When your dream seems impossible and hopeless

Tutorials/Templates/Brushes - gumroad.com/trentk
Twilight Monk Game on Steam- store.steampowered.com/app/19...
Books + Merch - www.aquatic-moon.com
Discord = / discord
Twitter- / trentkaniuga
Cubebrush tutorials - cubebrush.co/trentk
When your dream seems impossible and hopeless, it's important to keep perspective, and remember the big goal while focusing on the steps right in front of you. This is a common mental state that occurs whenever you're aiming for a lofty goal. Remember that it's natural to feel that you're not making progress. But when you take a step back, you may find that youve made more progress than you thought.
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) - 2 part Comic series
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

[@TheEddhaur]

Dude, I used to watch your videos when I was learning 3D and used them as motivation. Months later, after finding a job and becoming an environment artist I find these videos again, and it made me smile. Thanks for your support, even if you didn't know, you helped me push through at times. All the best.

[@devondm506]

Did you get a degree in 3D Rendering, because I have an arts associates and I'm wondering if I should go back to get a 3D degree

[@gilserranito951]

*Tell us your secrets*

[@Gotham_Outlaw]

I hate my job with a burning passion and art is my ultimate escape but at the same time I be so exhausted from work that I can only have energy to draw on weekends and even then I'm too tired to get out of bed. The struggle is real

[@GMthunderbreak]

Trent, I'm jumping back into art, after all these years I realized this is the only thing I'm truely good at. I'm studying and practicing every day. But truth be told, I'm worried lol. I see people with much lower skill level being much more popular on social media than me, and I don't want to lock into a single niche opposing to popular recommendation by pros, I feel like that just kills me as someone who's trying to be a creative individual. Especially when I'm not even as good as I want to be yet. Also bills are knocking on my door and age is creeping up. So thank you for touching on these subjects which I'm sure is concerning many people.

[@oamioxmocliox8082]

;)

[@zaxvolten]

Yes me too, I start all over, man, after all this year I work on oil and gas, car paint jobs, and others, then it's not working out, then this year I try to draw again and be a freelancer, I don't know in the future, money is the real problem, I hope it's worth a try,

[@JeffreyHuntArt]

I'm in the military and know what you mean. I'm 48 and am setting myself up for a full time art career after I finish up in the Army. I think as long as you follow your passion, you'll do great. Next week I'm joining my local art society so I can build a personal presence along with an online one. I've ran into some people in my own town who were mentioning they enjoy seeing and talking with local artists. While social media is a trend, it doesn't have to be the only one.

[@chrisrakkestad]

I'm in the same boat. How old are you? The crazy thing is people seem to feel they are too old to start no matter what age they start these days. It's like we feel we need to be toddlers to have a shot. I'm 34, so not crazy old, but I still feel like i wasted the past 15 years pursuing the wrong stuff. But then I think that in that time I met my wife, had a kid, got a house, travelled the world and did a ton of other awesome stuff. I have friends who DID do art only the past 15 years. They want what I have.

[@TheArnau13]

There is a lot of underrated/overrated art, I don't focus on my numbers anymore. I just draw what I want and what I feel, and I do it for myself. People know to sell or get likes even if it's ugly or they spent 5 minutes doing it, because they know how to do it. So many talented and amazing artists are underrated.

[@Selwynn]

After leaving the military and starting a family I realized that I still had the dream of pursuing and having a successful career in illustration. Between work, raising a toddler, college and more, I sometimes feel as though it's hopeless, with no time to hone my skills. However, I've learned that regardless of whether anything comes of it, art makes me happy. I give up a few hours of sleep after work at night to work on something I like, setting a goal to make each of my illustrations better than the last. Who knows? Maybe one day they'll be good enough to make a living!

[@JeffreyHuntArt]

Wow. Me too. I joined the military to pay for art school. Ooops. Life happened, got married, and raised a family. I ended up 24 years later pursuing art on the side but am going full time in the next few years.

