Your ART is not WORTHLESS! - Artist Traps!

[@redandblack641]

I just commissioned a musician for my game. He was SHOCKED that I offered him the rate of what most indie game composers charge, and I was baffled when he said that he usually only gets half to a third of that, considering he's ridiculously good. You can use putting free stuff out to your advantage; a fellow indie dev released a free demo of his game, got feedback from players, updated the demo and launched a Kickstarter, and got it funded within the first week.

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

What game?

[@redandblack641]

@@keepyourshoesathedoor Oh, its an action platformer that pays tribute to Megaman mechanically and Wayforward's Shantae and Mighty Switch Force tone/story/art wise. twitter.com/redandblack64

[@natandustin3875]

@@PaulSEdwardsMusic I would recommend reddit just to get the words out there.

[@ripples1072]

Nothing like Trent saying uncomfortable truths to start the art day

[@te9591]

I know he says hard truths with the voice of an R &B / jazz DJ.

[@DigitalinDaniel]

Be the best you that you can be... unless you can be Art Batman, always be Art Batman. Capitalist art businessman by day, crusading colorsmith by night.

[@sassafrassanid5718]

I’m a young artist, people have seen my work and asked if I take commissions, and it made me feel uneasy as you described. A seasoned pro telling me I should get over that uneasiness definitely helps. Also, you having paid content makes your free KZbin videos feel a lot more valuable, at least to me, and this is the important stuff when you’re already a good enough artist.

[@domenicopentangelo4549]

Trent Kaniuga's videos are gold in the ocean of youtube

[@IshikaShanai]

It's really nice to be reminded of this as I always think negatively about everything. :D Thank you~!

[@BigDomski]

I feel comfortable with the idea itself (of making an art business) and I admire business savy artists. It's just that for me, there is always social anxiety that I haven't been able to get over throughout my life (it's getting worse actually, and I'm only 24). I can't stay at one job for more than a few months without desperately wanting out, and I'm not talking about art-related jobs, just your average pay-the-bills jobs. I know that this sounds like victim mentality, but it really does feel like I just cannot function when I have to see/hear from lots of people every day. I've never had therapy, and I feel like going to one would be a waste of my time and money because I just don't believe in it. I thought really hard on what I COULD do to feel better around people, but nothing makes sense to me.

[@TrentKaniuga]

I suffered from this for many years also because I was raised to be a "people pleaser" and to never disappoint others. The only advice I have: is to accept that some people wont like what you do anyway, so at least you can have fun. Check out this book: "The subtle art of not giving a f*ck"

[@ericduchesnes7340]

Hi Domo !.. may I suggest you read a book : " Inspiration : Your Ultimate Calling " from Dr Wayne W. Dyer ... He wrote many books ... It helped me a lot to read when I was down ... Life isn't easy, but provides help when we need !.. Life is a big mistery ... believe in yourself, do what you really want to do and enjoy !.. I wish you the best !.. 🌞

[@apricotmadness4850]

Have you tried freelance work? Making working at home on specific projects is what’s best for you.

[@butwaittheresmoreayo]

I'm usually a lurker and don't say a single thing. Now I feel like I have to leave a comment because you've helped me so much that I don't even know how to phrase it. Thank you so much, Trent.

[@mechanick]

Trent: "my brain EXPLODED! I don't have an emoji for that.." Me: "oh here you go" 🤯 In all seriousness though, I totally agree with your points. In my own experience, I didn't even enjoy the process until I started valuing my own work more

[@zombiy2947]

"We need more business-minded artists" TRENT OUT HERE PREACHING THIS ART GOSPEL HALLELUJAH AMEN

[@DrCauss]

I know that you are not asking for this, but you know what? Thank you Trent, your advices and insights are deeply appreciated.

[@undeadlegion6678]

As an artist that will be going to art university next year and I've been drawing for 2 years and taken it seriously for those two years im 17 years old and I gotta say I've been scared and worried but that doesn't stop me from doing this i love art and want to be a concept artist for environments and also want to make vids like you because you inspire me and appreciate you so much because you don't have to make vids or even be on KZbin so all in all I want to say is any1 like me who wants to do art as a career like me and is young or old doesn't matter don't quit there's no point in quitting you gain nothing from it but you gain alot more for trying and doing and yes there will be alot of hardships but thats just how it goes just push through the hard time so you can get to the good ones.

