Why I Gave Up My Art Career

[@springwater3723]

Growing up I wanted to be a animator so bad, but after seeing so many stories of bad experiences and unemployment from people in the industry ..I decided to stay in my stable job, start a social media acc and just make my art without the pressure of having to paying the bills,

[@wudly9195]

That makes a lot of sense . For some it’s a lot more freeing to have stable income so you can do art for fun without the pressure of paying bills

[@JourneytoSustainableLiving]

I hope you see success in your journey! I'm also in the middle of a social media journey and I'm now trying to get myself out there by trying to communicate little things about sustainability and ways we can become more climate change resilient, so I'll be showing you support from this end!

[@user-td2lg1fl6h]

Watch the miyazaki documentary and how bitter and jaded he comes across. It’s a life not meant for everyone and not everyone who try can be successful and the ones that do end up like miyazaki. It’s not all sunshine and roses.

[@noel_curray]

i'm currently a digital character animator and you'v made the right decision.

[@MrRossT1]

Best way to go! "ORder of the Stick" the author worked at WalMart while drawing when he got home! :) Made over 1 million on KickStarter. :)

[@peterbabicki8252]

I was fortunate enough to realise this early in life. I was artistic from a very young age, and everyone around me had the idea that I was going to pursue a career in art after leaving school, but I soon discovered that doing art for myself and doing art for other people were two entirely different things.

[@cb465]

I think doing art for other people should be called graphic design, which is what it really is, as I think true art is your own vision, anything involving another companies views becomes graphic design if it's involving making marketing materials etc. there is of course paintings for other people and commisions etc which involve alot of someone elses opinions which could not strictly be called graphic design, but your vision is always compromised if a client is involved, so it's more design than art, which is no bad thing!

[@Heinz57ish]

I opened an Etsy shop in 2021. I'd put my celebrity drawings on mugs and keyrings. Spent about £90 so not too much to lose. 3 months later Etsy closed my shop - I'd not sold one item. After that I tried Christmas cards; 4 years later my family and friends are still getting those cards for Christmas! I tied portrait commissions - my first client didn't like the first attempt, so I rubbed it out and tried again. £75 for about 20 hrs work and a total loss of confidence 😢 My family and friends continually say "you should do something with your art"; not knowing how hard it is. Totally resonate with your video.

[@Magsupyourmind]

It is really hard! I never understood those "this is what I earned with Etsy" videos. Because I spend more on Etsy then I earned. Some people act like it's really easy, it isn't 😅

[@kingaburger1118]

It’s ok! I too gave up on a creative career and work in a stable, safe finance job and draw and paint for myself after hours. The thing is - you don’t need to monetise your hobby. The whole thing ‘find something you love and you will never work a day in your life’ is a lie. You will always work unless you’re independently wealthy. So I work in something less exasperating. Something that gives me an ample income, and the joy I have when I can draw and paint with absolutely zero thought on how to monetise it is, well, priceless.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I agry! I think the biggest lie is that you have to choose. I think there is place to do more things or change focus every few years (or months, or weeks, or hours).

[@ainekearney2878]

Same.. I do art as a hobby while working my safe job

[@valentina_melethiel]

So much negativity gives me anxiety! If you you gave up let others being positive and believe in their dream!

[@kingaburger1118]

@@valentina_melethiel If this, fairly mild, and not particularly negative, comment gives you anxiety, you're not ready for the volatility and stress of trying to make a living as an artist. You really need to be unflappable.

[@valentina_melethiel]

@@kingaburger1118 ok Karen

[@jacouilledefripouille9076]

I quit my freelance job as illustrator/designer for the same reason. And now clients use AI for their images and copywriting. I work for a financial company, not that funny, but I don’t have to worry anymore about income and chasing clients. I miss my creative work, but I still can do it in the weekends. Feeling liberated.

[@vocartagmailcom]

I don't want to worry you, but finances are where AI will dominate the same or more like it was in graphic design.

[@reuterss306]

Try to be happy that you recognized this in time. I went on too long and completely lost the fun...almost my whole life I drew like a maniac and now it's like a part of me has died. Sounds very theatrical, but that's how it really feels sometimes. :D If you draw out of passion and then it turns into a career...that would be the ideal case. But when you start taking on jobs that you don't feel like doing, when it becomes a daily routine and nothing about the work inspires you anymore...that's the beginning of the end.

[@johncitizen8828]

Do you get bored in your financial career?

[@jacouilledefripouille9076]

@@johncitizen8828 every day I talk with people who needs my help. Many funny interactions. No whorries about my income. While illustrating is a solitary job. But it is more fun to do! Yet is not enough rewarded by clients, who often ask changes, for the same price. Within the same deadline. I’m tired of price-discussions. And insecurity.

[@joshuamatthew2897]

What do you mean they use AI for images and copywriting. That is worrying for artists

[@glassofb33r]

THIS was so relatable, I started hating what I was creating when all I was doing was commissions and prints and everything I draw has to be somewhat marketable. I got a "normal" job so that the financial stuff would be taken care of and anything else I got from art was just extras and it's such a relief, like I actually want to draw again, I got back into doing art shows too. This quote is so not for everyone "if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life" I didin't love it anymore, I want to do art to express myself not to focus on selling it.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you for your story. I'm amazed by how many artist feel the same about this subject. How can we still think having a (side) job is a sign of failure. I'm happy to see so many artist feeling the same way.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Why not do art that you love and sell that?

[@glassofb33r]

@@reginaldforthright805 I am, but in my case people ask for commissions way more than getting the originals that are already there. I can't really force someone to just go buy enough stuff that's already made for me to live of:D so a side job gives that comfort of having some income coming in while having the freedom to create whatever without the stress of it not selling

[@katm8128]

@@reginaldforthright805because what a person likes to draw and what actually makes money are often vastly different. I’m the same. I love art so much more now that I work a regular job and have it on the side

[@spinnie0]

Yes the quote should actually be "If you work in the field you love, you'll come to hate it."

