Overcoming Burnout - Rediscovering a Lost Passion

Me and my Partner Braivety make merch! Pins/Prints/Dice and lots of Dragons
www.etsy.com/shop/SpecAndBreb...
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This is my personal experience with intense burnout and my long long journey to get out of it. I'm still feeling the motions of trying to keep guilt at bay when drawing again. And I don't think I'll ever draw as frequently as I usto. and I'm learning that That Is Okay.
It's kinda crazy that at the time of recording all of these little videos over the years-- I never would have thought I'd use them all as clips. It's almost like the last 4 years of me living my life was all building up to create this video. Which is really neat.
Art sucks sometimes and if you feel that way. Chances are you might be burned out. :C As it shouldn't suck normally.
Burnout comes in manmy forms. Mine was mainly linked with Art. but my art links to VideoGames and my KZbin. So I kinda lost all three... Everything that I said in this video could totally be applied for my love for youtube and gaming as well. It's why I've only been posting recently and finally starting to play new games like I mention in the video. And I hope that tells anyone that watches this that this doesn't just apply to Artist burnnout. It can be any passion that you have. My journey just so happen to be the loss of passion for art. but Burn Out can be ANYTHING. So even if you are not a artist and you watch this I hope it helps and speaks to you.
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Music:
- Onett - EarthBound OST
- Exhale - Celeste OST
- Madeline and Theo - Celeste OST
- All the Days ahead - Slime Rancher 2 OST
- Hunter's Dream - BloodBorne OST
- Death by Glamour - Undertale OST
- Quiet Water - Undertale OST
- Bardock's Theme - DragonBall FighterZ OST (DBFZ 💙)
- Dirtmouth - Hollow Knight OST
- Stella's Departure - Spiritfarer (I don't htink I use this song but just incase)
- Wisdom of Rage - Furi OST
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KZbinr's featured in this video:
- Ethan Becker / @ethanbecker70
- Joshua Weissman / @joshuaweissman
- Basics with Babish / channel
- Casual Geographic / @mndiaye_97
- Daryl Talks Games / @daryltalksgames

[@cemiller]

Thanks for this video it seems like I'm on the right track. I got heavy into crochet and back into writing while i try to recover from the burn out. I've tried doodling a little bit and I've been looking into trying a more digital painting style and maybe trying to make cutesy sanrio like graphic art. But I'm super happy my comment inspired the video! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for you advise both in your reply on the comment and in this video. Ps. You did say my user name right!

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Oh that's so great!!! Yeah keep going! looks like we are taking similar paths! I know it's working for me so far and I hope it is for you. if it isn't keep going! It's hard but it gets easier as the days go by little by little. 💙 Yeah! Thank you for asking! It really sparked me wanting to talk about it. Thank you! ps. Nailed it 💪

[@RicardoHipper]

Ah Melons, it's always a treat to see you anytime. As a fellow artist myself, your experience resonated with me. Perhaps I shall follow these steps myself.

[@SpectroliteAAA]

We are all on our own jouneys. I know our experiences and sources of burnout are different, but I'm glad the video spoke to you and I hope it helps you on your journey. 🩵✨️

[@missingarrows1022]

I never write comments on KZbin but your video here really resonated with me on a deep level. I want to give you my sincere thanks for making this video. I've been (and still) struggling with art block for years, since 2018. A lot of the steps you mentioned are what I've been putting off for so long. I didn't know I needed to hear all this until it brought me to tears. I remember I bought a poster from you at Taiyou Con years ago; I still have it on my wall. I really appreciate the time and dedication you put towards this video, because it truly has helped me find hope in my creative self again. I'm so happy that you've found new passions, made time for yourself and for self discovery! Thank you again❤

[@SpectroliteAAA]

😭🩵 aw man, I'm sorry you're going through it rough. Mine started around 2018 as well. Its crazy that my youtube channel has literal documentation of me in the full heat of the burn out. (Tho I turned most of this videos on unlisted now...) And I'm still fighting those inner demons about guilt when not drawing, or trying to uphold my art to a standard of production, but it's getting easier to distance those thoughts and enjoy it slowly but surely again. I'm sure I'll be battling it for years, but these steps have all helped me a ton, and so even if I'm not completely out of the woods yet, I knew telling my story so far, could help someone. And I'm really glad it can help you. 🩵💙🩵 I'm finding the more I follow these steps and remind myself to have fun and not worry about expectations (like an upload schedule for example) the easier it gets. So I hope that instills hope.🩵 It's hard everyday, but it gets easier as I work on it. So it makes me hopeful that oneday it'll be easy again. And I hope the same for you. 💙🩵💙 Hang in there. Thanks for sticking around and being there from the start. 💙 means a lot.

[@strannik_dogdia]

There is no emotional burnout, it's just that you get less dopamine and serotonin. I can help you if you are willing to stop feeling sorry for yourself.For free, the main thing is that you pull me up a little in English, the way you communicate in it, I think it won't be difficult for you. Or you can keep writing about your problems so that they feel sorry for you and do nothing about it.

[@soursaru]

loved your speedpaints back in undertale times and i resonate with this so much😭 thank you for making this video and best wishes for you❤

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Thank you sticking around and being there back in the day. I'm so glad it video spoke to you. 🩵✨️ hang in there.

[@FMOptimist]

Getting caught between personal art, commissions, college, and trying to exercise more all with an adhd brain this video really helps as a reminder that its just, okay to stop doing something for as long as you want and to move on, that's something just really human I kinda forgot to embrace. Here's to you, cemiller and everyone else this resonates to finding love in art again with plenty rest and self appreciation as we go :)

[@toffeebeantable]

I've been watching your videos since I was in middle school for your undertale speedpaints and animatics, and now I am a senior about to head to artschool. You were one of the BIGGEST inspirations to me, animation, artstyle, compositions, and you still are to this day even if I'm not interested in the same medias you've been painting. At first I wanted to create webcomics as my job but now have shifted into wanting to become a storyboarder, and that was almost purely because of you. You impacted my life in a lot of ways with your art and just general personality and you are I think like the only person I still look up to the same amount from middle school. I've always been afraid of artblock and thinking maybe I shouldn't be pursuing art as a career if I was so prone to short burnouts and artclock, but I also can't fathom doing anything else as a career (I'm not interested in like any other job field at all) but seeing as you were able to still thrive all these years without art gives me confidence that even if I burn out or get massive artblocks, I can still continue to live and thrive and find some other ways to survive until I can get my motivation and inspiration again. This video came to me on my feed when I was at a really low point and just seeing how well you are made me feel a lot better. Just, thank you for being you and being such an amazing artist and person and making this video.

