Sketching And The Reality Of Being A Professional Concept Artist

[@MechNuggets]

Omg my 100 thumbnails exercise 🤣

[@gradyfrederickart]

@@MechNuggets yes indeed!

[@gradyfrederickart]

@@MechNuggets pinning this so everyone knows 💪

[@OX_Tools]

I'm glad you can support your family doing this. It really messed me up to hear my father tell me I couldn't be an artist and support a family back when I was in high school. I went far far away from my passions and became a programmer. Made some good money, but at the cost of nearly everything that makes life worth living. It's a long road back to what I love, especially to find a living in it, but I think I was meant for it similar to how I feel the flow in your work. Thank you for sharing yourself with the community. It means a lot.

[@gradyfrederickart]

I really appreciate this. It means a lot to know my work resonates with you. I wish you all the best on your journey back to your passion. You seem introspective and self-aware and those are important qualities for an artist to have :) Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words.

[@OX_Tools]

When I first came across your art, I thought "wow, this is the pinnacle of technical talent combined with the emotional punch I hope to someday achieve in my work" I felt like this video was a good reminder to be present on the journey and count my lucky stars I have some time to do what I am passionate about.

[@ELPHENlX]

I'm pleased to hear an artist talk about being motivated by passion and by our interests. When I first wanted to do something like the artists I loved so much, I always found my ideas copied, rubbish or without much personality because I just wanted to draw something cool like them. In the end, it was by continuing to be interested in what I love in life (photography, history, films and good scripts) that the best ideas for my drawings came to me. I used to force myself to come up with ideas for drawing, but now I just feel like I'm bringing to life what I imagine in my head and that drawing complements my passions by adding another dimension. I think being passionate is the best way to come up with good ideas. As usual, thanks for this video Grady! By the way, I'd love to see a video on the composition of an image, but especially in the sense of dimensions, the scale of things in an image! ❤

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much for this. I can certainly sympathize with your early impulse to follow others a bit too closely. In the beginning, before enough development, it seems like the easiest way to create nice results...and it is. But it is not the way to build your own style and individuality. You are certainly thinking the right way ie. your own way :D I will make a note of your video suggestion! It is a good one :) Wishing you the best 🍻

[@paramnesias9198]

Man you really put your heart out on the intro. You are doing a great job and your videos are helping me grow on my artistic patg. Keep it up and thank you very much.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you for the kind words :D I just want to show my gratitude to you guys

[@bengibson8907]

Always a pleasure to sit down and listen to your videos when I draw.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks man, means alot :)

[@thegreathowdini]

hello Grady, I think this is one of maybe the best video you have. not only it targets design but also trying to be smart in planning in way. can you please do more of these types of videos? you are great!

[@meganbentleyart]

This video is so important for people wanting to go into concept art. Understanding you need to free yourself to be creative and itterative. But your skill is so strong and beautiful. Thank you so much for this.

[@kenpallicer658]

Grady you almost made my cry on the intro of the video 😭😭😭 You are an inspiration to all of us, thank you so much for doing what you do!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou so much :) Didn't mean to make anyone emotional! Haha just want to awkwardly share my gratitude 🍻

[@ThaGeneralC]

Brother you have such a beautiful soul. your videos are so very helpful, especially for someone who is just entering the world of art.

[@valeriaporopat6854]

I cannot be as productive if you are not there, in the background, sharing your knowledge and your experience. Thank you for every video you have made and for all the videos you will make

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for this :D Means alot

[@helen167]

I adore your stuff. Thank you for every single artwork and the clips you create!

[@peko1967]

Nice one. That last comment is very true. A big part of what makes a successful artist is tenacity, the ability to keep plowing ahead and learning from what didn't work and adjusting for the next time.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@Galaxara]

I am so happy I put your video on today - I have had a period of stress and overwhelm the past few weeks, and I realized yesterday that I hadn't sat down and let myself get inspired for a while. So, you mentioning looking for one's passion in the world reminded me what actually matters and what I can do to find calm and make great art

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for this :) Means alot

[@EldritchSkies]

