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Hi Mimi! I really love your videos and I am so happy that you shared your journey. My problem is, I can't decide the best software for freehand drawing. I love Illustrator but it's a snail progress for me. I tried Krita and Photoshop but, I am not sure as it is raster images. What software do you use to draw with? How do you deal with raster images for publication?
@@addherre6218 Are you working on a pc/laptop setup or iPad? Adobe Fresco has the ability to draw and paint both in raster and vector. Sadly though, if you’re working on PC, Fresco is only available on certain devices. If you have an ipad, the base version is free, and comes with a nice selection of kit brushes. I was a little disappointed you can’t even import outside brushes without upgrading to the subscription, but at least you could download and try and if you liked it enough to want more options, figure out if the sub was worth it. Just an idea. I’ve been working on my iPad between Procreate and Fresco.
My biggest fear is that there won't be a want or need for traditionally human created art. Instead, the world prefers cheap, quick Ai generated and machine created art, something that looks, feels, and means something just as good if not better than a real human artists creation. Of all the videos discussing Ai's role on creatives, I still can't reason with the ever-evolving reality of this problem. I've struggled so long to try and make myself become an artist even before Ai, but now this has happened, it feels like I've lost the war before I even really made a real effort. And it all just seems so hard now there are so many hoops you have to jump through just to be recognised and appreciated. Because of this I feel like I cheated myself of past opportunities, but even so, if I were in the industry with no other work-life experience, I would also be extremely worried for what to do. Do you have advice for this?
Hello mínimoo I was wondering what digital program and computer were you using for this drawing????? I’m planning to get a laptop for digital drawing but I’m not sure which one to get. Thank you
Wow, the second half of this video was exactly what I needed to hear. Now I know I’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome and I have some new ways to think about what I’ve achieved. Thank you!
If you ever feel like you’re too old and you should’ve started years ago, remember: the best time to start was 5 years ago, the next best time is now. In 3 years time you’d look back and today and wish you’d started then.
I just started my art carreer 6 months ago at 52 and I can confirm it is not too late to start an artistic career. Being an artist help you to keep you young and I love to share ideas with younger artists because we share our knowledge. And for the "I am not good enough"...why do you take your time to create something if it is not to share with the others. Just be yourself. Thank you to shareypuir thoughts in this video.
Personally, I needed to hear this advice. I often get worried as a young adult with where I am now compared to others more skilled than I am. But you're right, I shouldn't let these doubts hold me back; especially when there's no harm in at least trying, especially on things you're passionate about.
Absolutely. You are in the best position to lean into your creative dreams. And when you unashamedly pour energy into your passions you will likely meet people who can help open professional doors to you as your skills and talent develop. You will have nothing to loose and all to gain!
As someone who suffers from severe anxiety and depression I felt this and thank you for the words of encouragement. I always feel like I'm not good enough and always doubt myself
The opposite of envy is emulation. If we learn to be happy with where we are by focusing on how much joy comes from being creative, we’ll be inspired by others instead ❤ I just found your channel and it reminds me how fun it is to be creative. Your art is so adorable! I’m a happy new subscriber :)
Thank you for this video; at 42 I have quit my job and everything to pursue an art career. For now I have so little following on either Instagram or RUclips and no clients whatsoever so it can be really hard to keep my motivation and believe in my dream. It’s funny how you published this video right when I was seriously doubting myself. I have to believe it’s a sign 🤞🏻
I just quit my job to pirsue an art career too. I don't have much following on socials and I never had a comission or anything. But I thought if I stay at the job I will only postpone my dreams becoming a reality
in general, the most important thought that any person should keep when starting a new business, hobby, and the like is easier to relate to. Yes, the school system, work, and in particular families are arranged in such a way that if you do something, then you have to report on it and receive approval-punishment depending on how hard you tried and therefore people are afraid of failures. Just keep in mind that you don't have to report to anyone and you won't be "punished" if you make a mistake, mess up something, etc. This is one of the common problems why people can't start a new sketchbook, notepad - they're afraid to ruin it But if you start treating everything with ease, it will bring more pleasure and less stress.
Absolutely agree with this! I'm 62 and although I've been making art all my life, including getting a design degree after school, it's taken me until last year to discover "my style". I spent most of my life trying to make art that I thought others would consider accomplished, and I can do that as I'm pretty proficient at drawing, but it was only when I dropped out of an art class I was taking and decided to follow my own process that I started making personal authentic art. It doesn't look like anyone else's and most people would probably not "get it", but I don't care - it's MY art. I was really inspired by artists on RUclips (including Mimi) who encouraged me to "keep going" and said "allow yourself to make bad art". It's so freeing and takes you to places you hadn't thought of. And the weird thing is that once I let go of other people's expectations and painted what I WANTED to paint, other people seem to really like it...I guess because it's authentic.
Wise words Mimi!! Let 2024 be the year we all look at our fears in the face and say - I see you and acknowledge you with love but I'm moving forward anyway!
Artist and free therapy...I love it. This really helped me today. Thank you. Your words about how my life is the only life I have strike like a gong. Ive constantly been comparing myself to others throughout my life, especially lately after a recent job loss so it's good to 'reset' my thinking that I'm only living my life and no one else's. I've been an artist all my life but have spent large stretches of years not so much as even sketching. I'm remedying that now at 51 but boy do I feel like the years have sailed by focused on something completely else. But as you stated so well, that's only in my mind. I can no more rewind my life and start over in my 20's than anyone else can (except maybe in a movie). I have to learn to accept me where I'm at currently, love this me that I am, and make a plan and then work my plan. Pivot as necessary as you said, but keep moving forward.
Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it. I feel like I've always been a creative person, I just didn't have the tools and people in my life to motivate me. And as you said..."I was doing other things." I'm also definitely guilty of the "I'm too old." I'll keep making art though, because it makes me happy.
Most of the time I struggle with finding inspiration, and once I find it I struggle with the feeling of not having the skills to execute it the way I want to. I love to paint so this year I just want to work on painting more in hope that some of my fears will go away. I’m also trying to find some classes so I can improve in the areas I feel I lack skills in. I really want to take control of my art journey this year and not sit here at the end of December and feel like I wasted another year just fearing failure.
@@Mansauce-bq5kq trust me, confidence can be worked on😊 I wasn’t a confident person growing up but I would say I’m a lot more confident today. You have to define what confidence is to you and then figure out how to get there. I know that I don’t have the skills to create the art I dream about creating but I’m confident that once I put in the effort to learn those skills I will get there. I just have to get over the fear of failure and not let the fear control me so much. Fear is completely natural but it’s a choice to let that fear control you or drive you to be better. I believe that you (that we both can) get to where you want to be, you just have to start😊
it's a common issue - the taste / ability imbalance. Ira Glass talks about it. But I have found (for myself) that by making A LOT more last year helped me get over caring so much about each thing being EXACTLY what I had in mind.
@@rebeccasartcorner I have too much confidence in places I'd rather not, and not enough in others, i know i can "push myself" as was a single father to 3 for 10 yrs, but that was something i couldn't and wouldn't run away from, my art seems it's something I'm scared of putting out there, really i believe it's I'm scared people will see things in my work about me that i don't understand myself, a lot of untitled work, the older it is, the less i understand what it was about. Thank you for the kind words, and i wish you all the luck going forward 🙏 we can beat this 👌. We all need a forum together perhaps, but i couldn't even start to set something up like that. Have a wonderful day 😊
@@HannahMorenDraws yes, i get that, I'm often too fastidious, only recently started appreciating work that wasn't finished, for that more genuine feel of being true to the piece itself, it's a "knifedge" on some work for sure . I think that's what i heard from this 😅. I definitely need to be more fluid sometimes, but materials are so expensive, that's a thing that chipped away at my brain a lot and still does , not with ink but paint, especially when struggling with 3 kids for a good while, and that 10 years didn't help my "working brain" whatsoever, i just couldn't string much together during that time really.
I've been on my journey for awhile, but my focus is sometimes all over the place. I'm planning to use this year to be more focused, so I can be more productive. Some day, I want to be an author of many books. And I believe every little change is getting me there one day at a time. As far as doubts and fears go, I don't really try to focus on that. I acknowledge that they are there, but I try not to linger on them.
