I became very ill and my therapist made me draw my feelings and now I am a surface pattern designer from bed. I’m still bedridden but painting keeps me alive. 💎🙏🏼
My guy, that was very important for me to find right now; I'm a fellow ADHDer, who decided that will drop her 7-year career at the dull company to chase her childhood dream to become an illustrator. It's hard to change the industry with 3yo by your side, but I hope I will make it. Thanks for sharing your story!
@@BaddeBadger I would be tempted to start illo as a side hustle as gives you a chance to see how good you are and if you can go full time. And time to learn the skills and biz skills. And what your markets can be. If its gonna pay.
@@alicequayle4625 I dont understand what this is. Is it like a consulting group? What part of Illo makes revenue? Their website is awful and doesnt explain anything
I also changed my career to pursue illustration and design as well, it' has been tough but I really enjoy it. BTW your 3yo can give you ideas, I "use" mine for that lol (now 5yo)
I so wish I never listened to my art teachers back in 1993. They said going into art is a waste of time, unless you an architect or a dead person, you won’t make any money with your art. 3 years later we got the internet, and I still didn’t believe I could make a living as an artist. I’m now in my late 40’s drawing, which helps a lot with my ADHD, but so sad so much time was wasted. Now I encourage my own kids to not listen to negative teachers and just follow their dreams. I can honestly say, I feel dead inside when I do my 9 to 5, but so alive when I get home and just start drawing. Maybe one day I can also release a book of a 1000 drawings before I die one day. Thank you for the inspiration, it really helps me going watching your videos.
Ugh teachers like that are the worst. I’m so lucky I had one that encouraged me. I can’t imagine how different my life would be otherwise. I’m glad my videos are resonating with you.
I hear you man. Same thing happened to me. I'm also in My late 40's just starting out on the drawing again and rueing all the time wasted not pursuing the illustrative career I originally wanted to do. However, I'm seeing peeps in my town selling art (usually water colours) and they've only been at it a few years. So there is good hope for us. I'm going to give it a good tonk until I'm 50 and see where I stand then.
This literally could have been written by me. I too had the same experience. I probably didnt do ANY art for a decade at one point. When I had a son who loves art, I started doing it again with him from time to time. Now I draw or sculpt (turns out Im an amazing sculptor and had no idea. It just feels more natural to me than drawing but they go hand-in-hand). I draw every day as well. All day at work, all I can think about is going home to do art. Im also in my 40’s now and get sad about squandering so many years of what made me happy and gave me a sense of identity because I was told it was useless.
I used to draw all the time, I had scrapbooks full of drawings. I used to win prizes and kids used to ask me to start off their art drawings in art class. My parents never encouraged or acknowledged my interest in art and here I am in my 50s, doing something that pays the bills and only sketch in my free time. It's so important to encourage your kids' interests.
Sounds like your art career is the reverse of mine. I was the kid in art class that _could_ draw the apple, and I went on to study art in college thinking I would become an illustrator. Instead, I ended up becoming an art director and graphic designer, I think because I lost confidence in my abilities as an illustrator. I think I was too hard on myself, or thought that my "style" wasn't "in". I ended up finding my biggest success in designing and making fonts, and my drawing abilities helped with that. Lately, I've been trying to get back into drawing again like I used to (although probably not as a new career at my age-the font thing is still working for me) just because I was missing it. Which is part of the reason I discovered your channel.
Mark! I'm a bit slow with things sometimes-but I just realized who you are! You've created some amazing fonts. I'm truly honored to have a legend like you supporting my channel.
@@chris-piascik Thanks! Glad you did the supporter lettering before you knew. 🙂Might have put undue stress on you. Anyway, your lettering is great and I'm glad I discovered your channel. It was the Fresco over Procreate video. It made a lot of sense to me, especially from the pro point of view, and I hadn't looked at Fresco since v. 1.0. I still can't believe Procreate doesn't have some kind of cloud support for saving files (other than export) after all this time.
@@marklsimonson lol, I actually just said exactly that (about the lettering) to a friend. Thanks for the kind words about my lettering, means a lot coming from you.
Same. I went the design route because I was told it was actually marketable. It is, and I don’t regret that I can have a job on the design industry, but I do wish sometimes that I’d been able to follow the path of drawing and illustrating. It feels like the me who did that in an alternate universe is happier than I am in this one and I sometimes get glimpses of who she is and grieve that I’m not with her, if that makes sense.
It makes me sad that you said, even jokingly that you’re “stupid”. You are NOT stupid! You are talented, humble and down to earth. Be kinder to yourself! You’re awesome :)
@shiningrose2348 just saying it's a good mindset to think you're still stupid cause there will always be things to learn, that's why a lot of professionals say their dumb like this guy. I was responding to the guy saying "No your not stupid!" Cause this youtuber knows he's at a pro level but also knows he doesn't know everything
I haven’t made it yet, but your story sounds like mine to a point, but I gave up went down the path of joining the military, then odd jobs for years. I stopped drawing and made bad decisions because at that time in the 90s I was told you couldn’t make money at art. I never gave up dreaming though and now I’m back at it, thanks for your story and inspiration!
Every day is the not-yet. After three decades back at the sketchbook 4:00, I’m back at allowing myself to doing my art. I am not whole if I do not draw or create in some form or another. Will I ever make $5 from it? Future to be revealed. It might take me to a different field altogether but it will always be a part of me. MEANWHILE 😂❤ daily draw or weekly. Doing is my prayer, meditation and chill pill. - Even though I was encouraged I missed the message 😢😮😅 about the journey, that part about letting your art self grow takes perseverance. I was never frontline but I did 4 years military. MEANWHILE there’s plenty of other ways nowadays to patch together an income. Many artists are quietly defeating the myth that all artists are doomed to be starving artist. They make money in part or wholly. They all traveled different pathways, learned the business side, adopted flexibility, keep health and home priorities, and let personal style emerge: Personal style might be different than the moneymaker. And definitely, manage social media as a tool, not a god, - Keep on trucking, Eric.
So glad you showed up in my feed! As an ADHD creator, having a daily creative practice also changed my life - something I discovered accidentally because it just made me feel better to do a daily creative journal page. Subbed and can't wait to watch more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your process.
I really feel the low self-esteem. I am 39 now, and it has taken me this long to realize that maybe I can succeed as an artist-I just have to practice. Hell, I wrote a book this year. If I can do that, I can do anything.
Its funny at 29 i was thinking I missed the boat. What Ive learned from the past 3 years of drawing is people like to make excuses for their lack of drive, ability, and discipline. You dont miss the boat, you make it. Im making it at 32, youre making it at 39. Anyone who says otherwise has their own issues to deal with. Let them live on that island if they want, youre getting off it.
@@morezombies9685 Hell yeah! I used to make excuses because I didn't have the confidence. I was afraid I couldn't make it because of the bullshit I was told as a kid. But fuck that shit! I'm too old to give a damn!