Pretty much everything you said made me want to comment but I'd be here all day 😅 Suffice to say there's an interesting point in the short book "The War of Art", about how the main benefit of "playing for money" aka being a professional, isn't the money, but that it serves as a helper to avoid getting so precious about the thing we love, that we choke. If everything you did felt like your personal magnum opus... and non of it felt like work with limitations and deadlines... well you can see where it's going. These vids are priceless btw thanks. It's super under rated how, being able to visualize the process start to finish, can speed up the learning process sooo much just by virtue of the peace of mind/confidence it brings to be able to trust in a clear path to an end goal. I think there's some interesting neuroscience on that. The more of these videos the better, even if it's covering the same exact thing, because it just stacks and stacks that belief in people. I've played a great deal of counterstrike surf over the years and to this day, VERY OFTEN I'll be struggling to finish a map for like 40mins and then the SECOND i awkwardly hit the finish for the first time, and know I've seen every turn of the map... all of a sudden I one shot the map over and over, it's actually insane.

[@Hosein2888]

YOU are the best , i just never get tired staring at your artworks , its like going to an adventure looking at those moody landscapes

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much :) Means alot

[@davidpuertaaltes9143]

man! I wish I discovered you earlier! love your work and all your tutorials. I'm more of a illlustratior but I learned so much this last days watching your work and tips. Love your work, keep it coming! :)

[@glycerr4014]

Man, i discovered you just some days ago but i'm devouring all your videos, you're so skilled and talk about a lot of important things, including the psychological aspects and the mentality of drawing. You're really motivating me so much so i wanna thank you a lot for opening this channel, i love it

[@rocketlegs6933]

Your geniune and heart felt nature has just got yourself another subscriber. Keep going brother, and thank you!

[@ChasGonnello]

Eating these videos up! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@hlinc2]

loved all the points here but specially the one about 100 thumbnails. it hit on something I wished I had learned earlier - to get one good idea you need to have lots of not-so-good ideas, and they all come from “going through the grind”. but there’s something comforting about that. great contents as always!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Absolutely. It seems so simple but I find in actually doing the exercise even once, you can really gain a new perspective on design and understand what it takes to find fresh ideas. Thanks for the kind words :D

[@wvarcolac37]

Teşekkürler.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Hey, cool! Thanks for this :D

[@saranyinomayi4184]

ty so much for great videos .. Big fan of yours ... Please keep teaching us

[@gradyfrederickart]

Nice of you to say :) Thanks for being a subscriber!

[@hobelgoblin4724]

you have no idea how much I appreciate your videos, you are a huge inspiration to me.

[@MoranaPetrusic]

I think I am the happiest at this point in my life when I see a notification that you posted a video and I put it into my watch later for in the evening when I get to paint and listen to it - focus on myself and my art. That's what self care is to me Thank you for another great one Grady

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou so so much for this. It really does mean alot, and it makes me really happy to hear I am having a positive impact on someone's day :) I wish you the best.

[@bella00_]

you’re such a big inspiration to me and i love the messages of your videos!! it helps me so much to get inspired and motivated to create my own art.

[@AliLand93]

First time I saw your video on youtube I was looking for guides about landscape-design hints and stuff, then the most catchy thing about your videos was "WOW! such a humble and honest artist and person!" then I clicked on sub and from then I watch your videos not just for art instructions and helps, also for the chill and nice vibes. thanks for the great content 🤘🤘🤘

[@Overcraft17]

Thank's for the video Grady ! Sharing your knowledge and your experience is priceless for me. Thx again.

[@dianasilas9903]

Your work is awesome..I am so glad to found your videos…you are really a true artist your art has touched my soul

[@mi-i-zori]

Thank you for sharing your mind, process and talent, friend ! I feel a little bit inspired now ! Wish you the best 💚

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much!

[@edwardkenway7730]

I am on my way to become concept artist/illustrator, you are the one that I am aiming at! Thank you for sharing your thoughs and your process, I am learning a lot from you. This video is really helpful!

[@cxedge5672]

I apprecitate these videos you put out, i just found you. I've been entertaining the thought of returning back to school for graphic design and your video solidified my descision to go back. I'll be taking some art classes along side the design ones as i do want to use illustrations in designs. Again, i really appreciate what you're doing.

[@fz301]

I've been following these videos since the beginning and I don't know why but I think I'm in love with your sketching style. Something about the way you sketch is just so appealing to me. You mentioned in an earlier video that copying an artist's mark making isn't really a great path forward but it's so hard not to want to emulate your sketching style! Anyways, I love your work!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou so so much. It really means alot. It is okay to be inspired by another artists style! In fact, it is pretty much out of your control haha your brain is a melting pot of all the styles and art that inspires you and it will find its way in to your lines and brush strokes, and that is totally okay. After alot of practice your identity will take shape and it will be a lovely mix of all sorts of styles in your unique way. Still trying to get there myself :)

[@robizquierdo900]

I've been following you for a while now, and I just wanted to let you know how much your content inspires me. When I watch your videos I always get reminded of how important enjoying the journey is. Thanks a lot for all the good content you put out! I'm so exicted for Black Shore!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou so much!