One important thing I’ve learned in my short time on this planet, “I’m not good enough” should never be an excuse to never try or never progress; rather it should be motivation to push yourself forward.
creating my own channel has been a big surprise - i would've never thought i had the skills to film and edit (and perhaps I don't)... and i am quite self conscious about putting myself out there. I don't show my face, but already feel like it's so worth to just keep trying this avenue~
As so many people echoed below, I really needed this, too. I left my teaching job last June and have been trying to transition to a career as a full-time artist, and there have been lots of lows and (thankfully) a few highs. Finding and maintaining focus, financially staying above water, and defining myself (and my style) as an artist have all been very difficult, and I've definitely had the thought that, by this point in my life, "I should have figured this all out by now". But I do find a lot of comfort in the idea that the previous years weren't wasted, but were spent experiencing things that have made me the person that I am now. My mantra this year is "I will do now with all that I learned before". To everyone on this thread, keep at it, and keep supporting one another. Community goes a long way. Thanks to you all for being vulnerable and brave, and thanks very much Mimi for doing the same.
Thank you for the encouraging words! 🥰 I'm struggling with imposter syndrome quite often when it comes to art and my RUclips channel 🙈 However, I'm a firm believer that you're never too old to learn something new, so if something doesn't work out, I'll try to see it as an opportunity for growth & learning ❤
2:11 Minutes in and you've absolutely nailed where I am right now. I'm feeling stuck in my job at an office, but I'm held back from starting something new because I have it in my head that as an almost 35 year old adult I shouldn't move "backwards". This video is truly inspirational and I thank you so much for all the positivity and motivation! 🥰
Thank you so much for making this video! My limiting beliefs are that I’m too old/it’s too late and I’m not good enough. Been working on these by reminding myself that the time will pass anyway. And that if the human lifespan is 120 years, that’s gonna be a very long time living a life that is unfulfilling to me. Watching videos like this, other videos of creatives starting their art journeys or art businesses help keep me inspired. Other things that help me are watching videos of people starting whatever journey they want to start because they reject the thought of it being too late, and videos of people in my age group sharing their lives. It also helps me to word vomit all my limiting beliefs on paper. Then on separate sheets of paper, pick them all apart kinda like you just did in this video. Ok, gonna go cry warm and fuzzy tears now. Thank you 💗😭
I’ve been trying to remember that all our art is subjective, yes some people might hate it or dislike it but heaps and heaps more will love it and be encouraging of our artistic journeys, social media has made this hard but trying art just for yourself and art in your community is really rewarding ❤
Thank you so much for making these kind of videos! I'm 35 and always wanted to start a career as an illustrator, but never made it a reality. You have inspired me to start my career now! Also, "give yourself premission to start" brought a tear to my eye.
I'm in my early 50's , been painting all my life, and definitely been suffering from imposter syndrome all these years, only recently conceded to this fact , also i have bad Anxiety and depression, and despite literally everyone telling me i should be making money with my artwork, and getting offered £3.500 for a unfinished painting a couple of months ago, i still struggle!! . I have probably 5 years worth of ideas in books, and have no issues with ideas as come from my personal life, and that's never dull, but now i set up a youtube account a few weeks ago, and i cannot get the first "introduction" video up, I'm tech useless 😭. I never trained at college, and only thing i had told to me by a sadly recently past, but great friend going back years go, a certain Mr F. Cuming, he said "don't worry about college, do what you are doing, you'll be fine", even had one of my Oils up in his house 😲, but despite all of that, i still struggle believing in myself 😔. What you have said here has really struck a chord, thankyou so so much 🙏
I’m a few decades less experienced in life than you, but I can relate to some of what you’re saying. I also struggle with depression and anxiety. I try to remind myself that my struggles are valid, but they don’t need to dictate my life. I was stagnant for years before I started diving into art again. And even years after that, it’s only now that I’ve decided to give a serious effort into being an artist and animator. I think something that helped me was the intent to take action rather than just go through the motion. Make conscious steps toward your goal. I’m also fortunate enough to have a friend similar to yours. One who sees the value in my work even when I often can’t. I think one day we’ll both be able to see what they do. Wishing you the best!
@@RooNelo 🙏 thank you, i wish you well on your journey in life, I'm glad you have that insight so early on, and willing to run with it 😀. I have moved studio into my girls old bedroom from out in a 8'x8 ' shed turned studio, although it was ok working in it, i feel more passionate working in the new studio, just small steps, youtube is the current hurdle. All the luck too you from me 🍀
I often struggle with imposter syndrome too, and although it can be pretty hard to accept that we are good enough, I am trying to look at it just as you explained in this video. Even though I have had a youtube channel for a few years now, I often struggle with making new videos because I sometimes feel like it's useless, but in the past few days I decided that I will put way more effort into it starting from the summer (I am working while being a full-time student and attending a webdesign course at the same time, so barely have the time to sleep now), and thanks to you, I also decided that I will start an Etsy shop as well. Thank you so much for your videos, they are so motivating. ☺
I am just now starting my journey in becoming a small art business, and your videos have been a valuable source of information and inspiration. Today I was feeling some doubt and fear, so I found this video at the right time! Thank you! 🙏
You made this video at the perfect time. I started today over on Instagram, and I’m so excited to learn more about art and business. I’m in the position where I want to be a digital artist but can’t afford a new tablet. Instead of waiting I decided to post a picture of a doodle I did at my desk. I know there’s things I can improve on but I’m just happy I took that first leap and put myself out there 💕
Everything u say describe all my concern. I tend to lose motivation quickly, but i always find myself getting back at it and feeling down again. This have been repeated many times. Anyone can share me your experience on how you keep yourself motivated, i am so much appreciated
I have been a professional artist in the film industry for over 7 years now and I still get imposter syndrome. My coworkers have told me they also get it as well. It's nothing to be ashamed of and I would encourage any beginner or struggling artists to NOT hide from it. Rather, take comfort that most of us have similar feelings no matter where we are in our careers.
Great encouragement. One thing that helped me fortunately was a local small business scheme. They made you think really clearly eg about what you wanted to do and who your ideal customers were. And the admin side. I would encourage people to try and build up some skills before burning bridges or quitting the day job, unless you are loaded.
Great video Mimi! I'd say my biggest fear is not being able to make it as an artist. I have tried for almost 4 years now, and even if I started working as an illustrator (which is absolutely great!) a part of me is not satisfied and doesn't recognize it. Also sometimes I think I'm not good enough because of the rejections. I got used to it, it's part of the job, but still there are times where I start to think I'm doing something wrong. For example, I'm have a project to work on for a private client, but I'm procrastinating it cause I'm scared to fail or to make a bad job, and that I don't deserve the payment! Which is insane! Hope it helped somebody, you're not alone
Oh my God! Your list is mine, at the exact same order. I'm an architect from before the digital era so I used to draw a lot and even later on. I always loved drawing. Now, that I moved to the UK, practicing architecture requires several years of complicated processes which, if successful (not guaranteed), would put me right back at the start of my career. So I decided to explore my other options. Illustration is one of them as I always thought of trying it. I always wanted to do a children's book. But I'm doubting myself big time. I haven't been sketching for years and I feel like my hand is rusty. I've got myself xp-pen pro 15.6 in an episode of optimism and hope but then I'm like, I just wasted money, it's never going to work. I've got an advanced knowledge of Photoshop and all sorts of design tools. I've got years of experience with perspective, colour, light and shadow but I'm still not confident to step into it big time. Somehow it feels better seeing I'm not the only one putting up these questions to myself. Thank you ❤
My fears im working on is that im not as skilled as other/comparison. Gotta remind myself that I'm just casually drawing and doing bullet journals and that i do have skilles. I want to draw more so the "skilled part" will improve over time, no shortcut possible
You are such an encourager, Mimi! Thank you for this wonderful, uplifting video. You understand so well how it feels to start something new as an adult, because you've been there, and it's so inspiring to see you living your dream life! You are one of my biggest sources of inspiration when I first decided to take the leap, and I know I can always come back to your channel for fresh encouragement along the journey. Love your wonderful message and art, Mimi! 😃💕✨
This is great advise, tho I personally sometimes (most times) I struggle with having too many ideas and getting frustrated and confused on not knowing how to integrate them. This usually takes me out of consistency for not knowing what type of art to make and who to sell it too, like… I love editorial but I’m also a web designer and I adore making clothing. 😅 this frustrations leaves me hanging and postponing everything.
