paint w/me 𓅢 advice on starting a YouTube channel

♡ / leighellexson
♡ instagram @leighellexson
⁕ supplies:
- wood panel
- acrylic paint, golden brand
- neo-color wax pastels
- sennelier oil pastels
- collected paint brushes, no particular brand
⁕ camera: Sony a6400 w/ a 35mm lens for those soft background and a kit lens for wider shots
featuring music from epidemic sound ☘︎

[@tofugoob]

Ooo loved this voiceover and loved this piece!! I would say don’t let the “saturated market” discourage you! I started an art channel this year and it’s actually going great :) but there’s def luck involved. Sending good vibes to anyone wanting to start a channel!!

[@milkflavored]

Whoa! I thought 💭 of your channel while they were speaking and then you popped up in the comments section !!

[@simysart7882]

I need to get back into my channel and grow as a artist ❤

[@ocaden5141]

the time and care you put into your videos is definitely evident! your art is so unique and ever changing, and the vibes (music, studio space, commentary and toadie ofc) are unmatched! you, apple cheeks and studiomeggy are top tier art/art-vlog channels

[@LeighEllexson]

Thank u sm ❤️‍🔥🥲💘

[@alisonentsminger]

As someone who’s watched your vids for a bit and seen your “voice” change over time, it was fun to hear your personal reflections on the changes you’ve gone through 😊 thanks for sharing!

[@ireneschoonwinkel]

I love your last art piece! How it developed from a few lines into this beautiful field / hikeing path. Gave me Vincent Van Gogh vibes! Loved your use of bright colours!

[@addieasselstine]

If you made a 4 hour video I would immediately binge it. No questions asked.

[@Helen.Isarat]

Thank you for that video! The artwork was lovely. Wishing everyone who starts their youtube adventures the best of luck

[@rosalbalucero486]

Really LOVE the 2nd painting - my favorite of your paintings ... it reminds me of the impressionists paintings.

[@mael2039]

That second painting with the oil pastels is stunning. It's late where I live and I'm in bed but this made me want to get up and paint.

[@armlessart]

I started my KZbin journey this year. I was definitely in that limbo period of having thoughts and ideas, but not actually executing the work. I promised myself I'd try, and, so far, its brought a level of consistency to my life like never before. Though I don't get many views, I love the process, and it offers a feeling of completion each week, as my content is mostly studio vlogs of me creating with my feet. I also post process videos and stop-motion animation clips from time to time. Your videos, Leigh, were very inspiring for my journey in video production. Your personality, your work, the occasional talk of Magic: The Gathering.. It all was so motivating. It pushed me to try. Thank you. Thank you for creating, for the inspiration, and advice. Be well! 👣

[@javiruizv770]

Love that you recorded that oil painting process ❤️‍🔥😍🌿, also love that thought of “when you just start there’s nobody watching” ✨

[@LeighEllexson]

Yes! Thank you!

[@mateusp55]

I love the second painting so much!!

[@christinepiercetang]

This was so peaceful and relaxing to watch! Your art making is so relaxing and it's fun to see your process! Thanks for sharing tips on KZbin. A lot of what you said was reassuring but also encouraging (lately I've been feeling stuck in small numbers and little growth). 💕✨

[@LeighEllexson]

Thank you so much!

[@TeacupGirl]

Oh my gosh! Thank you Leigh! I don’t think I have heard anyone ever say how much editing sucks and I just want to say I feel the same way so much of the time…!! 😅 There are moments when I do enjoy it and there are definitely fun points to it (For instance, I really enjoy picking the music)- but for me personally, I find editing to be such a grind and a process that I do not like. What I do love about making KZbin videos is the storytelling. For me, finding awesome shots while filming, or capturing a certain moment that I know is gonna be really fun, or just being able to share my passion and joy for creating art makes KZbin kind of addictive. No matter how rough I find the editing stage, I finish a video and I find myself just itching to start the next one… I also agree with you Leigh about finding your genuine self- great advice about the practising to find your authentic self for the camera. I definitely had to go on that journey as well, and it’s interesting how awkward you feel at first. Definitely recommend just putting the videos out because practice practice practice really matters for this kind of content creation.

