1. On hiatus for close to 20 years, my children inspired me to draw again. I like the feeling of self-accomplishment. And I like seeing things in new ways. 2. In the past, I felt one of my favorite creators dropped the ball with his product. It inspired me to build my own version. 3. Then, I found a problem in society. So, I am currently creating to right a wrong - giving back to the community. 4. Last but not least, I create because I now respect it as a hard earned skill that continues to grow with practice. And since it is a skill, which I believe to be a necessary one, I create in the faith that it will support me and my family economically. The funny thing is as I type this, it all sounds separate & unrelatable. In actuality, I just have 1 project I am focused on and all these reasons make up my purpose for creating it. Thanks for asking the question and giving the reasons, Jake.
I was suffering from art block caused by my anxiety and case of imposter syndrome just a few weeks ago, but what helped snap me out of it was being reminded of why I create. All I did was show a few kids at my church an unfinished animation of mine, and one of them busted out laughing. It then hit me. This is why I create. So that someone out there is going to have their day brightened by something I made. I got so caught up in thoughts like “This is going to be awful” and “UHG! This program is so terrible!” That I forgot that none of that matters, just that people will find something of value in what I’ve created, and they will, even though I forget that sometimes.
I was a Tattoo Artist for over ten years. Usually, when you read old Tattoo Artist interviews, the same history appears again and again. Goes something like that "The first time I saw ink in the skin when I was very young or even a child... I was totally fascinated... In that moment I knew I wanted to have one in my skin... or I wanted to become a tattoo artist..." etc, etc. Collectors (regular tattoo studio clients) and tattoo artists didn't need a "reason". Or at least, didn't need to rationalize a reason. They were fascinated by the ink and the designs, that's all. Then Tattoo becomes mainstream and people who never in other times would have to decide to put ink in themselves, they do, because now is common, acceptable and cool. But they lack the main purpose, they lack the fascination, the attraction, so they have to "create" a purpose and so they do. They invent reasons "I tattoo myself the name of my son or daughter, I tattoo myself this date which is very important to me or this thing that represents so much to me..." And you start hearing stupid things like "I tattoo myself in the back of my shoulder so I don't have to see the tattoo in myself and I don't get bored of it..." If you think you can get bored of seeing your tattoo, don't make it in the first place. Go and get a new hairstyle instead! My point is, when you want to do or to be something, you just know. You don't have to rationalize it. I don't say you shouldn't, only that is not necessary. But if you do, if you want to rationalize "why I create", you have to dive into yourself, free yourself from any resistance, and accept what you find (and this can take years of practice). then take that feeling and try to put it into words. Usually what we do is thinking and decide our own reasons for creating based on our ideas, moral, experiences, ethics, and idealizations. But we are not what we want to be or what we believe we are, we are what we are.
Jake, first off I love your work, and you are a great artist. I subscribed to your channel a few months ago and have enjoyed every bit of it. Just being able to watch you talk and work even for a few moments is inspiration that I use to boost me when I am blocked or out of ideas. I am far from professional, and my art style is well my own, can't hold a candle to it as yours, but it makes me happy. I don't earn a living from my art, that would truly be the end game for me; but one thing that I do enjoy is the process. That is what I take home, the fact that I can just create something and its mine, and work on it, build from it. Thank you for your videos, and for your work.
In high school I drew to fish people's attention. Whenever i felt tired of feeling ignored by peers and teachers I would draw in hopes someone would notice and start talking to me. It also helped me feel a little better about myself knowing I was good at something. At that time i had no self-esteem and hardly ever talked. But now as an adult my reason for creating is different; I still want to capture people's attention but this time for the pupose of pulling them into a story.
Sometimes i feel like i have no reason to do art , i just do it cause i did it as a kid and it just got stuck with it , at elementary school i drew just because me and my friend would make random characters and play with them , at middle school i wasnt that interested in drawing since my friend isnt with me but then i got to meet 2 new friends who also draw and we three just felt that we should compete on whos the best and who will create something new and different, now that in highschool i dont really have someone to push me but i still want to create and share my art and improve , I really want to share stories i write and drawings i make because i feel that if its good it deserves to be out in the world.
Just listened to all of the podcasts over the weekend. You guys give some really great advice, it's awesome to hear your stories and gain such honest insight into what it's like being a professional illustrator.
I think you nailed it on these reasons to create. One thing that happened to me, and I think maybe happens to others, is this. At some point having to create to put food on the table becomes a chore. So when I had an opportunity to create for myself, I was burned out from my job and being creative even for myself felt like work. It wasn't as enjoyable to do anymore and often times I was just tired creatively to come up with ideas. Therefore I didn't continue to work on my creativity and my skills suffered.
"Turn imagination into reality." I like that. Why do I create? Personally, it helps me feel some order in a chaotic world. I can feel a sense of control when I can't control the (bad) outcome elsewhere. Also, I feel a sense of accomplishment & productivity (when I'm happy with it!). Finally, my positive art spotlights the good in the world while the less positive art brings awareness to troubling areas. Creating is like an urge or craving that I need to satisfy that isn't harmful.