Thank you for being an expander for me to see that it is possible to create your own art full time. Your videos are so inspiring and helpful, it’s a pleasure to watch them 👏🙏
i spent 10 years trying to build myself up as an artist and got nowhere. it didnt matter how much time and effort i put into it, i just couldnt get the support of an audience, paying customers or client base. and then i got the joy of chronic illness and pain, which makes drawing that much more difficult. I want so badly for art to be something I can make even as a little bit of a job, but after so much despair and failure, i wouldnt even know how to start again, especially battling pain.
It’s so scary to come back to something we didn’t succeed at, especially when it’s something creative. Even more so when you have a chronic condition or disability. What I see is someone who is brave enough to want to try again, despite all that. 10 years is a long time but don’t think it’s wasted, it’s building up resilience and experience. The most interesting artists and people are those who have come through these kinds of challenges. In my experience, the most important thing with art is just showing up and to keep trying. Whatever your goals are, I believe in you.
I am 50 yo and have been drawing and painting all my life. I even have done commissions and sold some of my paintings and still I fight against thoughts that block me from following my dream to become a full-time artist. What is the most difficult for me right now is social media and marketing myself. All I have sold has been locally and I live in a very small community so there are limits. Also I take care of my daughter who needs lots of support and free lancing from home is the best option for my life situation. So I have quite a lot of pressure on me to make it work. Another difficulty for me is to keep to one "style". I work in so many different materials and experiment a lot, so my instagram is very diverse. I love your videos and maybe I will make finally make it with their support and help. Thank you for sharing all this great information and boosting my confidence!
This video has given me the perspective shift I needed - I thought it was too late to try or that I had no natural talent but this video has encouraged me to embrace being a beginner and just enjoy the process
I rarely comment in RUclips videos but I gotta thank you for sharing this. I may be a month late in seeing this but I just stumbled upon your channel yesterday while researching about illustration and looking for inspiration. I'm definitely experiencing this recently. Even though I've been a graphic designer since I graduated, have basic skills in illustration/drawing, I'm still doubting if I'll ever be successful in this + launching a small business because I'm already at 33, lots of bills to pay, and have two baby boys, 4 and 1. I feel like I'm not "allowed" to pursure what I've been dreaming of, to pursue illustration and have my own small business, because of this. I often feel like it's too late for me or that it's selfish because we all know how a business can struggle sometimes and that fear that I might not be able to provide for my family (but really thankful that my husband is fully supporting me on this!). Anyway, I'm just really tired of corporate job, going to the office, someone telling me what's right or wrong when it comes to my design... So I really need some inspiration and motivation to finally start my dream slash goal, to be an independent designer/artist and be successful one day. Again, thank you!
So lovely to hear your story! I transitioned from graphic design at 28 and found that a lot of my design skills were really useful in setting up my business for basic branding, documents, my website etc, so you've definitely got transferrable skills that will help you get started. It might take a while before it starts paying the bills but it'll be worth it to pursue your own creative dreams and leave the corporate stress behind!
Thank you Mimi 💛 this is kind an advice I really need right now. I am someone who is not actually start from zero to start in my art journey, but I really lack in courage and have sooo much self doubts. I always have a dream to be a children book illustrator like you, but always think that I am not good enough to start the career. and I always have the fear of starting too late, especially with those AI things going on right now. Your videos always been one that remind and encouraging me to just put a start. Thanks again Mimi, you help me a lot 💛
I always thought that there is no room , there is to many beautiful artists out there. So I always scared to start . Thank you for your advice it makes me feel more confident 😊 thank you
I'm acknowledging my weaknesses in character and natural modelling (I would do rigid designs and often have trouble with natural shapes and body proportions. I'm a 3D modeller, and I've been struggling with my imposter syndrome and doubts, and my fears of not reaching my goals hold me back, but the inspiration, the passion and the drive to move forward with that art piece I want to make is pushing me forward. It's hard to do what I do, and it's okay if I fail time and time again. I'll get it right someday.
This video was really helpful in alot of ways. I've been working on two projects and since It's just me I was prolonging their development. I dont have an I pad or a decent computer to utilize my ideas. I even tried a gofund me and that didn't help either. Its been 7 years and I'm tired of wasting time and it's not drawing its the refining and marketing stages thats hindering development and myself as well.
Thank you so much, Mimi! I will be honest, before I watched this video I was about to give up all hope on starting my art journey, but you just gave me the fuel to keep going! 🎉 My biggest fear for me that has kept me from starting is my children and husband. I love my 2 babies and my husband more than anything, but I also have a passion for art. Any time I work on my business my husband takes care of my children and I just haven’t figured out a way to overcome the insane amount of guilt I feel about not giving them 100% of my self all the time. I want to be a present mother and wife but I also want to develop my skills and thrive as an artist. I hope to figure it all out in the future but until then, your video was exactly what I needed to keep going…
Hi 😊I'm sure you'll find your way! Your family is extremely important but so are you! Don't feel guilty for taking a little break for yourself, because you deserve it. All the best and don't give up :)
Thank you for this video. It’s always encouraging to hear. I’m trying to start a sticker shop and I constantly have the internal battle of fighting the “you’re not good enough” voice. I’ve been doing therapy for the past 6+ months and have greatly improved my anxiety and mental health. I still have these doubts all the time but I also feel stronger to fight them and push through them. Even if it is a little bit of progress daily. That little progress will add up. ❤
After being a hairstylist for 30 years I am becoming physically unable to perform that job anymore, so I am trying to start an art business but I often feel like I don't know enough, so I am constantly trying to watch tutorials and educational videos, but I still feel like I don't know what I am doing. I do feel like my art is good enough, but I am not very tech savvy and so I'm not exactly sure what I need to do online to start my business... Also, I am very very low income at the moment and can't afford to have a website and other things that may cost money every month. I am a charcoal hyper realism artist and so my artwork takes many many hours to complete. I have done many commissions of pets and people over the last 20 years, but I am now trying to focus on more original art. I am hoping to get my artwork into galleries, but if not I would like to sell them online. I also took graphic design about 12 years ago, and although I had a 4.0 GPA I ended up dropping out because at that time in my life I was raising my two teenagers, working full time as a hairstylist, and going to school full time... I was up all night every night trying to get all my graphic design and fine art(my minor) homework done, and that semester I had an interpersonal communications class and the teacher was prescribing so much homework that I just didn't have any time left in my schedule to complete it, so instead of ruining my 4.0 GPA I decided to drop out (which I now regret doing). But because I have a year and a half of graphic design school under my belt I am also thinking about starting an online graphic design business, just designing simple things like logos, etc. but again I run into the same problem where I feel like I don't know what I am doing with the tech side of everything. I really love watching your videos, you are an inspiration!
Mimi, you're such an inspiration. One of these days can you do a video on the tools that you use (the laptop you draw on), and how you make those cute animations?
This made me cry🥹 you explained it in such a beautiful and empathetic way... Love you! Thank you so much for this!!! This is so so real for me! I can't wait to get out there
Mimi your channel found me sometime in the early spring last year. And you lit a fire under my butt 😂 the timing was great. I have two teens and they live with me only part time. I had an a long break on my career plans in my early twenties when I suddenly found myself in the “family way”. Since then I have had a long pause on my art career dreams… till your video showed up and sweetly reminded me that now is a great time to start again. So once again. This is awesome and I am so grateful.
