What It Takes to be a Professional Artist

[@StevenZapataArt]

Take my gigantic drawing course: www.FormFromImagination.com/

[@johnyfive4295]

I just came here to learn to draw anime panty shots in a bargue style why do I have suffer this reprimand

[@JulianoSchroederArt]

"You need to draw so much that people worry about you" - this line is brilliant.

[@joshknightfall]

How about when you stop drawing for a little bit an they worry even more? :P

[@MediDrawing]

like some other lines in that video :) "I ate drawings like peanut m&m's"

[@xxy4093]

Yes. Amd while you will be at it, who will pay your bills and make money or give yiu some even for bloody paper? Don't look at well know quotes look, at the logic and reality of life!

[@countrymanrandylewis8463]

The reality is im 15 and im being fed without doing anything and got 3 more years of that, so i will look at this quote and stay consistent enough to be better than before​@@xxy4093

[@lizzyrank5405]

​@xxy4093 lol ypu can still draw a lot and have a regular job A lot of people do this. In school I made sure to have paper at all times not for work but to draw to the point I had to borrow paper because I didn't have enough. Of course as ypu getnolder it gets harder. But that's why most always has something on them to sketch on. It's like if you really love reading or watching movies. You'll find the time to do it.

[@HiNi.]

If you're not enjoying drawing, consider the posibility that maybe right now life just kinda sucks at the moment? At least that was true for me when I decided to stop drawing, three/four years later I started scribbling while waiting for Maya to do its rendering thing, and wondered why did I ever stop drawing, and the simple honest answer was that when you're depressed, not a whole lot of things are fun, it was a joyous occasion to disovered that I actually did love drawing. I guess my point is that it might not be YOUR fault you dont like drawing, it might just be that life at the moment kinda sucks.

[@Amerit9]

This is so true I hope steven talk about it someday

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

I know for me it’s hard knowing that something is better and I’m supposed to be doing it and if I don’t no one is going to like it. People tell me all the time that it doesn’t matter but if it doesn’t, why do a lot of artist sell out or do a particular thing a certain way? I don’t want to sell my art anymore but I’m in college and school breaks me down and rips me apart and I just don’t want to do it anymore but I really don’t want to stop, I just want to be happy.😔

[@norrin_falk]

this comment is the most important one, because with good videos like this one and many others I often just felt guilty and scared... of not loving it enough "oh i don't draw as much as it was said in this video, I go for days without drawing nowadays... that means I don't love art? BUT I LOVE ART, but this means I don't!?" just a freakish mess.

[@fromash5289]

While I definitely agree with the sentiment, this still falls into the cold hard truth that it probably means you're not quite cut out to be a professional in this field. There's nothing wrong with that though, I feel people who do genuinely enjoy creating art as a fun hobby tend to feel like if there's no monetary goal at the end of the tunnel then they should feel bad, get depressed about it and stop. But as an aspiring professional you have to be able to pull yourself out of the funks and moods and depression if you wanna get paid. That too is a skill just like anything else talked about here and a million other places.

[@HiNi.]

@@fromash5289 Errr.. I know loads of people including myself who used to be just in this position and now are working professionals. The idea that just because you didnt use to be cut out for professional work in the art field doesnt mean that will continue to be the case. Like you said its a skill, and if its a skill it can be developed. Its also an asinine comment because depending on the circumstances of your living situation you are more prone to neuroticism, its a biological truth that if you have a lot of uncertainty and unstable parts of life that your seratonin doesnt dampen your negative emotions as much.

[@marcuscthomas_]

Dammmn the “I will draw circles around you” at the end was both playful and challenging. A determined smile cracked on my face after hearing that. I joyfully accept this challenge.

[@ROKMO]

LOL I just saw this too!!! The fight!!

[@breamakesart4543]

"The more skilled they become, the clearer the need for more than just skill" is a beautiful way of describing the Dunning-Kruger effect, which is a simple human trait.

[@freckleheckler6311]

how is that a description of the dunning-Kruger effect? explain.

[@breamakesart4543]

@@freckleheckler6311 ...the simple definition from google for the Dunning-Kruger effect is: "The Dunning-Kruger effect effect occurs when a person's lack of knowledge and skills in a certain area cause them to overestimate their own competence." So, as you learn more, you realize there is more that you need to know/learn.

[@AhmedAldoori]

LOL that ending - challenge accepted. Great video man. That was some high tier speaking, no living man I know can put forth such prose and paint a freakish hero narrative in the minds of listeners the way you do. Also your mention of Michael had me smilin'! Miss that fella.

[@brodieswift3061]

Finding Steven Zapata through Proko has truly been a blessing.

[@MartinNicolasGrasso]

@@brodieswift3061 Same!

[@StevenZapataArt]

You honor me old friend. Thank you for watching.

[@isspartanlockealivehaloinf1963]

Is everything he said true? I shall have my answer!

