Do Depressed Artists Make Better Art?

[@lynnclaywood4043]

I honestly really appreciate that the thumbnail is just "No".

[@immortalsun]

Same! That’s what I came here to say.

[@eliotdayley518]

Period before the parentheses.

[@article580]

That was epic

[@nickvliet4614]

I too appreciate this

[@Michael-ml6ii]

“No.”*

[@derdurstbursch]

do EMOTIONALLY MOVED artists make better art? YES. Sadness and troubles in life give you stories and feelings to express. But so do positive emotions.

[@pyrefly7575]

Yeah check Linkin Park , emotionally struggling people make really heavy emotional pieces , if you were a teenager in 2004 you just felt like Linkin Park spoke to your heart and your teenage pain , while more "wholesome pieces" can be enjoyable aswell but in a different way like for example the Beatles

[@americanteehee5699]

True! You can express yourself even better than people who are not as emotional. No matter if it is through art/ writing etc. . Creativity in general is really good for people who are emotional, because it calms them down a lot. They focus more on what they do at the moment than what is going on around them. I think if emotional people wouldn't be creative they would spend way more time overthinking. At least that's what I did/do, but I know lots of people who are more into the creative part and they also struggle with overthinking. ^^

[@Agrarius24]

On a lighter note horniness drives my production

[@zeffery101]

yes but I think it comes from a place of deep introspection, which happy people can have as well. and sad people may not have. A lot of shit I see online when it comes to "depressed art" is basically very superficial stuff that screams I need attention.

[@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043]

Yes but theres is a value to being sad and troubled sometimes, depresión isnt good at all but having some negative emotions sometimes does make you better at somethings and it does make you feel more alive, or at least it does to me It's ok to Say that depression is allways Bad, thats true but yo Say that You shouldn't ever feel sad ir that You should allways avoid it is wrong

[@Deezsenz]

Depression kills motivation. Never have I ever woke up feeling like shit and had my mind instantly jump to creating something. Maybe that’s just me.

[@Jade-ck2db]

I have the same thing, Everytime I have an depressive episode, I just want to lay in bed and do nothing... 🙃

[@Deezsenz]

I think what happens is an artist will make some sort of commentary on depression and every one assumes that’s the place they were in when they worked on it, when in actuality they are just pulling from past experiences or feelings.

[@ennuiwolf]

Totally feel this. I used to draw a whole lot as a kid, but during my adolescence went through terrible depression and stopped drawing. It's only now that I feel purposeful again that my joy in drawing has returned.

[@peachpaty8873]

I can understand. For me, there were periods of time where I didn't want to draw for months, and if I did draw something, I would feel unmotivated to finish it, and unmotivated to improve my art. I'm getting better now tho, and I'm trying to draw at least once a day, even if it's just a sketch, because art is my hobby and what I want to do for a living. I hope you'll be able to find your motivation too, in the near future.

[@klltsun_2576]

Yeah, same here. Despression can mean those that interests you no longer does. Nothing excites you and everything is pointless. When I was depressed there would be (disturbing and depressing) images in my head, sure, but I didn't actually have the energy to draw anything.

[@zachariahapollyon]

art teacher: "Your too happy to be a good artist." Bob Ross: "Am i a joke to you?"

[@Miju001]

Bob Ross is too good for this world

[@duperele]

Bob Ross was a good painter but a bad artist

[@Azrielfiend]

duperele1998 uh oh!!! Your comment stinks!!!

[@nenidetic]

@@sourmiIk what did they say? the comment is gone lol

[@diegovallejo3448]

Bob Ross actually struggled with various situations that made him quite miserable during his life. The fact that he was the maximun expresion of kindness only makes him an even more outstanding human being

[@clochard4074]

Romanticism fetishized the image of the struggling artist, the unappreciated genius, the unfinished work. Maybe one day we will move on.

[@jero37]

The romanticism movement was full of shit.

[@MariaLuiza-tp2dc]

Yeah, there are a lot of myths or just lies that we just believe because of the old artists, like the primary colors

[@Scroteydada]

The romantic movement was a wave of entightled reactionary crybabies and full of fecal matter

[@OdaKa]

@@MariaLuiza-tp2dc Primary colors?

[@MariaLuiza-tp2dc]

@@OdaKa Yeah, people still believe that they are red, yellow and blue But they actually are magenta, cyan and yellow and this does apply to paintings, digital art, markers, etc.

[@Ehh97]

That art teacher needs to be freaking fired. Encouraging depression (no matter the intent) is straight up dangerous and should not be teaching.

[@pikaboo623]

For real I second you

[@fuad2634]

Fitting profile pic btw

[@YourFriendlyShapeShifterFriend]

Ya But wat with your pfp

[@sashabagdasarow497]

That might be an actual crime too, btw

[@drunkshinx]

@@sashabagdasarow497 it should be imo

[@SynStarr]

My depression has actually discouraged me from making art because of the aforementioned disadvantages of 1.) Putting your work out there to be judged and 2.) My mentality that my work is not good enough and will never be good enough. So in conclusion.... um....

[@trijacz9814]

yes exactly

[@lilywhitetouhou]

You're right!