Thank you for these wise words, Mimi! It was definitely what I needed to hear. I have felt like I’m too old to start, and for the longest time I’ve ditched the drawing thing because I always believed I couldn’t make it a proper job. Now I believe otherwise, thanks to videos like you make! So, thank you. 🙏 I’m drawing and practicing everyday since the fall of 2023. And I feel I’m definitely improving 🥰
Thank you for this video. I started my art career ten years ago, so I felt all fears, that you mentioned. And we really can do everything, that we can imagine. Thanks ❤
This video really came along at the right time. So much so, I was crying throughout. I'm about to start a new job that I'm really uncertain about because 1. its not creative and 2. I don't know if I can do it. I want to make income in my art in some form, but I just don't know where to start. Plus I feel I have no direction in terms of what style I want to go with and how committed I should be. Your words of encouragement are very comforting and something I need to remind myself all the time, but self-doubt is really occupying my mind lately. Its aggravating at times that I'm feeling this way. I think one additional way to overcome all of these vices, mine included, is to journal what we are feeling. I always find it so liberating to write and then read back everything and more often than not, I realize why I feel this way, why I think that way and how I can overcome it. I haven't done it in a long time, so I'll try it out and I encourage all of you to try it. I for one always discover incredible artists on RUclips and Instagram and I know they have their own journey that I can learn from, you included :) For me, its not about getting started. Its about getting started again and again, until I find what's right for me. I just have to keep trying. Thank you for making this video.
Very well made video Mimi. To be real here (and in the darkest way) I've been plagued with self doubt as long since I was 9. I have a natural talent for art and I've always wanted to share it with the world just like Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astro Boy) or Shintaro Tsuji (creator of Hello Kitty). But the thing is. Nobody wants it. For years I've had the mentality that Im never good enough. I've never won an art contest, no one wants to collab with me for endorsement deals, whenever I post original art I get nothing but stone silence/ 0 engagement and no one in the art industry wants to hire me. The constant rejections have brought me so much pain that I've grown bitter and resentful towards other artists and their successful 6 figure businesses. I just don't know what to do anymore.
I write this in case I'm not the only one: another problem I had that held me from starting drawing was being single, I know it sounds silly but when you're looking for someone it's not easy to say that your dream job is "not a real job" during a first date, they look at you like "this one is looking for a man stupid enough to maintain her while she does her little drawings", and the stigma pushed me to focus on more "profitable jobs" actually postponing my real happiness for years. This is also why I want to make a living out of it, because if I finally earn something from it I can say that's my job with a high chin, without caring for others judgment. Also for the age part, yea.. I was 21 and said "it's too late for me I should not even start"😅 I regret it so muchh
Thank you very much for your words, I really needed it. 🥰 This year I want to do some things that I didn't do before because I let myself be carried away by my fears. I still have doubts, but now I am working so that they do not control me, because in the end drawing is what I love to do.
Though it may not be fear so much as it is a mixture of it with procrastination and uncertainty of what it could mean in terms of my comfortable day to day, it is difficult to consider going from a 9 to 5 with a company to being completely self-reliant for making my own way into art and having that be how I bring in my living. I do Twitch, I stream my art a few times a week unless sick or something comes up, and I do have a website and shop albeit both are in need of updating/expanding. Then again, perhaps it is more fear than it is anything else. Change is always scary and difficult, and I know that while I desire to do art more than anything else for the rest of my life, and while my day job is technically utilizing my design degree(s), the lack of fulfillment and internal satisfaction and imagination to paper/screen is gnawing and hard to satisfy when I want to do nothing more than draw and create things and put them out into the world. Though it is hard, especially when it should be that I know what I need to do to achieve that goal, it is putting those thoughts into action and making it happen that is hard. Sure I have a lot of the steps down and even really great progress on getting out there, it is just a matter of doing more to be able to share with others who are interested what it is that I am creating. Granted I definitely have a wonderful support system and a lot of individuals who have become friends and art motivators and also love what I do, but it's still so difficult to take the plunge to consider stepping away from the regular 9 to 5 job and making art without fear of failing or not having enough money for bills and so on. The repetition of the cycle is also a fear, that you'll give it a shot, quit your job, go for a bit, but then have to go back to finding a new 9 to 5, then rinse and repeat it. Thank you for these videos. Each one that I watch constantly reminds me that what I am doing now needs to be seen as a means to the ultimate goal. Incredibly motivational and they pinpoint some thoughts and areas that I didn't consider, so they are beyond appreciated. Thank you, Mimi. :)
I was really inspired by another video where you talk about how you write 'scripts' for your videos. Could you give me an idea of how many pages of script you write for different length videos?
Such a wonderful video! It’s a reminder to me not to give up on my art and related passions. All things come in time. (Also, loved the Twitter comment. ^_~)
Such a lovely video, thanks Mimi!! I do however still feel like there's no room for me... I know it's not too late (I'm in my early 30s) and that by working hard I can massively improve my skills, but I don't see the point when there are already so many physical items, so many ideas, SO MUCH stuff around... maybe that's because I'm a very burnout, depressed and overwhelmed ADHD who actually wished there was less going on in this world (XD) but, unless I can use my art to really improve people's lives or this world, I don't think anyone need ALSO my art, when there's already so much out there. I can't shake this off so I guess I either find a way to actually use my skills for a higher purpose or just give up and do art for fun and for myself and the people around me!
Thanks a lot❤much needed.... I've recently started my art journey...it's confusing and overwhelming...but ur videos have helped me a lot and thank u for sharing ur thoughts ❤I'll definitely overcome all my fears one day i believe in myself...once again thank u so much for boosting me up
I'm less worried about people who are younger than me being farther along, I'm worried about the advent of AI and how that will impact any future career I might have as an illustrator. I also worry about how much it costs to get a setup where I can film videos, etc. and set up Patreon/supporter tiers. I can't afford those things, and I don't know when I will be able to, but by the time I can, most companies will replace us with AI art. What's the point of trying to make it a career? Now I just draw/illustrate for my own benefit.
Thank you for this video Mimi! Your videos have helped so much… Every time I need a pick me up I come back to watch your videos. I just know I’m going to come back to this video a lot! 😊
I love this! :) This was perfect timing as I justtt uploaded my very first RUclips video! These are great reminders and I am so inspired by you and your journey✨ the biggest thing holding me back has been being on video but after finding your videos, I feel much more confident in being able to create a good video without talking straight into the camera :)
Let us know what doubts or fears you're working on overcoming, and thank you to Aura for sponsoring this video! 💖 Get started for free today & the first 500 people to use my link will also get 25% off+ a free trial to the Aura membership: www.aurahealth.io/mimimoo
Hi Mimi! I really love your videos and I am so happy that you shared your journey. My problem is, I can't decide the best software for freehand drawing. I love Illustrator but it's a snail progress for me. I tried Krita and Photoshop but, I am not sure as it is raster images. What software do you use to draw with? How do you deal with raster images for publication?
@@addherre6218 Are you working on a pc/laptop setup or iPad? Adobe Fresco has the ability to draw and paint both in raster and vector. Sadly though, if you’re working on PC, Fresco is only available on certain devices. If you have an ipad, the base version is free, and comes with a nice selection of kit brushes. I was a little disappointed you can’t even import outside brushes without upgrading to the subscription, but at least you could download and try and if you liked it enough to want more options, figure out if the sub was worth it. Just an idea. I’ve been working on my iPad between Procreate and Fresco.
My biggest fear is that there won't be a want or need for traditionally human created art. Instead, the world prefers cheap, quick Ai generated and machine created art, something that looks, feels, and means something just as good if not better than a real human artists creation. Of all the videos discussing Ai's role on creatives, I still can't reason with the ever-evolving reality of this problem. I've struggled so long to try and make myself become an artist even before Ai, but now this has happened, it feels like I've lost the war before I even really made a real effort. And it all just seems so hard now there are so many hoops you have to jump through just to be recognised and appreciated.
Because of this I feel like I cheated myself of past opportunities, but even so, if I were in the industry with no other work-life experience, I would also be extremely worried for what to do.
Do you have advice for this?
Hello mínimoo I was wondering what digital program and computer were you using for this drawing????? I’m planning to get a laptop for digital drawing but I’m not sure which one to get. Thank you
Wow, the second half of this video was exactly what I needed to hear. Now I know I’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome and I have some new ways to think about what I’ve achieved. Thank you!