There's this thing that happens with me when I'm exposed to a new piece of a fictional medium or work: I am suddenly inspired to create something similar or to make my own version of the content of said story. It's weird, like whenever I view something I all of a sudden have this innate urge to create. It's like I'll die if I don't.
You perfectly summed up my reasons for creating which are; I love creating, I love telling stories and I hope that through creating, I can teach and inspire others. Thank you for another thoughtful and informative video. Keep being awesome :D
I started creating as an escape from the world and as a way of saying, even if it was for myself, everything I didn't tell anyone else and be calm, happy and balanced. I now create with helping people in mind, to say something that will mean something not only to me but to others and change them or help them or make them feel understood and that their not alone. c:
Drawing just gives me a feeling of relaxation, calmness and happiness, i used to draw seriously but then it start to calm me down from most of my anger issue and it just gives me a feeling of happiness in general
Personally I think, an artist is one with a group, and with that I'm saying that in isolation there will be no artist, because we express what we lived, and what we feel, society and our surroundings makes us feel, so, when I sit down and finally start doing something creative, my mind just goes away, and it's an amazing feeling, maybe in a catecory i could name it "personal fullfillment" but what really drives me are all the things that i live and have lived throughout my entire life. Thanks for every video and post that you have made, you really inspire people like me, that are starting out, cheers
I create so that I can record precious moments in time and experiences, put down emotions and express thoughts or something of insight. In essence everything that's important to me. There are many ways of doing this of course, but drawing is the tool that hits closest home for me. I've always been a fan of collecting things, guilty of hoarding the smallest of things. Drawing really makes me feel like I can not only collect everything, but also rearrange or differentiate it in a way that expresses my very soul if done "right" I feel like self expression is something that all creative people have in common. Be it a writer, an artist, a musician, an actor or even a vlogger/youtuber. It just comes down to figuring out what does that in the most proficient and eloquent way possible.
Your words are so enlightening, make so much sense to me. I would have wished to have some of this knowledge before and I wouldn't waste the time had passed. But I'm determined to make the switch for the future. Thank you!
Came here last night to watch old videos, saw you had a podcast, listened to that, now you're back! Glad to hear Skyheart is at the presses! I can't wait for my order to come in!
My reasons for creating align to all three but it is the final reason that I think people resonate with the most. When I create something for the betterment of society I think it ends up resonating more with people than the other two reasons I create.
I create because I have to! Ideas are like a sneeze that has to get out! And to make people smile. I smile, they smile. Smiles all around. Life is a better place when we share what they love. People that like to bake can bring me cookies. See, we all smile.
my reasons to draw (and create other stuff than drawings) are to forget about all my stress and just relax while I slowly see this amazing piece of art appear in front of my eyes, something I can look at and say: I made that, sometimes while thinking “This looks awesome,” or “Well there are some things that I can improve, but ey, finished not perfect right?” and just to get all these stories I made up or awesome things from movies that I saw on paper.
Besides me yelling 'head lopper', I'd also add that I make art as a hobby and I see it as one of the best uses of my time. Like you said, the rush you get when you receive approval from others is like a drug. I make sculptures so Im slowly also building a sweet little home studio and body of work that I can put into a glass IKEA curio cabinet.
Love your videos, definitely going to draw a 100 somethings over and over. Almost finished 100 tribal tattoo type drawings and didn't really think of it in the way you described but just a nice way to practice proportion and shading again.
Don't think I'll ever overcome imposter syndrome. It was awesome for seeing you at Denver CC (and Will) and am humbled that I didn't miss you the 2nd time to your table Sunday. Glad to add another podcast to listen to while at work and can't wait to grab another of your books. I draw for fun and to scratch that itch that seems to never go away.
Great thoughts, Jake! Creating can also be therapeutic or cathartic. Good to see you posting again. I'm looking forward to checking out your podcast, and to SkyHeart's release.
Hey Jake, thanks so much for inspiring me with every video. I recently started as a freelancer after 6 years of hell in a construction job. It helped me build up some skill, drawing nearly every night, then waking up early again to afford new supplies. A few weeks ago I was done, I just kept working myself from burnout to burnout, so I took a leap of fate and well... So far I've been more successful than ever, even on this short time period my art is improving daily, I can look for commissions and actually get things done! Thanks for being such an inspiration to me, it really pushed me to improve what I do.
Great video! So good to see you back. For me creating is a way to help me understand things better for myself,especially when drawing. It also helps me expand and hopefully others too, to create things that people can't see themselves and help them consider things bigger than what they think they know. Will definately check out your podcast and the bromance you guys clearly share! ;)
Great to hear from you again! This might sound weird, but my reason to create is that I just don't know what else I can do instead. I'm still striving for better skills to become a professional but it's become so hard-wired with my habits and psychology that the thought of doing anything else besides art seems odd now. I think it had to do a lot with my childhood when everyone in my school appreciated my artworks and had me convinced that I was destined to be an artist.
I definitely agree with the self-less need to put something good into the world. As an art teacher AND a striving editorial illustrator, I do understand that need to give a visual or a story to something that I care about. Whether it be political, religious, or societal, I do feel that everyone has something to offer to this world and, for me at least, that means getting my own thoughts and views out there to add another perspective on things - and hopefully widen someone's perspective. My all-time favorite moment as a teacher is receiving a student that believes that they "hate art" or that because they're not artistic that they'll hate the subject and introducing them to a project that forever alters their perspection of art.
