Why I Quit My Dream Job at Disney
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- Опубликовано: 17 сен 2024
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In the fall of 2015 I quit the best job I could have ever dreamed of. I worked for Disney Interactive as a concept artist. I made art for a living, got good benefits and got to go to Disneyland for free.
So why did I quit my job?
I talk about the current culture of art, how it hampers the creation of the best art and what Michael Sandel calls "the crowding out of non-market norms".
My wage history (how much money I made at my different jobs): • What Are You Worth?
Michael Sandel delivering a brief lecture based on his book "What Money Can't Buy":
• Michael Sandel: Why we...
Bob Iger's quote on mining intellectual property:
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I havent personally worked at any of what I used to consider my "dream job", but I have heard from people who have. I currently work at a Mobile Gaming Studio as an Animator, some people dont consider that as glamorous as like Console Games or TV Shows or Movies. When I was in College if you asked me what my Dream Job was Id tell you "An Animator at Warner Bros!" That slowly changed to "Working at Telltale Games" over the years due to leaning more towards the Video Game Industry and less towards TV and Movies.
But the horror stories Ive heard from my friends who have worked at Dream Jobs made me realize one thing; having a Dream JOB at like a specific PLACE isn't healthy. Dream Jobs are popular because EVERYONE WANTS IT, you wanna work there because everyone would know you worked at that place on that thing, how cool are you!? Its usually more of a status thing than anything else. But thanks to that mentality surrounding that place, that usually means those places abuse their workforce knowing "If that guy wants to quit, then we'll just hire the next sucker who wants it" and the abuse continues because no one can ever imagine the guys who make that super cool thing could be working their troops like slaves.
What I have realized over the years is that its much healthier and happier to have Dream Goals than a Dream Job in mind. My current Dream Goal is to "work on a game so fun that my friends rave about it", Ive also accomplished my dream goal of "make an animation that gets someone to cry" (it was a cutscene for a game I worked on, we had a fan write in saying they cried and I was like "YESSSS I DID IT!" haha) I feel like its taken the pressure off my life of "I gotta work somewhere impressive" and turned it into "I have to make my work impressive."
That's a really useful perspective. I might have to steal the idea of "Dream Goals" sometime. If you do you are always trying to do your best work, it doesn't really matter where you end up.
Dave Bruno Well said! I wanted to work at a specific place for a long time, but I didn't manage to get in, which is a good thing - I learned a lot about the industry and exploitation without me being in it. I got to a point where I have these "art/life goals", smaller, more specific accomplishments that give meaning to life. One was making my own book, now onto second one.
Dave Bruno Well what game did they cry from?
I quit my dream job in xxxxxx japan. i rather become waiter than sit at office 24/7
Which animation was that, that made that guy cry? Is it uploaded somewhere on youtube?
"I want money to make art, Not make art to make money..." Wow. Love it.
That really Hits me, As i am also trying to do this! :)
Props to Uncle Walt. That's where I got the idea.
I just read Neal Gabler's (huge) biography on Walt Disney, which confirms this. For Walt money was just a means to an end, a necessary evil, and a pain in the butt - what he really wanted to do was just tell stories and, later in life, build experiences. Brother Roy was the financially oriented head of the venture and often the one keeping the whole ship afloat. Roy deserves more credit than he's usually given in the history of the Disney corporation; I don't think Walt would have gone too far without Roy's business acumen (they would get some other key people who helped bring in more business, but in the beginning it was all Roy).
Walt was totally nuts. He risked *everything* to make Snow White, and then took EVERYTHING HE MADE after Snow White was a hit and dumped *all* of it into Fantasia, Bambi, and Pinocchio. All of which flopped on their first runs! Only Dumbo, funded with what little they made from their shorts, made money - which was then poured back into Bambi so it could be finished! If the government hadn't effectively taken over the studio to make wartime propaganda, the studio would have closed then and there.
+z beeblebrox i did not know that, very interesting! Thanks Zaphod ;)
Hence the problem with what people think jobs are supposed to be. I'm a design engineer. I got into the field because I love being creative but I also am pretty analytical--I'm one of the rare people you'll meet who will enthusiastically say, "I love math". So that convergence was a great fit. But what I do at work isn't unbounded. I still, like every other person with a job, have constraints to work in, a product to make, and a customer to satisfy. If I'm feeling creatively stifled, I go home and doodle and write and make things and give it a week to get interesting again.
Brandon has confined himself to this world where being told to make a certain product has staunched his ability to be creative with it. This is why he has failed to be successful at one of the most prolific jobs for artists in the world. At the end of the day, you can't get paid for what you consider is art. You can't just make money to make art. You have to make an art that people want to pay for, and to do that you have to make art to make money.
He even gives this away in the beginning of the video when he said that the most "creative" time period in Disney's animating was also the least profitable. And that's due to a number of reasons. Disney had just lost Walt so they no longer had a lead who was firmly invested in a creative future. They were also trying to branch out from that era to really move forward in a future without him, which angered the executives to the point where they fired almost the majority of the animation team for being "too creative" because their work was behind schedule and was not appealing to audiences. In reality, their visions didn't align with the Disney brand, what consumers had come to expect from Disney, or what consumers even wanted at all, and those animators, at least the prominent ones, moved to other projects that aligned more with their artistic visions. Regardless, they still moved to other projects where they made art to make money.
Disney is not there to satisfy the artist, they are there to satisfy the consumer. And part of the Disney brand has been developing art that is unique and lets artists be creative in a way that is appealing to mass audiences, but it is still meant to appeal to a mass audience. The intention is not just to push out what will sell, but to create new things that will appeal to everyone. That's why Pixar was so unbelievably successful-- they told stories which were new and creative and appealed to young and old crowds and where viewing pleasure wasn't discriminated upon by income or nationality or religion. But even Pixar has its own unique style. You can undoubtedly tell a Pixar animation from any other studio. If it's Disney, you don't have to even know the title or what the movie is about-- one still from the movie will portray in its style, in its form, that it is Disney. If that is stifling, then so be it.
I think this comment was very telling, and is problematic for a lot of artists. I think many artists need to accept that not all art is worth money. That not all work will appeal to people. And if you're okay with lower pay, with fewer customers, with only allowing your creativity to lead you then that's perfectly acceptable. But to complain about how you don't like conforming to a brand to make a company successful but you still expect your work to be of value to them is at the top of the pretentious things that artists say.
DUDE! You need to push that comic of yours more! Shove it down all our throats! Dont just casually mention it in passing! It needs to be seen! Its gorgeous !
Twist my arm -- I'll pimp my book. I've got a special video for that coming this week.
