🎨 studio vlog ep. 17: drawing, stormy days, packing orders, and art thoughts

[@MayYangArt]

When I first started making studio vlogs and creating Etsy products I was so focused on numbers. Numbers of Instagram followers, subscribers, traffic, etc. It was so brain draining. Earlier this year I stopped worrying about numbers, started to make time for myself, and take care of my mental health. I dropped down to only vlogging and drawing stuff for Etsy products to 4 days and the other 3 days I took to relax and draw art just for me. I also stopped forcing myself to create products just to create it. I started focusing on what I loved and have never felt more free and at ease since I started doing this. I also stopped forcing myself to find a reason to post on Instagram everyday. I honestly just don't have something to show all the time. My art is always changing between anime style, chibi-ish style, and cute. I think due to that I have a hard time maintaining a following, but I've learned that it's what I enjoy doing, and like you, I need to be switching it up every once in a while. Thank you for your Ted Talk!

[@smoleart]

thank you so much for typing up your journey/thoughts!! I'm happy to hear you're at a much better place now :-) I was stuck in that circle of creating just to create for a good bit during quarantine and it felt SO much better after taking a break and actually miss drawing. Quantity may appear great, but quality in each thing you enjoy creating means so much more~

[@cozevee863]

Hi Kuddle Kettle, I have the same problem with you. I don’t know if I should called “it” a problem. I never stuck at one style. As yours, my art style always change one to another as well. Sometimes I draw anime style, sometimes a childrens book style, etc. I think that’s why I can’t reach up my followers. I’m totally inconsistent. But I realize that I draw for my hobby, to have fun. So I decided to still be me. Just having fun and not worrying about anything.

[@gr4c3l4d0n]

@@cozevee863 same, i dont really have a consistent style either, sometimes i go more anime, sometimes line less, then I completely switch to bgs like what XD And sometimes people say they really like my art style and im just like ....lol

[@cozevee863]

@@gr4c3l4d0n I feel that 😂😂

[@halloweenbabystudios1748]

Again..your videos bring me to a happy state of mind. I love your demeanor...especially how unintentionally funny you are 😆. I’m certain that myself and many others would enjoy watching a day in a life of you sitting in different spaces of your place. 😂🥰

[@danysbooks]

Thank you! I always relax (and laugh) watching your videos, and i want to open a shop with all my arts, so this helped me! You're awesome ❤️

[@fe1102]

“If my family watches diz, it was a joke” Haha 🤣 i feel you sis

[@mariaa.j.9658]

sameee lmaooooooo

[@designani]

Love your humble Tedtalk! Totally agree! I believe we will get somewhere someday as long as we keep doing the work. Don't forget to take a break when start feeling burned out or emotionally drained. I never really focus on the number, I post one youtube video every week to keep me busy and get out from depression during the lockdown :) Watching studio vlog really help increase my productivity. I'm looking forward to your next studio vlog :D

[@maicologie]

The little talk at the end really helped me 🥺 it was my favorite part of your vlog!!

[@veraserah]

Your self reflection on your business and youtube philosophy was really great, Mel! I think what you touched on is hands down one if not the biggest reason why people don't start their own business. I know I've definitely used it for all of my side hobbies! And you know - if your side hobby is able to generate some income, any bit that can offset its cost or support some part of your spending is GREAT. Better than not doing it! And you love your stickers and art so it's a double bonus! Sorry I got off on a rant too but haha you really said something that stuck with me :) Love your vlogs, keep it up!!

[@smoleart]

AH thank you vera i love hearing good input! I really wanted to touch on the good but also possible downsides of starting art. I think the whole comparison game brings us down even when we're actually doing better than before. You definitely summed it up, anything is better than nothing~ :-)

[@jackieees_]

When I started my art business I was looking in a few youtube videos for advices, and the only thing I heard from all the artist I follow it's "be consistent, try to post every day, etc." And that, for me, it's a little bit scary, bc I don't want to draw for a reason like an obligation or something, I feel pushing me to that in mind it's gonna make my art look poor or bad, so I just draw and i'm taking my time for that, even tho I don't post in a week, at least I know that when I post something is gonna be my best. Love your art! Greetings from El Salvador 💙

[@reimendez-gomez6861]

Thank you for the Ted talk. 😭 I'm so nervous to start my shop because I feel similarly to how you did thinking my art isn't good enough to sell. But your thoughts on starting a business is very insightful. So thank you. I really appreciate your wisdom and your vlogs. 😊

[@mezzsabear]

Love your vlogs! Stormy days in Autumn are the best days I think. Gives me the opportunity to be extra cozy at home.