Love your work. I have a bunch of ideas but stuck in drawers block so im painting minamalist outsider abstracts to keep me busy. Id love to see what kind of work you could do with some concepts ive made.
Jake, you ARE such an inspiration to this community and gosh! I'm starting to get more motivation especially since it's summer and artists like you and Will show that anyone and everyone is worthy enough to be an artist. That it's something that should be pursued! No depressed long videos or disclaimers about the industry or workload, though it can be true, but raw imagination, experience and intellect! This is art education! or at least preparation and motivation because I'm pumped and you and your content pay a great deal to our futures😊 thank you and much love from Jamaica🇯🇲😄
I Love Making People Laugh. I have ideas in my head that I want to share with others, and getting something successfully into physical for us very satisfying.
Awesome talk. I've struggled with the "why" most of my life. Just starting to go back to creating for my personal need. It's been great! I appreciate that you've affirmed that it's totally fine if I do it just for myself. (At least until I become a little more secure.) 😊
In the beginning where your saying your sister is getting things from the podcast, I feel like it’s probably because a majority of the biggest issues artists face isn’t related to creating art all, but working out how to be productive and focused. It’s easier than ever to find the “hard skills” like how to use a paint brush or a description on color theory, but now facing personal barriers and staying focused on learning and being productive is probably what most artists and people in general need to focus on
Of course artists face many more complex issues than just focus and productivity, but this reason I feel is why you, Will Terry and only a handful of other artists are the last few actually teaching anything worthwhile to art students, at least from what I see online.
02:05 *I don't think it went that badly* I'll listen to the podcast. I noticed how you hold a brush pen is different from my own way, I'll definitely try yours because Inktober 2017 was my first time using a brush pen which hurt at the end of the day (because of all the time I spent drawing) in Any case I'll try your technique, maybe it'll help me draw for longer
Yay, a video! It’s so great to see what you’re working on. I have been listening to 3-Point Perspective. It’s fantastic. I haven’t caught the latest episode yet, but I’ll probably go on over there when I’m done watching this video.
Also I think if you do something that you love whether you share it or not it still benefits the world example if someone loves drawing and spends a few times a day, week month whenever they have time due to school, work, chores etc things they have to do and they do this thing they love even if it's just a quick doodle on a napkin while at a family gathering they are getting happiness from this thing so their mood is better so when they go out into the world they will be happier and that benefits the world because people who are happy with their lives in at least one aspect will be nicer and better people as a whole.
Thanks again for the amazing video, your categories make a lot of sense and I think that fitting in these will make your art much better! I myself do it to show my own imagination and the world inside to the world to bring a smile on the face of the people I know and love while having fun myself. Think that's categories 1 and 3 for you. Thanks again for the video and have an amazing day!
you hit the nail again! you're very good a compartamentalising ideas, creating theorys and what not. very helpful advice. have you ever thought of compiling your ideas into a self-help book for creatives? i'd surely buy it.
My motivation is overwhelmingly #3. However, I've never experienced #1. I keep feeling drained and lose all motivation, because I don't really enjoy drawing. Yet I want to work as a storyboard artist/writer in animation. I've known for a long time that this is my problem, but I don't know how to develop the love for drawing just for its own sake. I can't sit at a desk and draw a chair 20 times to really get it down. After drawing two of three chairs, my mind just gets frustrated because I want to be able to draw an entire room and a cast of characters. Like you said in your video, I don't want to just draw one really beautiful picture. I want to draw stories; entire episode length storyboards where each panel adds something new. I am fully aware that I need to start small and work my way up. But like I said, I have some kind of mental hangup I can't overcome. I'm almost spitting in the dark now, hoping every day that I'll wake up, start doodling, and then suddenly I'll love drawing. But I know that's not realistic. Yet what else am I suppose to do? As of now, the alternative seems to be to give up on drawing. And that scares me even more than continuously trying and failing.
I just wanna say, you are my favorite artist. Not only do we have the same name, i cant help but get inspired by every single one of your artworks and youtube videos. Edit: my reason for creating is to get better at it.
I've always felt that I create because I'm driven! Good or bad, success or failure, (and it's more often failure!!) I'm compelled to try. I don't know what catagory you'd put that under. Certifiable, maybe!! 😃
This probably falls under the first reason, personal satisfaction, but even without the positive feedback I might receive for my artwork, I think creating is satisfying in its own right, because it's a way to gain a sense of control in a world that's often pretty chaotic. You have complete control over what you create. You're manipulating raw materials (traditional or digital) to make something entirely new and meaningful. :)
I've been asking myself lately, should I deliberately try to create art to better the world, even though right now I still want to create for myself? I know it's the more selfless thing to do, and I know what I create right now is purely for my own pleasure and tastes, but I really don't feel like creating anything else no matter what I try. I've tried making "humanitarian" art before, or on behalf or others, but the motivation never really lasts. On the other hand, I create for myself, but feel like what I'm doing doesn't feel worthwhile or beneficial to myself or the world at large.