[@blm1256]

Whoever is reading this, I hope you have a great day! Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨ kzbin.info/www/bejne/hai0p6WGlrFnsKs

[@art.of.segura]

I think you're, so far the only artist I know of-- with any amount of clout-- that has publicly said that artists are freaks.

[@akshayde]

oh thats because freaks dont think they are freaks. They are optimized and normal int normal, normal is what doesnt function properly

[@BaloosSketchbook]

every time Steven says "thanks for drawing today" I feel like I achieved A HUGE success of the DAY!

[@Jacob_Friis]

Started saying it to myself every day i draw. And it kind of encourages me to draw even if I got little, to no time in the day to spare.

[@ivoryblack1701]

same, my friend 🤗

[@TheSantifive]

Man, the ending felt like a strong pat in the ass before entering the field. Strong enough to make you jump, encouraging enough to get you on your feet and alert.

[@why783]

So being freaky weird and having fun is the KEY... I feel enlightened by this awesome man. Thank you for reassuring the path of us passionate artists. I hope everyone finds joy and comfort in art too. And yes, lets all “draw so much that people worry about you”! What are you doing reading this comment. GO DRAW YOU SWEET PERSON!!!

[@PeachiiWubs]

Learning how to learn, and learning how to teach yourself doesn't just unlock art it unlocks everything.

[@Serenity279]

"you must fight for your joy" dude you had me tearing up. Also the loving threat at the end was just 👌😂

[@demialabi4942]

I’ve never been both inspired and discouraged by one video lol. Guess I’ll keep drawing anyway lol. Thanks for taking the time to talk about this Steven, it means a lot and your words are always welcome!

[@queldar27]

I enjoy drawing. I'll worry about the rest later.

[@dwarfbard]

Same ^^

[@theunwantedcritic]

That’s a very intelligent thing to say. There’s a lot of brilliant artists out there. But the people who make money aren’t necessarily part of that group. Case in point, Rob Leifield.

[@yonarumo9051]

I'm really glad I found your channel. I dropped out of art school in 2019, in part of health reasons and in part because our teachers were....I don't know how to phrase it...difficult I guess. They always said they wanted us to make our own stuff and develop our own style. But in reality, whenever you experimented or tried something new, it was discouraged because it wasn't palatable for the industry. One teacher even only wanted us to draw exactly like him and copy his style one to one, giving out bad grades if your art wasn't to his personal taste. And it made me hate drawing so much for at least 2 years afterwards to the point I stopped drawing completely and seriously wanted to give up on it. It took time and therapy until I could at least decide to only draw for myself and be "selfish" with my art again. And last week I watched your video on flow and it honestly felt like the curse broke, so to speak. It was like the last missing puzzle piece I needed. Even when I hated drawing, deep down I couldn't give it up. I still wanted to visualize my ideas and get back that feeling of flow and relaxation I felt before. It was just, that whenever I put the pencil to paper, I saw that one art teacher in my mind, tearing everything apart. I can't thank you enough for your videos, I finally got back what I lost in art school.

[@StevenZapataArt]

I am honored to have been of such service to you. I was not actually sure that flow video could help anyone when I made it, but every time I read something like this it reminds me that much more is possible in the realm of art than we tend to believe.

[@cerealis_5432]

Thats wonderful that you’ve found your passion again after that awful art school experience! What is the title of the video you’re referencing?

[@yonarumo9051]

@@cerealis_5432 It was the one called Drawing Meditation #1: How to get in the Zone

[@Luminus-DrawZ]

I am on the cusp of exiting college at 21 and entering the art world and I’m infatuated with drawing! Concept art! Sketching! I love this video because the beginning of this year I came to this realization. I have been fighting tooth and nail burned through 4 or 5 sketch books and am never slowing down. I doubt myself for sure, tell myself I should be further. But I eat it all up, fueling the flames of passion. All in all, thank you…really inspiring. Even though we’ll compete in the art world, I’ll put up a good fight!

[@lucastoica9599]

“You need to compete with ME” that line hit so hard

[@JosephArt]

You’re a true example of a professional artist. You got great skills man.

[@greygubbins3666]

Pedagogy. A term describing the ART of learning. I do magic tricks, play guitar and drum, beatbox, draw, paint, animate, skateboard, and craft miniature dioramas. I never would have learned any of it without learning to draw first. It doesn't matter how old you are or how young you are. It's always the right time to learn how to learn.

[@jykox]

The people who have drawn themselves into a corner in life and have no other talents are the best at it. When you're stuck, just keep drawing and learning new things.

[@elindis]

There isn't really anything in this life that I enjoy. My depression has eaten all of me. However, I value art. It's the only vocation I can find meaning in, despite the fact that I rarely find joy in it these days. I suppose I'm not cut out to be an artist, but since I don't care for anything else, I must be one of those who simply die trying.

[@StevenZapataArt]

That’s hard. I hear yah.