[@JasmijnVleugel]

Thank you for this video! I'm in the exact same boat (and also from The Netherlands by the way 😉), and it took me such a long time to accept the fact that my dream job on doing art full-time wasn't a dream job after all. I worked so hard for that dream though.. Eight years of studies, two art degrees, my own creative business with 5 star review, and yet, I was constantly stressed out. Now I've got a job in finance and I feel calmer than ever. I also finally picked up a pencil again, after being unable to for 4+ years. For some reason, it hurts to realize that I'm happier when I'm not working at "my dream job". It just doesn't make any sense to me. But your video really did help. Somehow, seeing others struggle with the same thing, makes the struggle less weird or "wrong", if you know what I mean. 😊 So thanks a bunch for sharing, and let's keep on creating because it can be a joyful thing to do. ❤

[@Magsupyourmind]

A few months ago, I watched a video where @Slew interviewed Shannon Vaugh. During the conversation, she mentioned something profound: working a job alongside her art to create more space for her artistic pursuits. This statement resonated deeply with me. Given Shannon’s incredible talent and the high demand for her work, it struck me that she chose not to paint full-time by choice. Her decision made me realize that I, too, don't want to paint the whole day (for others). It's a watch tip ;)

[@inkagarden8939]

I knew at 5 years old I wanted to make art for the rest of ma life. But, I never saw art as a job or a dream job, to me the business part of the art world is a nightmare. I never wanted that and never will. I want to paint and create for myself in the first place! I thought I funny about it, but I’m, used to not thinking like the masses, until I saw a documentary of some artists, one who is NOT an artists, but a narcisisits, sells his shit in Galeries in Europe and he does it for the fame and the money, he said it himself. And another woman artists said that she did not even want to sell her art, bc it’s so profoundly intimate that how can you depart from it, even for money?! Other well selling woman artists said the same in other documentary, she said, she did not even one to depart from even one of her paintings, but she had to, in order to succeed, so that it will be expose, she earns a lot of money by painting, she sells the minimum possible though. I might not sell a painting in my life, but there are great MASTERS who also failed at selling and making a living from their paintings, such as Vermeer and Van Goh, but even Leonardo Da vinci had to do so much other stuff before he finally in old age, was invited to France and he took the Monalisa there, he finally had the support he needed to calmly paint what HE wanted to paint and out of this comes the Monalisa.

[@ericeakes7733]

61 yrs old. Studied commercial art in trade school, several years later went to community college to study fine art with the intention of teaching, ive commercially made paid art before the computer age and after. Eventually i arrived at the point you did, ive made hand lettered, and vinal signs, airbrushed, practiced calligraphy, oil painted, charcoal, pencil , ink...every avenue of mediums thinking the next would unlock the door. Still, same results. Its my general opinion, its a bad time to be an artist. The trade has been devalued bc of the availability of affordable materials and the number of people practicing, vrs the demand. Keep your head up. Best wishes

[@IshikaShanai]

Honestly, it's refreshing hearing about how art as a business to sustain yourself wasn't a lifestyle that worked out for your because at the end of the day, running your own business is a 24/7 gig with it's own risks. So not having a day job to sustain the business during it's low periods is definitely rough and takes all the joy out of creativity because it becomes a job that doesn't even makes ends meet, especially when compared to other forms of work. It's 100% okay to try out different paths for yourself and I love how you package your wisdom gained from reflecting on your business ventures. I hope your back pain eases up with time and that art continues to be a source of joy for you in the long run. :)

[@Magsupyourmind]

That's really cool to hear! Thank you!

[@alekid]

It's very rare to run into honest videos like these, even ending with a very wise advice. As someone who's been over 20 years in the same industry not only I know very well what you are talking about, but I live it daily up to this day. In order to keep my own art alive I need to keep it away from monetization, which pains me because who doesn't dream of making money with the very same thing that feeds your soul? I still deal with clients such as those you mention, but I work on my own pieces in my free time, which isn't much. I don't think that will ever go anywhere, but for now I just know and feel I want to keep doing it. The harsh reality of the matter is what you described in this video. I appreciate it immensely because social media are plagued by characters with a happy-go-lucky attitude trying to compete at popularity and giving advice that never even worked for themselves. Or wanna-be-artists who are supported by mom and dad while pretending they are making big bucks online. That charade is misleading and can in fact be hurtful, because many young artists will compare their own failures to those "success stories", when in reality we live in a much harsher world and we need to know it in order to find our own path in it. So in the end what matters the most? Precisely your concluding points: health and passion. Those should always come first.

[@Magsupyourmind]

What a beautiful reaction and beautiful story! Thank you for sharing (and thanks for the compliments ;))

[@kcirful]

“The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.” - Kurt Vonnegut

[@SoffyChannel]

I've worked as a graphic designer for 7 years and the industry is horrible. It has left me with burnout symptoms, lack of confidence and a deep anxiety because the pressure is incredibly high. I also quit and have gone back to school to work in childcare eventually. The financial aspect and uncertainty was a huge breaking point for me, you just don't know if you ever get a job again if you quit or being fired. The pay is so bad, I couldn't even afford my own place to live..

[@sandragustafsson3125]

I am so glad more and more artists are discovering that it is almost NEVER worth it to sacrifice your passion and creativity for money. I have struggled for some time with the false and very stupid notion of "If you don't make money off your art you're not a *rEaL* artist". The stress and press of making money off my art is *murder* to my creativity. I just can't do it, and I've realized I actually simply don't want to. I am much much better off having a stable job I like, with a stable income. With that, my mind can relax and my creativity flow. My art is amazing anyway, and maybe it gets even better without that financial pressure looming over me.

[@carlkligerman1981]

Not enough people understand this. In my late twenties I started selling paintings, and a lot of them, in a real gallery and all that. But after a few years I grew tired of just making the same kind of painting. But only these would sell, anytime I tried something different the director of the gallery would give me that stern look: ‘what are you doing, this is a good thing we have here, why change it?’ Art CAN be a job, like any other, unfortunately. And I never wanted my Art to feel like a job. So I, too, quit. I still do personal work but not for money, ever again. And am much happier.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I can relate! I think a big part of my freedom in art is the change in art. Every time when I think, oeh I really do have my own style, I'm bored with it. That's why I think the whole 'you should find your own style' is b s.