[@wylcastelino8758]

Your comentary is incredibly valuable, both for the detailed description of your process and the emotion behind it, but also for conveying the importance of mindset. I find that many artists with your skill level discuss the importance of persistance and passion when creating, rather than empasising the technical aspect. Theres a commonality of mindset being championed by pros discussing their process, which for beginners can feel elusive, but its there for a reason. the passion is the talent. thankyou for your videos and your spirit.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for this. You make an interesting observation; I think maybe professionals talk so much about mindset due to the sheer number of hours spent agonizing over our work, feeling self-doubt, frustration, and all the ups and downs. It makes the technical aspects seem trivial when the hardest part sometimes is finding ways to stay motivated.

[@johncross21394]

great advice, Grady. I've never think about expectations in that way, you opened my eyes with those simple words. I always get stucked when comes to sketching ideas because I find myself putting myself under pressure to make incredible sketches from the first moment I put pencil to paper. Sketching has always been a challenge for me because I can't help but think of those sketches as finished pieces. I am grateful to have found you on KZbin and to have listened to your wise words, now sketching will be a different experience. Thank you!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou for this. I often struggle with sketching too as there seem to be good days and bad days. At the very least if there are going to be bad days, lowering expectations means I don't dwell on them too much :) Best of luck!

[@grindboots]

damn, what a video. thank you so much grady! i'm an industry concept artist too, and i've enjoyed watching your videos but doing mood pieces and full environment compositions isn't what i do day to day. it's great to see you dive into the more typical stuff like iterative process for smaller props and objects, highlighting how concept art is primarily about problem solving, and talking about your motivations - it's deeply inspiring. i can't wait to see more, keep up the awesome work!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much! Means alot. Trying to do more of this in my own time as well to stay sharp! Cool to hear from a fellow concept artist :) If you have an Artstation or gallery you want to link I'd love to check it out! All the best :D

[@Sichel22]

thanks for starting your channel and sharing your videos with everyone ! :)

[@FFFlay]

Nice video, I really like getting a bit of insight into your worldbuilding and design process

[@jannesmaczan3374]

Thank you for sharing, love the videos! Always such an interesting process :)

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks :D

[@PaulYoung-t9x]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it was really insightful.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@kokoblanka]

I like your videos so much, always inspire me and calm my mind, even making my mind clear of world noise and 1000 thoughts simultaneously. Thank you, you make me feel better.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Wow, thank you it really means alot to hear you say so. I am glad :) Wishing you the best

[@yohan_official]

love the process, the kind of things you said it makes sense. keep making this kind of videos. thankyou!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@simonight-art]

Really cool work man, very much enjoy your videos and ideas being shared! Keep it up ;)

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks :)

[@guilhermepeixoto55]

These videos are always a joy to watch, they're really soothing. This video made me wonder, when doing concepts for personal work, do you already have all the stories and lore defined before you start drawing, or is that something that you develop as you design it? I often find myself not drawing because I want to fully flesh out things before I start, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks! And to answer your question: You certainly don't need to have all the answers before designing! For me the drawing and writing work in tandem and I move back and forth. Starting with a simple idea may get me drawing, and some spontaneous shape on the page may prompt me to make some notes and so on. I find comfort in the idea that no drawing or illustration is "final" and I can always iterate and improve. I am the boss here, after all ;) I talk more about this fluid approach in a recent video here if you want to check it out, it might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIeZlHeBbqiIhcUsi=sNQUXZ9ayewAW1jE

[@Makkhariel]

I needed to hear this. Thanks man, great video.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks to you :)

[@DmytroBogdan]

Interesting approach. Your sketches loose but detailed at the same time. I was never lost in interpretation of what you wanted to describe.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Cool, thank you!

[@valerieaudino6684]

You are very good at describing the creative mind!!!!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sketch2807]

Your videos are really important to me. Thank you for making them

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou so much :)

[@kirsty.carter]

Some fantastic and insightful points Grady! 👏

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks Kirsty!

