Selling art online: learning from others and avoiding the ONE habit that will kill your art career

[@taramickeymickeranno8725]

Yes, I really struggle with comparison. I love to look at the work of other artists but at the same time I can come away feeling totally inept. I have to remind myself that my artistic expression is mine and not to compare, but man, it's hard. I just end up wanting to crawl back into bed. Thanks for the reminder.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

l believe this is something we all struggle with so you are definitely not alone 😊

[@largaparker6370]

Yes and you are not trying to sell anything! Everyone just wants to sell something and there seems to be an ulterior motive to everyone. It's so refreshing. You have a true fan that just climbed on board. Plus your ART IS AMAZING! WOW, I can dream...

[@katschmidt1540]

This is the pep talk in need with my coffee every morning. Knowing your audience really helps when you start comparing yourself. THat's what helped me realize that I shouldn't sell at a certain Art Festival. The main population was much older, and not too kind to my style of work. I respect that, we all have our likes and dislikes. It was extremely refreshing to display art in a larger city, with younger, more open-minded people who were willing to have a conversation... Don't force yourself into something that you're not with grease and a shoehorn.

[@sweetlasvegassuccess]

Ellen, you are refreshingly clear and direct. Like you paintings. A joy to listen to you. I trust everything you say.

[@marcyfineart4771]

Yes! Awesome thought. I was wondering how I continuously kill my own motivation. And you named several points: following and thinking my art which is far different from someone's will sell in the same places. And, comparing myself to others. I can spend hours sitting around wondering what THEY are doing and do absolutely nothing myself. Thus reinforcing bad habits and thoughts. Great video.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your comment; I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@ashleymeyer9437]

This video deserves more views. I've tried and failed time and time again to get my art business going because I've felt so easily discouraged by the competition. Thanks for spreading the message to not worry so much about comparing yourself to others. :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so happy to read this, thank you for your comment! 😊

[@kirstyjones1404]

Your videos are by far the most "real" and helpful of any artist that I follow! Your tips are really easy to follow and apply to my own art business... I just wanted to say thankyou for putting yourself out there to give others help! x

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Kirsty, thank you for your kind comment - I'm so glad you find my videos helpful! ☺️🙏🏼✨

[@LoriFahy]

this is so true.. as humans we tend to be drawn towards comparisons, and competition. I try and invoke complimenting, and not competing. I think all creative folks, and everyone in general should be lifting each other up, and complimenting, .. instead of comparing and competing, because life is NOT a competition. :) I love your videos btw.. thank you Ellen .

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Many thanks for sharing your experience and for your kind words! 🙏🏼✨

[@8zenuf4me]

This is the third video of yours I've viewed, and I've already learned things I can use: Don't compare yourself with other artists, ignore those negative voices in your head, keep your social media presence at reasonable levels, and don't be discouraged if you don't sell all your products at in every situation. I'm not expressing it very well! Very practical information and advice (I know that word is anathema for many people). Thank you!

[@mollymccleerey3844]

Comparing your work to others is a death trap. LoL. And it is hard, sometimes, not too. Also having an "art friend" network is good. Being an artist is a solitary profession. There are no "work friends". I really enjoy your talks.

[@crushsatan]

Studying artists who have already passed away can also be inspirational and instructional

[@giovannisiano574]

Golden words! Never compare yourself to others. You just don't know what others do!

[@brianstallings4252]

Best advice anyone’s ever given me as an artist. This definitely deserves way more likes, views, and respect than it’s gotten because this is a goldmine!!!!!!!!!!! Greatly stated!!!!!!!!!

[@csillahegedus2826]

Thank you Ellen, this video is super, and I'm so grateful for it! Comparing to others, that takes so much energy away - and has no sense at all. All the best wishes to you from Hungary!😊❤

[@omni1452]

Dont compare yourself to someone who is today but rather compare yourself to who you were yesterday.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Good advice!

[@thisisart3750]

Don't compare your self to other artis i agree this because idea n inspired way of think, feeling defrend..

[@alisturkericmacnanty159]

I love your talks and share them all over the place. Ehat you share is So important!!!

[@gairionysten3188]

I think comparing yourself to other artists is a good way to gauge where the bar is for certain goals, and how far away you're from achieving them. Especially when it comes to bigger studios in gaming or vfx industries. Seeing what level you need to be to get an entry role is a great way to not waste time applying for jobs while you're still underskilled.

