Unsupportive Parents and Toxic Environments - Draftsmen S1E08

Stan and Marshall talk about toxic environments, how an artist’s family and/or school can create situations that hold them back and how to overcome them. A caller asks about creating an attractive portfolio for Disney and Stan talks about his dream studio.
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Animation Help from Aaron Blaise - Creature Art Teacher: • Animation Help from Aa...
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The Animator's Survival Kit: amzn.to/2y2EtOH
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ABOUT DRAFTSMEN
Stan Prokopenko and Marshall Vandruff are art instructors. If you love the arts, particularly the craft of drawing and painting and image-making… and you want to level up your skills or even make a living with your skills, we are here to answer your questions. We’re here to offer you advice, refer you to our resources, share your love of the craft and maybe inspire you! Learn to Draw - www.proko.com Marshall Vandruff. Subscribe to the podcast at bit.ly/DraftsmenPod
ABOUT PROKO:
Instructional How to Draw videos for artists. My drawing lessons are approachable enough for beginners and detailed enough for advanced artists. My philosophy is to teach timeless concepts in an entertaining way. I believe that when you are having fun, you learn better. I take pride in producing high quality videos that you will enjoy watching and re-watching.
CREDITS:
Hosts - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com), Marshall Vandruff (www.marshallart.com/)
Production Assistance - Brandon Storer, Charlie Nicholson, Sean Ramsey (www.peoplewhodrawstuff.com), Katrina Collins (www.katrinacollins.com)
Editing - Charlie Nicholson, Katrina Collins
Audio Engineer - Brandon Storer
Intro Animation - Cody Shank (codyshank.com/)
Intro Jingle - Tommy Rush ( / tommyrush )
Music Used with Permission Intro - The Freak Fandango Orchestra

[@ProkoTV]

If you’ve had an unsupportive environment and you’ve overcome it tell us about it in the comments.

[@StormEngineer]

My parents were mostly supportive of me finding my own path, but sadly they believed what everyone did back in the day in freshly post-communist Hungary: That making a living from art is simply impossibly, there is no such thing. So my father told me that he is proud of my drawings, but I should learn a profession that can actually make money. And sadly I listened... It took me 5 years of studying electronics to realize that I really want to do art.

[@kevin-lancheros]

My family is very supportive actually, but the thing is... they don't have enough money to give me a good education. So Any advice on studying art by yourself? But like really achieving pro level

[@med-2014]

When are you going to upload the interview to Kim jung gi? :))

[@StormEngineer]

And even today in Hungary the general idea is that there is no such thing as an "art job" and the only way to make money with art is to be one of those popular "contemporary artists" who sell abstract paintings to rich snobs. Even today they are unaware that the art industry exists. Meanwhile I'm doing commissions from home, earning on average $25 per hour of work put into it, while my last "proper job" paid me $2.5 an hour. Yet if anyone asks me what I do and I tell them I'm an artist, they are confused, and ask questions like "OK but how do you earn a living?" or "Wait, you mean people pay you for that? Seriously?"

[@StormEngineer]

@@kevin-lancheros You can do it completely for free, but it's going to be tough. Or you can invest a small amou8nt and get some really good resources. For anatomy, Proko is the best resource out there actually. For everything else, if you can afford $30 a month, you can subscribe to Schoolism.com and get access to dozens of professional level courses by some big names. These courses normally cost thousands of Dollars but the subscription lets you access the course material, without being able to interact with the teacher directly, and that is already extremely useful!

[@carolina.rentes]

My parents liked to say I would starve to death if I choose art as my career, and this begun when I was really young, I wasn't even thinking a about anything other than "I love drawing... Things escalated when I started to ask about attending an art related course, and I was prohibited (and I'm not even talking about art school, it was a children's class) and they finally went to the extreme of including physical punishment in their repertoire, whenever they caught me drawing or painting. I think this begun when I was about 7 or 8. I've became a lawyer, providing for myself since my 2th year of college, and now I'm finally studying what I've always wanted ... I'm a second year art school student (but still a lawyer) and despite still working with the law, I've never been happier. I still have shitty parents though

[@theblinkarmy1656]

I have quite same story , but I am still getting my degree in mathematics once I am done with it I will get a job , move on my own and join an art college

[@boblob3509]

good on ya

[@LilChuunosuke]

I relate to this a lot. I was told I would starve to death as an artist, my parents complained to my elementary and middle school about art being a required class, had to lie, fight, and decieve my abusers to take art in high school, etc. Random searches of my backpack were done and if they saw a drawing that wasn't there the last time they checked, even if it had been months, the screaming and threats and violence would start. I often had my project assignment instruction papers at the ready for all my classes so that if my backpack was searched, I could prove that I was being graded on that drawing to make the punishment less intense. They'd still want me to put less effort into the drawing and do less drafts even then. They pushed me so hard to become a lawyer or an accountant, but thankfully I stood my ground and moved out before they could pressure me into applying for those things in college. I'm hoping to go to college in a couple years, ideally after I move far away from where I am now, where my parents can't still harass me 3 years after cutting them off

[@unemilifleur]

Yuck, I can’t believe that parents like these exist. At 7, you aren’t even choosing a career, you’re just having fun and exploring hobbies. I’ve always liked art but never considered pursuing it has a career. I could maybe come to sell some painting locally, but I’m not aiming to live from it. But I still have the right to enjoy that hobby, and my parents love that I have that artistic side. Plus they get free paintings.

[@stephenc909]

@@baeldorx7428 but what you said is completely racist

[@loganwest22]

I grew up in a family obsessed with sports. Anything that wasn’t athletics was seen as lesser. I went to college on a full ride athletic scholarship but was told I couldn’t keep my major in art and was forced to switch majors before starting because it would take too much away from volleyball. Fast forward 10 years and a lot of hard work and judgement from my family and now I work full time at a tattoo studio and own a custom clothing company and also do graphic design work.

[@lazyartiste_2357]

Amazing!

[@MutantMelo]

That cliffhanger ending lol Three cheers for everyone out there pusuing art without any support

[@maxperegrine7055]

I grew up in a toxic environment to put it lightly. It wasn't until I was 18 that I realized it was a cult. I spent my entire childhood suffering physical and emotional abuse, my parents discouraged drawing as they wanted me to lead their cult when I grew up, and despite all that I started drawing when I was 15 and drew almost ever day until now. However, it was not without consequences. I now have Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and suffer major depression and struggle with suicide. Drawing has become a major trigger for me. I haven't drawn almost at all for the past five months, and I feel god awful. I still watch drawing videos and follow my art friends' social medias, and I can't help but be reminded that I am broken and too late. I'm 21 now, living in a much better environment, and yet I still can't draw. I was supposed to be in my third year of art school by now. And here I am, struggling to draw a stick figure without suffering a huge bout of depression. Stan, Marshall, I know you guys aren't psychologists. But please, if you have had any experience or know anyone who overcame mental illness to pursue their dream of being and artist, can you please talk about it? I need hope. Thanks.