@@shawnorrific exactly! Youre too old to care man, we both are. Im glad I could encourage you! We are smart and capable people, willing and able to follow our passions!
I am 61 yrs… and I always liked drawing. That was my passion. When I got to college I wanted to do an art degree but people discouraged me because there was no way to make money doing drawings. I decided to go into accounting so boring) At this point I have always wanted to pursue my dreams so I became a hairstylist, so its a kind of art 😊, but I still have that feeling of emptiness. Thanks, you have inspired me that there can always be a new beginning no matter the age just the desire to learn ❤
I’m so glad RUclips recommended this video-it’s like stand-up for artists! :) (Another career option, haha.) I also have ADHD, and it’s hard to focus on one idea, but your example inspires me to go for it without worrying about making it perfect.
I'm gonna be a 10th grader soon, it's scary cause next thing I know, I'll have to choose my college major but I'm so scared!!! I've always been an aspiring animator but I'm soo worried about being replaced :( But this video makes me happy
Thank you for sharing your authentic journey! I am a fellow lifelong creative, recently got into illustrating and graphic design. I also have adult-diagnosed ADHD & found daily drawing is meditative for me! That dopamine hit when someone likes what you’re posting is definitely addicting, but I think what keeps me going is how it helps calm my ADHD mind. My to do list temporarily goes away, I’m filled with inspiration, excitement, and anticipation for what the final picture will look like, and overall just feel a lot more calmer. I hope others with ADHD have found their creative outlet!
What an awesome story, thanks for sharing this Chris! Until you get older you never realise how one thing can lead to another. And it never really matters about age when you want to go into something new, if you can do it go for it. Thanks for this man!
Loved hearing your story Chris! As a fellow ADHD former-studio-designer-turned-artist, its so nice to see that I don't have to have it all figured out here at Year 2 to make my career work in the long run. I've primarily been painting murals since leaving the design world, and am slowly working on transitioning to more illustration and direct-to-consumer work. You're totally right that things tend to snowball in unexpected ways!
Man, you’re speaking my language. Your story resonates with me, & I appreciate your sharing it. I became aware of a chronic illness at the age of 45 & had to stop working as a Financial Advisor. I now am working as a Graphic Designer, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Your video gives me the hope I need.
You're incredible. Love your humility and wonderful, colourful, happy artwork. Your story gives hope to anyone following their own direction and dealing with self doubt. Wishing you continued success.
So encouraging to hear how you slipped into becoming an illustrator, Chris! I loved drawing when I was a kid but decided I wasn't that good so gave up. I am now 61 and just started drawing a few years ago and realised I am quite good after all. Now I need to make up for the 45 years I missed. Moral of the story, don't give up keep plugging away!
That is amazing work ! It truly is those handful of people who take the time to say a few encouraging words that make such a major shift in our lives....so grateful to them 💗🎉
So inspirational, I feel like can relate to your story especially as loving art as a kid. though got into digital illustration late in life this gives me hope to continue the illustration path that is possible.
Thank you - for being you - and for encouraging us to do the same. With drawing every day, you have a product, and as you've described, you never know where that will take You! Now, I will be drawing, sketching everyday with the ideas I've already envisioned but never produced. Thanks mate!
I’m so touched by your story and your honesty! I was born an artist and proudly told everyone I was going to be an artist when I grew up. I was constantly using found objects and creating art. Unfortunately I grew up in a poor area where many were uneducated and didn’t speak English. My parents insisted I get a traditional job and it was unthinkable that I couldn’t support myself. So I worked for decades doing a mediocre job, saved hard and now I am free enough to do the work I want. I’ve been taking art classes and lessons but all the focus is on re-creating pictures of real life…very boring indeed! I have my secret art journal filled with all my doodles, crazy creatures and meaningless random stuff. Seeing this video is like a light bulb going off saying - that’s your REAL art!! You’re a great inspiration and also a very talented artist. I feel like I wasn’t sure my real art would ever be acceptable, I never show it to anyone. I always show the “pretty” stuff lol…this video could literally change my life’s passion and give me courage to actually bring out my true creative side…thanks for sharing your journey!
I had an art teacher in high school that thought it was crazy I wasn’t going to college for art (got my accounting degree - which has served me very well). There was a fellow student that was over the top talented at cartoonish drawings he could come up with his imagination, with his art in the yearbook, tshirts, etc. I had, what I know now, was imposters syndrome because I would compare myself to him and thought no way could I be successful. Art is my hobby and I now have more free time to practice and learn from RUclipsrs. I enjoy it very much and am not pressured to fund my life doing it.
Thanks! Good Talk! Always doing better with daily doodle but sketchbook along with keys and phone just in case the committee is too loud after a stressful week. And thankful for the word from family, teachers, and my nieces and nephews who are my role models for how to thrive in spite of.❤
Great video. Loved your honesty and all the happy 'accidents' that happened by you showing up every day. Used to draw a lot when I was younger but only occasionally do now. Seems like an unachievable dream making a living from drawing stuff that is fun for you AND resonates with others. Long may it continue for you Chris!
Hey Chris, I’ve watched a few of your videos and subscribed. I’ve done daily drawings before but I think the idea of doing drawings of things you love to really be something I’ll take to heart and do. It’s cool to see how your career unfolded. Inspiring. I’ve been journaling every day for a few years. I need to step my game up and do at least a drawing a day I figure. Lots of great ideas man. Thanks for your wisdom and inspiration. You’ve changed my life trajectory in a better direction after watching and restored some of my faith in the universe.
This is so relatable to me, I accidentaly became an animator lol. Life puts A LOT of opportunities in front of you, you just have to be open to them even If you're scared or insecure
The part about not thinking you can amount to something worthwhile because you can't draw a realistic apple, that's my story. Drawing was my armour as a kid that made me feel I had some value. But when I joined a design college, during the foundation we had compulsory live drawing classes. I left drawing for more 'corporate' design stuff because I thought "my art was shit where there are so many people in my class better than me who can make perfect human faces" so much bullshit conditioning that I have to let go of to start enjoying drawing again. But this video is a start. Thankyou ❤
Awesomeness melting brain good vibes 😎 thanks for sharing ! Bravo for the story telling by the campfire amazing quality that is developed during this podcast!
