the Truth about a Career in Art

[@jimjammer333]

That thing about not wanting to start something without finishing it the same day is so real. It's paralyzing and makes it difficult to start projects at all. I had that feeling all 2022, and then at the end of the year I realized I had basically done no meaningful creative work all year, when I could have started and finished several projects. I kind of panicked when I realized that, but hopefully I'm successfully turning that into motivation for 2023.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

I feel you Egg man! Yeah often our mind won't let us start something that feels too big... when in reality just taking small bites at a time yield in bigger results than choking by attempting to take a giant bite. Best of luck in 2023, you got this!

[@JDSCT]

Art lessons, Art philosophy, Life philosophy, Life lessons, all in one place. Love this channel!!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

It's all connected! I sound crazy.

[@christopherrupp4172]

Totally agree. I am Definitely living the Dream here! I still remember that lunch we had at Angouleme 20 years ago. Look where we’ve come since then. Keep it up!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yes! Honestly things have changed so much. I love comics, but after having a family you realize there's even greater depths to delve into. Also miss you man! Hope to see you soon!

[@anthonygee3901]

Man, I can't even tell you how helpful and insightful these videos have been. Not just within the realm of my art journey, but in life and goal-setting in general. I feel like you've really struck chords in relation to my anxiety of setting and achieving realistic goals and bouncing back when they don't go according to plan. And when you've talked about a work/life balance, that really hit home as well as a new-ish father. So I guess this is just a long way of saying thanks for making this series and showing the highs and the lows of being a creative. I really appreciate you and the effort.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

My pleasure, Anthony! It really means a lot to hear this! My best to you and your family!

[@JoeLovesComics]

Beautiful, fascinating fantastic video as always man! Continuing to absolutely love these.

[@mattoconnor8300]

Not that I know much about filmmaking, but I genuinely believe that your filmmaking skills have improved so much throughout this series. Great tips again, thanks so much!!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks, Matt! Thanks for noticing! My earlier videos are definitely influenced by what I've seen on YT but slowly my natural inclinations on storytelling are seeping into these videos. 99% of the footage was filmed during the production of Clear 4 last year, so I'd say a lot of the changes you're seeing is me getting more into my editing rhythm.

[@SiyaOum]

You're having way too much fun! Hahah. Love this. Very timely for me. I was just thinking this morning about not thinking about my project schedule today. I should have planned today better, last night. Time to plan, hah! Have a great weekend.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yeah as much as I love the idea of flying off the cuff and making jazz... I need a plan lol!

[@SiyaOum]

@@FrancisManapulArt hahaha.

[@jordandeguzman]

The storytelling is sooooooo good! The part with your dad and your daughter hit me. In a good way. Transitions and music are super well done. Love this

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks, Jordan!

[@Jollygreen2854]

We’re rooting for you. Keep goin!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey appreciate that! I'm rooting for you too!

[@dantenavarro9604]

Love your videos, Francis. Thanks for sharing us your passion in this project :)

[@elmersantos148]

I'm currently in the middle of deadline and you're videos has been my companion while I work. i'm learning a lot from you! so thank you :D

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Happy to be digitally along your side, Elmer! GL on the deadlines!

[@SebaGuidobono]

I didn't know you had a channel with such amazing videos! I'm going to watch all the videos now :D Excellent work on the videos as well as the art! Thanks for so much art!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks, Seba! Welcome aboard!

[@Mattkeyz1]

You are one of the best artist out there, and one of my favorites for the sole reason of opening up about a lot of these feelings and dealings within the comic industry and how it can feel. So thank you for giving someone who feels like they've given up at every corner of becoming an artist the motivation and the understanding of a lot of the complexities of this industry.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks so much, Matt! As much as I love tutorials, personally I love hearing about the why's of the work. I truly believe the job is 2/3rds a mental and emotional journey.