[@raullopez7939]

Thanks man,Im in the same boat,im just studying for industrial design.👍

[@zondwhomlovesjesus8444]

Jesus loves you man

[@undeadlegion6678]

@@zondwhomlovesjesus8444 much appreciated my friend

[@mrduck_03art23]

I'm in the same boat! I hope we both will do well in the future!!

[@MohamedAshraf-fw1dc]

Had to pause for a sec, Trent I deeply appreciate that you get to let me watch you draw throughout your videos, and it always encourages me to go draw and paint - just watching you concept and compose is helpful for reaffirming the struggle of design to me and just pushing through it - thank you so much for putting it out for free - al Hamdu Le Allah that i found you And yes, your advice is a while other variety of gem - your channel might not have enough subscribers, but you have given immense value to viewers like me

[@maskymate8086]

This is more like a life lesson, getting over the stage of understanding on personal values and accept the fact that you need something in return for your hard works to stay sane and alive. A barrier between a boy/ girl and a man/ woman

[@corvin_nl3455]

Jesus Christ man, thank you so much for your videos. I lost a lot of my own personal visual voice and work ethic due to art school and your videos always help me refocus. Imma be honest with you- I have a goal to work with your company but I’m not where I want to be but thanks to your videos- I’m back on the grind. Thanks man.

[@cdarklock]

"Givers have to set limits, because takers never do." - Jason Kanigan

[@LolixBelle]

this applies for a lot of things not just art, I love that I found your channel and get advices likes this and love supporting you and purchasing your stuff, I often love showing my support to artist by donating or what not because words can be empty and treating someone to coffee might give them a better motivation to keep doing what they are doing.

[@thecheekychoof]

Art is a luxury...fun fact, in the past pro artists could only be afforded by nobles and thus even could be learnt by nobles. Yes even then people took advantage of free art lol. The mode of business may have changed in present times but it’s still business. Thanks for the video :3

[@jellydarling1008]

wow! just wanted to say thank you so much! I have always thought I was bothering people by expressing my thankfulness, like i was being to much. But hearing this mindset I'm more inspired to be apart rather then separate from people. I'm trying hard o be more assertive and I'm studding business people more. Thank you for reinforcing the positive mindsets and being apart of my growing processes!

[@dashamoony]

5 - 4.827 % return from people who will support what you're making; art glove makes you 24.5 % more professional artist - I love those statistics from Trent XD

[@scribblingjoe]

I long time ago I started an Instagram called Joe Drawing Gymnasts I used to draw Gymnasts doing their thing and Yoga people (not sure what you call them). I developed a pretty okay following, people started hashtagging me and sending me requests. Originally, it was something I would do with my last hour before I'd sleep so ideally, it would've been one person doing something cool. However, people started sending me teams to draw. I couldn't say no either. The drawings started taking hours to complete and people kept hounding me for them. So, I grew frustrated and ended that account (or at least I hadn't been on there in a long time). Anyway, I won't be doing that again.

[@TrentKaniuga]

You could have just started charging money. At least then you wouldn't feel used. But... if you didn't like doing it anyway then you did the right thing. PERFECT example by the way. THANK YOU for sharing stories like this with other artists!

[@jellydarling1008]

been always so scared of starting an drawing account because I'm afraid this will happen to me. Did you ever find ways in the future to over come this?

[@scribblingjoe]

@@jellydarling1008 I feel like I've gotten better. I started was working for an author doing cartoon illustrations and I had learned much from that. I started establishing boundaries and sticking to my decisions. One thing I learned that helps is; I don't answer a request right away. Instead, I consider what they are asking for and come up with a plan to complete it ( rough plan). If I find the work reasonable, I reply with a yes. Make sure you communicate with your client. If something goes wrong, tell them immediately. Also, I timed myself for completing my longest drawing (doing drawing videos is a great way to do this). I usually base my estimates on that (make sure to allow time for breaks). Don't be afraid to try anything. If you hate doing it, at least you know. You can always move on to something else. Just try things and learn from your failed attempts. More importantly, make sure you are compensated in some way. Your time is valuable and you should never think otherwise. I hope this helps. This is probably the best advice I can offer. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you find fulfillment in your decisions ahead.