[@barbarableich7366]

Incredibly good advice. I agree completely!

[@kamanlok48]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your videos. Thank you so much for sharing all those honest insights. You helped me and I am sure many others to pursue their dreams in arts!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your kindness; I'm really glad you're finding my videos helpful! ☺️

[@Fkouch]

Thank you so much Ellen! This is exactly what I needed to hear. Had one of those days where I just felt like giving up. But your video has made me feel a whole lot better x

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so glad you found it helpful. Hugs!

[@Fkouch]

Thank you :) @@EllenBrennemanStudio

[@johncollado1151]

Very good point, Ellen... guilty as charged! i'm constantly comparing myself to other artists, and yes, the negative just pours in. Your video was a good reminder and very inspirational. Thank you.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

John Collado I’m so glad you found it helpful. You are already one step ahead, in my opinion, because you recognize that you do this, therefore you can stop that negative thought process dead in its tracks and just keep moving forward. Always move forward 😊 thanks so much for your comment!

[@dawnlettart6781]

So true! Few things suck the joy out of the creative process more than The Comparison Trap. It’s hard not to fall into it sometimes, but you’re absolutely right - we have to fight the urge to compare ourselves to others, or else we’re at risk of becoming too discouraged to persist. Thanks for this timely reminder.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Dawn, I really appreciate your comment here; it's so important to remind myself that I'm not the only one that feels this way. Anyone who looks through IG or FB will immediately see another artist that has what we desire and it's so easy to get caught up by what we SEE and think that's how life is, but the truth of the matter is that most people put up snapshots of the best things in life - their 'highlight reel' and that's where the Comparison Trap begins. Fighting that urge is challenging but so necessary for our own mental health and happiness. My best to you on your art journey! :)

[@dawnlettart6781]

Ellen Brenneman Studio - Yes, good point! It’s easy to forget that social media is where people are putting their best foot forward. I have to try to remember that in the future. Thanks again, Ellen! Please keep the great vids coming. They’re very helpful (esp. for noobs like myself).

[@petroshingalana8556]

Thank you, so true, don't compare yourself...jip that is a wise decision

[@Danman4u2]

Ellen, thank you for your "at eye level" sincere and practical presentations, and for your time and energy in sharing.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@monicaeggleton4510]

Thank you for your advise. You are so right! Each person is on their own path, and especially with expressive work like art is. Negative thoughts can be a constant battle, but the more you stop the behavior, and substitute a positive statement, the closer you come to your path and being your authentic self. I want to let you know, that I did receive my calendar with your artwork. I have never purchased other people’s artwork in print form before. I like to purchase original artwork, but circumstances don’t allow that right now. I only say that because the reason I purchased your calendar is because I love working with alcohol ink, and you inspire me to play around with it to learn how to have some additional control in the application towards a set outcome. I also have a mini art gallery of your work, that brings joy to my heart, on my art room on the wall. My love is bald eagles, and I can visualize how ink can accent their movement. In looking at your pieces close up I can see how you utilize detail around the eyes, and I know that will include the beak with my bald eagles. You can identify one bird from another looking at their beak and eyes. Looking at live, moving, actual examples is the way to learn about that being well enough to capture it in artwork. I learned that from you, and have done several sketches in studying and getting a better handle on these beautifully protective creatures. I thank you for the several little lessons you have helped me with; and my development in expression is coming around as I work towards my goals. Your words tonight reinforced to me, that I am on a good path. Even if no one else hears your words, I know they are a gift to me. Peace and joy to you.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Monica, your comment really touched me, thank you for letting me know this. I too, struggle in knowing what to do sometimes and whether it will be a success or a major fail. KZbin was one of those things that I used to compare myself with other artists who seem to be so eloquent and natural on camera and I was petrified of the thought of anyone seeing these videos! lol We just have to keep trying new things, learning from others and moving forward and have faith that we are good enough - because we are!

[@shanysalvatore]

THank you so much. This is really hard although being yourself and doing what you´re doing and be proud of it is really amazing but still it happens. I have to concentrate to not get pushed down by this (comparing). So many questions sometimes. Leads nowhere. Great reminder.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

So well put! Thank you for your comment ☺️

[@Sunandshine1234]

Always wonderful helpful advice , thankyou .

