Dealing with Artistic Frustration

[@Lady_Inkheart]

"Does this sound like you?" Me, sitting in front of my PC, literally sobbing from my last attempt of drawing something: "Maybe?"

[@theonecallednick]

I'm seriously on the verge of tears rn. My art is so bad and I'm getting frustrated to myself. I'm gonna take a short break and go back to it later. Idc about my feelings. As long as I'm able to improve and draw my waifus, I'm gonna go for it.

[@allspagonia3711]

Well what I started doing was practicing anatomy. My art level started to increase when I would take a moment of time to start with the basics.

[@EveWCUE]

Trying to do a specific type of art for so long, I can do the base, and then every single time, I fail at second step. It’s so annoying!!

[@love_mandyxo]

Currently going through this right now. Nothing seems to be going how I want and then I become dissatisfied with a lot of things from sketch/lineart to shading. But I won’t give up

[@LidyaMorozova]

you’re not alone, always keep going. you got this 💜

[@spinoah8439]

This me but i always give up

[@EveWCUE]

I’ve honestly given up lol

[@cryingoverspilledmilk9569]

I feel like this all the time, i always feel like im not getting better at my art, and i feel like im a failure, but thanks for the advice this was really helpful

[@shaymaorabi7902]

This video is really important for artists .. Take a break , and then keep going .. Thank you very much

[@Lourdesmz]

No, my frustration and disappointment are when everyone says my art is amazing and tell me I'm very talented, and they love it but no one buys any... we are real people and admiration doesn't pay the rent... we need to survive as well.

[@1krasota1]

Nobody owes you anything, and they can praise your work without having to buy any of it

[@TawannaGreene-gy8ht]

Dissapointment comes from expectations of things they can't accept. Expect less and accept more, helps

[@lestermoe]

Lol get a job

[@martistheartist7494]

And this is why we don't want to be artists like we used to. That is our job, we have a job and no one takes us seriously. It is what we do best like just imagine all these other workers having their manager just say good job and you go unpaid, no paycheck. You would be having the same thoughts we do sometimes. I am not hating on anyone's job, I actually respect other peoples jobs, but I am just giving people a taste of reality, we are treated poorly. We have many people come to us to create something for a price and then ask for it to be free, hours and days of work to just be told actually I want it to be free. I get if the drawing is bad, but when we do it professionally and they still say the same thing, it can feel like a lack of respect to some. All I am saying is I get why fellow artists are discouraged.

[@epixzofficial2947]

@@martistheartist7494use a website like fiver people have to pay before you create the art so your time doesn’t get wasted

[@EvanBear]

Thank you so much for this video. I found it after searching "I'm frustrated because I suck at art" and it helped me greatly. I'm no longer frustrated and I no longer think that I suck at art, I'm just still figuring out my creative process. Thanks so much for your insight, and especially for telling me that I'm not alone. I'm not professionally trained so sometimes it feels all the struggles I face related to art are struggles other people don't have. So knowing that others have these moments too is immensely helpful.

[@jrasche]

Did you have a camera in my house last night? I am a beginner in pastels, and after a failed painting I started a new one with some suggestions from a facebook group. But I painted at a time I shouldn't have. Some financial worry that I just found out about then I went to go paint with a medium i'm still very new at. Of course it went downhill quickly, and I just about tore it up and threw it away, and I was in tears. I felt all the emotions you mentioned. A complete loser. I went to bed, and this morning I saw the painting on the table and saw something different than I did last night. Still not wear I wanted it to be, but I might be able to salvage it. Then I get to work and your video is in my email. Wow. Great timing! I am going to bookmark this video over and watch it every time I feel like I did last night. Thank you so much for addressing it!

[@dianeo]

Exactly, jrasche. So often I've felt that crushing feeling of failure over my art and when I looked at it with fresh eyes, it didn't seem so bad. It may not be what I originally envisioned for the piece but you've got to roll with it and sometimes it turns out just as well or better than you first imagined.