[@jellydarling1008]

@@scribblingjoe Thank you! you responded so quickly, that's really nice. your words ring true when it comes to always looking for some kind of compensation. trying to work out a problem with a friend that I need to implement this more with. You are speaking a lot of wisdom, that I'm just starting to get. Thanks for taking the time to write that all out. I probable ( based of your your previous story) look like another person just asking for more, so i really appreciate the time to write so much back.

[@Billy.Bacsko]

Everyone's time is valuable. And If you want to be of value to other people, one needs to respect that worth not only in themselves, but in the others they choose to have interactions with. Thank you for all the time you give and have given, it has made a significant impact on so many lives. Passing on this philosophy is the best way I know how to show my personal appreciation in addition to working hard. God Bless.

[@MarcSantana]

Man that’s so important to hear... I really need to improve this mindset, I’m always afraid to say no or ask for extra when someone ask for more that was agreed. I feel like I don’t know how to be a entrepreneur

[@AndrewMRomain]

Thank you. This talk permeates multiple facets of my life at the moment, not just my art, and I really needed to hear it. First video I've seen of yours. I can't wait to see more my dude.

[@craigferguson3715]

Thank you Trent. This is a thing I have been struggling with. As always I appreciate the way that you share your experiences like this.

[@augyart]

Thank you for this information Trent! I appreciate you taking the time to share your insights with the community! Here’s a question/topic for a later episode if you’re interested in sharing. Q: There are many sources of business knowledge and some pertain directly to artists while others focus on another industry, yet could be translated to artists... Do you have any recommendations on particular books or people that inspired you on your journey to implement more business minded practices into your art career? Thank you in advance for your time!

[@TrentKaniuga]

www.amazon.com/shop/trentkaniuga 1- The 4 hour work week (Tim Ferris) 2- The Compound Effect (Darren Hardy) 3- The Simple Path to Wealth: (JL Collins) (Financial freedom for leverage) 4- Influence: The psychology of persuasion (Robert Cialdini)

[@dsarrazin]

This applies to other fields as well. I'm a software developer and sure, when I started my career, I needed the experience and was willing to work for less than I should, and for some passion projects, I am even willing to work for free, but outside of those, I do expect to get paid for the work I do. Early in my career, there was an incident where I broke that rule: I had worked as a contracted resource for this poor guy who had lost everything: his wife had passed, he had lost all of his retirement funds in bad choices, lost his house, and was now working as a clerk in a paving company when he should have been retired. I felt bad for him. Every time I did some work for him, and it would be time for him to pay me, he would tell me how bad his life was and drag it out for half an hour before eventually giving me a cheque for what I had earned. I started dreading going to get that cheque. I eventually found another job and told him that I couldn't continue for him but that I would keep helping him out for a little while to give him time to find a replacement for me (and since I hated going to get my cheque, I even told him I'd do the work for free until he could find someone to replace me). Do you think he found someone to replace me. Are you kidding? He had a free resource willing to give him quality work -- nirvana. I actually let that drag on for a couple of years (part time) until I eventually stopped returning his calls (he became really upset and left some really nasty or even desperate voice mails for a while -- I did stick to my guns though). Now, with over 30 years of experience, I know better and would not let this kind of situation occur, but we all make mistakes, and being too nice can be a mistake sometimes.

[@KaizenNox]

god this is incredible, because of what I've been going through lately

[@Natsuxc74]

Thank you trent, this is exactly how I feel right now and I need to change it up

[@chrishernandez1584]

What a dope airplane analogy Great talk Trent!

[@larasimat]

I Love how you are being straightfoward with your discussion, ty!

[@bluetea1400]

Trent fighting the good fight and trying to keep us all fed! ❤️

[@thought_engine2795]

I've just started out. I'm creating things with the mentality of improving. It's nice to gain this prospective even before deciding to hand out, or sell art. Thank you. ^^

[@zacmilne9423]

Very important advice from the master. Trent, hopefully you are getting all that you deserve from giving us this invaluable advice and beautiful artworks.

[@roastman9753]

Definitely one of those less bitter artists. Lately Ive been trying to figure out how to charge my art, because I'm realizing I need X amount of money to make it worth my time, but I also don't want to look like an "evil business person" haha. This video is right on the money and perfect timing. Thanks Trent! I'll buy a portfolio review soon - just need to improve myself first before I come to you.