[@dantyl3175]

True

[@GeeztJeez]

Hey atleast you make something, I didn't, I can't, I wish I can draw like anyone else

[@Rocketblast0]

This is so true

[@tapikabu2536]

When you're depressed you find things that you love less exciting and fun. Same for drawing, at list for me.

[@foxygrin]

That's the scariest thing about depression to me

[@janiceithink4748]

I've been feeling like this for so long. I've always wondered why did my motivation suddenly drop out of nowhere.

[@tapikabu2536]

@@janiceithink4748 yep it happens to everyone, especially in puberty

[@zephyrash]

I still find interest in art, more than ever actually. I may be losing interest in other things, but I love art. It makes me happy.

[@missnoneofyourbusiness]

I hate to be this person but: This came out scarily on time.

[@OO0RI]

miyesh same here-

[@KeripiK_CTMM]

yes, here too

[@arianamarie8442]

You're not alone.

[@Ziialan]

@miyesh , we feel you.

[@randomish4285]

Same

[@CallistaHooper]

As an artist with clinical depression, I love how you clarified that the appeal of artwork about depression is the Honesty that goes into it.

[@bob-xb3nh]

@ɮօʊռċɛ օʄʄ it starts out small and you might not even notice it at first

[@CallistaHooper]

@ɮօʊռċɛ օʄʄ not sure if I understand the question correctly, but it can happen without specific inciting events, and continues for a long period of time. just another way of saying 'major depressive disorder'

[@applewithsword616]

so main goal of succesfull artist life is: being a furry?

[@nedinnis6752]

In this era: yep. That's why porn artists are doing so good, you gotta know where the whales are.

[@applewithsword616]

@@nedinnis6752 time reject my humanity for money I guess

[@nedinnis6752]

@Ali Rodriguez I know what you mean, though I'm not exactly implying that. In industries like gaming and art, you have "whales" who can support the entire thing and pay ludicrous amounts of money for commissions and micro transactions. In this case, furry porn attracts the rich sexual furries, and supports your local artist, just like you have mobile addicts who pay absurd amounts of money for a virtual character in phone game. The average person won't necessarily be a big part of this industry, since they are the "small fry" of this analogy.

[@beepist5000]

@Ali Rodriguez Only 10%. Your delusional.

[@Arkivalry]

Technically... Yes U get alot of money being a furry. Im sure those fursuits arent cheap. Someone made a freaking robot fursuit linked with an app and everything.

[@GeeztJeez]

"Being depressed is no good, take an onion" - Shrek EDIT: I just realized that most tasty food out there used onion

[@motttta]

I just bought two onions today! Or is this a bad thing? Should I have taken only one?

[@an2qzavok]

Give one to a friend.

[@eintga]

@@an2qzavok share a LaYeR or tWo!

[@1-800-suicide]

Taki for a spilt second, I thought you meant to peel off a thin layer of the onion and give it to ur friend.... whoops

[@shrekisthebestfranchiseand5032]

randomly weird ideas onions are great

[@CarlsCozyCorner]

My best friend is literally the farthest from depressed a person can be and her art is incredible

[@leafar8272]

Maybe she is depressed an it Just doesn't shows

[@iggyterino9864]

excuse me? pardon me? this person was saying their friend is the happiest person they can be and you HAVE to comment that. ha, wow.

[@martijnsgameportel1]

@@CarlsCozyCorner tell em

[@Scroteydada]

Apparently I'm terrible at hiding my depression so I'd be inclined to believe Carleigh

[@ghastlymainframe5194]

@@leafar8272 I hope something shits in your cereal

[@Samata94]

Read a book about El Greco and the Author was really big on the "to suffer is to understand art" and the first pages just went on and on about how sad Greco's life where, how he suffered and how that is why he achieved true understanding of art and that you can never be a real artist if you haven't suffered. I stopped reading after that. Van Gogh, the poster child of "depression makes good art" is a constantly miss used example. He did the best art when he was OUT of his depressive episodes and one can argue that we would have had more Van Gogh art had he been treated. You should never deliberately stay depressed or sabotage your happiness and it will not make you a better artist. Teaching people they aren't sad enough is beyond unethical.

[@Jules_Pew]

Yes. I was thinking van Gogh too. A lot of his art is gloriously happy and yet he wasn't. So by all accounts he wasn't true to himself. LOL.

[@chrom0xide123]

Some people do art to escape depression, so I understand if these do happy stuff. But on the other hand I would not describe van gogh‘s stuff as happy. It‘s just colorful.

[@SideEffects297]

what if van Gogh couldn'd find happiness in things in life while he was depressed and the only way was to show it in his art?

[@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043]

Yes, but that doesnt mean feeling sad some few times is Bad, i do try to be happy but if i'm going yo be sad anyways, id rather use that as inspiración if i can, i think depression is useless but i don't think having negative emotions is, i don't think se van generalise on that

[@slimetank394]

@@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043 depression isn't "useless", it's a mental Illness, it's straight up harmful.

