The ART STYLE dilemma. Advice from a 28 year pro!

Tutorials/Templates/Brushes - gumroad.com/tr...
Ebay (signed books and original art) - www.ebay.com/u...
Audiobooks + fiction - / aquaticmoon
Books + Merch - www.aquatic-moo...
Ikeda (free game on Steam) - bit.ly/32DrSzP
Discord = / discord
Twitter- / trentkaniuga
Parler - parler.com/pro...
Cubebrush - cubebrush.co/t...
Equipment I use- www.amazon.com...
Should you develop your own art style? Or should you follow the popular trend? After 28 years I finally feel like I'm free, and it's glorious.
Games I've worked on -
Fortnite (Environment concept art)
Overwatch (Environment concept art + Sprays artwork)
League of Legends (Character design + Environment concept art, UI + Icons)
Diablo 3 (Character design + Environment concept art)
Hearthstone (Illustration)
Burning Crusade(Character design + Environment concept art)
Wrath of the Lich King (Character design + Environment concept art)
Indivisible (Environment concept art)
Final Fight Streetwise (Voice Acting + Character Design + World Design + Cutscene Direction + Co writer on script)
He Man GBA (Pixel Art)
Terminator 3 GBA (Art Direction + Pixel Art)
CannonBallers (Character + World design)
Ikeda: The Scrap Hunter (Programming + Art + Design)
Goblins and Gnomes (Concept Art)
Books available-
CreeD Re:Imaginary (2021) - Graphic Novel
Twilight Monk - Return of the Ancients (2021) - Illustrated Novel
Twilight Monk Secrets of Kung Fulio (2020) - Illustrated Novel
Escape from Giants Crown (2019) - Illustrated Novella
World Of Twilight Monk Vol 1 (2019) Art Book
The Man and the Moonken (2019) - Illustrated Novella
The Beast of Tuksa (2018) - Illustrated Novella
Twilight Monk (2012) - 2 Graphic Novels
Nova Colony (2009) - 1 Graphic Novel
CreeD (1993-2007) - Comic Book Series
Ghost Rider (2000) - Comic Book Series
The Fuzz (1997) - Comic Book

[@AaronReese]

You tend to find your style pretty quick when you have a deadline.

[@lilacreations6378]

LMFAOOOO 🤣funny but true!

[@idriss.a.5200]

Hmmmmk now that you mention it, I think your right

[@mrduck_03art23]

Holy shit lol

[@Przem723]

Very damn true :')

[@SM-xy6py]

Trent you should write a book about your tough times in these studios and call it "Life in the Trentches"

[@aitoluxd]

WOW!

[@YOUCANTDOTHATONTELEVISION]

then he could do the reading for the audiobook. Id buy it.

[@freeflow313]

well played

[@romt5649]

hahaha

[@SM-xy6py]

@@freeflow313 thank you

[@WC3fanatic997]

People, I think, sometimes forget that even the best artists dont hit everyone's tastes right; they get turned down too.

[@lilacreations6378]

Yes!!

[@torrentthom4734]

understanding varied subject matter is more valuable: if an artist can draw characters, backgrounds, plants, monsters and so on he/she will be more valued. i think people like you get top billing because you can do all those things, while still remaining within your stylistic zone.

[@benhartart9487]

Im a creative, though the schooling system indoctrinated me for a job to work for the man, so I had many dead end jobs but now I’m still working for the man but I am also doing art for me everyday, I’m working on my art brand my creativity is happening daily I’m on my grind and I don’t care that I’m 40 I’m doing my thing now, so if your a creative, just do art everyday and get better, and network and embrace your individuality

[@Leo_Zackular_Art]

Hooyah

[@koljak9395]

Ah, yes, finding direction - the single most difficult issue I'm facing. I do experiment a lot, and am constantly trying to block out that tiny voice "how are you expecting to make a living with this, eventually?" Going through a confusion / focus / confusion / ... cycle that seems to slowly turn into a spiral getting me *somewhere* :D

[@Creed329]

I feel you dude, right now I have like 3 conflicting styles lmao

[@StudioArtFX]

"This is my channel! You tuned in to hear my perspective." Very true. LOL!

