That's what great art is made off

[@arturo.garcia4rt]

It's interesting that Steven's message here reminded me so much of one of the '12 rules for life' from Jordan Peterson: 'Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient'. So basically, choose something that is meaningful for you and orientate your decision towards it. That journey will bring direction and meaning to your life, which is even better than happiness. I hope I can join one of those workshops in the future. Thanks for your work Steven ❤

[@ViktorartSnowtracked]

Amen

[@colingallagher1648]

dreamin n picturing

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Great video! I am loving the look of your studio space. Please tell me; are you a fan of the William Morris school of art and design?

[@StevenZapataArt]

Sure, he's a legend. I've always been a fan of decoration and embellishment, so I have a lot of love for the arts and crafts movement and art nouveau.

[@Nonoh23126]

I would totally agree on „create what you desire“ but I also would include before you start a career or a full manga to be published you should have a solid fundamental. For me I‘d say when I can bring believable results wich look alive to paper then I’m ready for the next step.

[@allanredhill8682]

yes you need a foundation - but manga or comic in itself is a very different skillset then just drawing. Grinding only the art fundamentals wont make you a good comic artist - you can only do that by actually making comics. Thats what Steven is getting at I think

[@StevenZapataArt]

That is, indeed, what I was getting at

[@noiJadisCailleach]

It baffles me that people get stuck doing technical basic exercises for years. ... Then i realized I've been doing portrait drawings almost everyday for 3 mos. The irony. 😅 Yeah, gotta do those dream pics now!

[@TheNewTerrain]

thanks!!

[@gablynx8720]

I don't think I will ever be able to make my dream pictures from start to finish, because something crazy happens along the way. I start and then I lose myself in colors, shapes, unexpected side quests and experimentation. The drawing ends up looking different (only about 10-15% of the initial dream picture vibe is there). It used to be turbo frustrating, but now I actually love it and look forward to it.

[@StevenZapataArt]

As long as you're loving it you're doing everything right.

[@greenhyenas]

Sorry Steven Zapata, I love your videos, but unrelated, please can you tell me the paint color on the wall? I do realize it will look different in my own space, but would like to try. Sorry if youve answered elsewhere and missed it. Thanks

[@StevenZapataArt]

It's two Behr colors- the lighter grey is called "UFO" and the darker one for the pattern is "Glazed Granite"

[@riccia888]

This is like my friend doing Schoolism workout everyday for years but cannot make a dream picture. He though he is learning because it is fun😂

[@joschuaknuppe5849]

I think it's super sad, I always had dream pictures and made sure I would realize them, for me that's a fundamental thing when being creative.

[@zeddex8990]

HEY HEY HEYYYYYY NEW VIDEO IM READY FOR THE COURSE IM SICK OF WORKING REGULAR JOBS AND I WANT TO DRAW PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEEASE PLEASE AYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOO WHEN IS IT COMING OUT???? IM READY!!!! DREAM PICTURES ARE BEING M A D E!!!! BUT GIVE ME THE COURSE CMON MAN I NEED THAT THE FIRST ONE CHANGED MY WHOLE GAME

[@StevenZapataArt]

Soon! I hope…

[@galereginald12]

I think we just need some type of balance. I'm always hearing from proko, Jeff Watts, Antonio from ArtWod and other pros telling us about how important the fundamentals are that we get stuck with them. Seems we fall into what Sycra called "the practice trap".

[@majorpety3773]

Your videos realy inspire me to draw. I am interested in buying your drawing course .I have a question If i buy the core edition I will be able to buy what is included in the premium edition If i already have the core edition?

[@StevenZapataArt]

Thanks for your interest! Unfortunately no, but you can get all those videos separately on my gumroad: stevenzapata.gumroad.com/

[@majorpety3773]

Thank you

[@Multi-Waves_Music]

Do you think you could maybe touch on setting yourself up for failure by planning an entire painting in your head before it is even tested on the canvas? (dreaming a dream picture ) I imagine there are many times that with sharper skills these could be accomplished but I question if some of my ideas that im so dead set to create are even possible without compromising aspects. Extra question: do you obsess over one idea that it becomes too perfect in your head it'll never live up to being created irl? even if it was a 1:1 recreation

[@fripsite]

Ah yes, the "you need to make "the thing" in order to get good at it, and not do abstract practice hoping it will eventually translate into a masterful skill that will finally allow you to execute your dream project in 10 years because deep down you're afraid of attempting it right now and failing. So you hide behind the art practice limbo, doing nice renders of figure studies to gain the external approval of your peers. Until a decade later, you realize it doesn't translate into the format and skills your project requires and have an existential crisis for wasting so much time studying things that didn't align with your artistic dreams" Syndrome. A true classic!

[@jamesgoodman5643]

I have no idea what I want to create. I just stare at a blank paper or screen and have no ideas…. Or in the very rare event that I do think of something I’ll immediately realize I don’t know how to draw some part of it which starts the search for how-to guides…. This has been going on for about 13 years.

[@JosephineValor]

I tried making my dream picture drawings but they turned out to be failures. :(

[@samankucher5117]

4:35 :/ i feel personally attacked and now a bit more educated good advice . time to go to draw a anime waifu in a fantasy world :3

[@colonelfrogs]

I just have an existential crisis if I don't draw. Doesn't have to be the best

[@ypesie]

"Looking down at my photoshop filled with only studies for the past 2 or 3 months...😰😬"

[@StevenZapataArt]

You're in trouble.

[@ypesie]

@@StevenZapataArt I started working on my project right after the video sir (:

[@ExiledOne]

I don’t draw dream pictures, I only draw what I can bring into reality on whatever medium that is.

[@aiolosfritzalas2468]

STEPHEEEEEEEEEEEN YOU WON"T EVEN TAKE MY MONEY ?

[@samankucher5117]

0:20 potat means potato in my language kurmanje kurdish :)

[@AndrewMaksym]

Aww man you clean shaved? 😥

[@StevenZapataArt]

I just hate having all that hair on my face when it's SO HOT IN NEW YORK UGH

[@AndrewMaksym]

@@StevenZapataArt oh, well once it cools outside beards come back hopefully 💪

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

@@StevenZapataArt Hey now, the hair is a sign of work ethic. You draw so hard that you ran out of X-Acto knives to shave with

[@TotoLakay]

Get out of my head!!1

[@nerukas86]

Dream picture journey? We call it midjourney.