[@SpectroliteAAA]

😭🩵💙🩵 wow. I wish I had tge words to describe how much your message made my day. 🥺 God, that means so much to me. I'm so honored I left such an impact. You and everyone who would watch my vids back in the made a massive impact today. I was finishing up on my transfer credits in community College and was just about to apply for art school, but thanks to you guys and conventions, I was able to just skip that and become an artist independently. So thank YOU! I'm sorry I had to step back for so long. So thanks for not forgetting about me. 🩵😭 I think it's awesome you want to storyboard! That's what I always knew I wanted to do as well! Ironically, I never wanted to be an animator. Lol too much work. Storyboarding is wonderful cuz you still get to create the scene and most general cinematography, without burning out every second of animation. I know other true animators don't burn out as fast, but haha animation doesn't fit me as well. I much more have a passion for storyboard. So I wish you luck on it! I think it's much more fun!!!! Good luck in art school!!! 💙🩵

[@ThePedroAmigo]

This is a really brutal, yet honest reflection to make. Actually managing to break away from something you love but you know deep down is hurting you can feel awful. This video just goes to prove that it can be done, and you are not less for doing so. Outstanding work.

[@kittypost3929]

Taking a ‘real’ break is something I’ve always struggled with and I’m glad to see that I’m not alone. I’m glad you made it through your art burn-out and I hope things get even better!

[@DDP_2007]

As someone who is both an artist, and a fan of your work, it is interesting to see how someone explains art burnout. I've personally only gone through art block that'd last for a few days at most, and hearing both about someone experiencing burnout, and overcoming it was really nice. Great stuff👏👏👏. PS, love the avatar you use. The design is really neat👌

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Yeah that's how it was for me in the past for the longest time before 2018 for me! So I think once I went from experiencing a typical art block, to a severe burnout, I didn't realize tye difference until I was in so deep lol I hope ypu never experience burnout on such a level, it is ass abd I'm still kinda fighting it lol I'm glad you loved the video! 🩵✨️ thanks for sticking around!

[@aaronhogue1101]

I'm glad you're doing well. I hope in the future you continue to do what you want. I imagine being so successful with a passion and a talent made you feel like it was a calling. You have an awesome voice. Your video here was obviously worked on, written, re-written, and edited a ton. You're a very talented gamer, musician, and you're a very pure soul. Imposter syndrome comes for us all. You deserve your successes, but I hope that you continue to do all the things you want to do and continue to find success in equal measure. A lot of the fans who are still here; I bet they're a good base to suppirt you no matter what and let you do whatever you want.

[@omgwillustrate8475]

I too have been on an art block for many, MANY years. It was especially hard for me because my whole life I was building myself up to get into the industry and I couldn't even get my foot in the door. My already fragile self-esteem crutched itself upon my artistic abilities, and when I saw that my two decades of studying wasn't enough because it didn't include enough digital art I felt like I had been wasting my time and had nothing else to offer. What ended up saving me was trying a different career path so I could at least put money in my pocket. At least then I wouldn't have to stake my future on a single application to an animation studio, or something. Then once I make enough money to finance my livelihood, my tech, my tools, and my continued education, I can go back to studying art so I can do it the way that works for me without the pressure of meeting anyone's standards including my own.

[@jademonass2954]

as someone who 'dropped' art for maybe half a year, its really weiird, but yea! ii feel better i dont hate art, or anything like that, but not dedicating 1-2 hours every day to drawing made so much more time for other things i wanted to do im finally able to work through my games backlogs! as you said, they kept piling on for years kekw thank you for this, you were such a big inspiration for me when i started out

[@smoldwarf1334]

Sending all love and support to you. I myself was sick for a long time and tried to hold onto art and drawing even if it wasn’t enjoyable anymore. It wasn’t fun and I was planning on doing it for life. So one moment I just dropped everything, I dropped out of art school, closed art accounts and just. Was trying to live again. To find a purpose. I started learning music, I was rummaging through hobbies like a raccoon in someone’s garden. And only after, like, 4 years I can doodle and say that I’m having fun again! And I’m happy to know that I’m not alone with the struggles, and I’m happy to hear that you are doing better. And I wish everyone on their same journeys to find, well, whatever it will be to make you happy, to make you feel alive

[@randomrulz]

I'm happy to see you're doing better. For the past few years, I've also begun wondering if I'm reaching a burnout point with my art. I don't think I have yet, I still love it and aren't sick of it yet, but the things you said in this vid does put into perspective things that I could keep in mind if that ever happened. Or maybe stuff I can try now so that it doesn't. I'm glad you're slowly getting back into art. Your channel, especially in those early days with your Undertale speedpaints, was a huge impact on me with my art and love for the fandom, and is in fact the reason I started doing digital painting. I'm still learning, but I always had you in the back of my mind whenever I did it, remembering how you did it for your speedpaints and those little tips and tricks vids you posted a few times. I'm very grateful for you sharing your passion back then, and am happy to see you still have it even until now. Thank you for the vid. I don't know if it'll make sense, but it was a reassuring one. Not sure for what, but a lot of things.

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Thank you! I'm glad my video was still helpful, And hopefully this video's advice will help you avoid it if it should ever come, just as you said.:) ✨️🩵 I'm happy ypu haven't experienced it, and I'm glad despite that, that my video still spoke to you.💙🩵💙 that means a lot. Aw man, I'm honored! That means a lot thank you for not forgetting about me. I know I don't post as often as I useto cuz I'm trying to take KZbin at my own pace, but it really does feel good to be back, and playing with all these new forms of content is so refreshing. Thank you for enjoying them. 🩵

[@Jalugi1395]

It's really good to see you again Alyssa, and to hear you talk about such a heavy subject. I've been battling my own chronic burnout since before COVID, and at times it's gotten better and then it's gotten worse again. I am very creative, but I don't think I've ever been "good" at it? Like from a career perspective. Part of that is a lack of mentoring, but also I have always drifted from one creative venture to the next without spending the time to really hone my skills. I guess I never found my "one" passion strong enough to make a career out of it. Right now I'm working in game dev as an artist. But I work on small, low budget projects because I don't have the skills to get hired at a more established studio. So many other game artists have stories of "I started learning blender 6 months ago and I just got a job at Blizzard today!" but that's never been me. My improvements have been so slow, and I've never been happy with my work. I'm starting to think I'm just not in the right field. But that thought scares me because I don't know what else to do. I have many things I love as a hobby or as an experience with friends/family, but none of them translate to careers. And the thought of a dreary 9-5 I have no interest in scares me even more. I also lost pretty much all of my support group during COVID as my friends all got new jobs that forced them to move away in all different directions across the country. It's been tough being the one who feels left behind without a solid direction in life. I'm sorry for getting so heavy in a comment, but I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this. I've felt so lost lately, and I just don't really know who to talk to. But a lot of your points about your own experiences really hit, and I love that you feel comfortable enough to share them. I admired (and purchased) a lot of your artwork when I was in college, and even though we don't personally know each other it makes me happy to hear your health has improved and your love for art has been slowly making a return.