[@EckosamaGhostTsushima]

Trent stop trying to give me a heartache. I thought you were actually TWENTY EIGHT! *28* !!!

[@raphaelelkhaddar9922]

Just thank you for your recent videos. I’ve been struggling really hard to find and own my uniqueness, use it in my work, and I am grateful of you for sharing your experience. It is the best reminder of why I should value it. Wishing you the best ❤️🤝

[@Idk-xdx]

At the beginning of this year, I wanted to find my artstyle. Now it's December and I actually like having million different artstyles 😂

[@ani_n01]

Saaame

[@stoneesoj3055]

True. I can relate. It’s a balancing act if you ask me. The “gravitating” towards subjects that improve what you’re already creating. A whole lot of everything when it comes to art.

[@Idk-xdx]

@@stoneesoj3055 I feel you. I honestly feel like having 1 artstyle shouldn't be as glorified as it is in the social media scene. It's nice to have that 1 style that everyone can immediately recognize, but its also nice to have different ones depending on what you want to draw ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@michaelrichards5340]

@@Idk-xdx you shouldn't confine yourself to one style but you do need to create a unique I.D while exploring other styles

[@Idk-xdx]

@@michaelrichards5340 I agree! His was the point of the video actually 👌

[@NightSkyIsATimeMachine]

my 9 year old son was very disappointed that your outro motto was rushed LOL ~ great video, as always

[@WTFisMYname24]

your art is so impressive ;O. i wish i had more self confidence so i could actually share the things i make.

[@lilacreations6378]

Excellent work 😍

[@zacmilne9423]

Trent you’re a godsend. Happy holidays sensei.

[@stoneesoj3055]

What I couldn’t wrap my mind around is the expectation to be a “cheaper” version of someone until you’re “experienced enough” to deserve a higher wage. That perspective can stop an artist from even experimenting as there’s a high level of uncertainty when it comes to deciding on the final look. I’m still overcoming that mindset but today onward I’ll believe in my style for what ever I create. I always enjoy those projects the most too so it only makes sense. *the skills required is another subject of course. Knowing what you want to see is one thing & having the compartmentalized tools is another.

[@greengoblin5392]

Bro your art is amazing

[@dasaen]

hmm I think this may be one of the benefits of not being in the industry, I always see from the outside that people that apparently make it higher offer very unique art styles, not that they can't be grouped into stylized or realistic categories, but they are easily recognized by just looking at their work.

[@floko3883]

really cool cover you did there!

[@zachariasstarlid5365]

It's almost funny how attracted I am to this art style. I can see that you are using three different software. It would be fun to hear about your perspective on the streangths and weaknesses of the different softwares that you are using. It would also be fun to see a review of Krita. I have a feeling you might like some of their brushes. Take care!

[@nickmeisner9278]

work the shaft, LOL, you are amazing in craft and presenting!

[@3vii678]

Love your advice and I love your art more‼️ I’ve had great art inspirations but yours is top 5.

[@AZODi]

Great video Trent! Hope your Xmas / NY was fun!

[@mightymurph550]

When I was little I watched a lot of anime and wanted to draw manga style art style. However, as simple as it may look, I couldn’t get the shapes right. So I switched to realism in highschool but it took way too long. Then somehow the years of experience in both fields just merged together and I found my fingerprint. I’m always told “It’s realistic but at the same time it’s not”

[@SuperFlyGhost]

OOOOoooooh more Galaxy's Edge? Thanks for introducing me to this author. I really enjoyed the last 2 books! Anyone out there into the Mandalorian should go read the AWESOME tales of Tyrus Rex!