[@LeighEllexson]

it's also nice to just have a library of videos on your channel for people to watch when they first find your videos!

[@TeacupGirl]

@@LeighEllexson totally true - I go back and watch from the beginning if I find a creator I really enjoy, it’s actually really cool to watch them grow! Hehe, might have done that with your vids. 😉

[@ashrickettsstudio]

I started my channel this year, and you're so right, it really is weird to start with! But I'm finding my groove

[@kin.creates]

watching this video made me want to try oil pastels -- that second painting is absolutely gorg and looked so fun to make!

[@DrFjords]

Love that second piece 🌲🌿🌱🍃

[@celineoceane1539]

I love the second painting, it’s gorgeous! I actually quite enjoy the editing process even though I wish it wasn’t quite that long (I’m also such a perfectionist…) lovely video 😊

[@jessicaroweart]

That second piece is mesmerizing! Beautiful!

[@joannaosborneartist]

Wow Leigh I have been watching you for years and I trully beleive these two are you best work. Especially the second one. So beautiful.

[@hey_vickiii]

just started mine so this video is such a godsend :') thank you for the comforting advice

[@chulipart]

Such great advice! The hardest part really is just to get started!

[@rebeccathomas3031]

the pastel that you show in the last few minutes! I love it!!! have a new pack of affordable pastels and havent busted them out yet. Im inspired by you now! thank you for this video. I had to make a terrible transition in my life to being unemployed and it turned out to be a blessing and a curse. I have been making art and watching you and other artists and I find that I am starting a new chapter and I would love to keep going on a path to being a full time artist. I enjoy the work and the freedom, and I consider it a form of therapy. Leigh, youre a delight and I enjoy you so much

[@rewilding_rose]

Remembering all those videos that used to start out, "hey it's me, Leigh." 😂 Loved this one. Your videos are always so inspiring.

[@LeighEllexson]

That intro will haunt me for the rest of my life

[@rebeccahudy]

I miss saying it along with her in my head! I always thought it was so cute 🥰

[@finnfinnou]

these are really good advice!! you were not rumbly at all, it's pretty straightforward and clear!! thank you

[@artofhanny]

I'm glad you talked about this. I started my own art channel last year thought it would be rainbows and unicorns full of creating beautiful artworks but it was hard and pretty exhausting. Documenting your works took huge efforts. It wasn't easy but when people complements or just sharing their thought in the comments are worth all of my efforts and time I invested in the video. You have my respects.

[@kriksis]

Hello Leigh! Thank you for sharing your advice and tips, really interesting. I agree about a lot of things you mentioned. Starting out is the scariest, I was contemplating starting a KZbin Chanel for about 3-4 years until 2 years ago I just started and now have been running my Chanel since then.. :) I do sometimes feel down when I spend a lot of time making video and not to be seen, but I do enjoy creating them and connecting with community and it makes me happy. I don't comment on your videos a lot, but I enjoy watching your creative journey so thank you for sharing. All the best, Kriksis

[@LeighEllexson]

Thank you!!! Glad this was relatable!!

[@highgroundhomestead]

new KZbinr here; I can totally relate about spending a week filming/editing and loving the creative process only to not be seen except for family & friends I tell. Still trying to contemplate the direction and how to include my art. I just went to your channel and subscribed! Nice work❗👍🏼

[@ellustratingart]

This video is absolute fate, just got back from a walk with my partner having convinced me to start posting properly on my YT channel - shout-out to your psychic abilities Queen x

[@LeighEllexson]

I love being psychic

[@leannedelux]

The video and art were beautiful as always, and I especially loved the KZbin advice you gave!! I think the part about it just being weird to make videos is super important to mention, but you rarely hear people talk about it. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@HamsterPants458]

ah both these pieces came together so magically. starts off with so much fluidity and just shape and ends so clearly as a landscape and that is an incredibly impressive and gorgeous skill! love love love these pieces and this video :)

[@MapleAccents]

I love your art process of using 1 colour at a time. Thanks for the KZbin advice, I've been on the fence about it for a while.

