The Emotional Battle of Art

[@briaalebleu]

dude im not even a comic artist and im loving your videos, i'm just here for the life lessons. your advice applies to all kinds of creativity too though

[@briaalebleu]

i havent looked at your art yet (new to your channel, only three videos in) but i am ready to support whatever it is that you do! lol

[@BrandonDayton]

Awesome. Thanks! Seriously, some of my favorite youtube channels are my favorites for the exact same reason. I have some fitness channels that I follow, and maybe I get a good idea here or there for my workouts, but I mostly like the point-of-view of the hosts.

[@easyblink123]

Same!

[@taysonmartindale]

Absolutely would love to hear your thoughts about procrastination! That bit about keeping to a schedule even on the good days when you're feeling it, and how that will help on the tough days-- so good! I'd never looked at it from that perspective before. Definitely some food for thought!

[@BrandonDayton]

Great to hear. One more vote for procrastination, so I'm gonna have to take that one on.

[@oldmanlowgun]

thanks for speaking honestly about the challenges that a lot of artists face when they are trying to expand and grow their craft. i think that very often the emotional struggles that artists face are put down or dismissed by themselves and by others, but even so, they remain a huge obstacle for many, myself included. also, nice pen. is that a Tombow Fudenosuke?

[@BrandonDayton]

Sure thing. I hope it was helpful. I'm inking with a fine tip kuretake in this vid.

[@barrymcwilliams]

Nice video, thanks. I love the technique of stopping just a little before you're done. I do that when I'm using a Pomodoro or similar technique. I won't finish the line or the frame, etc, take my 5 min break, then when I sit down again I know exactly what to start doing.

[@BrandonDayton]

It's a great little cheat to keep the momentum on a project. I always find myself getting stuck in-between tasks.

[@jakethegyllenhaal3382]

Thank you so much...it helps me alot

[@camicuibus]

Thank you so much for making these videos, they are great!

[@Erginartesia]

I liked the honesty of this video. It is appreciated. I could relate to every point of view you expressed. Maybe these are a common trait among creative people? Not too many are as open about talking about them.

[@BrandonDayton]

I think it's something everybody faces, but there's something about making art that exacerbates the issue. Maybe it's the inherent vulnerability of making art. You're always putting yourself out there. It raises the stakes.

[@savagecimmerian]

"Writer's block is for amateurs" - Charles Schulz. Oversimplifying it, but I have always taken this Schulz quote to heart that pros have to overcome feelings to function, in fact to work in spite of them. Great video and very insightful and helpful, Brandon.

[@DMGregAdventure]

this is insanely good advice. frustration is so tough to deal with..but you are right-you must seek it out. love the channel.

[@BrandonDayton]

Thanks dude!

[@gohan12991]

I like the jazz intro.😀

[@sanctionedangel]

thank you! it's always good to hear about the emotional struggles in making art, as right now that's what i find myself having the most difficulty with. however, your ideas for coping with it are good and even though it's hard it is useful to try and work through bad times too. wouldn't mind hearing about how you deal with procrastination as i am also struggling with that.

[@BrandonDayton]

I've got a video on procrastination already wrapped up and in the queue. If you want to ruin the surprise, pick up The Now Habit, by Neil Fiore. I basically just talk about how much I love that book. Keep at it! Persistence is one of the best ways to overcome any hurdle.

[@joelmack7863]

Back in December of last year, I left my cruddy retail job to pursue my dreams. I too have been down in a basement, making music, drawing and writing comics, and it has been tough. I am nowhere, but I have so much done already. I feel that stumbling upon your videos has been a breath of fresh air, because you have a very fresh and interesting perspective that is not only fair, but realistic. You've been very helpful to me, and really look forward to further excavating the kernels of wisdom you have to offer. Thank you so much, Brandon!

[@BrandonDayton]

No problem! There's no guarantee any of us will get rich from it, but taking the chance is still worth it. Two years into my journey and I've still seen little economic pay-off, but I have 0 regrets.

[@joelmack7863]

I've already accepted my lifetime diet of Top Ramen and frozen corndogs. Haha! I haven't made a dime since December of last year, and I'm there with ya. No regrets.

[@deidrajnay4697]

Thank you so much. I haven’t worked for two days. The idea of being miserable for 10 minuets is great. Usually, when I do get started, I have to be pulled away. It is just the initial frustration when I feel like I’m about to climb a mountain and it is overwhelming.

[@lauliotta]

Thanks for your perspective in the field, I can see very easily that you think things a lot and that you can put together the ideas very simple way. Also your style is pretty awesome, it's inspiring me a lot. And you absolutely deserve a Cintiq.

[@BrandonDayton]

Thanks. That's kind of you to say. I've got two little cintiqs that have done some amazing things for me.

[@emberstaranimation]

I feel inspiration has been my biggest barrier. It causes me to question what I want to do. It doesn't help the way it used Thanks for putting it into words.

[@TeresadelPilar]

Very useful, I feel really identified with all the struggles you mentioned so it is very cathartic to hear it from you. Thank you!

[@BrandonDayton]

Glad it could be helpful!

[@anthonycaputo2669]

Great video!! I think every artist needs to watch this!

[@BrandonDayton]

Me too!

[@brenthill2656]

I love your videos! You are very thoughtful about your art process, and your ideas are practical and inspiring! Thanks!

[@BrandonDayton]

thanks Brent!

[@corykerr]

Well said. Skill is only one part of the equation of being a working artist.

[@BrandonDayton]

Thanks dude!

[@stevesloan5935]

Great insights, thanks!

[@LocomotionGonzales]

Very useful man, thank you! Im constantly battling with depression and self doubt for some periods, and burning the heck out of my soul in others. Im gonna try to apply some of your advices. Your videos giveme energy and help me to adjust my sometimes negative thinking.

[@BrandonDayton]

Thanks. Can't say I've found the magic bullet, but I gotta celebrate any victory I get. Keep at it!

[@MarshMakesComics]

lots of good points here ! and yes I would love to hear more about your thoughts on procrastination. I really like the idea of thinking of frustration as the same thing as muscle burn. that definitely helps to put it in perspective thanks!

[@punkacatart2751]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on procrastination - I find myself frustrated and scared to start big projects, so I avoid them with procrastination.

[@BrandonDayton]

That's a great idea for a topic. I'll add it to the queue.

[@ScottSerkland]

Hey Brandon, Marshall Couture just turned me on to your channel. I’ve been aware of your work since back in the Art and Story days and have talked to you a couple times at Phoenix Comic Con. I have Green Monk on my book shelf. Good to see you on You Tube. Great channel!

[@BrandonDayton]

Thank you sir! Great to connect again.

[@stefanacimovic5231]

I've done various things in my time... Running, Yoga, VIKING??? Well, raiding would relax my mind a lot. Not to mention build up adrenaline pool... Just joking, love your talks... Keep up!

[@BrandonDayton]

I'm a horrible public speaker. You have no idea how much I have to plan for these things to keep from flubbing the whole time - but I still do.