[@Shashuverse]

Thank you ❤️ Now my mind is clear

[@brucenunn3268]

Great advice as always Trent. I Wld like to see more of Original Art pieces up for sale. (Like that TMNT piece you did) Thanks for what you do and the Value your Channel Brings to me and Others. #BestOnTheTube

[@nicolasolguin2195]

Trent, what is that beautiful music you use on the intro. Also live forever so you never stop making this videos

[@kamilameller8099]

I really am happy to watch your videos

[@sarroora]

Thanks Trent! This video came at the right time for me as someone who feels like they don't belong anywhere in the industry's current form, especially with hyperrealistic art style being the popular choice amongst many high-profile games and companies. My art's very stylized and cartoony and a part of me was convinced it was something no longer in demand.

[@sajjanone5243]

Man I needed this so so much thank you thank you thank you

[@Devjohn7]

Found the right advice, just when i needed it. Thanks Trent!

[@jayta906]

Ahhh that intro. I am home *pulls up chair to fireplace*

[@shojodraws3399]

I love your work!!

[@jullcepts8780]

This is the sort of stuff I listen the days I say "Today I'm drawing something". Your an amazing source of real advice, man. I wish the best for you!

[@Daniel780K]

This is soooooooooo sickkkkkkkk man!

[@AndrewMaksym]

Lol Yes I do miss the salsa intro song. Was almost expecting it.

Yeah I miss it too! This new song has a sad vibe :(

[@Qvmmy]

@ new song remınds me some places ın maplestory

[@kaionunes7162]

For now I just draw for fun,for me the process is just see references and do in my own way,I thinks it's good to catch references (ever for your own drawing),and stick with the things that you like.

[@SSCAT0]

Oh wow, thank you for that video.

[@helenainclusar889]

Thank you very much, your work is a HUGE help for me and for many others

[@extrememaybe1534]

Love Galaxy's Edge books with Rc Bray 💯

[@azza_weak]

This is a very nice video, thank you so much for it!! My rule of thumb has been "would I have more fun forcing myself to draw this, or working on a random store while drawing as a hobby?", because if it's just dragging me down what's even the point on working with that art? Better slowly build my nieche and be happy in life

[@idriss.a.5200]

I freaking love this guy, thank you so much Trent, this is exactly what I needed to hear

[@yoshaosaxofonista]

If this would be official cover this could be transformed into jackets for the actual books

[@tedsmall5360]

Heinrich Kley has gotten my attention lately, was wondering if it's possible to do that kinda line art with a stylus...

[@xaviersepeda3404]

It is possible

[@megiMove]

Damn this is the best I've seen. I've always found ways of expressing myself. Through movement, dance , martial arts , training , gymnastics and the last years photography and hobby videography. But, I've always wanted to learn to draw stuff like this . Maybe 1/10 of this. Is it possible to learn and any idea how to start ? Got my self a pad and started drawing. Beginner level.... Should I try drawing over art or drawing by seeing or just learning basics ? Awesome video !

[@exhortationsofanartist8118]

Try looking at Proko KZbin videos. Also the Draftsmen podcasts give helpful advice too. Hope this helps.🤗

[@meagenruttan4681]

....is my art style too expensive? That's the question that comes to mind...

[@pinkpolarcub.]

Thank you for this video I'm just on my two year mark and basically I don't have my own style my own style Is basically I can draw any type of art style mostly inking from manga to comics and now I'm feeling so dumb and even down after my own art school classmates are mocking me for being a human printer but deep down after copying so many styles I have gradually learn many things in ways they don't imagine but sometimes the doubt kept setting in on whether I should prove to them or just be me anyways congratulations on your journey

[@Omnipotentpunch03]

So I’ve always wondered about this. I draw a ton of dbz and other anime. And like the dbz style has always come kinda naturally to me and i love how sharp it is and sometimes how round it is. And it’s the style I love drawing the most but I always wonder if that means it’s my natural art style or not and if not how do I make my own style?