[@sophieandthestars]

i was debating if i should or shouldn’t try youtube again (i tried some years ago and wasn’t too happy about it, but it was like, three drawing process videos). and when you said “make decision now” i really did it - so i will try and film something this week! thank you for the encouragement! and your art is GORGEOUS, thank you for letting us go behind the scenes!

[@themoonlitrealms]

Thank you for the advice, Leigh. I'm just starting out and have so much to learn, it definitely inspired me to create more! Your art is so lovely 🥰

[@LeighEllexson]

Glad it resonated 🫡🫶

[@JamilaCAHProwse]

such a good video. i started my channel a month ago and i felt so weird at first, but i've been finding it's a rly fun additional creative outlet alongside being a fulltime artist & writer. just spent some time editing my first paint with me vids, and it was like an added layer of enjoyment to be able to reflect on the process unfolding.

[@rofarmer_studio]

This video couldn't have been more perfectly timed! This weekend I decided after a lot of back and forth in my mind that I'm just going to try it and start a youtube channel. Like you said, these video's don't have to go online if I decide I don't want them to and that's been the driving force to start filming myself. Thank you for all your advice, I always find your video's so inspiring!

[@emmacsms]

video editing is challenging but so fun, open, and creative

[@emmacsms]

also that second painting is so nostalgic and beautiful!!

[@LeighEllexson]

I made videos throughout high school that are still so special to me :’)

[@MichelleTingz]

I totally agree about the video editing comment 😂 yes the outcome is most of the time worth it but boy do I struggle !!

[@roden70]

Your artwork drew me in. That oil pastel painting is beautiful!

[@heyraimakes]

The encouragement I needed this morning. Literally sitting here procrasti-tubing instead of setting up my camera. I will continue to make videos that no one watches because I'm enjoying the making of them. Thank you! Love your work!!!

[@madijaz]

I started my channel last year and you were/are one of my biggest inspos on here! I just think you’re so cool and genuine, and your art has always been fantastic! I think the hardest part of making videos is actually taking the video. I’ll be halfway through a project and completely forget about recording any of it 😅

[@LeighEllexson]

hahah I do this all the time, when I wait too long to start editing my video I have no idea what I have! It makes it so much harder to edit.

[@megmason696]

I am a production artist which has been really fun but been in an almost “artist block” in terms of figuring out what kind of art I want to do with my own creative liberty outside being a production artist where there isnt as much. This really inspired me to get to the paint brushes and pastels and get back into it again!! Thank you!!

[@FroggyLoveLove]

The second landscape is so gorgeous 😍 it has such a nice flow and liveliness to it ❤

[@Stou_Stitches]

Amazing artwork as usual, and thanks for all the tips! I've started my own channel a few months ago and the growth is super slow, but I truly enjoy the filming (and editing) process, so Imma keep going as long as I'm having fun, even if only four people enjoy my videos haha

[@mekagooden4915]

Oh I’ve contemplated starting one and I’ve recorded a few videos but never had the guts to edit or put it out there. Off subject but I Love your shirt. Also that second painting had me holding my breath but I absolutely love how it turned out!

[@stephanie.kilgast]

Love the oil pastel drawing, it's very pointillist! As a fellow youtuber, I find it sometimes difficult to film as youtube is down my priority list in my art career. Or rather find time to edit, I have so many snippets of footage that just went to the bin after a while. It's sometimes a little much to do art, work with galleries, deal with social media and the youtube channel. I find it gets overwhelming at times and so youtube usually suffers from it first in my case.

[@melocotonki]

When I'm feeling stuck I watch your painting videos to kick start my work. You motivate me so much!

[@027erod]

your oil pastel piece is so nice!! your color choices and textures are *chefs kiss*

[@starlapse365]

Thank you for uploading this and sharing your insight and own personal experiences with making videos! I hope I can find the courage to start editing the many videos I have just been collecting on my phone to actually start my own YT channel soon. 💖

[@abi6592]

I'm in love with that second piece! the strokes and colors are so beautiful!! omg

[@abi6592]

would def buy a print of it!!