[@CamilleOlivia]

Ellen, thanks for all the videos you're providing us. I am just now beginning my online presence and most days end with utter overwhelm. I too have a dear friend who has been a full-time artist for nearly 20 years. (She's a metal artist, not a illustrator/painter). Her guidance has been invaluable. She reminds me to BREATHE. And to remember how long it took her to establish herself (so I don't get discouraged). But...more than anything, I personally have ALWAYS known that comparing myself and/or my work is a KILLER. I say it all the time. "NOBODY lives in your skin!". That is to say, no matter if my work is as good or not, it has nothing to do with MY path. Good insights for those who haven't yet learnt this. Thank you again for taking the time. Cheers!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for sharing such sound advice, Camille! Couldn't agree more! ☺️

[@sabrinanascimento5248]

I am learning about what Artists are doing. Not compare myself to any Artist. Not at the same path. Create my own path. Day by day. ❤️😉

[@stamatinalialiou3424]

Thank you so much for this important message. We live in a world where everybody compares itself with others...but we forget that art is not perfect and it doesn't have a straight road ahead. Thanks again for this message!! 😁

[@kathrynwoods6170]

Thank you Ellen for another video filled with great advice!! I don't know why I compare myself to others in almost every area of life but I do. It is a constant battle to run my own race.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Kathryn Woods I think it is a battle that most of us deal with at some time or another in our lives. When those thoughts strike, that’s when it’s most important to resist them, I have found.

[@Amanda-vc5wx]

Great advice :) I think we all struggle with this. I also hope that more artists start supporting each other rather than being quietly jealous or comparing everything. I think we all of have our own style that no one can copy, which is a beautiful thing!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your comment, Amanda - and yes! I completely agree with you, well said!

[@Davidiona]

I have to admire and applaud your advice for artists which is so very generous.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

David, thank you! :)

[@SpiritualArtbySheldene]

Great advice!!! I completely agree with you :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for watching, Shels! xo

[@mlw1234]

Thank you for this video! Yes I have that habit of comparing myself to other artists.

[@shirleypolo6272]

I had some work on Fine Art America for awhile..got frustrated and started comparing my work to other artists...one day I just closed my account because I felt so inferior. After seeing your video I feel a lot better. 😊

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm glad to know you feel better, Shirley - we've all been there! ☺️

[@manuelaherr9027]

Dear Ellen, thank you for this great advice! You spoke right out of my heart! I am an acrylic student,midgrade I guess I would say and I am doing exactly this what you were talking about! I compare my Artwork with the Artwork from other all the time! And you are right, it takes me down a lot in fact so much that I do not even see my own progress anymore. Thank you Ellen for this video,so so much. That might explain why I am not able to start the painting of my two lost died cats! Keep going dear Ellen and be blessed! Lots of love from me, Manuela to you 😍👍💐

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

This is something we ALL do when we're just starting out. At first we tell ourselves that we're just observing and appreciating the work of another but if we're not careful, it's so easy to start focusing on what they're doing 'right' and why can't WE achieve the same success. When you feel those thoughts coming on, quickly say one thing that you like about your work; if you're having a really down day and can't think of anything positive, focus on how it makes you feel when you create, because, generally speaking, the creative process is what keeps us going - it's ingrained in us and makes us happy. From there, just focus on you and remember, there's no one that can do exactly what you do. We all have special talents and that is what makes art so unique - there's something for everyone! :)

[@ArleynH]

I love watching art advice videos while sketching, yours are very informative, thank you for making them!

[@shanea1314]

Aloha Ellen, thankyou so muchi for putting this video up. truly appreciate your aloha..well said..thankyou again and i wish great happy success😊

[@kayfletcher4169]

Really useful advice. Thank you.

[@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007]

Selling art has little to do with how good an artist the person is. It relates much more three things: 1. pricing , 2. how good a salesman they are and 3. their plan to sell..( by that I mean choosing to do it online, through a gallery or through contacts...)

[@maldoori238]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful ideas 💡

[@kathyr.1721]

You are so awesome, Ellen! Thank you for sharing this!

[@ranradd]

Good points. When you art becomes a business, then you need business skills and one of these is advertising, in some way, to gain greater recognition.

