Making Tough Decisions and Taking Control of My Self-Employment!

[@KelineBar]

I totally recognized myself when you talk about living at your parents. 4 years ago I was in the same situation, after a break up I hadn't a flat anymore and I have to share the desk room with my mum AND dad, and it was a nightmare. I love them but I couldn't focus I was disturbed almost all the time whereas I tried to be a professional artist. I moved as soon as I could ! I had a roomate who was also an old friend from art school. At first we were sharing the same room as "co-workers" but I couldn't stand it so I moved my desk in my own room. Now I'm alone in the flat and I have all the space I want ! Also you're right, it's important to be constant in efforts. Sooner or later it will pay !

[@juliabarker1280]

I totally understand you about the schedule timing when doing your art. I kinda feel the same. I have a son i feel in need to wait for him and make sure he is happy and then i indulge in my art. Good for you on moving out... The price of freedom is high but sooo worth it. ☺🍀

[@ChrisHongArt]

I think my ability to focus will go straight out the window if I ever have a child 😱 welp I gotta get my shit together before it happens! XD

[@leche.y.miel.1621]

.......i love ur art ......PLEASE JUST TRUST ME ITS LIKE AWESOME...plus its alright we all are here for ur support i know ur gonna end up hitting big

[@NadiaRausa]

This is so great! Good luck! I currently am self-employed and I totally understand how scary it is. My husband brings in most of the income, so I’ve been very lucky in that regard because I don’t think I could do it by myself yet. I’m still trying to understand how a business works because I am not a numbers person haha. 😆

[@smooth_Koala]

I am in a similar situation, we can do it!!!! Best wishes to you, and even though I don't know you, I know you can do it!!!

[@myriamtillson]

All the best of luck!! :) My boyfriend and I just moved in together, and although I was already paying rent and bills before on my own, our doing so has very much increased my living costs, which is terrifying, but also gives me a kick up the butt to gear up and get things working :). i hope the move goes well!

[@jenslingspaint3523]

To help the room temp, look into window films. There is a brand called Gila that works pretty well. There is also a "blue" one that won't really change the amount of light, but blocks enough of the UV to help with the room control. I know you're moving out, but it could help your Mom out with the office.

[@suziepaladinprincess4325]

Dear Chris, I can totally relate to your difficulties with dividing space and constantly adapting to others - even if they are loved ones. :) I'm wishing you all the best with moving out - to me it made all the difference! I've spent quite a bit of time in Ottawa, visiting my boyfriends family, and it is a fantastic spot! If you are ever looking for places of inspiration, keep an eye out for the free museum passes in the public library system - there are really, really great museums in Ottawa and around (favorites are the Aviation museum and the Diefenbunker ;) ). Even if it is scary now, I'm sure you're going to be fine! :) And we are always here to support you. :) Hugs from Hungary! :)

[@sashabudhaiart1186]

I'm not at all surprise at how well your channel is doing. Your work speaks for itself and others can see that. I've no doubt you'll make a full-time living from your art. Your work is super duper uh-mazing!!!

[@beepadipeep]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay, more Chris, more Chris! It may sound a little bit strange, but I spent the last 1 1/2 month looking on your web page every second day, if your shop has re-opened again. And I absolutely feel you in terms of hot and sunny workspaces! It is the exact same with me - in summer I cannot work on my desk. I sit down, see nothing, but extrem sunlight or shadows and begin to sweat immediately - ew! I keep my fingers crossed for you two! It is such a brave decision and I am confident that you can pull that off!

[@justtubingby129]

You make people happy 😊

[@vidyawitch]

So nice that u live with ur parents. They must be really happy to have u around. Exploring the world is necessary, but pampering parents too is such a blessed thing to do. :) Have u tried planting some trees, they really cool the space...its how I have it here.

[@kevinorrart7367]

Drawing when people are around is a struggle for me as well. When my wife leaves the house, I get SO much done, ha. Loved the video btw.

[@books2art203]

Making such big changes in life isn't easy. I wish you success. I love all those clowns, they are adorable.