[@SwanCreates]

I was with you when you only had 200 + followers and I watched your videos since I love your personality and your atyle of editing. When did you reacb 11K. I'm so happy for you, you've earned it

[@DoodlewithMari]

AH! I want rain so bad!!! We have a dry summer and I am sick of the sun!

[@dowddie]

i've been binge watching your vlogs this week

[@Kitahand]

This vlog felt like coffee fuelled chaos 😂

[@MysticHeather]

“Coffees been making me a little crazy but I need it” Same girl, same

[@hhhmorga]

mel's channel was the best thing that happened to me in the year.

[@raynee27]

Stormy weather is the best!!

[@smoleart]

i'm ready for sweater weather!!

[@venshibaba]

another chill vlog sess with mel!!!

[@smoleart]

ven shibaba aw YIS blessed by vens company!!

[@megn.mp4]

Aw I love your vlogs sm! They’re so calming and cute, great work Mel 🌷💖

[@gabbynatsuki]

thank you for the Ted talk!!!

[@roii8426]

why are you soo underrated??you deserve moreeee subscriberss!

[@smoleart]

LOL aw thank you :-'))

[@southhibari]

You’re always so relaxed being making those videos, i’m jealous)))) (joke, it’s very cool actually, i want to learn how to do it)

[@lovenleinettetiosing1717]

I really enjoy watching your vlog of your everyday routine also your digital arts and making coffees. It's the life that I want so calm and simple. Love your update ❤️😇

[@anguswalsh6067]

Ahhh, that spider is scary! Also, I would love to see 'a day in my life' video! I love how you talk about things, it's just calming to have a support whether it's from a person you don't even know personally💞🦔

[@smoleart]

Angus Walsh thank you angus!! the spider was indeed scary!

[@selenechang]

when you forgot to add sugar was actually me -- also when it got brighter wowww golden hours with mel

[@smoleart]

Suhween LOL I totally forgot the golden hour phrase. I speak a different dialect with fam! But they all speak like four languages I wish I knew them all *__*

[@alexisbee2982]

I’m thankful to be ending my night with your video after a long, tiring day of packaging orders😅. Thank you for this🙏🏾

[@smoleart]

thank you alexis! :-)

[@Corporate_Mike]

The level of chill I aspire to be like aha, loved this vlog 💫

[@titahlopes]

loved the vlog! thank you for opening my packaging ☺️💛

[@lilacpegasusstudio4636]

I just opened my package I recently bought and I didn’t realize you lived so close to me! I love my stickers tysm!

[@smoleart]

aw thank you!! :-')

[@ieatair1870]

i've been subcribed to you for awhile now but haven't actually watched any of your videos until now. and let me tell you.... YOU my friend are my favourite ytber now UWU yes it haesnt even been 5 min into this vid but i'm already in love. u made me smile thx u :) 💖🥺

[@smoleart]

OiKaWa'S MiLkBrEaD Omg my heart LOL 😭 you’re so sweet!!

[@raquelillustrations9500]

I love the colors that you use to draw! 💖

[@smoleart]

thank you raquel! :-')

[@BurningThroughTime]

I love your videos!!

[@coruuart]

Thank you for your message/advices. That's what I need right now. I love making arts since I learned to color and coz of the pandemic I learned in digital paint world. I love watched all your vlogs and make me inpired and motivated. I've just started my shop and I felt I'm burnt out.... your words make me feel okay.... thank you! I love coffee too. Maybe you tried cinnamon coffee too? ☕💕

[@moonbeanz1657]

NOO WAYYYY ive never been this early!! Great job mel!! another chill beautiful vlog and such cute drawings!!

[@smoleart]

YAAYY thank you for tuning in early~ :-)

[@FeliciaManolopoulos]

Thank you for the message at the end :) I've been thinking about setting up a shop and making videos for some time, but I keep doubting myself... so this was exactly what I needed to hear today 💖🍀

[@KirsiJulkuArt]

Cute kitties! Thanks for the vlog :)

[@vjberrios6470]

Super studio blog smoleart love you ❤️😘😘🇰🇷

[@makaylaxd4954]

Yay, another vlog ^^ 💕

[@Lyn3nA]

the baby breath tattoo is just like the temporary ones 🤫🤫

[@Lyn3nA]

ommmyyyy epik high yes 😭❤️

[@dinayaffe1280]

I had such a crazy day I was so happy to have a moment to realsx and watch your vlog. P.S Love you hairrr

[@fredbrein8786]

Yasss looking forward for your vlogs....

