This Will Change How You Paint

[@TielLT]

"Who are you painting for" is kind of a obvious question for an artist, yet I can't remember ever asking this to myself, definitely never thought about it while painting just for me. Thank you Hardy, I'm gonna keep it in mind from now on.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad this was useful. It's one of those things that is so obvious that I overlooked it for years, but the practice of actually consciously knowing the answer every time really does seem to help me make the right decisions.

[@jojogarcia8766]

... So obvious that you've never asked yourself that question... It's improbable to know what you don't know. It's even less obvious to see what you're not seeing.

[@NickTerryArt]

Doing some recent urban environments, I've found adding a strong, angled shadow across a building or the ground, cast from some unseen structure off to the side makes the lighting feel intentional, prevents the surface from looking too flat or evenly lit, and can guide the viewer's eye to a subject. Plus it implies the environment extends beyond the edge of the canvas. I think I picked it up from one of the DPS course tutorials and it's been invaluable!

[@fowlerillus]

I love that Nick! You are doing such amazing stuff with dramatic lighting. Great point about how light implies a larger world, it makes us think about where the light is coming from and just makes the whole image more immersive. Thanks for the input - awesome point!

[@LoveBystroem]

James gurney mentioned that exact thing on a podcast :)

[@hiimzucky7089]

Another quick question. What brush would you recommend for the orange area. Is it a custom spray brush?

[@gbjsyzftbcacjyfubjygkgcjae3182]

this video gave me confidence in my art, made me think while making art, showed me how to digitally paint, cured my depression, watered my crops and kissed me on the mouth. thank u so much

[@fowlerillus]

Then I have achieved all six goals that I had for this video. Excellent :)

[@Real_MisterSir]

I always had this philosophy of wanting to create works that a few people find absolutely incredible, rather than creating it for an absolutely incredible amount of people who all find it just neat. If I can't give it my 110%, then I am sure someone else should be doing it in the first place.

[@fowlerillus]

Oh wow, that's really interesting. Targeting your work to blow the minds of a few rather than merely appeal to the masses. Thanks for the input - I'll remember that.

[@oscarchavezart]

Coming here helps me get back into gear and remember what I have to keep doing to get the passion project done, and showcase it in my portfolio. It helps me stop focusing on the worries and frustrations from having no illustration work. Since you mentioned the discord community, it always helps to just be in contact with other artists, I will check it out, not for the brushes but for the community.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear this. I think you'll enjoy having other artists around - we have an especially cool group :)

[@Natala00]

I love how so much of your lessons involve deep philosophies taken from experience. When I studied Illustration at the Uni I had to learn that unlike the fine art students a floor down, I was a craftsman who had to take "me" out of the equation when making art for clients. A children book author doesn't want the same as someone wanting a wilderness poster, or someone wanting a book cover, or when the animation department asked for a background, and it didn't offend me that I had to change my style up, it wasn't less me because I was asked to do something that looked water coloresque, in fact it helped me to not get stuck in a box.

[@fowlerillus]

Great perspectives here. That has totally happened for me too and it's just part of the job. Sometimes I feel like I am basically a technician carrying out someone else's creative goals but that is actually kind of fun too - letting someone else drive the bus :) I once saw a video with a concept artist describing his process (I wish I could remember his name) and he said that sometimes his boss just wants him to be a mindless "render monkey" :) I always think of that when I realize that a client just wants me to do it their way. Time to stop overthinking and just be a render monkey

[@maxnolife_]

This video has really felt like meditation for the artists’ mind. Really helped me rethink my reasoning so that I don’t feel like this is all for nothing. Thank you ❤

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad. That's what I was hoping for :)

[@Bolero451]

I wouldn’t be where I am in my artistic journey if not for you🤟🏻

[@fowlerillus]

That is awesome of you to say. Thanks.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I love everything about this video - Ive never considered what you’re saying and it makes so much sense And your illustration is first class Hardy - it makes me want to paint immediately!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks Adam! That means a lot coming from you. I really appreciate it :)

[@pardismack]

every time I see papa Pixul commenting in a channel I watch, I feel joy.