[@pjmartin6690]

Great video... love them soooo much. I watch them over and over! One thing I have learned in comparing myself to other artists is ... How long have they been doing their work???? I can't be where a veteran is and I'm only a year or so invested! Thank you again!!!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Very well put!!!!

[@TwO-OldFaRtSoNabeach]

Thank you for this advice and I will keep my head down as much as possible and blaze my own path . You sometimes can't help doing this bad habit ,but now you have brought it to my attention , I can work on being my own artist. Have a great day . John Victoria Vancouver Island.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Half the battle is realizing that we are doing this, and you're right - it is hard sometimes, especially when we're not where we want to be. Keep moving forward, John! :)

[@jessiethomas2479]

Hi, Your talks are very helpful. A lot of questions many artists commonly have, including myself, were answered well and clearly understood. I have a struggle where I often have my closer friends and family interested in my work (possibly some being biased) and not have a lot of new people outside of the bubble that I feel I'm currently stuck in. I would like to say a huge Thank you! :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your kind comment. Good luck on getting your work out there so others can enjoy it!

[@Gina-iv9jl]

Thank you, am loving these videos, great advice, always really helpful:):)

[@shadowartist8892]

Love your bird pillow. Is that your work? When I feel envious, I figure it's because they are doing something I should do, or learn to do. So then it becomes inspiration.

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Hi Ellen, your always very informative Thank you for that. My problem is, I feel like I sometimes end up painting or drawing the same thing as everyone else. I want to do something different. Then I happen to see an artist do this really cool technic and I think.... Shoot .. why can't I think of something like that. It's very frustrating and sometimes makes me hesitate on doing anything at all. I want to see what others are doing but at the same time, i feel like I shouldn't watch KZbin.

[@pjmartin6690]

Perfect timing Ellen!!! Great advice!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful! :)

[@spiritsbrush6728]

I absolutely cherish these videos. Awesome advice! Thank you so much.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so glad you're enjoying them! Thanks for your kind words 😊

[@ladygypsysoul122]

Thank you. Good advice.

[@isabelduffey4157]

Thanks for making the videos Ellen they are helping me with my artwork.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so glad you're finding them useful!

[@lisakaiser8726]

Great advice. I love this content because this very killer of inspiration simply doesn't need to be in the brain of any creative person.

[@sueellensiebert9202]

Hi Ellen, Really like what you had to say about comparing ourselves to others. Thank you for your videos.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Sue Ellen Siebert you are very welcome! ☺️

[@SerenityStudioArt]

Great advice. I’d love if you made a video about how to know if your art style is consistent enough. My style does not consist of the same thing all the time....abstracts, goddess art, female essence/ spirit and fantasy art are my main themes.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your feedback and that's a great question! I'll ponder it over and include it in my next Q&A vid! 😊

[@kadrilindmae694]

This was very inspiring. Thank you!

[@donlawler9510]

solid stuff in only seven minutes!

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Ellen! 😁 I think you are spot on about comparing in a negative way. I do compare, BUT I do it in a critiquing my own art type of way. If I look at another artist doing similar work, but they appear to be more successful in one way or another, I try to figure out how is the work different. Are there aspects of their work that people are more drawn to more & why? Where can I better focus within my art that maybe isn't as strong? I try to turn what can be a really negative feeling into improving my own art in a positive way. I think for younger artists that can be much harder to do. These questions help drive me to improve. Do I do this 100% of the time, nope! I'm human. 😉 I might vent a bit out of frustration, let it out, and then look at the situation from a different perspective. 😃

[@jodyahlih2060]

Point 2, I've never experienced the chronic disease of comparing your self to others more than I have on online social media, it's awful and can be debilitating.

[@DennisCNolasco]

Thanks Ellen

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Thanks so much for these videos. You give great advice!👍

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so glad you're finding them helpful!

[@richardbarksdale3810]

Thank you so much for this advice I am so glad I watched your video.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

You're most welcome!

[@PersonalIzzy]

Thank you so much for this wise reminder nanaste

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your comment, Izzy! 😊

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

It's not so much that I compare my art to anyone else's. It's I can't get my business off the ground. I think I know what to do, but then I just get discouraged and start to give up on the idea of selling my artwork. My motivation goes out the window, that's where it is now. I feel like I'm never going to get there.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way, Deborah. It is a daunting task; you're not alone in feeling discouraged/overwhelmed. I remember being completely overwhelmed in the beginning. I didn't have a clue as to what to do first, so I just made up my mind to create a set number of items by a certain date and open an Etsy shop. Everything after was just one step at a time, one day at a time (and sometimes, one moment at a time).