I create (or want to create, because my skills are still too low, but I'm getting there) because I want to give justice to all the things born from imagination by bringing them to the world so other people can also enjoy them and be happy because of what I've done.
Well I basically draw to express my emotions, but also recently I found out that I want to be heard emotionally, and creatively if that make sense, and I want when people look at my art they feel connected at some level or at least they feel something, not just looking at another art and skills and things like that, I want my art to be emotionally deep but my way, and I can't find anything that can express my emotions as much as drawing anime does for me. The time I want to draw the most is when I feel a negative emotions, but I basically always prefer drawing sad kinda drawings than happy ones cause I'm more connected to them, and I find sadness to be more interesting than happiness, and I prefer my art to speak to those sad people, lonely people, those who don't feel like fitting in, introverts. Now hopefully as my art improve I can get that idea across better through my art and make emotions appear stronger. It's all about emotional.
I've recently started to learn how to draw better and I was wondering if you could do a video on drawing a car or give a link to a video that might help. I'm trying to work on cars because I'm not very good at them right now. Thanks
I think another reason for creating is for expressing emotions that they might not otherwise let anyone else see… Or that they are awkward when trying to express an emotion so they create something so they can relate to other people.
Omg the intro! 😂 you all have nice voices, though I do agree with you about Wills voice! Love your content in any form it comes in, congratulations on Skyheart!
Jake, is there any chance Skyheart could be available somewhere in Europe? I mean, the book looks great and I've waited for it, while watching your videos, but... The shipping is more expensive, than book itself. I know it's not your fault, of course :)
Why I create? To tell a story in my head. To hopefully get others to join me in creating things in the worlds I am building. To express a emotion or idea or view point. Even if comment never come or view never come. I did it it was beautiful to me. I move on to the next story or world.
How do you decide which one you are/do? I feel like I used to be all three, but lately I feel like art has let me down. How do you work through a creative funk?
Tyler Davis i think it is perfectly valid to be all 3, as for how to get over a creative funk, what i do is go piece by piece, why am i creating this? what do you want from this particular piece? sometimes its to practice a technique or to evoke a particular feel, sometimes it is to let something out such as frustration or hope, then things become logical and everything falls into place, i never felt like the piece disapoints me, of course that doesn't mean i get everything right at first, i usually iterate on many ideas, that's why planning is important. also being constantly learning and seeking new things is great for keeping the creativity flowing. of course im talking about my own experience here but hopefully it can help you out, best of luck.
Hey Jake!I just subscribed to your channel as I think all your advices are really precious! can I just ask: HOW ON THE EARTH can we create a believable world for our characters? I'm stuck on this and don't know where to start! do you have a class about this matter or advices ? by the way: I LOVE YOUR PODCAST!
This is really obscure, but does anyone know what the intro song of the 3 point perspective podcast is? It's really chill just from the little I've heard of it and I would love to know what it's called.
Everyone has a purpose, something they're great at, something that comes easy and natural to them. Creating is mine. It's easy and it comes natural to me. I can't not do it. I don't own it. I can't possess it. It's not mine. It just is. We are not in control of art. We're not driving the car. Art takes us where it wants to go. The sooner you learn that, the happier you will be. Art is a shared human experience. At any time you are drawing, painting, creating... someone, somewhere in the world is doing it too. I create because I can. Not everyone can.
"If drawing puts a smile on your face then that's reason enough." ❤
"I know that she's my sister and she's a little bit biased - but...(said rapidly) whatdoyouwant?" LOOOLLL! loved that, Jake.
1. On hiatus for close to 20 years, my children inspired me to draw again. I like the feeling of self-accomplishment. And I like seeing things in new ways.
2. In the past, I felt one of my favorite creators dropped the ball with his product. It inspired me to build my own version.
3. Then, I found a problem in society. So, I am currently creating to right a wrong - giving back to the community.
4. Last but not least, I create because I now respect it as a hard earned skill that continues to grow with practice. And since it is a skill, which I believe to be a necessary one, I create in the faith that it will support me and my family economically.
The funny thing is as I type this, it all sounds separate & unrelatable. In actuality, I just have 1 project I am focused on and all these reasons make up my purpose for creating it.
Thanks for asking the question and giving the reasons, Jake.
I was suffering from art block caused by my anxiety and case of imposter syndrome just a few weeks ago, but what helped snap me out of it was being reminded of why I create. All I did was show a few kids at my church an unfinished animation of mine, and one of them busted out laughing. It then hit me. This is why I create. So that someone out there is going to have their day brightened by something I made. I got so caught up in thoughts like “This is going to be awful” and “UHG! This program is so terrible!” That I forgot that none of that matters, just that people will find something of value in what I’ve created, and they will, even though I forget that sometimes.
duuuuuuuuuuudde, u hit the nail on the head here haha ^^/
I was a Tattoo Artist for over ten years. Usually, when you read old Tattoo Artist interviews, the same history appears again and again. Goes something like that "The first time I saw ink in the skin when I was very young or even a child... I was totally fascinated... In that moment I knew I wanted to have one in my skin... or I wanted to become a tattoo artist..." etc, etc.
