I know this is over a year old, and you may not see this comment, but i didnt realize how much I needed to hear this until i watched your video. I just found your channel and you are doing a great thing, my friend. Keep rocking and THANK YOU for sharing your wealth of knowledge and for your motivation/advice.
Most artists on youtube showing people how great they are at art but Rafi is building other artists s confidence by saying how amazing they are regardless of their artistic level. Just believe in your dream
I’m in my 50s and I gave up art for many years because I listen to someone of my own free will and I chose to quit art. My choice no excuses. Now i am back!
So true. I am 63 yrs old and actually forgot I knew how to draw or paint. I started trying again, reteaching myself about 4 yrs ago and I have all those fears Rafi mentioned. He's right, all excuses, mostly out of fear. Now I am creating what moves me. If you love creating your artwork, so will others. Just do it and be happier. Cause you don't what tomorrow will bring. You might as well enjoy it, eliminate the anxiety. CREATE!!!
I'm watching this two years and two days after you published this: Perfect message for me today. Thanks. I drank the Kool-aid in art school and let it go even though I had been selling paintings for years. 61 years old and getting back at it!
I love this video, I finally left my "normal" career in healthcare 6 weeks ago to pursue my life as an artist. My wife and I moved to start a new adventure in the Pacific Northwest and I just finished my first art festival and have 8 others lined up. I am glad to hear other artists with the same ideals and mantra that I do, I tell myself all the time to "Dream Bigger" and am so glad to be on this path!
wow! very cool. I just moved to Seattle and having my first solo show at Caffe' Vita on Wilson Ave....are you all in the Seattle area? Great art scene up here!
@@davemampel I am across the water in Bremerton! I have a couple of shows in November (Tacoma and Bremerton) then an event in January in Portland! Fancy another artist making the move up here! The best of luck and I will note your name in case I see your work!!
It's tough when having a good 'job', mortgage and kids means you can't afford to not have money, plus having to relearn how to draw after 25 years. I cut the hours at work and painted more in the last year. Now I'm slowly beginning to sell. What's even weirder, no one queries my prices, just lament they can't afford them. I'm reckoning that in two years I'll be painting full time. Your videos are fun.
Rafi. I am a 23 year old man with no training in art but have recently had this insane urge to paint. I have been telling myself that I shouldn't waste mine or anyone else's time on it and no one will look at my art for what it is, an expression of my inner thoughts. But! Watching this video made me cry with passion. Time to stand up. Thank you for being here on this platform. You have a new subscriber and fan. Much love from Australia mate :)
self expression is not a waste of time. Do it for yourself. Something I've been learning to do is to do something for myself. Self care is not selfish.
WORK!!! It is a long road, so start NOW, and keep working at it. And then, KEEP WORKING. As with all the arts, you only get good by doing it, so you make art and you make art and you make failures and keep going. You will find that on one hand you have art inside you, you can create, you can express, and then at the same time you will realize there is so much to learn it is discouraging, or so much to learn to make your visions come true, its discouraging. But that doesn't matter. What matters is doing it.
So, it's 2019 but this is still relevant. I know because your words hit me hard, smack dab in the middle of the forehead! I have been arting for many years and some sporadic breaks had to happen. Then in 2011, I had to embrace art once again. It's truly the only place I could find happiness and a success. SMH why was I avoiding it? Simply put, I was trying to do things in life where people understood me because I am a former people pleaser!! HA! I know you probably didn't need to know all that but now you do. :)
Excellent rant. "I never felt "awake" to actually enjoy my day" I have felt like this everyday since I graduated highschool. Just grinding out work and bills like a good little drone.
If everyone who said, " you shouldn't be wasting your time at (real bill paying job) you should be doing art..... I'd have enough money to cut to part time at the "real job."
I needed this. I have not felt confident in months after constantly hearing how "I'm wasting my time" and "you need to be working a real job 40 hours a week". I've been believing every negative thing people tell me 😔
Well here i came to say FUCK 40 HOURS JOBS. they are like a death sentence for us artists. And i mean...An slow death. 40 hours job are not an option for us unless is related to what we like and/or is provisory.
I getcha, and art isnt something that others can own a piece of, its totally personal and individual. It can drive some people crazy, controlling ones esp. In my experience :)
Thanks for your encouraging words. I’m 55 and started painting last year. I was laid off of a office job in Feb 2018. I was actually thankful. My husband is very supportive but I’m having to face my fears.
I just had to let you know that I did it. I quit my job working in a lab at a hospital. I have been so afraid to quit and work on my art full time...but the moment I did, it just felt like the grip around my neck was released. I can't even put into words how it felt. I feel so happy. I took my time taking a shower this morning and drinking coffee. I played with my dog. Dang I just had to tell someone....because I haven't told my family yet:/ lol. Your videos are so inspirational. Not only is your art a joy, but the way you selflessly and honestly share your experience is such a huge service to artist who are struggling to put their self out there. Thanks Rafi and Klee for being so freaking AWESOME!!
I was the girl who’s parents said “art is just a hobby not a job” and it set me back 5 years where I quit making art. It was a regret. And even with a full time job and now a toddler, I’m managing to make my art consistently! This video is very inspiring, and i plan to make the leap into full time from part time artist one day. I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I will. Thank you for being so inspiring
The TRUTH be told, GOD gave every Artist the Creative Gift of Art and a Plan to be Successful. The devil comes to steal your Creativity and dreams from you, if you listen to negativity about your art and making a living. So, if GOD gave you the Gift, Talent's and Dream's GO! For it and Succeed!