[@EddieTheComicGuy]

I'm 46 years old man and I'm still trying to make something of my art!!! Is it very good? That depends on who you ask. Ha ha!!! I will say I've done a few commission pieces here and there when time allows. To be fair, I do have a little more time than most with a much older son in college. I could be more motivated to take an art class or watch a tutorial to hone my skills. Listening to Trent today really got me to thinking that I...WE can do whatever we set our minds to!!! Whether you make it a side hustle, a full time business or just do it because it makes you smile!!! KEEP ON DRAWING!!! Never lose sight of your goal, I've doubted myself for too long now. It's time to make it happen!!! Yeah, I know, who is this old man and why is he ranting under my comment...HA HA HA!!!

[@Selwynn]

@@EddieTheComicGuy I appreciate your rant actually! It's a great motivator and it's nice to get some perspective from an older fellow artist! Listening to you and Trent is pretty inspiring when it comes to thinking about the future! There are a lot of external pressures that are trying to steer me away from art as I am about to enter my 30's, but seeing guys like you that are still very passionate long past those pressures is only evidence that I should never give it up. Keep the fire going!

[@EddieTheComicGuy]

@@Selwynn I will say this my friend. If you have a lunch hour, or even a half hour, you have that much time in-between chewing to draw something!!! It's all about getting in that practice!!! I hope everything goes well for you Chris!!! KEEP DRAWING!!!

[@ragemachinist]

One of the tricks is not thinking giving up on art is some sort of failure. That's a really toxic, fear and scarcity ridden mindset. Things change, people take different paths. It's not a 0-1 thing.

[@thenot-so-smartfox4145]

I like to have this thought that, whenever I feel down with my illustrations, I think of how many bad art has been made and published out there, how something worse than what I do is actually being sold out there, so that means that if that made it, then I can make it too. Always lifts me up somehow.

[@seb5659]

"That person there is so ugly and theyve got a girlfriend so I can have one too" is what you're saying. Basically shitting on someone else to make your own work feel better. Nice job

[@pezorama]

it's always good to remember that everyone feels insecure from time to time. We all go through it. We all fall. The difference between the winners and the losers is just deciding to continue.

[@pastmasterdan4080]

With the internet, people of like interests are finding each other and creating a market.

[@maxinefinnfoxen]

"don't think just go" sounds like a recipe for disaster and triggers my anxiety or resistance, but it's actually the smartest thing to do when you're in this situation.

[@11nephilim]

I feel this. I graduated with a degree in CGI in 2020. I've been applying to stuff ever since, all while doing competitions, practicing, pushing to get better at what I do... but outside from being shouted out by a couple of youtubers (which was super cool) I've seen zero success. Nothing I've applied to recently has even resulted in an interview, and it's all been entry level stuff that's well within my skill level. My family keep asking if there's something else I'd like to do but there really isn't. So I've got to keep going, but man is it hard sometimes to keep that motivation up...

[@CritelliArt]

I've been seriously pursuing art for 15 years with very little success until this year when I finally got a contract job as an art director and received a scholarship to a high level art intensive that will hopefully yield good job connections. 15... years... 2 seems like not that much. Especially with how volatile employment has been for any job type.

[@SushiPredator]

I'm in that same place. I've showed my work to friends, teachers, and even some fairly known art directors and they are impressed, yet there isn't a place for me yet. It's really hard for me to say motivated, too. I have people say that I can do all these things yet... crickets. All we can do is keep moving, no matter how slow it may feel sometimes. I'm pretty sure you get comments and likes and such from friends? I keep them close and try to not compare myself to others cause when that comparison mood strikes it strikes hard.

[@axeliasalaria8905]

I’m in this boat and need something soon. My family has given up and wants me to do a laborious job at a plant. Every day is a struggle to keep going and I wonder as an illustration major at nearly 30…why bother? It’s incredibly saddening. I have no connections or directions and can’t find help. Wish I hadn’t “followed my dream” and gone to college.