[@SpectroliteAAA]

I'm so sorry you're in such a tough spot. That sounds so hard. I know a lot of ppl that are in a similar position where they don't quite know where to go or what to do. And yeah Fuck a 9 to 5. Literal work prison. I'm sorry my burnout video doesn't have much advice for your situation outside of mental health advice, but I hope you know you aren't alone. It seems like a second pandemic is going around, and it's for your situation. I'm so sorry. I hope you can overcome this. I bet you will. :) time goes on and life barely stays in one place, one day a new chapter will come in your life that's better than the last. I'm sure you'll find your direction. And to me it sounds like you might be too hard on yourself with your art. I don't know anything of course, but it sounds like your current situation may be weighing on your confidence with your art, you might be too hard on yourself. The fact you're getting jobs speaks volumes! It doesn't need to be blizzard in order to mean something. 🩵 I don't think you should feel so bad about staying/being in indie projects. Those are still victories! And victories a lot of artists don't see. So cut yourself some slack. that's still incredible! And that attests to your skill. 🩵

[@Jalugi1395]

​@@SpectroliteAAA​ Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊❤ You're right, I definitely am too hard on myself too often. It's easy to compare yourself to others in the field and see how much more advanced their work is compared to yours. I've been trying to get better about it but I still have bad periods where the thoughts come back in full force. Even so I am very grateful to have a secure job at the moment!

[@NikolasBrimmer]

Glad to see you coming back and thank you for making this❤I almost cried watching this video. I've been struggling with art block since my work fully opened from the pandemic, so it's been... probably almost 3 years now. Things were hectic and stressful, we were understaffed for a good while, I was commuting a lot, and didn't really have time for myself so I just. Stopped drawing. I lost the energy and motivation for it. I'm on a similar path like you talked about. A couple years ago I threw myself back into crocheting since I hadn't done much other than making scarves, and I have made sooo much since and I absolutely love it. I even made my first cardigan last year (and kind of also started to teach myself how to knit). I'm at the point in my art where I want to get back to it, but I'm not trying to force it like I was before. I've started a new sketchbook for myself that has a page full of little Pokemon doodles, something I've always wanted to practice, but never really did. It's nice getting back to traditional art, I haven't regularly used my pencils since high school! It's slow progress, but it's getting there. Part of it I also feel is the pressure I put on myself, that my art always has to look good. I'm working on letting that go this year, because I used to just draw because I love it and my older drawings had so much more life in them because I wasn't afraid of it looking bad or trying something new. I want to draw weird things again lol. Thank you again for making this, I absolutely needed it.

[@blue4669]

This is.. too relatable. I'm glad to see you're taking joy in art and life as a whole! No matter where the winds take you, I wish you well. Thank you for your hard earned wisdom... I'll put it to use

[@Violet111]

It's really good to see you back!

[@erasershavings3774]

damn this video helped me realize why I've been hating art for so long T.T I'm glad you're back and it was such a pleasure meeting you at sacanime! For the first time in a long while I was inspired to draw after talking to you. I bought the Malenia print from your Etsy and it is so much cooler to look at it in person. I wish you success in this new journey of yours💖

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Aaw mrr!!! 🥺😭 you're so sweet. I'm honored that meeting you at Sac inspired you. And I hope this video inspires you to draw/or take a Real Break so that you cN recharge and come back to enjoy art again one day. It's OK to put it down. 🩵 it'll never go away. 💙

[@thundercat9012]

Man i remember finding this channel 7 plus years ago and it inspired me so much to become the artist i am today. Like your work amazed me and made me want to practice and improve, leading me to go to art school and try my best to be some professional. Burnout has been so real for me too and so so many others. Its so hard to accept and realize that its ok to feel like this. Do whats best for you, youve impacted at least one person in the world and that means a lot ❤

[@thundercat9012]

Ps after watching more man i have related way too much. I watched the great British baking show, all seasons like 12 times in the past haha. Now that im out of school taking time to realize who i am has been such a wild journey.

[@gpfunkable]

My sister passed away last year. I'm not sure if I knew how much I needed to hear these things. Experiencing 'life' burn out. Hearing your story makes me confident that life will continue on. Perhaps in ways I haven't even imagined yet. Much love to you. Thank you for your wisdom and for sharing your story of growth and healing.

[@kimberlybogert7031]

I agree with you on all that and I'm really sorry for your sister passing.😟

[@EmberTheLich]

As someone in the midst of this right now, I'd like to add something; YOU DO NOT NEED TO POST EVERYTHING YOU MAKE. A huge part of having the fun sucked out of art for me was the feeling that I needed to share everything I made, and as such I felt judged before I even started. I put so much pressure on myself to cater to others instead of myself. I'd feel guilty for not drawing a popular character, or what's trendy knowing it'd get little social media traction, because it felt like a waste of time. I felt bad if I didn't draw what was trendy immediately before the hype died down, like I'd "lost my chance". It was such a losing battle for me, feeling like I needed to post something regularly, and not having the strength to do so because of the pressure I put on myself, thus trapping me in the pressure/guilt cycle. Not everything you make needs to be shared. It's okay to do a spry doodle for yourself every once in a while.