[@neron8497]

"What is this joy? Can anyone describe it to me? I've never seen it." - That's what my comment was going to be, but I see someone's beat me to it. You're not the only one, Jordan. Wonder how we'll fare going forward. Wish you well though!

[@elindis]

@@neron8497 I hope it works out better for you. As long as you overcome depression, the joy should present itself. Almost everyone can respond to adequate treatment, so I have faith in your outcome.

[@elindis]

@Christian Ah, Jesus. Pray for me, will you? He isn't answering mine.

[@JaggedCanvas]

Its your fault that you are depressed. It literally is just an illusion.

[@davewa109]

When I drew all day and took a break to eat? That was when Zapata shot past me. Tomorrow? Food is ELIMINATED

[@damianintheden2081]

Food breaks are officially cancelled

[@benjaminlyons5261]

I have arguments with my wife about art but it’s about sharing it. I’m currently a hermit doodler and itch if I’m not sketching. She sneaks into my sketch book every now and then and snags a picture to share. I get irritated but I know she does it out of love.

[@freckleheckler6311]

This just gave me a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sharing this. So Very wholesome, this is romance and love I haven’t heard of before.

[@kaidusa]

Oh my god, I'm so happy someone talked about this. I totally relate to this. I did the whole taking all the art classes at community college, and then going to an art school in Paris and graduating with a bachelors in illustration. And now I'm living in Hong Kong, I've been part of 3 group shows, had a solo show, but I feel like right now I've just stagnated. Art is no longer a real joy, it feels more like a chore or something I put off. I feel guilty for wasting paper, for splashing paint around, because it feels like I need to sell sell, or to attract more followers, there's so little joy left in what I do. And yet sometimes I do find joy, but it is so very quickly extinguished by the reality that I don't care enough about my own work, so why should anyone else. I hope I get out of this rut.

[@Drawgonian]

As a professional artist watching your video while I'm doing my own work, I almost broke down in to tears when you said "a professional will not be ultimately deterred". Having always struggled with trying to prove I'm good enough, even when at my job, always thinking there'll be that moment my co-workers find out I'm a sham, I think after these 17 years of practicing on and off and struggling, your words gave me peace of heart and mind. You've clearly thought about these ideas thoroughly hence I admire your articulation And yeah for that last part.. ha... bring it on friend. Always a fan of drawing duels

[@nothingiseverperfect]

“This entire channel is my sketch book. In my actual work, I will draw circles around you.” This has ignited a flame within me like no oil has before! Godspeed my friend! Thank you for this advice!

[@varuntulsyan2558]

When you said 'thank you for drawing today', I felt like I received the warmest huf after years of being touch deprived.

[@jmbmarts8374]

Geez, this is so relatable! When I got this job as a coloring book artist, I was the happiest person on earth. I thought "wow, I finally got my dream job!" Never thought I could get drained doing it. There are times when I feel like I'm about to cry just because I need to hit the deadline and I still couldn't force myself to come up with new ideas. Deadlines suck. I realized it's different doing art as a hobby versus doing it as a job.

[@Mificsai]

I have never received such great advice in such a beautiful poetic way 😢 😅 Thank you!! I got a very real check on why I’m still even attempting to draw and realized I was doing pieces and practicing in ways I did not find fun and found the things sucking the joy out of this passion that is so tightly entwined with my very being. Rekindling that joy has made even studying the things I need to to improve almost…therapeutic, like stretching unused muscles. Love your work and I’ll probably be bringing your channel for the next month or so 😂 Best wishes for ya

[@lambino_]

I listened to this video of yours while drawing and I think all my frustration vanished for the time being, it felt so good. Recently blinded by my frustrations I made a bad post on the internet where I blamed the world for my mistakes, and you know how is people on the internet, they jumped at me which is understandable of course and I deserved that to snap back to reality. I'm really trying to make some awesome stuff which is good to look at, which will make me feel simply good. I think I'm on the right track just need to be more focused and not letting these frustrations get the better of me. When I'm listening to your videos I'm constantly thinking. Today I realized sometimes I need to give myself more time, it's not a race or anything like that, don't need to rush it just progress in your own tempo or something like that. Anyway thanks, I needed this.

[@JonathanFado]

"I will draw circles around you" that was sooo fucking bad ass!! I think you are spot on Steven, I wanted to do youtube while I was still training and noticed that every artists I actually look up to aren't giving their 100% when they do youtube. So I decided a long time ago to put the youtube thing on hold until I get soo good that I can sketch my way into youtube. Otherwise KZbin just becomes work.

[@brandonjslea1562]

The thing that always scares me into committing to art is that I feel I need to be more than an artist to be good at art. Like, I need to have lived more before I know how to convey anything meaningful, but I don't really know how to live either.

[@StevenZapataArt]

All you can do is try!

[@lolio5979]

i was just drawing while listening to this and when i was about to change the video till i heard oh your still here and just add as much sarcastic humour. it was pure gold.