[@AndrewMaksym]

Same! I'm gonna buy one but I need more in my portfolio and I need to save a bit of money first.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Its a tricky balance. Because you don't want to compromise TOO much, but if a little compromise allows you to pay them bills, then it's a good way to go.

[@acryliccyanide9158]

Trent sells portfolio reviews? Where?

[@AndrewMaksym]

@@acryliccyanide9158 on his gumroad

[@curioscuro]

Thanks for the advice Trent, I am just getting serious and starting my journey as an artist and I appreciate this kind of advice because it keeps me from making mistakes off the hop.

[@paulashin5133]

There are some pretty good resources for learning the business aspect of work. I used to watch a loooot of Gary Vee when I started freelancing. Watching him, watching you really pushed me to view myself more professionally, create opportunities and have more confidence in my work. Thanks Trent, you are awesome!

[@juliets4818]

thats great! do you have any video raccomendation?

[@paulashin5133]

@@juliets4818 damn, Gary has sooo many videos that I really dont remember one right now. Recently he has been focused on giving more emotional advice and that has been good as well. You might just need to get used to his style tho lol. A good channel that has very objective advice is "The Futur" Tho they are more focused on design, the business and strategy applies everywhere.

[@HoneyMilk89]

I've been watching you for years now and I admire you very much, thank you for being that kick that pushes me forward despite circumstances every day, I am a beginning Blender Artist because I have a disorder which makes drawing difficult but your videos have helped me immensely. Unfortunately, I am going to be homeless so I don't know when I can see another of your videos, but I wanted to make sure I say thank you.

[@TrentKaniuga]

I don't know your circumstances, but If times are tough, you may have to put art down for a while and focus on survival. Take care of yourself.

[@S0L0133]

Thanks Trent, I really needed to hear that.

[@AdrianVirlan]

This came at an insanely accurate and relevant moment in my professional life, well and life in general hehe

[@joshuasmith9568]

One here much apprciated. New to attempting dping more with art then just something for myself.

[@travishancock9120]

I love how basic the advice in this video is, but how much it needs to be heard.

[@RukileinchenChan]

I had this undervaluing problem recently. xD I started doing commissions because of Covid to earn some extra money. I put up a price range about 20-30$ for environments, design shots and some smaller scenes. After I got my first customer who gave me 3 commissions the idiot me started asking around if I could charge more next time. Hell, I was devastated after people told me that if I had a "proper customer" with a keen interest in the concepts+paintings I do I could easily go for 250-300$+, or even not caring about "private customers" and try to pursue companies to hire me or going freelance (which I am considering currently). E.g. the first of those 3 commissions took me about 25 hours because I put a lot work into detail... that's when I decided to put up my pricesat least a little bit. It is so annoying that as an artist you mostly don't like your own art or can'tsee them with the eyes of an outsider, professional or not.

[@kirinki13]

I'm graduating from school and want to start growing my art career on the side, but I don't know how to get people to bite

[@neolordie]

draw about things you care about, draw what you like, offer some sort of value to your community aside from just the art, and concistency i think trent did some video on the subject already and he's doing a way better job at explaining it lol

[@Gojer7]

Very motivating. Thank you.

[@chrisharmon8863]

Thank you for the video! I’ve been watching your videos for years now but haven’t really commented. I’ve bought some of your Gum road products and have started making a portfolio that got me into a little studio that is starting out but it is unpaid. Everyone on the studio says that my stuff reminds them of triple A grade concepts and nobody else in the studio comes close to the quality or speed at which I create assets for them. I’ve been drawing my whole life and want to start actually making money by helping others and through my art. I just don’t know where to start.. I am still putting together a stronger portfolio and have applied to other art-orientated jobs but I don’t know where to even start to make money independently or what step I should take. I have a bachelors degree in game design and 3D, animation etc. Covid made me lose my job I had and seems to be putting a damper on things, I am grateful for my health though and what art I can do when my pc isn’t messing up.. but I just want to say that all of your videos are inspiring, and you personality is awesome. When I start up your videos I’m always looking forward to that music in the beginning and the the “ mmaahhh duudes, what’s up!”

[@eRodriguezART]

Hey Trent. Thanks for making another awesome art video and sharing your knowledge. Much appreciated!!!

