Why It's Important to Be an Artist

[@AhmedAldoori]

LOL that intro - you're a character behind a door, lamp alight

[@craigsteyntheartistcraig3592]

I started living when I decided to be an artist...

[@elmarto3857]

yo ya vivía desde antes, pero ser artista da un sentido a esa vida

[@LucySharma-uo8tt]

Same for me❤

[@crypsisjim]

"Thanks for drawing today" might be the best sign off from a KZbin art video I've ever heard. These are the videos I listen to while I'm drawing and as a new artist (I started in lockdown) it makes me smile every time I hear it.

[@akkad7514]

i dont know how many others have told you this but your vocabulary range is very impressive

[@StevenZapataArt]

Very specific feelings sometimes require very specific words.

[@greenyxd7298]

@@StevenZapataArt why say lot word when few word do trick?

[@Leo-mu8kn]

@@greenyxd7298 "be concise"

[@shatha.427]

For real! Makes me want to listen more

[@kkertsna9204]

The imaginative fallacy story arc in several parts: --1. The mountain of glory --2. treasures at the top --3. the shattered illusion --4.making the map of you --5. the beginning is the end

[@mangagnome9764]

I'll never be able to thank you enough for the videos you make. You've brought up new questions and ideas I never considered. Some videos of yours have even brought me to tears because I find myself going through the majority of the things you talk about. Thank you. Thank you for everything. I hope to become a patron on your patreon someday. You're seriously inspiration to me. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@asteroid263]

SAME here , thank you so much steven , god bless ya

[@StevenZapataArt]

I am happy and humbled to be of service. I’ll continue to help as best I can

[@jasonlanart]

Art community needs more of your videos, thank you!

[@AnimusArtStudio]

This is perhaps one of the single most inspirational things I have ever listened to when it comes to the creation and appreciation of art. Thank you for this video!

[@leinardesteves3987]

Someday, when I become successful. I'd like to shake your hands and thank you for the motivation and inspiration you've provided me.

[@snodge815]

I want you to know that after having watched just a few of your videos I very quickly ended up staying up all night, devoting myself to learn how to draw hands. I’m exhausted, but it was so much fun. Thank you for that!

[@StevenZapataArt]

Excellent! Glad to be of service.

[@wahoodo42]

I'm here from Sinix's recent video. I love your art :00

[@StevenZapataArt]

Ah thank you!

[@KillerTacos54]

Fantastic!

[@erutz5190]

Not considerint myslef an artist growing up really helped me improve quickly once I started. If art had been part of my identity the early failures would have been a lot more painfull. Also, I like how Stevens hand goes Brrrr when sped up.

[@artofmorby]

The thing you did with Max's name at the beginning..........Damn! I'd love to read a novel by you if you ever write one.

[@joebotarsenault8538]

your vids align with how I view the world so closely I feel a lot less alone :)

[@joebotarsenault8538]

and youve helped me want to become better and draw more and more intensely! hopefully someday I get to be as good as you are

[@LaraGedzelman]

This guy is one of the best artists I’ve found deserves more recognition

[@moegirl76]

This felt like an art therapy session. 😍❤️‍🔥

[@manveersinghgill9124]

I'm discovering this is not just an art channel but a psychology one too; I mean that in a good way. One thought to ponder in one of your videos - once you relate to an emotion or concept that you want to create art about (painting, writing, anything), do you wait for more stimuli from your surrounding world or do you make a mental note of that emotion and consciously disect it to delve deeper into it to create your art at a later time? The answer, I believe, is subjective so I'm only trying to gather different thoughts.

[@StevenZapataArt]

I think I usually sit on it a bit. I get an emotional seed, and then the form comes some days later. Sometimes I have a form, and start drawing it, and THEN realize “ah that’s perfect for that feeling from the other day.

[@izehsy6715]

Recently I have discovered you and binging through you content while painting! You are wonderful thank you for educating us.

[@Valkari22]

I pulled off the path and got lost in the woods over a year ago now. I'm only now finding my way back to it. Thanks for the video, it sums up a lot of the feelings I've been having. Accepting myself as an artist has been a difficult journey.

[@StevenZapataArt]

I’m very happy to help

[@enricobaschenis4257]

After the most emotionally turbulent, agonizing, self-flagellating period of my entire life, i've calmed down a bit and settled into a slightly more comfortable relationship with myself and my craft. I won't deny that being forcefully pulled away from it for a good week and a half thanks to buying ToTK had something to do with that, but now i realize just how incredible life can be if i only allow myself, that what i'm looking for isn't at the end of whatever torturous labyrinth i've been running down for the last four years. This realization feels like i've touched down in an oasis after being stranded in the desert for so long, i can feel my skin scrape against my bones. You've only helped me cement that realization. From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank you for your dedication to showing people like me the light. I won't forget again.