[@sidjones16]

I wish I had something to tell you. I still struggle with those same issues. I have my faith to get me through those dark periods (at least the times I focus on IT and not the distractions/ BS in my life/world). I won't quit until I die. I don't care if I'm 100 when I get there. You're not broken. You made it through. Our lives would've broken lesser people. There's a strength within you. A drive to achieve your goal. The fact that you wrote this comment proves it. A broken person would've quit long ago. Don't think about your age. There was a time you couldn't walk. Couldn't feed yourself. You wore diapers and crapped you pants. Look at you now! YOU CAN WALK. progress. Seriously, where you are in your art is no different. It's going to be a lot of work. It's going to suck sometimes. It will suck more if you quit. My anatomy sucked. I bought some cheap Bridgeman books.... They kinda of helped. One day I discovered Proko. A few months later I decided I was going to watch all of his anatomy videos and copy every word and image I saw. TLDR, in about 6 months I had improved my anatomy drawing significantly. You have to find a way to reclaim a child's mindset. Kids don't think about anything except the piece they're working on right then. Age or any self imposed timeline never enter their minds. They don't even think about mistakes. The knowledge is here, seek it out. Make it a priority (not above living or ppl that matter, but you know what I mean). You're not alone in this struggle.

[@achehex]

Just by being around artists online for a good 8 years now, you get to see how sadly a lot of artist constantly deal with mental health issues, although not to the extreme of triggers. Any advice or encouragement I can give you would be dwarfed by actual professional help that can guide you through the steps of healing and actually be there with you to see how you progress. But do know that you don't have to bear that cross alone, and in this age it's easier and easier to find a community where you can uplift each other. The support you can get once you meet like-minded people is very powerful. I wish you the best on your journey!

[@Magicme79]

I also grew up with a lot of abuse and I also deal with complex PTSD. One thing that’s helped me is writing morning pages, where you sit down first thing in the morning and write three A5 pages with whatever is on your mind. Like a stream of consciousness kind of thing. I know that sounds like hippy dippy bullcrap, but once I’d done it for a couple of weeks, I started noticing the effect. Actually writing stuff down sort of took that loop of anxiety and negativity that was constantly going in my head and started to shut it down. It’s not a cure, but it could help you function better and it could be a way to process things.

[@spiralcraft8957]

i wish all the best for you and hope you will journey forward to a brighter future.

[@SubNorm4L]

21 years its not too late. I'm 21, I started at 20. I've been training like a mad since then and the more I think about the future, the more I see myself as a professional artist. Just 1 year of smart training and I can see that I'm better than someone who spent 5 years just doodling and not thinking about fundamentals. We are young enough, man.

[@liamlockheartart7560]

My parents were always supportive when I was young and they wanted me to make a career out of it. Once I explained that I really have no desire to make money off my art and would be much happier just doing art for myself, they started telling me it's a waste of time. I even got into an argument with a friend after that friend told me that I should just quit drawing if I'm not going to make it my job. Art is not a waste of time as long as you are enjoying making it. You don't need to make a profit off it if you don't want to. I think that's important for people to know. As long as you enjoy the making of the art then it was worth the time you put into it. You don't need to make art your job if you don't want to. If you just prefer drawing for yourself, then do that!

[@younf_]

i had an unsupportive environment, i am a degree of a medical student and my family force me for it. when i graduate i decide to study art seriously (actually i always into art since middlle school and been drawing since then), but naturally my family force me again for me to work as civil servant because of "stability", i ask them once to work on a studio art and yes they are against it so much said to be a civil servant is an ultimate goal but i don't want to be "servant" lol also all of my friend will be mocked and laugh at me when i said i want to live as an artist in the end i never spoke and listen to them again, i studying art and applied to some book publisher and get hired as an comic artist! without telling my family about that. as for now they know it already, i've been working as an artist for 4 years and i got everything i need, i even the one that pay my family bills... you see how ironically that?

[@unrealviolet1833]

My mother always supported me even when I gave up on my self. In my case, *I* was the one being unsupportive on myself while my mother kept trying to push me. In fact I’m now 25 and finally started to learn digital art like I wanted but never believed I could do it. I always gave up in everything I do. I don’t even have a single drawing finished because I give up on it. Everything I do in life isn’t finish. So for once I want to encourage myself that I can do it. If my mother and family believes me, then why can’t I believe in myself too?

[@noyoudidnot3513]

That's really awesome! And a word, if you may, from an artist to another. Just try to remember that the goal isn't to make the 'perfect' picture, but to make something to the best of your abilities. Not everything we do has to be a masterpiece. I wish you the best!

[@spiralcraft8957]

I live in africa and was taken out of school at a early age (12) to be forced into unpaid construction work around poisonous chemicals on a daily basis that didn't help my chronic asthma i was hospitalized multiple times. Growing up i was afraid of drawing anything since it would be ripped up or burned. When i was of working age i as told that the 'government' had laws in place that made it so that any business had to employ 80% of the staff that had the correct skin color (that i don't have) or they would lose their business licence for being racist. The ratio is more like 1 out of every 100 where i live. The UN got involved at one point but ended up not having the power to do anything. Being legally forced into unemployment by my openly corrupt government i do my best to study drawing and painting and end up hearing stuff like 'your nothing but a parasite' from my parent as motivation... Feel like if i mange to escape from this country with my sense of humor and will to move forward intact i will be stronger in spite of my past. ahHAHAhahahAHAHAhahahaaaaawwww *maniacal laughter intensifies

[@jameswood4676]

That sounds unbelievably tough, I could never understand traumatic events like that. It sounds cheesy and cliche, but you have the power to do art for yourself. You have the power to go out and find somewhere where you can study and enjoy what it is you love. I can’t imagine the struggles that would come with a journey like that, but if you believe it is worth the struggle to forge your own path then think about what’s holding you back, and will you let those things hold you back?

[@snoot6629]

Damn man, Thats rough I am also neglected by my parents in my pursue in art But yours take the cake I hope all goes well for you

[@colorfulbat5782]

Damn, I really do hope you get out of there as soon as possible and that you'll be able to follow your dream. Man, and I thought the government from my country is fucked up. (well, it actually is but not to that degree ex. they make laws to free criminals and once they wanted to cut out the possibility to use videos as proof of a crime etc.). Good luck.

[@pneumonoultramicroscopicsi4065]

Is this South africa

[@kappastar4839]

@@pneumonoultramicroscopicsi4065 I would assume so.

[@youchubes]

I grew up in an unsupportive environment where my parents liked to choose our paths for us but I had a very encouraging sister who wanted me to pursue art. By grade 10 i knew i wanted to pursue a career in art so I made sure that whatever I chose, I could not fall back. I didn't take any high school science electives to purposely block myself off from applying to science programs in universities. I took a co-op at an animation studio in grade 11, took tech and art courses and only applied to art colleges. I was constantly bombarded with passive aggressive and aggressive comments about how I won't get a job and should have pursued nursing. Each time I told them not to worry about it and let me figure it out on my own. I got into the animation program at my local college, worked really hard all the way through and now I have a well paying job as a background painter in animation. My parents stopped worrying and almost like to pretend theyve been supportive the entire time. I am lucky that I'm in an area where art college isn't extremely expensive and have a growing animation industry in my city but I did work hard along with it and it paid off.