[@jeremydelagarza8317]

Favorite episode so far, man this hit home. Thanks for sharing the dream you had about your dad, so powerful. I'm definitely trying to be more present where I'm at because I'm always so overtaken by where I want to be. I remember a friend at work a long time ago telling me that what if at the end of your life, you realized that the most important moment of real clarity was a simple conversation and cup of coffee you had with a friend or family on a rainy day in a cafe. And that everything else was just an illusion or being lost in a maze. I know that sounds crazy abstract, but I guess I'm just trying to say that I loved this episode. Thanks Francis!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Not crazy at all! I think our goals definitely clouds our ability to fully see the present. It's a constant battle to be in the moment. All we can do is keep trying.

[@christopherpoon5158]

OK. Looks like I'm heading over to the Snail to pre-order.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks so much, Christopher!

[@littleripper312]

Amazing video as always, I really love your videos. It's not just the content but also they are like little artworks.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks! These do take me quite a bit of time to edit, as you say the edit itself requires quite a lot of thought on structure and storytelling. So I really appreciate this comment!

[@isitunlimited]

The moving goalpost thing is huge. As artists we hit these milestones, and rarely feel a sense of satisfaction until looking back much later. It's almost impossible to be objective in the moment. I was turned onto comics by my father very young, and was drawing before I could really talk. It was a dream we shared that I would draw comics one day. He died in an accident when I was only 5, and I wonder all the time if he'd like my drawings and comics now. If he'd be proud of me for sticking with it through all the hard times, or think me dumb for not putting my efforts toward a more lucrative path, and likewise I wonder of the example I provide for my own kids who see me getting up at 5 in the morning and drawing until I go to the day job, and pushing through weekends chasing a vision no one else can see. Hit me in the feels on that one.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks so much for sharing this. I would guarantee you your dad would be proud of your work and how you're able to balance it. In my time on this planet I've learned to be prouder of efforts than results. So for what it's worth coming from a father of 2; II'm proud of you as well. All the best to you and your family!

[@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners]

If the journey is the destination, you’re never going in the wrong direction, bud.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Absolutely, brother!

[@waihi1736]

Another great video Francis!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks, Wai!

[@danaoconnor9523]

looking on watching you draw the clothesline panel, I can't quite tell what those extraneous white shapes are and I then I see what looks like you forming clouds in the sky and then wait a sec, those are lights on buildings that are suddenly taking form and leaving the background and joining the (distant) foreground and the white IS the sky was such a chef's kiss moment for me on this one

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks, Dana. Yeah I enjoyed doing that part quite a lot as well. Feels like a very organic way to draw an inorganic thing.

[@peterfalc9989]

Wow! This video was awesome. I love your style. It feels like im watching a movie.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Appreciate that,!

[@Choukapak]

Great vidéo again ! Thanks

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks for watching, Bear!

[@yasfmart]

I'm still a newbie as a freelance artist and I have much to learn. But I recently read a book titled Atomic Habits, which describes that we concentrate so much on goals that we forget to enjoy the journey. The most important thing is to actually grow in our craft and enjoy that path toward the goal. Thank you for sharing Francis!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hi Yasmin! Yes that's a great book! I love that goals just happen when you focus on enjoying the process. Also congrats on everything! Loving your recent cover work at dc!

[@yasfmart]

@@FrancisManapulArt Thank you so much, Francis! It means a lot coming from you! Thank you for all the guidance as well and for being a great mentor!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

@@yasfmart anytime! Keep kicking butt!

[@martintaing7928]

I asked myself that question almost exactly 1 year ago. It forced me to make career wise changes. Now the dream is back on track

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Most definitely. Reassessing is important.

[@MrRossT1]

The dream: Being a Father with a loving Wife and Daughter. That is dream fulfilled. :)

[@FrancisManapulArt]

100000000000000% I feel I've lost my grit in this job as I asses whether the job is worth taking time away from my family.

[@luismonroyRealtor]

Your vlogs got me to read all of “Clear” and made me pick up Ghost Machine… you seem dope bro! Good luck with the new company too!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey appreciate that dude!