[@noahremm]

Leigh thank you for your advice! Since the beginning of this year I have taken my youtube channel a bit more seriously, but i notice as you say that I find it difficult to record myself. Like I'm acting and it sounds weird. It's reassuring to hear that you had that too in the beginning. Thank you! Loving your artworks :)

[@CarlyGarzaArt]

Thank you for this advice! I feel like lots of people give advice on this topic without being real about the gritty, less attractive parts of starting on KZbin, especially for artists. ❤

[@PurpleHazel]

Patreon, instagram ou youtube notif from you feels like you just granted me a little blessing

[@kateeastland3328]

both pieces are lovely in their own way but wow that pastel landscape is GORGEOUS

[@saramcmican]

both of these paintings might be my favorite of yours to date. lovely little video!!

[@sheepnhaystacks]

Thank you for the advice! I feel the pull to start art videos to show my works process and struggle with my video voice feeling like myself. Thank you for helping me see that just might be normal! Lol Love your art. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@FeliciaManolopoulos]

Thank you for the great advice 🙏🏼🥰 I’ve been following your channel for some years, as well as other art KZbinrs and I’ve been wanting to start a channel for so long 😅 but was always afraid that it was not the right time to start. I finally took the plunge and am so happy that I did ☺️ uploading the first video was a bit scary, but also felt like such a relieve! I highly recommend other artists to just start 🌟 don’t wait until you think you’re “good enough” or have a “good enough setup” ☀️🌻✨😊 just go for it! 🍀

[@beccabairdcreative]

Absolutely loved this Leigh! Just put out my very first video the other day so these tips were so helpful 🙏🏼 and the pieces you created here were stunning!

[@redandpink219]

Love the art making Leigh.

[@LisaSonora]

Loved watching you paint - your art is gorgeous. And the voiceover advice is so encouraging. Thank you!

[@Elizabeth-mt1si]

that oil pastel piece is mesmerizing i love it so much! very impressionist.

[@hannahdetterbeck]

Such a lovely video ♡ I'm currently trying to grow my KZbin and this was really helpful - I struggle with a lot of the things you mentioned like slow growth or feeling weird about the person I am in front of the camera so thank you! :)

[@kanamichelle7404]

That second piece is glorious! I must try! This is the first video of yours I have seen, and you now have a new subscriber.

[@bscott9141]

Thank you for perfectly summing up how I've been feeling for the past 2.5 years. I have been so crippled by fear. I had the exact same idea to just film videos and not post them. If I like them I can post them, if not I can at least say that I did it. I at least am just doing the damn thing!

[@LaylaPayton]

I don't think I have seen anyone use pastels on a board like that. Very beautiful! I am curious if you applied gesso to the board first and if you sealed it afterward? Your style is so whimsical, sweet, and dreamy. Thank you for the hard work you've put into all of your videos.

[@nikkicreatesart1810]

I absolutely agree with authenticity being one of the keys to success on KZbin. I was in a discussion about these “gurus” that give you a formula, and I felt that those programs were fairly useless, or at the very least, not worth the money, because the most successful KZbinrs are those that connect personally with their audience- this is VERY evident in the gaming community- especially with OGs like Pewdiepie, Jack Septiceye, Gab Smolders, etc. especially if you want longevity. Love the video, and the art is lovely as always

[@HarmoniaGreen]

The art piece you are creating is soo beautiful! Love the impressionists vibe.

[@MilcahMakes]

I've been on and off with KZbin and I really love your thoughts about just documenting for yourself. So thank you for the inspo as always Leigh 🥰

[@LeighEllexson]

Glad it resonated!!

[@angelicavis]

Not recognizing yourself on camera... so relatable 😅😅 Always love your videos and artwork, you inspire me!

[@taliseella]

Gosh Leigh, I LOVE your art and your videos. I always feel so inspired and interested. Thank you for sharing them. The pastel one was outstanding!!🥺

[@pegao3586]

Amazing amazing video as usual Leigh. Super useful. Happy for you.