Brandon Dayton Good! I'll be excited for it! Hopefully it'll atract more attention to it! (you definitely deserve it)
Brandon Dayton hi brandon. I wonder if you can explain your philosophy behind hatching. As in the line work you were doing in this video. How do you decide when to apply it and what does the hatch represent in your mind in a figure? Thank you.
I've always thought that there was so much talent being wasted at the big studios. I mean, the stuff they put out is nice, but then I look at the artists personal work and find it so much more interesting visually.
I totally agree.
'I want to make money to make art, not make art to make money.' I love that! Thats how we all feel!
I think in the end, it really boils down to what makes you happy to do what you're doing. It really is a shame that this world we live in is so economy-driven that it becomes harder and harder for talented people like yourself to find happiness and contentment in a craft that shouldn't be economy-driven in the first place. I applaud you for taking this daring path. I hope I can someday arrive in the same position where you are. good luck!
I'm not risking near as much as some, but hopefully I can still make something worthwhile.
you know that is bullshit right? it has ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THAT, ALWAYS.
Well for all of human history atleast, but thry never said it was not the case in the past.
RUclips recommended your channel to me, very inspiring videos Brandon thank you!!
Yea me too. Seemed out of the blue. Normally they recommend random shit, but this is something I can relate too.
thanks. lol
The musician, producer and indie prick Steve Albini once opined that, once you start to use your art to make a living, your relationship with it will change permanently, as you are now obliged to produce what sells, not that which pleases you personally.
That can happen, but its not inevitable. I had lots of awesome experiences with paid gigs. You can't always do the most fun work ever, but it happens more often then you might think. At the end of the day though it's how I feel after I complete work that matters most to me. I want to do stuff I can be proud of. Sometimes its not a fun process to get to that point.
If you change the title to "why I left my dream job as a concept artist at DISNEY" (clickbaity I know) you would probably get a lot more views...just saying you have something worth saying and I think more people would benefit from it
You make a very good point. I'm not above trying to find a clickable title to get drive more exposure.
Brandon Dayton what was the original cus I got baited 😂. Good video btw
Good video. Resonated a lot with me.
Thanks dude. I feel the same way about many of your videos lately. You've certainly been in a phase of removing bullshit from your life. I'm really looking forward to what you do with Monkey Mod and Friends.
This video sounded like an ASMR video with all that crackling that's going on in Brandon's mouth.
Yeah the sibilance was killing me
DA VIEWZ eXACTLY. That's why I paused it😭 i can't deal with it.
Thank you so much for this video, it's such an important discussion for all artists young and old to figure out what professional art really is. I really hope to be in the place that you are one day where I can make money to make art and create meaningful things as well, so thank you
It's be even better if you could be where I am now AND make money.
Brandon Dayton Exactly, which is what I'm aspiring to now! It'll take a lot of hard work and dedication but that's what it takes to excel in anything.
those lines are phenomenal!! i love how much you use hatching for shadows and junk, it looks really great
Thanks!
Haha I love your positive use of "junk"
How am I not subscribed to you?! Fixing that. I just stumbled upon this video in my feed and am really excited to hear you're out on your own, leaving Disney behind, to create more Green Monk. Love what I've seen of the book thus far. It's kind of funny, just today I was commuting to work, trying to figure out (for the thousandth time) some sort of sustainable business model that would allow me to someday quit my day job and create comics. Would love to hear any thoughts you might have on that subject. I'll be watching your remaining videos once I get home. Really appreciate you making these!
Thanks Brian, and glad you've found the channel. I know the drill. Trying to figure out how to make it work is not easy. Part of the problem is trying to figure out an alternative way to make money AND how to make comics. Those are both difficult tasks that can quickly frustrate and wear you out. Part of why it works for me is that I'm in such a place that I can focus just on the comic problem. I'm going to talk more about this in a future video, but my general feeling is that you should try and find a way to simplify the problem. Lots of ways to do that, but they all could require some type of sacrifice.
This is how it is 😢! I remember going to Art School and thinking "If I get better at drawing I can create some of the greatest anime in the world" soon realizing a few years later that I didn't get what I was expecting. Now I'm home finding a job but also create my comic book series in order to inspire others to strive through life to fulfill your dreams! It's a lot but I will have to make a video of that in the future. Thank you for the video and I will subscribe to you! Great luck 😁😎!
My experience with artists has been the opposite of this: most artsy people I've known don't see the value in making money
I've seen that too. I was certainly that way at one time.
I suppose after 10 years of doing creative stuff for a living, it's different. Me I just really want to get to the point of doing some kind of art job for the money.
That's because many of them come from very rich families so to them money doesn't mean shit.
If I had to think about it, the value in making money for me now is being able to make art- most of what preoccupies me when getting a paycheck is how many art supplies I can afford (of course, after basic necessities like rent and groceries). It's rare to find an artist that is truly practical and sees money as the bigger profit when making art- that's just the nature of us (unless you're an industrial designer of some sort!).
Most artsy people i've known are depressed.
I have never had a chance to work for an animation studio... so here I am making cartoons on youtube and working full time as a caregiver... Livin' the dream.
this videos message has stayed with me for years. i recently just came back to watch it again to remind myself of whats important to me and why i love art
Thanks man. Still growing and learning. Hopefully I'll have more to share on the topic.
your art style is really cool man, i like the way everything is textured
your*
Sorry, I get a little annoyed when people don't get it right.
oh yeah crap, I'm usually pretty good about that.
Hey! Nice video
I'm a 40 years old artist and have been doing what I love all my life. Very proud of it.
I think the "problem" with most artists today is they think "you have to have the best job that allows you to express yourself", then you make Art.
While that sure sounds great and all...it simply never was how the world works...it maybe does so for a very few people that either are lucky, or "know the right persons".
I am happy because work allows me to make money to do what I like and I don't necessarily need to make money off of it.
I've made paintings that I never sold. I have composed music of 8 albums (some 130 songs) just for myself.
I am full of real life friends that admire me not because I sell but just because I am a creative person and friendly.
My job? I'm a designer at a small eLearning firm. It can be creative at times and frustrating at other times...but the important thing is it gives me the means to do my own Art.
I've sampled several of your videos already, and you have a lovely way of seeing things; can't wait to see more. Hope you make it big man. -A new sub.
Thanks! Stay tuned for more.
Definitely resonated with me too. I set up a radio station many years ago, also not to make money, but to make radio to support the community. It was an epic voyage, but ultimately it didn't have making money as its objective, and it had to close down because we couldn't pay the bills. I then went to work for a large money making radio operation (owned by NewsCorp) and the company culture there was definitely running on fear. People looking over their shoulders worried about their jobs; people not wanting to talk about issues that really needed talking about. I left that, and now I'm trying to restart my career as an artist, so definitely interested to see how you get along.