[@romannumeralvii4285]

that end motivated me more than everything else. "I will draw circles around you", is that a goddamn challenge!?

[@fabiovenetz6779]

You must work hard, you must work hard, you must work hard... the eternal song. I think that's amongst the most useless and yet most popular advice there is. Why useless? Because it's not what makes anyone become stellar at anything. It's a superficial analysis of what's really going on. People don't have to be told to work hard, just like a hungry person doesn't have to be told to eat a lot. The problem of "lazy" artists isn't that they don't understand or appreciate the value of hard work. What they lack is that which precedes the hard work: Drive. And drive is dependent on so many factors: Do you have short- and long-term goals for your art? How confident are you that you can reach them? What kind of art are you doing and are you enjoying it? How well is everything else in your life going? Indeed the fire that makes you do art in the first place is connected to the deepest parts of your psyche and dependent by it's general well-being and illness. I made some of my biggest improvements in art without doing any art. But simply by becoming a more confident person and taking on other difficult challenges in life I started to approach my art differently. I strongly advice against trying to bruteforce yourself into being a successful working artist. The joy Mr. Zapata talked about is everything. It must be combined with focus and goal-making. But if you're beating yourself up because you don't see yourself "work hard" on a consistent basis you're not tackling the real issue. And when you do work hard it's not because someone told you to do it. It's because you finally gained some hard-earned momentum.

[@toki8361]

what you have helped me to be aware of is that i must find joy in creating, just like i used to. im not sure when that disappeared from my life but i am thankful to be reminded of it.

[@jaydan3034]

im 18 and looking to start an art career, and perhaps to skip college too. i feel like this guy just told me a lot of the stuff i dont want to hear but need to hear. thanks. def subscribing after this one.

[@pinktrue5647]

I still remember how much i enjoyed drawing when i was was at highschool. I am trying to improve now years later but somehow i lost this joy and drawing became insufferable and painful over time as i became too critical and judgmental of myself. I am going to try to find this joy again, thanks for the video. Also this ending is kinda scary ngl

[@KevinWebb2015]

Thanks for this. I appreciate you not sugar-coating the advice or trying to sell us a product at the end.

[@zedzedlika8943]

im so happy i just saw the title of the video you uploaded and the moment I listen in I knew it was going to be good, I've been really feeling a lot of these emotions trying to be a professional artist and this video was like a guidance for me

[@premtabassum4208]

This is my 1st video watching from you,, i just don’t know why but i am crying.... I really needed this.. It’s been 1year i took drawing seriously and It's been really really REALLY frustrating.. I am learning on my own but in my heart i know i am not pushing hard enough, and i also blaming the environment for not my success... And this video of your just give the the realization of the reality... I hope i can be a professional artist someday.. I promise i will draw everyday :)

[@Bunuffin]

how are you so freaking good, it infuriates me to draw every day having troubles with everything and you just put that stuff down.... aaaaaah i need to practice even more!

[@ErickSntM]

Nothing but the truth, it’s good to hear that. Today I sometimes regret not having done pharmacy in college and practiced art as a hobby, however I still draw optimistic plans for the future as an artist. The worst part is when frustrated professors at the university continue to teach lies or disappoint frustrations among young people.

[@jarh5281]

That ending honestly felt like such a genuine and motivating challenge. You are on.

[@nyxerus7500]

Glad this video showed up in my recommended, art has consistently been my source of joy and strength no matter what hardships I face and I want to keep making art not just for my own happiness but to create happiness for other too. This video brought me a lot of strength and motivation again! I’m 17 and going to college in a few months and going through the questioning phases of my future, but seeing this helped as well as hearing that little challenge at the end! Give me another few years I’m gonna kick some ass >:)

[@DigiMyst]

This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite art channels

[@GabrielFerreira-zt7vd]

Wow this video actually made me find the answer to many of my problems related to art like "why I dont draw on my free time if this is fun " and such , thank you for these.

[@Axillity]

You're a fantastic storyteller! I love the little kick to push people at the end, great touch.

[@IbogaineCuresPTSD]

watching you draw made me cry

[@StevenZapataArt]

Love your username

[@Zittik444]

I am shaken by the reality of this entire video. I laughed, audibly, nodded and "hmm"ed. Ty.

[@naeem-hf7xx]

loved this so much, been having an art block since my last high school years due to the amount of work and pressure of improving my academics and my art took a big hit and i started hating it... now since last month i’ve been watching dragon ball again and i felt like a kid again and started drawing again.... dbz was what got me to draw as a kid in the first place and now i’m not turning back and i’m gonna make this a career!