[@HM-xw7gp]

I find myself back a lot in your video, I've spent the 2 last scholar year in prep school, and spent 3/4 of that time in a bad relationship with my ex-partner. These 2 things were draining, I didn't want to draw anymore because I thought my dreams of becoming an artist or animator were just old stories now that I had started my studies in a completely different field. At the beginning of 2023, I started to relax a bit with my studies, we broke up with my ex-partner and I just started thinking more about what I wanted to do. I couldn't draw yet, I blamed myself for letting the lack of motivation make me drop my pencil, but, as you said, in your video, I had to get my hands to do something. And so I picked up crochet :^) (and wood carving a bit) I finally turned on my switch again and I took the time to play Tears of the Kingdom (and how glad I am that I did), I went to my first ever concert and realized I don't even like concerts that much ehe, I saw some members of my family I didn't have the occasion to see since 2019, I spent more time with a friend that started getting into the cartoons and shows I was watching through High School, we talked and saw each other a lot, and I ended up going back to these cartoons to rewatch the ones I loved and pick up the ones I left on standby, little by little I gained motivation back to create and so I started doodling a bit. I finally bought myself a tablet and tried out digital art through something else than the tiny screen of my phone, my instagram and youtube feed started to be more and more filled with art just like it was a few years ago, I picked up the pace I had before which was to draw a bit every day, but I can see I am so much more ""efficient"" than back in high school, and by that I mean that I draw more, because I care less about making things perfect (I remember thinking "okay, I did half a page of doodles... That's enough for today" almost every day when I was getting more and more tired of drawing), I went back to all the art youtubers I used to follow, discovered new ones, started watching more tutorials, using more references, doing more studies, working and improving on so many things I never ever tried to get better at for fear of failing So much happened in 2023, I only picked up my pen back in July, so I didn't improve so much, but I can see how much my mindset improved, I learnt a lot in those few months, participated to 3 DTIYS for the first time, did 3 (short) animatics (one of them alongside that friend of mine I talked about earlier :D), animated a few stuffs here and there, did so many illustrations, filled almost 1 sketchbook alongside all my digital arts, picked up gouache and... whew. I tried so many things and there are still so many things I need to try. I still have regrets about the fact that I didn't draw during the 2 last years. I let school and my relationship eat me up. But I can't really know what I would be today if I didn't go through the same experiences. And I know despite my regrets, I'm still proud and happy with who I am today, and I hope to learn a lot in the years to come

[@kpoptosis3667]

Melons! I feel like this video came at the perfect time. I’ve been a long time follower since the early undertale days. I used to follow along with your speedpaints and you inspired me to follow my love of art and I’m currently in animation school. I’ve been feeling so burnt out despite loving what I’m learning and yet again your advice couldn’t have come at a better time. I hope this year is everything you want it to be ❤

[@bluesheepredanimationskind7690]

This video is so introspective I feel like my eyes have been opened after watching this i've figured out my own solution to art block a bit ago but this whole thing really put it into perspective and there's a lot of really useful information that I'm looking at here that I will probably very much will need in the future thank you for making this video also the art throughout all of this is such eye candy to look at especially the parts with the sketchbook flip throughs

[@hyukiru]

im so happy to know you have been recovering and enjoying art again now, im actually having the same problem and it's been years since i started strugling with art ideas and compositions... i think i just got saturated by my art passion and now i need to let it go for a while... i love art and i will keep producing art, but im still human and your video reminded me that so... thank you so much for your help dear, i hope you will keep us company for a long time, even if it's not art.

[@ambitadraws]

I needed this so much, i hope you're in a better place on your art journey 💕

[@LivenUp7]

Thats where I am right now with fursuits. Coming back into it. It kept me going through 2020 and a hard point, but it had a lot of negative memories for me too. Where I was living, who I was friends with and living with, who I was/wasn't dating anymore, my living space in general. And it took awhile but I'm glad I didn't throw out all my fursuit supplies like I wanted to. I'd nearly given it up but I'm GOOD at it. I enjoy being good at it. I've decided to do it my way. No commissions, I hate the pressure. It chokes me up. But I can still make money by being creative and selling whatever premades I want!

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Dude good for you!!! Yeah sounds like your environment and mental situation was holding you back similar to me, but in your own way/situation. I had a toxic friend I had to take distance on cuz it was killing me mentally and harming my enjoyment to anything. It's nuts how things unrelated to your passion can affect your passion just as much as issues related to that passion. I'm sorry you're going through that in your own life. :( And yeah fuck commissions! Both big and small. I can't. weather it's contract work, or a single character commission. Nothing makes me hate art more and is the biggest root to my burnout lol glad I cut away from that much like you. So I am so glad to hear you're doing what you love your own way! Make what you want and sell them as pre-makes! ✨️✨️✨️ as long as you enjoy it, that's most important. 🩵 good luck!

[@randomjester9836]

ayyy a fellow Arizonan, I do get what you're talking about with nature and how much you miss out on out here. A couple times my family went to Oregon and wow is it beautiful out there, I never knew how truly beautiful nature could be until I went somewhere different\

[@CaroFB]

This is a really great video about burn out and what it feels to be going thought it since going to art school ive meet alot of people who deal with burnout and ill be recemnding all of them these steps/this video Ive been watching your videos for years now and im so happy that you let yourself take a real break from art to focuse on yourself to recover but also to discover new hobbies and in genreal get to live life again outside of the stress! its a tough journey to have be burned out but your doing amazing thank you for this video its so inspiring

[@Spaaghead]

Really appreciate you sharing these encouragement, it makes me even more grateful for how far I've gotten and surviving many burnouts, Kaycem helped me remember my old reasons to draw and that was to share something beautiful and feel like I am doing something. My first yr at college did taught me to enjoy all the small things and stuffs outside my passion even if I think it isn't benefiting me and I can very much relate to that doing other stuffs. I still remembered the reason I started digital drawing 3 yrs ago, I felt overwhelmed at first and sticked to traditional until one of my friend did one, and I did it out of envy for the funsies and realized it aint so bad which brought me doing animations for my high school project which I am forever proud of =)

[@DaisyFarm_]

It is so inspiring to see someone be so candid on the struggles of learning how to cope healthily. It makes me feel extremely validated in my own slow going on that process. I hope this process you’ve found continues to work for you too ❤

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Yeah, can't rush that stuff! Every time I tried rushing it, I just kept me in it for longer. ;^; so yeah, let it happen naturally, and let yourself take your time! Thank you! You too! 🩵

[@Crystal_Chaos]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! I really have no excuses because I don't need them just seeing you overcoming burn out art block whatever it is, is more than enough motivation for me and you just covered every question so I have none the only thing I am still scared of and hesitated about is dropping art all together but I need to as you said And yeah thanks I'm happy for you so keep living life

[@ShadowSkull1240]

Ironically, without much thought on it, maybe I just didn’t have the will or I’m lazy, I gave up art for quite a while. Why? I drew the same thing over and over again. It got better, yeah, but even I grew bored of it. I want to do something new, but I didn’t have the mental capacity to do so. So, I gave up. Funny enough though, out of habit, I still bring my sketchbook and pencil in my pocket everywhere I go. Sometimes, a spark of inspiration lights up, whether it’s from someone or something. And I start drawing. It’s moments like those that help heal my art block. Thank you for talking about burnouts, these are hard things to go through. I still love all your Undertale stuff

[@arast1608]

Thank you, i've kinda been thru the same thing and it's so awesome and comfortable to know that, im not alone in this whole art block but sad and weird thing, and I understand that this type of process can be hard so just wanted to say: YOU CAN DO IT, YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

[@LiamQuantum]

This was a super informative video, glad to see you're happy drawing again!