Dude, when you said, "And no matter how old you are, there is still time." It was like there's my sign!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO RAFI!!! Thank you so, sooooo much. I'm over 51 years young and just now starting my art career. And I honestly needed to hear ALL of what you said here but most especially the part about using your age as an excuse. You said, "As long as you are breathing, there is time!" And I'm still breathing!!! 🙌 🙌 🙌 💞 💞
The idea of making excuses stops so many people from doing great things it is like a quote i heard once "You don't have to do anything to stay average, it is crowded at the bottom" essentially meaning that so many people stay average or worse because they make excuses. Also i am no different in this regard it doesn't help when other artists go "Oh this is incredibly difficult and takes a long time". That might as well be a endorsement to stay average and continue to make excuses however now you are validated because this person on the internet said so. Not that it is a wrong to say that however if you say something is difficult it is usually to dissuade people from doing it which is weird because i hear that more people should do art then they go ahead and scare them off. Regardless i guess TLDR (too long didn't read) is that we as the person who wants to get better at art or whatever need to make up our OWN minds and not let them be made up by anyone else. Excuses are just a easy way of tricking our mind out of what we want instead of going for it and accepting the consequences of what comes next. Anyway thanks for coming to yet another TedTalk i am going to go back to pontificating about this until i finally let said excuses talk me out yet again. :(
Just discovered you a week ago Rafi. Love your channel! I wish I had the nerve to make the leap to full time. I have that familiar story, where I was discouraged from pursing an art education after high school. ‘Starving artist’, ‘Get a real education, get a real job’ blah blah blah. 25 years later, I decide I want paint, discovered UA-cam and away I went. 5 years later and I’ve sold over 50 paintings and many prints of my work. But I’m still holding on to that full-time job. It pays really well and I still have a mortgage. I tell myself that once the mortgage is paid off I will go to 2-3 days a week and spend more time arting. Another thing that’s holding me back is the strong feeling that if I were to ‘quit my day job’ I would be expected to babysit my two grandkids, and though I love them dearly, I absolutely do not want to have a full time babysitting gig! I am pretty sure the fam wouldn’t take my full time artist status as seriously as they do full time dental hygienist. Anyhew, I do hope to one day make make arting my second career. Just let me take care of this mortgage first. :) You can see my work at facebook.com/kjfloydart
As someone who has been trying for the last 6 years to really launch a big time art career, I've sought and heard alot of advice from other artists - but these videos I've been glued to tonight are the best beam of light in the darkness I've found as yet. "when you really go for it, you have to be UNreasonable..." - I'm at that point where it's now or never and I'm willing to risk everything to make my dream happen. Thanks for all the videos you've produced. You are the living epitome of "giving back." Thank you.
You have a gift! This message is what people in the art world who are following their dreams, Really need to hear! I thank God that you have used your platform to encourage people like me and others to keep pressing.
My art teacher told me to do anything else in life that I could other than art. Worst advise if my life. When I almost died at age 29 from colon cancer, I decided life was too short. Forget that bad advice and just make art. Absolutely! Embrace the failure and be willing to push through to success ❤️
Currently crying in my car because the one person in my life who I never doubted would support me through it all (my dad) doesn’t support my art career. This is the most motivated and productive I’ve been in my life. It hurts to not have his support but this is exactly what I needed to hear. I can do it. I will do it. Thanks for this.
Thank you for the motivational speech. I've tried to make a go of being an artist on 2 occasions before this time. This time I am not giving up! I know eventually I will start selling my work. Its going to happen. What usually happens is that I'll try to make a go of it for about 3-6 months then I give up because I don't sell anything. Right now I am painting like a mad woman to get a good body of work together. There are several things I am doing this time that I didn't do before. Which is finding my style, being on social media, painting more. Through what ever trials I come against and no matter what happens, regardless if I sell work or not, I'm just going to keep painting. Thanks for the inspiration. www.missmaggiesart.com
Thank you so much for creating these videos!! Your videos are so helpful and inspiring to me.. I want to become an full-time artist and your videos help me ingore all of the negative people in my life telling me that I can't do this.. but I know I can.. I just need to get started and advertise my work!! And I will return to your videos when I need a pick me up.. thank you!
How do I respond to those who say that being an artist isn't "realistic" and I should just do it on the side while working at a job? I've been told this for years by my family and others after saying that I wanted to be an artist. It's been very frustrating because I've tried to be "realistic," but it doesn't feel right. I understand that they're just concerned and want the best for me, but I don't feel like I belong in a 9 to 5 or even part time job. Any advice? I know this is an old video and you may not respond, but thanks for the inspiration from the video!
Thankyou. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been dabbling around the idea of becoming a full time artist for months now, I'm an art school graduate who isn't very sure of myself. But then again, nobody is. You are right, I am using all my problems as excuses so I can stay safe, comfortably but miserable.
Rafi, my dude! THANK YOU for this. I literally just started embracing my art and creativity. i finally said "f" it and im going all in. Just started last week... Couldn't sleep last night , woke early and turned on youtube... Boom your vid is there. I was meant to see this. Thank you for the pep talk this morning. I believe I can do this even more now after watching you. Thank you Sir!
I absolutely support you, once in one of my shows a person that didn’t know that I was the artist said to me : I don’t know who will buy this shit. And I tell you, this person probably won’t buy it, but luckily I have many clients that support me and think that I am the greatest!
this is really good motivation. i started painting several months ago. I did my first show in February and now have 3 more lined and sell pieces pretty frequently. I didn't touch a canvas till i was 25 and now it's something people know me for.
I'm 24 and just quit my job to be an artist. I've been painting a lot consistently these few days. I don't know what job I'm going to do next but watching this made me feel more at peace so thanks for this :)
Some questions that come to mind: Do you think it's necessary, in today's world, to be an artist who does videos and provides all this extra content that is not art; or is it still possible to just produce art and make a living? I see all this extra stuff that you do, and you offer, and it's great; but I wonder how much your actual art is supporting you, and how much your extra content is supporting you, and whether the only way to make a living is to add in the videos and other things that you seem to be doing? (I've looked at your Patreon and it is LOADED with stuff. I have no idea how you manage to actually make art!)
@@Rafiwashere - Thanks for the answer. :) I was hoping you'd say that. I have a Patreon up, but I don't want videos to be a primary focus. For one thing, I don't have the space or equipment, for another, it would just be too much effort for me that I'd rather use on my art. I'd really like my art to be the living, and not the peripheral stuff.