Finding this video at a crucial time in my life - thank you! So inspiring! Unfortunately I didn't have a teacher to cheer on me and most adults would tell me that computers were the future and that a graphic design career was doomed... So I went for culinary arts, which I loved! but, I always wondered what would my life be if I had gone for graphic design... I also always loved drawing and painting, and I have keep doing it here and there through my life. I'm a UX/UI designer now but working in the corporate world has slowly been killing my soul lol... maybe this is a sign to start a daily drawing/painting practice and see what happens from there. So glad I found your channel, keep it up! :)
didn't draw anything for 3-4 years, because my job killed my creativity. watching this now as I know my contract is ending in a few months and thinking about catching up on all the creative stuff I used to love to do in the past, but just didn't have the energy for anymore. might start by doing daily little drawings that don’t take too much time. maybe ill just draw my office stuff until creativity comes back
Also an ADHDer. Stopped drawing around high school and went to university for HR. Been working in HR for close to 6-years and I'm dead inside. In January, I started a full-time online graphic design college program and have had so much fun re-discovering my creative outlet. I'm still working HR while I do school, so I can keep the lights on. I'd eventually like to become an illustrator but am having a hard time picking up the pencil again. When I look at a page, my head is blank. I can't picture anything, as if my imagination left me. Really struggling to find confidence to put pen to paper and don't know where to begin. Does anyone have any tricks to help me with this? Advice, videos, or resources would be appreciated! 🙏🏻
Hi. Best advice I ever got was to read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and do the exercises week by week. She has a whole series now on helping connect to the creative self. You can find the books at used book stores. I always buy them there when I see them to give away. I still do the Morning Pages- which is like the daily drawing. And Artist Dates. I found this life-changing. Let me know how it goes🌺
That is quite a journey. Thank you for sharing your success story. Very impressive. And age doesn't matter either in today's world. You can be 80+ and still be an illustrator. It's a wonderful career to be an artist.
Wow, great content Chris! I found your channel recently and watched a few videos. I like it a lot. I'm a graphic designer but focused on motion design and only after my 40s I perceived that I enjoy lettering and calligraphy and some kind of illustration. I wish I had been into all of it since I was a kid. So, I'm trying to figure out what I want for a living from now on. Doing some changes here and there. Your content is very inspiring. Thank you!
I just found your channel today via this video and I can relate with your work so much.. I was doing lettering in all my high school classes on my folders and notebooks and I wanted to be a graphic designer, which I finally got the guts to go for in 2019.. I also designed a card game a couple years ago, but after that my work slowed wayyyy down. I was already thinking I need to post daily drawings and since I found your video I plan to do that. I already am making art every day so I might as well put it out there. I never had the encouragement to go for it, but I am giving myself permission to do that for myself. I started making animated gifs last fall and they are soooo fun. Btw I totally used your sticker packs on FB messenger! So cool. I hope to be successful like you. Thanks for this video and sharing!
Really needed to hear this right now. Your path is almost identical to what i traveled. Im a certified designer, and am currently doing an online art course. Confidence is an issue though, as i dont have ADHD , but i do have Tourette's. It's a constant fight to stay motivated. I was born and raised in Boston. Great place for the arts. Dude, you are awesome and are definitely a kindred spirit.
Your illustrations are so funny, and colours are so warm and appealing 🥰 It is just a pleasure to look at them ! Definitely showing a positive side of ADHD 😊🤪
it has been a big inspiration to hear this Chris! I have been a frustrated graphic designer for the past 8 years. Working in some super corporate marketing places and i have hated it. I use to draw so much as a kid and in my teens doing graffiti and lettering and didn't draw at all... But this has inspired me to fuck of my graphic design career and be an illustrator!!! I didn't even realise it is possible. Now I am drawing everyday on my ipad and i love it. 🙏🙏 thanks man
Thank you very inspiring talk, I just might consider becoming an illustrator myself or encourage my kids to or maybe both. Best of luck to you and your subscribers!❤
So what you're saying is it's 95% luck and 5% actual skill? Just playing there is a heavy amount of perseverance and hard work that goes into being a full time artist...the luck part is a given if you keep putting work out there. Great video and I am now subscribed!
Hi Chris, I'm a stay at home Dad with a 16month old daughter. Trying to find time for the more traditional oils and watercolours that ive dabbled with is really hard. Finding your channel has been a real godsend. As someone with ADHD who hated what I was doing pre kid, but is also a little unfulfilled being a SAHD, this feels like something I can learn and do for me. If I could make some cash from it, then great, but mostly it's for the creative expression. Unfortunately a new ipad and pencil is put of the budget, but I'm having a go with Fresco via a Wack 'em (lol) tablet thanks to your videos.
So glad you’ve found my videos helpful! If you ever decide you want to try to go the iPad route, the Pro’s have been overly powerful for a long a time. So you could probably find a great deal on a used one that’s a few years old that would still be able to easily handle anything in Fresco.
I just found you on RUclips after looking for Fresco tutorials. I’ve always loved drawing and got into graphic design when I was 15. I used to design three designs a day to get better and I ended up getting hired for freelance work. I kind of took a break the last few years but this video really inspired me to get back into it! Thank you!
I decided to teach myself how to draw around 4 months ago. I'm 28 years old and never really drew as a kid or in school, (was always gaming or playing football), but I've now nearly finished my first digital painting with colour and it has been really fun! I think I've found a new hobby for life
Interesting.. I was looking for tips about "how to sell doodle style illustration", because I'm a designer, who likes to draw doodles, (and to be a designer in game industry at 40 become kinda exhausting). And suddenly I found the story of my life 😄Also found out that I have ADHD last year and now I suspect, that ADHD somehow could lead a person to that kind of career... of creator of some sort 🤔
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I found it amazing, amusing, and very inspiring. I totally relate with your inability to continue your daily drawing after having a child. I have three children and I’ve been trying to get into a daily drawing habit for 14 years without success. So I’m really glad I’m not the only one who can’t keep it up.😂
I guess the thing about bikes may indicate that it's probably a good idea to do some stuff/work about things that you love and hopefully you will get more of that sort of work.
I hear you. That's my story, kind of, too. I failed at everything as a kid except for drawing and a couple other oddball things. Plus I had no interest in, and could not envision myself doing, any "normal" profession.
This gave me hope. Especially with the current climate and discourse around AI image generators and the feeling that the online market is hyper saturated. I have a similar story where I threw it out in my early 20's and I'm having to reclaim it in my 30's. The feeling that I've lost a lot of time comes up a lot.
I’m glad you’re getting back into it. A better way to look at it might be that you have that much more insight and experience to bring to the drawing board now. Although it might be subconscious, the time that’s passed will have a role in your new work!
I took Kate Bingaman Burt's zine making class in highschool when she came to my hometown, and she's incredible. Found your channel recently and have been watching and learning a lot. Super pumped to know that you're also a fan/admirer of her work.
I could pursue that, although for me Id need to organize it into sections, like attics, basements, closets with footware, and so on. Connect it with a theme. I also often get labelled a fashion illustrator, but not sure what that means about style.
I have never drawn "a lot" in my life, but have always been looking for some form of art to cling to. Have been designing a board game for the past year and a half and will need art for it soon. I came across some dip pen artists and it harkoned back to a dragon I did in high school that had to be in a "comic book style." I was always proud of how good the dragon looked with the pencil sketch, and was somewhat inspired by the teacher commenting on how I would have gotten a 100 on the piece if I had turned it in on time, and how much she liked it. Dealing with anxiety/depression over the years, I strayed away from any art, but after managing it, I have continued to try to find SOMETHING for me, be it an art medium (have also gotten into painting miniatures), an insturment, or maybe even something online like Twitch, RUclips, etc. The board game has held my creative interest for the longest time, so I hope I can use that motivation to better my sketching & ink skills. That being said, I'm sure I'm going to want a different art style for the finalization of the board game haha Either way... I'll be putting ink on my first sketch today... After I fix this ooooone part....