[@theknd]

I never thought too much of creature drawing but this one, this one is the most beautiful I've seen.

[@oceanrandles2166]

I just watched sinix do an overpaint on this! This is so great you’re absolutely amazing.

[@ominouslybakedart1974]

This was exactly what I needed to hear as I woke up to begin more work :)

[@Arcadia-us2qp]

This reminds me a lot of Tickers from Gears of war!

[@micha3la655]

I love the amount of detail you put in a drawing!!!

[@StevenZapataArt]

It's one of the finest joys in my life to freak out on a drawing like that.

[@SC4RArt]

Amazing thanks for sharing! Wonderful art! Stay safe! 🔥🔥

[@Ung97]

Holy shit. Never thought of conceptualising it this way. But it really does align better with how I've been feeling about artistry after graduating from music school.

[@MoreThanFuel]

It’s like you plucked this video topic straight from my subconscious.

[@burshiobay5082]

I am just really grateful for stumbling across this, thank you!

[@StevenZapataArt]

Glad to be of service!

[@charrochacallo3074]

Amazing art, amazing life and art advices, I don't know how can I put it in better words: Thank you! Thank you for all the time you're spending in pursuing your journey and sharing it to us

[@errxrstudios976]

if only u added the butterflies

[@caseyburnet]

I don't understand how you add that much detail in shading to your drawings, but you have my kudos.

[@GladRags]

Steven your videos always make me start sketching.

[@StevenZapataArt]

Exactly what I’m hoping for

[@tashiemasmall5630]

This is so inspiring, uplifting and deep. I needed this. Thank you.

[@AlexHuneycutt]

2:23 Dang you identified the daddy issues trauma. Got a Information Systems degree to appease the parent, and hate my time in it. Beyond the pure drive and inspiration to be an artist and do the things I see and admire, I’d be lying if I said I’m excited to finally reveal to my father that I’m not pursuing certifications in It, but instead have been studying art for years and he hasn’t known. Given our past relationship, I know it would mean nothing to him until it’s tangible and realized. So I just wait for the day to clap m “I’m leaving my it job to be an artist. Already employed.” It’s certainly fantasy, haha. Beyond that I’ve always considered myself an artist as a life-long writer, musician, appreciation for design, etc. just a constant need to do and create. Thanks for your talks, a Steven! Have a wonderful week

[@StevenZapataArt]

Thank you for the brave comment Alex.

[@julievrhackzor]

I feel like an artist or perhaps art enjoyer to a great degree but frankly i cant do any art... yet at least. I hope i will fullfill that part of my person some day.

[@senh4944]

Steven is giving me Welcome to Night Vale vibes and I'm here for it

[@StevenZapataArt]

Nice

[@zakverso]

Thanks for this!

[@glykalgunk]

these video format like a podcast thinking about art practices are very informative and helpful

[@PaintTheOwl]

YES this is an incredible message

[@nodragdrop1854]

Thank you.

[@stratovolcano7813]

Very nice talk and I like watching you draw!

[@carlorossi1261]

Great advice. Thanks

[@rick.rula1]

I start today. Thank you and god bless you.

[@greygubbins3666]

I couldn't agree more, what a phenomenal lesson. Thank you for doing what you do, it really helps inspire people. And as an added note, I can personally say that even when you do need a hiatus from whatever form of art you may do, it's okay to step away. So long as you always come back, and whatever you did while you were away will find its way into your art. I think that's a good example of how you can find art in almost anything. Because even if you pick up biking, something that has nothing to with putting pencil to page, it will still make its way in. Inspiration is easy to find, it's all around us, it's about translating that inspiration that poses a bit of a challenge. But whoever you are amd whatever you do, I know you're up to the challenge.

[@prism9884]

I really enjoyed this introspective discussion on growing as an artist. And really like the hr giger vibes I get from your art👌🏼

[@crimsonthorn6838]

What rock was I living under? to just recently have found your art & amazing messages! Thank you for these.

[@Lotte.Macchiato]

You're very talented, the drawing looks amazing. I also agree with the points you're making! Thank you for this.

[@dougg1075]

Dude , you are a bad ass.

[@bigbignan]

This channel is becoming my one stop shop for my philosophy and art fixes. I loved this vid. Honestly this really helped me work through some things I’ve been stuck on.

[@StevenZapataArt]

Nice!

[@yannicksimon4464]

Just watched two Videos of you. But Im amazed by your skill level you've reached. Your drawings are incredibly beautiful, you deserve way more attention! Compared to other ones. But thats just my opinion. Keep up the great work! Follow you from now on.