"No experience is a waste of time." What a beautiful and impactful statement.
If you ever feel like you’re too old and you should’ve started years ago, remember: the best time to start was 5 years ago, the next best time is now.
In 3 years time you’d look back and today and wish you’d started then.
I just started my art carreer 6 months ago at 52 and I can confirm it is not too late to start an artistic career. Being an artist help you to keep you young and I love to share ideas with younger artists because we share our knowledge. And for the "I am not good enough"...why do you take your time to create something if it is not to share with the others. Just be yourself. Thank you to shareypuir thoughts in this video.
Personally, I needed to hear this advice. I often get worried as a young adult with where I am now compared to others more skilled than I am. But you're right, I shouldn't let these doubts hold me back; especially when there's no harm in at least trying, especially on things you're passionate about.
Absolutely. You are in the best position to lean into your creative dreams.
And when you unashamedly pour energy into your passions you will likely meet people who can help open professional doors to you as your skills and talent develop.
You will have nothing to loose and all to gain!
You can definitely reach your goals if you are trying your best. I'm rooting for you!😊
As someone who suffers from severe anxiety and depression I felt this and thank you for the words of encouragement. I always feel like I'm not good enough and always doubt myself
Same struggles and thoughts. We’re rooting for you, we’re all rooting for you! (In my Tyra Banks voice)
@@Heyitsphoenixrae thank you
I can relate to you, you're definitely not alone 🧡
You are definitely good enough, so never give in to those doubts. You can do it!😊
The opposite of envy is emulation. If we learn to be happy with where we are by focusing on how much joy comes from being creative, we’ll be inspired by others instead ❤
I just found your channel and it reminds me how fun it is to be creative. Your art is so adorable! I’m a happy new subscriber :)
Thank you for this video; at 42 I have quit my job and everything to pursue an art career. For now I have so little following on either Instagram or RUclips and no clients whatsoever so it can be really hard to keep my motivation and believe in my dream. It’s funny how you published this video right when I was seriously doubting myself. I have to believe it’s a sign 🤞🏻
it is a sign!:) good luck and enjoy the process, there is no finish line in art:)
@@AnaBela1990 thank you for the encouragement! ❤ I will take it as a sign and do what I can to move forward.
do what feels right for you, you've got this! 💪
You can do it! Don’t give up even though it’s hard at the beginning, if you’re looking for another sign this is it!
I just quit my job to pirsue an art career too. I don't have much following on socials and I never had a comission or anything. But I thought if I stay at the job I will only postpone my dreams becoming a reality
in general, the most important thought that any person should keep when starting a new business, hobby, and the like is easier to relate to. Yes, the school system, work, and in particular families are arranged in such a way that if you do something, then you have to report on it and receive approval-punishment depending on how hard you tried and therefore people are afraid of failures. Just keep in mind that you don't have to report to anyone and you won't be "punished" if you make a mistake, mess up something, etc.
This is one of the common problems why people can't start a new sketchbook, notepad - they're afraid to ruin it
But if you start treating everything with ease, it will bring more pleasure and less stress.
Absolutely agree with this! I'm 62 and although I've been making art all my life, including getting a design degree after school, it's taken me until last year to discover "my style". I spent most of my life trying to make art that I thought others would consider accomplished, and I can do that as I'm pretty proficient at drawing, but it was only when I dropped out of an art class I was taking and decided to follow my own process that I started making personal authentic art. It doesn't look like anyone else's and most people would probably not "get it", but I don't care - it's MY art. I was really inspired by artists on RUclips (including Mimi) who encouraged me to "keep going" and said "allow yourself to make bad art". It's so freeing and takes you to places you hadn't thought of. And the weird thing is that once I let go of other people's expectations and painted what I WANTED to paint, other people seem to really like it...I guess because it's authentic.
Wise words Mimi!! Let 2024 be the year we all look at our fears in the face and say - I see you and acknowledge you with love but I'm moving forward anyway!
Artist and free therapy...I love it. This really helped me today. Thank you. Your words about how my life is the only life I have strike like a gong. Ive constantly been comparing myself to others throughout my life, especially lately after a recent job loss so it's good to 'reset' my thinking that I'm only living my life and no one else's. I've been an artist all my life but have spent large stretches of years not so much as even sketching. I'm remedying that now at 51 but boy do I feel like the years have sailed by focused on something completely else. But as you stated so well, that's only in my mind. I can no more rewind my life and start over in my 20's than anyone else can (except maybe in a movie). I have to learn to accept me where I'm at currently, love this me that I am, and make a plan and then work my plan. Pivot as necessary as you said, but keep moving forward.
Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it. I feel like I've always been a creative person, I just didn't have the tools and people in my life to motivate me. And as you said..."I was doing other things." I'm also definitely guilty of the "I'm too old." I'll keep making art though, because it makes me happy.
Most of the time I struggle with finding inspiration, and once I find it I struggle with the feeling of not having the skills to execute it the way I want to. I love to paint so this year I just want to work on painting more in hope that some of my fears will go away.
I’m also trying to find some classes so I can improve in the areas I feel I lack skills in.
I really want to take control of my art journey this year and not sit here at the end of December and feel like I wasted another year just fearing failure.
I feel you, sounds just like me, yr after yr i feel i wasted yet another one 😭. If only i could have a fraction of some artists confidence 😔❤️
@@Mansauce-bq5kq trust me, confidence can be worked on😊 I wasn’t a confident person growing up but I would say I’m a lot more confident today. You have to define what confidence is to you and then figure out how to get there.
I know that I don’t have the skills to create the art I dream about creating but I’m confident that once I put in the effort to learn those skills I will get there. I just have to get over the fear of failure and not let the fear control me so much. Fear is completely natural but it’s a choice to let that fear control you or drive you to be better.
I believe that you (that we both can) get to where you want to be, you just have to start😊
it's a common issue - the taste / ability imbalance. Ira Glass talks about it. But I have found (for myself) that by making A LOT more last year helped me get over caring so much about each thing being EXACTLY what I had in mind.
@@rebeccasartcorner I have too much confidence in places I'd rather not, and not enough in others, i know i can "push myself" as was a single father to 3 for 10 yrs, but that was something i couldn't and wouldn't run away from, my art seems it's something I'm scared of putting out there, really i believe it's I'm scared people will see things in my work about me that i don't understand myself, a lot of untitled work, the older it is, the less i understand what it was about. Thank you for the kind words, and i wish you all the luck going forward 🙏 we can beat this 👌. We all need a forum together perhaps, but i couldn't even start to set something up like that. Have a wonderful day 😊
@@HannahMorenDraws yes, i get that, I'm often too fastidious, only recently started appreciating work that wasn't finished, for that more genuine feel of being true to the piece itself, it's a "knifedge" on some work for sure . I think that's what i heard from this 😅. I definitely need to be more fluid sometimes, but materials are so expensive, that's a thing that chipped away at my brain a lot and still does , not with ink but paint, especially when struggling with 3 kids for a good while, and that 10 years didn't help my "working brain" whatsoever, i just couldn't string much together during that time really.
I've been on my journey for awhile, but my focus is sometimes all over the place. I'm planning to use this year to be more focused, so I can be more productive. Some day, I want to be an author of many books. And I believe every little change is getting me there one day at a time.
As far as doubts and fears go, I don't really try to focus on that. I acknowledge that they are there, but I try not to linger on them.
Wonderful insight and frame of mind. ❤
Good luck with writing the books, I am sure they will be great 🥰
@@daiwenjun-art Aw, Thank you, that's very encouraging. 😊
One important thing I’ve learned in my short time on this planet, “I’m not good enough” should never be an excuse to never try or never progress; rather it should be motivation to push yourself forward.
creating my own channel has been a big surprise - i would've never thought i had the skills to film and edit (and perhaps I don't)... and i am quite self conscious about putting myself out there. I don't show my face, but already feel like it's so worth to just keep trying this avenue~
I just watched your 100 day challenge video! I loved seeing all the different pieces you created :)
As so many people echoed below, I really needed this, too. I left my teaching job last June and have been trying to transition to a career as a full-time artist, and there have been lots of lows and (thankfully) a few highs. Finding and maintaining focus, financially staying above water, and defining myself (and my style) as an artist have all been very difficult, and I've definitely had the thought that, by this point in my life, "I should have figured this all out by now". But I do find a lot of comfort in the idea that the previous years weren't wasted, but were spent experiencing things that have made me the person that I am now. My mantra this year is "I will do now with all that I learned before". To everyone on this thread, keep at it, and keep supporting one another. Community goes a long way. Thanks to you all for being vulnerable and brave, and thanks very much Mimi for doing the same.