Straight forward life experience. Great video Chris. I, too, was told art was a bad career path. That was in 1960! I studied architectural drawing in high school. I had an art teacher in that school that got me my first job at a silk screen plant two days after graduation. Joined the military for four years, Went to college on the GI bill. Freelanced in a small town until 20008 (eventually charged $60 an hour like the big dogs 80 miles north of here). Learned HTML and CSS to create some websites. Now have an ipad to doodle in Adobe Fresco and Capcut.
You are inspirational. Thank you. It’s wonderful to see that there are still individuals like Van Gogh who have discovered their worth beyond artistic self destruction. Stay positive and more power to you! Thank you.
So basically I have to keep making daily drawings for 5.000 days or more, get hired by Nike, Facebook, Google, Nickelodeon and other mainstream media and products. Easy!
When I was younger my dyslexia was so bad I refused to read. My mother bought me a few batman comics and I learned to read through context with the help of the art. I drew simple cartoons all my life. Never had the realism at least the realism like in comics. I failed at my art classes, my art teachers in high school focused on the kids who really had a talent for fine art…I was a cartoon guy. I drew cartoons for my high school paper and people really responded to them. I wanted to go to art college even though I failed in art classes because I wanted to learn the basics and maybe learn to draw anatomy. My parents refused to let me and I ended up going to JR college. I ended up working in a myriad of jobs and kept drawing cartoons. Everyone would ask, “why are you working here? You should be drawing for a living.” I never felt good enough for that but good enough to just draw people in cartoons. I became a pretty decent manager and trainer because of my observation skills and empathy but never really happy. I ran into someone who saw me drawing and asked if I ever thought of drawing comic books and I said I I had but my style isn’t right for comics. He convinced me otherwise. He challenged me to draw a short 4 page comic. It turned into 8 pages. He paid to have it produced into a short run comic book called “Professor G & Blake.” We sold out (again, a short run of 50 books). We worked together and have produced 5 comics the newer ones running up to 80 pages. At 54 years old the 9-5 job I was decent at let me go in favor of a less expensive person and I struggle both financially and emotionally after doing it for so long. I’ve been trying to make things work by selling my comics and my poster designs at local comic con and pop cons. I’ve been pretty lucky, people let me share their table space for free or even getting invited to a convention and they paid for my room and table. They even asked me to speak on a panel. I was also embarrassed to say that I had a 9-5 job because I’m not making enough money with my art. Then I met some artists who are working for some of the biggest comic book publishers and they have 9-5 jobs. That shocked me. But I’m not embarrassed to say I have another job anymore and I definitely have a lot of enjoyment sharing my artwork and comics. I hope to someday say at work that I have a real job drawing comic books.
Thanks for sharing! There is absolutely no shame in the security and consistency of a 9-5 job. Some people find the variety and interaction really gratifying. And there are ways of applying your creative thinking skills towards any field you’re in which is why artists are so valuable.
Hey Chris! I can tell you EXACTLY what could have happened had you bailed on your dream of being an artist… I too drew obsessively as a kid. I won awards like trips to Disneyland for my family and even meeting president clinton when he came to Seattle in 1994! And then the same thing happened to me with those damn apples and I BAILED! I shit you not, I WENT INTO MINISTRY🤮🥴. This upset my precious anarchic 10 year old trickster self who just wanted to draw all day. Which led to a serious heroin addiction, a 60 month prison sentence and waking up to the love of my life dead in my arms from an accidental overdose! Now Im almost 40 and FINALLY listening to that 10 year old self… thought I’d give him a chance before checking out for good. So yeah, that that pep talk was a huge gift!
re: "Imagine there's no Instagram. It's easy if you can." Luv! TY for this consumable, straightforward, funny, fun, self deprecating look at your journey. I went to your page -- love your animation of 'Goofy.' Love the hilarious retro style. Love 'the uncle story.' TY! ♥♥♥
I became very ill and my therapist made me draw my feelings and now I am a surface pattern designer from bed. I’m still bedridden but painting keeps me alive. 💎🙏🏼
I’m glad you were able to find that outlet!
How did you become a surface pattern designer?
My guy, that was very important for me to find right now; I'm a fellow ADHDer, who decided that will drop her 7-year career at the dull company to chase her childhood dream to become an illustrator. It's hard to change the industry with 3yo by your side, but I hope I will make it. Thanks for sharing your story!
I’m glad my timing was right! You got this! ❤
How are you doing 1 year later? I just found this video and am thinking the same
@@BaddeBadger I would be tempted to start illo as a side hustle as gives you a chance to see how good you are and if you can go full time. And time to learn the skills and biz skills. And what your markets can be. If its gonna pay.
@@alicequayle4625 I dont understand what this is. Is it like a consulting group? What part of Illo makes revenue? Their website is awful and doesnt explain anything
I also changed my career to pursue illustration and design as well, it' has been tough but I really enjoy it. BTW your 3yo can give you ideas, I "use" mine for that lol (now 5yo)
I so wish I never listened to my art teachers back in 1993. They said going into art is a waste of time, unless you an architect or a dead person, you won’t make any money with your art. 3 years later we got the internet, and I still didn’t believe I could make a living as an artist. I’m now in my late 40’s drawing, which helps a lot with my ADHD, but so sad so much time was wasted. Now I encourage my own kids to not listen to negative teachers and just follow their dreams. I can honestly say, I feel dead inside when I do my 9 to 5, but so alive when I get home and just start drawing. Maybe one day I can also release a book of a 1000 drawings before I die one day. Thank you for the inspiration, it really helps me going watching your videos.
Ugh teachers like that are the worst. I’m so lucky I had one that encouraged me. I can’t imagine how different my life would be otherwise. I’m glad my videos are resonating with you.
I hear you man. Same thing happened to me. I'm also in My late 40's just starting out on the drawing again and rueing all the time wasted not pursuing the illustrative career I originally wanted to do. However, I'm seeing peeps in my town selling art (usually water colours) and they've only been at it a few years. So there is good hope for us. I'm going to give it a good tonk until I'm 50 and see where I stand then.
This 😔
This literally could have been written by me. I too had the same experience. I probably didnt do ANY art for a decade at one point. When I had a son who loves art, I started doing it again with him from time to time. Now I draw or sculpt (turns out Im an amazing sculptor and had no idea. It just feels more natural to me than drawing but they go hand-in-hand). I draw every day as well. All day at work, all I can think about is going home to do art. Im also in my 40’s now and get sad about squandering so many years of what made me happy and gave me a sense of identity because I was told it was useless.
The same thing happens in journalism.