[@rainbowdemon5033]

"who are these people trying to fool? we all know happiness doesn't exist" I didn't need to be called out like that,,,

[@noice2606]

City Melody smooth

[@hexexists]

City Melody is this your cryptic way of saying that you don't want to exist or am i overlooking things

[@TeasilaNova]

@@hexexists yeah, I don't think Melody was talking abou my state of happiness five days ago x'D

[@justarandomperson345]

Neither did I AH-

[@DragoonBoom]

"When you're depressed everything that's not depressing doesn't feel real" OH NO I've felt the exact same thing so many times now, it's the worst

[@drunkshinx]

Yeah.

[@peppermint5117]

my entire childhood, i always hated happy people, i only recently figured out why. happy families just repulsed me, imagine actually being who you want to be edit: sorry for inserting myself into everything just vented a bit ig

[@wunderwalze]

I’m not depressed but I’ve been feeling really down the last couple months, sometimes I look at my little brothers and knowing that what’s a painful day for me is happy and exciting for them makes it a little easier. Sometimes

[@oceanusprocellarum6853]

“Everything that isn’t depressing just doesn’t feel real” damn.

[@drunkshinx]

Yeah. I think that was a sadly very accurate description.

[@katenikii]

People just don’t see when artists shift from depression to overcoming it and using emotional experience in art

[@Triunity4]

Ekaterina Nikiforova look if one is truly depressed. you dont get over it. you live with it. anything else and youre just sad

[@nenidetic]

@@Triunity4 even chronic depression can go away after a while, it just takes some work. also, people can have depressive episodes or feel depressed for a short time. seasonal depression is a thing too. don't act like there's only one type of depression.

[@nenidetic]

@Michael Pelton well, actually, I think you're right. I'd probably have to rephrase that. but it's definitely not something you can't help at all, like the first reply is implying.

[@nenidetic]

@Michael Pelton oh, great! yeah, I also get pissed when people get defensive, so I try not to be either lol.

[@Lundy.Fastnet.Irish_Sea]

@Michael Pelton It depends on the cause if depression. Some people have the actual clinical depression, but there may be other diagnoses that are more temporary, like postpartum depression for example.

[@ellarina5674]

"Trying to communicate by art is the equivalent of stripping naked" Can't express how true this is

[@dorarandom7870]

Honestly, the most touching art comes after depression. In that phase when you don't want to be sad anymore but this time, you're motivated to do something. Slowly but surely, you start to appreciate yourself more. Start seeing some great things you missed about yourself. The feeling of starting to love yourself more is one of the best joys there is.

[@luna010]

I 100% agree with this but I am definitely somewhat biased as I am currently in that phase.

[@takemetoyonk]

mattias you're the first person in a video I've seen that acknowledges the expenses furries save up for merch and art commissions

[@takemetoyonk]

@@Trailtracker that was relevant and spot on until the last part haha. i mean there is a lot of trashy art but everyone makes that. trashy furry art is just extra memorable i guess

[@takemetoyonk]

@@Trailtracker I see that too. It's just a hunch for me but I think the eccentricity of the fandom attracts more toxic people than usual because something is almost "allowing" it to be that way. It's hard being open around art colleagues and people that I'm a total furry, still

[@pyrrehraus6571]

@@takemetoyonk I was just reading your last sentence, and I couldn't understand the message you were trying to convey through it. I am genuinely curious about what you had to say, so if you have time, could you rephrase that? Like the sentence didn't make much sense

[@silverdededestruction2197]

I remember lots of furry commisioners working in hospitals as surgeons, doctors, nurses and other high paying jobs. It left me scared

[@takemetoyonk]

@@silverdededestruction2197 why so?

[@gdlizy]

I think that becoming depressed AND THEN overcoming it is what make the art style really great. It's not the condition that made good art, but the experience.

[@yeseniadiaz9834]

When I'm depressed, i hate everything i make... sooo

[@Nobody-uo2eo]

Relatable

[@GeeztJeez]

Can relate

[@littlebopeep]

Yup

[@jamesharbor4893]

Looking at my art sure does make me depressed though.

[@jwwwun]

Holy shit...

[@captlanc]

Depression doesn't make me a great artist, it made me want to *kill myself*. I love this. I'll be quoting this to everyone lol

[@sophiaglass2000]

Depression made me stop drawing altogether so I already had reservations about this idea...

[@imogencarney3421]

That last part about how when you're depressed everything not depressing doesn't seem real is absolutely true. I had depression around a year ago which I'm now out of and I remember thinking how stupid simple happy things were how much joy can come from a smile from a stranger or seeing a flower or looking at the sky just good things that dont require money, effort or real time.

[@Triunity4]

Imogen Carney sounds like you were just really extra sad. depression isnt something you can just work on to get out of. you people really like to toss the word depression around. i wish real depression would hit all of you like a brick to the face at high speeds.

[@imogencarney3421]

@@Triunity4 oh I'm sorry I was unaware that you knew me and everything to do with what happened in my life last year. Maybe think before posing something so disgusting, wishing depression on people like you're better than everyone else get over yourself.

[@imogencarney3421]

@Michael Pelton again, you dont know me? You can't read my mind? What exactly is it about my comment that make you think I "woke up one day and felt a little bit sad" and am maliciously belittling you, who has personally suffered? Don't get me wrong here, if you're telling the truth I'm sorry about that and I hope you seek the appropriate help like I did, but then again how do I know you're not lying? I can't read your fucking mind.