[@pencilkarate1713]

Trent "The motivator" at it again! Thanks again for a dose of realness!

[@supertredel]

Absolutely LOVE this video! Thanks for always keeping it real man, it helps me and so many others artists out. you are a boss!

[@Writterssoul]

It's not so much that I expect to be paid for what I make... I'd like to... make money and sell my art. But I'm not sure how to start on that journey of getting paid for what I make... and I wouldn't know where to sell or how to price what I make. Or if I'm at a level that I can sell my art.

[@amandajakle8202]

@trentkaniuga, I think this may be your best video yet! I watch a LOT of your vids- you're one of my "regularly scheduled programs" haha- and I like a lot of your stuff. But I LOVE this video because it is SO TRUE!!! I used to do the same thing, giving too much of myself for nothing in return. Then I realized that the ones who actually APPRECIATED my work were the ones who were willing to pay for it. I never had an issue with asking for money, but the ones who bought my work are the ones who actually APPRECIATED it. And that made all the difference. YOU determine your value by determining the value of your time and effort. The world doesn't appreciate your effort and time, and this is the cold, hard truth. Thank you so much for this video, Trent. It really means a lot! Blessings to you and your family going into the holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from St. Louis, MO!

[@Leo_Zackular_Art]

Thankyou for you Trent !

[@pandracchio]

Very interesting speech! As a freelancer illustrator I've found it very useful for my own growth. Thank you!

[@TROUBLEBRUSH13]

I love you man, keep up with the content. One of my favorite KZbinrs ❤❤

[@alkorngrigA41]

Dear Trent, I would totally agree with you as long as we look at the business part of it, at the "earn a living" and "pay your bills" stuff - money should be considered an equally important part of the equation. Painting/designing are crafts on par with many others - building cars, tables, houses or websites. But I also feel that the "hungry artist" image wasn't only about old masters not being able to become good businessmen. Some on purpose others not so much, but they abstained from money making and focused on something they deemed more important then even their own wellbeing. Maybe they seen artistic talent as a gift they didn't really have full rights on, it's anyone's guess, but the result was extraordinary. So, agreeing with what you said on the craftsmanship part of art (we all are to pay our bills), I still think there is a reason for an artist to be unmercenary, other then helping his community. That is when he is truly overflown with some ideas that he values beyond money, beyond himself even. In my experience (not nearly as vast as yours, but still) such mindset (which one can't fake) is something that makes you the happiest person on Earth and doesn't require any additional compensation.

[@emrekulac3207]

'I dont have a emoji for that' =*🤯

[@sylvarogre5469]

I appreciate your KZbin content and hope someday to appreciate your sponsor's tutorials. Yes, that is you as well.

[@MisterCuriusController]

yes, I Agree.

[@varflock9777]

What happened in this video a bit after 5:20? There was a sketchy picture and it somehow changed into a much more advanced version in a second.

[@borealsullivan5486]

He made an already existing layer visible

[@varflock9777]

@@borealsullivan5486 I know but where did that layer with a version of the picture that was much closer to finish come from?

[@borealsullivan5486]

@@varflock9777 He probably drew it before starting the recording

[@lrdalucardart]

Nice was asking this myself right now!

[@tedpogo1544]

Thanks for the free advice! So much appreciated man, it really helps

[@ohamjdung4512]

Listening to you is like therapy

[@delivanov252]

It is because you talk about money and the business aspects of an art career that I started watching you. Also I recommend ed this channel to a new artist just starting out.

[@RavenElite1776]

This hit my soul man....seriously thank you for this video

[@EL_Newman]

Thanks for sharing your art wisdom with us😁 I really appreciate, even though I don’t say it every time. I really appreciate it! Keep on sharing the love... and the passion😎😂

[@adamrusso3871]

I started painting again in January after an immense hiatus, and after a handful of months, my work got pretty okay enough that I got a paid commission at a fair rate through Instagram. I never got another, even though I kept posting my work as self-advertising. After a while, I started asking myself why I kept painting - it was fun, but it didn’t seem to have a point to it - and I eventually gave up on my dream of becoming a professional artist. Maybe I just wasn’t skilled enough to be a pro, or I didn’t know how to promote myself properly so the right people saw my work. Maybe posting free stuff just for visibility wasn’t the way to go, I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’ll pick up a brush or stylus again in the near future and maybe that’s for the best: I was getting really stressed out at the end and it stopped being fun.