[@KittyKorolyova]

It’s a hard topic for me. I just realised I have never drawn for myself, I always have done that to just get the validation and likes from others.. just to feel part of society, to feel that i worth something and that I’m a good artist. I don’t know how to draw for myself because I always think then “what’s the point of doing that for myself? I won’t feel anything, I won’t get that serotonin because nobody will pat pat my head saying I did a great job, if I do that to myself I just won’t feel happiness” I think I.. I fail as an artist, I lost my soul, I’m so used to do everything just to please somebody even if I will see that person only once in my whole life.. I just want to be able to love myself again (If I ever have done that at all heh) Thank you so much for your video, it helps me to work on myself.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm really glad that this was helpful and shined a light on what you are struggling with. It can be painful but that is the first step toward feeling better about it. Art can be such a mind game and there are so many pitfalls that can turn a joyous outlet into a source of anxiety and even sadness. I hope that art becomes a unambiguously good thing for you in the days ahead. Good luck my friend

[@robertlysiak7527]

I was into portraits and detail drawing , never thought I could really do cool concept art , but I got into writing stories , and as I was build the story , character concepts came to me and now it seems easier to come up with concepts

[@fowlerillus]

That’s awesome. It’s like you have a room full of different artists on your mind and they are all collaborating and making each other better

[@hanzflackshnack1158]

You’ve been around for five years and I’m just now finding your channel 😳 The algorithm hates you man. Your perspectives resonate and thank you for the multiply layer method. I’ve used similar but never thought of using it for theatric lighting. Appreciate the content

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying my stuff - I'll keep it coming :)

[@abinnohr6497]

First time seeing your stuff, and I must say, I've always clicked better with the "shadows up" approach, even when relying on linework, but the vast majority of tutorials just... don't do that. Starting with the dark silhouette and building lights/colors always gave me my best results and made the most sense to my brain, but it always seemed "the wrong way". When trying to learn new things this approach complicated any tutorial I tried to understand. Seeing this made me so excited and gave me a sense of "I CAN do this!". You're the first professional I've found who does this method and it gave me hope that this wasn't "the wrong way" and that I don't HAVE to start with the midtones, or start with a dull base later, or do lights to darks in order to get better. I think I need to just treat art the same way I treat writing. Throw out most of the rules and just do what feels natural to ME. Anyway, I know that's not what the vid is about, but that's what really hit me.

[@fowlerillus]

This is awesome. I'm so glad that this was helpful. "Shadows up" has always felt right to me too - I like the idea of turning the lights up slowly :) I really love the idea you mentioned too - sometimes you need to just get your brain out of the way and paint something cool. Thanks for the comment.

[@dreamscapedg2774]

I can say without any doubt, your best brush is your mind. There exists a small group of extraordinary people living anywhere in the world, you are one of them.

[@fowlerillus]

I love that. Thanks!

[@chloe-ou6gj]

5:52 I really loved this part. I always attempt to remind myself of this when I make art but I really needed to hear it for it to actually set in, thank you.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear this. Thanks for letting me know :)

[@himbo1440]

That shadow tric is really the cherry on top! love using it on my work it really makes everything tie togheter

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad you like it. I love that technique - it's addictive!

[@queenofrapture6605]

Taking away pressure from yourself when painting FOR yourself is a really important point. I have found that digital painting gives every single canvas you start drawing on the potential to become extraordinary. So I have found it helpful to limit the techniques I am "allowed" to use which actually gave me more freedom to focus on the process of drawing and learning more. Like sketching without an eraser …

[@fowlerillus]

That is an awesome point - the limitless possibilities can be paralyzing. I love your solution of giving yourself a limited lane to work within. Thanks for this insight.

[@queenofrapture6605]

Thank you for making me aware of why I am doing it in the first place

[@Sycra]

I really love your process and words of wisdom! I do a similar thing to your photoshop layer trick, except I've been doing it by making a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and lowering the value, but shifting the hue slightly to a warmer tone (if I'm making warmer shadows) and upping the saturation a tiny bit, and then painting black in the layer mask to 'reveal the light' and it works well, but gray on a multiply layer works well too!

[@fowlerillus]

Oh awesome! There always seems to be many ways to do similar things with Photoshop. I'm so glad you have a process that is working for you. "Reveal the Light" I love that. It's like we slowing turn up the dimmer switch.

[@strangely_amelien]

I've been thinking about this for so long. I used to upload frequently on instagram and deviantart, trying to make a name for myself and get people to see my work, but I also fed on people's compliments. I enjoyed it for a little while, until I never grew any further and less people became interested in my work. I became exhausted mentally and didn't feel the joy in uploading anymore, sharing my work, or even drawing at one point. So, I took a break instead and started drawing for myself more and more. Until eventually I started on my own personal project, and in a way being a director for myself. I created characters, creatures, environments for my own worldbuild and it really helped me get out of feeling exhausted. Every day I'd feel excited and joyful in working on my project/ worldbuild, that even if i showed people and they didn't care, I was still happy! Because it's my work, and it's not something I did for everyone (perhaps partially). Drawing for myself really helped me improve in my art too. I got better real quick and faced challenges that I overcame. I was also able to focus better than when I drew for others. Not having to worry about whether they'd like it or if it was to their tastes.