[@dianak8656]

@Michael Pelton terrible opinion edit: no offense. I just think that we really shouldn't compare those things

[@dianak8656]

@Michael Pelton yeah mb with opinion. I just think that telling people who feel bad without depression that they just feel sad may hurt them bcs word "sad" sounds childish and they legitimately suffer. But maybe you just wanted to be precise and im an idiot

[@jarrellpets]

Dude depression can be debilitating and therefore a huge obstacle to ANY productivity, which includes art.

[@merrie478]

"There is so much more to you than just the depression" Thank you for this video and the words. I used to use depression as a source of my creation but now that I'm doing well mentally, all my creativity had gone and I didn't feel like drawing anymore, Its time to find a new source.

[@JordyToons]

Personally for me, I was making my animated web series (for a couple of years) while going through my worst depression and ended up with a messy series. Also it didn't help having a main character who was depressed and suicidal. I think if you're on the path of actually bettering yourself with depression you could make better art. You can build meaningful themes and really think about what is important. You can express that "honesty" and give out a good message. But if you're swimming around in your depression, just completely given up, you're just gonna come out making really negative art. You're gonna be mad and frustrated. Your message will be murky and not clear. I think using some of your depression is fine but you shouldn't be dependant on it because it is dangerous. The past year I've been working on improving my body, living a healthier lifestyle and just making big changes. Depression sucks but its just something you have to learn live with. If you're able to use it with your art without damaging the art or yourself then sweet but you must be very careful.

[@peppermint5117]

i didnt read the full comment but basically what helps me i personally really love surrealism and drawing like, really vague emotions that i cant put into words, like just my entire mood, no matter how painful it is i'll find some color that resonates, and sometimes the grey colors can look really soothing so yeah that helps me

[@user-sh3xo1gj7q]

When I was on emotional and mental low points in my life, I just shut down, spend a lot of time inside reading book after book and slept a lot. I draw the best when I have an idea, a desire to broadcast warm feelings, like two small siblings playing together with old toys. When I'm on this emotional high of wanting to share what I feel/want to feel or draw something for my friends to make them happy, I'm very creative and love every second of the process. Drawing is a source of frustration, relaxation and happiness for me. It can either make things better or worse, depending on the situation. It's an emotional outlet, but I'm the type that can't bring themselves to create anything at all when I'm... really feeling bad.

[@user-sh3xo1gj7q]

@Michael Pelton Oh I thought my comment would just get buried under all the others haha. Thank you for your reply, sharing your story and opinion as well. I can see what you mean. And I can only agree, this culture of romanticizing depression and thinking it's "trendy" is highly problematic and disrespectful towards people who are truly affected by it.

[@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043]

I certainly agree, i think it's really dificult if not imposible to do things when You áre depressed, however at least for me, negative emotions do help and i do think it's Bad to never use them imo, but thats just me and i think we shouldn't generalise

[@officialsquadrilogystudio]

Depression is actually a counteractive to Art. I know from experience. when I went through a stage of depression nothing got made.

[@officialsquadrilogystudio]

Once I finally got out of depression I finally started making art again.

[@peppermint5117]

honestly ignoring the fact that I got worse at anatomy, my understand of color SKYROCKETED (despite me feeling like i constantly have tunnel vision and can't really see color) somehow i'd just pick up the pencil and blankly stare at something while my hand does the work, it depends on what type of art you make, personally i find the act of taking a color/pattern that's near impossible to copy from the subconsious and trying to copy it is most fun. like those really dreamy shapes

[@Clever1992ton]

lol Depression is the lack of energy to bring yourself to do things which are necessary or wanted. So, the answer is no. Please, take care of yourselves.

[@TiffanyRay]

well its also a lack of emotion people with depression are usually apathetic so their enjoyment of something feels rather dull and bland

[@Triunity4]

Cleverton Santos fuck you

[@nenidetic]

@@Triunity4 what's your problem?

[@floccinaucinihilipilificat6749]

i absolutely despise the way people seem to link depression/sadness with intelligence/ability for literally no reason it does so much harm to so many people

[@commenturthegreat2915]

0:04 The only thing that requires breaking is that teacher's neck

[@xtaniwhax9655]

There was a girl in my art class that had AMAZING art, her scholarship board was just as impressive, she won her scholarship, her art was depressing obviously and in her scholar board she mentioned how this project hospitalized her. When I saw her in class every interaction with her mirrored this, there was is scary air of a broken woman in front of me. She was awarded for this and I am intimidated and scared that if I also don't show these ministries of education that I am ready to kill myself for them then I'm not good enough to succeed further as an artist

[@ronnie7557]

"Personal honesty" Bro, I really need that right now, lmao.

[@The-great-googly-moogly]

I call it the 'Zuko Effect.' Just replace 'art' with 'firebending.' Art is about passion. Passion can come from any emotion.