[@11nephilim]

@@SushiPredator that's the most frustrating part! Everyone seems to love your work but when you apply anywhere you just get a boilerplate rejection email - no opportunity for feedback. So you're stuck wondering whether you're just not good enough yet, or if they didn't love your cover letter, was it your cv perhaps? Definitely feel you on comparison stuff. Sometimes I'll see something on artstation and think... will I ever be that good? Usually though I'll look at that person's profile and it turns out they're like a senior artist somewhere, which makes me feel a bit better. They're 5+ years ahead on the road.

[@11nephilim]

@@axeliasalaria8905 also on that boat of having 30 turning up not too far away. I remember years ago thinking I'd have a career going by now, plus wife and kids maybe xD rip that idea.

[@soupdawhoop]

Started drawing again last night after about a month or two of being discouraged and not drawing anything. This video was just what I needed to become motivated again thank you Trent!

[@zenon3003]

Mann.... this video couldnt come to me at a better time... as a mid 30s dude who always feels "im late to the game".... this video helped.

[@SyGardner]

I'm 37 (just turned yesterday), started drawing again properly in my early 30's, saying to my partner that one day I'll make this my job, it was a tough ride especially whilst having kids, but after being able to go freelance fulltime for the last few years I now work as a background artist at an animation studio doing background designs and paintings for netflix shows etc. I've still got a long way to go to catch back up in life, but finally landing a dream job is more than possible in your thirties, so don't give up man :)

[@zenon3003]

@@SyGardner thank you so much for sharing this... this definitely helped my moral a bit ... I have to keep a consistent positive attitude if I want to make it. And maybe after that get over the imposter syndrome lol... I'll keep at it 💪 tysm

[@SyGardner]

@@zenon3003 no problem man, the imposter syndrome is there for everyone I know, and I know a couple of people who work for other big studios etc, none of us ever know everything, so always remember that we all have stronger points and weaker points, but eventually your stronger points make you employable :)

[@corvin_nl3455]

Trent- thanks man. I have been trying to build my body of work for the past year and…I’m gassed out. I don’t have a community and the algorithm kinda burns me out. These videos help me come back to center. I hope you’re doing well man. You’re doing great. Thanks.

[@lynstrawberry5645]

Your words meant a lot. I’m a writer and I’ve been writing this trilogy for 5 years and sometimes it never feels like I’ll finish…sometimes I just edit or write a paragraph and say “ok. I won today.” And that’s it.

[@Kloudhandz]

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

[@brandonleerajkumar]

You're like the Yoda of artists. Wise, intelligent and skilled. Thank you for the video. I really needed to hear this today. 🙏

[@febri5206]

Who put onions here, why are my tears dripping. I'm just gonna say thank you for inspiring us!

[@karnoldas]

Im at the stage of dropping art career pursuit. Today I got the reminder about the piece I did 9 years ago that started the pursuit and thought "damn 9 years..." maybe I should drop it. But I guess I'll listen to you and do 10 more steps. Thanks for inspiration!

[@DigitalinDaniel]

Thinking is how we reward ourselves for doing nothing.

[@indeliblemakes5359]

I needed this talk. I have not drawn in a few years due to a pretty bad art school experience.

[@Tehran481516]

Never give up!

[@AM-ko4pi]

So, how’s it going bro? It’s still not too late. It never is.

[@YuriNoirProductions]

I've only read the title but this video already hits home so much. it's like trent knows exactly what we need at any given time..

[@Entutu]

I love wakening up at 5:30 am, booting up photoshop or Figma and chilling along your vids

[@diapollockal8962]

I deal with depression and constantly battle the lack of motivation. I like to draw and want to dabble in making small video games. This information is really useful, especially the story of the pessimistic woman. I've been through a lot but I'm resilient. The greatest challenge right now is to teach myself to be optimistic again and keep that after so long of being pessimistic. Ty for the help!