[@mvricks90]

nice comment, me too I had a horrible session but there was more under the surface with relationship problems+ being tired day after drinking. I guess the emotions got extra intense when the art went to shit. Good reminder to meditate before sessions

[@Blackheart070]

I often draw manga on a PC, and I'm in the middle of producing my first comic. There are some things I've realized I've never actually done before like certain types of perspective, or certain types of anatomy. Some of the toughest things to do when you're an artist is perspective and body anatomy. While I excel at specific camera views, there are other parts that I just can't understand why I can't (or think I can't) do, despite drawing for many years. I got frustrated tonight, and I needed some guidance and understanding about artist frustration. I'm glad I ran across this video. Thank you very much for this insightful video, it really did help me clear my mind.

[@mandy-7934]

I was crying out of frustration and this made me cry even more. but thank you

[@tylavidal8338]

Thank you Matt - great teacher and inspiration as always. I can not tell you how many times I cried during a painting or drawing when I got stuck or doubted what I was doing or that I could do it. I walked away for a bit and come back after watching something funny on TV or getting something to eat or sleep. We all feel doubt or are anxious about new or challenging projects but the key is to keep going and not give up

[@ajoyfullsound]

I love drawing but I'm not that much of a good drawer, I always get frustrated and give up, today I'm going to start over and take up drawing again! Thanks for the inspiration! New Subscriber!!!

[@snowygirl3171]

I thought I had overworked my charcoal drawing and was about to rip it up...anyhow I had it framed and entered in a local art show and won grand champion...I was sooo surprised...I lacked confidence in myself.

[@deoccultist]

I'm getting back into drawing at 41, and I'm remembering why I gave it up so long ago. I use my eraser more than I do my pencil and it frustrates me to the point of "eff this!" However, this time I intend to keep pushing forward. I may be starting late, but I'm going to power through it until I'm better at it. That's the only way you *can* get better instead of giving into the frustration. Like you said, take a break... take a breather. As a musician, I've noticed that when I stop playing piano for while and come back to it months later I can play things I struggled with before with more ease, and even figure out new techniques out of nowhere. I think it works the same way with any art form. Just believe in yourself and employ some will power to get through the rough patches, and you'll surprise yourself.

[@Shadow-Ender]

Currently going through this, I’ve been starting to get really serious with improving my drawing skills for about a year and half- two years now. But, whenever I draw I feel like I’m not improving, or I’ll never improve. But I’m not gonna give up. If anyone else is going through this, you’re improving every time you draw and you got this.

[@MattShade64]

And remember to 'experiment and play'. Human beings do their majority of learning, problem-solving, individuation and compromise through 'play' as children. Some of my best works have developed from experimentation and [happy] accidents. Best wishes to all.

[@DelRio1991]

This came up in my feed at the right time

[@vic2rvic]

Same!

[@dianeo]

Perfectly describes my roller coaster ride of creating art. That crushing feeling of failure stays with me and 'festers' as you mentioned. However, the upside is that this happened to me so often that I began to realize that those feelings will pass and I'll either fix it or try another piece that will succeed. So when that crushing blow of defeat returns, I know to let it pass and try again.

[@jbobdavis1984]

One thing I've learned from having this feeling as an artist, less is more... Plan your piece with the right process, the right mediums, and the right colors and your failures will be less and less. Don't force it is great advice.

[@JodiSones]

Thank you so much for this video. I love your channel, and I really needed this one. Thank you so much for helping all of us do better and appreciate ourselves, even when we don't sometimes.

[@rlindzer]

I needed to hear this today. Great advice, Matt! 🙂

[@vic2rvic]

Thank you SO much for this video. I really needed to hear this, and I'll definitely come back and watch this video whenever I feel stuck in an artwork!

[@jennyfox1398]

I needed to here this right now. Thank you.

[@roxanndonahue3785]

Thank you from deep in my heart for this.

[@TheJimmyleeboy2]

Thanks for this! I got some frustration on these past weeks and one of them is when I submitted an art that I really work hard on it and took several days to finish on deviantart but I didn't get a single feedback after submission. I started to get doubt on my skills after that. This video really helps.