I'm currently a sophomore-to-be studying art pretty passionately. But I didn't have the guts to think about those struggles I will meet if I manage to achieve my goals.
Interestingly, watching this video didn't put me into that pit of despair that I usually fell in to. Instead, I think you saved me from a *huge* disappointment. And more oddly I feel like I'll be more decided about my work.
Thank you for sharing your experiences
That's great to hear. You can't ever control the art business as a whole, but you can always control the pride and effort you put into your own work. Best of luck!
I finally did it... I watched your video! Hahah, it was in my Watch Later cue for about a year...
So, great job! And kudos for taking that leap of faith! Interestingly enough I had a VERY similar experience. Worked at EA Games out here in California with a great team, but was less interested in building projects for others while mine sat on a shelf. So once I left I dedicated the majority of my career pursuing my God-given dreams and visions and really never looked back. It’s been such a blessing.
Thanks again for the video man! Good stuff! 👏
Thanks for making this video. I'm not particularly interested in working for Disney, but I do want to break into the video game industry. I want to do everything (art, programming, design) but I'm mediocre in all fields ;-;
Sometimes being just a bit above average in a couple of unusual abilities can be enough to set you apart. Best of luck.
AllAtlas Boi we have the same interest 😆
It's also called constant practice... Before you know it... You will have improved considerable... Also learn and get inspired by different artists/styles/periods....
As someone who works in the industry, be prepared to do pro bono work to get your name out there or else a friend who can get you in.
someone who knows about art, design and programming can still be more valuable than someone who's just excellent at art but is trash at design. if you set your mind to it and strive to improve then you can 100% make it!
source: my dad is in accountancy and would've lost his job to someone younger and fresher long ago if he didn't also branch out into programming. so it can be done, for sure.
This spoke to me. I've been feeling this way for the last two years. I'm a writer who moved to California after grad school, and the reality of the current view and culture on making personal art a priority was soul crushing.
Feels good to know I'm not the only one! Good luck on your new project. I'll be following along.
Thanks. Glad to have you along.
This video hits my mind set very closely.
I've never made a lot of money for my art, I've always done it for myself. Make what I think is beautiful. But recently I've been trying to make it a paying job....yeah it's a lot of work and literally 0 pay. I want to do what you said, I want money to make art, not make art for money. I don't really care about money, I just know to be alive you kinda need it...so...Yah.
Good video!
woah... im so shocked you had the courage to break free , I'm subscribing - your stuff is really great and as somebody who never had the courage to even start their individual creative career I salute you
Do you want make money or do want to be an artist? These such questions that we artist' wrestle with every day.
You can do both! There are lots of ways to make it happen.
The most sane, rational & practical video out of all the art related videos on youtube.
Thanks!
Your opinion on making profit vs. artistic integrity (I guess, I can call it that?) is not something I expected to hear. It is admirable. I hope you find success with your comic, it does look amazing, as other people in the comment section have said.
Thank you. Fingers crossed!
I love the chill vibes I got from this video. Not sure if the others are like this yet but I still subbed because it was pretty inspirational and kinda eye opening to myself as an aspiring artist. The whole stigma that we have to sell ourselves and be "good enough" has really bogged me down and prevented me from gaining confidence and really going all out with art and pursuing my dream. Your video helped me with that somewhat so thank you.
i just want to appreciate that line you drew at 2:27... drawing that line right in the middle of the face with a pen right away instead of sketching it out first! just watching that scared me
Thank you so much for making this. You have no idea what it means to me. I share your views.
Thanks!
In a nutshell, the U.S. really isn't a country that values art or genuine free-form creativity. The proof is in what we spend our money on: the military. What's the first thing to get cut from a school's budget when times are tight? What else - the art programs: music, drawing, dance, drama. I know a lot of people will leap in at this point and say "well MY school had an incredible drama department and... and..." The fact is, unless you went to an inner city school with the poorest of the poor it's hard to really appreciate the scope of the problem. In most successful societies, art is funded and supported by communities and national government the way our government blows wads of money on jet fighters and bombs. Sorry, but it's true. You really can tell what people value by what they're willing to invest in. While leaving the problem in the lap of the private sector sounds great in theory, it ties kids' futures to the fortunes and misfortunes of the economy. As CEO's and boards of directors come and go, priorities shift. People are people. Most societies understand this. Case in point: the first thing to get cut in this administration was the NEA. When you're a poor kid with dreams of having the time and freedom to make something artistically meaningful, these kinds of cuts DO matter. Peace.
Many developmental psychologists, educational psychologists and neuropsychologists would bed to differ. Art actually plays a pivotal role in the developing brains of children in many areas including the ability to develop critical thought and even social skills such as the development of compassion. Art isn't just a frivolity any more than psychological health is. Of course people used to say that psychological counseling was merely a luxury too. I'm sure there are people in Las Vegas who would have a few things to say about that by now.
A luxury huh? All survival requires is food, water and shelter. But what kind of life is one without music, dance, drawing and drama? Without culture. It's certainly not necessary for bare survival, but it's an absolute necessity for society.
The problem being illustrated here is what is discussed in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. To a certain extent this is understandable being that folk wisdom (the popular form of "understanding") runs counter to the way the human mind actually operates. That said, the only part of this schema most people understand is the very bottom of this hierarchy (food, water, shelter, etc.). What they don't understand is that not all human needs are visible. For example, the need to not be beaten or psychologically tortured on a daily basis is most undeniably also a basic need but some will actually debate this (i.e. argue that a parent who sexually abuses their child is at least a "good provider"). But I digress. The main point here is that to a far lower degree of severity, the need for creativity falls under the category of the need for self-actualization and self-expression. However, like the need to be emotionally safe, this need is not one that can be seen (at least not without the use of devices used to monitor brain function or health - EEG, PET, etc.) and yet this need is just as real as the need to not be abused or to feel a sense of social belonging (having family, close friends, etc.). Interesting stuff to be sure.
+ESPSAlita Incredible comments. You are clearly an intelligent, deep thinking person. However, I beg to differ on your military comment. Perhaps I misunderstood it but it seemed that you're leaning towards saying that art programs are a better usage of American tax dollars than our military. I respectfully disagree if that's the case. As wonderful as art may be, the fact of the matter is that political tensions are high and the entire world is in danger especially the western world. Art isn't going to protect and preserve our way of life. In tumultuous times like these art is a VERY welcome and necessary distraction and we certainly need more of it, but at the same time, safety first as the saying goes.