[@carlkligerman1981]

@@Magsupyourmind yeah, totally understand. I mean even a great painter like Jeremy Mann, for example, churns out variations on the same paintings, over and over again. It turns the work into a commodity, and the artist becomes the supplier of it, nothing more. And so many people aspire to that level of success without understanding how boring and like ANY other job it can become. Few artists get the freedom to explore their creativity boundlessly and get paid to do so. For most of us, if we really want to maintain the joy of making art, doing it part time around an actual job it is a much more realistic lifestyle. I found actually that having LESS time to paint made me use my free time much more effectively and with far greater satisfaction than when I enjoyed the apparent ‘freedom’ to ‘create’ (as though repeating yourself over and over again was creating!) all day long. Best of luck to you, hope your health improves.

[@alzamonart]

@@carlkligerman1981 This is a very interesting mind trick. I've gone all the way from weekend artist to a full-time one to back to a "being a weekend artist wasn't so bad" phase. It's like having a steady income even if it has nothing to do with art kind of frees you of any guilt respective of what you do with your free time - you've earned it. We all dream of having all the time in the world to make art, but when you finally do and financial worries start creeping in - that's no fun.

[@emilyestelle7471]

I get this; I had a gallery offer to feature my paintings. But then she started bad-mouthing another artist who didn't know enough to "Stay in her lane," and I was like... "I'm good; I don't want to put anything in your gallery, thanks." She was mad and very confused. I guess galleries don't get rejected by artists very often...

[@flowerbloom5782]

Dam sounds like the wrong environment. Maybe doing projects you would enjoy collabing with?

[@katiethomascreativeproduct4216]

So sorry to hear you didn't like your art career. I think the difficult thing about trying to make art work as a career and where I see a lot of artists go wrong is that we have to pay attention to the business side of it and researching what do customers actually want (specifically with products) and pay attention to trends instead of creating art and hoping it will sell. It's really hard because we don't always want that to dominate what we want to create, but if we want to sell then we have to cater to it to some extent. Or grow a following that is super into our work, which is also challenging. I also really dislike commission work because I don't love how the creative control can be taken away from you and there's pressure for everything to be good. I totally feel you on that. I personally love making illustration my career but I have had to adapt to the parts I don't like as best as I can (bookkeeping, revisions, negotiating), and yes, the financial instability is tough. Good on you for putting this out there, I think it's good for a lot of us to face these realities and also hear that we are not alone going through the tough parts! ❤

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you!

[@HonestlyHolistic]

that's the thing, I actually can't imagine working a "normal" job for a living, because even part time is killing me, so I'd also rather freelance or work as a designer / illustrator at a company and then STILL work on MY personal projects, it can be different in that way of course, and like you said, adjust to the things I dislike, because adjusting to some things is still better to me than adjusting to an entire job that I don't like

[@justenjoy-rr7ho]

I gave up a successful art career because for the same reasons you mentioned. I lost the love of art now I just do it for myself and I love it again. I'm not blessed with the love of business and selling myself unfortunately. I'm now a postie and enjoy every second of doing art.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Nice! Good for you!

[@alzamonart]

This is the dilemma I've been fighting over my entire life. I actually majored in arts and wanted to have a full-time career as a children's illustrator but I quickly realized it was easier for me to make money in technology as a web/UX designer. After 25+ years of this when I was let go of my last office job I felt it was about time to try it again at art but giving all I've got -live the dream for once. Didn't take long for me to find out the pressure of monetizing your art and having to sell your time and sanity for much less than I used to at IT can suck all the joy off it - why we want to make art in the first place. These days I'm back to performing freelance UX/UI client projects while keeping personal art projects on the side, and tbh - the peace of mind having a sort of steady income flow again can't be overrated. If a really good offer in art comes along that doesn't force me to make concessions - I'll see what to do about that. But for now, it is what it is.

[@HayleeMorice]

This year I also made the decision to stop pursuing my art career and got a job at my local college. And I am so much happier. I don't stress every day about what my next project will be and if other people will like it, or why my shop isn't doing as well this month. Now, I go to work, go home, and live the rest of my life. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to explore the life of a full time artist for so many years, and have so much support come my way, but I do not miss the stress and the inability to mentally separate the finances from the art.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I feel the same way! Thanks for sharing!

[@paisleyrosestuff]

Thank you for sharing this! I never made it very far in my attempts to build an "art career" and I realize now that a lot of it was my fear of having to do the things you mentioned, such as with commissions or markets, as well as the fact that I've struggled with art block off and on (mostly on) ever since I started trying to sell it. So it's actually very motivating and inspiring to see how you've "given up" on an art career in order to find joy in art again. It gives me hope that I will find it again, too.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you! I wish you and everyone the joy of making art! With or without the career ;)

[@msdanigart]

I'm so glad to see more videos like these. I was disillusioned with my art career in 2020 and decided to go part-time in 2023 after a health scare. It's so funny, because I was all 'a job is a prison' kind of person in my early 20s, but now I look forward to the stability even if I have to get up early and don't have as much free time.

[@l.5832]

I have a strict line between hobbies and paid work. I will never ever monetize a hobby. I am semi retired and I keep reading articles about making retirement income through your hobbies. Nope. To me, monetizing your joy in life is the quickest way to kill it. I liked photography but I would never sell my photos. What I did instead, was sell camera equipment. So it was related....I enjoyed the work.....but my creativity was never up for judgement.

[@Tamietwist]

This is great advice.

[@JohnBowl14690]

I like your take on the hobby/monitzation theory. I think it depends on the person and their situation. But I do see your point.

[@macnavi]

I quit as an illustrator as I was fed up chasing invoices to be paid. One time it took them a year to pay.

[@Silbern_Art]

It’s scary to be honest with yourself, and to change your mind. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@Katharine-000]

Bless you, I don’t have your talent, but i would absolutely hate all the things that you hated too! This is a salutary lesson in keeping your joy and your commercial demands separate - the “follow your dreams” crew have an awful lot to answer for. I found that boring and lucrative is the best kind of career for me, my happy comes from elsewhere 😅

[@Erikboddeus]

I love your honesty and admire your bravery to pursue your happiness over money as a creative being!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you!