[@Infinitas-vj4sz]

Oh so true, echo all below, I saw a medium-psychic recently after losing my Mom, she knew nothing about me apart from my christian name, in the middle of the reading she said you are an artist yes, you get very frustrated sometimes and feel you are fighting a losing battle, stick with it, you have what it takes, totally immerse yourself in what you are doing (easily said than done I told myself), Matt you are an inspiration to us all, and perfect timing for myself to read this. Huge thanks.

[@michaelscott1702]

Found myself ripping pages out of my sketchbook today. I knew I had to step away then. This video and these comments are very encouraging though. Glad I’m not alone. Gonna take a break, rest the mind, then keep on chucking!

[@isabelchacon9721]

Best advice..."be true to yourself as an artist"... Thank you! ❤

[@LoukoporJogos]

What I thinks is the most mind-blowing aspect of this video is that, I am an engineer, and when I face a problem I can't solve I continue to insist on it, even though im getting no where, but when when comes to art, my frame of mind enters in the way of creativity and blocks me from finishing my art projects. So thank you for reminding me that im a human and I need my own space and time XD, that's a very common flaw of engineer ls, we often forget we are humans ahahaa

[@Lorens-art]

WOW Matt, you must have read my mind!!! I really needed to hear what you had to say in this video at the moment. Only 3 years into my art journey so fairly new still and what started with coloured pencils has turned into pastel pencils. pan pastels and water colour...who new!! LOL However, I have gotten to a point where I love these mediums but trying new things has definitely produced a lot of pieces I am so unhappy with. I have started to question my ability and maybe art isn't for me....it's been really hard too because I see all the amazing talent from around the world thanks to the internet, and although I know I shouldn't I compare myself and then wonder if I am even good enough to continue my art journey. I felt EVERY SINLE WORD you said and it rang true for me on every level. My health has not been good for many years and a battle with a brain tumour left me with disabilities. However, my art actually made me healthier. My stress and blood pressure even came down. Listening to your video tonight has made me realise that, as in life, I will fail, particularly as I explore different things, but if I have also had such amazing moments of pride and love, especially from peoples reactions to my art, I don't want THOSE feelings to ever go away. Sorry my message has gone for soooo long but seriously Matt, one of the best art videos I've seen in 3 years. I hope you message meets as many artists as possible and that their journeys turn into amazing creations too. Best wishes for the future and thanks for all your amazing art tutorials, hints and tips. Loren Melbourne Australia

[@vic2rvic]

I love you for your comment, and my heart is with you. I wish you the best of luck in your art journey and wish your health situation improves. Your comment resonated with me, as I have had similar feelings.

[@Lorens-art]

@@vic2rvic Thanks Vic2or, I hope your journey is full off more highs than lows :)

[@crysallis543]

This is great, matt! Thanks for sharing! It’s exactly what I go through. Really helped.

[@neerja201]

Wow i needed this at this time thanks for this 😊

[@moriahmylod]

This was SO helpful while currently experiencing artistic frustration. Very fruit talk, thank you for sharing.

[@jorexcalamba410]

I just love how relateable this is.

[@cojaxart8986]

What a great video for anyone! This principle is true for any aspect of invention or development. Writing, drawing, painting, music etc. even engineering or mechanical design.... all can be frustrating when we crimp and squeeze our abilities rather than allow them to flow. I had a piece of artwork that I started in 2009. I got so frustrated with it and put it in a folder and completely forgot about it until this past year when I stumbled across it again. When I looked at it it was like being struck with a bolt of lightening! I started working on it again and it just fell together so perfectly! It's not that I had to wait 9 or 10 years, but it just proves out the principle. Take a break and start something else, maybe. If you have hit that roadblock, you may find relief in another form. Ideas take time and they will eventually come. Go easy on yourself and take a break.

[@ryanodom2892]

Good timing. Got this from an email today. In a total funk. 🙏

[@thandavcreations]

I have come across this same feeling many times whenever i forced myself to finish a painting or drawing.i thought this was only mine and it happened maybe because I'm not worthy;or maybe because I'm not a real artist.But now i understand that this isn't my case alone...thank you sir..