[@tattedskittles]

Thank you for showing us your art. Love all your videos. Wondering if you can share the brushes used for your sketches? Trying to practice and can’t seem to find the right brush

[@LuoDrawing]

The painter cleverly uses the thickness, density, virtuality, and richness of lines, as well as the dryness and wetness of ink colors, to create a realistic and transcendent artistic conception, expressing a keen capture and profound understanding of the changes in light and shadow.

[@MikolajKolbiarz]

Hey man, as a quiet person myself - i find it super interesting that even I need some people around me xD. I'm only just now starting to connect and for sure, it makes all the difference even if it's just one person in my case. I can only imagine how a community like this can inspire

[@MikolajKolbiarz]

Oh yeah, Do you have a discord? Sorry i forgot to ask in the main comment xD

[@gradyfrederickart]

Hey dude, thanks for sharing this. I totally get you. I get nervous talking to a handful of people in work meetings on zoom so you're okay :) We're lucky to have so many resources online for learning nowadays. I wish it had been this prevalent when I first started. Remember that acquiring self-discipline doesn't mean you'll feel more motivated; discipline is finding ways to get things done even when you are not motivated. This leads to higher confidence in yourself, which will increase your motivation overall and so on. I've embarrassed myself plenty, and have had many setbacks and I promise I'm not special haha I just keep trying. I'm starting a patreon soon and will have a discord channel where maybe you can connect with a few others/me in a really casual setting. I wish you the best.

[@MikolajKolbiarz]

@@gradyfrederickart i think get you and super thanks for the reply. Much love man.

[@HalfWarrior]

Thanks Grady;your videos are appreciated!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou, as always, gracious Half-Warrior :D You have been very kind and one of my most consistent commenters.

[@fero_art]

I was really art blocked, was working on an illustration that wasnt looking really good, i was annoyed frustrated, but then, i picked a new brush in my drawing program, and started drawing without any thought, i let the "flow" guide me, and i was in the "flow state" as some call it that feeling, was awesome

[@irenecentelles3676]

I'm about to finish a concept art piece. Ot's the first one that I do bc I'm passionate about and not bc I need something to fill my portfolio. Í'm very happy aboutthe results. Thanks for this vid. A job is more like something u do for a living art is more for the spirit.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Great to hear. You are right about the job. I do it for a living but there is still fulfillment to be found within that. You just need to know how to find it. I have just learned that I need freedom to pursue my own ideas beyond my work :) Thanks, and best of luck!

[@nicoschneider2411]

Just wanted to say thank you! Keep it going!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thank you too!

[@kamuikiller8277]

Another banger video.

[@MaximAvilov-c3l]

Do more videos like this, please, I like your props

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@wekky420ranarr]

Honesty is the best policy with art, too much bullshit going astray in my head to draw. Sometimes I just need a humble reminder to what's true.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching

[@binarysoup]

Hi Grady, I fully agree about design as an integral part of a concept illustration. It helps to create plausibilty beyond watching a "nice picture". I personally think that if an illustration is merely focusing on style, the viewer has only the option to give credits to the execution but tends to loose interest very fast when watching the illustration. But as soon as functionalities are integrated which demand a certain design by indicating basic questions like: "How does it work?" or "How was it build?", the content of the illustration receives an additional depth - something like a "second read" level, beyond the visual appearance which invites the viewer to contemplate the image much longer than it would be otherwise. I think this is the reason why Ralph McQuarries or Syd Meads artworks are still admired by many today. I would even say that design might be a way to overcome blank paper syndrome. As soon as you include the thoughts of functionality into artworks you know what to create in a coherent way. It is also a way to detach from reference pictures. As soon as you understand the principle of your reference you can draw it in your own way. I am an industrial designer and I am always happy to see concept art, that includes something like splitlines or whatever indications on how things MIGHT work in the world, that has been created by the artist.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Well said, I couldn't agree more. Once you understand this you realize rendering and resolving is the easy part and plausible compelling design is (for me at least) the really hard part. Thanks for the comment :D

[@lavaaagh2164]

Very inspirational video

[@MrGiraeff]

Hi, Id like to be a concept artist and your videos are just something else in this world in the good way!!! Thank you for this content this is inspirational!!!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much :) I wish you the best!