[@moatazmattar4714]

MORE VIDEOS !

[@adrianagruntova8613]

thank you for you thoughts

[@Mergen00]

Artistic video again! Like.

[@the_Googie]

love the mad max reference

[@kcsnipes]

I sketched today seriously for the first time since October

[@StevenZapataArt]

Congratulations!

[@thingy2780]

In this context and forum I think that the important distinction should be how illustration differs from fine art. I mean Subway used to employ "sandwich artists".

[@siixsiix3903]

Holy shot. Bruh, I WISH I was at your level!! Not only in art but ur channel as well!! I have some drawings on my Hal channel that I thought was decent, after seeing this tho I realize I have a long way to go!! Fucking amazing and I love how u spoke about it. New sub

[@macronomicus]

Well said! Glad I found your page, im into a lot more 3d creation these days, but all artful topics intermingle substantially of course. You have a wonderful voice, rich vocabulary, and are clearly quite talented, good stuff. 💚💚💚

[@amiroarrr]

First video I have seen from you. I am completely guilty of not being able to call myself an artist because I feel like I am lying to everyone when I do. Thanks for the video

[@antoniozarnic8194]

So happy to have found your channel! This is just what I and probably many others needed to hear. Thank you for the inspiration :)) Also (this should go without saying) the drawing is out of this World 🥁😂😁

[@StevenZapataArt]

Thank you

[@insidethecupboard8360]

Me wondering why this has any dislikes at all... but anyway I love your videos, I've been struggling with art for a while lately and your talks really hit me deep, so thank you.

[@blackbasswhispers9345]

Dear Steven, I had a very bad day until about 8:00 o'clock this evening. I felt lost, didn't know how to get out of that emotional hole I found myself in, and I felt completely shitty and worthless as a creative person (that I very much am!). A bit later I was sitting in front of an empty piece of paper and didn't do anything for 30 goddamn minutes. I started to cry, because I couldn't get to the point where I felt "artistic" enough to do sth. of "worth". My sadness turned into anger. Anger about the fact that I wasn't able to grab "it" (whatever "it" is) and anger about myself, because I knew I was pressuring myself too much. Finally, after my emotional outburst was over, I found your video and instantly came to the conclusion: "My mindset is the source of my artistic suffering." So, I said to myself: "Fuck it! Just do anything that comes to your mind!" - And I ended up creating the first design for my new clothing brand, working nonstop for more than 3 hours. So... thank you. And go on making such wonderful videos.

[@wonderworld1928]

this man is an orator, you can hear it in his voice and use of language and picture him preaching people in the Agora

[@spaceartist1272]

i dont like to call my self an artist.., especially bcs now i dont live as artist anymore, i use to the fact that people call me artist or painter where ever i went!, but since i left academy, few people respected me as artist or my work.., they killed child in me.. highh school of fine arts was my highest point as artist.. i still draw few illustrations for graphic designers.. but thats all, i had fear when i was younger that i will not have money as artist, now i dont want to have money,, ah... stories of my life..

[@craigsteyntheartistcraig3592]

Everyone knew me as the artist in school... When I left, I pursued money, now I have a job with a title, that gets me respected. All I want to be known as is an artist. I gave up studying law to further career and started studying art at the age of 36. When someone asks me what I do for a living I say I'm an artist and then I say I'm also a politician. I started reacting to things in a different way.

[@thecerfew]

this helped me

[@ominouslybakedart1974]

So, I listened to this again, after finishing my drawing for the day, and man, I am not even going to bullshit, I wept. I openly wept. This is the same shit and stress I struggle with on a daily basis man. And hearing you talk about it, it makes me realize I am not alone in this thinking. I really hope I can speak with you further on this. Also....I'd love to see your take on something Beksinski inspired, in graphite, while you talk about dark art or surrealism :)

[@StevenZapataArt]

You are definitely not alone. You’re in good company around here. Interesting what you said, might have to talk some time about why I lean towards weirder more surreal content.

[@ominouslybakedart1974]

@@StevenZapataArt I wish I could show you my surreal works, and talk with you about my inspirations as a younger artist

[@brianm3160]

Please do a video on Artist's/Art block I love your talks by the way ✨

[@StevenZapataArt]

I hate to say it but my whole channel is basically my thoughts on defeating art block.

[@Iococo]

banger video after banger. is it the meditating that gives u this power???? wtf??

[@StevenZapataArt]

Hah! If only.

[@sir67891]

the only suffering is the back pain i got from sitting in a bad chair while drawing haha..I think a pre-requisite for being a good draftsmen is a strong back for sure

[@StevenZapataArt]

Hah, you’re damn right Jin

[@spiralcraft8957]

gadammit these are too good... mmhmm waay too good.