I used to draw all the time, I had scrapbooks full of drawings. I used to win prizes and kids used to ask me to start off their art drawings in art class. My parents never encouraged or acknowledged my interest in art and here I am in my 50s, doing something that pays the bills and only sketch in my free time. It's so important to encourage your kids' interests.
Sounds like your art career is the reverse of mine. I was the kid in art class that _could_ draw the apple, and I went on to study art in college thinking I would become an illustrator. Instead, I ended up becoming an art director and graphic designer, I think because I lost confidence in my abilities as an illustrator. I think I was too hard on myself, or thought that my "style" wasn't "in". I ended up finding my biggest success in designing and making fonts, and my drawing abilities helped with that. Lately, I've been trying to get back into drawing again like I used to (although probably not as a new career at my age-the font thing is still working for me) just because I was missing it. Which is part of the reason I discovered your channel.
Going from illustrating realism to designing fonts is definitely an interesting path!
Mark! I'm a bit slow with things sometimes-but I just realized who you are! You've created some amazing fonts. I'm truly honored to have a legend like you supporting my channel.
@@chris-piascik Thanks! Glad you did the supporter lettering before you knew. 🙂Might have put undue stress on you. Anyway, your lettering is great and I'm glad I discovered your channel. It was the Fresco over Procreate video. It made a lot of sense to me, especially from the pro point of view, and I hadn't looked at Fresco since v. 1.0. I still can't believe Procreate doesn't have some kind of cloud support for saving files (other than export) after all this time.
@@marklsimonson lol, I actually just said exactly that (about the lettering) to a friend. Thanks for the kind words about my lettering, means a lot coming from you.
Same. I went the design route because I was told it was actually marketable. It is, and I don’t regret that I can have a job on the design industry, but I do wish sometimes that I’d been able to follow the path of drawing and illustrating. It feels like the me who did that in an alternate universe is happier than I am in this one and I sometimes get glimpses of who she is and grieve that I’m not with her, if that makes sense.
It makes me sad that you said, even jokingly that you’re “stupid”. You are NOT stupid! You are talented, humble and down to earth. Be kinder to yourself! You’re awesome :)
Thank you :)
Everyone's stupid, it's good to know you are
@@nonfungable3541what made you say that, it is like so random??
@shiningrose2348 just saying it's a good mindset to think you're still stupid cause there will always be things to learn, that's why a lot of professionals say their dumb like this guy. I was responding to the guy saying "No your not stupid!" Cause this youtuber knows he's at a pro level but also knows he doesn't know everything
Einstein or someone smart and famous once said, "the only thing i know is that i know nothing at all"
I haven’t made it yet, but your story sounds like mine to a point, but I gave up went down the path of joining the military, then odd jobs for years. I stopped drawing and made bad decisions because at that time in the 90s I was told you couldn’t make money at art. I never gave up dreaming though and now I’m back at it, thanks for your story and inspiration!
Every day is the not-yet. After three decades back at the sketchbook 4:00, I’m back at allowing myself to doing my art. I am not whole if I do not draw or create in some form or another. Will I ever make $5 from it? Future to be revealed. It might take me to a different field altogether but it will always be a part of me.
MEANWHILE 😂❤ daily draw or weekly. Doing is my prayer, meditation and chill pill. - Even though I was encouraged I missed the message 😢😮😅 about the journey, that part about letting your art self grow takes perseverance.
I was never frontline but I did 4 years military. MEANWHILE there’s plenty of other ways nowadays to patch together an income. Many artists are quietly defeating the myth that all artists are doomed to be starving artist. They make money in part or wholly. They all traveled different pathways, learned the business side, adopted flexibility, keep health and home priorities, and let personal style emerge: Personal style might be different than the moneymaker. And definitely, manage social media as a tool, not a god,
- Keep on trucking, Eric.
Thank you!!
So glad you showed up in my feed! As an ADHD creator, having a daily creative practice also changed my life - something I discovered accidentally because it just made me feel better to do a daily creative journal page. Subbed and can't wait to watch more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your process.
Glad this resonated with you! Thanks!
What do you draw. If i sit and draw…. Blank 😢.
I really feel the low self-esteem. I am 39 now, and it has taken me this long to realize that maybe I can succeed as an artist-I just have to practice. Hell, I wrote a book this year. If I can do that, I can do anything.
Writing a book is huge!
Its funny at 29 i was thinking I missed the boat. What Ive learned from the past 3 years of drawing is people like to make excuses for their lack of drive, ability, and discipline.
You dont miss the boat, you make it. Im making it at 32, youre making it at 39. Anyone who says otherwise has their own issues to deal with. Let them live on that island if they want, youre getting off it.
@@morezombies9685 Hell yeah! I used to make excuses because I didn't have the confidence. I was afraid I couldn't make it because of the bullshit I was told as a kid. But fuck that shit! I'm too old to give a damn!
@@shawnorrific exactly! Youre too old to care man, we both are. Im glad I could encourage you! We are smart and capable people, willing and able to follow our passions!
@@morezombies9685 Hell yeah!
I use to redraw the cover of Goosebumps books, so when you mentioned the album covers that made me smile.
Hah awesome!
I am 61 yrs… and I always liked drawing. That was my passion. When I got to college I wanted to do an art degree but people discouraged me because there was no way to make money doing drawings. I decided to go into accounting so boring) At this point I have always wanted to pursue my dreams so I became a hairstylist, so its a kind of art 😊, but I still have that feeling of emptiness. Thanks, you have inspired me that there can always be a new beginning no matter the age just the desire to learn ❤
It's awesome when you find teacher's like that!
I’m so glad RUclips recommended this video-it’s like stand-up for artists! :) (Another career option, haha.)
I also have ADHD, and it’s hard to focus on one idea, but your example inspires me to go for it without worrying about making it perfect.
Thanks! Glad this was helpful!
I'm gonna be a 10th grader soon, it's scary cause next thing I know, I'll have to choose my college major but I'm so scared!!! I've always been an aspiring animator but I'm soo worried about being replaced :( But this video makes me happy
Keep drawing. No matter what, believe in yourself
Thank you for sharing your authentic journey! I am a fellow lifelong creative, recently got into illustrating and graphic design. I also have adult-diagnosed ADHD & found daily drawing is meditative for me! That dopamine hit when someone likes what you’re posting is definitely addicting, but I think what keeps me going is how it helps calm my ADHD mind. My to do list temporarily goes away, I’m filled with inspiration, excitement, and anticipation for what the final picture will look like, and overall just feel a lot more calmer. I hope others with ADHD have found their creative outlet!
What an awesome story, thanks for sharing this Chris!
Until you get older you never realise how one thing can lead to another.
And it never really matters about age when you want to go into something new, if you can do it go for it.
Thanks for this man!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved hearing your story Chris! As a fellow ADHD former-studio-designer-turned-artist, its so nice to see that I don't have to have it all figured out here at Year 2 to make my career work in the long run. I've primarily been painting murals since leaving the design world, and am slowly working on transitioning to more illustration and direct-to-consumer work. You're totally right that things tend to snowball in unexpected ways!