Inspiring and great advice!I've been daydreaming for years about doing more artwork and putting it out there in the world for sale or just to share. This was right on point for me, thank you!
I so appreciate all that you both are doing - I took a huge financial leap in a new area with a gallery that’s expensive to keep the doors open but I just felt like it’s where my art had to be to get seen for the larger pieces - but boy do I have days where I doubt my decision and days I am extremely hard on myself ! I am determined to not fall into that mindless art and make what I am suppose to make and do my best to not give into the fear - thank you again for this channel and your many books ! I’m on my second one now and have made reading so many pages one of my weekly goals !
Thank you for this. You are amazing and give me hope. I'm reading a book on cognitive behaviour therapy to learn how to manage my fears. What did you tell yourself when you just had to push through a fear?
Man u are so right, I l love your message. I'm a talented artist that has worked a job my whole life crippled by fear to break out and go for it . Now 60 I realize not much time is left to make my stand your channel is resonanting with me giving me a lot to think about . Thank you
Dude, I stumbled upon your channel at just the right time. You're saying all the stuff I need to hear right now. I'm 36 and trying to conquer all MY excuses for why I can't be the artist I know I want to be. Your videos are entertaining and insightful. And pretty damn inspiring. Thanks for doing this!
Another great video! I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel. :) I have made the mistake of quitting so many times. I have done festivals and co-op galleries and have just lost so much money trying to sell and that just really discouraged me and so I just decided to study English lit in college. As a result, I drew and painted less and less for almost two years. Now I'm getting back into it and I want to make this dream that I have had since I was at least 5 (maybe younger!). I have never once had a desire to do anything else. Art is my ONLY passion! So for the past month I have been trying to balance college, work, and art. I don't think I will be able to do that for very long. my initial plan was to get my Bachelor's in English, get a job teaching, and paint on the side till I could go full time. However, after substitute teaching and talking to teachers and my own professors I am realizing that I will not have time to work on painting let alone marketing my work if I become a teacher. Not only that but I don't think I would make a very good teacher. It's not my passion and kids deserve a teacher that is passionate about it. Sorry for the rant! You just sparked some strong emotions out of me
The environment and the thoughts of people constantly affected me, I was just a 13 year old child that decided to repress his passions to follow the beliefs of some people that probably only thought about money ("just become a doctor and you'll be economically stable"...that's just so pathetic). Fortunately I have found again the right path and I am more decided than ever to become an artist. I will probably frequent an academy the next years...I am still a little bit unsure about what to choose beetween painting and illustration. Thanks for the video!
It’s not next to impossible to make money with your art. I’ve been doing it my whole life and I’m 47 black woman. It can be challenging but what isn’t?
I was only directed to you recently! This is very timely (ha), because I recently quit my job in order to do something *I* needed (vacation), and since then I have not been able to secure a new job. We're lucky in that we save money well and thus I have lots of time, but I wish so badly to be an artist instead! I've done the whole "Job by day, artist by night" thing and it never works out. Not having the freedom to attend markets/shows, or group meetups because the job schedule always comes first! Not having the energy to do art after work because jobs are EXHAUSTING. Plus, being surrounded by people who don't share your interests is very isolating. I was a huge supporter of "Job by day, artist by night", and yeah, I did gain financial security which is no small task. But I also have zero memory of the past 15 years, and I still can't support myself by my art. What was the dang point?
I really can relate to this! Never got the support I needed, shy kid, no confidence and so forth...I'm 47 and got back to painting and drawing spring last year, because this art thing has always been with me. It is what I really care about doing. I spend the most of my adult life trying to do what I thought was expected of me and I was mostly unhappy. My life changed (for better) and I finally got the calmness around me that I needed and I just started taking my art-self seriously. Now, I don't know where it will take me...I'm still in a learning process and finding myself again, also as an artist. You are cool and you are spot on about this. The god voice in us, is the voices from our childhood! Cheers!
About"Failing over and over again": Lets look at the people who HAVE NO PROBLEM SUCCEEDING AT ART and lets look at the people who DO have a problem succeeding at art.What do they do differently?
I get motivated afyer i saw art gallery at national harbour yesterday. They asked me and if i can show my works. Sad thing i didn't have photogphap or my works coz i left it in Philippines. :( now i started to work on it again. Thanks for the motivation sir :)
Thanks. I needed that. I'll listen to that every time I need a firm but loving kick to my southern exposure...🤗 P.S. I've been listening/ watching for about a week... Just subscribed. Give Klee 🤗 for me!
Awesome video, I have montra phrase I say to myself alll the time. It is very simular what you said toward the end of the video. My montra is " Shoot for the star, the worst thing that can happen is that you will land on the moon. Keep up the great work guys. #KevinSexton
Rafi!! Thank You!! I needed this very much! I have so much joy from my art. I have so many mediums.. canvas, jewelry, now nails. I'm in school ..I'm friggin 48& starting all over as far career goes. I sincerely appreciate your time to make this encouraging video! Surely I'm not only person NEEDED hear this.
Ya the struggle is real. I guess I'll need to take a crappy part time job. I keep thinking of all the damn money I used to make in my old job, but I kind of hated the boredom and lack of creativity in it. I just got to get more comfortable with part time gigs to pull through.
'...if you like this video...'....Like this video??? No...I fricken love LOVE LOVEEEE it!!! I was nodding my head along with what you were saying. I have gotten to this point in my life because I simply refuse to work mindless jobs that give me no joy anymore. The depression keeps returning and that's no coincidence. I'm not made to work for the man. I'm made to express myself in this life, and GOD DAMN IT, that's what I'm now doing and what I'm going to continue to do. I feel awake and alive and I'm not going back. Thank you for your wisdom and just wonderful videos!
you know it is hard, especially when you have a 9-5 and all you wanna do is go home a paint the night away,BUT you have a spouse that don't cook, then you gotta cook....really art is mostly on Saturday and Sunday AFTER church, but gotta cook again...lol or maybe spouse don't understand you and your art..........