[@yadukul_art]

The most important thing is to love what you are doing. Its not all about the money and fame. You must be very happy when you are drawing. That the important thing. Anyway this video was really amazing. I really enjoyed it

[@wufo1238]

This was exactly what i needed, Steven. For some reason i was under the impression that if i wasn't in pain or under an uncomfortable struggle it meant i wouldn't improve. Again, tysm for your videos

[@ms.animationgirl8296]

This is a very great tip makes me realized that I should ignore my thoughts that I couldn't do it because, because and because. I must fallow my heart desires in drawings and ignore things that just sound like excuse for myself to not do it

[@TheArtbdw]

This has to be the most honest and insightful advice for an artist that I’ve ever heard. Thanks

[@shinkamui]

That was an interesting video.. I'm 25, so i'm not that young that i can change paths willy nilly without some consequences.. before art I went to physics university, gave up, then medicine, gave up, all the while i was teetering the edge of giving up on life altogether and just ending it. I I found some kind of passion about drawing at the same time i managed to get help and stabilize my mental health about 3 years ago, and I've been on the path to professional illustration for about 2 years now. Sometimes drawing feels like a muse, other times it feels like a demon, though i wonder if it's truly art thats making me feel this or that or if its just life, and drawing is just there taking the credit or blame. And the more this goes on I start to believe this really is just about life. I've seen lawyers end marriages because they work too much, i've seen engineers tie their self worth to their job. I've seen mathmaticians be absolutely elated about analysing a god damn chart with a bunch of numbers in it. I've seen doctors on the verge of suicide despite finding the utmost meaning in what they do. You can change any example you gave about art in your video to most carreers and it would still hold up, because this isn't about art, this is about life. Maybe we can effortlessly and joyfully go ahead full blast for a while, living the height of our ideals, but often we give all we have just not to drown. This is just regular humanhood. This isn't some punishment for choosing art y'all, this is life everywhere. When life gets tough, every carreer is a fking dark souls boss. If you only have art and you don't love it, maybe take it out of art's shoulders the burden of providing you most of the meaning you need in your life. And maybe paradoxically that might help you find more joy in it as well, and work harder on it. It wont do to blame your current path for our struggles, we would still have them anywhere else. I say this because to me this is a huge relief, I can't force the art world to be kinder to my struggles, but I can work on how i perceive them. If this video was titled ''how to be a professional'' and ommited the art part, it would still hold up just fine.

[@lrdalucardart]

Me thinking this guy doesnt know what he is talking about, and than along 7minutes in the video he is almost making me belive I'm hearing my own personal biography of my life... like... wtf... he nailed all the points...

[@panloiz9068]

with your help and motivation i drew a 10+ hour drawing. thank you

[@joebotarsenault8538]

Your videos have done an exceptional job at keeping me sane during difficult times where the tunnel seems unending and no light ever showing. I know it will come, and you truly have been a beacon of hope. Thank you

[@seanfitzpatrick3868]

love the ending

[@MrSmithe11]

I always expect these videos to hit home, and they always do.

[@amandarudesill2391]

Omg, great watch! Thank you for the smile.

[@MartinNicolasGrasso]

Man, i love your words. You're the top 3 on youtube

[@AlexHuneycutt]

Your words resonate, Steven. It's something that's concerned me. My wife gets upset every other day about how much I'm drawing , but I just tell her it s what's necessary to make the headway to the eventual goal: income as an artist. After 2 years, I'm getting a sense of the light at the end of the tunnel and can imagine another year or slightly longer will begin to bear fruit. It is constant. 6 Am, to 9 Am before work. Lunch breaks. Get home, 7pm-9pm before bed. And I do enjoy it. The process of learning. What you say holds true- my life has been filled with a constant stream of learning new things, and an obsession with learning how to develop skills efficiently. In music, my previous love, I learned trombone, guitar, drums, music production in order to make my own songs as I wanted them. Other passions like writing, exercise, dog training, have been set to the side while I put everything into art. And it is 'lonely'. I find solace in socializing and building relationships online, at my desk, with my artwork opened in front of me. New names and faces rotate with the seasons but some still hold true 2 years later. And I can honestly say they are stronger constants in my life than I have day-to-day, but that would be a result of my lack of effort in building relationships outside of my home. It is my wife, myself, our dog and our occasional foster pet. Thanks to an aptitude for staying occupied, the feeling of loneliness never sets in. I can only hope that things work out. While I have a degree in Information Systems, I personally have zero interest in learning it, or certifying new skills. That avenue may as well be "dead" to me when I leave it, which leaves art as the only path forward. I do believe there are opportunities, however. Employment, freelance, KZbin and providing value to others through freelance education are enough to excite with the prospect that with each day, it's more likely I am an entrepreneur at heart than simply an artist. In many cases, you have to be one to fulfill the actual dream. But that's not a detriment, that's a dream in and of itself. One day I'll catch up to the titans of the field. Until then, I'll keep working. Thanks for your thoughts, Steven. And encouraging us to reflect on our own.

[@StevenZapataArt]

An intense comment, Alex! Thanks for the read. It is indeed a tricky path that requires an incredible deftness in self control, I know it can feel like a roller coaster. You can do it.