[@Foxy-Sierra]

In the chaos of the grindset mindset and guilt that is pushed in the community the hardest lesson you can learn is how to take a true break, or even to walk away for the sake of your mental health. I'm so happy to hear you're doing well and that you've found your creative spark again. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful works going forward.

[@marsdraws888]

Always a inspiration thanks 🤜🤛😎

[@beatricehyacinth455]

I'm glad to know that you're doing alot better these days, I've been sort of in a rut myself lately and this has been a nice wake up call and just generally good advice that I will be taking to heart since I do want to pursue art as a career. Don't worry though I intend to take care of myself and I'm open to other possibilities as well. Thanks melons 💙

[@Saltypiptato]

I remember years ago watching you when I was learning how to draw, you were the person who taught me how to shade. I’ve been feeling the same after university and you have no idea how much I needed to hear this right now. Thanks for being awesome!!!

[@Raigmann]

It is so good to have you back, you were my inspiration back on 2015 to start professionally on arts, I still have a long run ahead, but I'm doing great, Thank you for being one of the main reasons of why I am where I am, then again, it is awesome to have you back.

[@riishue7295]

I'm so happy you are doing better- You were my childhood idol and I wish you all good things in life

[@mare2774]

I'm tearing up right now. As someone who's so anxious about pursuing art as a career after experiencing an almost 5 year burn out/depression, my relationship with art has been a little rocky. However, I've been experiencing glimpses of joy again, especially since doing sculpting, wheel throwing, and watching across the spiderverse lol. Just seeing the potential of animation made me bawl in the movie theater. One mentality that really helped me was that just because I'm not drawing, doesn't mean I'm any less of an artist. I'm still creating in different ways, whether it be playing music, crochet, sculpting, etc. I don't think I've drawn anything "for fun" in years, however I do have other pieces that I'm very proud of. At least for me, the heaping amount of anxiety associated with "productivity/needing to create" stemmed from an innate hyper capitalistic mindset. Living here in the US and coming from a low income background, the uncertainty of success/being able to afford to living was suffocating - especially since my parents didn't support my art career and deemed it a useless job. Another concept that greatly alleviated my anxiety was the art you make at work doesn't have to be the same you make for fun. It's going to look different obviously, but maintaining that balance also helped me not hate art as a whole. It also helped me accept that maybe not being a storyboarder or 2D animator initially like I dreamed of isn't necessarily bad, but since I'm still in the creative industry perhaps that I could work towards that as well. Sorry for this long winded comment. But this video resonated so much and is an omen that I'm on the right path. Literally this was on my recommended as I was taking a break from reading "The Alchemist" - a story about how inspiration is cyclical, being on the right path, etc. Anyways, sending love and support to all my fellow artists

[@PikaAud]

This is an awesome video!! I've been feeling a similar art block and this definitely made me feel a lot better about it!! I always looked up to you as an artist, so seeing that someone as talented as you has gone through something similar makes me feel a lot less alone!

[@clydeburger]

Hey! It's awesome to see you posting again. I've always loved seeing your art, even as far back as doodles in class (when we weren't both napping lol). I'm glad that you've found creativity and happiness in so many new places, even with all the hurdles life's thrown at you. Hope you've been well. ~a bird crazy lady

[@frogtreat2759]

I only re-discovered your channel recently after many years and now you share a video I really needed. Thank you ❤

[@maximus0wls6415]

I love hearing this from literally my childhood “art idol” haha. I met you in person when I was in middle school because you really were my favorite artist and the reason why I have made art a career. I’ve now reached the stage in my life where it’s almost overwhelming because I’m in art school now and not only trying to create an animation reel for an internship but also work on a portfolio for transferring to a better school for me at the same time, which has made this winter break feel overwhelming. I wasn’t expecting dropping a spring semester either, but because of how the transfer is going I had to. It’s put me in a position where I have to do a lot of work on my own schedule, which sometimes makes me wonder if I work enough or why I may feel a burnout for working for only 4 hours at a time. But after watching this video it kind of made me want to start over and have a more organized thinking when considering working.

[@phdbot4483]

Dang! It hits really deep hearing how much you've been going through that I wish I knew what to say... Still, if it makes you feel any better, I think it's always a joy whenever I see you again. I still cherish the two times I met you in person at Comicon and the days I watched you stream your drawings, your Celeste playthrough, and Dragon Ball FighterZ! Heck, it was awesome being able to play a few matches of that game with you, your brother, and others within your community! ^^

[@snivydream]

Did not know that you where the person that made these undertale animations, did not sub because of them, glad to know what went after theses

[@elliboon]

Thank you so much for making this video! I found you during my Undertale phase like.. 6-7 years ago and you were a huge inspiration to me (you still are!) Back then, I used to draw for fun in hopes to improve enough to make it a job. Well, it kind of worked? Though I found out recently that I've been really burnt out, exactly how you described. Doing art wasn't fun anymore and I saw it more like a chore than anything. Doing freelance work made me not motivated to draw, because you gotta admit, there are few commissions that you just HATE doing, but you still have to do it. Also, took a lot of those kinds of commissions that I didn't have time to do anything for myself, which made it even worse. So between commissions, I just draw something in a different style or just something that you really wanted to draw but always put it besides. It really works! Aaaand just like you said, I explored different games as well. My boyfriend is obsessed with Souls games so he bought me Elden Ring. I swear to god, the creativity there is so amazing, they made stuff that I would find not pretty/gross/weird work. Funny enough, when I saw that you began to upload again and it was a frickin MALENIA painting (my favourite character in the game) it made me SO happy. I'm glad you are back! Though, please upload when you want to, don't force yourself, don't put a deadline on yourself, I'm sure we can wait! (also uhmmm,,, are the Malenia and Ranni drawings going to be available as prints...... I really want them for me and my boyfriend please........)

[@mikes1185]

And it's great to see you back, on a better state than ever Always worth the wait~

[@lilyblossom9438]

That negative self talk you have mirrored my own so much I started crying at a point in the video. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It's very solid advice. Know that while I'm glad you're back, your art will always be an inspiration to me. Even if from this day forward you never drew anything ever again, it will always be an inspiration to me. Everything you make is so beautiful and I've tried countless times to mimic the style in some ways and most of the time, I'm never truly happy with it. Some point in highschool I stopped drawing so much because I felt like it was approaching a level of skill where it'd be a waste to not make it into a career, and I felt like I wasn't improving. I'm still sort of in this phase, but now i'm at a point where I don't define very much of my identity around being an artist, and I'm slowly going back to the joy of creating art. But that's my problem to deal with. Thank you for drawing and painting.