[@ChristineExpressions]

This is timely as a beginner with colored pencils. After sketching some pastries one a day on a page for the past few days I had the wild idea I would try to do some monochromatic light orange circus peanuts. What a disaster and I felt they ruined the whole page. My husband, who has painted art for aircraft, listened to my sob story and gave me pointers. Between his advice and this video, I feel better. Thank you!

[@sarahc3138]

Thank you so much for making this. I’m starting to do commissions for the first time and am really struggling to get through them. Needed this

[@daisycortes740]

I wanted to cry while watching this because he hit every point that I’ve been feeling and going through for the last couple of years while struggling to get myself to keep creating 🥺❤️‍🩹

[@ash7324]

Thank you for that, it was bang on what is happening to me. I’m a decent graphic designer but cannot draw to save my life, and I can’t practice without getting so angry at myself I throw my sketchbook across the room. I need to get past that and this has provided me with some healthier ways of thinking about this funk that I’m in.

[@MCAP887]

This really helped a lot to be honest, I figured out how to balance both my photography and drawing practice as my career, but I often don't know how to accept myself as an ordinary human who's imperfect and often gets paranoia about what I need to be prepared for as a graduate student of digital cinema in mapua university, thanks for reminding me not be paranoid about my future and in balance avoid taking things for granted as well.

[@denisebossard4733]

Thank you Matt! I forced myself to paint mountains and it instantly gave me angst. Hence, I realized painting mountains made me angry and annoyed because in my mind I knew I didn't want to paint them but thought I should master them. I owe know where I feel at ease and what makes me happy. Hope this makes sense.

[@kurisu-8445]

Thanks man, I'm currently a first year architecture student. On this semester, we are tasked to use watercolor as a rendering medium. As a first timer, I'm so distraught at the fact that I can't for the love of God draw and color well. It's not like "oh I'm just a beginner huhu" the thing is it is a graded work. By the way things turning out, I think it will be graded low. At first, I accepted that fact but I suddenly don't want to accept that. That's when I forced myself to be good. But still, nothing changes. To me, I'm getting worst as I practice this medium. I'm getting frustrated. I'm mad at myself.

[@manthasagittarius1]

Unless I am mistaken, and I spent years student advising, you were not handled right as an applicant. You should have been advised that you needed some time before starting the first term, and maybe no more than the summer before, gaining the basic skills, and they should have evaluated that first. The amount of frustration it would have spared you is hard to overestimate. But acknowledge you CAN get the skills, go get them, and pick up fresh. It's skill and technique, not inborn ability, and belie've me, you can get it. Never mind anybody else's level, go get your own and be good. You will.

[@manthasagittarius1]

Oh, yeah. Architecture students are insanely competitive, self destructive over achievers who take pride in all nighters and burn out often. Don't let that add to your frustration. Sleep enough, eat well, get exercise, and let them go nuts all they want.

[@bReal919]

Found this cuz it’s final week of deadlines for art college and I’ve been struggling with my paintings- was really feeling like my “tastes” were too advanced for my skill but if I’m gonna be honest I think I’ve felt that way for a long time when I started doing art in school. I remember before highschool or secondary school as we call it here (Ireland), when I was about 12 or 13 I used to love mark criley and watch his tutorials on YT.. how to draw anime eyes or certain characters that were my favourite. I was always so proud of the my drawings, even if they weren’t perfect I loved them. After watching this video that triggered that thought- “when did I stop drawing like I did when I was younger?” I blame my art teachers and pressure- pressure to make something you think everyone else will think is good like you said “attaching your art to your worth”

[@mvricks90]

faced a session like this in music just now. Compared my work to someone far ahead, and got super frustrated and started hating the entire thing and also my previous work lol.. It helps we are not alone in feeling this things.