Rafi, it's November 2020. Im watching a 2 year old vid from you. Your still speaking to me with what I need to have been told. Your friggin amazing. I've read the comments from 2 years ago, 1 year ago, etc. You are very prophetic and respected and appreciated. Thank you. Love to you and Klee.
I hope you guys know how amazing and uplifting you are. I'm suffering right now. Totally in my own head lately and I'm really getting discouraged with myself and my lack of motivation to do my work.(poor me, nobody likes my stuff, nobody's buying, ...) So I've been binge watching y'alls videos and it's incredible how much better I feel and that I don't feel quite so alone right now.(people love my work, duh) I know I'm on my way up, working towards supporting my family, I don't have a ton of inventory and still my stuff sells very well. But depression happens. Thank you both so much
I'm only 52 seconds in and it's like you're describing me as a person. Cove of broken dreams, check. Never committed, check. Painting for friends and family only, check. I am doing my first art show in like a week and feel woefully unprepared.. lol! Anyway, back to the video!
I'm trying so hard to get back to making art...I've had bad depression for so many years it's hard to get motivated. I'm watching these videos and slowly getting some of my mindset back. SLOWLY...lol! I really love these videos so please keep making them, because I think they are helping me start to be myself again.
I've now watched this a bunch of times and I'm going to watch it more. Thank you! I quit my job to do art a couple of months ago. Not making money yet. But what you said is exactly how I feel. I don't want to go back. Ever. I'm getting past letting criticism bother me, past being frozen trying to make art hoping certain people like it. It's really freaking hard to do. But going back to 9-5 feels like losing or giving up. This rant is definitely motivational for me. You both are awesome!
WOW this video really hits me so hard! Haha and I'm sure theres plenty of people out there thinking the exact thing. I'm 31 now and have finally made the jump, I still paint cars (fulltime) but have started tattooing, that's my fulltime dream! It is abit harder cause I have a young family but I'm pushing!
Oh my god! Mental apathy that describes me perfectly! And I always figure, well I'm doomed because I'm 28 now so I'm just going to have less and less energy until I die. I will never succeed.
My heart cried a tear.. I'd rather live with the regret....I'm a performance artist.. I constantly think these thoughts...I'll never make it I'm already skint no one wants my performances yet alone get paid...I'm scared I'll loose my family etc etc...I just can't do the crsplife anymore..I have to be free and just be me..money or no money family or no family it's all excuses...
Thank you so so so so SO much. I just quit my job to pursue my dream of making art full time, and have been thinking how crazy am I to just do this, I still can’t believe it. I’m such a “practical” person and even thought, maybe I should get another full time job and fund my art that way, but then I thought the whole point of quitting my other job was to focus in art full time haha I’m at war with myself so this totally resonated with me. Thank you! I’m scared but excited!
Become! Even before you have made one single piece. Be it and then move forward and create the life you want. Great video. My 2nd comment 👍haha I just really enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing your own struggles with personal negativity/insecurities. I really appreciated the comment that as long as you’re still breathing you can go for it. I’ve had a lot of jobs in my life. I went to college (not an art degree) in my late 40’s. Graduated last year. I really want to spend the rest of my life doing what I love, what brings me joy. I realize that there are “forces”, both external and internal, that will push against my determination. Knowing I’m not alone in that experience, hearing from others (like you) with those same experiences helps immeasurably. Thanks so much for putting yourself out there for us!
First time I see any of your videos and I'm glad I started with this one. That was really from your heart and I needed a little kick in the balls speech like this right now. The universe put you on my recommended today 12/24/19 for a reason I guess, so thank you! You just got a sub from me.
Thank you so much, this popped up on the right day. Struggling to get to a place where I’m happy with what I create but desperate to make my art work for me and live my life as an artist. Today was particularly bad and carrying on through the hard days is mentally exhausting but you summed it up... is it worth it to get where you want to be?! Absolutely!!! Love you guys... thank you so much for all your videos! Both you and Klee 😘
Dude! I'm so grateful I found yalls channel. This is exactly what Ive needed and have been looking for. It's nice to know I'm not so alone in how I'm feeling. Thank you so much for all your information.
thank you for this. i definitely needed to hear it. its been over 10 years of me wanting to get back into being creative and make art... i have a full time office job with great pay and benefits.. BUT IM DYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM BORED OUT OF MY MIND. i need to create! i recently set up an etsy shop and just signed up on society6 .. id like to make a shift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know this is over a year old, and you may not see this comment, but i didnt realize how much I needed to hear this until i watched your video. I just found your channel and you are doing a great thing, my friend. Keep rocking and THANK YOU for sharing your wealth of knowledge and for your motivation/advice.
Most artists on youtube showing people how great they are at art but Rafi is building other artists s confidence by saying how amazing they are regardless of their artistic level. Just believe in your dream
You're my new art therapist, thank you!
I’m in my 50s and I gave up art for many years because I listen to someone of my own free will and I chose to quit art. My choice no excuses. Now i am back!
So true. I am 63 yrs old and actually forgot I knew how to draw or paint. I started trying again, reteaching myself about 4 yrs ago and I have all those fears Rafi mentioned. He's right, all excuses, mostly out of fear. Now I am creating what moves me. If you love creating your artwork, so will others. Just do it and be happier. Cause you don't what tomorrow will bring. You might as well enjoy it, eliminate the anxiety. CREATE!!!
I'm watching this two years and two days after you published this: Perfect message for me today. Thanks. I drank the Kool-aid in art school and let it go even though I had been selling paintings for years. 61 years old and getting back at it!
I love this video, I finally left my "normal" career in healthcare 6 weeks ago to pursue my life as an artist. My wife and I moved to start a new adventure in the Pacific Northwest and I just finished my first art festival and have 8 others lined up.
I am glad to hear other artists with the same ideals and mantra that I do, I tell myself all the time to "Dream Bigger" and am so glad to be on this path!
wow! very cool. I just moved to Seattle and having my first solo show at Caffe' Vita on Wilson Ave....are you all in the Seattle area? Great art scene up here!
@@davemampel I am across the water in Bremerton! I have a couple of shows in November (Tacoma and Bremerton) then an event in January in Portland!