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio thanks Ellen, now my computer is down too. Luckily my friends hubby can look at it for me. I was doing good there for a while. Posting at least three times a week. But I'm also trying to find a job. And that's not going well. I don't want to have to take more money from my savings, but might have to. 😒. I did put some prints and cards in a local gallery holiday gift shop. And I was about to make a business PayPal account. So I'll work on that tomorrow. Thanks for your support. It really means a lot to me. I know this is what I'm supposed to do with my life.

[@rooksartworks1235]

Great video! Thanks for the sage advice.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. I'm glad you found it helpful! :)

[@aaronvarga5496]

Needed to hear this thank you

[@suzan-x3i]

Thank you

[@susanw.2456]

Love your content !!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

thank you for your comment! :)

[@TheYun77]

It seems to be really good advices !

[@katjastar3621]

thanks a lot 🤗

[@huseyintopcuoglu2302]

thanks for the advice

[@leslieolvera5555]

im inspired i love your topics thanks

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

You are most welcome! 😊

[@londyatelier290]

thank you, you are so good!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you!

[@teresasamolewicz1987]

Do you have a video on the most basic of basic, How to actually get started online; artist statements, biography, profile, the scary bit? Can you remember what it was like and how you did it? Can you direct me to ones I should focus on that are going to give facts and not a hard sell?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Hello, Teresa! Thank you for your lovely comments, so appreciated! I have just uploaded a video based upon your question and you can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5CrfKSsm8-jiLc I hope you find it helpful!

[@jackandrianoart6056]

Awsome,!

[@stuartmacinnes8992]

Excellent advice

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Stuart, thank you kindly for your comment :) Glad it's helpful to you!

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Great thoughts here

[@rlam86]

I'm not an artist, but thanks for your wise words. I'm still looking for my path despite how long I have left it hanging. BTW, you should do some KZbin SEO, your content is well deserving :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Robert, I thank you for your kind comment here :) KZbin is still fairly new to me so I greatly appreciate the advice! Best of luck to you - the fact that you haven't given up on your desire to succeed says a LOT about your drive. Keep that fire burning!

[@rlam86]

Thanks Ellen, I think the difficult bit is finding myself and finding what I like. It's always good to see real genuine KZbinr such as yourself. Speaking of KZbin SEO, I found this video very helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYTCaoulmpaal9k :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you, Robert! I will most definitely check this out! :)

[@SerenityStudioArt]

Love love your videos 😍❤️😍

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you so much! 😊✨

[@nikkiburroughs4164]

Hi, thanks for your videos! When you say “followers”, what exactly do you mean? Like.. do you set up an instagram or Facebook a account solely for your art?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Hi, Nikki :) Yes, that's what I intended to mean; when someone either 'Likes' your page on FB or follows you on IG

[@andreaharutunian3316]

Good advice!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Andrea thank you kindly for your comment! :)

[@creativejazzpianistrobertr2172]

Ellan--Ive done 30 Abstracts already in 2 wks--What do you think is my next step?? (XConfused) Im a Jazz Pianist also lol Love Painting tho--Want to show them to Public??

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I would say, decide if you'd like to sell online or in person - or both! And get your work out there and seen! Local shops/galleries if in person or IG, FB, Etsy, or similar platform If online :)

[@creativejazzpianistrobertr2172]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio OK 5TKS for Advice--I thought --'Etsy' seemed a little ''Involved'' gettg setup??$$$

[@robinmbirrellstudio]

Great advice! It that your work on the wall behind you over the sofa? :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Robin Birrell Thank you so much! Yes, it sure is! I painted it a couple of years ago 😊

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

I'm an artist and photographer but detest social media, am I basically screwed?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Ooh...what a good question. I think that we have to look at social media like we would with any other business-plan. Will it work for our business or against it? Not every platform is for every person, however, it's crucial to go where our customers are if we want to be seen. For me, a large part of my follower/customer base is on Facebook; they are female and they are nearing retirement. As much as Facebook drains me (and it does), I have found a way to make it work on my terms so that I can continue to grow my business. My suggestion, I suppose, would be to find one platform and make it work for you - Tumblr I have heard is a GREAT place for photographers - and your fan base will come to you. I hope this is somewhat helpful; I understand where you're coming from and think many creatives feel the exact same way you do.