[@Supermike16]

"But having come out of my depression" Dude, I was asking myself the entire time if the voice I was hearing was actually you. The way you talk changed a lot since the last video I watched and I finally "recognized" you when you said that sentence. It explaines why this whole video felt so diffrent from the content I knew from you. Also, I am happy for you and wish the best. Fighting depression is not easy. Let alone beating it.

[@ghostwizard7597]

When i passed 2 months of "depression" i just found out that my art was shittier Now i actually look out for flaws, judge my work while still enjoining it and i still keep track of my friends, just a spoiler though, i'm a hobbyiest artist, so it might not work the same for ya

[@kamille286]

"When you are depressed the idea of not being depressed can be horrifying because you might become a person who is dishonest" Wow, that line hit me. I have not had depression, but I think that can apply to other things too.

[@saniberry]

Usually when I'm "sick", I got a lot of inspiration to make art, often picturing my feeling. It make me feel better for a little (and it's turned out pretty good most of the time). But, if for some reason I was forced to draw, It feels impossible to come up with an idea cause all I can think is nothing and I feel numb all the time.

[@peppermint5117]

sameee

[@helloimnothing7954]

I heard about this once. "Composing an art while being sad results to your art being deep and meaningful. " I don't agree that being sad makes your art more meaningful than being happy, either of you are happy or sad, it depends on how much effort, will, and the using of your imagination to the fullest to create a masterpiece.

[@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043]

Yes but i do think theres some use to being sad

[@tokioeee]

I think the main reason is because us artists want to create our own world because we’re unsatisfied with the world we are in now.

[@ChrisBryer]

To me, art is the creation of a thinking emotional being meant to invoke emotion in another thinking emotional being. I find this definition since i find it works best to describe it.

[@Vallee152]

2:18 the dot gave me a sense of loneliness, the sense that you are the only one and you are the one in the end who decides what happens to you.

[@belltowersubductions5104]

I’ve wanted to be able to draw for a long, long time, I want to take ideas in my noggin and turn them into tangible things, which would probably make me happy, since I’d finally have a medium to express myself, and let me say that being in a state of constant misery may be the worst possible emotional state imaginable for someone who wants to learn to draw, since anything you draw will be just as bad as the last, you’ll never get good, etc. etc. and you watch youtube all day.

[@Draconicrose]

"Because when you are depressed everything that is not depressing doesn't feel real." Well that hit right where it hurts huh?

[@plumadeicaro]

It took me years to cope with the idea of getting out of my depression and still writing. I would have loved to have this video by then, but I really hope someone can find it now useful. We as artist have to be true to our feelings, but art has to be the expression of said feelings, and not the reason of why we are the way we are. I don't know, I'm tired. I love y'all.

[@lashghost]

As someone who recently made a piece of music out of some the worst feelings/emotions I have experienced in a while, I think what stands out from it is how visceral and upfront you can be with emotions as strong as that. I couldn't find the words to really express how I was feeling accurately, and instead was able to more accurately express myself with music. I definitely agree that the purpose of art is expression/communication, and I think the reason that depression or unhappiness gets associated more with art/artists is because it stands out more as a powerful emotion than does happiness.

[@straultzee]

I just want to say, I'm glad you've come out of your depression, I hope things are going well for you, and you should be proud of yourself. Good job!

[@loganbalton2897]

I love this guy, he is my new favorite animator. He's so open and personal, but not too personal that he makes people uncomfortable, instead makes me want to keep watching his content, without it mattering how often he posts content or how poor quality his art is. His art is unique in its own way. He's also veracious, but not too veracious (impulsively honest).

[@user-kq5lb1pq6r]

as a depressed artis, no, it doesnt make you better at it. in fact it makes you worse at everything. because you're always so tired. your productivity is low, and because your brain just rejects the happy chemicals (that's how depression works), even your best pieces barely seem like an achievement. you stop enjoying things, so your art becomes forced and stagnant and uninspired. depression is the worst, i don't wish it on anyone, artist or not

[@tt004]

can confirm

[@dannythefluffstoikova4600]

0:10 I haver never heard of that type of sentence but, I never thought of being honest with your art, this is something completely new to me, and sometimes I do draw whatever I feel at the moment, like one example I had that school ended and I'm just bursting in happiness... And I agree with the comments here, that depression can kill your motivation, to the point where you don't want to draw...

[@Total_DuDe]

I remember being depressed myself. I used to work as a janitor for the schools and one thing I noticed is that I would never accept a compliment. Usually the teachers would thank me for cleaning up their room, I would say “oh thanks” but I would more or less ignore them. I would be thinking; “They probably don’t mean it, if they did, it’s only to make you feel better so you can clean their room faster. They are only nice to you because you are doing a service for them.” However I would always get harsh criticism from my co-workers. Hey you missed this, you forgot that, you did a shitty job. I would always immediately accept that because, they were right. I did do a bad job, I am a shitty person. I should just go home and give up on life. Eventually I did what had to be done, I left that job. Took some time off, and am now in a career college learning networking. Making friends, and learning about what I actually want to do.

[@devastatheseeker9967]

The only thing people do better while depressed is...nothing. like actually just not doing anything.