As you said, I'm afraid that all that I've learned over the years of my education contradicts what you say. In fact, one of my teachers mentioned that one thing that is most common amongst military dictatorships and authoritarian governments is that the majority (if not the entirety) of the country's finances go towards the military. As it is, America is one of the biggest spenders on the military of all other developed nations. Yet somehow, we are still not "safer" for it. The world has always been a dangerous place but if lobbing bombs and sending troops were the way to end such conflicts, America would be the safest country on earth. It's quite the opposite. The more we spend on our military, strangely, the less safe we seem to be. Art is quite different in many respects in that it fosters diplomacy and places more emphasis on creativity and inclusiveness as well as innovation. All things found to be invaluable in fostering peace. Several perfect examples of this are countries like Germany and Canada that invest in creative pursuits in their schools rather than sending military recruiters.
I applaud your courage and drive to be independent! To work on your ideas alone and investing loads of time into a new idea takes guts. Your experience has helped me affirm my decisions to becoming an artist/creator. About a year ago I saw myself working at a big company or a studio making art for a living. Though the reality of what I want wouldn't be possible at a big company. So I did a LOT of thinking about the degree I'm working towards. I'm a sophmore in college and made the decision to go for computer engineering instead of an art degree. If I REALLY spend my time for the next 5 or more years using my time/resources to perfecting and creating my ideas then I really believe I'll get somewhere. I hope to see more of your work in the future! So plz keep uploading & keeping us updated!
Oh, wow, dude. I didn't realize how mucky it was until you said it. In the back of my mind, I knew it was money over everything else. It's very easy to see that. I mean, personally, I love writing. In fact, my biggest pieces are fan-fictions that I will make zero revenue off of. I'm even drawing a title piece for it, now. My original works... I need to talk to publishers. But gosh, once I get out of college and tackle a job... haha
I'm keeping this in mind, though. This is very thought-provoking and I love it a lot.
Just be aware that it's part of the equation. Don't expect anyone to pay you to make your vision, but even while working for a paycheck you can find ways to do cool things.
OMG!!! YES!!!!!!!
I've really had to work on my mindset to see things the same way. I don't get to work because I've been diagnosed "Autistic".
But I'm actually just like you. I'm trying to dedicate myself to my projects.
Don't give up... keep your focus... nothing else matters.
I've had to think this way.
The artist... no one tells you what you have to give up in order to create. You give up the distractions, the company, and comfort of the thoughts of others. It's a world on its own, and no man is meant to be an island apart from everyone.
Well how do artist then make decent amount of money if disney isn't reliable source for decent income for artists. You see i know I'm only 15 years old and shouldn't be thinking about this kind of stuff about money problems etc but I want to get into the professional art industry and I wanted to know the right steps to get there. I thought Disney is a the best way to get a high income but maybe I'm wrong. I just don't want to be a starving artist.
I actually made a decent living at Disney (about 70k a year). You would do better at Disney Feature, but the high paying jobs there are very few and you have to balance that with the higher cost of living in California. In a previous video I talk about the specific pay and salary I made at all of my art jobs. If you want to make a living making art, I would check it out. ruclips.net/video/XPyx192A-R0/видео.html
Fun fact, but if a California student's family's yearly income was under 80k, they were considered poor enough to get a full ride at UCLA as an instate student.
California is really, really expensive to live in.
Since my jaw dropped here I have to ask. You earned 5800 in a month? (I know that you have to pay for medical service on your own.) My wife earns 1800 in a good month and we still pay for the house we live in.
Can you really earn so much money with a job in the art industrie? O___O
Hey there! I work on Mobile Games as an Animator and Ive worked at other studios as an Artist/Animator for stuff and live in California. Basically, there are ways to get paid a good amount for artwork, but chances are those places may not be the giant companies you'd immediately think of (like Disney or WB) My first job I got paid alright but now Im 3 art career jobs deep and Id say I make a good amount working full time on games. You can do it, you may start off small, but you can get a full time job thats fulfilling and pays good, it just may not be a major brand youd immediately think of haha.
Totally agree. The jobs are out there.
Rarely I get a video recommendation by the algorithm that's something I really wanted to hear/see...this was extremely interesting... Inspiring and nerve wracking... A good video indeed
dang, right now I wish I could be in my dream job. instead of slinging boxes and getting carpal tunnel in both wrists. you know what that does to your pimp hand, I mean your art hand?? it really messes you up. so now it is a struggle to get back on the horse. but getting back on with gimpy hands. have you ever met other artists with carpal tunnel? If so, how did they get back on the horse?
I actually made a video specifically about hand pain! It's one of my least popular videos, but maybe it can give you some ideas. ruclips.net/video/WuK204IGu_U/видео.html
"I want to find a place for art that doesn't involve a winning pitch"
You made me cry. I've been working day in day out, burning through the nights and getting up early at an ad agency, and this statement resonated with me. I'm learning a lot from where I am working, but it does make me think in a way I didn't before. Thank you.
I am a person for freedom. But true freedom and not the commercial america blessing freedom. If I get shit at or used, I go work on my own too! May it be hard, if you don't take your own health into count, or however you say it, you'll end up either lifeless, depressed or lonely (because yes, you'll only work for the money). You sir, have great guts to come out for yourself. Props!
Thanks. We'll see how things go. You can't pretend like money doesn't exist, so at some point I have to strike a balance. Yikes.
This is the first video I've seen of yours but a lot of what you said really resonates with me as it is similar to what my spouse and I have done. My spouse went to art school but never pursued a career in the industry because he realized he was more interested in working on his own projects rather than someone else's. We both worked full time doing manual labour/admin jobs and he did his own art in his free time. earlier this year we sold our house and moved to a place that is really cheap to live and he was able to quit his job so he can focus more on his art and I support us working from home part time and help him with the business and research end of things. Good luck to you, I hope you are able to achieve what you have set out to do.
Great and very honest video. I think I kind of understand you, because I ve worked in a studio. But mainly, my main job was doing my comic stuff alone at my own peace..trying to achieve art no matter what, thinking that good art would end up in good response for the public and thus..a decent income( I mean decent to keep going). But its not that easy. In fact its almost imposible. When you want to make good art, you will eventually only making GOOD ART. And thats all. Money will not come if you dont pursue it. That´s why we have the word "Mecenas". I am now in the opposite direction you took. I am starting to be burnt out of not having financial stability and I am about to change the way I work just to multiply my production x2 or x3 forgetting about result and trying to make some money. In the end, creating art as a job is a luxury. Normally creating art is a necessity, as it is making a decent income. Doing both is very hard, and has a lot more to do with luck than with skill. Because we live in a society driven by industrial entertainment, not in a free society. So, Good luck, eventually you may end tired of your new path...as I know I may get tired of doing shitty art in my near future. Maybe is an eternal cycle. One last thing: try comic book industry in France. Is a good medium point between doing art and getting income compared to the american way of doing things.