[@Naomi-rf1bl]

If you don't mind, what city are you talking about? you obvs dont have to answer I'm just curious about animation jobs

[@youchubes]

@@Naomi-rf1bl Im in Ottawa Canada. It depends what you're looking for but alot of the studios here do outsourced work for tv animation.

[@AlyxGlide]

why does this sound rare lol

[@youchubes]

@@AlyxGlide It really depends on what you're going into and a bit of luck but majority of my classmates got jobs coming out of school. Only around 5-8 people are still looking for jobs I believe (most of them 3d jobs since our city is mostly 2d based) and we had a graduating class of 50+ people. Like I said the city I live in has a growing animation industry so they really needed animators and layout and background artists. It might be completely different for other people in different cities.

[@LilChuunosuke]

That's the worst part of these toxic parents, I think. They bully, harass, and abuse us for following art our entire lives and the second that we either succeed or no longer let their opinions reach us, suddenly they've been supporting us the whole time. My abusers found my socials, made fake accounts, and stalk my social media profiles. I've been told that they even print out copies of my artwork and brag about what a great artist I am. 3 years after I cut them out for abuse! They used to beat me for drawing and now they pretend they've always been there for me. It's revolting. I hate it. But there's nothing I can do about it without quitting art or stunting my artistic growth, which would be a win for her.

[@SerenaMarenco]

It's not that my family wasn't supportive, my father and my mother thought I was talented (I hate this word, I think it's a matter of commitment, not a gift from heaven) but we weren't well-off, so when I was 19, I finished high school (I studied at an art institute in Italy) my father wanted me to drop out of school and look for a job, because he never believed that drawing could be my career. So I left school, with great disappointment of my teachers who would have liked me to attend the academy or school for cartoonists, and I started working as a saleswoman in a supermarket. I wanted to save enough money to enrol in a cartoonist school in Milan, but my father wanted me to start contributing to the family's expenses. Once I had paid my share of bills, I only had the money to pay for gasoline to go to work. I then worked seven years as an orderly in a retirement home and two years as a saleswoman in a comic book and video game shop. For a while I had been part of an art collective, I was an abstract artist and within the group I had been very encouraged, until I exhibited in Rome and Spain, but at some point I had to leave, because I could not afford to pay for the material to paint, considering that I earned 400 euros and I had to pay 360 for housing costs (The good thing is that I had become very thin, not staying the money for lunch at work). I then got a job in a graphic design studio in Genoa, as a litterist and graphic adaptor of manga. At that point I got closer to digital and became pretty good at digital coloring. I lost that job because of the economic crisis and, at that point, even though they said that I was one of the best graphic adaptor in the country, I had nothing but temporary jobs and then a life as a housewife, when with my partner (a journalist) we moved to Sardinia. It was at that point that, thanks to the Internet, I was able to resume my artistic education. The point is that I am now 42 years old, I have lost 20 years because my father thought, despite the solicitations of my teachers who told him at every meeting that it was worth making me complete my training, he thought that the daughter of a worker had no right to have dreams, that for us there were only the humble jobs (and I have done them all or almost). For many years I believed him. Now luckily I have some friends who encourage me a lot and also my partner supports me in my choices (as well as I support his)

[@yofu2969]

Ok so here’s the story, I flunked a year in Highschool, because of my low grades in Trigonometry US History and some other classes I excelled when it came to Literature and Art class which included animation all with honor role grades and higher my parents expected very little of me at that point and basically told me to drop out and find a job... ( keep in mind I’ve never failed a year in my life but I was the first kid out of my family to fail a year ) so I moved out and went to live with my cousin she lived an hour away from my house and her apartment was closer to my high school as well I promised her I’d move out once I graduate ( which is this upcoming year ) im currently working a part time job as well as attending art school programs I’m living well with my cousin, we’ve been very close ever since I was born she’s 23 I’m 17 I have so much respect for her she’s always helped me out and even now when she’s studying for a medical degree in college she’s still there for me. I honestly can’t thank her enough and that’s why I swear that I will succeed and pursue art and or animation I don’t like being a freelancer but i would want to work for a company with a reasonable salary, as long as I can get to create stuff I’m content with, I’ll be happy.

[@yofu2969]

Holy sh*t typing this up made me tear up... sh*ts been rough lately.

[@AdobadoFantastico]

Wow, you've got quite a story and quite a cousin. Keep at it! But be prepared to freelance for a while. It's just a common reality. I had friends that went to Pixar/Dreamworks right out of school but they still ended up freelancing for a while later on when they left. Companies grow and shrink, so at some point almost everyone finds themselves needing to freelance. If you get good at focusing and staying organized it can actually be much easier and better paying than a day job at a company.

[@Studiofaeltube]

I live in Mexico, my family has tried to be supportive, but they don't know how to, I'm the first in the family to pursue the arts. In order for me to continue practicing and studying, i came to live back home, and help in the family business, this allows for me to continue my pursuit of it. However, its quite a time sacrifice. Sometimes you have to get up BEFORE everyone just to get some work done, other times you have to sleep late in order to practice. Sundays and Saturdays are def. focused on practice. I can't say i've overcome it yet. But every step of the way brings valuable insight and lessons. I know i'll get there and prove to them that it's possible.

[@einhornfreunde9350]

Haha I can't really relate to that: My parents were like: you can choose any job you want but you have to make a living out of it. We're not going to pay till you're 40. And I was like: Perfect, because I have no plans to do an art related job so it works for me. I'm studying industrial engineering now and art is my full-time hobby (next to music) and I'm totally happy :)

[@YoSamiYo]

Haven‘t had a supportive surrounding until adulthood. I’m 28 now and the only things I remember from my childhood are negative comments about me my future like „you‘ll just end like your mother“ „you‘re not good enough“ „this has (or you have) to be better“ and so on. It wasn’t abusive and I’m thankful for that but I wish that anyone supported me and my interests back then. I‘m now living with my boyfriend who‘s giving me all the time I need for myself and my hobbies like drawing, reading, hula hoop dance. We are having the best time when we are staying home, I’m learning to draw and he‘s painting his miniature figures from warhammer. Love the podcast btw. 🌻

[@michaeljmccurdy9449]