[@fowlerillus]

That's really great to hear. It's a little like being in a relationship - you have to be ok with you first before worrying about anyone else. Great to hear your perspectives on this and I'm so glad things are working!

[@bobjames6622]

"So, I took a break instead and started drawing for myself more and more. Until eventually I started on my own personal project, and in a way being a director for myself. I created characters, creatures, environments for my own worldbuild and it really helped me get out of feeling exhausted. Every day I'd feel excited and joyful in working on my project/ worldbuild, that even if i showed people and they didn't care, I was still happy!" I'm a (very!) amateur digital artist, and have been doing it since 2019 and all self taught up until now. Then I came across this video by Hardy and this has inspired me to take a much more structured approach, and to start using tuition from others such as Hardy. And then I read your comment, pasted above, about creating ones own world. I don't know why, but that had simply NEVER occurred to me before...I guess I'm just slow on the uptake. But what an ABSOLUTELY brilliant concept; your comment has been to me like a literal lightbulb/Eureka moment. Thank you so much, that's SERIOUSLY made me rethink what I want to do with my art, and why.

[@strangely_amelien]

@@bobjames6622 OH! This makes me really happy that my comment helped someone! I wish you all the best on your art journey, I'm certain you'll create some amazing stuff that bring you joy. Keep going, never give up and never surrender!

[@elmind74]

Your process is so relaxing

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! That's usually what I watch KZbin videos for so I'm really glad these are achieving that goal.

[@anaismoralesaponte7779]

This is so beautiful. I'm deeply glad I stopped by to listen to your wisdom and see this wonderful art. Thank you for this wonderful video and for sharing your artistic wisdom with us.

[@fowlerillus]

Wow, that is awesome to hear. Thank you for telling me and I'm so glad you enjoyed this.

[@sandraz4243]

This video not only helps me understand things better, it literally made my day better somehow.

[@fowlerillus]

That is so good to hear. Exactly what I was hoping for.

[@ScrambledBread]

Was literally sat thinking, “hmm, wish Hardy or Adam would upload something” and then BOOM, KZbin notification. Thank you, good sir!

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@ScrambledBread]

Aye, always do!

[@NikijsVackars]

holy shit, saw this video in my recommended and i thought i recognized the name, about six years ago i stumbled upon your concept art courses on skillshare and they pretty much changed my life ,set me down a path of art discovery, nowadays i do more illustration work, didn't know you had a youtube channel, it's been a wild journey, thank you Hardy!

[@fowlerillus]

Hey! That's so cool to hear. I'm glad those courses helped you. Thanks for letting me know and welcome to the channel :)

[@lionheart1019]

Wow just watching you paint unlocked a new skill for my toolbox i was struggling but the way you paint enlightened me on a different approach thank you very much.

[@fowlerillus]

That's so cool to hear. I'm glad this was helpful.

[@sharaweltenreich419]

Thank you so much for this words ❤❤❤ I think, we all know this in our hearts (so I hope), but sometimes we need someone like you, which spoke this words out loud. Because sometimes, the words of discouragement in our hearts are louder, as the words of truth.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm really glad that this was helpful. Thanks for letting me know.

[@gg_boi3041]

bro your art is super no doubt but your words are powerful that literally made me inspired to do anything right now .

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm so glad to hear that :)

[@tripplejaz]

Took the words out of my mouth, Hardy. I've said it before, but it's so important artist learn to fail privately and to make art that's fun. Art is FUN! So make it fun!

[@fowlerillus]

Right on Joe. I'm glad that you have found this to be true too and wow, your work just exudes fun in a really cool way. Really masterful stuff.

[@rasmachris94]

I havent painted in months because i didnt have anything to paint or anyone to paint for. I think I'll paint today for me. Thanks for the helpful advice, really kind of you.

[@fowlerillus]

I love this. Thanks for sharing and I hope you love what you paint for yourself. Enjoy!

[@alinapzch3473]

yes! overlay layer! Ive been using it for ages and it just makes your painting so much more alive

[@fowlerillus]

Totally agree! Those layers just add so much drama

[@tekurohamada7068]

I think you did justice to the title, this is quite mind opening, i actually havent done any art in years, ive just been adding these videos to my watch later playlist, in hopes that one day i will suddenly feel inspired and watch all of them and immidietly create art just as good or better when i stopped. But this video was different, i actually clicked on it and watched right when i saw it. Your words really resonated with me, thank you for sharing.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm really glad this was helpful! Oh and that feeling happens to me constantly too ("I'll get inspired and paint someday soon...") One thing that really helped with that is if I just put it on the calendar - once it's on there, it becomes something real that will get done instead of a theoretical. Cheers for a great 2024 and some cool art ahead for you :)

[@xenithfreelancer]

I'm not sure I ever truly made art for me, not that I remember. It's always either been to escape my reality or to enamor others into liking me. Stopped it all and haven't drawn much at all over the past few months. I've drawn for all my life but I don't even know if I actually like it. It's just all I have.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I think that escapist art (or really any hobby) is sort of art just for you but it sounds like it wasn't really feeling that way for you. Art can be such a weird companion - one that can bring such joy but also such anxiety and frustration. I'm sorry it hasn't been a very joyful companion for you - I hope that things get better. Sending good vibes.