[@te9591]

Wow, you touch on so many great topics.

[@henriettaloades-carter9650]

Really encouraging.

[@sekkataziz1644]

🤯 the emoji you were looking for, it’ll cost you 10$.

[@kawayanan_art]

Thank You ❤️🤗❤️

[@thangthangpaite8336]

It is what it is .... 😂😂 Love the art ,love the talks... I feel myself 4.82% wiser . Thank you once again for the wonderful content ❤️❤️ and no thumb emojis 😁😁

[@DeeSheDevil]

I am only a doodler, I use an iPad pro with procreate... I have RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and doodling helps me in ways I find hard to explain... I am not looking to find a job, I just want to do more with my doodles... Do you feel your "Easy Art" beginner art tutorials would be for me???

[@TrentKaniuga]

Yes!

[@DeeSheDevil]

@@TrentKaniuga thank you...

[@e_cleaver]

I got a business degree and not a art degree. So I look at things a bit differently. How much can you charge for your sit of skills and earn a decent amount to be able to pay your bills. And also how much taxes would you need to pay at the end of the year if you charge this much and lastly how much do you have to save for this.

[@fedorkochemasov4533]

I have been drawing for a month or two and I don't know how to progress. Like I am learning figure drawing, different body parts and poses, right, but when I'm tired with that idk what else to do. The only thing that stuck with me is drawing animal skulls. But I can't be drawing animal skulls and featureless figures all the time. What do I do?

[@TrentKaniuga]

After you do a study, you should challenge yourself to do it without the reference. If you like to draw animal skulls, incorporate that into the studies and challenge yourself to create poses that are not in the tutorials or studies.

[@fedorkochemasov4533]

@@TrentKaniuga Thank you I'll try that

[@ricklopez4703]

I've been commissioned once or twice but can never get my work in mainstream

[@andrew777spencer]

i’m always watching Trent when i wanna give up

[@whatduexpect4585]

Very insightful to see your own growth I appreciate you sharing. Did you or do you ever feel impatient with your skill growth and understanding. There is so much to learn and so much to master out there and even with planning out my whole day every day working on those things it just feels like im always playing catch up. I want to master it all and with every study i do and tutorial I watch im slowly building my skill but theres just SO much out there.

[@ladyseshiiria]

This video is really awesome. I like this in fact I'm not even angry. I know it was meant to be controversial and kind of get people angry and thinking but nope I totally agree with all of this. Like the people you're talking about giving things away for free. There isn't anything inherently wrong with that as long as you understand that you are giving it away for free. Now it's not a bad idea to do that but you have to stop at some point. Free things can build reputation free things do contribute to a community like you're saying and sometimes that's where you have to be and you have to accept it and be happy with it. Right now I'm in contribution phase. and this is because sometimes you're just not ready at that level you need to be to be a good seller whether it's physical skill or how you feel on the inside. You can do these things and value your time. For me the value comes from making friends and learning and growing. Output to input ratio.

[@RajasSutar]

Like the joker said, " if you're good at something never do it for free. "

[@13goth69]

Yes, you did make one less bitter artist!

[@henryvasquez1814]

Love your videos and your honesty man!. The only thing I am missing is the salsa music at the beginning of the video 😂

[@dinsorecraft]

Hey Man ! Thank you so much for your videos (not only this one) ! Some of your video realy help me to become professionnal artist. Thank you!

[@maiwing1781]

Woooow, thanks for the advice!!

[@MosaicSplash]

I did plan to release my first GN for free 😭 I guess the fear is so few people will see it if it’s print only but you’re alright right of people will never pay if the main product is free.. but I also feel like I’m just building up my skills and trying to prove to myself and others that I can actually finish a book.. sigh

[@TrentKaniuga]

If you don't expect any profit, then it's a great idea! But Ive found that I need to provide for a family, so I would never do any project for free like that.

[@officersquarehead]

I think I'm afraid to start my webcomic BECAUSE if I put al that effort and time into and am still poor at the end of it all, it might just break me. I tried reading business books but all that stuff just went over my head. It feels hopeless.

[@tomimn2233]

Intro song? It so good.