[@natasplund]

you know... it's kind of reassuring that a more mature (i'm guessing?) artist is still nervous/struggling with living arrangements and "life decisions"! Thanks so much for sharing! I'm also struggling, living at my parents and trying to make big life choices! I love your work and I'm excited for your move!! Good luck!

[@rociocruz2786]

Good luck, and I hope you will reopen your shop soon!I REALLY love your art!😍

[@ruru414]

OMG I cannot believe an amazing artist is moving to my city!! Wow welcome to Ottawa and hope you like it here :)

[@ragemonkey1173]

Best of luck on the move. The art is FANTASTIC and keep it going.

[@kimberlyjeffers1623]

Tough decisions sometimes need to be made. I’m making a similar decision like you so I understand moving out of your comfort zone. Being apprehensive, scared, unsure, concerned is a good thing IMHO.

[@ChrisHongArt]

big risk means also big returns hopefully!💪😤

[@MandaPanda254]

Thank you for sharing this sketching! It's great to see. Good luck with the move!

[@ThePointedPaintbrush]

As usual, amazing work 😊 I love the sketches and the stickers are really well-made! I'm beginning my last year of school and the self-employment question has weighed on me for sure! How to start or if I should plan long term and work under someone until I can save up some and invest in myself? You're a huge inspiration to me and I'm thankful you share these things with us. Have you considered Patreon? It could possibly provide a more steady income for you in combo with KZbin and mobilize some of your Instagram following? I guarantee I would be a patron and contribute. I saw the sketch over there of the Mother and Child 👀 I'm looking forward to seeing the final of that piece!

[@ChrisHongArt]

Hey Teju!! haha I think I'll be working on that video for next week ;) It's going to be fun because I actually recorded the finalizing of the drawing on photoshop, which I haven't done before! And I def have considered patreon, I just feel like I'm waiting for the right time to do it lol (once I'm moved and settled in) and also deciding on what the tiers are going to be have been tough, I should prob ask around for suggestions :O And oh man I was in a really rough state mentally in my last year of college, and well after graduating. It's normal to have those questions, and it's normal to not get into the perfect thing right away, it took me 5 years after graduating to be at THIS point and I'm not even fully supporting myself XD but I do feel like I'm on the right path now, headed in the right direction! So don't pressure yourself too much, but do keep an open mind when opportunities come and never stop drawing/painting! 💪😤💕

[@Ergg08]

Hi ! I'm a self employed pixel-artist. What you're experiencing indeed resonate to me for some parts. It's a really nice and scary position at the same time to be self employed. On one hand, you're able to work with the people you want and (most of time) in the way you want. On the other hand, you're all alone : and I find myself very vulnerable regarding to focusing and motivation issues. But YOU've got KZbin and talent ! So I'm sure you'll do great ! =)

[@s120800]

Honestly the winters are not that bad but your in for some brutal summers! For the next 2-3 years we are going to be baking hot! The winters are okay as long as your equipped for them. Make sure to get some heaters in the house and a couple flannel blankets and your good to go! But I've in Ottawa all my life so I'm use to these things plus my ancestors lived in the freezing north so I'm genetically modified for Canada LOL, I don't know what your going to experience but I wish all the best for you! ♡♡♡

[@luciferhashbrown]

during the summer holiday i move back home (i usually live in my own flat in a city a couple of hours away) and over the summer i have got no work done !! it really makes a HUGE difference to have your own space and to be in control of things, i can’t wait to go back to my flat and i’m sure you will be so happy having your own space !!! best of luck ! 💗

[@ChrisHongArt]

I've never TRULY lived completely ALONE, but living w my partner and having him gone for most of the day 5 days a week will be the next best thing to it XD! So I'm very much looking forward to seeing what positive changes that may bring, thank you for watching!😘

[@luciferhashbrown]

Chris Hong Art oh me too i have 2 flatmates, but it’s still different to living with my mum !