[@SpectroliteAAA]

I'm sorry I made you cry. :( i know it sucks, but I hope it's at least reassuring to know that you are not alone in facing such horrible anxieties and internal dialogues. 🩵 I know our situations are different, as we all fight our own battles and look inward etc, but I hope that me sharing my experience gives some hope. 🩵 I'm honored, thank you. Those are such kind words. I feel like I let you guys down when I left..., but what you said really reassures me. 🩵🥺😭 thank you.

[@qualquerum2395]

The most imporntant part of art is you, so if you ever fell bad for doing art, something is wrong! It is good to know that you are getting better from the burnout, hope that it only gets better

[@ekatt4585]

Glad to hear from you again! I remember I loved your Undertale animations from way back when lol

[@l_amp]

glad to see youre back!! super inspiring video, it even managed to get me to stop and clean my room halfway through (something i really struggle with) ive been in a art slump for years thanks to my adhd but i am going to try and take this advice and see if it helps ^v^

[@castowhere]

Love the video! You've been an inspiration of mine for years, and I'm going through something similar right now so it was helpful to hear advice 💖

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Aw thanks for sticking around and not forgetting about me! 🩵🥺 I'm sorry you're going through it now, and I'm glad my video was helpful. Hang in there! It gets easier as you go I promise, even if it takes a while. 🩵

[@Askeroth94]

Proud of you specs ^^ and i know the feeling when the thing you love most starts being a burden more than a enjoyable pastime. All ive even known/been good at is gaming but ive had alot of moments in these recent years when i feel: "is this it?" "is this all that i am as a person"? but ive also tried new things like art, and of course streaming, which has helped lessen the burden of feeling "simple and limited" I can draw videogame characters and streaming has given me more and more friends that i play together with. I keep hearing i make i peoples day and make ppl laugh and its honestly a great feeling to evolve past your own simplicity and make a difference. ^v^ You inspire ppl everyday with your amazing art, and positive attitude and im glad to see that you also get inspired by equally awesome ppl, that maybe makes you think differently and challenge you in new ways. its never too late to change how you do things, and with your wonderful girlfriend by your side im sure there is nothing you two cant accomplish

[@SandreyTooniez]

Morronsoup here! If you still recognize me Recently, for like, a past year, two, maybe 3? Ive been burned out, then and now i make pieces im really proud of, but the majority of pieces? I hate them, i sketch and draw and i feel absolutely unhappy, but i feel like i must, ive defined my worth as a person trough my art- in my mind, what makes me special, is my art, but my art feels... bleh Ive tried many methods, draw new stuff, draw whatever you enjoy, use a different method of drawing, stop drawing for a week, a month- ive tried them all over quite many years now- and sometimes i think "oh! Its better, cuz out of 40 pieces, one i was happy with, i just gotta find what made that one enjoyable", and i cant, a lucky few drawings are not indicative of my burnout being gone, so, i think I'll take on this method, and drop art for however long i need to, even if that means forever, and I hope it works, even the idea already feels like im about to take a weight off my shoulders, so yeah :) ty melons

[@ivananordinaryperson9404]

Love your art and the recent content you do keep it up :D

[@SpectroliteAAA]

THANK YOU!!! It's been really great just enjoying content creation again! No schedule, no neighbors, just whatever whenever. I'm glad you like my new stuff, cuz I know it's different lol. So that's so reassuring! 🩵

[@atlasllm]

Watched this video to see an update from you, as it's been a while and I'm glad you're back!, but this really hits deep as I feel incredibly burnt out doing art for college >.< I haven't even had enough digital art pieces to make "year in review" style posts for my art blogs, and it feels like I've been drawing less and less because I either don't have the time or motivation anymore @_@ I smiled seeing that trying new mediums has helped for you. My main fortes were digital art and colored pencil + felt tips, though burnout (and running out of space to use my colored pencil sketchbook 😬) has made it feel impossible to get back into either. But I've weirdly enough been feeling fulfilled sketching in a fancy Etsy bullet journal with ballpoint pen, using HIGHLIGHTERS of all things to color with! The permanence of pen and the smaller paper makes me care less about the general quality of my doodles, but it's nice and relaxing to be drawing in it anyway, especially when I use post it notes to doodle smaller things so I can use cute washi tape to cover up any marker bleeds lol Glad to see you're doing well, and thank you for sharing this advice to us peeps who now feel like they're walking in your shoes. Been a while since I went back and watched your vids, but even just hearing your voice again feels nice :'] ...Also, the advice about redrawing old pieces made me cackle because my newest redraw is a doodle of an OC in a Femboy Hooters uniform yet I'm still proud of the improvements I can see in doing it XD

[@MJaySan]

I can't even begin to express how much I needed to hear this, especially today! I'm not an artist, but I (think I) know the parallels of how these steps apply to me too. Thank you @SpectroliteAAA, for everything (especially your wholesome Hollow Knight series, that's how I found you).

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Aw I'm so glad it was helpful even when you aren't an artist!!! I was hoping this video could be helpful for ppl in other fields other than just "artist". Obviously talking about my experience I'm gonna relate it to what I went through as an artist, but the basic principles of discovering how to overcome burnout can be applied to anyone. And I'm SO glad it did for you!!! 🩵🩵🩵

[@braivety]

IM. SO. PROUD. OF. YOUUUU!!!!!!!

[@SpectroliteAAA]

😭😭🥺🥺🩵🩵🩵 I have no words. 💙💙💙

[@Grassbear03]

It doesn't matter how long or how many you breaks you take. We will be waiting, because we love you.

[@stirlingj6109]

Super great video, I’m glad you are doing better and found so many new things you enjoy. Also 12:11 I fell called out 😆

[@11blackninja36]

Mann honestly your kinda like me who forces themselves to one medium or idea and end up hating it. Im the type of person who would jump from one art/fandom to another and feel bad for doing so. Your video showed I shouldn't be really feeling bad. Its my art and time I dedicated to ^-^. Anyways thank you for explaining your burnout journey I be sure to take some bits advice to help myself

[@DNeoTH]

Good least hear from you again!