[@aquabluerose7734]

Is your style distinguishable from DBZ? As in, if you made fanart, would people be able to tell that it was not made by the actual DBZ artists? (And not bc of skill/quality, just differences like say your characters have huge feet or a certain palette or something) Do your OCs look seamless with DBZ characters, or do they feel like they're from a different but similar anime? If you can distinguish then you're fine. If not, pick your second favorite compatible (something like The Fairly Odd parents would be a bad match, while say, Super Mario or even Elden Ring would be ok) art style and hybridize DBZ with it and you will instantly have your own style. I cultivated a style by hybridizing my favorite styles.

[@XtianApi]

So Trent what program do you use for digital painting? Trent : "Yes"

[@TrentKaniuga]

Yep!

[@lilacreations6378]

That’s why I actually didn’t go to school for art 🥴

[@Orphanlast]

God I love when you work on Galaxy's Edge...

[@saumilnigam3395]

Bye 2020

[@kaionunes7162]

I don't even know if I have such a thing as a "specific style"😄.

[@Orphanlast]

You have a very painterly style.

[@robihamdani5385]

i have question why you consider to be a youtuber rather than work at big corporate ?

[@Orphanlast]

Hey Trent... we've spoken a few times. In the comment section. I just want to say, that making a running commentary in your videos, yeah, there is a "dark side of the force" there. And it IS hard to steer away from it. I think, by and large, I've done that. I've mainly just focused on the work. How it's made and all that, with my commentary. Sometimes a tutorial, like "how to draw panoramic images". Yeah man... We should do an art collaboration.

[@Alfred_the_doodler]

Appreciate it Trent! ✊🏽

[@agastyasharma8566]

Can you do tutorial on how to draw?Just asking because I love the way you draw

[@TrentKaniuga]

A great idea! www.gumroad.com/trentk

[@agastyasharma8566]

Really thanks!!

[@sunshinejulie5687]

Use your Mañandaban voice MORRRRRRRRE!

[@MrDrawfan]

Oh men, I miss your salsa intro so much

[@joeco9513]

do you mind me asking what procreate brushes you used for this/like using. Ps. Thank you for the words of encouragement. And how did you get that really cool CRT effect??

[@zuljaras]

Trent did you work on Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls/Necro Pack or only on the Original Diablo 3? I just got the Art of Diablo book and I see your name there but not in the Reaper of Souls stuff.

[@TrentKaniuga]

I left Blizzard and went to work on League of Legends before Reaper came out.

[@Antonioprophoto]

What kind of chicken though? KFC chicken or Chik-fil-a chicken?

[@orangemeds3247]

My problems a bit unique and I have seen videos covering this problem a lot and I always see them and try doing other art styles but I can't seem to imitate other styles and I believe if I did then my style would improve idk if you have any advice but if you have ever experienced this problem or know someone who has it would be very useful if you can tell me how they got over it or if it just happens overtime

[@justmike3018]

The Fett is strong with this one.

[@nickmeisner9278]

MORE

[@mikenelson1624]

👍✨

[@reese6938]

Would you say most of your Photoshop cheats can be transferred and applied to Clip Studio Paint?

[@SSCAT0]

What the program you use from 0:59? It sketchbook?

[@Dazz000]

How long did you draw this in real time?

[@te9591]

Did you do the voice in "Bob's Tavern"?

[@TrentKaniuga]

no. I've only done voice in Final Fight Streetwise and Nova Colony.

[@te9591]

@@TrentKaniuga i swear his vocal character sounds so close to yours.

[@lanamaybug]

ah, yes corpo kid

[@baryon9632]

What software is this?

[@iloveanimation99]

Oliver Fletcher auto desk sketchbook pro

[@anx46]

S

[@ani_n01]

Your voice is 48 but OK That was a compliment tbh

[@dubois666xxx]

good!!

[@jayleeliana9149]

Anyone want to be my Boyfriend 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️