[@milkyjamss_]

so inspiring leigh! love you! 🤍

[@jaclynbaerart]

Thank you for this! Both your thoughts and your beautiful artwork! It's so inspiring. ❤

[@MegadoseTheOutsiderArtist]

Omg, I thought I was the only one that felt that way... So awkward talking to a camera or just feeling weird all around. I still do not know how to edit at all! I just straight record then upload! Lol I finally started getting views over 4! And I like making videos and I wish I could figure out how to edit. I actually started my channel just so my grandchildren and great-grandchildren etc will be able to see my art on this platform after I'm dead.... But now I actually feel like I'm a part of something bigger-being in an art community feels great!

[@meaganswartwood4694]

this is such great advice!!! and I love the paintings

[@purplena14]

omg I love this Matisse vibes in the lastpainting.bravo Leigh!

[@cosmicbunnyarts]

thank you for important and meaningful insights, as always! your videos are a treasure 💜 the art is absolutely gorgeous, the colours, the textures!! it's always a pleasure to watch your process 🌟 my only regret with my channel so far is not doing it earlier! the beginning stage can be difficult due to how overwhelming editing feels and also it's important to be okay with low performance. as you've said, there should be personal value in creating videos, because if you find value in the performance only - it's easy to become discouraged almost immediately. I feel like that's also a good advice for artists regarding social media and art in general 😊

[@Habichl]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, I loved the voice over and watching you paint. I LIKED THE VIDEO 😛😛😛

[@missymerida7108]

i trully love your art .

[@mosslou9854]

the second piece is so stunning. i wanna live there!!

[@Christina24life]

Leigh has magic coming out of her fingers

[@rachelleandrichard]

Your art wall is looking good Leigh. I started a painting just watching you paint. It's what we do hey!

[@ariedebrenart8345]

Such good tips. And I think you are hilarious! Love your personality!

[@AutumnHathaway]

Not rambling at all. Every piece of advice was spot on for me! Thanks Leigh!✌️Love the paintings too.

[@ThatCommonMagic]

I absolutely love your videos and this voiceover was *chef's kiss*! Some great things to consider, too.

[@unncomfyy]

feeling like this is kinda my push to give art vlogs a try u.u not sure if its for me yet but theres no harm in giving it a shot!!

[@lochtessmonsterxoxo]

both pieces were delicious wow!

[@hannahkraemer]

Thanks for all of that advice!😊 i just love listening to you talk and i just wanted to say that i personally love editing😂

[@suzannem9811]

That pastel drawing you did is STUNNING!!!

[@taylorfiskart]

these two artworks made me cry (good way)

[@LeighEllexson]

Love a good cry

[@gamergirl_9799]

your process looks so fun

[@Abbygayleanimated]

This is EXTREMELY relevant and perfect for me right now, as I’m starting my little art channel (with sketchbook tours! Lol) right now XD thank you sooo much for sharing your wisdom. I’ve loved your videos for years and getting a behind the scenes look is so helpful and fun!!!

[@jessicastrideart]

Gorgeous paintings Leigh! 🤩 I’ve never talked in my channel, I know it won’t come across as natural and that scares me to even begin to talk!😆

[@CreativityCoffee]

Absolutely love your Art and work! Leigh your videos are a pice of art for them self, always so inspiring and motivating ♥✨

[@macarena7202]

Love the chatty chat in this video 😍 feeling very called out on my indecisiveness tho🫣🫠 hahaha but I’m mesmerized with those two pieces 🥹✨ absolutely stunning ❤️‍🔥

[@LeighEllexson]

Hehehe >=)

[@dear_leee]

Love the tips while watching you paint this beautiful piece xoxo

[@divinencounters]

I’m a new subscriber and I love your art so much! I started a channel a while ago but have been inconsistent with posting, however your tips make me want to keep going

[@YolaResa]

Oh man so stunning 🌿🌱

[@raz5344]

Funny thing is I always tap on the vlogs and never the sketchbook tours😄

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Thanks Leigh!

[@softandcosy]

i love making videos but you're so right the editing part is like a full time job lool i swear it takes longer than painting itself

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

I use KZbin to grow and promote my business and I can say that it does work. I personally, have had success with a limited sub count in making money.