Fancy another artist making the move up here! The best of luck and I will note your name in case I see your work!!
Creatively Geeky Arts Awesome! I'd love to come to one of your shows! Send me your announcements to daffydave@daffydave.com
It's tough when having a good 'job', mortgage and kids means you can't afford to not have money, plus having to relearn how to draw after 25 years. I cut the hours at work and painted more in the last year. Now I'm slowly beginning to sell. What's even weirder, no one queries my prices, just lament they can't afford them. I'm reckoning that in two years I'll be painting full time.
Your videos are fun.
Rafi. I am a 23 year old man with no training in art but have recently had this insane urge to paint. I have been telling myself that I shouldn't waste mine or anyone else's time on it and no one will look at my art for what it is, an expression of my inner thoughts. But! Watching this video made me cry with passion. Time to stand up. Thank you for being here on this platform. You have a new subscriber and fan. Much love from Australia mate :)
self expression is not a waste of time. Do it for yourself. Something I've been learning to do is to do something for myself. Self care is not selfish.
WORK!!! It is a long road, so start NOW, and keep working at it. And then, KEEP WORKING. As with all the arts, you only get good by doing it, so you make art and you make art and you make failures and keep going. You will find that on one hand you have art inside you, you can create, you can express, and then at the same time you will realize there is so much to learn it is discouraging, or so much to learn to make your visions come true, its discouraging. But that doesn't matter. What matters is doing it.
So, it's 2019 but this is still relevant. I know because your words hit me hard, smack dab in the middle of the forehead! I have been arting for many years and some sporadic breaks had to happen. Then in 2011, I had to embrace art once again. It's truly the only place I could find happiness and a success. SMH why was I avoiding it? Simply put, I was trying to do things in life where people understood me because I am a former people pleaser!! HA! I know you probably didn't need to know all that but now you do. :)
in two years i'm retiring and it's art all day .....
Exacly...me too! It,s not easy when you have a full time job..I plan on retiring in 3 years, but It,s not like I haven't started also...
It’s been two years since you commented! I’m hopeful this came to fruition for you.
Excellent rant. "I never felt "awake" to actually enjoy my day" I have felt like this everyday since I graduated highschool. Just grinding out work and bills like a good little drone.
If everyone who said, " you shouldn't be wasting your time at (real bill paying job) you should be doing art..... I'd have enough money to cut to part time at the "real job."
good words, I am a freelance sculptor and successful but like you describe it takes balls and time but you can do it!
thank you!!
“Embrace the suck” yes! You have to take on the responsibility of your own suffering. Somehow it makes it better.
I needed this. I have not felt confident in months after constantly hearing how "I'm wasting my time" and "you need to be working a real job 40 hours a week". I've been believing every negative thing people tell me 😔
Well here i came to say FUCK 40 HOURS JOBS. they are like a death sentence for us artists. And i mean...An slow death. 40 hours job are not an option for us unless is related to what we like and/or is provisory.
I getcha, and art isnt something that others can own a piece of, its totally personal and individual. It can drive some people crazy, controlling ones esp. In my experience :)
@@Drumaier AMEN ugh so true!
Thanks for your encouraging words. I’m 55 and started painting last year. I was laid off of a office job in Feb 2018. I was actually thankful. My husband is very supportive but I’m having to face my fears.
I just had to let you know that I did it. I quit my job working in a lab at a hospital. I have been so afraid to quit and work on my art full time...but the moment I did, it just felt like the grip around my neck was released. I can't even put into words how it felt. I feel so happy. I took my time taking a shower this morning and drinking coffee. I played with my dog. Dang I just had to tell someone....because I haven't told my family yet:/ lol. Your videos are so inspirational. Not only is your art a joy, but the way you selflessly and honestly share your experience is such a huge service to artist who are struggling to put their self out there. Thanks Rafi and Klee for being so freaking AWESOME!!
I was the girl who’s parents said “art is just a hobby not a job” and it set me back 5 years where I quit making art. It was a regret. And even with a full time job and now a toddler, I’m managing to make my art consistently! This video is very inspiring, and i plan to make the leap into full time from part time artist one day. I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I will. Thank you for being so inspiring
The TRUTH be told, GOD gave every Artist the Creative Gift of Art and a Plan to be Successful. The devil comes to steal your Creativity and dreams from you, if you listen to negativity about your art and making a living. So, if GOD gave you the Gift, Talent's and Dream's
GO! For it and Succeed!
A most excellent quote i heard was this, "It's not over until I win!!! Never give up, keep persevering, and believe in yourself! It's possible!!!" 😊
Dude, when you said, "And no matter how old you are, there is still time." It was like there's my sign!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO RAFI!!! Thank you so, sooooo much. I'm over 51 years young and just now starting my art career. And I honestly needed to hear ALL of what you said here but most especially the part about using your age as an excuse. You said, "As long as you are breathing, there is time!" And I'm still breathing!!! 🙌 🙌 🙌 💞 💞
I fricken LOVE this video. It really inspired me to quit my corporate job and become a full time artist. Thank YOU
The idea of making excuses stops so many people from doing great things it is like a quote i heard once "You don't have to do anything to stay average, it is crowded at the bottom" essentially meaning that so many people stay average or worse because they make excuses. Also i am no different in this regard it doesn't help when other artists go "Oh this is incredibly difficult and takes a long time". That might as well be a endorsement to stay average and continue to make excuses however now you are validated because this person on the internet said so. Not that it is a wrong to say that however if you say something is difficult it is usually to dissuade people from doing it which is weird because i hear that more people should do art then they go ahead and scare them off. Regardless i guess TLDR (too long didn't read) is that we as the person who wants to get better at art or whatever need to make up our OWN minds and not let them be made up by anyone else. Excuses are just a easy way of tricking our mind out of what we want instead of going for it and accepting the consequences of what comes next. Anyway thanks for coming to yet another TedTalk i am going to go back to pontificating about this until i finally let said excuses talk me out yet again. :(
I love your encouragement rants! Thank You 🙏🏽 Just what I needed to hear today.💙😎
Just discovered you a week ago Rafi. Love your channel!