It’s been 12 years for me and I’m still figuring it out! Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed my story!
AWESOME story and storytelling. Thank you for sharing Chris!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Man, you’re speaking my language. Your story resonates with me, & I appreciate your sharing it. I became aware of a chronic illness at the age of 45 & had to stop working as a Financial Advisor. I now am working as a Graphic Designer, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Your video gives me the hope I need.
So glad it resonated with you!
Your story resonates so well in every field. Just do it comes to mind.
Man this is just an awesome and inspiring story. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Thanks! Glad you thought so!
You're incredible. Love your humility and wonderful, colourful, happy artwork. Your story gives hope to anyone following their own direction and dealing with self doubt. Wishing you continued success.
So encouraging to hear how you slipped into becoming an illustrator, Chris! I loved drawing when I was a kid but decided I wasn't that good so gave up. I am now 61 and just started drawing a few years ago and realised I am quite good after all. Now I need to make up for the 45 years I missed. Moral of the story, don't give up keep plugging away!
Thanks for the comment! That’s great to hear your diving back in!
Good to hear! I'm 63 and from ADD have had the same fate.. Things coming together slowly though inner work, goals start to appear from the mists.
An incredible journey, thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
That is amazing work !
It truly is those handful of people who take the time to say a few encouraging words that make such a major shift in our lives....so grateful to them 💗🎉
So inspirational, I feel like can relate to your story especially as loving art as a kid. though got into digital illustration late in life this gives me hope to continue the illustration path that is possible.
So glad to hear! ☺️
Thank you - for being you - and for encouraging us to do the same. With drawing every day, you have a product, and as you've described, you never know where that will take You! Now, I will be drawing, sketching everyday with the ideas I've already envisioned but never produced. Thanks mate!
Thank you so much! Happy it was helpful!
I’m so touched by your story and your honesty! I was born an artist and proudly told everyone I was going to be an artist when I grew up. I was constantly using found objects and creating art. Unfortunately I grew up in a poor area where many were uneducated and didn’t speak English. My parents insisted I get a traditional job and it was unthinkable that I couldn’t support myself. So I worked for decades doing a mediocre job, saved hard and now I am free enough to do the work I want. I’ve been taking art classes and lessons but all the focus is on re-creating pictures of real life…very boring indeed! I have my secret art journal filled with all my doodles, crazy creatures and meaningless random stuff. Seeing this video is like a light bulb going off saying - that’s your REAL art!! You’re a great inspiration and also a very talented artist. I feel like I wasn’t sure my real art would ever be acceptable, I never show it to anyone. I always show the “pretty” stuff lol…this video could literally change my life’s passion and give me courage to actually bring out my true creative side…thanks for sharing your journey!
Never stop doodling!
What a marvelous job you did sir! KUDOS
Thank you!
My mind is blown. Thank you for sharing your journey. Your talk is incredibly inspiring.
Wow, thank you!
You dropped an Old Gregg clip in here!!😂❤ Awesome.
😇
I had an art teacher in high school that thought it was crazy I wasn’t going to college for art (got my accounting degree - which has served me very well). There was a fellow student that was over the top talented at cartoonish drawings he could come up with his imagination, with his art in the yearbook, tshirts, etc. I had, what I know now, was imposters syndrome because I would compare myself to him and thought no way could I be successful. Art is my hobby and I now have more free time to practice and learn from RUclipsrs. I enjoy it very much and am not pressured to fund my life doing it.
Well it sounds like you’ve found a good balance!
This video was so cool, man! Your story is amazing, and the honest way you told it was awesome.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks! Good Talk! Always doing better with daily doodle but sketchbook along with keys and phone just in case the committee is too loud after a stressful week. And thankful for the word from family, teachers, and my nieces and nephews who are my role models for how to thrive in spite of.❤
Thank you so much!!! 😊 😊 😊
Great video. Loved your honesty and all the happy 'accidents' that happened by you showing up every day. Used to draw a lot when I was younger but only occasionally do now. Seems like an unachievable dream making a living from drawing stuff that is fun for you AND resonates with others. Long may it continue for you Chris!
Hey Chris, I’ve watched a few of your videos and subscribed. I’ve done daily drawings before but I think the idea of doing drawings of things you love to really be something I’ll take to heart and do. It’s cool to see how your career unfolded. Inspiring. I’ve been journaling every day for a few years. I need to step my game up and do at least a drawing a day I figure. Lots of great ideas man. Thanks for your wisdom and inspiration. You’ve changed my life trajectory in a better direction after watching and restored some of my faith in the universe.
Oh wow, thanks so much, that’s so nice to hear!
"Imagine a world without instagram? It's easy if you try." 😂😂😂😂
Haha
This is so relatable to me, I accidentaly became an animator lol. Life puts A LOT of opportunities in front of you, you just have to be open to them even If you're scared or insecure
Só much of this resonated with me. Thanks for sharing Chris.
🤝
I relate to so much of your story Chris! Great video and thank you for sharing who you are!
Thank you!
The part about not thinking you can amount to something worthwhile because you can't draw a realistic apple, that's my story. Drawing was my armour as a kid that made me feel I had some value. But when I joined a design college, during the foundation we had compulsory live drawing classes. I left drawing for more 'corporate' design stuff because I thought "my art was shit where there are so many people in my class better than me who can make perfect human faces" so much bullshit conditioning that I have to let go of to start enjoying drawing again. But this video is a start. Thankyou ❤
Awesomeness melting brain good vibes 😎 thanks for sharing ! Bravo for the story telling by the campfire amazing quality that is developed during this podcast!
thanks so much! Glad you liked it!
Finding this video at a crucial time in my life - thank you! So inspiring!
Unfortunately I didn't have a teacher to cheer on me and most adults would tell me that computers were the future and that a graphic design career was doomed... So I went for culinary arts, which I loved! but, I always wondered what would my life be if I had gone for graphic design...
I also always loved drawing and painting, and I have keep doing it here and there through my life. I'm a UX/UI designer now but working in the corporate world has slowly been killing my soul lol... maybe this is a sign to start a daily drawing/painting practice and see what happens from there.
So glad I found your channel, keep it up! :)
Glad this was helpful for you! I think daily projects are the best!
didn't draw anything for 3-4 years, because my job killed my creativity. watching this now as I know my contract is ending in a few months and thinking about catching up on all the creative stuff I used to love to do in the past, but just didn't have the energy for anymore. might start by doing daily little drawings that don’t take too much time. maybe ill just draw my office stuff until creativity comes back
Sounds like a solid plan!