[@annab.5052]

Thank you for your video! You were really quite brave to admit that most of the time, it is hard and unfulfilling to create and sell art for profit. I had a similar experience -- I would create a piece of art and immediately some well-meaning friend/family/stranger would want to buy it. Being tempted by the lure of making some extra money on the side (not to mention the sheer flattery of the offer to give me money for my talent), I would enter negotiations just to find out that they wanted my work, but at rock-bottom prices! The question that always bubbled to the top was "Did I overestimate my talent and time, or were they just being cheap?" This led to many uncomfortable moments with family, friends, and strangers. Since I was already working as a computer engineer making good money, I decided to keep my art to myself. Now that I am retired, I do share my art with various artistic groups I belong to, but I no longer consider selling a piece unless the potential buyer offers a fair price from the beginning -- no negotiations. Needless to say, this almost never happens, and I have just come to peace with that -- I make art for me, and I find that joyful. That said, I do give my art as gifts to people who I feel are worthy of it -- these instances bring joy to everyone.

[@huldadaadottir6757]

I’m not an artist, but you explained yourself so well. I like your analytical mind…you have a gift for explaining things.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you so much!

[@jimwalton8973]

This is why I never pursued a career in music for similar reasons ... You can play all the music you don't like for people who don't care. Soul destroying isn't it? when you put your heart and soul into something to find your just throwing pearls before the swine.

[@olganesterowicz2112]

It's much worse. They are gonna accuse you of musical plagiarism.

[@lme4339]

3:41 to be honest, I am maybe an a**hole artist. I simply do whatever I think. Either the client likes it or not. They commissioned me with my creativity. I wouldn’t go to art markets because I don’t think artists on the art markets in my area take enough money for their work so artists wouldn’t make any losses with participating there.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I like that mindset!

[@lme4339]

@@Magsupyourmind thank you. The downside of this is of course that the customers never know what they will get. If they tell me in advance that they want a certain material or style, I will try my best to fulfill their wish, but if I don’t feel it, I don’t feel it and would tell them that. One more downside is that I don’t have a fixed style. I draw what I feel and sometimes it’s more expressive, more realistic, more cartoony. I only noticed that in most cases, I somehow add a rainbow in some way in my work. It happens unconsciously and not always, but around 90 % of my work contains somewhere a rainbow or something rainbow-ish. Even in photography. But just like you now, art is not my main income. So I can simply be who I am. I only think I should be more consistent, but life happens and I stay relaxed. If I stress myself too much, I won’t be happy.

[@nicolasb.henry294]

Never quit your job unless you can leave fully from your art career. Money is essential to pay your rent and your bills. Thank you for your honesty and I hope you will find your way thanks to your new job.

[@flowerbloom5782]

People need to hear this more.

[@rfart419]

Personally, I still want to become a famous KZbin artist known for openly venting my frustration or anger in professional artwork someday because I'm so tired of feeling left out or misunderstood all the time because of my autism spectrum disorder. 😢❤🎉

[@Magsupyourmind]

I also still want to become a famous KZbin artist. And that's a real good motivation!

[@RuanFourieStix]

I 100% agree. I'm not the biggest fan of my day-job, but it sets me free to create the art that I want to, rather than the art I'm hoping someone would be willing to buy. Great video. P.S. Please clean your keyboard. Those suckers get really dirty really quick, and need regular cleaning.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Hahaha, I know! I just noticed how dirty it was when I started editing. But thanks ;)

[@reliikki]

Thank you for your honest video. I've been reflecting on the same issue myself-I've decided not to make photography my full-time job because I'm afraid it would destroy my love for capturing nature. I want to keep doing it without the pressure of making money from it, so I can produce my best work. I've been pulled in many directions I didn't want to go, and it's often hard to say no when it feels like those opportunities could help build my career and network. But in the end, it leaves me feeling burnt out. Thank you again for the reminder ✨️

[@ravenhendershott1058]

Your description of how markets and shows are hit pretty hard. It is why I began to interact with those sitting next to me at events that also had downtime. This, and seeing people I never for over 5 years getting out of the home and having fun for the day, became why I went to these things (even though I too was losing money). I enjoy the process of the shows but I know that I cannot support myself with them just yet. Perhaps someday, but for now they are my fun and social outing a few times a year. I'm glad you have learned what does, and doesn't, work for you and I wish you the best.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I did make nice contacts on markets also! But the gamble of not knowing who is next to you (and if they are willing to be social to) made me prefer having a friend with me. But yes, it can be a very social activity! Thank you! I wish you much succes in the future also!

[@dorinases]

Selling something to make money to pay bills its a business mindset.. some people are great at selling, some are great at are and some are great at both.. but some people are loners and love being alone not much of a people person so they can make great art but won’t be noticed.. I think its best to have a stable career for those who are not business minded..and keep painting as a hobby and if its sells great if not not a big deal..

[@DQ_ArtGroupie]

I went through my own version of the stuff you've described here with music as a career, which I eventually gave up for another field. All the while, I also had this "art thing" going, but I fiercely protected it from classes, critiques and external pressure by just doing it for FUN. How pursuing it professionally might have turned out had I tried is a great unknown, but it remains a great outlet. btw, hella amazing work on your drawing of Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother" photo!!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Yeah, it's so important to keep it fun! And thank you so much! Glad you recognize it.

[@Katie_Lass]

wow, you're cool! love your work. I've been making drawings and paintings since high school and started feeling some pressure to monetize my passion in recent adulting years, but something about doing that has always caused uneasy feelings for me. when I do get a commission, I usually end up finding some satisfaction in it and grow from it in unexpected ways which can be worthwhile, but generally it causes me way more anxiety than when I create purely for myself (often I share the result later which sometimes leads to commissions, and the cycle continues.) anyway this was really heartening to see and makes me feel better about letting things unfold in a more natural way. thanks for sharing

[@billyliar1614]

I can relate to the constant requests from clients for alterations. Ge's really, really tired after a while.

[@Pendegrof]

That was wonderful, after coming across so many many get rich quick in art gurus posting videos. I am so glad you reconnected with your heart. Thank you for posting such an honest glimpse of your life. I feel privileged to have seen it.

[@Magsupyourmind]

These words are really kind. Thank you so much!