I love that mantra! All of the experience you have will help you with your transition to a full-time artist, so perhaps this is the perfect time 😊
Thank you for the encouraging words! 🥰 I'm struggling with imposter syndrome quite often when it comes to art and my RUclips channel 🙈 However, I'm a firm believer that you're never too old to learn something new, so if something doesn't work out, I'll try to see it as an opportunity for growth & learning ❤
hi, I just watched your organization video and loved it! and subscribed :) I'd love to see what else you're creating this year
“None of them mean anything unless you let them” that’s actually something I learned in CBT, nice❤
2:11 Minutes in and you've absolutely nailed where I am right now. I'm feeling stuck in my job at an office, but I'm held back from starting something new because I have it in my head that as an almost 35 year old adult I shouldn't move "backwards". This video is truly inspirational and I thank you so much for all the positivity and motivation! 🥰
The imposter syndrome is real. Also, dealing with disappointment. But totally agree that positivity is necessary to keep going!
Thank you so much for making this video! My limiting beliefs are that I’m too old/it’s too late and I’m not good enough. Been working on these by reminding myself that the time will pass anyway. And that if the human lifespan is 120 years, that’s gonna be a very long time living a life that is unfulfilling to me. Watching videos like this, other videos of creatives starting their art journeys or art businesses help keep me inspired. Other things that help me are watching videos of people starting whatever journey they want to start because they reject the thought of it being too late, and videos of people in my age group sharing their lives. It also helps me to word vomit all my limiting beliefs on paper. Then on separate sheets of paper, pick them all apart kinda like you just did in this video.
Ok, gonna go cry warm and fuzzy tears now. Thank you 💗😭
I’ve been trying to remember that all our art is subjective, yes some people might hate it or dislike it but heaps and heaps more will love it and be encouraging of our artistic journeys, social media has made this hard but trying art just for yourself and art in your community is really rewarding ❤
Thank you so much for making these kind of videos! I'm 35 and always wanted to start a career as an illustrator, but never made it a reality. You have inspired me to start my career now! Also, "give yourself premission to start" brought a tear to my eye.
I'm in my early 50's , been painting all my life, and definitely been suffering from imposter syndrome all these years, only recently conceded to this fact , also i have bad Anxiety and depression, and despite literally everyone telling me i should be making money with my artwork, and getting offered £3.500 for a unfinished painting a couple of months ago, i still struggle!! . I have probably 5 years worth of ideas in books, and have no issues with ideas as come from my personal life, and that's never dull, but now i set up a youtube account a few weeks ago, and i cannot get the first "introduction" video up, I'm tech useless 😭. I never trained at college, and only thing i had told to me by a sadly recently past, but great friend going back years go, a certain Mr F. Cuming, he said "don't worry about college, do what you are doing, you'll be fine", even had one of my Oils up in his house 😲, but despite all of that, i still struggle believing in myself 😔. What you have said here has really struck a chord, thankyou so so much 🙏
I’m a few decades less experienced in life than you, but I can relate to some of what you’re saying. I also struggle with depression and anxiety. I try to remind myself that my struggles are valid, but they don’t need to dictate my life. I was stagnant for years before I started diving into art again. And even years after that, it’s only now that I’ve decided to give a serious effort into being an artist and animator. I think something that helped me was the intent to take action rather than just go through the motion. Make conscious steps toward your goal.
I’m also fortunate enough to have a friend similar to yours. One who sees the value in my work even when I often can’t. I think one day we’ll both be able to see what they do. Wishing you the best!
@@RooNelo 🙏 thank you, i wish you well on your journey in life, I'm glad you have that insight so early on, and willing to run with it 😀. I have moved studio into my girls old bedroom from out in a 8'x8 ' shed turned studio, although it was ok working in it, i feel more passionate working in the new studio, just small steps, youtube is the current hurdle. All the luck too you from me 🍀
I'm in my mid 30s and this is something I needed to really hear even though I know this already. It's different to hear it.
Believe you can, and you're halfway there!
I just started illustration in August this year and it’s hard at times but you’re content is helping me so much. Thank you so much
I often struggle with imposter syndrome too, and although it can be pretty hard to accept that we are good enough, I am trying to look at it just as you explained in this video. Even though I have had a youtube channel for a few years now, I often struggle with making new videos because I sometimes feel like it's useless, but in the past few days I decided that I will put way more effort into it starting from the summer (I am working while being a full-time student and attending a webdesign course at the same time, so barely have the time to sleep now), and thanks to you, I also decided that I will start an Etsy shop as well. Thank you so much for your videos, they are so motivating. ☺
I am just now starting my journey in becoming a small art business, and your videos have been a valuable source of information and inspiration. Today I was feeling some doubt and fear, so I found this video at the right time! Thank you! 🙏
You made this video at the perfect time. I started today over on Instagram, and I’m so excited to learn more about art and business. I’m in the position where I want to be a digital artist but can’t afford a new tablet. Instead of waiting I decided to post a picture of a doodle I did at my desk. I know there’s things I can improve on but I’m just happy I took that first leap and put myself out there 💕
Everything u say describe all my concern. I tend to lose motivation quickly, but i always find myself getting back at it and feeling down again. This have been repeated many times. Anyone can share me your experience on how you keep yourself motivated, i am so much appreciated
I have been a professional artist in the film industry for over 7 years now and I still get imposter syndrome. My coworkers have told me they also get it as well. It's nothing to be ashamed of and I would encourage any beginner or struggling artists to NOT hide from it. Rather, take comfort that most of us have similar feelings no matter where we are in our careers.
Great encouragement. One thing that helped me fortunately was a local small business scheme. They made you think really clearly eg about what you wanted to do and who your ideal customers were. And the admin side. I would encourage people to try and build up some skills before burning bridges or quitting the day job, unless you are loaded.
You were 28 you started this!? And here I am at 27 being hard on my self for not being able to pursue art due to financial reasons
Great video Mimi! I'd say my biggest fear is not being able to make it as an artist. I have tried for almost 4 years now, and even if I started working as an illustrator (which is absolutely great!) a part of me is not satisfied and doesn't recognize it. Also sometimes I think I'm not good enough because of the rejections. I got used to it, it's part of the job, but still there are times where I start to think I'm doing something wrong. For example, I'm have a project to work on for a private client, but I'm procrastinating it cause I'm scared to fail or to make a bad job, and that I don't deserve the payment! Which is insane! Hope it helped somebody, you're not alone
Oh my God! Your list is mine, at the exact same order.
I'm an architect from before the digital era so I used to draw a lot and even later on. I always loved drawing.
Now, that I moved to the UK, practicing architecture requires several years of complicated processes which, if successful (not guaranteed), would put me right back at the start of my career. So I decided to explore my other options. Illustration is one of them as I always thought of trying it. I always wanted to do a children's book. But I'm doubting myself big time. I haven't been sketching for years and I feel like my hand is rusty. I've got myself xp-pen pro 15.6 in an episode of optimism and hope but then I'm like, I just wasted money, it's never going to work. I've got an advanced knowledge of Photoshop and all sorts of design tools. I've got years of experience with perspective, colour, light and shadow but I'm still not confident to step into it big time. Somehow it feels better seeing I'm not the only one putting up these questions to myself. Thank you ❤
My fears im working on is that im not as skilled as other/comparison. Gotta remind myself that I'm just casually drawing and doing bullet journals and that i do have skilles. I want to draw more so the "skilled part" will improve over time, no shortcut possible
You are such an encourager, Mimi! Thank you for this wonderful, uplifting video. You understand so well how it feels to start something new as an adult, because you've been there, and it's so inspiring to see you living your dream life! You are one of my biggest sources of inspiration when I first decided to take the leap, and I know I can always come back to your channel for fresh encouragement along the journey. Love your wonderful message and art, Mimi! 😃💕✨
This is great advise, tho I personally sometimes (most times) I struggle with having too many ideas and getting frustrated and confused on not knowing how to integrate them. This usually takes me out of consistency for not knowing what type of art to make and who to sell it too, like… I love editorial but I’m also a web designer and I adore making clothing. 😅 this frustrations leaves me hanging and postponing everything.