[@rileykislevski9604]

His honesty is really what makes his videos, or should I say art, so relatable and inspiring to watch. Today on youtube, instagram and every social media most people try to show all the fun and happy parts of their lives, leaving out some of the real and hard parts. This channel's videos are interesting, but the personality and truth behind it is what stands out and made me subscribe.

[@smelly4498]

i think any powerful emotion can drive creativity and create beautiful works, but it just so happens a lot of famous artists for one reason or another struggled with the negative ones. and over time people began to idolize the “sacrifice” that went into emotional pieces while forgetting there’s a real person behind it.

[@EveloGrave]

I am no artist but I do suffer from genetic depression. I am glad people who have temporary depression are able to break free from it. This disease is a curse I wouldn't wish on anyone.

[@alexathegator]

My art teacher encouraged me to draw what I felt when I began getting severely depressed, then he'd call my artworks tacky and misguided. I wasn't able to find a coherent aesthetic for this developing negative mental state I found myself in, and I felt judged not only for failing with self-expression but also having this state of mind. Since then I struggle with my professional work and finding the divide between personal and inauthentic; all my expressions feel tacky to me now, even if my client couldn't care less about what >I< think of my work. Drawing your feelings out will not fix them, especially if you decide to share that art with others. It's good to keep some things to yourself, you don't have to blame yourself for not drawing everything straight from your heart. You have the right to keep whatever's going on in your head private, you owe it to nobody.

[@aqua-b7r]

I could write a huge paragraph about how the ‘depressed artist’ is romanticised, but I’ll try to write something short. I think a lot of art that people perceive as ‘created during depression’ was actually created during a more stable period, just containing the IDEAS present in a depressive episode. I can paint/write about a bad week when I feel better; and it might communicate those feelings but I couldn’t have made it if I was going through them at the time. Idk just an idea.

[@malcolmholliday9710]

You make some of the most meaningful and thoughtful videos on KZbin. Lol I still watch "A Man Goes to the Store to Buy Milk" every once in a while and I still cry

[@notlunalust]

I thought this was really well made, really made me think about my own opinions on Depression and Art. I never necessarily thought they *had* to be connected, but I guess I sort of assumed that all artists were sort of faulted on the inside. But just because all artists are weird doesn't mean that it's exactly their weirdness that inspires them to draw; everyone's got different reasons and they're all valid.

[@stephaniec.5502]

As someone who is currently undergoing depression and anxiety, and who started to write poems again exactly in this terrible phase of my life, this is very refreshing to hear... Thank you 💚. I hope you're still feeling better right now!

[@annaharrington8397]

Whenever I’m in a “mood” I tend to lock myself in my room for a few days and just draw, and draw.

[@ash_studios3374]

I used to be depressed (I still sorta am but I’m better now) And ever since I realized as to why I was depressed I decided to fix it, and now I’m so much happier since I did. I’ve also realized when looking at my art that I have improved a lot more than I did back then, because a lot of my art or things like animation that I wanted to work on normally ended up uncomprehending, or lazily done. For anyone who is depressed, I just want to say that whatever you are doing through it will get better, you just have to wait, but not just wait, acknowledge what is making you depressed and if possible fix it. I was depressed because I was forced to move from America to japan! On the other side of the world pretty much! I lost all my friends and family which were people who I couldn’t leave behind or it would break me, and it did. I was 9 at the time and my family and friends were everything to me. So when I lost them I shut down, learning a different language was difficult and made me cry every night cause of how lonely I felt. This year somewhere in March I finally decided to make the decision to move back home after 4 years of suffering, my bad grades when I was in japan went UP by A LOT. I have many friends now, I feel comfortable where I am, and all my family is always neat by. It took me 4 years to realize what I should’ve done long ago. So like I said, it takes time. You have to be patient, but also fine the reason as to why you are feeling depressed

[@secretlyditto7716]

If I want to make good art then I need to cut my ear off.

[@childofgod759]

Lmaoo

[@sidneywade2454]

wait what

[@ratbat1072]

I'm 14 and this is deep

[@ridhosamudro2199]

Isn't he just cut a bit of his earlobe? Or you already cut your whole ear?

[@nenidetic]

is this a van gogh joke

[@friendlygrotesque2941]

finally someone spoke up about that... romancizing image of a depressed artist is extremaly toxic. ive come to the point when i feel bad for feeling happy and this video really helped me. thank you

[@PhoenAstra]

My art teacher in high school told me to use my depression for my art. Looking back on it, I wish she never said that because it gave me an unhealthy mindset.

[@FriedFreya]

"Art is communication." Yes, definitely a noble definition. I look back at cave paintings, and it's... our ancestors have been documenting for literal centuries. Art was the gateway to written language.