[@armyofone13]

I know someone who went through a well respected art school in the US and they moved to NYC only to find out the hard way that “the art scene” in New York was highly exclusive and exclusionary (surprise surprise) and they couldn’t “break on the scene.” Idk what ever happened-like did they eventually try the online world? but I am sharing in this thread so others can get the message that sometimes it’s not you!!

[@chefskiss6179]

Can't say how incredibly valuable this posting of yours is. It should be played to many students while still in high school (when they really are at that fork in the road), much less people who are in it as well as wanting to question being in it for so long. I was in the same boat as you were, and in the end I left it and 'settled' with production art. I take whatever has been signed off by the client and make sure it's good to go (for press/web, in different sizes that meet provided standards). There is no um-ing and aw-ing by the client, wondering if they could see it in three different reds, or would switching the background for something else maybe be better? No. No stress on my part wondering what the client wants. I can't tell you how zen it all is, lol. I'm glad you've found your peace as well (for now).

[@Magsupyourmind]

That's really kind of you to say. Thank you so much!

[@Be_Nice_To_Dogs]

A good art director understands the role of an AD and on average they'll request one, maybe two, changes in the production process. Because up front they're clear on what they need, and they provide accurate description (OK, it's not actually the ADs who write the descriptions in my case, but still) and they don't change their minds. The first company I worked for freelance - a big Japanese gaming company - was over a six year period, and I did around 170 pieces for them. In total I had about 20 or 30 revision requests, all minor. That's the way to do it. My main client for many years used to be the same, but recently they've been partnering with big game and movie companies, and it's these companies who now provide the feedback. Sometimes that goes OK, sometimes it results in confusion. Then we have the companies where the AD doesn't understand their job at all. They change the spec, they micromanage, invite 'the team' to give feedback, change their minds and it's a total pain. I use these as filler jobs but even so, they're ridiculously frustrating and I think next year I won't bother. As for personal commissions, I don't do them any more. And like you I found that even raising the cost didn't deter people. On the one hand, I found I could charge pretty much anything. On the other hand, I hated the work and felt like a scammer.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I don't think I've ever had the pleasure of working with an art director. That probably explains why I’ve had to go through so many revisions. I believe that when it's clear who in the company is responsible for reviewing the work (ideally just one person), it would save so much time and effort. I completely agree with you, especially on the last part. It just doesn’t feel right. Thanks for sharing!

[@Be_Nice_To_Dogs]

@@Magsupyourmind Yeah, a good art director makes all the difference. And what you find is that good art directors tend to be accomplished artists, so they know the craft and don't ask for things that don't work and would need correcting further down the line. Great videos, BTW.

[@Magsupyourmind]

@Be_Nice_To_Dogs Thank you!

[@PepperDeVillle]

Thank you for sharing your story. Your story is beautiful and admirable. It sucks that it's such a struggle. I think you kind of can't win because if you go get another job, you can't have enough free time to be a truly great artist. I think being a professional artist when you are young is the way to go, and then getting a day job when the health problems take over.

[@noelcastillo3829]

Your honesty really comes through here, and I agree. Companies and clients think you're just a pair of hands for their ideas. We artists do have brains, and it doesn't feel good for someone to walk over your years of experience simply because they offered you money. Money does not override creativity, nor does it compensate for the years of sacrifice that artists lovingly endure to develop their skills. Some artists do prefer honing the craft and working in a pipeline, but for the rest of us, sites like Patreon are opening a path.

[@wendydashwood7879]

I can totally relate. Art can be disappointing, exhausting and I found your honesty refreshing. I wasn't making any money from my art but a year ago I nearly jacked it in too. I've had to completely re think my whole approach so I can still create but without putting myself under pressure to make money out of it. Your artwork is lovely by the way. Well done for finding a more fulfilling and rewarding way to enjoy being an artist 🎉

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing

[@artofmaeve]

It’s very scary to give up what you e built from scratch and i think you are very brave to let go of it❤ To be honest, in my opinion, maybe revising business plan could’ve lifted some of your hardness. Currently I am going slower to take commissions and I am not afraid to say No when I can’t produce the quality work. I never do outdoor and I don’t do pay-to-play unless I’m really sure about it. My promise is to keep my expense under profit and work within my financial means. I don’t enjoy commission that much but I still like to take ones because it’s usually in memory of someone passed and that gives my work so much meaning. I hope you are still creating and enjoying to be able to create for joy after letting go of all the burden of art biz❤

[@Magsupyourmind]

I think I will be back into art soon. But I wish it to be with a lot of ideas, energy, fun, playfulness, freedom etc. That's why I need to stop everything, indeed revising the business plan and come back. I do however find my other jobs also very interesting. I'm not unhappy being there. It helps the creativity flow.

[@lisal5976]

Can you comment on what kind of different job you do now ? Also considering shifting 😊

[@Magsupyourmind]

@@lisal5976 I'm doing two parttime jobs now. One in administration for the government and one as a social worker being a youth coach. Just doing both to discover what fits better. I think I will stick with the administration job because it challenged me most. I like to use my thinking brain again. And that stimulate my creative brain also.

[@blachastudios]

The struggle is so real thank you for being so honest and upfront on the reality of being a artist. We are so undervalued at times

[@normanbon]

Thank you for sharing your struggle and path forward. From reading the comments, I can tell your perspective and insight has helped a lot of people here. Myself included.

[@Magsupyourmind]

☺️

[@Autorange888]

I will never give up doing artwork, I partook in exhibitions and I did one man shows, I avoid the official channels for subsidised art, I also avoid art contests. Doing art is a noble enterprise.

[@exithamlet.]

thank you so much for sharing your experience! it was inspiring and supporting somehow. i’m struggling with very similar issues in art career, anxiety, pressure, boundaries, low income and feedback, no time to make art for myself. i wish you strength and luck on your new path!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

I relate to this so much. Working with people is so stressful.