[@AlexHuneycutt]

@@StevenZapataArt You're final statement in this video really hit home and drove me to respond to the myriad points you brought up, ha. It's such an awesome opportunity to share thoughts and experiences through things like KZbin, I'm glad to be able to share some back to you in return. Thanks again!

[@DavetutsAcademy]

Ok! Thanks for this superb piece. You're coming from Information systems. Then, I'm not the only weird one, coming from NetOps, and recently branched into SecOps. I've had awards for outstanding performance in the workforce with over 30K staff strength and as good as that stands, it didn't elate me as much as art does. Trying my hands at STEM education on KZbin for the young ones, but my thirst ain't quenched. Seems to enjoy questions with diagrams and images much more than others and I know it's the pull of art. Your journey is a great encouragement and I'll give it a very fun filled shot.

[@AlexHuneycutt]

@@DavetutsAcademy That’s great! Definitely keep it up. I’m happy to report that I’m working professionally in art now, as a Concept Artist for Alta VR, and done background painting on an indie animated series yet to release. It works out, like @Steven Zapatista Art said

[@CorgiScarab]

Very, very wise words sir. This really is the only philosophy that works.

[@creatoshawn4997]

Just listening to you talk is really relaxing and educative

[@SirFrogsley]

Really needed to hear this. Did all kinds of art school and tried going pro. My mental health just won’t let me do it. People always told me to become an artist since I was a child because it was just so natural, but while I loved the validation I hated the grind of networking and busting my ass to make it. A couple of friends are in the same boat for more or less the same reasons, but we all still love to draw in our free time. And honestly, after a couple of years of severe depression and bitterness around the trajectory of my career as an artist, I am so happy to be able to just draw in my free time for myself and my friends. It’s so freeing not to feel so much expectation and pressure over finishing a piece. Maybe I’ll try again when I’m retired or something, but for now, I’m more than happy to do art as a hobby, whether or not it makes any money. Life is short, and while some people see that as an incentive to work as hard as they can to make their passion a career, I don’t want my passion to be turned into a slog. It just isn’t worth it, at least not to me. And it took me a long time to realize that.

[@jaharitucker3953]

Actually crying. Perfect video 🖤

[@Zinkleo]

Man, I have 21 years old and pursuing art since my 13 and man, I'm feeling exactly this, nothing else matters and appears to be gray, but, with art, there is a colorwheel but instead, the joy is not there, it's really strange but this is the thing I need to do.

[@yesham0]

I feel you. I feel like so many people go through this without ever being aware that they dont have the joy to create but they go on doing it. You have acknowledged this and I think thats a great step. I hope you find the peace and joy in your life.

[@Zinkleo]

@@yesham0 thank you man, this is a long journey but at least, the first step has been made, thank you again 🙌🏼

[@KevinFlanneryForever]

sounds like someone has a love of the language arts as well. there was poetry to this, excellent video.

[@theloop-paz3803]

This is, by far, the best video I´ve seen in while. Passionate, realistic and crudely motivating.

[@bc2art600]

Ok, this spoke to my SOUL!!! That artistic journey is a wilderness

[@maestroworkroom5742]

Thank you for this incredible video. You made me feel there is someone in the world who understands what my life is like! Cheers!

[@BigDomski]

At the end of the day, I just want to draw and enjoy it. I'm tired of obsessing over "excellence" and would settle for being skillful while relatively sane and happy. Maybe I'm just a coward who doesn't want to sacrifice everything to make this work. At the same time, I don't always want to draw. I've already lost one interest because of my obsessive habit to be "good" at what I do, even if I'm no longer enjoying the process. Losing that interest made me feel like losing a friend/family member, and I don't want to feel it ever again

[@StevenZapataArt]

You are no coward. Following your own wisdom, trusting yourself enough to decide your own path, that is the hardest thing. Drawing in a hole for years is not much compared with that.

[@mohamednasir4886]

it's really mindblowing to find your cluttered thoughts about what you're doing organized and phrased by one of your favourite artists of all times, thanks forever Steven.

[@XxGabriCasxX]

Ok this has to be the best youtube video I have ever watched in my entire life. Thank you.

[@StevenZapataArt]

You’ve obviously never been to the part KZbin where people summon archangels to help them in knife fights

[@XxGabriCasxX]

@@StevenZapataArt This video would still be the best. You changed my life in 10 minutes

[@dungeoneering1974]

This may be the best video I've ever seen on becoming a professional artist.

[@casio4067]

I am just completely floored by this video and its emotional approach to growth as an artist. Im not sure anyone could have put it better for me. And the idea that i have to approach it with the intention to enjoy it and not just do it mechanically. Im excited to learn more from this channel

[@myounas_65]

This man unequivocally deserves to be called a modern-day polymath, having not only mastered art but also the art of oratory. He is a philosopher who has closely experienced the arts.