It was great to focus just on the art for a period, but I am now starting to think about the money side of things more. I think there is a balance to strike there. I'd love to see my work in the French market. I love what they do with comics over there.
The french classic way differs a lot, but nowadays you have a broad and mixed offer and a public with a very broad taste. I really love it. The only thing...it is a very hard market. too much stuff every month. Oh, i just remember there is an english digital version of my work, just in case you like war history: www.europecomics.com/album/1-the-fire/
Great insights! Thanks for sharing, Brandon. I agree that working for big studios can grow you really quickly, because it gives you framework to evolve. However if your passion is burning inside of you, you have to make the decision, because otherwise you will always wonder, what if ... Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing your personal story. I am rooting for you. Can you do old sketchbook tours?!?!?!
Thanks man. Sketchbook tours would be fun. Maybe something I can start doing on Facebook live.
Thank you for making this video.
I'm so glad I listened to this. I've heard others talk about this, but about the market- the way you put it explains it so well.
"why i quit my dreamjob"
"it wasnt really hand drawn animation like i dreamed as a kid"
so it wasnt your dreamjob to begin with. case closed
"...How much of my professional art am I proud of?" That resonates so much. Would love for things to change.
Your views sound like Bill Watterson the creator of Calvin and Hobbes
He's pretty hardcore about art and money. It's super inspiring, but I don't know if I have his level of dedication.
+Brandon Dayton There's this thesis of making fan supported art that I've seen replicated a few times within the 1 Fantastic Week podcast's community. 1. Come up with a project and tease-out that it's coming while you're making it (for an independent artist it's far better to show the work in progress than to show-up with a completed project). 2. Eventually create a Patreon so that your fan base can directly support the work as it's happening. 3. Launch a Kickstarter once the project's completed. And there's also the virtuous loop that Chase Jarvis's talked about in his "Consequences of Creativity" talk: Create -> Share -> Sustain (which feeds back into "Create").
BIG THUMBS UP! I have nearly 20 years experience as a graphic designer, but I'd be hard pressed to tell you it's from a space of love anymore. It's a job. It pays the bills. I'd love to get back to that space I was in when I was in design school.
We live in a world of money and machines. Art gets pushed out and forced to stay out.
I've been working on comic art for fun, and I think I'll stick with it as fun. In the process, I have found a spark of fun with graphic design simply doing it to enhance my work.
Yes, look at RUclips now: "Guys... if you want more videos like this please give to my patreon, smash that like button, subscribe." I understand where it's coming from, but they act like it'd be impossible for them to make videos -they want the money and I don't blame them. We all have some sort of bills
A gentle tap on the subscribe button works for me :)
It wouldn't be so bad if RUclips hadn't started demonetizing so many videos that content creators can no longer make a living from the site. Many of these people want to make their dream a full time occupation. Just like Brandon, they realized they could never acheive these dreams as long as they remained "side projects" to their day jobs. And if YT is deeming their content "non-advertiser friendly", they've got no other choice but to ask for donations. I don't fault them for that at all.
+Famous Jammer
Passions can change. Geez so damn dramatic
RUclips is somewhat backed into a corner right now, if they had it their way, I'm sure they would go back to the old way; RUclips is doing what it needs to do to survive for a long as it can. My point is that if you really want something you have to find ways to make it work, I get the impression that most RUclipsrs just stop at RUclips which is fine, but don't put all your eggs in one basket. If RUclips disappears will these people just give up? or will they try their best to get where they want to be?
Soldiershak YT isn't exactly scraping by trying to survive. The site makes millions. I don't think there's any danger of the site going under. As for creators "putting all their eggs in one basket", their focus on their channels is no different than a person creating and running their own small business. Part of going into business for yourself is taking risks and investing in yourself. These people already are "trying their best to get where they want to be". If anything, they are trying harder than you or I, because they've given up everything else to make their dreams a reality. I support people like that 100%
I understand exactly how you feel. I even mostly stopped doing art. Even my family kept asking if im going to sell this and that.
All i wanted was to create I didn't think about the next step, maybe that was naive of me. But now I'm working to make money so I can enjoy art once again. Not sure what the answer is but will continue to seek it on my path
Very interesting stuff. I think sometimes one must move on to grow. It's a balance between paycheck and passion.
Any art you create on your own is a struggle but in the end it’s worth doing because you did it in your terms. Dig this man speaks to me heavily, I’m one year in and never looking back.
Very interesting, you have a new subscriber. :)
Such an inspiring story, man. Thank you!
I gave up my comic making dream when I was 17, now I'm 21. It was a moment of life where I had to decide in what to focus more between school, drawing, music and basketball.
Now I walking on the line between school and office job at one side, and Music on the other.
Its not easy, but I really don't want to fall on the office side, in other words I don't want to let my artistic side die.
I want to be at my best at music. And still finish school.
it inspired me and taught me a lesson
I will walk more confident on the line
Wish you Godspeed
Great video, but you could improve one thing. The lipsmacking. You lipsmack a lot when you talk and for people like me it's just really annoying and I just can't take it. Maybe you could try to do something about that because I really want to watch more of your videos, but that jist really ruines it for me (and I'm sure that it does for a lot of others)
Yikes! This is why I should have done broadcaster school. I'll try and pay attention to that.
dude this was beautiful! I teach my students the same exact thing! I do try to get the conversation going about what art is and what makes us artists... I do realize that the society we live in does not allow us or rather does not enable us to do that because it is mainly about the money, always the money.... So I guess I wish you good luck on your endeavor and hope to see what you come up with in the future :)
Thanks, good things so far!
you said "real art" really crazy at 9:13 o.O
I'm sure it was just an audio distortion...
Sureee ;)
Reptilian
I saw this video in my recommended and clicked on it.
Was not disappointing!
You are very right. I am in a very similar situation, and I'm about to quit my own job for a job that pays less but has far more opportunity AND is something I like doing with people I like to be around.
Your intelligent, and it shows.
Also, I just got what was considered a 'dream job', and I started two weeks ago. I just put my two weeks notice in, because I found something I enjoy more than just pipe welding. I like cars more now, especially autobody and restoring cars.
I want to make my own custom paint jobs in the future.