Collectors (regular tattoo studio clients) and tattoo artists didn't need a "reason". Or at least, didn't need to rationalize a reason. They were fascinated by the ink and the designs, that's all.
Then Tattoo becomes mainstream and people who never in other times would have to decide to put ink in themselves, they do, because now is common, acceptable and cool. But they lack the main purpose, they lack the fascination, the attraction, so they have to "create" a purpose and so they do. They invent reasons "I tattoo myself the name of my son or daughter, I tattoo myself this date which is very important to me or this thing that represents so much to me..." And you start hearing stupid things like "I tattoo myself in the back of my shoulder so I don't have to see the tattoo in myself and I don't get bored of it..." If you think you can get bored of seeing your tattoo, don't make it in the first place. Go and get a new hairstyle instead!
My point is, when you want to do or to be something, you just know. You don't have to rationalize it. I don't say you shouldn't, only that is not necessary.
But if you do, if you want to rationalize "why I create", you have to dive into yourself, free yourself from any resistance, and accept what you find (and this can take years of practice). then take that feeling and try to put it into words.
Usually what we do is thinking and decide our own reasons for creating based on our ideas, moral, experiences, ethics, and idealizations. But we are not what we want to be or what we believe we are, we are what we are.
Jake, first off I love your work, and you are a great artist. I subscribed to your channel a few months ago and have enjoyed every bit of it. Just being able to watch you talk and work even for a few moments is inspiration that I use to boost me when I am blocked or out of ideas. I am far from professional, and my art style is well my own, can't hold a candle to it as yours, but it makes me happy. I don't earn a living from my art, that would truly be the end game for me; but one thing that I do enjoy is the process. That is what I take home, the fact that I can just create something and its mine, and work on it, build from it. Thank you for your videos, and for your work.
In high school I drew to fish people's attention. Whenever i felt tired of feeling ignored by peers and teachers I would draw in hopes someone would notice and start talking to me. It also helped me feel a little better about myself knowing I was good at something. At that time i had no self-esteem and hardly ever talked. But now as an adult my reason for creating is different; I still want to capture people's attention but this time for the pupose of pulling them into a story.
Sometimes i feel like i have no reason to do art , i just do it cause i did it as a kid and it just got stuck with it , at elementary school i drew just because me and my friend would make random characters and play with them , at middle school i wasnt that interested in drawing since my friend isnt with me but then i got to meet 2 new friends who also draw and we three just felt that we should compete on whos the best and who will create something new and different, now that in highschool i dont really have someone to push me but i still want to create and share my art and improve , I really want to share stories i write and drawings i make because i feel that if its good it deserves to be out in the world.
A resolution for my loneliness in the beginning but then totally shifted into all of your points! I guess creating is the best form of therapy:)
Just listened to all of the podcasts over the weekend. You guys give some really great advice, it's awesome to hear your stories and gain such honest insight into what it's like being a professional illustrator.
I think you nailed it on these reasons to create. One thing that happened to me, and I think maybe happens to others, is this. At some point having to create to put food on the table becomes a chore. So when I had an opportunity to create for myself, I was burned out from my job and being creative even for myself felt like work. It wasn't as enjoyable to do anymore and often times I was just tired creatively to come up with ideas. Therefore I didn't continue to work on my creativity and my skills suffered.
I'm feeling thats right on point! Once money becomes an issue and stress becomes attached to it the enjoyment is almost lost sadly
"Turn imagination into reality." I like that.
Why do I create? Personally, it helps me feel some order in a chaotic world. I can feel a sense of control when I can't control the (bad) outcome elsewhere. Also, I feel a sense of accomplishment & productivity (when I'm happy with it!). Finally, my positive art spotlights the good in the world while the less positive art brings awareness to troubling areas.
Creating is like an urge or craving that I need to satisfy that isn't harmful.
There's this thing that happens with me when I'm exposed to a new piece of a fictional medium or work: I am suddenly inspired to create something similar or to make my own version of the content of said story. It's weird, like whenever I view something I all of a sudden have this innate urge to create. It's like I'll die if I don't.
You perfectly summed up my reasons for creating which are; I love creating, I love telling stories and I hope that through creating, I can teach and inspire others. Thank you for another thoughtful and informative video. Keep being awesome :D
I started creating as an escape from the world and as a way of saying, even if it was for myself, everything I didn't tell anyone else and be calm, happy and balanced. I now create with helping people in mind, to say something that will mean something not only to me but to others and change them or help them or make them feel understood and that their not alone. c:
Drawing just gives me a feeling of relaxation, calmness and happiness, i used to draw seriously but then it start to calm me down from most of my anger issue and it just gives me a feeling of happiness in general
Personally I think, an artist is one with a group, and with that I'm saying that in isolation there will be no artist,
because we express what we lived, and what we feel, society and our surroundings makes us feel,
so, when I sit down and finally start doing something creative, my mind just goes away, and it's an amazing feeling,
maybe in a catecory i could name it "personal fullfillment" but what really drives me are all the things that i live and have lived
throughout my entire life.