[@alexandriasdh3185]

Loved your drawing process! I'm trying to get on the self employment train as well and can relate to this. I have already seen the things you talked about pop up. Currently my goal is to own a gift/art supply shop and to also produce work as an illustrator in my lovely city but its hard and scary and confusing all at the same time. In order to even get started -something that I hated but had to get over was a "perfect situation". I'd wait and wait till I was in a perfect environment and perfect head space and found that I went nowhere. It really hit home when i had to get a job because I didn't work enough to make any money. I wanted the perfect quiet private space with no one in it. I wanted even the weather to be perfect when I created anything (as an illustrator). But I'm taking charge. I still like a nice calm atmosphere to work in, I also still make excuses that I have to work through, and the issues that pop up never stop but I need to work if I want it to work. Its just nice to know someone is also having this same struggle. Good luck!

[@ArdenRachelArt]

Congrats on moving in with your partner! That's always an exciting step. And I definitely feel you with the whole nit-picky work setup requirements, I'm the same way! It's so hard for me to just sit down and get things done! 😖 Hopefully you'll have more luck with it in your new place!

[@ChrisHongArt]

I've actually lived w him before but this will be the first time where he has a set 9-5 schedule so it's enough predictability for me to be able to have my own predictable routine :D! Thanks!😘

[@vidyawitch]

So beautiful and inspiring to watch ur sketching process. Thank u so much for sharing. :) Have a great day!

[@whimsy1030]

Love these sketches! Love watching your thought process as you go back and edit, change expression, change shadowing. I’m so glad you’ve seen growth on your channel! Keep working at it - talent and effort get rewards! When are you opening your shop back up on your website? (Please say soon!)

[@melaniaberindea]

Dear Chris, just believe in yourself! You're extremely talented and your style is mesmerizing and original 😍😍 you have potential ✌✌ I am glad that you could find a better place to work and I can't wait to see more paintings and drawings from you. Don't worry, I am sure that once you will improve the quality of your work space, you'll be able (easier) to make more artworks and interesting stuff, so that your income will grow 😊 ❤ also, we trust in yourself and we love you so much! Best wishes and good luck with everything 😘😘🤗

[@kimharbaugh]

I am so excited to see more of your art on KZbin! I wish you the best in new adventures. The clown faces are fantastic💕

[@wildersabine]

Ottawa's a great city, you'll love it! I guess I'm also on the self-employment journey, but my space situation is very different. I have an entire separate building to work in from the house, which makes all the difference. Also north facing windows. ;)

[@kimbearlysoriginal4276]

You will make it work. Your artwork is awesome! Congratulations on the move. You will be a success!

[@AxiomEcho]

All the best! Stays dedicated and positive!! Your art is awesome!

[@Eunji.illustration]

How you draw faces and facial expressions are amazing. I learned so much from your videos

[@kamrynsmart3295]

Oh my goodness!!! You're art is so inspiring! I love it so much, totally subscribing.

[@kellswalter]

I'm just glad we will see more. Good luck with ur move.

[@neyruzAJ]

Super video I enjoy your illustrations a lot, I'm living newly in the Netherlands and now after I have been focusing to much in learning Dutch I want to start focusing on my illustrations and my you tube channel too, is a bit relieving when I think I'm not alone in this... Good luck in moving on.... xx

[@DanielleMack]

Love seeing your sketches. Maybe you could sell some zines of your sketchbooks or clown girls. I would buy one! Good luck on the move.

[@KelliPaints]

You are such an inspiration! Absolutely LOVE your work and videos! Your use of color is Amazing!

[@lynsamfortas]

It's really hard to get out of your comfort zone and take initiative, so good luck I hope everything goes well for you! Also your art is amazing!

[@jamong1087]

Still waiting for you to explore and expand your work in your sketches . You have great drafting skills, would love to see you push yourself a little

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

all the best to your plans. I'm hoping to eventually be self employed too. love your style and it gave me a great idea for new blending technique.

[@ChrisHongArt]

that's awesome to hear! :D

[@melanieg0613]

I'm from Ottawa and it's actually really nice if you know where to go, I hope you like living there!!! I used to work at the national gallery there and I definatley recommend visiting it some time!!!