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

Hi, thank you so much for the reply! I've only just realized you did. Yes I'm coming to terms with the fact that social media is a necessary evil in this day and age if starting out. That will be a learning curve for me seen as I've never used facebook, twitter, instagram. tumblr, pinterest and all the other hubs of networking. It is going to be hard to find a balance between pushing product and creating a base of followers but still, life is for learning :)

[@M.2018-b3f]

Thank you. (New subscriber)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you - and welcome!!

[@troelskolstrup818]

I dont really agree i campare my work to others all the time, i love to see how others solve difficult problems and build up their pictues. That how i learn and get better

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Comparing for the sake of learning is a great asset to growing as an artist. I have my feeds flooded with images from artists I admire :) It's when I compare myself in a 'self-loathing' kind of way that tears me down as an artist - no good ever comes from it :/

[@CharlesJones-rd4jy]

Thanks. This was a great tutorial. I would like to know how and if you can use instagram to market your work.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Charles Jones thank you, I’m glad you found it helpful! Absolutely, you can use any social media platform to promote your work. I do feel it’s important to go where your target market is spending their time, be at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. I have a decent following on Instagram but my customers spend their time on Facebook so that is where I promote most of my work. My advice would be to pick a few platforms you feel comfortable using and spend some time seeing what kind of response you are generating. You’ll get an idea of where you should be spending your time. Hope this is helpful!

[@CharlesJones-rd4jy]

Thank you Ellen. I'm a collage artist contemplating starting my art business for real in 2018. I've enjoyed your tutorials since I stumbled on them a few weeks ago. Thanks again.

[@CartoonistVikrant]

i dont compare. i have fantastic ideas now. 💓 1 year and i am a KZbin star.

[@gavinyates9189]

You're a beautiful sweetheart thank you

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

😊 thank you

[@robot7759]

How to be an entrepreneur 😼 Comparing is always about apples and pears. Useless habit.

[@edbianchi8839]

Thank you, it should be repeated over and over again

[@FurthermoreJack]

I know an artist that's flashy, seems like they're doing great but really her large amount of their original work sits in their basement....I get nagged by their pumping out tons of work and it shows, their work is lack luster . I prefer slow, seasoned work.

[@LoriFahy]

i too believe quality is better than quantity. chinese factories pump out paintings, and sell them in big marketing stores and websites. I am not attracted to them because I know there are 1000s upon 1000s just massed produced, .. they dont grab your soul. I know it depends what people are looking for, as some people just like something pretty for their wall.. me on the other hand, want to feel something, i want to be awakened, thought invoked, and captured..

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@LoriFahy Agreed in the substance of quality over quantity... I pretty much hate "Chinesium" in all it's dime-a-dozen versions. Might point out that when you get involved in art, you take a risk. You risk somebody getting that same invocation and HATING it. BUT that's the thing about art, any art. If you don't take the risk someone's going to hate it, then you can't be at risk of someone LOVING it either. I look to evoke a visceral reaction from my audience. I consider that for every person who absolutely hates a project/product, there's going to be someone else who absolutely loves it... As long as there's the immediate visceral reaction, I feel I've done my job as an artist. Pounding out piece after piece like a one-person factory is only "practice making perfect" up to a point. We all improve as we go... in everything we do... but there's a difference between skills and dedication. If anyone has to "labor" through something, then they're not going to be passionate about it. ...and there's no cheating in art. It doesn't work. You can't toss out a "piss take" and expect the audience to see a Rembrandt. You can only steal a Rembrandt. ;o)

[@Capricosm]

Rule no1 : paint something which people want to hang on their wall.

[@stephaniejensen4055]

I suffer from impostor syndrome.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I think many, if not MOST artists suffer from that at one time or another. I've been creating full time for almost 10 years and still have the occasional feelings of Imposter Syndrome.

[@Newriverartist]

Good advice!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thanks for watching; glad you found it helpful!

[@Newriverartist]

Welcome!