Thanks for every video and post that you have made, you really inspire people like me, that are starting out, cheers
I create so that I can record precious moments in time and experiences, put down emotions and express thoughts or something of insight. In essence everything that's important to me. There are many ways of doing this of course, but drawing is the tool that hits closest home for me. I've always been a fan of collecting things, guilty of hoarding the smallest of things. Drawing really makes me feel like I can not only collect everything, but also rearrange or differentiate it in a way that expresses my very soul if done "right"
I feel like self expression is something that all creative people have in common. Be it a writer, an artist, a musician, an actor or even a vlogger/youtuber. It just comes down to figuring out what does that in the most proficient and eloquent way possible.
Your words are so enlightening, make so much sense to me. I would have wished to have some of this knowledge before and I wouldn't waste the time had passed. But I'm determined to make the switch for the future. Thank you!
Came here last night to watch old videos, saw you had a podcast, listened to that, now you're back!
Glad to hear Skyheart is at the presses! I can't wait for my order to come in!
My reasons for creating align to all three but it is the final reason that I think people resonate with the most. When I create something for the betterment of society I think it ends up resonating more with people than the other two reasons I create.
I create because I have to! Ideas are like a sneeze that has to get out! And to make people smile. I smile, they smile. Smiles all around. Life is a better place when we share what they love. People that like to bake can bring me cookies. See, we all smile.
my reasons to draw (and create other stuff than drawings) are to forget about all my stress and just relax while I slowly see this amazing piece of art appear in front of my eyes, something I can look at and say: I made that, sometimes while thinking “This looks awesome,” or “Well there are some things that I can improve, but ey, finished not perfect right?” and just to get all these stories I made up or awesome things from movies that I saw on paper.
I create to ward off my anxiety/panic attacks. But mainly for the little charge of taking nothing and making something that I feel proud of
Been such a long time, so glad to see more content.
I have awaited this day for a long time..... Jake is BACK!!!!!!
Besides me yelling 'head lopper', I'd also add that I make art as a hobby and I see it as one of the best uses of my time. Like you said, the rush you get when you receive approval from others is like a drug. I make sculptures so Im slowly also building a sweet little home studio and body of work that I can put into a glass IKEA curio cabinet.
Love your videos, definitely going to draw a 100 somethings over and over. Almost finished 100 tribal tattoo type drawings and didn't really think of it in the way you described but just a nice way to practice proportion and shading again.
Don't think I'll ever overcome imposter syndrome.
It was awesome for seeing you at Denver CC (and Will) and am humbled that I didn't miss you the 2nd time to your table Sunday.
Glad to add another podcast to listen to while at work and can't wait to grab another of your books.
I draw for fun and to scratch that itch that seems to never go away.
Awesome! Thank you! You have no idea how this video makes huge sense for me! Thank you, Jake.
Great thoughts, Jake! Creating can also be therapeutic or cathartic. Good to see you posting again. I'm looking forward to checking out your podcast, and to SkyHeart's release.
Hey Jake, thanks so much for inspiring me with every video. I recently started as a freelancer after 6 years of hell in a construction job. It helped me build up some skill, drawing nearly every night, then waking up early again to afford new supplies. A few weeks ago I was done, I just kept working myself from burnout to burnout, so I took a leap of fate and well... So far I've been more successful than ever, even on this short time period my art is improving daily, I can look for commissions and actually get things done! Thanks for being such an inspiration to me, it really pushed me to improve what I do.
Great video! So good to see you back. For me creating is a way to help me understand things better for myself,especially when drawing. It also helps me expand and hopefully others too, to create things that people can't see themselves and help them consider things bigger than what they think they know. Will definately check out your podcast and the bromance you guys clearly share! ;)
I wrote down like 200 pages of notes, from your videos, i love them pls make more animation vids, plssssssss
chaseart 1 do you think I could have a copy of those notes?
@@benmigliore I think that defies the point of the notes being made? YOU need to make them for them to go into your head :D
Great to hear from you again! This might sound weird, but my reason to create is that I just don't know what else I can do instead. I'm still striving for better skills to become a professional but it's become so hard-wired with my habits and psychology that the thought of doing anything else besides art seems odd now. I think it had to do a lot with my childhood when everyone in my school appreciated my artworks and had me convinced that I was destined to be an artist.
Relatable. :)
I definitely agree with the self-less need to put something good into the world. As an art teacher AND a striving editorial illustrator, I do understand that need to give a visual or a story to something that I care about. Whether it be political, religious, or societal, I do feel that everyone has something to offer to this world and, for me at least, that means getting my own thoughts and views out there to add another perspective on things - and hopefully widen someone's perspective.
My all-time favorite moment as a teacher is receiving a student that believes that they "hate art" or that because they're not artistic that they'll hate the subject and introducing them to a project that forever alters their perspection of art.
Great talk. Going to replay this periodically.
jake this video was amazing every single one of you videos inspire me to create and im glad to see your back to posting
Love your work.
I have a bunch of ideas but stuck in drawers block so im painting minamalist outsider abstracts to keep me busy. Id love to see what kind of work you could do with some concepts ive made.