[@mikeg4691]

This applies to any art. As a photographer, there are the kinds of photos get more attraction, and sometimes I run the risk of falling into the trap of letting the algorithm control the type of work I want to make.

[@fowlerillus]

That's really cool - I'm always curious how these things overlap with other creative fields. Comforting to know that so much is the same.

[@naisuuart]

i havent posted or painted anything for a few weeks now because i realized i was set on posting things for social media and not a single post ever made it to more than 50 likes, i took a break just so i could focus more on what I want to do and not what my followers want. i realized i was mostly creating stuff i thought people wanted to see and not what i wanted. Thank you for the advice and such a beautiful piece of art.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks for telling me this and I'm so glad this was helpful

[@kevalontaylor]

I just found you. I really love your channel, is chill, it's simple and relaxing ❤ and ....it's INSPIRING.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much. I'm really glad you're enjoying it :)

[@KatyKatetheLeeKaylee]

I went to college for so many years for art, and it was only after that and trying twitch streaming that I realized that I don't enjoy painting if it isn't for myself. It's a hobby, and if I turn it into a day job I lose all passion for it. I havn't done any digital art except for some photo editing in nearly three years and it feels bad to say that, but now that I know that when I pick up that brush or stylus- it needs to be for myself, or else I won't enjoy it. I know there will always be people who will like my art. I don't need an algorithm to tell me that. Thank you for this video.

[@fowlerillus]

Really good to get this perspective. I remember a similar thing when I was a kid - my parents (trying to lovingly support my love of drawing) would enroll me in lots of classes. I always seemed to hate them - it's like it turned the thing that I love into a chore. I can see some similarities with that and trying to make art exclusively for others - it just ends up feeling like a labor instead of a passion which is why that balance is so important. I hope that you are enjoying art for yourself these days! Thanks for your thoughts on this :)

[@_MKVA_]

Will you please do a video on the brushes that you use? I've only just gotten heavily into using photoshop for digital artwork, I've been very limited in resources and have stuck to traditional sketches for a very long time, and I feel so overwhelmed that it depresses me when I see so many artists doing tutorials on how to do certain techniques and it's frustrating because they never share their brush setups. It's been depressing seeing how far behind everyone else that I am.

[@fowlerillus]

You got it. I think that would help a lot of artists. You're right, that stuff really gets glossed over and it's important.

[@katt2203]

I found this because randomly on KZbin and honestly your video and perspectives of artwork gave me the courage to keep on drawing things that I like. Here's your like man!

[@fowlerillus]

I appreciate you telling me that. Very glad to hear that this was helpful for you. Good luck and keep fighting the good fight.

[@midnightopera]

Hi Hardy ! You know what i realized during a dark night when i almost totally given up on art? I was afraid of failing ! . Now that i understand failing is inevitable part of the process i feel free !

[@fowlerillus]

Right on - think of your favorite artist and I guarantee that they have failed and struggled with doubt. It's just part of this crazy journey :) I'm so glad that your hands are untied and you are soaring. Fly high :)

[@scw55]

Been finding a lot of digital artists having their own personal digital art process. And it's been a journey to realise that expands to art as a whole. There are multiple different philosophies and methods, and they aren't all compatible. So, as an artist, it's up to us to treat it like a buffet. Pick what works for us and what works in combination with other things. And maybe we end up forming several plates with different techniques on them. Watching your process inspired me to share this thought because I don't often see people add colour in a normal blend mode, and I like its effect. I think I might pick that up and swap out the "paint with Color Blend Mode". My background is traditional oil painting, so I'm keen to pick up ideas on how to create digital artwork with that aesthetic.

[@fowlerillus]

100% agree with the buffet metaphor. I have definitely picked and chosen techniques and methods over the years and I think we sort of become a sum of our influences combined with our own unique spark. Thanks for this and I hope you take something useful away from the video - happy painting!

[@axalanexa]

The "Painting for social media" got me realized the reason of my depression and the reason of why am I keep running away from my interests and skills You've shown me a new perspective to look at my fears and problems, I can't thank you enough or show you how much I needed these words of yours! TBH I consider you as a life saving hero, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who thinks like this. Thank you so much... I hope the best and a life full of success, peace and joy for you ❤

[@fowlerillus]

Wow, thank you so much for this. I'm so glad this has been helpful for you :) Best wishes my friend

[@seatongrey315]

Yup. Discovered that shadow technique 2 years ago. Loved it, but there's also a little trick to add to it that can also make things even more interesting.