[@carlaleal636]

Oh my.. your words are so motivating and touching ♥ thank you so much for this beautiful message :') ♥

[@chandlermikelle3844]

This video was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you

[@mpowell3520]

Wow, I walked away from a watercolor painting, just like you said, everything was flowing so well, then I went to start on a different part of it and I just lost it all at once. Very frustrating, I plan on doing more on it tonight. Thanks for the advice.

[@jessicalafond4798]

Currently working on a commissioned peice and had to take a break and watch this. Was nice to sit back a evaluate everything. I think we can be really hard on ourselves sometimes.

[@katepickett5367]

Thank you so much for this video! I need to hear this. Your videos have helped me learn so much!

[@tellmewhenitsover]

I don't even get started before I get frustrated...

[@aneelabalsavr1561]

This is invaluable

[@kikolektrique1737]

Made me shed a tear with this video

[@vallievi]

Thank you, Matt... great video...

[@frejazz2]

Thank you for putting it into perspective for me sir. I really appreciated this

[@laugthius]

Thanks for making this video , it helps me alot in my depression time .

[@lynnrushton7458]

This happened to me this week‼️😱 Thank you SO MUCH XX

[@kozumexee]

I have a love hate relationship with art, I love it so I always keep coming back to it no matter how many times or how long I take brakes from it, but the reason I always stop is because of how much it frustrates me. I'll be wanting to paint or draw but within the first few minutes ive already given up because it isnt going how I want it to and I don't know how to stop that from happening, I really want my art to get better but I can't do that if I keep bursting into tears or throwing things around just because a circle doesnt look the way I want it. It makes me so mad that I can't just enjoy it

[@sorubro2193]

Art depresses me, but I don't want to drop it, starting is my problem.

[@scarvello]

That’s me every I sit down to create anything. High motivation spark and then I drown in anxiety, my choices feel very impulsive so my designs changes on the fly my designs vary from what I see in my mind very often.

[@blacksmithx2520]

That..... I NEEDED that video..... Thank you....

[@saph100]

I feel like I AM what I create but wish I could find another way to deal with the frustration, feels like another world i belong in.

[@niklase.h.jensen2209]

Thanks, I really needed this.

[@kevinho1922]

haha the snapping paintbrush...my signature move. Couldn't agree with you more.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Please spread this in social media...very useful...I don't have any social media account

[@KittyMakesWaffles]

Great video, exactly what i needed to hear. thank you!

[@Mathias_NB]

I just stabbed my SketchBook a few pages through with a 2B pencil

[@yes5402]

I squeezed my acrylic tube on my canvass 5 minutes ago. I still don't know how to approach art..

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

You touched my heart.....Thank you🙏🙏

[@adreamtmonochrome]

The last time I took a break, I didn't pick up a pencil to draw something again for two years. Now my skill has rusted over, and it brings frustration with it. I can only wish that I had the amount of patience that I had when I was younger. My artwork wasn't great back then, but at least I saw a drawing through from start to finish. I miss the early 2010s...

[@thevirtualinstructor]

We've all been there before and I can totally relate. Hang in there!

[@Myuzokimoo]

I've been feeling like this for the past...3/4 years now and every time i try to draw something i get closer to give up completely, i know drawing requires patience and a lot of practice but i don't even have the motivation to practice everyday anymore, I'm losing the sparkle that i used to have. Drawing makes me so stressed that 9/10 i end up crying.

[@LuizFernando39]

Thanks. I had to hear it!

[@FemMushroom]

After I've taken a short break, it's probably best to go back and try again.

[@gms9810]

Hey, brother. Miss ya. I actually have 3 commissions I never thought this would happen. Thanks.

[@sherlynn7211]

OK,, this was my last few weeks,, so far I have tried four paintings of dragons and each one had this happen.. LOL ,, this vid is like a hug saying everything is okie dokie, just keep painting and have fun ,, thank you !!!

[@翼龍]

This also suitable for scientist haha! Thanks for your video helping me to look my work and sketch in different way.