Thank you for this video. I haven't worked as a professional in any artistic field despite trying to get there in the past. The fact that I haven't found financial success with my art put me in a dark place, convincing me that despite all my hard work, my art was found lacking. Would it ever be "worth" something? What's the point of my art? If no one else sees value in it? How can I fix it? I don't mean to ramble but your thoughts provided help, a few answers that might prove true for me as well. Thank you.
Your frustrations may honestly have to more to do with the economy than your abilities. I snagged my first job in the games industry right before the financial crash (and my abilities weren't that great). I think it's been much harder to break in since then. I'd be interested in your thoughts on my "Why I Make Comics" video. I made it after watching "Inside Llewyn Davis" which got me thinking about a lot of the issues you are mentioning here.
find value in your own life. art is a reflection of you, as a former salesman. show people why You value your work and others will value it as well. there is a reason why davinci art sells so much. he showed others why his art is important!
Thank you for this! I did the exact same thing you did two years ago, for much the same reasons. After 15 years working on games I was completely unfulfilled and miserable, so I made the crazy decision to leave a stable job and try to create works that were more reflective of my own ideas and passions. Unfortunately I still let market pressures infect my thought process, resulting in a less then satisfying finished product ;) I wish I had approached it as you did, simply as a desire to find your voice. Still, I have no regrets and would encourage anybody in the same situation to follow your lead. Take a chance on yourself!
Great to hear someone else with a similar experience. It's REALLY hard not to let market pressures effect you. Unless you've got a money bin, it's gonna nibble at you sooner or later.
Imagine that. You worked at EA and Disney. MOST of "us" artists will never have an opportunity to experience a "real" art job. Forget a career. Therefore, "we" die starving. Congratulations, by the way.
Yeah, honestly, I've been super lucky. I into the business before the recession and learned a ton at EA and Disney. That being said, I still want things to be better. I hope that makes things better for everyone else that's trying out there too.
Woah, this really hits home for me. I'm a graphic designer and I've dealt with similar experiences of the "there's no place for art here" attitude that many companies have. It's understandable that they think that way, but I've felt like it's something no one tells you about when you're on a career path to something considered creative. I also passed up a dream job offer a few years ago from an animation studio in New York, as I held a pretty similar attitude. I think a lot of people perceive a role at a top company as the "dream job" but the reality for some is that it's what the job entails doing and how fulfilling it it is for you, rather than the actual job itself (if that makes sense?). Thanks for telling your story, man. It helped me think of mine as well.
I appreciate your comment. I feel like I need another video to go with this to reassure people that good stuff can still happen in the corporate world. I grew A TON while I was at Disney, but yeah, there was something missing there, and there just came a time when it felt right to move on. There are lots of great artistic challenges and experiences to be found out there.
And THAT is why we need a universal basic income. We need creative people to have time to actually create, instead of giving their talents to a corporation that sucks every bit of energy from them, and in the end they don't feel like they achieved anything because they're not daring enough to be bravely creative. If he has enough money so as not to worry about his art not making any money, he'll be able to be as creative as he would like to be, without having to worry about starving tomorrow.
I know for a fact that one day we will be looking at working for a *living* as a form of slavery, as it should. And I cannot wait to see that happen. Almost everybody hates their jobs and that's ridiculous. It's time we work because we *love* what we do, not because we have to so as not to starve!
*Fight for a universal basic income!*
There's lots of good reasons to think that a universal income is inevitable. It could be a great thing for art.
Except you do realize that UBI will drive inflation upwards and as a result, prices will skyrocket. When you have an increasing demand and a low supply, it leads to inflation and this is due to too much money in circulation.
No, working for a living is not slavery and that is because you _choose_ to work for a living. No one is forcing to you to work in a hard job but if you can't earn well with your previous job, improve your skills.
Louis XIV (aka 1685Violin) Oh I don't have to work for a living? I didn't know that! So you mean I can sit around and not work and I won't die of starvation and lack of healthcare? Oh I will? Well, that means it's not a choice, unless if you mean by a choice as in work or you die.
Any new legislation will obviously be accompanied by laws that make sure there are little to no side-effects to that legislation. A universal basic income means we have to either automate food production completely and make home construction very cheap or fully automated, or regulate the market so as to make sure there's no dramatic increase in prices. Either way, it is very achievable just as we thought certain things like getting rid of slavery would destroy the economy. And here we are, no slaves and the economy is well and thriving. Working for a living IS slavery, just because we're used to it doesn't mean it's OK. Getting rid of it won't destroy anything, we'll just replace the current slaves with willing workers (robots).
*Oh I don't have to work for a living? I didn't know that! So you mean I can sit around and not work and I won't die of starvation and lack of healthcare? Oh I will? Well, that means it's not a choice, unless if you mean by a choice as in work or you die.*
Watch the video titled _Monkeynomics 101: Wage Labor is NOT Slavery..._ . This debunks your argument that working for a living is slavery
*Any new legislation will obviously be accompanied by laws that make sure there are little to no side-effects to that legislation.*
Our economies are already overtaxed and overregulated thanks to lobbying from big business wishing to crush competition to the small business. Not only that, bad trade deals also ruined the economy. That is why the president is trying to find a new trade deal that benefits America and the other party. Right now, China has put tariffs on our goods with currency manipulation while we have no such tariffs on Chinese good.
*A universal basic income means we have to either automate food production completely and make home construction very cheap or fully automated or regulate the market so as to make sure there's no dramatic increase in prices.*
We already have given out too much welfare and social housing and those are being abused, especially by single mothers, regardless of race, that choose to be single mothers to leech off the welfare state and after CHOOSING to leave their boyfriends. Further, price controls will lead to shortages which then leads to business failure. Look what happened in Venezuela after putting price controls on food.
Either way, it is very achievable just as we thought certain things like getting rid of slavery would destroy the economy...
This is a false equivalence. Slavery back then truly treated the slaves as property. You are not the property of a company after you voluntarily sign a contract with the company you will work with.
Further, there are some people that really love to work to the point that they don't want robots to ruin their livelihoods, similar to foreign workers.
Look, it may not be easy to accept this but like you, I wish to make art. I want to become a music composer and a cinematographer. Unlike you, I have to accept reality and basic economics which means if I am unable to be skillful enough to make my art with ease and unable to make enough money to even live with the basic necessities, then I have to accept that I am not cut out for those and find a working-class skill as an apprentice. I am one of the few conservatives that want to make art.
Louis XIV (aka 1685Violin) Oh you're a Trump supporter. Didn't know. Sorry for bothering to debate you.