[@nessunodiniente7417]

Emotions are extremely correlated to arts...from sadness, anger, happyness... they give you inspiration, but depression is another thing, depression kill motivation

[@camomillegdrx5111]

I love that part when you talked about how being depressed makes you think that "everything that isn't depressing isn't real", with the example of the happy song on the radio ; I really feel that. Art (in any form) has always been my reason to live since I was a kid and I started to make art "seriously" (I mean not only to pass the time, but to express something and maybe share my art) at 11 (I'm 19 now). The problem is : as far as I can remember, I've always been depressed. I'm not gonna tell my full backstory here but my art always turned around very deep, sad, personal topics and even tho people around me tell me that the art itself is good, they often criticize this "depressing" aspect too. What I mean is that many people tell me things like "but why don't you try to express joyful things in your art ?", and the truth is because I don't WANT to. Because I see no real point to express feelings that I don't even feel, I don't want to lie, I want to stay true to myself. Yes I do experience joyful moments sometimes, but it's like I don't see any benefit in turning these happy feelings into art, I just.. don't feel like it, it simply doesn't inspire me at all, and my question is..: could that really prevent me to, someday, live from my art ?

[@ZILtoid1991]

Depression and anxiety prevents me from doing art, however it was a great source behind my writing. Too bad I want to write manga influenced comic books instead of novels, and no artist is crazy enough to work on a series that's longer than a few chapters.

[@leafar8272]

I disagree. I love psychological manga and wish there were more of it, and extensive ones, so i don't read the whole thing in one night.

[@Ehh97]

Well if you can't find an artist, I still say you should make your comic, because while bad writing can't save good art, good writing can save bad art. I mean just look at the manga artist One. He could barely draw when he made his first webcomic, and he still became HUGELY popular, because his writing was good and he kept pushing himself regardless. And never underestimate artists, we're always crazy enough. :P

[@ZombiBunni_]

This is so well worded. I used to be sad because my best works came from anger, pain, sadness, anxiety, overwhelm... I’d been struggling as a neurodivergent, perfectionist, people-pleaser; and so I most often truly *felt* those upsetting emotions, which was why I could express said emotions so well. I tried to make happier art, but it never turned out the way I wanted. I couldn’t figure out why... But just as you said, art is communication, and so honest expression helps elevate one’s art by a lot (particularly the “high communication” type). It wasn’t until I *personally* started to experience more happiness, excitement, love, & comfort that my art was able to convey those feelings more beautifully. My father, who is also an artist, reminds me often about how important personal experience is to art. I hope this reaches more people, I hope that they can express their true feelings without fear and experience more beautiful things that they’d like to share. You never know who your art will touch or how much it might mean for them to see it. Maybe you will be able to convey with your art what they could not find a way to convey with their words. 💖 Maybe you can become someone’s inspiration to pursue art or happiness or an experience for themselves.

[@dulceratoncita]

I feel like it can go either way, some people might feel like they're depression actually fuels their creativity while others might treat art as more of a treatment for depression. I can tell from personal experiences that art actually helped me deal with my depression but I didnt necessarily used it as a subject matter in my work. Either way all artists have the potential to create beautiful pieces of art no matter what their state of mind is uwu

[@lilywhitetouhou]

Yeah it really depends on individual person.

[@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043]

This. I think it's imposible to generalise, i don't think anyone needs depression to make good set but i don't think we should allways avoid sad or negative emotions, but i think it's something that Will allways depend from person to person, i think the best advice is to SEE what works for You and only see others opinions as advice

[@teclinsoro4523]

i have *never* drawn well when i was in a depressive episode

[@joel4225]

First thing I saw was N O

[@Hunterb0t12]

Being an art major in college and not liking my own work because of being depressed, I was surprised by what you said about depressing artists. I cannot thank you enough for this being in my recommended. From now on, I'm going to try and steer clear of using my depression as a muse and will create art with honesty. And here I thought depression made artists better... THANK YOU

[@joeloliver2279]

In elementary school I had a really “edgy” phase and my art teacher was like “you’re going to be a great artist” Little did she know that I just doodled over the base picture because I didn’t care about her “art theory” I quit art class just as soon as it wasn’t required

[@Virtualtalia]

I’ve recently come out of my depression in the past month, which was something I feared of doing when I was at my lowest point. As you said in the video, I was afraid that being happy was just constantly forcing yourself to never have a negative thought. I became comfortable with feeling empty, and any moment of happiness felt intangible. Having come out of my depression, I can say that I am doing much better art wise, than I was when I was depressed. My life is much better in general. It feels nice to not constantly feel tired all the time, and actually have the motivation to do things I enjoy. To anyone reading this who is currently struggling, I know it may sound cheesy, but you can get through it. I believe in you.

[@AegisAuras]

This also brings up another question relative to emotional states of being: what is honesty? If I feel depressed but am desperately trying to feel better, then which is the more honest version of myself, the one that’s currently depressed, or the one that I want to be inside and will likely become in the future, a happier version of myself? That future, happier version of myself was so sought after and so essential to my being that I was willing to change much of my mind and actions in order to obtain it. Is that not a more honest and genuine version of myself that it’s promise caused me to pursue it with such zeal? I think there’s much honesty in striving to be the version of yourself you want to be, the version your soul recognizes as proper and fitting, rather than merely settling for where you find yourself currently. I see that as a pursuit of a truer, higher self. That in of itself is a form of honesty.

[@gur262]

Honesty is when I paint that girl that broke my heart with lots of symbolism all around and after begging me to explain some random other art students interprets that I'm a bad guy and I regret explaining a single thing.