Also an ADHDer. Stopped drawing around high school and went to university for HR. Been working in HR for close to 6-years and I'm dead inside. In January, I started a full-time online graphic design college program and have had so much fun re-discovering my creative outlet. I'm still working HR while I do school, so I can keep the lights on. I'd eventually like to become an illustrator but am having a hard time picking up the pencil again. When I look at a page, my head is blank. I can't picture anything, as if my imagination left me. Really struggling to find confidence to put pen to paper and don't know where to begin. Does anyone have any tricks to help me with this? Advice, videos, or resources would be appreciated! 🙏🏻
Hi. Best advice I ever got was to read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and do the exercises week by week. She has a whole series now on helping connect to the creative self.
You can find the books at used book stores. I always buy them there when I see them to give away.
I still do the Morning Pages- which is like the daily drawing.
And Artist Dates.
I found this life-changing.
Let me know how it goes🌺
@@LilyGazou Thank you so much, Lily. I will look into it right away!
That is quite a journey. Thank you for sharing your success story. Very impressive. And age doesn't matter either in today's world. You can be 80+ and still be an illustrator. It's a wonderful career to be an artist.
I think you have a talent for being ahead of the curve. As an illustrator myself, this was so great to listen to.
Wow, great content Chris! I found your channel recently and watched a few videos. I like it a lot. I'm a graphic designer but focused on motion design and only after my 40s I perceived that I enjoy lettering and calligraphy and some kind of illustration. I wish I had been into all of it since I was a kid. So, I'm trying to figure out what I want for a living from now on. Doing some changes here and there. Your content is very inspiring. Thank you!
Oh thanks so much!
You're not worthless You're Awsome😅
😊😊😊
What a great teacher you had. ❤
I think so too!
I just found your channel today via this video and I can relate with your work so much.. I was doing lettering in all my high school classes on my folders and notebooks and I wanted to be a graphic designer, which I finally got the guts to go for in 2019.. I also designed a card game a couple years ago, but after that my work slowed wayyyy down. I was already thinking I need to post daily drawings and since I found your video I plan to do that. I already am making art every day so I might as well put it out there. I never had the encouragement to go for it, but I am giving myself permission to do that for myself. I started making animated gifs last fall and they are soooo fun. Btw I totally used your sticker packs on FB messenger! So cool. I hope to be successful like you. Thanks for this video and sharing!
Thanks so much! Glad this resonated with you! You can do it! 🤝👍🤝✌️
Really needed to hear this right now. Your path is almost identical to what i traveled. Im a certified designer, and am currently doing an online art course. Confidence is an issue though, as i dont have ADHD , but i do have Tourette's. It's a constant fight to stay motivated. I was born and raised in Boston. Great place for the arts. Dude, you are awesome and are definitely a kindred spirit.
Thanks so much, glad to hear this resonated with you!
Your illustrations are so funny, and colours are so warm and appealing 🥰 It is just a pleasure to look at them ! Definitely showing a positive side of ADHD 😊🤪
Thank you!
I needed to hear all of this today. Thank you 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
I was laughing out loud first 3 minutes! A great video and a great comedic pitch of the story 🪬😭🔥✨🩷🩷🩷
🤓
it has been a big inspiration to hear this Chris! I have been a frustrated graphic designer for the past 8 years. Working in some super corporate marketing places and i have hated it. I use to draw so much as a kid and in my teens doing graffiti and lettering and didn't draw at all... But this has inspired me to fuck of my graphic design career and be an illustrator!!! I didn't even realise it is possible. Now I am drawing everyday on my ipad and i love it. 🙏🙏 thanks man
So glad my story inspired you!!
I really enjoy your videos. I'm at the beginning of my journey and super scared. So thanks for the sharing your story with us.
Thanks so much! Hopefully some of my info will help you on your path!
Thank you very inspiring talk, I just might consider becoming an illustrator myself or encourage my kids to or maybe both. Best of luck to you and your subscribers!❤
Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙏
So what you're saying is it's 95% luck and 5% actual skill? Just playing there is a heavy amount of perseverance and hard work that goes into being a full time artist...the luck part is a given if you keep putting work out there. Great video and I am now subscribed!
Thanks! I guess you can help your chances of getting lucky by making a lot of stuff. Haha
Truly inspirational!
Thank you!
Hi Chris,
I'm a stay at home Dad with a 16month old daughter. Trying to find time for the more traditional oils and watercolours that ive dabbled with is really hard. Finding your channel has been a real godsend. As someone with ADHD who hated what I was doing pre kid, but is also a little unfulfilled being a SAHD, this feels like something I can learn and do for me. If I could make some cash from it, then great, but mostly it's for the creative expression. Unfortunately a new ipad and pencil is put of the budget, but I'm having a go with Fresco via a Wack 'em (lol) tablet thanks to your videos.
So glad you’ve found my videos helpful! If you ever decide you want to try to go the iPad route, the Pro’s have been overly powerful for a long a time. So you could probably find a great deal on a used one that’s a few years old that would still be able to easily handle anything in Fresco.
Loved hearing this
Glad to hear!
Hi! Great video😀 your put the work in and got the reward, regardless of your intention😀
Hey, thanks!
I just found you on RUclips after looking for Fresco tutorials. I’ve always loved drawing and got into graphic design when I was 15. I used to design three designs a day to get better and I ended up getting hired for freelance work. I kind of took a break the last few years but this video really inspired me to get back into it! Thank you!
Awesome! Thank you!
I decided to teach myself how to draw around 4 months ago. I'm 28 years old and never really drew as a kid or in school, (was always gaming or playing football), but I've now nearly finished my first digital painting with colour and it has been really fun! I think I've found a new hobby for life
Interesting.. I was looking for tips about "how to sell doodle style illustration", because I'm a designer, who likes to draw doodles, (and to be a designer in game industry at 40 become kinda exhausting). And suddenly I found the story of my life 😄Also found out that I have ADHD last year and now I suspect, that ADHD somehow could lead a person to that kind of career... of creator of some sort 🤔
I can’t imagine doing anything else at this point!
Thank you for sharing your story
Thanks for listening!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I found it amazing, amusing, and very inspiring. I totally relate with your inability to continue your daily drawing after having a child. I have three children and I’ve been trying to get into a daily drawing habit for 14 years without success. So I’m really glad I’m not the only one who can’t keep it up.😂
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Great story, you're an inspiration man, I love your content, there's definitely a lot of thought and work put into it
I appreciate that!
I guess the thing about bikes may indicate that it's probably a good idea to do some stuff/work about things that you love and hopefully you will get more of that sort of work.
👍👍
It’s always the random uncle that sets us on our career path
Lol
Very useful information. It was great hearing your story! Thanks
Glad you thought so! Thanks!
Awesome video! A great inspiration fot those who wants to live as an illustrator and is starting to get into the business 👏👏
I hear you. That's my story, kind of, too. I failed at everything as a kid except for drawing and a couple other oddball things. Plus I had no interest in, and could not envision myself doing, any "normal" profession.
This gave me hope. Especially with the current climate and discourse around AI image generators and the feeling that the online market is hyper saturated. I have a similar story where I threw it out in my early 20's and I'm having to reclaim it in my 30's. The feeling that I've lost a lot of time comes up a lot.