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome! I'd love to hear it!

[@davidhackett6317]

I have found this to be true as well. I paint, but make my money as an engraver. There are projects where I can unleash my creative designs upon the world and then there are projects where the customer explicitly wants the most bare-bones work done. For example: if I'm making nametags or awards for a college, hospital or government institution, I'll keep any swishes and swirls or expressive fonts out of the work. They're ultra picky and minimalistic. You can still do design work, but you can't be fancy. If it's for a car show or bikers, I'll can use chains or flames as design elements and they fit fine. If it's for trail riders, you'll see cowboy type fonts and horse shoe stuff. Musicians like notes and instruments (just make sure the notes are facing the right direction.) Everyone has a theme or motif you design within and the trick is to learn what that is. And always remember, "less is more" and "when in doubt, leave it out."

[@fowlerillus]

This is fascinating. I have interacted with all kinds of artists but you are my first engraver. So cool to hear the considerations that come with your craft. I'm very glad this was applicable for your work too. Thanks for the comment - really cool.

[@davidhackett6317]

I used to think graphic designers were inferior to painters, but it turns out that I was just full of myself and ignorant. Working with text and abstract design elements and spacing everything in a pleasing way will really hone your aesthetic sense because you're purely focused on the composition design over everything else. I once had a police officer trying to hold back tears because I was able to design a plaque that used design elements to acknowledge the danger they face and the gratitude I felt for their work. They left the design up to me so they got a glossy black plaque with silver lettering. The guy being honored had been shot at several times in the line of duty so I tilted his name just a bit to imply dodging and placed bullet holes decals around his name for each time he'd been shot at. It's still one of my favorite projects to have worked on because the end result was a positive emotional connection. If my coworkers leave an interaction with a customer in a good mood, I know I've done my job well. Sorry for the wall of text. I don't generally get to interact with people who understand design like this and it's nice.

[@capuchinosofia4771]

Lovely advice! When one studies the art and artists of the vanguard, one can see those artists were doing the same! They knew their audience. Their target. And painted based on that. Great video!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I agree completely.

[@idee8or]

Beautiful work. BTW, my transition to scribbles/noodles have done wonders for my gestures. I don't do many finished works anymore, but there are a ton of theory sketches that could easily become something bigger.

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome. I think an artist can often be judged by their sketchbook more accurately than their polished portfolio. Those disposable gestures are just so lovely sometimes too when they are clicking. Glad to hear this.

[@michaelrasmussen1342]

Awesome advice Hardy, and I’m really looking forward to the interview! I think my daughter and I are going to have some pretty deep discussions about the ‘who are we painting for’ principle… I don’t know why that concept has bounced off my forehead so many times… but I feel it’s critical to understand as she and I move forward. She and I have decided to pool our resources and create a small freelance studio in an effort to a- give ourselves more accountability with each other, and learn how to play on each others artistic strengths. And b- be able to approach studios that need art with more of a partner perspective than just an artist applying for a job. All with the idea that we need to produce top notch work. Don’t know for sure if it’ll work, but we’re having fun putting it together. Thanks again for the insights Hardy! You’re a fantastic mentor!

[@fowlerillus]

That is awesome! I'm so glad to hear that you two are teaming up professionally. It's so cool that you two have such complementary skill sets and I think the arrangement will work beautifully. Good luck to you both. If you put a website together or anything, I'd love to check it out and keep the link handy.

[@ziadhossam3010]

from the beginning of the video i wanted to tell you that it needs Highlight areas, Then when you did it at the end, i felt soo satisfied 😂❤ love u, keep going👊

[@fowlerillus]

That is awesome! I'm so glad I delivered those in the end. Haha. I have watched so many art videos where I was just begging the artist to do something that never happens - so glad I didn't do that to you with this one :) Thanks for your support - I really appreciate it.

[@lulapauw]

Its interesting to think of how the three spheres of 'who are you drawing for' interacts. Like a venn diagram, each can be present to different degrees. And how things like special interest subjects can also play a role here.

[@fowlerillus]

That's a great point - there is so much overlap. Thanks for the comment, that's super important and something I didn't address at all. Cheers.

[@pinpingoin]

"You're not doing it to please anyone else" is very true, sadly I please everyone but myself :( a lot of people like my art but I can't bring myself to like it

[@fowlerillus]

I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to do a few experiments where you paint a few things that you will never show anyone and just focus on creating something that would feel cool to you and you alone. It sounds like there is a connection with yourself that needs to be cultivated. Good luck and reach out if I can help :)

[@delicrux]

Excellent video and topic I never considered this before but now looking back at concept work and illustration made for clients I can see how this question really opens doors for a artist.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad this was helpful!