[@garoozies914]

Trent, you give so much of yourself to encourage the rest of us, so I want to also give back to you by saying that your game is coming along so nicely. What you’re achieving is huge, and ive no doubt you’ll make your big break in the indie game scene and become the next team cherry-level success story. I’m getting on steam today to wishlist Twilight Monk. Thank you- a fellow delusional artist

[@The_Local_Blacksmith]

Great video! I've faced many obstacles--both internal & external--over the past 6 years or so while pursuing a career in video game concept art, so I absolutely understand those negative thoughts, things, and people who can drag you down & distract you from your goals, (with the added challenge of me being nearly 40 years old now.) That negativity will never stop coming at you, so you must be adamant in your pursuit of said goals, & try your best to continuously rewire your brain, & hold onto that passion/vision/self-awareness/discipline, because with that you can't lose, it's just a matter of time before you win. Unfortunately I can't add Twilight Monk to my Steam Wishlist, because it's already been Wishlisted!

[@lina.edelweiss]

Hello Trent! this is a very helpful video for so many people, including me. When I started with art I felt so lost because all the artists I follow are way younger, went to an art school and look very adorable too. But like you, I feel a burning since I‘m a kid and I finally take care of that and draw, sometimes until my hand starts hurting LOL Sometimes we humans need to relearn many things even when we are adults to be able to pursue our dreams and that is not shameful or silly. I started to follow older artists, who also are on the same experience level and that alone gave me a burst of energy and confidence.

[@dustyyyyyyyy7]

Already wishlisted and followed as soon as I could! Thanks for you the videos, the inspiration and the classes! :D

[@aliassafiart]

I love this channel because of your honesty. I really appreciate how you talk about the difficulties and the struggles you went through or going through. It makes me feel that I'm not alone. Thanks a lot.

[@mrsister032]

Thanks man. The way you explained missing the trees while looking at the forest really hit me. We stare to much at the endgame vs the everyday little steps it takes to get there. Thanks-

[@Lilmomo-st5zh]

Thank you so much for this. Love how inspirational your videos are 💘

[@antenna3851]

This is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for posting this. I always view art as an entire race and not the individual steps so I often put things off or quit before I even start.

[@williamshepherd1366]

Absolutely great advice. I feel like this sometimes while painting and its not going my way. But I always drown it out with music and try to focus on the moment. I really loved this video. Thanks man.

[@southpaw3524]

thank you for the vibe i really needed that, it was like you were sitting right next to me encouraging me to take another step toward my indie game and finish that anatomy study. It is 9 am in the morning and i was craving that kind of content when i sat down to draw. Jumped right onto steam to wishlist twilight monk.

[@TheArtMentor]

Great advice again Trent! Love hearing your perspectives on the importance of grit and being a constant learner

[@krzysztofmathews738]

A good motivational talk, and a very good way to think. I'm always glad to hear your insights!

[@gregorywatine]

Thank you so much for your encouragements videos Trent. It's feel so good to hear your view on the job and life. It helps to remember why we do it. Have a really good day man !

[@Cataclysmika]

Your video popped up on my recommended and I am thankful for it! Thank you for the talk and the encouraging words, it definitely impacted me today. I resonated with every point you made. I also wishlisted your game and am excited to see you work on it more! Thank you again, and have a great day!

[@dinoeric1874]

thanks for the advice, trent! this vid came at just the right time for me, because i really needed to hear this. thanks again and best of luck with all our endeavors!!

[@juanpablopineda2267]

Ure incredible!! your teachings come to me when I need them most, listening to you speak and above all UNDERSTANDING this type of situation helps a lot. Love u man

[@littlehomie1289]

I found this video in my recommendations and it was exactly what I needed right now, thank you so much Trent! You just gained another sub :)

[@Tehran481516]

Your words = Pure gold. Thank you so much!

[@dasaen]

Thanks man, I really needed to hear this tonight. Just saw something in artstation that made me go down the doom spiral. It just feels sometimes this is all about who you know, and that there's no real access to work without fame or friends. It really gets in my head all the negativity, I'm sure its all bs lol.