Congrats on sending your books to the printer, and I’m so happy to hear about the podcast! Can’t wait to check it out
Jake, you ARE such an inspiration to this community and gosh! I'm starting to get more motivation especially since it's summer and artists like you and Will show that anyone and everyone is worthy enough to be an artist. That it's something that should be pursued! No depressed long videos or disclaimers about the industry or workload, though it can be true, but raw imagination, experience and intellect! This is art education! or at least preparation and motivation because I'm pumped and you and your content pay a great deal to our futures😊 thank you and much love from Jamaica🇯🇲😄
I Love Making People Laugh. I have ideas in my head that I want to share with others, and getting something successfully into physical for us very satisfying.
Awesome talk. I've struggled with the "why" most of my life. Just starting to go back to creating for my personal need. It's been great! I appreciate that you've affirmed that it's totally fine if I do it just for myself. (At least until I become a little more secure.) 😊
I do art for fun, but also to release my emotions, art helps me feel better when I am down
Great talk as usual, you get me thinking and wanting To create more. Thanks Jake❤️
So blessed to see a Jake Parker vid in my feed. Love your podcast btw.
I love it....the way you create awsome art with simple ink lines
In the beginning where your saying your sister is getting things from the podcast, I feel like it’s probably because a majority of the biggest issues artists face isn’t related to creating art all, but working out how to be productive and focused. It’s easier than ever to find the “hard skills” like how to use a paint brush or a description on color theory, but now facing personal barriers and staying focused on learning and being productive is probably what most artists and people in general need to focus on
Of course artists face many more complex issues than just focus and productivity, but this reason I feel is why you, Will Terry and only a handful of other artists are the last few actually teaching anything worthwhile to art students, at least from what I see online.
Thank you, Jake! You're an amazing human being.
Yaay...a new video after so long.... Really love your art style... Learnt a lot... Great and thanks for bringing up the video....
I'm so excited for skyheart . I love your videos , they teach me so much I'm going to check out your podcast
02:05 *I don't think it went that badly* I'll listen to the podcast.
I noticed how you hold a brush pen is different from my own way, I'll definitely try yours because Inktober 2017 was my first time using a brush pen which hurt at the end of the day (because of all the time I spent drawing) in Any case I'll try your technique, maybe it'll help me draw for longer
Yay, a video! It’s so great to see what you’re working on.
I have been listening to 3-Point Perspective. It’s fantastic. I haven’t caught the latest episode yet, but I’ll probably go on over there when I’m done watching this video.
Studio Hannah same here! I've been loving their podcast 😊
Also I think if you do something that you love whether you share it or not it still benefits the world example if someone loves drawing and spends a few times a day, week month whenever they have time due to school, work, chores etc things they have to do and they do this thing they love even if it's just a quick doodle on a napkin while at a family gathering they are getting happiness from this thing so their mood is better so when they go out into the world they will be happier and that benefits the world because people who are happy with their lives in at least one aspect will be nicer and better people as a whole.
Thanks again for the amazing video, your categories make a lot of sense and I think that fitting in these will make your art much better! I myself do it to show my own imagination and the world inside to the world to bring a smile on the face of the people I know and love while having fun myself. Think that's categories 1 and 3 for you.
Thanks again for the video and have an amazing day!
Thank you for this! I have been grappling with this question a lot!
Thank you Jake! Very well said 💥
Nice to see you uploading again. Welcome back Jake Parker.😎😎😁
you hit the nail again! you're very good a compartamentalising ideas, creating theorys and what not. very helpful advice. have you ever thought of compiling your ideas into a self-help book for creatives? i'd surely buy it.
I've thought about it. Some day I'll get to that!
My motivation is overwhelmingly #3. However, I've never experienced #1. I keep feeling drained and lose all motivation, because I don't really enjoy drawing. Yet I want to work as a storyboard artist/writer in animation. I've known for a long time that this is my problem, but I don't know how to develop the love for drawing just for its own sake. I can't sit at a desk and draw a chair 20 times to really get it down. After drawing two of three chairs, my mind just gets frustrated because I want to be able to draw an entire room and a cast of characters. Like you said in your video, I don't want to just draw one really beautiful picture. I want to draw stories; entire episode length storyboards where each panel adds something new. I am fully aware that I need to start small and work my way up. But like I said, I have some kind of mental hangup I can't overcome.
I'm almost spitting in the dark now, hoping every day that I'll wake up, start doodling, and then suddenly I'll love drawing. But I know that's not realistic. Yet what else am I suppose to do? As of now, the alternative seems to be to give up on drawing. And that scares me even more than continuously trying and failing.
12:39 I was only half paying attention but out of context this made me laugh for a solid 30 seconds, thanks Jake
Totally my favorite artist and UA-cam channel 👍
Whatever this creature is. Its extraordinary!
Definitely the first one resonated with me , btw I like your brush pen style you and Scotty Yung are really good at that
I just wanna say, you are my favorite artist. Not only do we have the same name, i cant help but get inspired by every single one of your artworks and youtube videos. Edit: my reason for creating is to get better at it.
I've missed these videos Jake. Thanks for this. Hope all is well.