[@perhaps4887]

Thank you for inspiring me to pick up my pen and start drawing!

[@fowlerillus]

That makes my day. So glad to hear this. Enjoy!

[@OmarHernandez-mc4tq]

Been feeling like quitting art lately, but this video really motivated me to keep it trying, you made rememberer the reason why I draw in the first place, because I like it. Thanks a lot buddy ✨

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear that this was meaningful. Thanks for letting me know :)

[@lawebley]

Amazing. Thank you for the brushpack gift Hardy. You're an absolute legend.

[@fowlerillus]

My pleasure. And thanks, that's nice of you to say

[@ebenschumacherart3694]

What a valuable insight-art suffers when it's made for everyone. Wise words indeed!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks man! Glad that was helpful.

[@poochyboi]

I keep coming back to this one. It keeps me going.

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome - I'm so glad to hear this. Thank you

[@Game.UI.Design.Tutorials]

Thanks man! You reminded me why I love it so much and how long it's been since I last did it for MYSELF! Thanks!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear that :)

[@asteria8251]

I really wish i had this a few years ago, i thought i had to prove my art to others. When i just wanted to make what was mine, FOR me. I'm glad this will help others now!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks for this - I hope it can help some artists out there - I definitely needed to hear this myself too. Cheers and good luck

[@alexbaez9238]

Great video, made me think quite a bit regarding my process, Thanks Hardy!

[@fowlerillus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesdenton8821]

I've only recently come across your videos, and I'm quite pleased to have done so. Great insights, great art. Keep it up!

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome, thank you!

[@loutranchitella]

Such excellent advice as always Hardy! We're finally getting settled from our move and I've only had time to paint "for the job" and it's been a little depressing not having time to paint for myself and work on my skill set. Hopefully I'll get back into that soon, but that mindset of knowing who you're painting for is so important. Certain things don't have to be perfect depending on the application and purpose and remembering that helps me get through when I sometimes get stuck on a particular image.

[@fowlerillus]

Hey Lou! So great to hear from you. I'm glad that you are getting settled - I am in the exact same boat and finally feeling put together at our new place. I'm really glad that this resonated - such a weird and seemingly obvious thing that gets overlooked and can really help keep you sane and on target. I hope you get some time to get back to art for yourself soon. Enjoy the new address!

[@inconveniencestore_]

I'm not a professional artist. I'm a chronically ill young adult who makes art and does worldbuilding as a way to take my mind off of the undesirable parts of my life. It's a skill not even my illness can take from me, and yet I've always designed it as if im selling it to someone. I think I should remind myself that I'm painting and drawing for ME, not to make a profit or for some big project. Thank you for asking me that question, I've always stressed over it being "good enough" but never sat and thought about how its just for me.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks for sharing this and I wish you well. I'm glad this resonated and I hope it helps you connect with the good stuff. Cheers :)

[@Ancatog]

Thank you! Currently working on a big project for a big client for the first time so I am a bit nervous and found your video really enlightening and inspiring! Thanks for the advice bro!

[@fowlerillus]

That is a huge milestone - congratulations! I'm glad this was helpful - good luck!

[@StephaniStatue]

My immediate answer, the surface answer I have for that question, "Me. I am painting for myself." But then it hit me different. The question merged into something new to me, "Who do I want to paint for." and that caused me to see something completely different. It hit a cord that I hadn't brushed up on in a long time.

[@fowlerillus]

Cool, I'm glad this resonated. It's a weirdly simple question but opens up a lot of good things to think about.

[@bummigaerchen]

I realy liked the little pauses you did sometimes, it realy helped me to process the information :) I loved this video and the general vibe of it, realy relaxing and I think I also learned a trick or two from your speedpaint

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it :)

[@nacostaart]

Nice photoshop tip! I've heard similar things with light layers and using the mask. I've got to remember to try that trick sometime.

[@fowlerillus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@remygallardo7364]

I see Adam Duff doing this layer trick all the time with his art work, both in the sketch phase and in finalizing rendering and it has always been something I am keen to use in the future myself. I describe it as if you're "discovering" the subject of your painting from the darkness, as if the light is slowly filling the space and revealing what you're seeing, rather than rendering and painting it. It also helps the artist to focus their attention on the area of interest in their paintings and ramp up detail where it matters, while not going too deep in areas which need less detail. Put your effort where it matters and guide the eye of the viewer there.