[@loukitmyname]

Thank you very much for this. It helps me a lot. Thinking just of the next step, without worrying about the journey.

[@Blue832]

Thank you for the pep talk Trent! Came across your video and it is exactly what I needed to hear. Sometimes it really is hard but I will hang in there and try not to overthink things! Thank you! I will definitively be giving your game a try!

[@RafaelSales55]

this is my favorite video from your channel

[@utmostkibbles9125]

I pretty much spent the first 20 years of my life doing tons of drawing, but when it came time to choose a career path, I kinda felt like being an artist (going into the game industry) was something I just wasn't good enough for yet after foolishly looking at the portfolios of senior artists who of course are far more skilled than I... and also thinking I HAD to do 3D modelling to get a job, which I don't really enjoy as much. So I decided to do design work instead, but 10 years later and having barely done any finished, significant art in that window, I've just decided to dive back into art. Design is fun, but it feels like art has just always been something deep inside of me that I want to nourish. I also have a hard time practicing my craft in the few hours I have outside of work, as it can take months to build a small game with these windows of time (if I'm not just trying to prototype some system), whereas I'd love to be able to just sit down for a few hours a day and pump out some sketches or so to hone my art skill. I'm still trying to determine if I want to go the 2D route or 3D, the former of which appeals to me a lot more right now, but the latter has far more job options with far less competition (and I might come to enjoy it even more as I continue practicing), but the thing I AM determined on is sticking with it. I have definitely come to appreciate the advice of not looking at the whole journey ahead and comparing yourself to others (though looking at the portfolios of junior artists who work at studios you are interested in is a good measuring stick), and just taking it one step at a time. Art's not an amazing race, but an amazing marathon. I also try not to see the intense competition as a reason to not even try, but to instead try even harder.

[@ZeroGatlin]

I legit needed to hear this... I don't think realize how important this was to hear. Thank you for yiur content and your effort!

[@ZeroGatlin]

WOW!!! It is so interesting to unintentionally revisit this a year later. ... I remember the video, but I didn't even realize I had left this comment until I looked under the video. At first, it's discouraging to admit that a full year later I'm not any further along on this "dream"... Of course, I look back and see what all I accomplished in other arenas over the last year. Even in hindsight I know that I prioritized correctly in that I would do it all over again even if I knew ahead it would cost /postpone my vision. However, it still brings in so much doubt as to whether I should even keep chasing this dream. Almost like "Well I've got time now, but what's the point? It wouldn't surprise me to have life kick me in the teeth again tomorrow." .... But honestly... I get a little nauseous at the idea of giving up. Learning everything from scratch is so intimidating! but I suppose it's what you're referring to around the 12 min mark in this vid. I am hopeful... gut wrenching doubt... but still hopeful!!!!!

[@JohnFinitee]

I needed to hear this. I've been getting close to quitting recently but this video has been refreshing and encouraging.

[@diegopisaartworks9511]

Great video as always. Thank you. God bless your projects.

[@fergal2424]

Thanks Trent, needed this.

[@dwilliams21]

One: being someone still learning how to paint buildings, scenery, etc. it was really informative to watch this (normally I just listen to art talks) and see how much transform, resize, and mirroring is used. :) Two: I'm very much a believer of starting where you're at (and use a timer to help you start!). Three: Julia Cameron talked about "the odds" when it comes to being a creative on her blog once. I loved what she said so much, I printed it and put it on my wall next to me: Do you worry about “the odds”? I will be blunt: I think "the odds" are a drink of emotional poison. No one invokes "the odds" who isn't trying to keep you from committing creativity. For one thing, your odds of succeeding immediately increase if you try succeeding. Your odds of publishing a novel, for example, are a lot higher if you write a novel. When we believe that "the odds" are stacked against us, we are choosing to believe that "the odds" are more powerful not only than our own gifts but also than God. If the tiny mustard seed can become a tree, if the acorn can become the oak, why can't our ideas flourish into mighty manifestations? When we see our work as an extension of God's work and not as an act of ego, it is easier to believe that there is a plan of goodness for it. -Julia Cameron, from "Letters to a Young Artist" (juliacameronlive.com/2012/11/06/do-you-worry-about-the-odds/)