I wish I had the nerve to make the leap to full time. I have that familiar story, where I was discouraged from pursing an art education after high school. ‘Starving artist’, ‘Get a real education, get a real job’ blah blah blah. 25 years later, I decide I want paint, discovered UA-cam and away I went. 5 years later and I’ve sold over 50 paintings and many prints of my work.
But I’m still holding on to that full-time job. It pays really well and I still have a mortgage. I tell myself that once the mortgage is paid off I will go to 2-3 days a week and spend more time arting.
Another thing that’s holding me back is the strong feeling that if I were to ‘quit my day job’ I would be expected to babysit my two grandkids, and though I love them dearly, I absolutely do not want to have a full time babysitting gig! I am pretty sure the fam wouldn’t take my full time artist status as seriously as they do full time dental hygienist.
Anyhew, I do hope to one day make make arting my second career. Just let me take care of this mortgage first. :)
You can see my work at facebook.com/kjfloydart
As someone who has been trying for the last 6 years to really launch a big time art career, I've sought and heard alot of advice from other artists - but these videos I've been glued to tonight are the best beam of light in the darkness I've found as yet. "when you really go for it, you have to be UNreasonable..." - I'm at that point where it's now or never and I'm willing to risk everything to make my dream happen. Thanks for all the videos you've produced. You are the living epitome of "giving back." Thank you.
You have a gift! This message is what people in the art world who are following their dreams, Really need to hear! I thank God that you have used your platform to encourage people like me and others to keep pressing.
My art teacher told me to do anything else in life that I could other than art. Worst advise if my life. When I almost died at age 29 from colon cancer, I decided life was too short. Forget that bad advice and just make art. Absolutely! Embrace the failure and be willing to push through to success ❤️
Thanks, Rafi. I'm just starting as a painter.... at 49.😎
you said a lot about what I was thinking about myself you turn all that around for me thank you
Same here!!! I was saying Im too old lol
You really inspire me man. I love your no excuses attitude.
Currently crying in my car because the one person in my life who I never doubted would support me through it all (my dad) doesn’t support my art career. This is the most motivated and productive I’ve been in my life. It hurts to not have his support but this is exactly what I needed to hear. I can do it. I will do it. Thanks for this.
Thank you for the motivational speech. I've tried to make a go of being an artist on 2 occasions before this time. This time I am not giving up! I know eventually I will start selling my work. Its going to happen. What usually happens is that I'll try to make a go of it for about 3-6 months then I give up because I don't sell anything. Right now I am painting like a mad woman to get a good body of work together. There are several things I am doing this time that I didn't do before. Which is finding my style, being on social media, painting more. Through what ever trials I come against and no matter what happens, regardless if I sell work or not, I'm just going to keep painting. Thanks for the inspiration. www.missmaggiesart.com
Wow, those negative comments you said with that dong sound included, I heard them too through my life, deja vu...
Thank you so much for creating these videos!! Your videos are so helpful and inspiring to me.. I want to become an full-time artist and your videos help me ingore all of the negative people in my life telling me that I can't do this.. but I know I can.. I just need to get started and advertise my work!! And I will return to your videos when I need a pick me up.. thank you!
How do I respond to those who say that being an artist isn't "realistic" and I should just do it on the side while working at a job? I've been told this for years by my family and others after saying that I wanted to be an artist. It's been very frustrating because I've tried to be "realistic," but it doesn't feel right. I understand that they're just concerned and want the best for me, but I don't feel like I belong in a 9 to 5 or even part time job. Any advice? I know this is an old video and you may not respond, but thanks for the inspiration from the video!
this is the truth these thoughts do not go away as I get older just becomes a parent more clear.
Thankyou. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been dabbling around the idea of becoming a full time artist for months now, I'm an art school graduate who isn't very sure of myself. But then again, nobody is. You are right, I am using all my problems as excuses so I can stay safe, comfortably but miserable.
It really got me, especially the part when you said is never too late, you will never know how that part helped me, thank you so much😊💕
Rafi, my dude! THANK YOU for this. I literally just started embracing my art and creativity. i finally said "f" it and im going all in. Just started last week... Couldn't sleep last night , woke early and turned on youtube... Boom your vid is there. I was meant to see this. Thank you for the pep talk this morning. I believe I can do this even more now after watching you. Thank you Sir!
I absolutely support you, once in one of my shows a person that didn’t know that I was the artist said to me : I don’t know who will buy this shit. And I tell you, this person probably won’t buy it, but luckily I have many clients that support me and think that I am the greatest!
And more rants please!
this is really good motivation. i started painting several months ago. I did my first show in February and now have 3 more lined and sell pieces pretty frequently. I didn't touch a canvas till i was 25 and now it's something people know me for.
I'm 24 and just quit my job to be an artist. I've been painting a lot consistently these few days. I don't know what job I'm going to do next but watching this made me feel more at peace so thanks for this :)
Some questions that come to mind: Do you think it's necessary, in today's world, to be an artist who does videos and provides all this extra content that is not art; or is it still possible to just produce art and make a living? I see all this extra stuff that you do, and you offer, and it's great; but I wonder how much your actual art is supporting you, and how much your extra content is supporting you, and whether the only way to make a living is to add in the videos and other things that you seem to be doing? (I've looked at your Patreon and it is LOADED with stuff. I have no idea how you manage to actually make art!)
@@Rafiwashere - Thanks for the answer. :) I was hoping you'd say that. I have a Patreon up, but I don't want videos to be a primary focus. For one thing, I don't have the space or equipment, for another, it would just be too much effort for me that I'd rather use on my art. I'd really like my art to be the living, and not the peripheral stuff.
Inspiring and great advice!I've been daydreaming for years about doing more artwork and putting it out there in the world for sale or just to share. This was right on point for me, thank you!