I've always felt that I create because I'm driven! Good or bad, success or failure, (and it's more often failure!!) I'm compelled to try. I don't know what catagory you'd put that under. Certifiable, maybe!! 😃
This probably falls under the first reason, personal satisfaction, but even without the positive feedback I might receive for my artwork, I think creating is satisfying in its own right, because it's a way to gain a sense of control in a world that's often pretty chaotic. You have complete control over what you create. You're manipulating raw materials (traditional or digital) to make something entirely new and meaningful. :)
I've been asking myself lately, should I deliberately try to create art to better the world, even though right now I still want to create for myself? I know it's the more selfless thing to do, and I know what I create right now is purely for my own pleasure and tastes, but I really don't feel like creating anything else no matter what I try. I've tried making "humanitarian" art before, or on behalf or others, but the motivation never really lasts. On the other hand, I create for myself, but feel like what I'm doing doesn't feel worthwhile or beneficial to myself or the world at large.
Very motivating. thanks!
I create (or want to create, because my skills are still too low, but I'm getting there) because I want to give justice to all the things born from imagination by bringing them to the world so other people can also enjoy them and be happy because of what I've done.
watch my vedio
Well I basically draw to express my emotions, but also recently I found out that I want to be heard emotionally, and creatively if that make sense, and I want when people look at my art they feel connected at some level or at least they feel something, not just looking at another art and skills and things like that, I want my art to be emotionally deep but my way, and I can't find anything that can express my emotions as much as drawing anime does for me. The time I want to draw the most is when I feel a negative emotions, but I basically always prefer drawing sad kinda drawings than happy ones cause I'm more connected to them, and I find sadness to be more interesting than happiness, and I prefer my art to speak to those sad people, lonely people, those who don't feel like fitting in, introverts. Now hopefully as my art improve I can get that idea across better through my art and make emotions appear stronger. It's all about emotional.
Mister jake Parker I love your videos can you make totorials pls
I've recently started to learn how to draw better and I was wondering if you could do a video on drawing a car or give a link to a video that might help. I'm trying to work on cars because I'm not very good at them right now. Thanks
I think another reason for creating is for expressing emotions that they might not otherwise let anyone else see… Or that they are awkward when trying to express an emotion so they create something so they can relate to other people.
thanks Jake, thanks.
We miss your videos Mr. Parker!!!
Omg the intro! 😂 you all have nice voices, though I do agree with you about Wills voice! Love your content in any form it comes in, congratulations on Skyheart!
You’re finally back! YES!!!
Jake, is there any chance Skyheart could be available somewhere in Europe? I mean, the book looks great and I've waited for it, while watching your videos, but... The shipping is more expensive, than book itself. I know it's not your fault, of course :)
Why I create? To tell a story in my head. To hopefully get others to join me in creating things in the worlds I am building. To express a emotion or idea or view point. Even if comment never come or view never come. I did it it was beautiful to me. I move on to the next story or world.
Will Terry has a chill voice but I have a hard time not imagining Garfield- but then again Garfield has a great voice.
Welcome back, JP!
How do you decide which one you are/do? I feel like I used to be all three, but lately I feel like art has let me down. How do you work through a creative funk?
Tyler Davis i think it is perfectly valid to be all 3, as for how to get over a creative funk, what i do is go piece by piece, why am i creating this? what do you want from this particular piece? sometimes its to practice a technique or to evoke a particular feel, sometimes it is to let something out such as frustration or hope, then things become logical and everything falls into place, i never felt like the piece disapoints me, of course that doesn't mean i get everything right at first, i usually iterate on many ideas, that's why planning is important.
also being constantly learning and seeking new things is great for keeping the creativity flowing.
of course im talking about my own experience here but hopefully it can help you out, best of luck.
Hey Jake!I just subscribed to your channel as I think all your advices are really precious! can I just ask: HOW ON THE EARTH can we create a believable world for our characters? I'm stuck on this and don't know where to start! do you have a class about this matter or advices ? by the way: I LOVE YOUR PODCAST!
Not sure if my reason falls under Nr.1 but my reason for creating is outlet. I get all these ideas and fantasies and I just want them visualised.
Great video! I'm always excited when I see you uploaded a new video! :D
I want to draw to make others around me and most importantly...to make me happy ( i know you already mentioned it but still just wanted to share) ❤❤
2:01 if my friends don't talk about my voice like this, I don't want them.
1:44 Whaddaya Want? ROFL
Cant wait to read Skyheart :D
I create for the first reason, but would love to create for the other two reasons!
This is really obscure, but does anyone know what the intro song of the 3 point perspective podcast is? It's really chill just from the little I've heard of it and I would love to know what it's called.
Everyone has a purpose, something they're great at, something that comes easy and natural to them. Creating is mine. It's easy and it comes natural to me. I can't not do it. I don't own it. I can't possess it. It's not mine. It just is. We are not in control of art. We're not driving the car. Art takes us where it wants to go. The sooner you learn that, the happier you will be. Art is a shared human experience. At any time you are drawing, painting, creating... someone, somewhere in the world is doing it too. I create because I can. Not everyone can.
Don't know what to say, but this content gave me more to think (got a piece of mind).
Because i have a purpose beyond only myaelf. I create because i made a promise i will always keep and persue until the end.
Been waiting for you to post something😍 thanks
SKYHEART IS READY?? 😲😲
Finallllyyyyy aaahhhh...i missed you
I need to create to stay sane