[@KingdomCrafter]

Honest and raw content as always. I appreciate the transparency and perspective here. As an Artist that's just started my KZbin journey, things can seem daunting. But having fun with the growth, experimenting and being able to improve, and even laughing at areas that weren't the best has helped tremendously. Twilight Monk is on the Wishlist! Can't wait. Cheers Trent 🍹

[@Artsensei86]

you always have the best advice at the right moment. Thanks Trent

[@hannibalbarca6510]

Thank you. I needed this more than you will ever know.

[@chrisdarko5395]

Really sound advice, definitely needed it at this point in my life, hope you gain a huge following

[@alkorngrigA41]

And that's what they call karma yoga I guess :) Thank you for your videos, Mr.Kaniuga!

[@durvids474]

Great video. Really appreciated your views, a good reminder to keep going and focus on your own journey rather than focusing on what others are doing. Wishlisted Twilight Monk, it's looking great!

[@KazuyaEdit]

I can relate so much! Having a good mental health is important if you want to reach your goals / dreams.

[@mad_laad5618]

New to the channel and this hit home trying to get myself back into something i love for a long time...thanks

[@solyftwyn]

Thanks man, I needed this today!

[@christone1989]

I remember your game Ikeda on Steam, and it reminded me a lot of the oldschool MegaMan games. It's inspiring to hear that you are working on another project, and sometimes that alone is the reward. Working on something regardless of how much attention or fame it gets, and just creating worlds and characters and bringing them to life. That's what makes artists cool is they have the power of God in their hands and can create life on paper right in front of them. You have a power that most ordinary people do not have, you are gifted and unique.

[@DougLopes]

if there is metroidvania tag, i need to have it in my wishlist...great paint!

[@elenatres]

Added the game to the wishlist - and I really mean it :-) Thank you for the video!

[@Control_Z.]

Man i needed to hear this trent ! thanks for being a solid dude and a solid teacher. im going to reset and roll out back on track to my goal of being a concept artist.

[@corg9363]

God bless you Trent, big fan, thank you!

[@alfredmanzano680]

Appreciate you Trent ✊🏽

[@tisucitisin1]

This is an amazing video, I needed this.

[@cheyengle7340]

Added your game to my wishlist! I love metroidvania games.

[@kianacheraghi8061]

Thank you 💚🌹i really needed to hear this

[@seayhasproblems]

Your game looks super interesting. Looking forward to it!

[@h_techelectronics4456]

One of the nicest speech I've ever heard, so inspiring thanks a lot👍

[@MMM1MM]

Can't wait to play your new game, man. Looks awesome

[@yanuarnorman529]

Thank you for the pep talk Trent, I really need this. I keep telling myself this everyday, but what I really need is for someone I look up to telling me this.

[@nintenco6468]

Your speech was great, and the meaning is true for life in general. Thanks a lot !

[@smerci]

I sincerely see my current self in the stories that you tell of your past experience.

[@Xeridae]

Trent, considering your accomplishments as an artist, really appreciate your persepctive on this. Keep going man, I will too!

[@pookie7194]

I’m just starting my art learning journey. I really needed advice like this :) Thanks man. Cheers from a soldier from Singapore!

[@Alphawolfinify]

Best of luck 👍 supporting you by putting it on the wishlist. Might be streaming it. Hope that the game has entertaining content

[@bobc4d]

you are always encouraging artist and give great advice

[@khilias9020]

ty for your word dude!

[@guskings5948]

Thanks for this video. I paid for an online art course and have been feeling like a loser lately. Like I’m wasting my time and I will never be able to get a job. I guess I feel like that girl on the bike. This has definitely given me a boost to keep at it and not surrender. Thanks again.