[@fredrikp2839]

Hello Trent! Hearing you encourage us to ask questions at the end of the video reminded me of an art industry dilemma me and my friend have discussed. So I figured I'd ask. Is being simply great at either concept art or illustration, enough to guarantee yourself a job at some point? (we are expecting to apply to many jobs ofc, not everyone fits in everywhere). If luck is prevalent, do you have any opinions on what types of luck (contact, job openings, people, fame etc) play bigger roles than others? Thanks!

[@TrentKaniuga]

Luck is only a small part of it. Know your customer. If your customer is a company, find out what they need and offer that service better than the competition at a better price.

[@fredrikp2839]

@@TrentKaniuga Sounds to me that the key takeaway is simple business. Offer the most appealing choice. Would you say the same exists for large game companies hiring either concept artists or illustrators for inhouse projects? The only solution to get the job is to simply be more aligned with what the company seeks than the other artists competing for the position? I feel personally that this question is obvious and self-explanatory, but I also have the many opinions of peer artists saying they find it hopeless to find an industry job, choosing to highlight topics such as luck or contacts.

[@Syr3]

Trent mah dude, your as cool as cool can be

[@henriqueoliveira2]

i said the same thing yesterday to a friend

[@romsawyer2694]

Dude smacking truth right into someone's face!

[@DarthBiomech]

I think the saddest thing to get out of this is that the people have this "if it free it's worthless" mindset. You end up charging for your work not because you in it just for the money or because there are bills to pay. When I think about that, there's always this pervasive thought "but there are these guys who just can't afford to cash out $5 to see my creation. I'm robbing them of the ability to experience and enjoy my work" that prevents me from hiding something behind a paywall.

[@grahamnightingale9513]

Hi I just felt the need to drop a "Thank you" in your lap for all these insights and videos you put out. They are tremendously helpful to me and I would assume many others! I only just stumbled onto your content here on you tube, but you can bet your ass I'm gonna look at the rest! :D Also bought the book, it seemed the easiest way to put some cash in your pocket and be a bit more meaningful with a Thank you! ha ha ha😆😆😆

[@AaronReese]

Artists should get used to talking about money or they should get out of the game. That may suck, but that's how it goes.

[@kameyeleon9471]

I'm a junior still looking for my first job at a company and right away, one company asked me to draw 3 full illustrations of environments with characters when I introduced myself as a UI and game assets artist. Without pay unless they decide to hire me. Is this an interview norm when looking for illustration jobs with companies?

[@TrentKaniuga]

It happens, but you can suggest that they pay you for anything more than a 3 hour test. If they refuse, then you probably don't want to work with them anyway.

[@kameyeleon9471]

@@TrentKaniuga thank you for the quick response!

[@ChrisDMReloaded]

and i still wonder why EA is still around and there are actually people who pay for those microtransactions.

[@TrentKaniuga]

A LOT.

[@aaronhoward646]

Who's this? Why am I not subscribed already? Good stuff!

[@daviedood2503]

I figured I'd work for free so I get the Xp of dealing with a customer, dealing with custom requests, dealing with revisions etc until I get it under control. Afterwards if I start charging, I want HALF upfront. This way if they cancel or just don't want it anymore, I atleast got SOMETHING for my time. I don't do this, "wait until done" to get paid.. I could totally be on the wrong path about this all, so idk man... 😂

[@DelEnd_Virtua]

I know the value of my art and thats why I love giving it out. Sometimes I'll accept commissions (I do fanart) and when I'm finished just not accept the payment. The problem with that is I starve, but on the other hand they might share the kindness. Can someone tell me what's wrong with me?

[@TrentKaniuga]

If you keep doing art for free, you will become bitter. Just ask for some money so that you do not starve. Treat yourself kindly.

[@DelEnd_Virtua]

Its been over 12 years and still not bitter :] The secret is never comparing yourself to others. I was being dramatic when I say starving, but I definitely make less then 20k a year.

[@Mr.Murphy2802]

I used to draw alot from reference images on the Internet of characters and stuff I find cool and post them on my old Instagram and I only feel shame and bitterness when I realise I havent got the artistic integrity to do better and I dont know how to, im not taking art GCSE course but I wanna do art for A level in college sixth form, any form of encouragement or way of tips to help me?

[@Ayzay1717]

Thanks a lot for your advice. :)