[@ChrisHongArt]

I most definitely will! :D

[@tyofflorida6695]

Maybe install a shutter on the window (outside, of course) for when the sun gets to be too much. One that can be open and closed from the inside...I guess there are designs like that. 🤔

[@ChrisHongArt]

we'll have to do SOMETHING to that room to make it habitable.. maybe having a big tree in front of it would help provide some shade🤔

[@stefanie6491]

woaaa I really wish you the best with the new change/challenge! the drawings look AWESOME

[@Morph545]

Thank you for posting this, I learned a lot just by watching you. I've sworn off of pencil for the last couple months so I can grow faster but after seeing you I want to use it in my sketchbook more.

[@ChrisHongArt]

I'm glad to hear my video has helped in any way! thanks so much for watching ☺️

[@thepinkbento6121]

Im really wanting to be self employed as well and i have similar problems with you regarding weather and my studio space. Looking for actual work atm has me in a pause atm as well as i am 19 weeks pregnant, so there is the worry and financial issue of that as well. But I hope to work on my portfolio and other ideas I have for a book etc during that time. Its never easy, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end! Good luck and i will be watching!

[@ChrisHongArt]

Motherhood is definitely an added challenge to say the least! Compared to that I think my problems are not so big in the grand scheme of things after all 😅 best of luck to you with all your goals as well, and thanks so much for watching!!💕

[@thepinkbento6121]

Wow! Thanks so much for the reply! And thank you for the kind words!!!

[@moniquewilliams8896]

Love your stuff! Take ur time :3

[@khr97yuni]

I totally relate to your studio issue✋😂 I’m sure you’ll be more productive when you move to a new studio!! Can’t wait to see what new content & works you‘ll be sharing with us soon❤️ I actually really want to try to be self employed and get my work out there. I recently found your channel and am binging your vids. If you could share how you started growing your following online, I would appreciate it a lot. Because I’m struggling with starting an art KZbin channel and getting my work out there. And trying to earn an income from art online. Thanks a lot!☺️💕

[@Rozenberry]

Hello! I really love all your art and your video!💕 I just have a question and hope you can help me: I read your info box and you say you use your phone to record video, but what do you use for audio? Do you use artificial lights or the sun light? I struggle to do good video but the quality is always bad ^__^" thank you very much!

[@Daligga]

Good luck with moving! You'll probably do great!

[@luvmyg4053]

Hey I loveeeeeeeee your drawings and I was wondering if you can make a video on your blending if you get what I’m saying I love the way in your pencil drawings are with your blending / shading and it looks so lovely

[@UndercoverMuffinz]

Omg im the exact same when it comes to my neurotic tendencies and needing a controlled environment in order to get work done... it makes me feel like a pieceof shit most of the time and its so hard to get over it!!

[@ItsLizV]

Good luck! I feel your pain when it comes to being in a hot room. My window is also southwest facing haha. Luckily I live in the UK so it's only a big issue on hotter days! Looking forward to seeing you grow! I love your artstyle and I'd love to see you get more successful with youtube!

[@ItsLizV]

Oh and as for self-employment : I am also self-employed, but it's not art related at all. Me and my partner have 2 online business together. It's been our main source of income for the last 5 years and we're doing pretty well. It is quite stressful sometimes though! We're now at a point where we are thinking of hiring a part-time employee, but that comes with so many extra costs and things to deal with that we don't know if we can actually afford it. On one hand, having one will help us out immensely and could free up more time for us to invest in the business, but on the other hand it could be such a huge costs that we end up totally screwing everything up lol. Taxes are annoying to deal with too, and there's just so many things that we don't really understand how to do but we're just trying to figure it all out. Even after all these years there's still so much to learn!

[@ChrisHongArt]

oh that's awesome! I'm almost glad I'm not there yet (needing an employee) because that does sound like a huge dilemma, weighing out the pros and cons! But it prob is worth it in the end even though it may be a pain to get adjusted at first :O. I heard it was really hot over there this summer as well, yikes!! Now when I look at places I pull up google maps to check the compass XD

[@michelle.cadorniga]

You are a very talented artist. I really do love your videos. I am excited for you and I hope for your success. I think it will really help you though if you make tutorials as that will keep your viewers glued and probably even watch your videos over and over. I'm sure there are a ton of people out there who wanna learn to draw like you and so tutorials are not only gonna help you grow your number of subscribers, but also help you reach and even surpass the new viewing time requirements as per the new youtube algorithm so you can grow your income ad well. Do tutorials... that would be awesome!