I'm a freelance illustrator going on for almost 6 years. Just stumbled upon this video. You just got a new subscriber my friend. That DOES sound like the dreamjob. Like millions of others, I dreamed of working there since I was a kid. I LOVE disneyland so, it would only be fitting that I land a job there. But, you provided some great insight. Thanks.
What pens and markers do you use for character designs.
Check out my tools video: ruclips.net/video/0aQUEZiHa3E/видео.html
You have a lot of integrity, thank you for sharing your advice as a professional of 10 years
What is the solution? Publicly fund artists? Great, I am an artist now even though I am terrible at it. Easy way to make money and do nothing. You'd get way worse art that way then the system we have now. If your art is worthwhile it will bring people in, ESPECIALLY with the internet. If people resonate with it, they will support you, if people don't resonate with it then why should you be reinforced to continue? Art seems to me to be a lot like business, some people go work for a company and get a sure thing (salary, days on/off). Others employ themselves. You could be mediocre and market what everyone else does but its safe so you wont get a huge return (selling knickknacks for instance). Or you could do what people successful in business do: hoof it, start with nothing, and do something novel that everyone wants. Its the same with art. The only difference I see is that art is more timeless, it can last and can provide more value 20 years down the line than it did presently - business is not the same. Otherwise, I see many similarities.
That's a really good question. I can't answer how we change our culture, but for me, at least the answer has been to focus on my art. I'm still a believer in the importance of markets, but I also like the idea of there existing space outside of markets too.
Tyler Farmer Except good art often goes unnoticed. The artists who make it are the ones who advertise their art as well as adjust to the market's needs. But when you're adjusting to what other people want, is it really your art? And do you think the one who puts the most money into advertising deserves the praise more than someone who can't? It costs money to have your art displayed at a galleria.
When you're selling your art, you're also selling the integrity of the art itself.
I mostly make my art for free now, and one of my dreams jobs was working for Disney. I've heard so many stories, and you're very right about what is called "artistic " or "Creative" now a days..it's pretty sad.
If u wanna make money to make art then u got drawing as a hobby and u have to find a career to pay for your hobby.
However you can make it work.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts. I have been on the same bandwagon - kind of. Drawing Disney style stuff was and keeps being my true passion, however IT jobs were easier to come by in my country so I did that for many years, until two things happened: got kicked out of my best-paying job, and began realizing that all this time I was on it for the money, not for passion. What I really wanted to be known for was something else. One could say "What's your problem? You're being paid to draw, you've got it made". Well, we all strive to make art but paying the bills is also important. I have no problems working on stuff with goals of commercial profit, but if that becomes the only thing you do you may eventually burn out and hate what used to be your passion - it's a delicate balance. Best of luck.
How about you inspire yourself to pick up a cup of water before you start the video. Nice art
Thank you so much for your honesty and insightful commentary. I really appreciate it.
So basically you quit working at a company because it acted like a company. Why don't you work for the gov if you want to work for something that isn't about the money?
A companies only job is to make as much money as possible legally.
Like I feel like saying cry me a river, but I understand some might not understand how a company works. That if you aren't making as much money as possible, then less people can get hired, you are taking pay away from others, and the R&D or creative stuff won't have enough money. I highly doubt you will work for min wage or a min amount it takes to live while there. So you even know deep down that it is about the money
Good luck on your new thing, but you will have a rude wake up call if you ever have to really run a company with a good number of employees. Like running one where you are it or you and 2 or 3 people. This is nothing when you start getting into 5, 10, or even 20 people. Let alone over 100.
Craig Bennett II you knock this guy for not knowing how a company works, when it sounds as if he knows exactly how a company works and funds it reprehensible. You suggest he work for the government if he's not about making money. That's funny. The government is ALL ABOUT making money, just not for itself. The government's function is to protect the interests of the biggest players (I.e. the corporations). That's how money became speech. That's why the FDA and the Department of Agriculture make regulations that protect and promote industry above the public interest. That's how Disney was about to change intellectual property laws to is benefit and the detriment of all the small players (and of course consumers).
If you're going to knock someone's lack of understanding, you better make sure your own understanding is superior.
@Mark O'Leary I guess you don't know this, but the gov actually hires a number of animators and graphics people. The far majority of them doesn't make the gov any money or is meant to push some message.
So you might want to take your own advice "If you're going to knock someone's lack of understanding, you better make sure your own understanding is superior"
BTW most of it isn't going to be aimed for kids. But someone had to make all the smoky the bear stuff (they even did a cartoon on him), and someone had to make the lion for DARE. And then you have PsyOps (they have a ton of animators). NASA has a ton of animators. Each state has a ton of graphics people.....
Basically, you don't know what you're talking about.
Interesting story. I always dreamed about working with an animation studio or comic book company. Ended up in an office job but still design and sketch part time. Sounds like your experience isn't as bad as the horrors stories I heard about in Korean animation studios. I hear they have insane hours (some sleep in the studio) and little benefits.
Not to uncommon for highly desired, high profile jobs. If you can have the freedom to do the work you want, that's good enough for me.
Thanks for the response. I've heard a few nightmare stories in North America too. The Sausage Party controversy comes to mind. Glad you've found happiness. I'm still planning on launching an online comic. Hopefully I'll get around to it this year. Thanks for the inspiration.
You really need to work on getting better audio. You have 13k subs and don't even spring for a decent mic :( shame
I got a new mic since this vid. Sadly, it won't ever make the audio in this video any better.
Brandon Dayton Good deal man. My apologies then. Good audio is extremely important. It's one of the first things I did for my channel awhile back. Glad you have upgraded man
Hi, just watched your video.
First of all, thanks for opening up and sharing your thoughts. It is inspiring and something we need in the creative industry.
I had similar problems with sound. What software do you use for your recording and editing?
Also I think you'd get better audio from using a condenser mic e.g. Yeti USB Microphone ( I use an AKG D5 with a Lexicon Alpha Studio USB Audio Interface) , along with a pop filter.
A good idea would be to watch some "how to get better audio" in your recording videos on youtube, especially for the software you use.. I did the same and now have clear crips audio.
Keep up the good work :)
I relate to what you are saying BIG TIME. Good on ya for making a go of it on your own. It's hard to give up a pay cheque. I once worked for a company that got bigger and bigger. As computers and corporate attitudes took over there were fewer funny drawing contests, personal drawings on the walls, and absolutely no personal sketchbooks left on anyone's desks. People stopped talking to each other because now they have earphones in all the time. I was surrounded by people who love drawing but I never ever saw their personal work. Talent was buried under quota. Unspoken fear of not being good enough and not being able to finish unreasonable work loads floats in the air always. It's hard to go home at night to work on personal projects after concentrating so hard all day. Some people love being part of a bigger thing, a team, a project. But for others, losing that individuality as an artist is really hard on them.