[@6r1mM]

Depression had me avoiding writing for months...Even now, with my meds and all the ups and downs, it's really hard to me to feel in the mood even to read for inspiration. I'm currently writing two stories as I'm feeling better :) Depression just makes you hate everything about you, even what you love

[@realquirky]

Just waking up from my depression nap after spending all night drawing. Thanks, dude, right on time.

[@specialknees6798]

Depressive episodes for me can be a source of great inspiration in that I want to be able to manifest what I feel externally. During the episode itself though, It’s impossible to find motivation to get out of bed much less create art

[@mustabulus]

Funnily enough I really started getting into art when I was diagnosed and getting help for issues, but heres the thing: *I was flourishing not because I was severely mentally ill, I was flourishing because I was recovering and getting through it* That's the misconception with people, in my mind art was actually a therapeutic exercise that helped me get through it all, and that's what makes it so saddening now because one thing that helped me is now kinda stressful. Please seek help if you are suffering from something, that shit can and will kill you.

[@tmanthepseudophilosopher9526]

It’s important to remember that if you don’t forget what it was like to be depressed after you stop being depressed. The difference is now you know what it’s like to struggle through that pain, and can now look back on those times with a new, and quite frankly, much more insightful perspective. Working to try and not be depressed enriches ever part of who you are as person, and I think that can really shine through in a persons art.

[@Gatinois]

Anything can be use as inspiration. Strong feeling are simply better. Love, hate, depression, same shit.

[@wahlawigi9572]

thanks for being honest about your depression, I can say that I've been struggling with the thought of not actually being depressed and just looking for a reason to pity myself

[@OPTIMUMELITE]

I feel that they do. It's less about depression and more about your emotion. If you have that emotional energy behind your Art it will show trust me. When I was super depressed I was in my fine arts course and I would procrastinate to complete my work and it always got many compliments. I'm no professional either. Either emotions or something else. But for some reason my Artwork was noticed and I was in a class with people that were pretty solid at drawing real life things.

[@shytendeakatamanoir9740]

The common mistake is to think depression equal sadness, or negative thoughts. And that's not true. Depression is the dulling of all emotions. And as such, it ends up dulling your art as well.

[@afaz4070]

We get ideas for our artwork by our own experience in life, random thoughts and inspiration from other artists. And yes I agree with your statement there...

[@herzen9857]

So, basically: Draw for furries to get money.

[@herzen9857]

@Probably Buddha tbh it doesn't even need to be nsfw but true. Generally it's the adults that have money.

[@TryinaD]

I can’t even draw furry anymore I started drawing animals too late and only with realism lmao

[@herzen9857]

@@TryinaD oh lol. It's never too late to learn though. But tbh i get it if you don't feel like it

[@netherwaves]

thank you for this video. this is something i've been pondering over in the past months as a musician and singer-songwriter, specifically trying to find a middle ground between performance anxiety and the will to get better through communicative art. though i definitely agree that depression is in no way a driving force of its own when making art, i think there's a correlation to be made as soon as you've taken a step back and are able to understand & express your own feelings in retrospect (personal honesty) instead of willfully forcing them on yourself for the cause (absolute honesty bordering dishonesty). but it's true that not all art HAS to be motivated by depression and negative emotions tl;dr make art to try and feel better, not to stay depressed

[@schizoframia4874]

5:20 this is one of the realest thing i ever heard lmfao

[@lichemnn]

Well I mean first of all, my depression has kind of stopped me from doing art, it reallly really stopped me, I just lost motivation for everything, and I used to love art but then I just gave up because the anxiety of failing or people and especially myself thinking I’m bad was so overwhelming, I’m doing some art but it’s still just this huge effort, this is different for everyone, some people struggling with mental illnesses do art as an escape and something to distract them from their problems

[@legrandliseurtri7495]

I like how straightforward this is LMAO.

[@cope_induced]

Hate to be that person but, most of these people (in the comment section) experienced depression and anxiety, therefore; lacking the motivation they need to create something. I want them to know that, those days of negative emotions will eventually be over. I cant assure you when but it will, so hang on and when it's over you're now more able to create something beautiful.

[@user-wn5gj8em1g]

Melancholy, sadness, sardonic cynical mood, longing and so on actually can be inspiring. But it all has nothing to do with depression, it is mental illness not emotion.

[@melonowl333]

THIS. this is the thing that's been chasing me the most. The idea of becoming dishonest/self-obsessed if I'd gain more confidence/happiness. You spoke right outta my soul, thanks man.

[@creepycheese4446]

No in fact it’s worst,how do I know? :experience

[@maevem316]

I hate this idea so much, mainly because as a depressed artist myself the three years of my life where my depression was worst produced absolutely no art, and now that I'm recovering I use art to make me feel HAPPY. The idea that I should go back into that awful place just to make my art better for others is so shitty. I create for myself first and foremost and I don't care if depressed art WAS all perfect masterpieces and happy art was all shallow and untalented, not feeling like I want to die constantly is worth so much more than other people's opinions on something I love. You want depressing art? Get depressed and make it yourself, artists don't live for your appreciation. (Nevermind the fact that my actual skills got worse because of my depression keeping me from practicing)