Thank you for being an expander for me to see that it is possible to create your own art full time. Your videos are so inspiring and helpful, it’s a pleasure to watch them 👏🙏
Thank you thank you THANK YOU for this video.
You literally hit on EVERY rubbish excuse I tell myself!
i spent 10 years trying to build myself up as an artist and got nowhere. it didnt matter how much time and effort i put into it, i just couldnt get the support of an audience, paying customers or client base. and then i got the joy of chronic illness and pain, which makes drawing that much more difficult. I want so badly for art to be something I can make even as a little bit of a job, but after so much despair and failure, i wouldnt even know how to start again, especially battling pain.
It’s so scary to come back to something we didn’t succeed at, especially when it’s something creative. Even more so when you have a chronic condition or disability. What I see is someone who is brave enough to want to try again, despite all that. 10 years is a long time but don’t think it’s wasted, it’s building up resilience and experience. The most interesting artists and people are those who have come through these kinds of challenges. In my experience, the most important thing with art is just showing up and to keep trying. Whatever your goals are, I believe in you.
@@Dancinglemon thank you for your incredible kindness
@@kryspixyou are very welcome and you can do this!
I am 50 yo and have been drawing and painting all my life. I even have done commissions and sold some of my paintings and still I fight against thoughts that block me from following my dream to become a full-time artist. What is the most difficult for me right now is social media and marketing myself. All I have sold has been locally and I live in a very small community so there are limits. Also I take care of my daughter who needs lots of support and free lancing from home is the best option for my life situation. So I have quite a lot of pressure on me to make it work. Another difficulty for me is to keep to one "style". I work in so many different materials and experiment a lot, so my instagram is very diverse. I love your videos and maybe I will make finally make it with their support and help. Thank you for sharing all this great information and boosting my confidence!
I love how you break down fears of a artist and normalize it❤
Having good balance with your mental health and work is definitely important to achieve your goals
This video has given me the perspective shift I needed - I thought it was too late to try or that I had no natural talent but this video has encouraged me to embrace being a beginner and just enjoy the process
I rarely comment in RUclips videos but I gotta thank you for sharing this. I may be a month late in seeing this but I just stumbled upon your channel yesterday while researching about illustration and looking for inspiration.
I'm definitely experiencing this recently. Even though I've been a graphic designer since I graduated, have basic skills in illustration/drawing, I'm still doubting if I'll ever be successful in this + launching a small business because I'm already at 33, lots of bills to pay, and have two baby boys, 4 and 1. I feel like I'm not "allowed" to pursure what I've been dreaming of, to pursue illustration and have my own small business, because of this. I often feel like it's too late for me or that it's selfish because we all know how a business can struggle sometimes and that fear that I might not be able to provide for my family (but really thankful that my husband is fully supporting me on this!). Anyway, I'm just really tired of corporate job, going to the office, someone telling me what's right or wrong when it comes to my design... So I really need some inspiration and motivation to finally start my dream slash goal, to be an independent designer/artist and be successful one day.
Again, thank you!
So lovely to hear your story! I transitioned from graphic design at 28 and found that a lot of my design skills were really useful in setting up my business for basic branding, documents, my website etc, so you've definitely got transferrable skills that will help you get started. It might take a while before it starts paying the bills but it'll be worth it to pursue your own creative dreams and leave the corporate stress behind!
Thank you Mimi 💛 this is kind an advice I really need right now. I am someone who is not actually start from zero to start in my art journey, but I really lack in courage and have sooo much self doubts. I always have a dream to be a children book illustrator like you, but always think that I am not good enough to start the career. and I always have the fear of starting too late, especially with those AI things going on right now. Your videos always been one that remind and encouraging me to just put a start. Thanks again Mimi, you help me a lot 💛
I always thought that there is no room , there is to many beautiful artists out there. So I always scared to start . Thank you for your advice it makes me feel more confident 😊 thank you
I'm acknowledging my weaknesses in character and natural modelling (I would do rigid designs and often have trouble with natural shapes and body proportions. I'm a 3D modeller, and I've been struggling with my imposter syndrome and doubts, and my fears of not reaching my goals hold me back, but the inspiration, the passion and the drive to move forward with that art piece I want to make is pushing me forward. It's hard to do what I do, and it's okay if I fail time and time again. I'll get it right someday.
For me, it’s fear of rejection and my lack of business skills that stop me. 😢
This video was really helpful in alot of ways. I've been working on two projects and since It's just me I was prolonging their development. I dont have an I pad or a decent computer to utilize my ideas. I even tried a gofund me and that didn't help either. Its been 7 years and I'm tired of wasting time and it's not drawing its the refining and marketing stages thats hindering development and myself as well.
Thank you so much, Mimi! I will be honest, before I watched this video I was about to give up all hope on starting my art journey, but you just gave me the fuel to keep going! 🎉
My biggest fear for me that has kept me from starting is my children and husband. I love my 2 babies and my husband more than anything, but I also have a passion for art. Any time I work on my business my husband takes care of my children and I just haven’t figured out a way to overcome the insane amount of guilt I feel about not giving them 100% of my self all the time. I want to be a present mother and wife but I also want to develop my skills and thrive as an artist. I hope to figure it all out in the future but until then, your video was exactly what I needed to keep going…
Hi 😊I'm sure you'll find your way! Your family is extremely important but so are you! Don't feel guilty for taking a little break for yourself, because you deserve it. All the best and don't give up :)
Thank you for this video. It’s always encouraging to hear. I’m trying to start a sticker shop and I constantly have the internal battle of fighting the “you’re not good enough” voice. I’ve been doing therapy for the past 6+ months and have greatly improved my anxiety and mental health. I still have these doubts all the time but I also feel stronger to fight them and push through them. Even if it is a little bit of progress daily. That little progress will add up. ❤
I love your watermelon hairbow 🥺🥺🥺💕
After being a hairstylist for 30 years I am becoming physically unable to perform that job anymore, so I am trying to start an art business but I often feel like I don't know enough, so I am constantly trying to watch tutorials and educational videos, but I still feel like I don't know what I am doing. I do feel like my art is good enough, but I am not very tech savvy and so I'm not exactly sure what I need to do online to start my business... Also, I am very very low income at the moment and can't afford to have a website and other things that may cost money every month. I am a charcoal hyper realism artist and so my artwork takes many many hours to complete. I have done many commissions of pets and people over the last 20 years, but I am now trying to focus on more original art. I am hoping to get my artwork into galleries, but if not I would like to sell them online. I also took graphic design about 12 years ago, and although I had a 4.0 GPA I ended up dropping out because at that time in my life I was raising my two teenagers, working full time as a hairstylist, and going to school full time... I was up all night every night trying to get all my graphic design and fine art(my minor) homework done, and that semester I had an interpersonal communications class and the teacher was prescribing so much homework that I just didn't have any time left in my schedule to complete it, so instead of ruining my 4.0 GPA I decided to drop out (which I now regret doing). But because I have a year and a half of graphic design school under my belt I am also thinking about starting an online graphic design business, just designing simple things like logos, etc. but again I run into the same problem where I feel like I don't know what I am doing with the tech side of everything. I really love watching your videos, you are an inspiration!
Mimi, you're such an inspiration. One of these days can you do a video on the tools that you use (the laptop you draw on), and how you make those cute animations?
thank you for you peppy words
This made me cry🥹 you explained it in such a beautiful and empathetic way... Love you! Thank you so much for this!!! This is so so real for me! I can't wait to get out there
Est ce que tu as fait cette vidéo spécialement pour moi? On dirait bien!! 😊. C’est dingue, tu lis exactement dans mes pensées
Mimi your channel found me sometime in the early spring last year. And you lit a fire under my butt 😂 the timing was great.