[@draxhall97]

so good.on so many levels...

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks so much, Ken!

[@TheKyjeremiah]

been a big fan of your art work since New 52 Flash, and this channel is both informative and entertaining. Looking forward to see what you and Scott came up with when Clear hits my comic shop. I also wanted to ask; the variant covers you did the Damian Wayne Robin book (have everyone in a special long box dedicated to variant covers), were those done traditionally or digitally?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks so much Jeremy! If I recall correctly it was done digitally.

[@PolarisCastillo]

Absolutely inspiring, all of your videos are. I find myself watching them during a challenging part of my life that I could easily spill out here on the internet. I'd love to ask, what's the device you're using in this video to draw? As someone who's always drawn traditionally with pencil and paper, I'm a little rusty on current tech. I can see it's from Microsoft, a company I've always been a fan of. And are you drawing on Photoshop? Any recommendations would be fantastic -- thank you!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks so much! That means alot. I know the bulk of my videos are less about how and focus more on what it's like to be an artist so I'm glad they they're striking a chord. As for tablets the large one is a wacom 27qhd, and the laptop is a surface book studio. I use photoshop for all my digital art.

[@thebernardchang]

is it dreams, or is it legacy that one chases?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yes! Honestly what I've learned over the years and seeing what happened to my dad and his work, is that I'd rather my kids have memories of me being the greatest dad than remembering the work I've done.

[@littleripper312]

Omg no, it's not the dream. The dream was to create comics and enjoy the process not be burnt-out and hate drawing. Being a panel factory to the point where I have to draw from wake to sleep and not even sleep usually one night a week is not the dream at all. I'm not even paid well for the amount of hours I put in. I didn't even work this week because I've hit a brick wall. I'm always burnt-out and push through it but for some reason not this week. I always go back to it because I do love drawing and making comics but there is no reason that we need to produce so many panels in a week. I work in Manga actually not western comics.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

I feel you. At times the well gets dry and we just can't keep going. But eventually something does fill is back up again, though at times it takes longer than others. Would love to see your work some time!

[@madbug1965]

Wow! A page of pencils and inks a day? That's freaking awesome. Most artists are luck to pencil one page a day let alone ink it. Now since you are inking it, are you doing full pencils or break downs?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

My pencils are fairly rough since I'm inking them. If someone else were to ink it, I'd probably take more time to finesse the pages.

[@ckmoore]

What do you think of the surface laptop studio?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Love it! I used it to edit these videos. For drawing it's pretty good, but I need a separate keyboard in order to use hot keys.

[@ckmoore]

@@FrancisManapulArt Do you notice the pen is as accurate as your cintiq? I have a cintiq 32 at home, and a really old ipad on the go. I was debating whether to upgrade my ipad or get a surface studio laptop so I can use full desktop applications. Line accuracy is extremely important to me. Any thoughts?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

@@ckmoore hmm tough to say. To me cintiq is still the closest while others would say the ipad is. I think it ultimately comes down to preference and whether you value software or the pen feel more. I think you gotta test it out to fully understand if it works for you. For me it works, but also note the newer pens for microsoft has a pretty unconventional form factor which may help you decide immediately if it works for you or not. hope that helps.

[@ckmoore]

@@FrancisManapulArt Thank you!

[@redrobo76]

Nice Video but how come you get all the good lighting and I'm not even in focus?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey once I wheeled the rig to you I was no longer in control :)

[@redrobo76]

@@FrancisManapulArt well played

[@tobishades]

What was the music from the intro

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Ah, I don't have the exact title handy, but I get all my music from Artlist.io

[@antonyart2768]

What is your tablet name?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

I use a Microsoft Book for my laptop and a 27 cintiq qhd for my desktop.

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Switching LAptops....

[@FrancisManapulArt]

LOL! This was NOT meant to be a surface commercial lol

[@darioscomicschool1111]

@@FrancisManapulArt Now I am on my laptop and I can watch your vid. It was a reminder! Thanks