I so appreciate all that you both are doing - I took a huge financial leap in a new area with a gallery that’s expensive to keep the doors open but I just felt like it’s where my art had to be to get seen for the larger pieces - but boy do I have days where I doubt my decision and days I am extremely hard on myself ! I am determined to not fall into that mindless art and make what I am suppose to make and do my best to not give into the fear - thank you again for this channel and your many books ! I’m on my second one now and have made reading so many pages one of my weekly goals !
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this. You are amazing and give me hope. I'm reading a book on cognitive behaviour therapy to learn how to manage my fears. What did you tell yourself when you just had to push through a fear?
Yes! Please do! That would be another awesome video from you I would love to watch and I'm sure it would help a lot of artists who watch your channel.
This is super helpful. I appreciate your words and perspective Rafi, thank you! 🙏🥰❤️
Thank you!
Man u are so right, I l love your message. I'm a talented artist that has worked a job my whole life crippled by fear to break out and go for it . Now 60 I realize not much time is left to make my stand your channel is resonanting with me giving me a lot to think about . Thank you
Every time I start to doubt myself, I go to one of your videos and give myself a kick in the gut. Thank you for this video!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great advice...needed this
Dude, I stumbled upon your channel at just the right time. You're saying all the stuff I need to hear right now. I'm 36 and trying to conquer all MY excuses for why I can't be the artist I know I want to be. Your videos are entertaining and insightful. And pretty damn inspiring. Thanks for doing this!
Ugh needed this just now!
Thanks so much! Really appreciate the encouragements! Mark Lopez instagram.com/mineralsonportrait/
Another great video! I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel. :) I have made the mistake of quitting so many times. I have done festivals and co-op galleries and have just lost so much money trying to sell and that just really discouraged me and so I just decided to study English lit in college. As a result, I drew and painted less and less for almost two years. Now I'm getting back into it and I want to make this dream that I have had since I was at least 5 (maybe younger!). I have never once had a desire to do anything else. Art is my ONLY passion!
So for the past month I have been trying to balance college, work, and art. I don't think I will be able to do that for very long. my initial plan was to get my Bachelor's in English, get a job teaching, and paint on the side till I could go full time. However, after substitute teaching and talking to teachers and my own professors I am realizing that I will not have time to work on painting let alone marketing my work if I become a teacher. Not only that but I don't think I would make a very good teacher. It's not my passion and kids deserve a teacher that is passionate about it.
Sorry for the rant! You just sparked some strong emotions out of me
"You have to be unreasonable... to follow your dreams" 🔥
At the age of 30... I have realized that the only thing I regret in life is not trying...
all your vids are helpful. and awesome. thank you! ☺
The environment and the thoughts of people constantly affected me, I was just a 13 year old child that decided to repress his passions to follow the beliefs of some people that probably only thought about money ("just become a doctor and you'll be economically stable"...that's just so pathetic). Fortunately I have found again the right path and I am more decided than ever to become an artist. I will probably frequent an academy the next years...I am still a little bit unsure about what to choose beetween painting and illustration. Thanks for the video!
Truth be told
Needed to hear this :)
It’s not next to impossible to make money with your art. I’ve been doing it my whole life and I’m 47 black woman. It can be challenging but what isn’t?
I'm 73 going into my first art show. You have helped me so much. Thank you. I'm a big fan!!!
I was only directed to you recently!
This is very timely (ha), because I recently quit my job in order to do something *I* needed (vacation), and since then I have not been able to secure a new job.
We're lucky in that we save money well and thus I have lots of time, but I wish so badly to be an artist instead! I've done the whole "Job by day, artist by night" thing and it never works out. Not having the freedom to attend markets/shows, or group meetups because the job schedule always comes first! Not having the energy to do art after work because jobs are EXHAUSTING. Plus, being surrounded by people who don't share your interests is very isolating.
I was a huge supporter of "Job by day, artist by night", and yeah, I did gain financial security which is no small task. But I also have zero memory of the past 15 years, and I still can't support myself by my art. What was the dang point?
The current issue I seem to not be able to solve is I don’t have anywhere I can comfortably create. I’m definitely struggling with it
So glad I found you!
I really can relate to this! Never got the support I needed, shy kid, no confidence and so forth...I'm 47 and got back to painting and drawing spring last year, because this art thing has always been with me. It is what I really care about doing. I spend the most of my adult life trying to do what I thought was expected of me and I was mostly unhappy. My life changed (for better) and I finally got the calmness around me that I needed and I just started taking my art-self seriously. Now, I don't know where it will take me...I'm still in a learning process and finding myself again, also as an artist. You are cool and you are spot on about this. The god voice in us, is the voices from our childhood! Cheers!
This was not only motivational, but also a lessoned that I learned with my comfort/out of comfort zone.☺👍 Thank You.
About"Failing over and over again": Lets look at the people who HAVE NO PROBLEM SUCCEEDING AT ART and lets look at the people who DO have a problem succeeding at art.What do they do differently?
I get motivated afyer i saw art gallery at national harbour yesterday. They asked me and if i can show my works. Sad thing i didn't have photogphap or my works coz i left it in Philippines. :( now i started to work on it again. Thanks for the motivation sir :)
"So many tears I've cried so much pain inside. It ain't over till it's over"...... Lenny Kravits
so we keep on trying.. Thanks Rafi
Thanks. I needed that.
I'll listen to that every time I need a firm but loving kick to my southern exposure...🤗
P.S. I've been listening/ watching for about a week... Just subscribed.
Give Klee 🤗 for me!
Awesome video, I have montra phrase I say to myself alll the time. It is very simular what you said toward the end of the video. My montra is " Shoot for the star, the worst thing that can happen is that you will land on the moon. Keep up the great work guys. #KevinSexton
Rafi!! Thank You!! I needed this very much! I have so much joy from my art. I have so many mediums.. canvas, jewelry, now nails. I'm in school ..I'm friggin 48& starting all over as far career goes. I sincerely appreciate your time to make this encouraging video! Surely I'm not only person NEEDED hear this.