I'm almost 49yo and still can't make it as a full-time artist--yet! We were a poor family with nine kids and moved eighteen times in nine years; 1980-89. Our power or water would be shut off frequently. We had to get food stamps. I started working at sixteen in high school and all my grades dropped one letter in each class. But I had to work. We were homeless one time--yes, the whole family. Some friends let us stay in their dilapidated duplex, that didn't have power or water. My mentally ill brother started beating on my sister and I had to fight him off, cutting his eye open and sending him to the hospital. That's just one snippet of our drama. This was not a good environment for doing art. Our parents were too busy trying to survive to nurture us and give us stability and proper guidance, as far as how to develop our talents. Still, one my brothers became a really good pianist, another a successful real estate agent/broker/whatever, another brother owns a hurricane impact window business.... but I ended up just working restaurants, working for my brother doing various construction stuff, and playing video games with some art here and there. I never realized back then how hard you have to work to develop your skills (I wanted to be a comic book artist and make movies). I thought you should just be able to do it. It's only in the last few years that the reality has sunk in; you need a solid 2-4yrs of real, intentional practice 5-10hrs/day, every single day before you really start to get good enough to be hired by one of the big two comic book companies. But I am not giving up and am making a big effort to get out of debt so I can work less and draw more. I just finished my third children's book this year and they're all for sale on Amazon but I don't make any money off of them really. I had this delusion that I could make something that gets wildly popular and make me enough money to take a year or two off work to focus on sequential story art and take some of those Aaron Blaise courses that I've already paid for and downloaded. But doing each of those children's books put me further in debt.... There was a period of time when I was going to become a professional bird carver (tupelo and bass wood for that insane, life-like detail) because I always loved carving wood and seemed to have a knack for it, winning two blue ribbons at a local wood carving show. Some of the carvers used to make a lot of money and my plan was to carve 100hrs/wk for 6 months and take the other 6 months off a year to write my screenplays.... I wanted to do too much.... But sequential story-art is at the epicenter of all that I want to do in life and I have the determination to forge ahead. Part of this determination hinges on physical health and energy so, I'm on the ketogenic diet to help with that. I definitely have better energy than when on a carb-based diet. There are quite a few factors involved in the vicissitudes of life and I can't get into detail about some things like, the fact that I'm a born again Christian and part of my journey involves God's leading and directing me in life on paths I would not ordinarily choose but ones that help with character development and preparation for the tasks He has in store for me. I am confident though, that I will have a productive second half of life, built upon the ruins of the first half---or what appear to be ruins; it's a matter of perception I suppose. I want to add; I've wasted a LOT of time and energy with various schemes to make enough money to take a year or two off work to focus on my art and writing. I probably would've been better off just doing those things I wanted to do while working a humble, hourly job. All my business ventures required too much energy... I would definitely make different decisions if I could go back but all I can do is be smart about time management, finances, and other life choices from here on out. p.s. never lose the fire within!

[@bobbysworld3410]

Hey this stood out to I just would like to say thank you for this comment. Because its kind of a reality check for be to really put in time and really focus

[@Daliena]

I was born during Soviet Times and in Russia at the time being an artist was "not a serious occupation ". I ll try to make this shorter than it is.. :) I drew since I was a child every day and I kept asking my parents to let me go to art school. All I was allowed to do was some drawing classes given by our math teacher after school - I painted in gouache. That was my most favourite times at school. I did extremely well academically so my parents forced me to get a degree in Finance and pretty much isolated me from the world. Soon after I was about to end university an idea to use me to immigrate to US came to their minds. :). Where are we now? I moved to US, brought my family, my young years are a blur due to constant stress of adjusting and making it in United States, foreign country that was not kind to me by any stretch of imagination. I did leverage my finance degree to get an office job and now I do have many years experience in analytics, field I am more naturally good at than I enjoy working in . I am an odd blend of an analytical artist weirdo. However, I have gone thru burning down all my art one time because ppl around me in US were also not supportive and telling me I should "stop wasting time". These were Russian folks too. It is probably cultural for ppl from Russia of my generation and before. However, I eventually found someone that is supportive of my art after a lifetime of ppl just telling me to stop. Of course I never stopped drawing. I did not pursue art in US as I could not afford not having a job :) - no one would pay my bills for me and feed my child hehe while I go from one freelance job to another. Or to college. All in all... I am working on improving on my own, after long hours at work. It is stressful and often I burn out. But I keep picking it back up. I see KZbin as one outlet I think I could start with. I also have some art videos that I have not ever uploaded. I am still bitter towards my parents for not supporting me. If your family is supportive- use that support and go all in.

[@chaintedgrind5094]

Your story is great because it reminds everyone that it's never a good time to quit what you love to do. I would feel bitter about my parents if that would be the case too

[@lolatJESS]

Ironically, I am in a family of artists (family business) who are supportive of art, but are unsupportive of the kind of art I do (doing my own stuff). Conflicting and double-edged.

[@carlosroo5460]

What is the kind of Art that you do? Is it because the visual style or the themes?

[@lolatJESS]

@@carlosroo5460 I work with my father and brother who are tattoo artists - I'm supposed to make tattoo flash. I often find myself painting with acrylics and doing my visual art - I would consider it trippy lowbrow surrealism. Lately I have been studying painting more than tattoos. I LOVE tattoos, but I feel this will one day transfer back into my tattoo work.

[@fellixfell2608]

@@lolatJESS post link to your paintings

[@lolatJESS]

@@fellixfell2608 feel free to check out my IG @Liyyce

[@m2ym2y99]

Thank you for this episode. I grew up in a very unsupportive family ("as long as you're under our roof you're not going to be on the radio", "if Loretta Lynn can get on drugs you can too", "you should be a court reporter"). After years of straddling the fence clinging to security with "normal" jobs, I finally realized I was never going to be happy unless my creativity came first. Today I earn my living as a creative (music and art), and have received some amazing opportunities and accolades that I would not have even dreamed of. Yes, I've been on radio and TV and in magazines (even in Europe) . No, I didn't get into drugs. My parents finally accept that creativity is my thing, and I may not be a millionaire but I'm happy. Sometimes I wish that they'd said "So, you want to be a "_____". Let's see how you can best achieve that. Let's plan a path." Fortunately, God gave me the knowledge of my gifts, and the opportunities in life. As they say, the cream rises to the top. If you're good/talented, you'll get noticed. That doesn't mean I was overly confident during my journey, but I enjoyed what I did. Still do. And I know God will always have more surprises waiting for me. So, my advice for the ones who want to pursue their dreams: Be respectful, but don't let anyone take away the knowledge of your talents. Your career does not rise or fall based on what family thinks of you. Keep doing what you're passionate about, enjoy the process, and continue learning. Stay grateful and humble. Analyze your definition of success. (If it involves money as the top of the pyramid, are you more into money than making art?) Lastly, I'll share my definition of success: 1. To have an appreciative audience 2. To have the respect of my peers 3. To be able to make a living using the gifts/talents God has given me.

[@MultiMetalsnake]

Me and the boys listening to Marshall's sexy voice.

[@elfoxy1997]

I don't think the environment I'm in is hostile, my parents seem kinda apathetic to my ambitions of becoming an artist, it's just that I do everything on my own in isolation and there isn't really anywhere nearby/local for me to go and meet/network/work with other artists and creatives, so I don't really progress because I'll spend so long working on something that doesn't get shown to people and give up because I get unhappy with it.

[@cloudybeforerain7134]

elfoxy Yeah, this is also a tough hand to play. There is one possible remedy however: the internet. You will almost certainly find people online who will lend support and to whom you can also return support.

[@yamapishy9792]

I'm the same. That is me my entire life. My parents were both apathetic and dubious about art so I ended up choosing a career that I thought that will please them. I was halfhearted the entire time. In my lil bit of extra time i would draw but because of college my concentration was divided. Even after graduating I cannot pursue art coz I immediately had to work due to family pressure. In the end, i never pleased them coz they never cared. I also know i wasn't invested enough in my career because my heart is elsewhere.