[@antonkeys4330]

Hi Matt, I am actually having trouble with shading, I follow the steps but they always turn out too dark, I guess being 58 and havn't taking up a pencil for over 45 yrs, lol, might have something to do with it. But since my accident in the truck driving interstate for over a decade and now "retired" as I can not work anymore, so I have taken up art to hopefully one day can make my own canvas prints and I like the idea of having a go at "Caricatures". Anyways I am enjoying your courses and maybe one day I can show you a trick or 2. lol, Have a good Easter and do take care. BTW, I am sort of a tenacious character, I always end up on top of a problem as I don't let it get to me........the talent is there, just need the time to focus and I have plenty of time for that, lol. Cheers

[@LeeRaldar]

This is what is nice about oil paints: Your tree line looks like a broccoli. The face of a main figure in a crowd of people looks like the phantom of the opera. That wonky seascape looks like it going to pour off the edge of the canvass. Just chuck the canvass in a cupboard for a couple of months till the paint has hardened then you can go back and rework the mistakes and look at the whole with a fresh eye.

[@SOUPC3086]

I feel like ive seen this video WAYYYY later than i was supposed to, its to the point where that “everything is going great” thing doesnt feel like it exists

[@michep.169]

thank you just in right time.

[@poetryjones7946]

Thank YOU for just the one ad, there’s nothing worse than getting involved with a tutorial and have Donald Trump or the Cheetos cat break in and start screaming at you. #JohnLisondra’s tutorial videos suck now. 🙏🏼 Bless you for a beautiful and truly artistic soul.

[@sharonh988]

Thank you. I needed that.

[@wardencobb7442]

I just destroyed two canvases and tore them apart. Then I looked this video up, left a comment and didn't even watch.

[@manthasagittarius1]

Well, so this is like burying yourself in a concrete bunker fifty feet under water and thinking: how come nobody cares? But you didn't even see the comment, huh?

[@mistiwjordan3268]

Ty for this amazing piece of advice im so critical of myself and so often i see the end result in my head and if i cant achieve this in a time frame i put on myself i lose the drive to make it happen. That seems to happen with Commissioned pieces as well sometimes noing what someokne is loopking for in the work im making and having to adjust my finished perfect end result thats in my head to what the customer has requested is a challenge too. That being said how to keep my vision of the piece i do and the customers vision be equal, how do you down grade the vision of a piece of art you making to satify the customers vision. Very tri ky and hard for me, but thIs advice has helped so ty so much

[@joyespenido6438]

This really helps me a lot....thanks..

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

Thank you Matt.

[@holloworacle3140]

I literally just had this experience this today

[@Jagan_GT]

This guy is a genius

[@sublimeister9630]

“Seriousness is a disease.” - OSHO Foremost is to just Play. The moment you have an idea of how it should turn out to be, you’ve lost that child-like spontaneity. 🙏🏻😊

[@sugarandbeets]

Thanks for this.

[@johnattemptsstuff5206]

That's awesome for those who do art to relax, but when I'm forced to produce due all the need of encouragement fromm I'llness and death at my church. I make watercolor cards. Apparently, I'm good at it but it stresses me out.

[@johnattemptsstuff5206]

On top of that. I just started and am still learning.

[@jorexcalamba410]

I feel like i just wanna crap my drawing and throw my drawing.

[@DUBLXONE]

I love it...thanks

[@belovedone3220]

I wanted so badly to paint and I even git a big canvas for it. But i started painting and nothing was going right so i painted it grey like tge color i was deeling and its sat there for the last two months. I want to try again tho. I just want to paint. To paint. I hate when others look at my art. It feels like im exposed in some way that i dont deserve that praise.

[@chenericfree]

This video is really helpful

[@PhantomO01]

I needed this

[@jonahmudlaff6576]

But how do you know what your pace is? How do I know if I am taking too long and need to force myself to work?

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Punched in the stomach....Yes...felt that...recently...Thank you

[@jasonlin1033]

Thank you.

[@shybunnyj]

I keep trying but I always feel frustrated to the results. All outputs are not good I'm going crazy

[@theelite5135]

Do you ever get to a point where your art skill feel like it suddenly disappears and you can’t seem to create anything at all? It has happened to me multiple times, especially after I do a work of something I’m proud of