[@professionalidiot3268]

Aye man, love watching your stuff and its cool the way you give something to your viewers, and i should thanks to you because your videos giving me some motivation to defeat my procrastination,,also can i use some of your Artwork for my drawing study ?

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks! I'm glad you find them motivating. And yea of course you can study my work :)

[@Lucas_Belll]

so cool!

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks!

[@jacktuffery9930]

Love your videos. Dont know if i agree with the sentiment that if don't enjoy design then put down the pen. For me, im just getting a huge kick out of trying to make an image look as beautiful as possible. Not always with a back story or unique design. Although, im just a hobby artist.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks so much for this. Thanks for sharing your perspective, you make a good point. Everyone can find fulfillment in all sorts of ways making art, and it doesn't have to go so deep. It's a wonderful hobby to practice :) Wishing you the best

[@Tahasikeri]

Thank u so much… i love ur channel

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for watching :D

[@fenlin-u7d]

I really want to know how these beautiful graphics were created. Every time I pick up the pen, they end up looking the same as the photos

[@AndyWalsh]

This is some genius advice. And almost too obvious. Yet we ignore the most obvious practices. My issue is that I can spend an hour on a thumbnail sometimes. I think you can get stuck into render-your-way-out-of-a-problem mode. Never good.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks man. Yea man I feel the same impulse now and then as well haha I just have to constantly be reminding myself of the goal.

[@mozzile8368]

Hey man, this is great content. I wish you can respond to this, I pretty much want to become a concept artist. I have three pieces in my portfolio but getting not but rejections. I know it’s the market but the biggest factor is that I need to work harder on my next works. I have took a break from making work because many times my concept just isn’t as interesting as I thought and end up scrapping days of work. My question is, how do you deal with days when you don’t feel like drawing and how do you know if it’s still your passion. Thanks a lot again.

[@rabahjamal7600]

u r great

[@ugtyujuser-yb4eu9jx6v]

❤

[@aswes466]

Im kinda new to art, and often im just afraid of doing it. Feels like im not really progressing, and attempt to create something i have passion for will just be failure. So im stuck with studies that i still do regularly, and sometimes i like them. But sometimes not, so they feel rushed, not really educational, and creates feeling that im still not ready. Not good enough to show it or call myself artist. Usually im optimistic thou, so i will continue, but yeah... art is hard

[@gradyfrederickart]

I understand. It sounds like you are at the point where you need to develop the fundamental skills and really solidify them. This will open up the ability to execute all sorts of drawings as you will have a deeper understanding of how to show form ie. perspective, lighting, composition etc. I relate heavily to your feeling of being afraid to create stuff. This often happens to me during my low points. I create something bad, feel frustrated, walk away, then feel a huge sense of anxiety at the thought of trying again. On top of fundamental learning, maybe sometimes try working abstractly and totally remove all expectation. Just let your hand move where it wants to on the page and build some confidence this way. If you stick with this whole art thing I promise you will improve. As you said you are new, so it will take a while to get better and you can find peace of mind in that fact. Don't rush yourself :)

[@aswes466]

@@gradyfrederickart Thank you!

[@terenceMarkwall]

Is there a LinkedIn with Gary Frédéric ?

[@vedwaichal2047]

Wish the Video was longer

[@gradyfrederickart]

haha sorry! 15-20 minutes seems to be the sweet spot for most people, but I'll have some longer stuff peppered in for sure :)

[@JAMSARTCHANNEL]

When I sketch too many or too much of an idea/s. I lose interest and start another idea!!

[@nvliaen]

I'm pretty sure this kind of designs can be done by ai very soon. It will require more and more creativity in it.

[@Authormatthewtaylordotcom]

Hey Grady! Keep up the good work and inspiring words. Your videos always are a motivating listen...as a very amateur artist and a scifi/fantasy writer who dreams of one day taking care of my own family through my written works of art ... the struggles of being in that valley and sometimes not being able to see the next metaphorical peak can be rough.

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thankyou for this Matthew :D I know it is really tough to see the next peak sometimes... I think that's where we just need to keep walking forward and have faith in the process. Learning through failure, introspection and small breakthroughs is what it's all about. Trying to see the entire journey as a whole is really daunting, so it helps to just focus on the small steps :) I wish you and your fam the very best

[@ВикторМихайлович-э8с]

шикарно

[@るいあきら]

Thanks again for another video, Grady ˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

[@gradyfrederickart]

Thanks for being here!

[@theamericanpatriot1776]

Awesome!