[@BleBleBle-x8f]

This was like a freindly hug. For the last couple of years i felt pressured and unhappy. I worked in medical field. But i was always dreaming to be someone in art field. i chicken out to go to art uni, made my 10 years in medical field and....quit. i feel so good! now i have a job as a one-man band in a startup, i feel challenged while not pressured! :) i have time to make commisions for caricatures and its so fullfiling! :)

[@Magsupyourmind]

That sounds amazing! Good job!!👏

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Wow, ik herken zoveel in jouw verhaal. Voor mij was de passie aura healing en reading en uiteindelijk werd hetgeen wat mij het gelukkigst maakte een ballast en een "moeten". Nu ga ik de kunst kant op waardoor het erg goed voor mij is om dit soort waarschuwingen te zien. Ik herken me ook in de ziekte en pijn kant dat is echt een heel lastig aspect. Supergoed dat je eruit bent gekomen en nu weer schik hebt met jouw kunst en een stabiel fundament hebt. Zonder dat stabiele fundament kunnen wij niets bouwen dus dat is toch zó belangrijk. Heel goed gedaan!!!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Wat lief! Dankjewel. En wat tof om je reis te horen. Lijkt me ook heel tegenstrijdig om in de healing te zitten en het daarin als last te ervaren. Kunst is heel leuk maar je moet het inderdaad invullen naar hoe jij gelukkig word. Niet teveel compromissen doen ;)

[@TheLobstersoup]

A lot of this resonates with me, but I am someone who tried to shut art out of his life for a decade. Then I had a really bad and chronic illness, which had slowly destroyed me for ten years. I had always worked, until I broke down after a late shift like an old car. Emergency OP and after recovery I tried working in my old job, but quit after two more years and now I am drawing every day. But I still need a dayjob, just not as my sole purpose in life. I don't get angy about work anymore. Because it is just a job now. The one thing you don't want to do is to commodify yourself. We are not made to sell ourselves and it makes us feel cheap about the great things we can create.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Wow, that sounds like a huge journey. Thanks for sharing and good to hear that you're drawing again.

[@lescroquisdevivien]

Putting pressure on myself to make an income while selling my art and become a full time artist just killed my inspiration! Today I prioritize the joy of creating. Wish you the best

[@cedarmccloud]

I went through basically the same thing with commissions and am glad I no longer offer them! I've been making a living as an artist full time for 6 years now and I've been having similar thoughts wondering if it's really the dream job I thought it would be. When I was younger, I knew a lot of artists who said they'd never turn art into a career because it might ruin it for them; I didn't understand at the time, but now I do! On the other hand, sometimes I feel guilty because there's so many people who wish they could have this job. Thank you for sharing your story, it helps me feel less alone and a lot less guilty 💜💜💜

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you so much! (Reading the comments we are definitely not the only ones!)

[@coloredcarol8074]

Love love love this video and your earnest view. We are so bombarded these days with the ideal full time artist myth, it’s refreshing to see someone sharing the struggles. I decided a long time ago to keep my unrelated day time job to have the mental and financial freedom to pursue my art the way it gives me joy. Like you, I tried markets, contacting businesses and commissions and experienced very similar feelings and shortcomings, so, I figured I just couldn’t deal with it on a daily basis to pay my bills.

[@MoistCrumpet]

I went through a phase where I really wanted to pursue an art career, but I eventually decided against it. I still think I made a very good decision. I love being able to create what I want to create without feeling pressured to get more online followers or getting money from it.

[@Rabble1narms]

Been a vfx artist for about 12 years now and tbh the second I find an out that will support my family I am going to take it. Between the feast or famine that is the art world, a constant need to travel, the competition, the looming presence of machine learning, its just not worth it imho. in 12 years I've lived in in 8 different cities (each being the most expensive cities you can live in), 2 of which were different countries with and without my family. Spent most of my 30's in front of a computer screen and with remote being more common now basically working 24-7. The strikes and Covid crushed my industry, anything I saved was wiped out several times now and I was one of the luckier ones being able to piece together work here and there to survive in the 2-3 times the bottom dropped out (key word there being survive). The cost its taken to get to this point hasn't seemed worth it for me ultimately and most of the time when I go to sit down and do my own work I just don't have the drive anymore which really sucks.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Wow, this is really shocking. I hope your situation will get better very soon! I wish you and your family the best!

[@Rabble1narms]

@@Magsupyourmind much appreciated. At the end of the day pain is certainly relative to the individual experiencing it, but one only needs to look at the news or realities of the current state of the world to realize that it could certainly be worse and in that regard I feel lucky most of the time all and all.

[@AnnatarBlackbook]

I though it's only me. I can relate to this 😢 It really hurts my feelings when I used to paint to release the pain or heal my inner self, and then a self-doubt crisis hit so hard that I couldn't paint for two years. After hurting myself enough and going through therapy, I let go of my own expectations, changed, and started from zero. This year, I’m back to painting again. I had one thought: if my time were to end soon, what would I really want to do but haven't yet? The answer was my first solo exhibition. Now I'm in Poland, 5000 miles away from my hometown. I have no idea what the result will be, but I'm all in on this challenge. Wish me luck 🙏

[@Magsupyourmind]

Waauuww! I wish you aaaall the luck! That sounds amazing!

[@SarahAndBoston]

Thanks for your honesty! I have experienced many of these things as well and it is truly heartbreaking. Everything you said is so true, I felt every word. I'm glad that you were able to retain your love for art.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I wish you the love for creating too!

[@KarlaCeciliaMacíasChávez]

i feel so identified with you, thanks for sharing! I think yours is a very wise approach.

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you!

[@sandramusic]

So many good reflections in this! I think a lot of us love the solo studio time making art but never wanted to be a solo entrepreneur. It is really a very different life when all manner of tasks fall on your head, just your shoulders. At points, thats good because you are in charge and can make the decisions etc. it is great, but everyone has limits.

[@asterlately]

I loved watching your video and hearing your story about this topic - I'm glad you found something else to satisfy your financial needs in life. Even though I never got far enough in my "art career" to support me financially, I found the stress and pressure around treating it as a career sucked the life and love out of it for me. Writing and books too! I'm finding that having outside jobs that satisfy other passions is important to me, and it feels so, so much better. Cheers friend!