[@foodanon6568]

I’m a quiet viewer but I had to comment about the spider. That was so funny! “What’s that doing here? I’m trying to open my mail”😂

[@jdoart]

hi mel, i missed ur vlogs. im glad u updated today :>

[@jdoart]

im watching this during class break hehe. cuz ur vlog is so relaxing.

[@smoleart]

aw thank you for looking forward to them justine! :-')

[@SoobakStudio]

Ahhh I wish it rained where I am. I miss the cozy vibes. YESSsss, you should make a day in a life :D One thing I learned along the day with posting art is that, you should make art that you want to make and not want to people please to get likes. Also the likes/selling stuff is a lot about marketing yourself (IG algorithm is wackkk these days) and it's sometimes hard, but will get there eventually c:

[@smoleart]

SketchyYoon agreed!! It’s so easy to get lost in numbers without knowing it, but in the end a lot of it is with the algorithm just playing with many of us. We just have to keep goin until we beat it :-)

[@elcafejapones]

Yay I see lots of drinks from Japan! They are so good... I hope I can visit home soon :(

[@elcafejapones]

I liked your talk a lot. It is true to almost anything. Just try and enjoy! I am a musician and very small KZbinr and that is what I am trying too.

[@smoleart]

i hope you get to go back soon!!

[@elcafejapones]

@@smoleart Thank you! I love your videos and art works (following you on Insta too).

[@lxncexzs]

oh no, why didn’t I get a notification😤 now i’m here at midnight watching this😅 Love the video mel💕

[@smoleart]

Lance Villasor hehe how dare youtube!! thank you lance :-)

[@valeruen4722]

am finally early for once & i really love your non-digital drawings tooo ! 🐥🐥🐥

[@smoleart]

thank you!! :-))

[@лунный-д8д]

Love it mel I am planing to buy some stickers from you

[@hiirokonkon]

Yer so pretty!!! 💓💖🧧✨🎏🎐🍙

[@artkidlat]

nice art, where is this place?

[@luckymieko809]

Where did you learn to draw? Have you taken any high school or college courses?

[@AbbsAdore]

Love your work

[@plannercraving]

Loved it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kvnchrst_]

hi mel, i love your videos, a hello from Brazil btw... 💛

[@smoleart]

KVNCHRST hello!! :-)

[@rashmiraj130]

❤️

[@leesaiwanirfanstory3052]

Room tour pleaseeeeeeeeeee !!!!!!!!

[@lunesatnine]

❤❤❤

[@honeypotfilms6066]

dang i feel like coldest water is sponsoring soo many ppl, first on tiktok and now here haha - honeypot films

[@smoleart]

honeypot films LOLO they’re on a mission to get everyone hydrated :-)

[@studiobdtla9800]

💕💕💕

[@chilovescheese7177]

GIRL I HAVE THE SAME PRINT ON MY WALL! SANG TAE🥺

[@smoleart]

Chi LovesCheese it’s TOOO pretty 😭🤚

[@mr.bindaetteok1579]

I didnt get the notification :(( but that’s fine at least there’s a 20 min studio vlogg :-)

[@smoleart]

Stacey Woo oh no! maybe it’s due to youtube’s updates :-0. thank you stacey! :-)

[@stinasketch]

You are so cute LOLOL

[@mapleLIFE]

Have u drove in a snow storm before??? LOL.

[@smoleart]

i haven't LOL will try to avoid that at all costs!!

[@darby___8882]

Hi Mel I am very early haha luv your videos🌱🎨

[@smoleart]

thank you!! :-')

[@lianagunawan9191]

why you like coffe every single dayy. ( that is crazy) ( not to muchh🙃🙃)

[@ms_paroxy639]

LOL this vid is not about her studio...... it's about her drinking sooooo much!!! :)

[@lalalatte5457]

Can someone explain to me why your art with crayons is so good? When I try to do that styles it looks like a five year old made it 😭😭😭😭

[@mapleLIFE]

Youre the typical Asian hiding your tattoos. I gave up hiding a few yrs ago & gotta big one done. LOL.

[@altaart3564]

Haha watching the caffeine levels in this video

[@smoleart]

LOL it was a very caffeinated week