I love all your rants, but I think this is my favorite so far! Thank you! You are AWESOME! 💖🙋♀️
Ya the struggle is real. I guess I'll need to take a crappy part time job. I keep thinking of all the damn money I used to make in my old job, but I kind of hated the boredom and lack of creativity in it. I just got to get more comfortable with part time gigs to pull through.
'...if you like this video...'....Like this video??? No...I fricken love LOVE LOVEEEE it!!! I was nodding my head along with what you were saying. I have gotten to this point in my life because I simply refuse to work mindless jobs that give me no joy anymore. The depression keeps returning and that's no coincidence. I'm not made to work for the man. I'm made to express myself in this life, and GOD DAMN IT, that's what I'm now doing and what I'm going to continue to do. I feel awake and alive and I'm not going back. Thank you for your wisdom and just wonderful videos!
you know it is hard, especially when you have a 9-5 and all you wanna do is go home a paint the night away,BUT you have a spouse that don't cook, then you gotta cook....really art is mostly on Saturday and Sunday AFTER church, but gotta cook again...lol or maybe spouse don't understand you and your art..........
Rafi, it's November 2020. Im watching a 2 year old vid from you. Your still speaking to me with what I need to have been told. Your friggin amazing. I've read the comments from 2 years ago, 1 year ago, etc. You are very prophetic and respected and appreciated. Thank you. Love to you and Klee.
God I adore YOU! Thank you so much for kicking my ass! It's get' REAL IN HERE! 😘😘😘😘😘
I wish I could leave you a buncha thumbs up, Rafi. You are such a warm, helpful, supportive, fun, creative guy, out there doing it! Thank you!
I hope you guys know how amazing and uplifting you are. I'm suffering right now. Totally in my own head lately and I'm really getting discouraged with myself and my lack of motivation to do my work.(poor me, nobody likes my stuff, nobody's buying, ...) So I've been binge watching y'alls videos and it's incredible how much better I feel and that I don't feel quite so alone right now.(people love my work, duh) I know I'm on my way up, working towards supporting my family, I don't have a ton of inventory and still my stuff sells very well. But depression happens. Thank you both so much
I waited for you to say my name...lol.. I was sure you made this video for ME! IM DOIN' IT!!! IM ALL IN!!! 🎨🌴🧶🖼
I'm only 52 seconds in and it's like you're describing me as a person. Cove of broken dreams, check. Never committed, check. Painting for friends and family only, check.
I am doing my first art show in like a week and feel woefully unprepared.. lol! Anyway, back to the video!
I'm trying so hard to get back to making art...I've had bad depression for so many years it's hard to get motivated. I'm watching these videos and slowly getting some of my mindset back. SLOWLY...lol! I really love these videos so please keep making them, because I think they are helping me start to be myself again.
I've now watched this a bunch of times and I'm going to watch it more. Thank you! I quit my job to do art a couple of months ago. Not making money yet. But what you said is exactly how I feel. I don't want to go back. Ever. I'm getting past letting criticism bother me, past being frozen trying to make art hoping certain people like it. It's really freaking hard to do. But going back to 9-5 feels like losing or giving up. This rant is definitely motivational for me. You both are awesome!
Thank you!!
Best of luck.
WOW this video really hits me so hard! Haha and I'm sure theres plenty of people out there thinking the exact thing. I'm 31 now and have finally made the jump, I still paint cars (fulltime) but have started tattooing, that's my fulltime dream! It is abit harder cause I have a young family but I'm pushing!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! I can totally relate fully for what you said in this video!
Oh my god! Mental apathy that describes me perfectly! And I always figure, well I'm doomed because I'm 28 now so I'm just going to have less and less energy until I die. I will never succeed.
My heart cried a tear.. I'd rather live with the regret....I'm a performance artist.. I constantly think these thoughts...I'll never make it I'm already skint no one wants my performances yet alone get paid...I'm scared I'll loose my family etc etc...I just can't do the crsplife anymore..I have to be free and just be me..money or no money family or no family it's all excuses...
Thank you so so so so SO much. I just quit my job to pursue my dream of making art full time, and have been thinking how crazy am I to just do this, I still can’t believe it. I’m such a “practical” person and even thought, maybe I should get another full time job and fund my art that way, but then I thought the whole point of quitting my other job was to focus in art full time haha I’m at war with myself so this totally resonated with me. Thank you! I’m scared but excited!
Become! Even before you have made one single piece. Be it and then move forward and create the life you want. Great video. My 2nd comment 👍haha I just really enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing your own struggles with personal negativity/insecurities. I really appreciated the comment that as long as you’re still breathing you can go for it. I’ve had a lot of jobs in my life. I went to college (not an art degree) in my late 40’s. Graduated last year. I really want to spend the rest of my life doing what I love, what brings me joy. I realize that there are “forces”, both external and internal, that will push against my determination. Knowing I’m not alone in that experience, hearing from others (like you) with those same experiences helps immeasurably. Thanks so much for putting yourself out there for us!
First time I see any of your videos and I'm glad I started with this one. That was really from your heart and I needed a little kick in the balls speech like this right now. The universe put you on my recommended today 12/24/19 for a reason I guess, so thank you! You just got a sub from me.
"uuuuuuuuuuuuuuUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...OKAY fine Rafi. time to make that full time artist jump."
Thank you so much, this popped up on the right day. Struggling to get to a place where I’m happy with what I create but desperate to make my art work for me and live my life as an artist. Today was particularly bad and carrying on through the hard days is mentally exhausting but you summed it up... is it worth it to get where you want to be?! Absolutely!!! Love you guys... thank you so much for all your videos! Both you and Klee 😘
Dude! I'm so grateful I found yalls channel. This is exactly what Ive needed and have been looking for. It's nice to know I'm not so alone in how I'm feeling. Thank you so much for all your information.
thank you for this. i definitely needed to hear it. its been over 10 years of me wanting to get back into being creative and make art... i have a full time office job with great pay and benefits.. BUT IM DYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM BORED OUT OF MY MIND. i need to create! i recently set up an etsy shop and just signed up on society6 .. id like to make a shift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU BROTHER! Just what I needed. Good vibes to you and your success!