[@hectortelloc]

I'm actually in the same situation except my life's passion was programming. I spent years and years doing it as a hobby, perfecting my craft and reaching levels I could never imagine. I ended up landing gigs as a software developer working with a legendary industry veteran in video games. But it made me miserable, I started becoming sick and had a terrible falling out with those I worked with. It soured me so much I was done. There are times I want to work on special projects for fun only to burn out. I think I'm honestly done for good. I too found I can't sit and do this for hours on end without feeling sick. So I started pursing art. I always wanted to be a comic book artist and been working towards that goal. I don't want to work for anyone else, just do my own comic book and see it to completion. As for programming, maybe one day I'll feel a spark again but, I think it's over, I been chasing it for years and it's taken a toll on my family and myself. I made too many sacrifices and for what? My own selfish desire. No regrets. I did okay, I got further than many people with it.

[@SequentialSnep]

Thanks for sharing. That was quite the road. As someone who just does it for fun looking in, I do feel it's really difficult to have art become income as I don't think many people appreciate art.

[@scatkitchen]

Hi! Oh, your channel is so great. 💜 I gave up on being a full-time musician for the same reasons. I still do music, only original music, but I don't have to make a living out of it. Such a relief!

[@katykat8582]

Thank you for sharing this! ❤ I myself realized lately that I don't want to work as an Illustrator (like I always thought) because I really hate doing revisions 😂 And I enjoy having complete creative freedom.

[@wild_cub_times]

I actually clicked, bc that's literally the haircolor I want

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thanks! For the haircolor: I use the brand 'Lunar Tides' and then mix the colors 'Juniper Green' with 'Cerulean Sea'. ;)

[@mangadud]

Could really relate to the part about revisions, when I left school I did some illustration commissions and I hated it, particularly hated it when they asked me to change things. I knew after that I couldn't continue,. I also sold my graphic novels at comic cons and then burnt out. I stopped doing anything for around 6 years then tried to go back to selling again but nothing really worked out. Now I am trying to get into the animation industry but I'm learning technical skills and they only require a little bit of drawing. I would rather draw for myself for fun when I feel like it.

[@paul_domici]

Wow what a great video!!! What you went through are all the things I fear being on my own as an artist! You are amazing and beautiful by the way!!!

[@timhammell394]

Well said and presented, been there done that, still working on the last part. Thank you!

[@mushroomlena]

Fantastic video! I love that you tried so many ways of making money through art and took us through the journey. It must have been difficult and it’s amazing to have those experiences under your belt. I chose the corporate creative job route and the security is more meaningful to me now than when I was younger. I don’t have to worry about making art to pay bills. And I don’t tie my self worth and identity to art anymore. Art is really something for me personally and I like it that way more than I expected. Also, I don’t take any of my work I do for money as a reflection of me, which is a lot easier when it’s just a job. It gives me work/life separation.

[@thoseartyfolk]

100% I've been through every one of these scenarios and don't know what to do. Thank you for this video though, good to know I'm not alone or going mad 😅

[@Starcloud1986]

Dank je wel voor deze video! Voor de corona droomde ik van een carrière als zzp-er. Custom made epoxy tafels. Ben heel blij dat het niet door het is gegaan, maar ook weer beetje verdrietig. Nu wil ik mijn creativiteit in het frontend programmeren inzetten. Ik kan me heel erg relateren in je video!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Ik vind epoxy tafels wel echt prachtig vaak! Ik ben nu heel blij dat ik een soort combi heb van projecten en inkomsten. Dus ik kan het zeker aanraden om het allemaal te doen 😉 maar dan wel met de mindset dat het niet perse moet (want voor je het weet ben je over-vraagt).

[@Mrevolva]

i can relate so much , i had lots of problems with feedback from clients, i ended up being dissatisfied with the client wishes, so much so that it would ruin my excitement for the project. You would think i would be happy if the client was happy. I ended up being frustrated.

[@FilipaValentim]

Such a good video! I'm on the quest to start having a living out of art so that really sounds like a dream to me right now, but I totally see how I could get to a place like where you were. Thanks for sharing!

[@FilipaValentim]

So you just got a new subscriber! 😄 So happy to have found your channel!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you! Glad to have you around ;)

[@BokuPower]

I found that to be a very freeing conversation you just had. Thank you for that video.

[@barendbredenkamp8736]

Brilliant and sensible, it sounds a lot like my life too... I think Artists should keep reinventing themselves like this woman does.

[@AwesomeAndrew]

This sounds like a great success to me, the lessons learned about life and yourself is the true value.

[@AleksdeArt]

I'm sorry that you had to go through it the hard way, the important thing is that you learned a lesson and weren't afraid to give up on what no longer fulfills you. I love your art and I believe others feel the same, who knows what we all have to go through in life, I think it's brave of you to openly show your path without embellishment and thank you for that. ✨🤍🤍🤗

[@Magsupyourmind]

That's really kind! Thank you!

[@MarloesDeVries]

Your video was suggested to me by KZbin, and I get why :D I know exactly what you mean and why you made this decision. I've been working as a creative since I was 12 years old, went to art school, and have been freelancing full time since 2008. If you're not one of the lucky few (or are teaching online which actually makes artists millions sometimes), it's very hard to make a living with it. Constantly worrying about keeping your head above water is stressful. It has made me sick, actually. So yes, I totally get you. Well done for prioritising your health and sanity :)

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you! Good to hear that also you struggle with this. I know your work and I love it! I wish you the best!

[@vny.artstudio]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I found this video really helpful because I'm figuring out my journey with art. I just started doing vendor markets last year, and I like hearing what other artists experience. I can relate to the feelings.

[@springnicole]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel so strongly that some creatives need to teach or perform instead of selling art. Some of us are not high volume sellers that can keep churning out art. There are some ways you can be in the arts without having to turn yourself into a roving store. Live painting for events, mural painting, public art commissions, writing art books, to name a few. The thing is, making art can get expensive and you soon need storage for your work unless you destroy it. So, then you have to give it away and something in your mind is saying, “Why not sell it” and then people offer to buy things you create. Even if you don’t do commissions, this can happen. And then your time is worth something too. If you have a family, you may feel compelled to make art a money making venture just to justify the time you spend on it and offset the cost of supplies.

[@jessummerart]

I’m doing my first market soon. I enjoyed hearing your experiences… it’s not all fairy tales as an artist. But I’m happy that for market I invited friends and friends that will sit with me. I didn’t expect to make much money with my art lol Mostly doing it as an art goal. Thanks for the tips!