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Yeah! Good to be creating again :D 🩵✨️

[@DNeoTH]

@SpectroliteAAA I was..not expecting a reply but I'm very happy! X3 I been a fan since your Mettaton animatic and always love your speed drawings! Inspired to draw more too, lookimg forward whatever you got in future! Edit: course, not burned yourself lol as someone who burned out too, I get it lol

[@goomyloid]

you've been one of my most favorite artists for the longest time now, and it was really wonderful having you talk about all this.!! of course im glad you're back to doing art but im even more thankful that you took so much time for just yourself... its something that i could hope to do one day if i ever become so irreversibly burnt out from art, but drawing is such a huge part of my life that i know it would be extreeeemely difficult lol. i suppose that's why this whole video is so admirable to me, because taking a break from something you've dedicated most of your life to *especially* if you have an online following for it can just be so incredibly hard. tldr IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! and i hope that one day i can do the same if i decide that i need it! :-D

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Aaagh mrr!!! You said the unspoken part. I am so touched that you understand that. 🩵 It was very very hard to drop art with the idea that it could be "to never return" especially with online audience and financial obligation etc. Thank you. I wanted to open up and tell my perspective but keep it relevant to the bigger point, which was sharing my advice to help ppl. So I left a lot of internal perspectives out for the sake of the video being relatable and helpful, and less about me just venting out my experience. So tye fact ypu saw that invetween the lines and subtext. 😭😭😭🩵🩵🩵 im so surprised you still understand that! That's just so cool. Aww. 🥺🩵😭 thank you. I'm glad you understood that.

[@goomyloid]

of course!! and yeah i understand the struggles with an online audience and using art for financial support because i struggle with it a lot too, so if you had talked about it i do think that at least some people would've been able to relate LOL but i totally understand why you didnt. to leave behind a skill that you've worked so hard for - that also makes you money - just seems so impossible for me personally, so youre very strong for having been able to do that at all... thank you so much for your reply btw, youre so nice 😭😭😭❤❤

[@BinaryDood]

yvatar chibi thing is cute

[@ezert_13]

Very special

[@DreamscapeProductions7130]

Im soo glad that your doing better now! Some games that i recommend you play is South park TSOT and south park TFBW poppy playtime, cult of the lamb (if you could, i would love to see posters like that in your stule BUT IF YOU DO have fun with it!!!) Have a good day, love ya!

[@valechaos]

Hey there! I never really comment on videos at all but I just wanted to say this video really helped!! I am the most burnt out I have ever been so hearing your experience was really helpful and I definitely want to do some of the steps you mentioned :D. I was just wondering tho, while you stepped away from art how did you go with work or I guess just finance stuff in general? I got laid off from my old job so I’m trying to find a new one but I feel like it’s super hard to get into a decent job that isn’t art when all I have is art experience haha. But anyway- thanks again for this video! I feel like there’s not enough of these out there where people tell you to step away from the thing that’s burning you.

[@enbywithamassiveshlong]

I'm in the worst place for art block rn. I bit off more than I could chew in a pretty general sense with life. i hope we both get up again

[@Kniney]

Thank you this has been very helpful :) i have another yt channel that i haven’t uploaded in 3 years because if my artblock. I never realized that i would get stressed since my channel was slowly dying. Im planning to get back, but taking my time now instead of having a deadline. Thank you ❤

[@Roseasuko]

Yeah learning how to take a break right is a great tip just in life. Like for example I got layed off a while back and everyday I was applying for job, applying for jobs, applying for jobs everyday from when I woke up until I went to sleep. Then after a while I started thinking that my breaks (which was literally just me sleeping) was wasting time and 'Oh you didnt apply there instead of going to sleep why not send out more applications'. And even though in the morning, the stress is better because im doing the thing, doesnt change that I ended up essentially bullying myself into crying to sleep :p. So setting time to do "work" and leaving the rest of your time to take time to do what YOU like without guilt is very valuable. Also 😏😏 I'm noticing omori in your game list 😏😏😏😏 when's that coming😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏

[@lival2381]

This was such a great video! My friends are dealing with artblock all the time, so I feel more prepared now to help them through it, thank you! PS: Your traditional pieces look GORGEOUS, do you plan on uploading them somewhere?

[@SpectroliteAAA]

I hope your friends gets out of it. It sucks :( I wish you and your friend luck. I don't I really should though! Maybe I'll make community posts.

[@lycanwolf3788]

Heya Melons, I'm a long time fan ever since ur undertale speed paints, I too am a Digital Artist and Animator... I too have a serious art block in animation for almost 3 to 4 years it's during the moments in pandemic, well I can still draw digitally but feeling like I'm been falling in a deep void that I can't swim up, it's the worse moments I have.... But what u said is to let go the art I love is the most challenging things ever..... Knowing that I was really having an art depression, but I kept fighting, I too have new hobbies tho... I make music for my stories and other remixes for fun turns out that video I posted really did get Viral Tho, HELL I even leaned how to play a guitar that was sitting there for years, I feel proud of myself....... And thus I returned to my roots, refreshed and renewed...... But still fighting the waves of stress, and not to sink in the depressing void in a stormy ocean....since pandemic is over I started to heal myself slowly,made lots of friends in college, and yes I too am a student tho, I'm at 3 year gap, sucks as hell, enough said........ Once I'm back at animating again, I felt like I'm reborn as a new person, same mind set but growing.... And ur right, taking a break from art in the right way is the best one, knowing one of my favorite artists having a struggle like what have made me emotionally in tears.... But Seeing u healing and fighting that kind of depression made my heart warm with wholesomeness All that I want to say is that, I'm glad ur good Melons, and ur artwork is beautiful as ever, since I discovered way back in 2015...And Of course, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GIVING ME INSPIRATION FOR MAKING ART AND ANIMATIONS, UR ONE OF THE ARTISTS THAT DRIVE ME FORWARD WITH THAT BEAUTIFUL STYLE😭😭😭 Thx alot melons😊 and stay determined ❤............ Heh💀

[@SpectroliteAAA]

I knew going into making this video, that there would be people going through the same thing I was. That's why I knew I had to speak about it. And I'm glad I did. Your comment hits home pretty hard for me, as I'm sure you can understand why given the similar challenges we faced in our own unique lives. Thank you for your comment. 🩵 I'm sorry you're going through this intense burnout art depression. You're not alone. I'm glad ur finding new hobbies and creative routes like I did! Sounds like you're on the right track for your journey! 🩵 keep going! You got that!💙🩵💙🩵

[@lycanwolf3788]

@@SpectroliteAAA (￣ー￣)ゞ FYI I just found this tho... Cuz it looks funny hehe

[@UndertaleAccessibility]

Hi @SpectroliteAAA The Undertale Accessibility Project is still underway. We are working on coloring your megalovania animation. Your art style is an inspiration to our animations and storyboards. If you ever want to know more about the project, all you need to do is reach out.