[@Hey_hajar]

Good luck

[@smoothmustache8326]

yes you should put your confident first my advice for self-employment 'dont dwell on scarcity' the time will come itself by your effort

[@simpletofu2593]

I hope you do whimsical apparel with the clown theme😆 I would love to buy~

[@ChrisHongArt]

Apparel would be super cool...! If I can ever find a partner to collaborate with (someone who actually knows about that industry) I'd love to explore it one day! ^^

[@jessieballenger972]

Wow you're an amazing artist!! :D

[@aahantiwari3023]

Hey! You've got a really wierd way if holding the pencil Don't get me wrong I looove it :D Also love your art please keep going :-)

[@platypus0123]

put a mini fan.

[@FutileGrief]

I'm sorry, who gave you permission to talk about my life story?? I am in the exact same situation! Unfortunately there is nowhere I could travel to, if I get a place for myself, it would have to be in this city and it may be a third world country but the prices are Manhattan level expensive. It's ridiculous. And my wonderful useless passport doesn't allow entry to any country lol, so I'm stuck here. Luckily the sun situation is only from 1pm to 3:30pm all year long, but I get what you mean, it's so frustrating. Not silly at all. Hope you're in a way better situation.

[@Worldofstephy]

I do the same thing where I push things back because of my parents schedules

[@Worldofstephy]

I’m considering the self employment route

[@WoJiaoBaba]

really beautiful expressions!

[@Kaffeeisresting]

Girl, you just made me have an other spark to make videos again! You sound really interesting and you have a nice, calming voice! I am a really awkward person with a voice that makes me cringe, but you make me want to get over it and do it! I don't know if I will ever be able to give the same spark you did to me to someone, but you make me want to try! Long story short, thank you for being inspiring!

[@ChrisHongArt]

I feel like a fraud because I think IN PERSON I'm actually quite animated and fidgety lol so I don't think I come off as "calming" XD but thank you! and I'm so happy to hear that I gave you a "spark" because I know exactly what you mean, there are certain videos/youtubers where after I've watch their video I suddenly feel motivated to work and get things done! Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it! ☺️💕

[@ellipsisms]

I’d love to be self-employed and be able to do art, but it’s so scary and I have no idea how to go about selling my stuff.

[@DIEGSTRRTS]

Yesss you uploaded 😭

[@s0ne01]

Support plus ultra ya know , I like how u draw faces ,legs and arms I would like to know who influenced u and can u do a tutorial on legs?

[@d0buon]

My problem is that I don’t have a desk! I still draw anyways, but it feels so unmotivating to draw on my bed or on the floor.

[@ChrisHongArt]

:O get yoself a desk! lol or at least a TV dinner tray type thing :O or one of those.. breakfast in bed type table things, you can draw in bed then more comfortably :D

[@nehamukhiya8242]

God gift

[@myrkflinn4331]

You sleep in the basement? I probably heard that wrong but anyway that sucks. Hope you find a better place to do your work in. Living on your own is a big step, it is because I had to basically. But you'll work around it

[@austengordon635]

Rent studio space! 😁

[@DIEGSTRRTS]

Your going to have to be consistent if you really want to make grow this channel to the point where you can make a good income

[@melissar2086]

You really like adding clown clothes to your characters huh XD

[@Anamamma1]

Im subscriber number 32 919

[@justtubingby129]

... a small, portable air conditioner ?

[@ChrisHongArt]

haven't tried it, but the central air conditioning pumps in the room and it doesn't help (and everywhere else in the house is comfortable or freezing .__. )

[@robeccamartin7899]

I saw sailor moon😮

[@michaelmcewan432]

Do a patreon channel, would make you more money

[@dmaterka]

Eh. First world problems...

[@s0ne01]

Support plus ultra ya know , I like how u draw faces ,legs and arms I would like to know who influenced u and can u do a tutorial on legs?

[@ChrisHongArt]

tutorial on legs? XD that's so specific hehe but thanks!