[@frogwithapickaxe8910]

Here's my story: I've always loved playing video games since I discovered them, mostly JRPGs. Since then I've always loved the idea of working in the game industry despite not knowing anything about the said industry. So, 6 years ago I decided to become a programmer because I thought that programmers make games. But boy, was I wrong about that assumption. I never searched what I was going into, and that was my wrong. After the first semester I immediatly dropped the course. 2 years ago I discovered art, I discovered Schaefer's channel. I saw art. And for once in my life I realized why I love video games, its because of the art. The story, the music, and the art of the game. The designs inside the game, the characters, the environment. Man, I love art. ♡

[@Sylphenos]

Le Pasta Which JRPG artists do you like? I think Akihiko Yoshida is great

[@andrii21]

Same dude, I recently discovered that I love video games because of its art, characters, music, and etc. (All things that are related to art on video games). I only know before that programming is the only huge part in making video games. I never knew before that art has also have a huge impact in making video games. The characters from the video games that I've played inspired me to design a good characters lol.

[@helmaschine1885]

I'm not even striving towards being a professional artist, I've always been well aware I need to get another profession and I've only ever spoken of it as an aid with my mental health, and they still won't say a word in encouragement or kindness. They just sneer and stare disapprovingly. So I stopped drawing during my teenage years and only started again at 21. I still feel like a failure whenever I draw lines with a pen on paper that aren't words.

[@ilusao1111]

I lived for a long time in my grandfather's house where the only support I saw was my grandmother since my grandfather often yelled at me. My mother was mostly absent since she had to work a lot, so of course, I blame her for nothing. But the constant yelling of my grandfather when I failed at doing something; him getting angry, etc, left me in a very very toxic mindset where I thought I could not speak up about my issues, since I was afraid that anyone, just like him, would yell at me for doing so. And since then I had always thought that every mistake that I make is a horrible thing to do, so I will do nothing at all - and I lived a grand part of my life like that, doing nothing, hence why I oftentimes plunged into massive depressions where I felt anything I did was meaningless and I felt like I wanted to do absolutely nothing whatsoever. This attitude didn't just change out of nowhere, but one of the most important things is having people tell you not that you did something right and encouraging you that you did something right when you didn't, nor the opposite. Is people telling you "Hey, you tell me when you have a doubt, no matter how dumb you may think it is." of course, saying that once won't fix it all, but hearing that constantly will make you more and more open to doing so. And the best thing my to be teacher, in September, has told me, is that he wants me to FAIL at drawing things because he wants me to learn. He doesn't want pretty things, he wants failures so that I learn from those failures. And he told me that to make pretty things I have the capabilities, but what he really wants is for me to let loose and not be afraid to make mistakes. I think that one of the best ways is to really surround yourself with these people. Not people who will lick your boots, nor people that will rip them off of you, but instead people who will tell you that failing is good, necessary, crucial even. As well as people who tell you that you can ask anything, no matter how dumb it may sound. Working has helped me find the people who told me that asking, no matter how dumb it may be, is the correct thing to do, though I do not recommend working where I did, a supermarket, for a very long time, unless you have to. It's a highly emotionally exhausting job. And the rest is people who really know what is essential for becoming better and better as an artist, and those people oftentimes are other artists.

[@amandaleekim]

My parents have never been supportive and they still aren't. They want me to go to medical school, I've been studying pharmacy for 3 years (they wouldn't let me go to art school) and I'm miserable and exhausted. It's hard to be your only motivation, especially with the uncertainty of how the future will play out and if you can truly make it as an artist. But my hands have this undying desire to create - and though it's the source of my happiness as a person it's also the root of my misery and loneliness, because no one around me could really understand the concept of a "creative compulsion." I don't even think I understand it myself.

[@pneumonoultramicroscopicsi4065]

Medicine is one of the most overrated professions that exist

[@sahsax3]

Indeed "I'll show them all." Overflowed with motivation forever

[@LilChuunosuke]

Spite is a great source of motivation. As an abuse survivor, it's one of the only sources of motivation. I was always taught that I was a failure and to give up before I waste everyone's time. Spite keeps me going. I hate it, but it works.

[@nemolaventus]

My own friend at an art club had plenty to say about what I should or should not do with my art for the past 2 years that I have been with the person. Although through objective comparison my art was substantially more refined, I could tell that the person was always trying to one up me in other fields such as popularity and financial success through artwork. I often think about the words that that art friend told me in almost all of my drawing sessions, and how much they hurt me. After graduating I finally got myself free from the circle of friends the person was in, and started channeling all my frustrations and anger from not being able to speak up (me being an introvert) all those times onto paper. It's working out well, and I've started on a comic that was publicly well-received. That was reassurance that my art was worthy of praise to a degree, which admittedly kept me from going down a path of slowly descending into spite-infested bowels of insanity.

[@LilChuunosuke]

@@nemolaventus that's one thing a lot of people don't think about: abusive friends. I've also experienced "friends" micromanaging and insulting my art on a regular basis to make themselves feel better. It's really messed up. It's hard for me to ask for critique nowadays because I've had so many people take advantage of using the word critique to bully and harass me on a far more personal and less constructive level. And if you dare call them out for mistreating you, they accuse you of not being able to handle critique and tell you that's why your art is so garbage. Because you don't listen to jerks like them that are just insulting you. It sucks. I can only ask for critique in certain small communities that I know for certain are kind and safe.

[@gdlop]

those thumbnails make my day every single time. can you imagine trying to approach a lady from behind and when she turns around has the face of stan? looool

[@ayior]

My mom is an artist but also never wanted me to become one. I guess I got the best of both worlds with that, she was always harsh about what I made and constantly discouraged me from pursuing this path, but more or less accidentally her criticisms helped me improve my art and her constant discouragement left me prepared and ready to fight my way in.

[@wepepe7603]

Man this stories on the comment section of those who have rough times by surrounded with unsupported parents and acquaintance. This makes me greatfull a lot more that my parents are supporting me to be a digital artist. I hope all you guys always find comfort in drawing maybe its not your main career as an artist, but whats matter is you guys keep drawing and be happy. 😊

[@bendinsmore2808]

When I first started to try to get into the drawing industry, I had a friend who drew comic covers take a look at my portfolio, and he told me I should just quit, that I would never make it in the industry. That hurt...but I asked him, what can I improve. So he told me there were some major areas that I needed to work on, proportions, composition of my layouts, and some drawing basics. So I took note of that and spent the next year focusing on just those things he told me. After a year, I showed him my art again and he said it wasn't even the same artist he saw before. Try to get your critics to tell you what they don't like, and then use that as a focus point to your improvement.

[@davidjohn6253]

@Ben Dinsmore the criticism wasn't constructive at all!