[@spiralcraft8957]

this drawing is a upgraded version of one on my wall in ink and white out.

[@tauanconceicao2941]

"They already nothing, just move right along..." man, that hit home here. Loved the piece that you're working on this video too, but the talk was just great to listen to, It did make me reconsider a lot of aspects of the things I think of me as an artist and what means to be one. Thanks for the talk and inspiration, Steve!

[@YoshiMario69]

I feel that a lot of people lose the path, myself included, when we don´t wish to continue and sit down to take in some of the technical aspects of art and reality. You can't reproduce what you've never expeerienced, what you don't understand. You want to have something put down on the page when you're not allowing yourself to feel anything. So it's a bit of both not studying fundamentals, and not deciding to just have fun and express something or let nothing flow through you. Meh, I think.

[@ThedGrill]

lol yesterday I watched sinix april fool vid, today I see this on my timeline and found an amazing new artist to follow :)

[@StevenZapataArt]

Nice nice

[@Alexandr-pl1pc]

Art is warp energy, death to the body on trone!

[@tanakafupa4255]

he would be the best manga artist if he wanted to

[@GooSoldier]

just crazy

[@kawayanan_art]

Yesssssssss

[@10RexTheWolf01]

Almost thought that was a paramite

[@killmax]

stylus moves across surface >

[@joemotive]

This gives me Half-life head crab vibes

[@esmailiyou]

Shading looks great, though the subject does not make any sense. Would it be possible to do more realistic paintings? Thx Zapata, always a fan

[@Kat.Tha.Bat__777]

LOL thank you for all of this

[@drippinghanamizu]

NO, I am not crying, you are crying! That was beautiful. I would love to see all of these monologues collected in a book with illustrations

[@StevenZapataArt]

I did say Max, but you never know when the lucky wheel will land on you, Mags!

[@drippinghanamizu]

@@StevenZapataArt It would help if I push the patreon button one day, sorry I am in that grey area :P Still want that book though!

[@reneestipa3406]

Love your videos been watching been listening please tell me the drawing your doing was it already in your head what kind of drawing you’re where going to do or did you go with your feelings ( English is my second language i hope you understand the question) thank you

[@StevenZapataArt]

It was not in my head, I just improvised

[@divinesolstice3744]

Listening to poetic and insightful art musings...while watching him draw something that looks like a demon or necromorph from Dead Space

[@SiltaYT]

I love the drawing in the background while you give commentary! I have to ask though, is it supposed to be a Headcrab from the game Half-Life? I love the realistic shading with the pencil!

[@StevenZapataArt]

It wasn’t meant to be one, but lots of other people see the resemblance as well

[@emmanuelsunga9294]

This guy is like a priest when it comes to art and idk why

[@margosulek]

Great video, as always 😌😌 Just out of curiosity, how many hours did this sketch take ?

[@StevenZapataArt]

Probably about 4 hours

[@halinabruntrup997]

I have a question for you and I would like to hear you view on it. So I have this problem that I don’t really have something I would like to tell a story about or just to put onto paper. I draw daily and usually just copy other artists to practice and to learn perspective or anatomy. But I wish I would just come up with something and just do it. My mind is blank. But I have to urge and I feel it to express myself. How do I overcome this? Most importantly how do I connect with the part of myself that wants to express themselves?

[@StevenZapataArt]

I wouldn’t worry about it. Think on a lifelong timescale- you’re in a beneficial time right now we’re you can improve for the sake of it with little resistance. Life might give you something later- something might happen to you that makes it obvious what you want to communicate. You’ll be glad you have the skills you do when that day comes, but you don’t need to force anything

[@halinabruntrup997]

@@StevenZapataArt thank you for your advice! I appreciate it 😊

[@mosamaster]

Head Crab from Half-Life gameworld.

[@imthebestartist3983]

HOW

[@arryacc]

for me the gap between me and the artist is my own beliefs about what is art. So if I feel that once I can say I have made art. Also other people's approval helps solidify that too. But yeah until then I guess I am not an artist.

[@StevenZapataArt]

You sure SOUND like an artist with rationalizations like that. Don’t worry about it.

[@DazzlingAction]

I wonder when you're goning make a finished art work in a video for the lols...

[@boblob3509]

Yeah that thing looks HOT

[@majRFan]

Subscribed❤️ Just 😘👍

[@rxkshan]

Mass

[@cam7686]

How did your drawing not smudge?? I draw one line and it ends up on my hand

[@StevenZapataArt]

It does smudge, it just doesn’t matter because I’m purposefully smudging in so many places

[@brianm3160]

How does your HB look so dark?

[@StevenZapataArt]

I press hard! And the video has a little contrast boost