[@TheNonStopNick]

👍

[@kimberlybogert7031]

Hello Im just gonna say I'm kinda or have been going through a art block some or let alone afraid of posting art again I felt like I also bit off more then I can chew is all I'll say when sharing art online and I'm not sure what it is Im wanting to do with my art truly..as of now it's just a hobby but idk when I'll post again if ever but I do appreciate this tho so thank you.🌺🌸

[@SpectroliteAAA]

I'm sorry you're going through your own journey in artblock/butnout. It fuc🩷ing sucks buns. 🥺 hang in there. It's OK to just walk away from what you love. It'll come back if you give it space. 🩵 I wish you luck on your journey with this, and while I know we live very different lives, I'm glad to know my video spoke to you. You got this. If I can figure it out, you can too in your own way. 🩵💙🩵

[@ifarted2hard]

You were walkingmelonsAAA?

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Yes! I am WalkingMelons. I changed my username a few years ago but it was during the Burnout when I stopped posting, so i dont blame ppl for not realizeing I'm the same person lol 😆🩵✨️

[@ifarted2hard]

@@SpectroliteAAA I wanted to tell you after all of these years. That I loved the death by glamour animation. 13/10 I watched it when it came out and it’s one of my favorite vids of all time on youtube. Thank you for making this video on what burnout is and how to relight the fire I hope you can relight YOUR fire and not burn out again I hit burnout on my guitar playing and I came back 2 years later and it all just comes back to you refreshed. Don’t work yourself up over little things and don’t stress yourself too hard over it 👍

[@sethbettwieser]

Wow, I completely forgot about that Salem project. Whatever happened to that, anyway?

[@SpectroliteAAA]

I believe it died in a lawsuit for rights :C the rich steal anything they can invest in. I feel bad for the creator.

[@sethbettwieser]

@@SpectroliteAAA aw, that's really sad.

[@tobeseve4020]

This video made me feel a lot better about my own art. In the past two years I've painted exactly one thing, when painting used to be my main passion. Basically I got really burned out in college, (not burned out about art mind you, burned out in every sense of the word. I wasn't eating, slept all day, could barely take care of myself) to the point I got put on academic suspension and ended up dropping out. Since then I got a job that I really really love. It's sewing, which is something I've liked casually since I was 15, and it's been so good for me. Sometimes I get to be creative, like whenever I'm doing sewing repairs or making a new product, but usually it's just sewing things I already know how to make. Which seems like it'd get really boring, but there's enough variety it doesn't feel too repetitive but it's all still comfortable, if that makes sense. Plus, and this is my favorite, I clock in at the beginning of the day, I work, I clock out, I go home, and then I DON'T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT. There's very strict start and stop times, because it's a job owned by a person who isn't me, and that relieves so much pressure. The only problem is that art takes so much time and energy, and that's something I have very little of, especially being an autistic full time worker. I've been doing other creative things in the meantime, like especially writing and crochet, but I don't put pressure on myself to do them more frequently than I want to. I remember in the early days of the youtube art community, there was always so much pressure to improve. With everyone saying you need to draw every day, and constantly be pushing your comfort zone, and don't forget to study your anatomy and color theory and composition and on and on and on. It made be feel so guilty about dropping art, like I was throwing away all the hard work I'd put in over years and years. But I guess I lost sight of why I started drawing in the first place. Because it's fun! And if I don't want to, or can't, that's okay. It'll be there if I ever have a free day and a fun idea.

[@dimdenEFF]

hey spectro idk if you remember but like 7 years ago or more i subscribed to you on patreon and you drew me art and then i never actually paid... basically scammed you back then.... and i just want to say that I'm really sorry and i still feel bad. i really regret doing it, i was just a stupid kid back then and i still think about it often i often think of repaying it to you now that i grew up and actually have the money to do so but unfortunately you dont have patreon anymore and i just dont feel right buying anything from shop since i don't want anything in return. sorry for doing it. i really regret it.

[@p-__]

My farts are better than SpectroliteAAA’s farts 💨

[@theuhthegotdamuh]

what in the

[@sierraweber1305]

I had a very similar experience with art burnout. Mine was heavily tied to going to animation school. The constant comparison to my peers, crushing deadlines, and the overwhelming message that my work was average slowly killed my motivation. I quit, changed universities, changed majors, and took a full year hiatus from art not sure if I’d ever touch it again. It wasn’t until I played the game chicory: a colorful tale, where the brushes are intentionally sloppy that I started having fun with art again. I’m now starting to post my work again and like it despite its flaws. Sidebar, out of curiosity, why do you consider Ghost Song a bad game? I personally really enjoyed it despite its flaws so I want to understand a different perspective. Also, what was the game you showed after it? It looks like a fun play! Anyways, if your reading this Spectrolitaaa, thank you for taking the time to do so and thanks for sharing your experiences with burnout! Please continue to take care of yourself!

[@SpectroliteAAA]

Oh man. I've heard so many similar horror stories about art school that I'm glad I dropped out before stepping foot in it. I'm so sorry you went through that. That sounds horrendous.

[@sierraweber1305]

@@SpectroliteAAA Oh! Thank you for responding! In retrospect, while the environment was stressful, my teachers were just trying to be honest with me even if they didn't do so very constructively ha ha 😅. Animation is a brutal world out there and the environment I was in kinda helped me step away from the unlivable lifestyle my teachers were warning me of (seriously, treatment of animators reported in the news has kept me humble/grateful). I have some wonderful friends I made from my time in animation that I wouldn't replace, but I honestly would never go back. People matter to me and I've decided that new connections/experiences should take priority over "the grind" for me. I wasn't happy there. It was very much a bad timing thing. The program was expanding so there was a lot of pressure on the teachers and students to perform really good to convince our investors to fund the program. I am really happy I learned that I just personally cannot make a career out of doing art solely for Hollywood executives. Chicory really was a godsend as it helped me along as I was trying to break the mindset of "if it's not perfect, it's not worth making." I do art for myself at this point and animation college taught me why. I still have dreams for my art and stories that I want to try to accomplish, but going into business was a huge blessing for reinvigorating that passion. Honestly, your thoughts on Ghost Song are totally fair, I personally love it's art and it's worldbuilding over its progression system. Thank you again for this video and responding! I hope you have a lovely day!

[@katie_cant_compute]

I really really appreciate this video, it’s so honest and so helpful and I love it🥺🥺🫶💜 I will save this video and come back to it whenever I need. I’m glad you’re in a happier mindset about art recently •w•