[@christianmeza4941]

Artists are the salt and pepper of this life and world. All artistic professions and others that fall outside of a 'regular job' can be unstable and nerve-wracking, but like any goal, project, or creation - such as music, sculpture, or even sports, in this case, painting - when done with love for the creation itself, if the moment comes and it succeeds greatly, the artist will be well-deservedly valued, both economically and personally. But let's be honest, most might not achieve this. However, it is important to understand that current times, while presenting many challenges, also offer many opportunities due to the tools available today. So, if a person can sustain themselves and live from their art, that's already a gain as long as they are happy. ✌

[@pabulumm]

Thank you for this video. I got my degree in art but never used it and it's weighed on me all these years, but hearing your story helps me to realize that maybe it wasn't the path for me anyway. My load feels a bit lighter now. Thanks again.

[@Magsupyourmind]

I relate. I studied Communication and Multimediadesign. But I also dont want to do anything with it. I also learned to play a music instrument for 8 years and then never again. I think there are many people feeling the same way. Sometimes it's just time to move on.

[@pabulumm]

@@Magsupyourmind I agree. I never envisioned myself becoming a career artist, I just went to college because that's what I was told to do and I had to pick something to study so I picked what I loved. But doing so killed my love for it. I think a lot of people think that you have to stick with something for life otherwise it was a "waste" but I'm slowly learning that's not the case. At least you can say you tried.

[@Magsupyourmind]

@pabulumm yes! And there are so many skills overlapping other skills. Or usefull for other things in life. I think it's never a waste of time. Just a shift of focus.

[@gee355Art]

Very honest and clear! Thank you!

[@boldbrushart]

Great video ! and this is something we talk a lot about to our artists - that sometimes the pressures of selling art prevents us from creating the best art. From the words of Clint Watson - Our Founder "We normally think of a Muse as a force, or being, or a part of our subconscious that delivers inspiration from the Mystery to us. But it’s not a one-way flow from Muse to Artist. You are in a relationship with your Muse and your job is to inspire each other. If you find that your creative wellspring has run dry, that you can no longer hear the Muse’s whisper, and that you can no longer bring forth ideas from the Mystery, you may have been neglecting to properly nourish your Muse. Your Muse needs to eat. But, existing only in the formless realm, she doesn’t eat food, she eats ideas, digests them, combines them, and then gives them back to you in the form of solutions and unique combinations. You are in a symbiotic relationship with your Muse and it works similarly to our relationship with plants: We breath in oxygen, and exhale carbon dioxide and plants breath in what we exhale, transform it, and give oxygen back to us. That sort of symbiosis is what you and your Muse do with ideas. But you have to do your part." Quote from "Breathing Life into Your Muse"

[@Keelariffs]

Congrats on making a truly unique video speaking on what so many artists don't want to. I imagine these videos take a lot of work so well done! Also, your accent is great, haha.😊

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thats really kind. Thank you!

[@FloppingandRollingAround]

I'm the opposite story. I left a job I hated and pursued a number of creative pursuits. It was the best decision I ever made. The bottom line is if you're not happy or stressed in any profession you should make a change ❤❤❤

[@Magsupyourmind]

Well said!

[@Phantomyre]

Yep. Sometimes one just needs to be realistic and realize sometimes we shouldn't make our passion our business. Because at the end of the day, running a business is solely for making money.

[@Shaneq718]

i think making something you love become "work" is a pretty much guaranteed to kill your enthusiasm for it. I'm sure there's a way to make it work but i need that level of separation ;)

[@suburbanview]

If you are a real artist, being one is forever, you cant quit. You have it or not. So, keep working on whatever you do, and makes you happy!

[@Magsupyourmind]

Thank you!

[@phunkeehone]

This is exactly why creativity is, and will always be, just a hobby to me. It would destroy my inspiration, motivation and passion, if I had to do it every.single.day and get out there to brand myself to make money. If someone like it and wants to buy a canvas, or something, that's nice of course. But it's not a necessity for me. Deep down I do it for me, because it gives me peace in my mind to draw, paint etc. And to use it as an occasional, personal gift to someone close to me. All the best to you, stay creative ✌️

[@kathrynbrooks6226]

I understand completely, however, as an artist I have learned to 'bend'. I've gone through all the same experiences here, especially the blurred photo references that people expect you to work from and produce a masterpiece! I have managed to keep my artistic honour in tact by working in many jobs to support myself and my art. It was a hard slog though. It became a joy, when for the last 15 years I have been teaching art to groups and find it extremely fulfilling and I paint as well. It can be done but there inevitably has to be a certain amount of sacrifice and compromise. Weigh it up for yourself.

[@Aratta13]

Sounds awful to have to sit there alone watching people walk by D: I’m glad you don’t have to go through that anymore, thank you for this video

[@macnavi]

As long as you love what you’re doing, it’s never wasted time.

[@joysuke]

I feel for you, thats why i've been struggled for doing anything for anyone for months. I am trying to do things for soley myself at the moment, and enjoy every moment

[@Magsupyourmind]

Good for you! I'm doing the same now. And it feels good!

[@Widdekuu91]

(I just realised I wrote "I" everywhere... I am tired, don't mind it.) I was artistic, I did two educations on it. I then was diagnosed with Autism and the school decided they didn't want a "defect" student. I then pursued a career in childcare, nearly failed that education due to an unforeseen conflict that led to movie-worthy-sabotage. I then got a burnout for several years and now I am painting art for an Autism-foundation, proceeds mainly go to them, but they finance the materials and the exposure. I spend my days crafting now, and occassionally use my expertise for other little projects around me.

[@AdelineHONG-s1g]

I understand what you say. For some people, art is a necessity, without which life will be intolerable and working impossible.

[@Widdekuu91]

@@AdelineHONG-s1g Yes, indeed. My art is a way of expressing my feelings, to blow off steam or to 'shape' what would be too difficult to otherwise put into words. But to "force" it into a sell-worthy-shape was frustrating and not my thing. I prefer to just..paint and see what happens. Someone in another video said; 'Let the artist paint!" and it sounds simple, but that is a good motto.