I have two teens and they live with me only part time. I had an a long break on my career plans in my early twenties when I suddenly found myself in the “family way”. Since then I have had a long pause on my art career dreams… till your video showed up and sweetly reminded me that now is a great time to start again.
So once again. This is awesome and I am so grateful.
Thank you for these wise words, Mimi! It was definitely what I needed to hear. I have felt like I’m too old to start, and for the longest time I’ve ditched the drawing thing because I always believed I couldn’t make it a proper job. Now I believe otherwise, thanks to videos like you make! So, thank you. 🙏 I’m drawing and practicing everyday since the fall of 2023. And I feel I’m definitely improving 🥰
Thank you for this video. I started my art career ten years ago, so I felt all fears, that you mentioned. And we really can do everything, that we can imagine. Thanks ❤
Oh no this made me burst into tears ❤ guess I really needed this!!
Absolutely stunning 😍
This video really came along at the right time. So much so, I was crying throughout. I'm about to start a new job that I'm really uncertain about because 1. its not creative and 2. I don't know if I can do it. I want to make income in my art in some form, but I just don't know where to start. Plus I feel I have no direction in terms of what style I want to go with and how committed I should be. Your words of encouragement are very comforting and something I need to remind myself all the time, but self-doubt is really occupying my mind lately. Its aggravating at times that I'm feeling this way.
I think one additional way to overcome all of these vices, mine included, is to journal what we are feeling. I always find it so liberating to write and then read back everything and more often than not, I realize why I feel this way, why I think that way and how I can overcome it. I haven't done it in a long time, so I'll try it out and I encourage all of you to try it.
I for one always discover incredible artists on RUclips and Instagram and I know they have their own journey that I can learn from, you included :) For me, its not about getting started. Its about getting started again and again, until I find what's right for me. I just have to keep trying. Thank you for making this video.
Very well made video Mimi. To be real here (and in the darkest way) I've been plagued with self doubt as long since I was 9. I have a natural talent for art and I've always wanted to share it with the world just like Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astro Boy) or Shintaro Tsuji (creator of Hello Kitty). But the thing is. Nobody wants it. For years I've had the mentality that Im never good enough. I've never won an art contest, no one wants to collab with me for endorsement deals, whenever I post original art I get nothing but stone silence/ 0 engagement and no one in the art industry wants to hire me. The constant rejections have brought me so much pain that I've grown bitter and resentful towards other artists and their successful 6 figure businesses. I just don't know what to do anymore.
I write this in case I'm not the only one: another problem I had that held me from starting drawing was being single, I know it sounds silly but when you're looking for someone it's not easy to say that your dream job is "not a real job" during a first date, they look at you like "this one is looking for a man stupid enough to maintain her while she does her little drawings", and the stigma pushed me to focus on more "profitable jobs" actually postponing my real happiness for years. This is also why I want to make a living out of it, because if I finally earn something from it I can say that's my job with a high chin, without caring for others judgment. Also for the age part, yea.. I was 21 and said "it's too late for me I should not even start"😅 I regret it so muchh
Wonderful Video that I will be downloading to keep for when I need a reminder
Thank you very much for your words, I really needed it. 🥰
This year I want to do some things that I didn't do before because I let myself be carried away by my fears.
I still have doubts, but now I am working so that they do not control me, because in the end drawing is what I love to do.
Thank you so much for this. I was hesitating to start my own drawing channel but now I'm more strengthened by what you shared :)
I love watching your videos even if I already watched... They always help one way or another... ❤❤ Thanks for sharing your path through art!
Though it may not be fear so much as it is a mixture of it with procrastination and uncertainty of what it could mean in terms of my comfortable day to day, it is difficult to consider going from a 9 to 5 with a company to being completely self-reliant for making my own way into art and having that be how I bring in my living. I do Twitch, I stream my art a few times a week unless sick or something comes up, and I do have a website and shop albeit both are in need of updating/expanding. Then again, perhaps it is more fear than it is anything else. Change is always scary and difficult, and I know that while I desire to do art more than anything else for the rest of my life, and while my day job is technically utilizing my design degree(s), the lack of fulfillment and internal satisfaction and imagination to paper/screen is gnawing and hard to satisfy when I want to do nothing more than draw and create things and put them out into the world. Though it is hard, especially when it should be that I know what I need to do to achieve that goal, it is putting those thoughts into action and making it happen that is hard. Sure I have a lot of the steps down and even really great progress on getting out there, it is just a matter of doing more to be able to share with others who are interested what it is that I am creating. Granted I definitely have a wonderful support system and a lot of individuals who have become friends and art motivators and also love what I do, but it's still so difficult to take the plunge to consider stepping away from the regular 9 to 5 job and making art without fear of failing or not having enough money for bills and so on. The repetition of the cycle is also a fear, that you'll give it a shot, quit your job, go for a bit, but then have to go back to finding a new 9 to 5, then rinse and repeat it.
Thank you for these videos. Each one that I watch constantly reminds me that what I am doing now needs to be seen as a means to the ultimate goal. Incredibly motivational and they pinpoint some thoughts and areas that I didn't consider, so they are beyond appreciated. Thank you, Mimi. :)
I was really inspired by another video where you talk about how you write 'scripts' for your videos. Could you give me an idea of how many pages of script you write for different length videos?
Great advice, love that ladybird picture.😊
Such a wonderful video! It’s a reminder to me not to give up on my art and related passions. All things come in time. (Also, loved the Twitter comment. ^_~)
Such a lovely video, thanks Mimi!! I do however still feel like there's no room for me... I know it's not too late (I'm in my early 30s) and that by working hard I can massively improve my skills, but I don't see the point when there are already so many physical items, so many ideas, SO MUCH stuff around... maybe that's because I'm a very burnout, depressed and overwhelmed ADHD who actually wished there was less going on in this world (XD) but, unless I can use my art to really improve people's lives or this world, I don't think anyone need ALSO my art, when there's already so much out there. I can't shake this off so I guess I either find a way to actually use my skills for a higher purpose or just give up and do art for fun and for myself and the people around me!
That's helped me a lot ~ thank you ✨💖
Love you mimi! 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️
Just what I needed to hear.
Thank you❤
Thank you for your sharing. I will start over asap❤
Thanks a lot❤much needed.... I've recently started my art journey...it's confusing and overwhelming...but ur videos have helped me a lot and thank u for sharing ur thoughts ❤I'll definitely overcome all my fears one day i believe in myself...once again thank u so much for boosting me up
Thank you Mimi for being such an inspiration and for supporting us so much!
Thank you! I appreciate it! ❤😊
I'm less worried about people who are younger than me being farther along, I'm worried about the advent of AI and how that will impact any future career I might have as an illustrator. I also worry about how much it costs to get a setup where I can film videos, etc. and set up Patreon/supporter tiers. I can't afford those things, and I don't know when I will be able to, but by the time I can, most companies will replace us with AI art. What's the point of trying to make it a career? Now I just draw/illustrate for my own benefit.
Love your videos
This is so encouraging! I needed to hear every one of these things, thank you!
Thank you for this video Mimi! Your videos have helped so much… Every time I need a pick me up I come back to watch your videos. I just know I’m going to come back to this video a lot! 😊
such an important video, thank you sharing ☺☺☺
Your words are so uplifting and inspiring!!🥰 Thank you!!we needed that!!
I love this! :) This was perfect timing as I justtt uploaded my very first RUclips video! These are great reminders and I am so inspired by you and your journey✨ the biggest thing holding me back has been being on video but after finding your videos, I feel much more confident in being able to create a good video without talking straight into the camera :)
This video came to me at just the right time. Thank you Mimi ❤
Thank you for this ❤️
This was really inspirational! Thanks Mimi
Absolutely needed this today. ❤
Thank you Mimi. You are a great source of inspiration!!
Very valuable 😊
I fear that I might start my art business but I might focus on money only like when I'm getting good money from it I might leave it
I love your contents! It is very encouraging, 😊 thank you