I’m glad you’re getting back into it. A better way to look at it might be that you have that much more insight and experience to bring to the drawing board now. Although it might be subconscious, the time that’s passed will have a role in your new work!
Love hearing the journey, I had to grab a few of your books -- love it!!!!
Ah thanks so much!
I am an art teacher. I love that you did this video. I’m glad you had a good h.s. Art Teacher.
Thank you! So glad you liked it.
I drew every day and accidentally gave myself crippling shoulder pain and depression. /shrug
I took Kate Bingaman Burt's zine making class in highschool when she came to my hometown, and she's incredible. Found your channel recently and have been watching and learning a lot. Super pumped to know that you're also a fan/admirer of her work.
Ahh yeah Kate’s the best, we’re sorta friends, but have only met IrL a few times
So humble ☺️
😇
Love this, you’re not stupid etc :)
Thank you ☺️
Wow! Your story is so magical.
Thank you for posting this I feel really inspired to become an artist too🤍🤍
Thanks! You can do it!
It’s super cool to hear story!
Thank you!
I could pursue that, although for me Id need to organize it into sections, like attics, basements, closets with footware, and so on.
Connect it with a theme.
I also often get labelled a fashion illustrator, but not sure what that means about style.
I have never drawn "a lot" in my life, but have always been looking for some form of art to cling to. Have been designing a board game for the past year and a half and will need art for it soon. I came across some dip pen artists and it harkoned back to a dragon I did in high school that had to be in a "comic book style." I was always proud of how good the dragon looked with the pencil sketch, and was somewhat inspired by the teacher commenting on how I would have gotten a 100 on the piece if I had turned it in on time, and how much she liked it. Dealing with anxiety/depression over the years, I strayed away from any art, but after managing it, I have continued to try to find SOMETHING for me, be it an art medium (have also gotten into painting miniatures), an insturment, or maybe even something online like Twitch, RUclips, etc. The board game has held my creative interest for the longest time, so I hope I can use that motivation to better my sketching & ink skills. That being said, I'm sure I'm going to want a different art style for the finalization of the board game haha
Either way... I'll be putting ink on my first sketch today... After I fix this ooooone part....
Straight forward life experience. Great video Chris. I, too, was told art was a bad career path. That was in 1960! I studied architectural drawing in high school. I had an art teacher in that school that got me my first job at a silk screen plant two days after graduation. Joined the military for four years, Went to college on the GI bill. Freelanced in a small town until 20008 (eventually charged $60 an hour like the big dogs 80 miles north of here). Learned HTML and CSS to create some websites. Now have an ipad to doodle in Adobe Fresco and Capcut.
Thanks! Also cool to hear your story too!
You are inspirational. Thank you. It’s wonderful to see that there are still individuals like Van Gogh who have discovered their worth beyond artistic self destruction. Stay positive and more power to you! Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
So basically I have to keep making daily drawings for 5.000 days or more, get hired by Nike, Facebook, Google, Nickelodeon and other mainstream media and products. Easy!
Extremely inspiring story thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!
love your story and up bringing ! please post more story based videos :)
Thank you! That's really nice to hear. I'll try to come up with some ideas.
Haha…. Your ‘not really my uncle’ uncle… killed me! 😂
Lol 😇
When I was younger my dyslexia was so bad I refused to read. My mother bought me a few batman comics and I learned to read through context with the help of the art. I drew simple cartoons all my life. Never had the realism at least the realism like in comics. I failed at my art classes, my art teachers in high school focused on the kids who really had a talent for fine art…I was a cartoon guy. I drew cartoons for my high school paper and people really responded to them. I wanted to go to art college even though I failed in art classes because I wanted to learn the basics and maybe learn to draw anatomy. My parents refused to let me and I ended up going to JR college. I ended up working in a myriad of jobs and kept drawing cartoons. Everyone would ask, “why are you working here? You should be drawing for a living.” I never felt good enough for that but good enough to just draw people in cartoons.
I became a pretty decent manager and trainer because of my observation skills and empathy but never really happy. I ran into someone who saw me drawing and asked if I ever thought of drawing comic books and I said I I had but my style isn’t right for comics. He convinced me otherwise. He challenged me to draw a short 4 page comic. It turned into 8 pages. He paid to have it produced into a short run comic book called “Professor G & Blake.” We sold out (again, a short run of 50 books). We worked together and have produced 5 comics the newer ones running up to 80 pages. At 54 years old the 9-5 job I was decent at let me go in favor of a less expensive person and I struggle both financially and emotionally after doing it for so long. I’ve been trying to make things work by selling my comics and my poster designs at local comic con and pop cons. I’ve been pretty lucky, people let me share their table space for free or even getting invited to a convention and they paid for my room and table. They even asked me to speak on a panel. I was also embarrassed to say that I had a 9-5 job because I’m not making enough money with my art. Then I met some artists who are working for some of the biggest comic book publishers and they have 9-5 jobs. That shocked me. But I’m not embarrassed to say I have another job anymore and I definitely have a lot of enjoyment sharing my artwork and comics. I hope to someday say at work that I have a real job drawing comic books.
Thanks for sharing! There is absolutely no shame in the security and consistency of a 9-5 job. Some people find the variety and interaction really gratifying. And there are ways of applying your creative thinking skills towards any field you’re in which is why artists are so valuable.
Very inspirational, thank you.
So glad to hear!
Hey Chris! I can tell you EXACTLY what could have happened had you bailed on your dream of being an artist…
I too drew obsessively as a kid. I won awards like trips to Disneyland for my family and even meeting president clinton when he came to Seattle in 1994! And then the same thing happened to me with those damn apples and I BAILED! I shit you not, I WENT INTO MINISTRY🤮🥴. This upset my precious anarchic 10 year old trickster self who just wanted to draw all day. Which led to a serious heroin addiction, a 60 month prison sentence and waking up to the love of my life dead in my arms from an accidental overdose! Now Im almost 40 and FINALLY listening to that 10 year old self… thought I’d give him a chance before checking out for good. So yeah, that that pep talk was a huge gift!
Wow, thanks for sharing your story! And thanks for watching. Glad you’re giving that kid a chance now!
Took 3 years of art in high school and 1 year in college. Changed to another career path and it was the biggest mistake of my life. 20 years ago.
re: "Imagine there's no Instagram. It's easy if you can." Luv!
TY for this consumable, straightforward, funny, fun, self deprecating look at your journey. I went to your page -- love your animation of 'Goofy.' Love the hilarious retro style. Love 'the uncle story.' TY!
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Interesting resume. Thank you. Awesome.
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So You are basically, Captain Jack Sparrow….you just managed to pick a direction and it was the right decision. Lol
Haha I guess so!
Dig BMX and Standard Bykes, jealous! As an animator/illustrator/BMXer, this vid definitely was extra inspirational