Brandon, i found this really inspiring as I'm a little disillusioned with the industry and you echoed a lot of views and also gave me a new way of thinking others, cheers mate
Happy to help. thanks for commenting.
Thank you. I do aspire to be a concept artist at Disney myself, but mostly for the animation experience. My secret goal is to make a film based on a book that has touched my soul. I don't know if I'll ever be able to make it, but hearing about your experience encourages me that I might at least be able to get close.
It's worth trying.
Your life experience is really inspiring , please continue making art and making the world a better place with your excellent work. Best regards from Brazil
*also what I have found: Entrepreneur vs Employee mindset, sort of* :)
*Awesome video, art, and story. I was just going to make a video about this, how the struggle is actually really enjoyable, the basement is great! It's cozy y'all. I'm also the type of person that once I "get" something, I want to move on. I've truly never had a dream job, just lots of dream goals. Great video* :)
why is this video so relaxing to watch
My soothing voice.
Sir, I know I am SUPER late with commenting on this video, but I just wanted to say...Thank you. I'm kind of in a similar situation to you here currently by working independently on various projects for myself and have questioned if I have been doing the wrong thing or not with my artistic endeavours. This video sort of helped solidify my convictions in the fact that I have chosen the right path for myself artistically. So yes, again, thank you. It helps to know that I'm not alone in this particular struggle.
Holy heck. I just gotta say, as a fellow artist and current indie game developer, I really admire your courage. Making art VS making products and IPs are so far apart, but I never see art as just making stuff for yourself.
I always think like: what do I really want to create, if money and design constraints weren't an issue? If it didn't have to fit some niche, or appeal to some specific audience. It's still made for some kind of demographic, even if that's just those few people that are really like me.
In all honesty I don't make anything for myself, I just make the art that I think I should make, whether or not I can justify it financially. I still have an audience I think about, it's just an audience that I get to choose.
Hey Brandon I went to school for 3d Animation.
While there I meet Barry Temple, Disney Animator for 22 yrs, he basically said if you want a job that pays your debt while working in your field of study, then Disney is for you. But if you want to be better than Disney and start something more influential than what Disney left behind, go off and make your own studio.
I've lived by those words.
That hand is so steady and precise
This resonates with me in a number of ways. I imagine I'll face the same dilemma one day too, of doing what I enjoy or doing what keeps me financially stable in life.
Oh wow this is perfect timing for you to release this video (for me) - this coming monday is my last day at my Day Job as well(taking a year or more off to make comics)!
I want to hear everything about your daily process and how you are making ends meet and drawing when you don't feel like it.
Dude, congratulations. I think that's a great idea. I'll talk about my daily process and how I make ends meat in a future video (hint: my wife working + savings = great).
I understand where your coming from, i hated my university art projects and as of today all my portfolio consists of side projects ive done in my spare time during the weekends, after work and major holidays. I made animations and models for my purposes and made no money because it was for the reason of making good work and bettering myself, never seeking to profit. As i near graduation I can say, i'm proud of everything I WANTED to create, and if i can land work with the style of works i choose to create then all is well.
I'm not a Art-person, but this is surprisingly true for my field of work. i'm a programmer. I've grown to realize that i just want my peace and interact with people. I don't want to be behind the scenes and work 8hours a day.
The social side of programming is just so much brighter when you dont have a big company in your back...
It's good that I found this channel, maybe it's because I was looking at a few mangaka drawings, I want to improve my art style because I want to make animations and an awesome game, I won't click on tutorial videos however, I refuse to, I analyse drawings myself and try new things in different styles, I hadn't realised when I was younger but now I believe it is key to improve your drawing skills so I like doing it on my own effort, I read manga and watch anime ect. Whatever I see and like I attempt to mimic, thanks to my dedication in drawing I found out that tracing is a really good way of learning, people would think it's a cheat to trace (I suppose it kinda is) but your mind like starts to pay closer attention to the details of the picture you traced and memorise it, you increase your focus and understanding of the art style, that's how I feel anyway.I don't trace as much as I use to but when I feel like I'm not doing well I do it, it's like your guiding yourself drawing.
I would reconsider using tutorials. You can learn so much from them. You still have to do lots of work, but a good tutorial can help you focus that work in the right direction.
The Walt Disney quote you mentioned at 2:30 is exactly what Howark Hoark, the architect main character of Ayn Rand's novel "The Fountainhead", says: "I don't intend to build in order to have clients; I intend to have clients in order to build". It's one of the top 5 favorite books in my life, and to say that I recommend you to read it would be an understatement!
Thanks Brandon, i've also felt this resonated a lot with me. I used to draw a lot growing up, it was all i did then during my teenage years stopped doing it. I've been working in graphic design for the past 18 years and although it can be seen a a creative pursuit I feel like theres something missing. I've recently started drawing again without any kind of clear goal but just to simply do it for myself and not judge myself. The points you make about everything having this marketable value is something I definitely feel affects creative work, especially when you have a family - there's the fear of where you can provide if you decide to pursue art for a living, this is just wrong. Strangely your video came up as related to another on a similar kind of topic which has helped me think about my own artistic journey today, a rainy Wednesday afternoon in England. Just wanted to thank you for sharing your story.
Love the video, I look forward to seeing the rest of your work in the future.
Great story and work path I've chosen the same path for me and never regretted since then. There are some bumps here and there, but be free to express yourself is priceless . Good luck 🍀 on your journey . Peeeeeace ✌🏽
I'm constantly back and fort on having a dream job. You mentioned your artistic growth and being around other talented artists and that's the biggest draw for me aside from stability. On the other hand, I'm acutely aware of my tendencies and I could definitely see myself getting tired of working long hours in a corporate world, even if it's a job I love doing. I'm a person that needs the freedom to work how I want. Thanks for the video. It's encouraging to know even people who've had relative success are battling the same issues I'm dealing with.
Honestly, there is another side to it that's equally compelling. The whole Mike Rowe argument that you should just focus on finding good work, and that dreams can sometimes make for bad reality. In a sense, this video is about how I got past the idea of a "dream job" all together. There are so many great places to grow as a human being, whether in the corporate world or on your own. It's really up to you what you make of it. For now, doing my own thing feels right.
I feel you man... Being an artist on your own outside of company can be a challenge due to daily cost of living and expenses... I guess it's all juggling things for living and for food...
I was hypnotized by your drawing in the entire video