[@fowlerillus]

I love Adam's stuff - always super moody and atmospheric. You're totally right, he is a master of this. I love your idea of thinking of it as "discovering" that nails it. It's like we are slowing turning the lights up and seeing what we have. Such a fun moment to be able to "discover" something that you made :)

[@Grundbeldknight]

Your art style is stunning 😭

[@fowlerillus]

Wow thank you!

[@Dnightartist]

Mr. Hardy, i am so elated that your post popped up in my time line. Thank you😎⚜️

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! that's awesome :) ⚜

[@swissorsweep]

Love the tips especially about the layer mask and using lighting to kick it up a notch!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad this was helpful!

[@swissorsweep]

@@fowlerillus Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I can see your own improvements as well!

[@SeedingSource]

I like this kind of videos. Taking an aproach of instrospection. For some reason this comunity have so many problems with ourselves. Myself the first one. Its challenging to overcome our minds

[@fowlerillus]

I'm glad this was the right vibe for you. I agree 100% - artists seem to be a very introspective group and wrestle with lots of internal turmoil. Community (and just learning that most artists are similar in this regard) has helped tremendously.

[@khromalounge7776]

Unconsciously I start a drawing and mid process I start thinking of how people will see it, I think I have never went with my ideas entirely I might try this

[@fowlerillus]

It's a hard thing to let go of. Honestly, I'm not sure if I ever do entirely. It's a good thing to be conscious of though - I hope you find this helpful.

[@dianamladenova6850]

This video is exactly what I needed - I nearly cried listening to it. I graduated a year ago and couldn't get an art job after, that literally destroyed me and made me fill like a complete failure. after that I had a big art block and even after months I still feel like everything I do is complete mess as I'm not getting any validation. Social media is destroying my confidence everyday, to the point I want to give up of art nothing I do is enough good. so hearing this and that I'm not the only one that think validation is important for an artist make me feel more appreciated by myself and that I'm not doing everting wrong.

[@fowlerillus]

This makes my day - thanks so much for telling me. I'm so glad this was helpful. It sounds like you are exactly who I was hoping to reach with this. I get to work with artists pretty much all the time and this is very very common in our ranks - you are very much not alone on that. Validation is definitely important and not something that you have to feel the need to deny yourself. Good luck and thanks again for the message.

[@bartekkucharski3880]

Hi. In my work, which is tattooing, everything works exactly like you said. Every time I must satisfy client first I like the project or not. I can be an artist after work and do stuff I like. Many of us forgot about it and after time they or stagnate and do the same thing over and over that leads to hatered for the craft or they just cant do anything else. I thought myself in couple of styles only because styles I wanted to do wasnt trendy enough but thanks to that I can serve wider audience and Im not getting bored. Perfect relationship

[@fowlerillus]

That sounds like a healthy approach - mixing in the stuff that you like with the stuff that your market wants. Seems like a good way to avoid burning out and keep progress moving forward. Thanks for your insights.

[@strubergsm]

I cried watching this. Thank you! This video was needed.

[@fowlerillus]

Oh wow, I'm so glad this resonated. Thanks for letting me know

[@Timi_Arts]

this is such a relative video especially the social media part, thank you mr hardy.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad this was helpful!

[@owlytedailer-sg5cq]

Nice cozy vibes 😢 I really needed something like this, thanks

[@fowlerillus]

So glad! Thanks for letting me know. Cozy might be the best compliment I could receive. The exact word for the mood I'm trying to create :) Thanks.

[@jakuburban6921]

Great advice and great video as always. May I ask you about your art ? Specifically … How do you envision so detailed blobs that create a silhouette ? I’ve always struggled with blobs and sillhouettes because I can’t envision a firm form in it

[@fowlerillus]

Shape design has become one of my favorite things and one of the areas I have improved the most in recent years. There are actually some fundamental concepts about shape design that really helped me to crack the code and those have become the core of my concept art academy. It is tough to explain in written form but it is certain things like creating S-shaped curves with the creature's spine, arranging shapes in certain proportions to give it a sense of harmony, and balancing empty/quiet areas with noisy/busy areas. Stuff like that. Silhouettes and shape carving are a great way to see all of these things happen instead of just sketching and hoping it looks ok when you render it. I hope that's at least sort of helpful as a short answer :)

[@nudgeA7]

yep, and every video i have been watching helps me see new ways to approach the subject and environment, where my biggest struggle seems to be not getting lost in the software...:), which FYI is Gimp with a tablet:), tnx upload, i will definately try this;)

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome. Yes, I know what you mean. I had a classmate who used to call that "getting lost in the pixels" :) I love that. Good luck!

[@DathNobita]

This is awesome! Just wanted to let you know, this gave me a light bulb moment for a webtoon/manga story. Inspiring piece! Thank you!!!