[@bendinsmore2808]

@@davidjohn6253 to start with...no it wasn't. But that's why I asked follow up questions. It turned something non-constructive into constructive

[@winpuss]

I burned out most of my work when I was about to give up😢 But when I saw Hayao Miyazaki's work, I regained my purpose and now I'm starting over to become a better artist

[@MrQuaazga]

My parents were always supportive of my brother and I. My dad drew too and he sure did pass that artist gene down, to many members of the family. Two of us got scholarships to colleges, but I chose Anthropology with archaeology as my profession. Later on in my life, drawing and painting came back to me and I am selling my work. I couldn't be more happy. Thanks Dad for gifting me with that gene of yours, when I was being born. I am sure I can be a better artist if I took some classes from you guys. I am the rebellious sort. LOL

[@DAnimations.]

One thing that always messes me up is when I compare my art to those that I like or want to be at the level of and realize how out of my depth and how far away I am from being "good" thoughts like these arrive: "man I'm trash at drawing I should just give up" or "what's the point of drawing anything I know it'll be bad" I get a total defeatist mentally due to me over shooting myself thinking this should be easy why can't I get it knowing that it's going to take work, work that's hard for me to get I'm sure some of you can relate to me on all this (At least I hope).

[@Fuzzyfire]

yeah, mom never supported my art. told me "artist is not a REAL job".. it really discouraged me. now here i am..43 years old..working 3rd shift at wal-mart..never pursued my dream because nobody encouraged me to. i still draw..but just as a hobby. it's pretty much too late in my life to try and become a successful artist..but to you younger folks who have the talent..go for it..don't let anybody tell you that you can't..don't end up like me...cause i gotta be honest..WAL-MART SUCKS.

[@saxorex7972]

Never to late, even at 43 you can still pull it off in whatever spare time you can muster.

[@Shio086]

TheDeadlyNeck 76 please dont give it up, just dont put yourself in a box! it is NEVER too late for art. there are so many examples of people who started their art career in their 30, 40, 60 years... Now with all these platforms where ppl can share their art its even easyer to find your own auditory🌸

[@fcoomega7734]

43 is not really that late, I mean, you are not even 3th age, and if you are good enough at drawing (you know gesture, basic anatomy and perspective) you can perfectly make an art Instagram/Twitter, you just need to understand your potential public, and then you can (really slowly) grow, is not too late.

[@sidjones16]

You don't even need a degree! (unless you want to teach I suppose) If you got the talent it doesn't matter. Figure out what you need to know to get where you want to be. Learn it.

[@fuggleeartshow]

I'll have to see if I overcome my unsupportive environment since I'm in it right now. Being an adult with a wife and kid no one thinks I should go back to school for illustration because they think a more financially supportive job is best. Whatever happens though I'll still learn to draw on my own regardless what anyone says.

[@Taurine75]

As a high school animation teacher, I've had to be that adoptive parent for a handful of students who have had toxic home environments ruled by unsupportive parents. My advice is right on par with what Marshall says here. I do have to walk a fine line because parents come up to me, challenging the things I've said. At the same time, I pretty real with my students. If their first response is playing Nintendo Switch, Playstation, etc., and/or going on social media (for hours) rather than work on their craft, then spending tons of money on art school or fancy devices may not be worth it for their families. My job is to curate much of the content available because there's so much out there. I must admit that many of my students just aren't "hungry". A sliver are thirsty to better their craft, about as many that can be counted in one hand. And, that's after teaching high school for roughly 13 years. But, it's really difficult to witness the talent coming out of my classes and hear students tell me that they've had to work side gigs just to buy some art supplies because their parents think art is stupid. I've hooked up some of these kids with books and more importantly, special skill-building assignments. If anything, these students will wear their struggles as badges of honor when they are successful.

[@stephenhumphriesArtist]

I studied for my B.A in fine art at Wirral Met which was an off shoot of Liverpool University in the UK... It destroyed me. Ruined my life, demoralized me and taught me nothing. I've never recovered and 20 years later still struggle with the emotional scars.. It was a scam degree at the time because they were trying to get as many pupils onto the course as possible, in a new college building, so it was a complete shambles ran by incompetents. It disillusioned me and the people there seriously damaged my sense of self, confidence, and worth.

[@anisulislamsamir6946]

My family was unsupportive until I paid my tuition fees with the money I earned from an art project.

[@DelaEdits]

I love how you guys add the artworks and artists names u mention it really helps us with find new artist to help inspire! thank you

[@juliette98able]

I've been enjoying your podcasts a lot, so thank you for making them and talking about such interesting and essential topics :) I'm looking forward to future episodes !

[@aisadal2521]

Very good podcast, especially since so many points hit home

[@XabioArts]

This got real real quick

[@tomkirbygreen]

Thank you!! Both of you (and all involved). I’m working on my own at my art, it’s great that you guys dig into the everyday experience of artists. Keep doing what you’re doing, in particular exploring the fundamentals and less glamorous aspects of daring to put pencil / pen to paper.

[@khushbookumari-ku5nk]

You are right it's very important to support your family whatever you want to do

[@Lobstrique]

i actually cried at the end thank you for the reference!! :DDD

[@shad9674]

Usually a part of the silent viewership but I just wanted to say that this podcast has quickly become a cherished moment of mine, painting along the both of you talking. The quality of information provided by the friendly flow of casual conversation you got going on is a really awesome formula. Looking forward to more and more episodes. :D

[@jonas4xa43]

criminally underwatched.

[@gmeliberty]

Really enjoying this guys. Gotta say, time after time, Marshall's thang is always worth checking out!

[@fogsmog9325]

I love when Marshall does voices, or talks about his students

[@tinktwiceman]

Incredible podcast! Stan and Marshall are magic. Keep up the good work!

[@juandougnac8826]

Thank you for this video. I'm not trying to become an artist, but rather I became disillusioned with practicing Law and, at age 36 and living with my parents, I started a new career. I try to draw an hour a day just to see how far can I get, and listening to your podcast makes me feel good about it: hearing your stories, and banter, etc., takes away from the anxiety of feeling like what I'm doing isn't and never will be any good. I'll keep watching, and commenting as I advance through the episodes!

[@charliehomenaje8513]

hearing marshall talking about artist struggles ...bring me memories...and recent situations im living with my parents...dude sometimes i feel so fckn old for this but im still fighting to find my place...

[@arielartmind606]

I wish this podcast existed 20 years ago.

[@digitalfroot]

You guys are wonderful! Growing up I didn’t have the most supportive mother. She was on pills for most of my younger years and then a stroke a few years ago. Sometimes you just have to wait it out. Addicts suck. People who don’t support you suck. It’s sucks and that doesnt even cover what some of you have gone through. There will be a time you’ll get out of it, and people who will care. It takes time to find them, or for them to find you

[@zachampsonartist]

Man i absolutely love this podcast!

[@omedha.4176]

I can swear time is going slower watching these podcasts, so entertaining !

[@chiaramarker]

Yay! (waited the whole day to finally hear marshalls soft voice and proko again :D)

[@klissia3289]

I absolutely love this podcast

[@nicholasraborn2737]

Thanks for these, guys. I've learned a lot from Proko. Also, love Marshall's work as the narrator in A Christmas Story.

[@victorvasconcelos9784]

We need more channels like this.