[@DGP406]

life got so hard I don't even enjoy doing the things I used to love doing anymore, It feels like if I don't zone out everything just to keep myself afloat in these turbulent times I start panicking

[@MrChambers]

You dont know how much I needed this video right now. Its totally serindipidus that it came onto my home page. Thank you

[@wsigned1323]

This was fantastic, I needed this. Thanks Trent!

[@angiekaye5291]

Thank you for this video, it was very encouraging and helpful!

[@roehrkard]

As a ex-entertainment designer gone engineer/programmer to feed his family, I really enjoy your channel and these talks. I hope to get back into graphic novel work as a hobby once things get more stable financially for my family in these crazy times, (currently juggling 1.25 engineering/programming jobs)

[@seb5659]

yea dont go into art for fulltime employment it sucks, keep it as a hobby

[@kangtheconqueror8359]

@@seb5659 Why? I’d kill for that- don’t care how I’m treated or how much I’m paid. Just want to do art.

[@SenShiness]

I did appreciate this video and I loved watching what u made and Yh~ I defo will check ur game out !

[@TinyMaths]

No idea how I came across your channel, but I like what I'm hearing. This is definitely advice that can apply to a lot of areas in life. Here's an example. I started trying to learn web design and just making small apps about a year ago. I was in the middle of a tutorial, things got hard, and I gave up. Didn't touch it for 8 months. Then decided to pick it up just over a month ago and have made a few small apps that I'm proud of; largely without following tutorials, just scouring the documentation and using web resources to solve problems as I met them. Just today I was thinking, " OMG, I wouldn't have had a clue how to build this stuff two months ago". The differencing being that this time, I paid a lot less attention to the negative naysayer in my head. Of course, there's a universe out there that isn't obliged to comply with our ideals. But, often, in the past, when I've said 'I can't...'; it's not so much that I can't, but that I 'think' I can't, and am too afraid to try and fail, and throw the towel in after a while. I mean, doesn't everybody have to cross that discomfort line? Yet somehow I imagine that other people who have already travelled this road I'm now traveling haven't. But, how on earth could I know. It's like that girl in that challenge; she imagined that everyone else was having it easier, and doing better than her and her partner. But she had no access to other people's experience, so it was pure imagination.

[@koljak9395]

Heartwarming talk, Trent, always helps to hear these things! Wishlisted your game, now back to my ongoing 10-day game jam project, almost done 😅

[@TrentKaniuga]

Please share it when you are done! Id like to see it.

[@koljak9395]

@@TrentKaniuga I'd love to, but youtube won't let me comment with a link in here (rightly so, I guess) :-/

[@annakhudorenko9596]

thank you ! that's what I needed to hear

[@TemoanaD]

Loving those kind of video Trent o/ take care

[@MasterPx891]

I'm kinda going through this thing right now. The most frustrating thing is that since I'd like this to be my profession , I feel a lot of pressure by seeing other ones with similar level of skill or even lower getting more popular because I think my time is running out to make it. I luckily have a lot of projects in mind to work on and people who help me staying motivated and giving me support , so I take this pressure more as motivation to do better and going on and demonstrate to myself and others that I can do it, tho sometimes the negative side isn't that easy to kick away totally. It's very comforting listening at you talking about this.

[@seb5659]

At the end you will probably realize that what you PERSONALLY like, and would like to draw, is not what gets you popular. Then you will have to draw, with a deadline, and something you don't like. That's when you will get burnout and throw this job outside the window

[@Markatouille]

Very well said, reminds me a lot of the same mentality David Goggins shares on interviews and his book "Stay in the fight!"

[@daustristant.2843]

Man, This is powerful.

[@mandrewraiford]

Beautiful artwork, man. Loved your encouraging commentary as well! Keep it up dude.

[@graceanneillu6333]

This is exactly what I needed! I love your videos their always super inspiring :)

[@artfullyrandom]

I needed to hear this.

[@fasterfoster]

thanks trent! awesome vid

[@a1nee]

I really needed to hear those words right now. Thank you:)

[@AldrinLabs]

Thanks Trent, needed that