[@MoyosoreLemboye]

Wow...just wow. I never really thought about it like that. I enjoy drawing and whenever I missed a day of drawing, id feel a pit of guilt; shame; discomfort well over me. Perhaps that's what you're talking about. We tend to forget the reason why we took up art in the first place. Because it was fun

[@seraaron]

"you must fight for your joy, everything else will come" I'm in the unfortunate third position, where art is both a joy and something that I'm good at and feel in my heart that i can't turn away from, but my disabilities mean making my art can be excruciatingly painful at times. Managing my time and directing my energy is often more about managing my pain and directing my mood... so far, I have yet to really make money from my art at this point.

[@damianintheden2081]

Listening to this video while struggling to draw something for the day made me realized how much i've been sleeping on my dream, i just got so confortable thinking one half-assed drawing or painting could get me there. But somewhere along the way i lost that fire Steven so passionately talks about and i no longer want to sleep, i'll gladly accept the challenge.

[@RaysonWilliams]

That ending pumped me up so much. I'm dripping with determination

[@JarelThreat]

This is the realest and most accurate thing I've heard for those of us that do art for a living. I don't think I could ever express it in a fraction as accurately as you did.

[@Lo-ui3xk]

I listened to this video 3 times in a row now and honestly, it got me pumped up to draw more, thank you!

[@joshuagray2458]

I can’t tell you how much I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@Gdifgreid]

I never heard more better art advice

[@badismyname100]

Damn Steven, right in the heart but I really appreciate how honest you are about the artist life.

[@dekireba2173]

Thank you. You remember me enjoy drawing

[@kronoverse3934]

Im Listening to this while waiting my Job Interview! Thank you Mr. Zapata!

[@icechecksolvea7785]

This might be my favorite video of the last five years. well done. also the part about "The art demon" is accurate, ask me at four in the morning when the sun isnt out yet.

[@jessesmit2907]

Hey Steven, I've come across your video's as my yearly recurring drawing obsession is flaring up. I'm a professional live/studio guitar player, songwriter and teacher and playing guitar is pretty much all I've done for 17 out of my 29 years on this earth. Everything you said rang so very true with me. Art is hard. Lately I've been hitting somewhat of a plateau where it seems to become work and progress is an anxiety inducing 'must happen to survive' situation. I felt reassured by the things you've said, and I am emboldened to stick it out - because this is who I am and what I want to do. Thank you.

[@sunflowerphoenix2635]

HOLY MOLLY DID THIS MOTIVATE ME! Every inch and part of this video got me grinning, you said all artists are freaks? oh boy, then you can already consider me a natural without skills, because i'm not even sure if i was supposed to enjoy you talking about how frustrating and hard it can get, but i did, and i am actually proud of this stupid weirdness, the doubt of other people, i have felt here and there(especially with my dad), and i can understand why he feels that way, i would be worried about myself too, but i'm just too busy dreaming to rationalize about where i'm getting, i've always been that way, you want a realist folk? don't ever talk to me, i'm glad that i made the right choice of dedicating myself to this, however, it has barely started, and i am already shaking in antecipation, of pure anxiousness, and i feel good because of it, and those last moments of silence before you said the obvious, OHMAN, i could feel my whole excitement raw and pure, I ACCEPT YOUR CHALLENGE OH STEVEN LORD OF TIREDNESS, once again, *this is only where it begins!*

[@samankucher5117]

Nice snatch book and good advice . I started a year ago I drew 3 hours a day yet I keep it a secret because am embraced by it 🙂

[@pagoueuchiwa8086]

Perfect! That was amazing!

[@treesap4059]

This is a super important video for me to watch. Art feels like something that comes naturally to my subconscious and my life and there was so much in this video that helps me in my beginning of my journey. thank you.

[@yvesdorsi4458]

[ *sob's quietly in frustration* ] I'm coming for you Steve!

[@capuchinosofia4771]

This is what I have been having troubles with. I'm 20, all my life I have studied to become an artist... But I don't have fun with it. I sweat, I get frustrated, I hardly finish the protects I want to finish and when I do, I always find flaws in them... It has become a process that I am slowly hating more than loving. Whenever I think If I want to do this for the rest of my life... I don't have an answer. And sadly, like you said, it *is* the only thing I know how to do. Everyone who meets me tells me I have to be an artist, and that I would turn out great! but I don't know if *I* want that. It doesn't help (or does it?) That all the artists (teachers or friends) I have personally met breathe art and they love it, and they expect the same of me, and get confused why in my free time I didn't do art. Because, if art is fun, why would you not do it all the time, right? I hope I find an answer soon.