[@Seshlot]

I can't wait for that perspective course!!!! amazing

[@austinFEO]

Love the podcast! Regards from Chile

[@museumofdrawing965]

Slowly and with purpose drive over that speed bump. All problems make you stronger. I paid my way thru school as a bike courier. Best life ever.

[@firrycel]

this podcast = gold

[@TheCreativeGlow]

LOVE the cliffhanger! :D

[@skettcherr_3072]

iam 19 years old...making a living as an artist at 19......i decided to ignore every negative thought coming from my parents and unsupportive people...and look where iam today....you just have to cut down that negative force.......and focus on your goals...make connections...hang around people who feed you wth positive energy....and bring the best out of you...yah thats pretty much it

[@juggernautthecerement8266]

just alot of stuff , i am glad i realized that there is life beyond all those depressing stuff

[@imaginedrewstudio2086]

well i decided to just shut every negative voice out and just stick to the path God gave me in the Art industry thats how i have dealt with unsupportive environments. thank you for the great work PROKO your vlogs really inspire me.

[@anon5032]

I listened to the whole podcast, great talk! In my case, my parents are indifferent to me pursuing art and don't really care much for it but I've grown up in a poor dysfunctional family that has left me burnt out a lot. I love drawing, but often times I feel unable to create imaginative concepts and stuff. Most things I do come out boring, stiff, and lifeless and I've been told that through online art groups as well which is something I'm always striving to improve on by learning new things. However, growing up in a toxic family has made me insecure about my voice as an artist and makes me doubt myself and my ability to succeed in anything. I always hear artists in interviews say "you need to live life" and have great experiences but I have no friends at 21, my family is very nasty towards each other, and growing up we were too poor and there were too many fights to "live a little" and even celebrate stuff like birthdays and holidays. I always get triggered when I hear artists say it because it makes me feel that everything I will ever do will be crappy because I've had a crappy life so far. I recognize it's not a necessity to have a positive environment but it is a mental hurdle I'm desperate to overcome and I know its possible I just need to be more patient and nicer to myself. Thanks to those who are sharing their stories in the comments, I didn't think there going to be some that also grew up in toxic environments similar to my own.

[@unorthodoxbox]

I've had the experience of both, when I was a child I had an abusive mother and step father putting me down pretty much never giving me any confidence even to this day I still have issues with confidence and am I good enough? Or overthinking and worrying over useless things. On the flipside as a teenager I got to live with my birth dad who raised me well gave me encouragement and was proud of me. Having people actually to put it bluntly "give a shit" about what I'm doing and actually interested is a boost to the ol' self esteem. I recall my dad and step mum telling me to go into art because they saw how happy it made me, they just had to get the reluctance and worry out of me first. :p

[@izakvanlangevelde8597]

My family has always been supportive. Max the Mutt Animation School, on the other hand, was one of the most toxic environments I have ever seen, which burnt me out before I knew, and eventually robbed me of all motivation to be involved in art.

[@amethyst4235]

thanks for the queen part, good video btw. loved it.

[@enniusdrusus867]

I dealt with an unsupportive environment by becoming as self-destructive as I can get. I made it clear to them that whatever they are doing, it's not good for me. I eventually just broke down on how I do not really care anymore about achievements and I do not have aspirations at all. I told my parents that I do not care what I will and will not achieve in life. I told them that I feel like I am nothing and I will never be happy either way. That I have been following what others say for the whole 20 years of my life and I have not decided on anything big up until now. I told them that I will decide on what I want to be, no matter how much I will suffer. Damn everyone who judges my life, the hell do they know about me anyway. People can say I am unsuccessful or whatever. I do not care. After that. My parents, who only had good intentions to me... They never told me what to do with my life. I get to decide what I want to do with it now. And you know the most screwed up thing about the whole ordeal? I spent a week feeling bad that they will not tell me what to do now. The mindset of having others decide for me is so ingrained in me that I feel like I cannot decide on anything correctly like my own decisions are always wrong. Like every decision that I make for myself is wrong. Hell, I even quit a stable job because I felt like it went against the predetermined path that people decided I should take. It was that bad. It was a shell that I needed to get out of. I knew they were just protecting me. But I emerged so goddamned weak I can't even properly decide for myself. Nevertheless, I am now building myself up as a stronger human being. I love my parents still. And I wish I found a better way to tell them. But it was probably the best to break down. Make them realize that they have to eventually let me decide on my own or else the self-destructive stuff I said will eventually come true. I have an aspiration. But I cannot say it in words. I still have to work on the courage to express it as I mean it. It's something that I locked inside me of for protection.

[@aliceduren6542]

Omg, that question was the exact same question I was thinking!

[@user-fh6sm4sb4x]

I began drawing anime and disney when I was like 8 or 10. I was really passionate about it for years, experiencing hyperfocus a lot of times while drawing. I eventually stopped around the age of 16 when life got kinda serious and academics where becoming a priority. Back then I wasn't sure what i wanted to do in life. I just "knew" that art wasn't going to make me money. And the ressources about the many types of art careers weren't availabe to me. In addition to that no one really was supporting my passion and that drove me away from that direction. I didn't know what I want in life and I didn't have confidence to pursue something outside the box. Now that I am 25 I know exactly what I want in life. I had to try three subjects in university to understand that I am not cut out for academics and I never have been. I was always an artist. Being an artist is like a calling. You can not run away from that. And no one can drag you away from it either. No matter what people say. That creative spirit is IN YOU. It lives inside you. No one can take that away from you.

[@LilChuunosuke]

I grew up in an abusive home and it has had a massive impact on my growth as an artist. Not only was I discouraged from doing art, but from ages 16 until 18 when I escaped, I was *not allowed* to draw. Yup. I would be punished by my parents for drawing. It was against the rules. My mother constantly got mad at me simply for taking art classes in school and tried to call the school to transfer me out of all of them and into the most boring electives she could (I say that not to bash people with other interests, of course. She knew school was my safe haven and wanted to make it miserable for me in any way she could). Sometimes she would do random searches of my backpack and start screaming at me over my drawings and art projects. I had to hold onto all my papers and notes stating my art class assignments to PROVE to her that these drawings were mandatory for a project. When she couldn't stop me from drawing, she micromanaged and insulted what I drew. I literally wasn't able to study anatomy until I moved out because if I drew so much as a girl wearing a short sleeved shirt and shorts, id be accused of drawing sexual content and my sexuality would come under question (yup, they were homophobic too). It took me a long time to stop being on edge while I draw, especially when other people are around. Now, it's still hard to pick up the pencil. I've almost conditioned myself. After years of abuse, I basically just taught myself to kill time and try to make the day past as fast and problem-free as possible. I wanted my childhood to end as fast as possible so I could get away. 3 years free now, but there are still clear residual effects and setbacks caused by my abuse. Including on my artwork. I still have a whole life ahead of me to fix these things, I'm still young! But it's rough knowing that I don't have anyone by my side supporting my future as an artist. Now that I'm free, my abusers still have the audacity to brag about my artwork. They stalk my social media profiles, too. I know which accounts are theirs. I have to remind myself when I start selling at conventions that I can't announce that I'm going beforehand and it's doubtful that it will still be safe after. They may very well come to these cons while I try to make a living with my art and come harass me and intimidate me. Even now that I'm free, they're still trying to make sure I fail as an artist. But I'm still pushing through. This is my passion.