[@fowlerillus]

That is so great to hear - thank you!

[@CringeLord_XD]

Yep - you stayed true to your title - you changed the way I paint!! thanks for this amazing video, I learend so much!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know.

[@JaDeeeee3097]

What a blast of valuable information this video was! Thank you I did learn a ton from your vid! Is this a widespread topic among artists, I have never heared anyone talk about this stuff before! WOW, simply wow!!!!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm glad this was helpful. I'm not sure how widespread this is but I suspect it's one of those things that most of us are dealing with but perhaps few of us are conscious of. Thanks so much for the nice comment :)

[@straultzee]

I really appreciate your philosophical insights, I think that it's definitely important to establish what and who you are creating for. Additionally, I was just thinking that the shadow layermask advice reminds me a lot of the appearance of Chiaro-Scuro, recreatingh dramatic stage lighting. Love it

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm glad this was helpful. Chiaro-scuro! Thank you for the term - most of the art school stuff has leaked out of my brain over the years. Another comment reminded me of the term tenebrism which is essentially the same thing. Definitely the proper term for what is going on here.

[@glennfreo6651]

thanks Hardy for the freebie!

[@fowlerillus]

You got it! I hope you enjoy them.

[@blackcitadel9]

It's not that I've never asked "Who am I painting/drawing/creating for?" before, the answer has just always been "Me"

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome!

[@michelangelo_6933]

Hardy that piece is sick, getting big Frazetta vibes with the lighting, colours and values. Well done.

[@fowlerillus]

High praise! Thanks very much.

[@LovelyAngel.]

I have tried this technique before but only with putting a saturated dark blue layer on top and ereasing out very sharp highlights. Doing it with grey and soft eraser looks amazing, I'll give it a try next time.

[@fowlerillus]

Your approach sounds good - I'll try that too. Thanks!

[@colinehasaki]

The vibe is so cosy and interesting I love it thanks for the thoughts

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you like it! Thanks for checking it out.

[@CompositeNation]

Thanks for the talk and tips man, I enjoyed it and it hits in every corner, I appreciate your thoughts!!

[@fowlerillus]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for checking it out

[@amado7760]

Absolutely beautiful Hardy. Great positive message for growth. Nice done !

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you :) I'm so glad you liked this.

[@Dlishfishportmelbourne]

I don't comment much but I'll like to say I'll be applying this mind set to my miniature painting hobby . Great video mate

[@fowlerillus]

That is awesome to hear. Thanks for letting me know and I hope that it works well for you.

[@kachionyeka6198]

This video is really eye opening! Just wanna say thank you & helping to realize who we should keep in mind when we paint or draw. Great video!

[@fowlerillus]

You are so welcome. I'm really glad that this was helpful for you!

[@Bunny-Bones]

Just found you. I vibe with your thought process and presentation of that. Will be checking weekly for your content 👍🏼

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome, thank you! Welcome!

[@g8610g]

Great form! And love the red flow underneath :)

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AbyssWatch3r]

been practicing this technique and my imagination is wild 😊

[@fowlerillus]

That is awesome! So glad that this has lit a spark for you. Instant drama :)

[@MiguelMartinez-pz1lm]

its so funny, i came cross this very same question couple days before because i was lacking on clear ideas, and i wanted to pain something for my room, and for some reson click in my head. its so powerfull question. it help my not just on ideas but to add value and more purpose and what i do even if its just a skeckt. cool video.

[@fowlerillus]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for telling me.

[@enderwolf1496]

this is what i want to produce but i never seem to be improving, i dont know if my art style is just incompatible with what i want to produce. everything in this video are steps i take in my art process, but i just cant achieve my own envision. i will definitely take the advice in this video

[@fowlerillus]

I'm glad this was helpful. I know what you mean - it can be challenging to make your idea match your style. I often have something fun and whimsical in mind, but I end up rendering very realistically (since that is what I usually do) and it just kills it.

[@Carl_Frank]

That is one gorgeous dragon painting!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it.

[@lyphic_]

I love this, and i love the tips. Really well done! You also set the "tone" in the video in a really beautiful way. Thanks for sharing and thanks for sharing your brushes! I wondered, is it ok to use this as a study piece? the dragon is so cool, and the way you rendered it is beautiful as well. if not totally understandable and have a nice day

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks I'm glad you like it. Certainly, feel free to use this as a study piece.

[@SynthLizard8]

I've always known who I've been painting for and hasn't improved me none.

[@fowlerillus]

Ah, sorry to hear it. I find that kind of mindfulness and intention behind my work really helped me - wishing you the best and please reach out if DPS can help

[@gabrielm6454]

Solved, thank you teacher, we look forward to that interview with Mike!😃

[@fowlerillus]

Can't wait!