[@Fierying]

Hey thanks for speaking your mind, and it's something I am also currently facing and looking for answers, these are thoughts I very much relate to, similar age as well I came to a point I think I feel this way is because I tied art entirely to my self worth. Of so many things I am pretty much bad and mediocre at both mentally and physically, art was the only thing that I define the best of myself. Building an ego needing to be perfect in the craft placed on a pedestal, being extremely self critical and demanding of myself is what I did, and definitely not fun. For if we don't kill ourselves internally for this, if we stop then what are we amount to compare to the top dogs with not only incredible art but a perfect mind that is humble, wise, analytical and takes no bullshit for an answer compared to an overly emotional and spoilt mind? I'm just at the start of letting go the idea that art is everything, while an extremely inspiring outro for this video, I'm not going to compete when the pedestal made is now crumbled together with our purpose. Time needed to learn other aspects of our life like to soul search or brush up other skills (eg adulting cause u know, we are just budding adults now) . To find our self worth not on external factors but the experiences is what I think could be the answer? Haven't got any results yet but will keep pushing on on it. IDK if what I said helps but hope it made u think on your situation, and that you aren't alone. Hope one day u can find the fun in art and maybe life itself!

[@StevenZapataArt]

Difficult difficult questions. Including some of the things Fierying brought up about tying all of this to your self worth. It hurt to record that middle part of the video about the time when you're doing art because it's the only thing you're good at- because I knew it would land somewhere. I've been there. I wouldn't be quick to believe the airs others put on about their art practice. For some it's that easy, but not for most. Like I said in the video, I think this is a good time to slow down. You're young yet, to make a change now would be unbelievably negligible in the long run. But, art can return joyfully without warning, any time, as long as you remain open. Good luck.

[@mohamedsolimanH]

I have a degree in computer engineering but I choose to pursue art and I'm in the same spot. It became very stressful to do art. You love it, yet it's merciless and hard. Having lots of ideas and projects .. none of them is complete. You feel bad for not practicing and you feel bad for your results. I'd share what helped me get past that. TIme ..the illusion of time that you need to get that good in x weeks, months. it's the most detrimental ... I mean you think too far ahead that it makes your daily progress feel like nothing .. and that living in the future kills everything that's fun. once I slowed downtime and said to myself that's something I would do every day till I die .. that this is a journey, I'm discovering myself along the road while enjoying the detours .. and become better every single day. I even started to visualize my daily practice instead of the results of the future me. With that in mind also .. I'd practice something and I won't think how much would it take or anything .. just practice it and exploring, experimenting and playing. I don't know if that would work or not .. but I'm on a journey .. so I'm trying everything at hand. in a nutshell .. results don't gauge my hard work .. working and enjoying every single day while looking that I'm better than me yesterday .. was my way to go. If someone is younger and more successful .. it's okay props to them I'm happy for them not jealous anymore .. I'm gonna find my way one day .. or at least I dared to go on the journey no matter what results would come out of it. What works for me .. won't work for you - I relate magnetic fields to rhythms and lines .. it gets me motivated to compare the two.) - Keep writing .. and keep digging inside yourself and you will find your own way .. that suits you. The thing that I'd advise you to do though is to write about it .. and with time and trying you will come up with something indeed but write, write and write to articulate your thoughts and get out of rabbit thinking holes. I don't know if that would help but that helped me so much that I'm thankful to pursue something that's as hard as art .. that I became a way better person and I now understand myself on a deeper level than I thought possible. I'll end with this quote from DaVinci “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.”

[@fathomlessforge8700]

Hi I am 20 years old as well and faced the same issue for several years until recently. I was more obsessed with merely improving and trying to express something that I didn’t understand ( myself). It wasn’t until I reacted to the state of having a day job that I began to draw in my spare time again. From there I cherished the time I spent by drawing whatever came to mind, without overthinking it, I was just making. I was touching on what it meant for art to be therapeutic, fun, and relaxing. So I set out to understand what it means to “love the process”. I came across YT channels like Adam Duff-LucidPixul and Stephen Zapata, who both emphasize art as a way of life that must have balance and fulfillment. In order to truly live that way, I had to not take learning so seriously, I had live my life away from the pencil: sleep well, eat healthy, exercise, socialize, and of course draw without worry for the result - creating spontaneously not analytically. This just my personal journey. But none of it came naturally. I did not automatically always “have a passion for drawing”. I learned that Love is learned. So I practiced by TRYING to focus and become entranced by the tactile feeling of drawing a relaxed line. But I could not even do it without huge bouts of anxiety at first. But by the second or third time of trying “automatic drawing” It was not nearly as bad for me, and I began to figure out that I really was too focused on trying to resemble aspects of other people’s work. I then new I just had to figure myself out. Then I would be able to express the art that resonates with me. It can never hurt to search within your past and feelings for what you personally need.

[@Armendicus]

One way I deal with this is that I stop trying to be perfect. It sounds like you're a perfectionist like me. We have to remind ourselves perfection doesn't exist.

[@Creativepenciling]

Thank you Steven for this video, have fun is the most important thing but it’s easy to forget when you have big goals in mind.

[@J_Tweed]

BRING IT ON!!!