[@demiremi]

Total Trash Mammal I’m sorry to hear about that. But I am glad that you’re still pursuing your craft.

[@Lombax64]

Call security over to escort them out when they start harassing you. You are legally allowed to do that.

[@LilChuunosuke]

@@Lombax64 thankfully my parents only drive by when I'm walking to work and don't come in on my shifts, probably because they know I've called the police since it's nearly come to that point with my uncles where they didn't leave until my manager started dialing the police department right in front of them

[@davidjohn6253]

You always just gotta stay focused and remember that it's worth it.

[@yayab6378]

I love these!😃

[@jameswood4676]

I’d never really thought much about it tbh, both my parents have been supportive of my art, but one of them has torn me down because of their own personal issues stemming from neglect and a career in the military, which when combining the support but my own insecurities and weaknesses from the, essentially, abuse; I’m proud of the genuine passion I have for art but it’s so hard not to get hit by the ‘resistance’, as mentioned by another comment here that made me think about it. I’ve often ignored the abuse I received, because I’m in such a good place now with many opportunities and supports, that now I’m taking another look at it, it’s strange but makes a lot more sense.

[@thejakobistable]

These thumbnails are so awesome

[@NishioHD]

my favorite podcast :)

[@Dolmio24]

If I ever have kids I will tell them from day one that no matter what they want to do in life I will love them and support them following their dreams even if I don't agree with what they are doing.

[@akarixia200]

Funny thing about my family was that they were really supportive towards my art as kid and even teenager, but once I get into high school, they told me I have to look for a "real" job, and that doing art was not a profitable job. It hit me hard, and abandoned art, did a professional life as engineer, and just now with help of the internet I'm starting again into art, but sadly, I lost years of practice, so it's really hard to get the pace against actual artist 🥺

[@dlseller]

The first time I heard Marshall's voice was at the end of Proko's sketchbook video and I instantly liked his voice.

[@wunderb4r557]

I am very thankful for parents who support me in my path to be an artist. They buy me materials I need. Microns, pencils, and many more.

[@mikeoppart]

Liked just for the cliffhanger ending!🤯

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

God, such convoluted answers. For your animation portfolio show examples of strong posing, silhouette, storytelling. Do some expressive animations using whatever software you can get access to, though stick to 2D or 3D if that’s what you’re applying for. You can get a different position than your ideal one to start with. Once you’re in the door more options will present themselves.

[@outdatedinvalidname]

That ending!!!! I NEED TO KNOW!

[@seanramsey]

Gotta tune in next time!

[@sigvardbjorkman]

"Games people play" is indeed fascinating

[@nullmoon3058]

My parents were always mildly supportive of me pursuing art, but I think they saw it as more of a hobby than anything else. My mother did try and get me a job doing illustrations for an acquaintance of hers recently, which didn't work out too well but I appreciated the effort. I guess I'm fortunate in that sense in that there was never any discouragement for me to pursue art from my environment, not having a proper mentor was a bigger problem since I had to basically try to learn everything on my own, which is possible now more than ever thanks to the internet but it's not the same as having someone to actually teach you the ropes and point out weaknesses to improve on.

[@fatherdragon1]

Marshall's voice with all those nuances, I would pay just to hear him read the yellow pages, hahaha. Excellent content, as always!

[@christianspacil4359]

That ending was perfect good lort

[@mandyg5747]

I loved watching and listening to Marshall. 5 stars or 10/10. I was put off by the faces on the old masters at the beginning. ..but I will be watching the others now. Maybe because I am probably the same age as Marshall lol. ..as for dream studio...just having a spare bedroom would be great! A one bed flat means clutter everywhere but I have to work with what I have. ...

[@SashaSlvt]

as someone who was broken by an toxic enviroment the most important thing for me is to believe in myself since i was kept being told i was worthless and my dreams were worthless i started believing in that. believing in myself was hard and still is but at least i know i have one person who knows i can do good and thats me.

[@longjohn7992]

Looks like the new perspective course is gonna be lit

[@kiriappeee]

Currently trying to overcome my past, as an adult with family and all the responsibilities of the world. I still remember giving up any hopes of art when I was a child. I was about 10-12 years old and was doodling on the back of my book instead of doing my homework. And suddenly I felt someone standing behind me. It was my mum. And she looked terrifyingly furious. So much anger... And she beat me so hard for doodling and threatened me with taking me out of school and sending me to work at the street market. Up to today, that memory is burned into me and I curse it so much. I just stopped trying to learn new things. But now I have my life and I'm trying to learn from scratch. Being 30 and trying to learn to become an illustrator (even as a hobbyist) is not easy with a full time job and family. But I'm making progress thanks to people like Proko and the person behind drawabox and other wonderful artists guiding me past frustrations and roadblocks. So... Never overcame the environment. Just trying to overcome the memories. To all of you who are still living with unproductive environments created by elders around you especially, here's a virtual hug from me to you. I hope you can overcome it. Just remember to never stop loving yourself.

[@Annartforms]

I can relate so much to this topic. I have parents who discouraged me on pursuing the art career. One time my family laughed at me because I'm too childish on having interest in cartoons and comics books. When I was taking nursing in college, I struggled so much. I knew I didn't want to see myself as a nurse but I sucked it up and think that I will have a brighter future. Now I'm a nurse, the work environment is very stressful, and I felt depress for a period of time. Being around people who are overworked, frustrated, and would be mean sometimes out of stress. It's not the kind of person I want to become. But I need to sacrifice for the future of our family. Once I became stable, I really want to give it my art career a shot and be a part of the community who loves art and pop culture. I will try to slowly transition in changing careers. I wish I won't lose hope in the future.

[@lambs5258]

this is a topic that hits very hard for me. I left art school to go for a safer business degree. it was either 4 years of hating my life at school or hating my life at the shitty kind of jobs i'd only be able to get without a practical degree. I figured that earning a good salary would leave me with more time later in life than working multiple minimum wage jobs. but i feel like a lost a part of me because there was never time to do art in school.

[@demiremi]

I guess I got lucky. Both my parents are supportive of me trying to be an artist. I have occasionally had toxic environment when I was in school and there was somebody named Adam who thought his art was hot and everything I did was garbage and chicken scratch, and another time with my eldest sister writing a letter to her friend that I just copy everything, but I don’t really blame her we were kids at the time. But that’s a story for another time but for the most part; my family has been supportive so it wasn’t all bad. Thanks for the video it was a good discussion. And for all the people who don’t feel supported don’t give up you matter, and if you keep working at it you will eventually find that support one day. Keep going I know you can do it!

[@bramvandecasteele9355]

I wish i could've seen this 15 years ago. My dad told me to not even try because "there's always gonna be someone better than you". That's very discouraging to a child. I never stopped drawing tho but I also never pursued a career in art. Also as a parent you should not only encourage your child and be supportive, but you should also inspire them by taking them to an art museum for example, or an exhibition about whatever their interested in.