There is no easy way to do it. As this gentlemen has put it, you have to sacrifice and work your way out of it. Use the stress and pain you are experiencing from your full time job and express that in your artwork. That is where authentic art comes from. It comes from our pain, our joy, our sadness. If you are passionate enough about becoming an artist, you will find a way...
I feel this so much right now. After high school I joined the military so I could pay for art school when I got out (I'm poor). But I was miserable and did not even get to draw that much. So here I am at 20 years old living back with my parents and working 4 days a week. I am glad I saved up military money so I could get myself a great laptop and a cintiq. So thank you for this video
One solution is a zero hour job or a part time job, for example 20 or 30 hours a week, with one or two days of over time to make up for it. I'm a painter and I'm also starting to generate some concept art, and work as a ramp agent/baggage handler, where the shifts can be very short or very long and start very early, so I have to take the rough with the smooth - it is what it is. Another problem is short staff and disorganised chaos in many jobs today, and the noise level in my job can drive you insane, though the job can also be interesting and challenging as there's variety in the jobs I do, such as aircraft push back and marshalling. Putting this aside, there's the boring house hold chores etc, which have to be done eventually, so it's a case of finding a system that works, planning a structure that works around days off and the free parts of the morning or evening around the shifts you work.
Thank you... You are a great inspiration to me and hearing your story and knowing that I am not the only one who wasn't born in the perfect background to do what I am meant to do makes me feel better. I have been reading the book on learned optimism that you have recommended to me and aside from all of the scientific babble it explains what I have been doing to myself. I am in school studying IT, I am just going there to get the paper at the end, get a job and move out of my parents house. Dealing with my thoughts, having a girlfriend now and also possibly having a part-time job for the weekends and trying to improve my craft really gets to me sometimes. I see others around my age either working, or going to universities, going to festivals and getting what they want, while I am doing what I can to grow and struggle with making decisions in general. I noticed that I excessively try to organize my life and that I have such high expectations of myself that I feel stress from within almost all the time. What hits me the most is whenever I see someone young, doing something creative and making money doing it, I can't help, but to compare myself to them and feel bad afterwards... I constantly question myself, don't trust myself that much (it used to be worse) and constantly over-think and try to organize everything and before I realize it, it's night time... I often times lose myself in all of the things that I am trying to do and I feel like I am always in a hurry, rushing around to get nowhere fast. I am beginning to learn that it is ok to be myself, to feel the way that I feel and think the way that I think, because that is just where I am, I am on the road to my dream life. Keep up the good work Volen :)!
+Michael Over Awesome dude, thank you so much, that's great to hear, I'm very happy about what you're saying at the end. Everyone feels the same, just to different degrees. What you're saying is present in everyone else too, you might be a bit more introspective or more acutely aware of certain parts of your character. It might be painful now or you might be focusing on certain aspects way too much and missing out on a lot of others, which is what we all probably do constantly. These things that are now painful, are not necessarily there to remain as a constant pain. They're there as signals. Pain is a signal, that's what it's for - to attract your attention to a certain occurrence whether it's physical or mental. What you do with that is up to you, but there's no transformation of any kind possible without pain. The anxiety and tension might ultimately guide you to excel more, than someone who got something early on that might later make them complacent - because they got used to the idea that they get what they want so they don't work hard any more. It's very hard to say what anything is about, all you can do is try as best you can to be efficient, dedicated, organized and make sure you go through what's most important each day. The rest - you don't really control. And if you do your work properly - you probably won't have time to worry about it anyway, you'd be too tired at the end of the day ;) Thank you dude, thanks for keeping me updated and very happy to be able to help and relate in some small way. Keep it up man, we're rooting for you :)
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and making all these vdeos. I only recently begun to realize how important is the right mindset to achieve anything. I've been drawing/painting for about 16 years now, each day, at least several hours a day, and didn't learn much, eventhough I worked my ass off. Classic case of "you're doin' it wrong" (and keep repeating). I'm so glad you're here, willing to share how to learn in the efficient and meaningful way, and despite of any obstacles that may be on the way. Thank you so, so much for your hard work and all your help!
Saarl wow... thank you so much, I never cease to be amazed at the awesome comments I get, but really that's from what you look for, it has little to do with me :) I'm very happy that something I may have said has sparked something in your brain. With some things - slow is fast and fast is slow. And with learning - the slow way is always the more efficient one, even if we constantly rebel at it. Taking the time to untangle complex problems in your head is the only way you can iron out the kinks in your learning. Thanks again, I hope to be able to provide more useful stuff for you in the future, keep going & keep learning. What you've learned now may just well be the most important thing you need to know to really start improving. Good luck.
Even when working full time, there are always possibilities to draw. Coffee breaks, lunch breaks, anytime you have to what for something, meetings (!). Always have a pencil and at least a sheet of paper with you. Anyhow, I don´t see drawing/painting as something I have to WORK on after my day job. Drawing is my passion, so I enjoy it and it gives me energy even after a full 8-hour day of different work. It does take longer to reach a level where you are good, but eventually, you reach it!
Elderscroller true and very good advice about drawing and having materials handy at all times... I might just steal your comment for the next vid :) Thanks for watching.
I've been feeling like this for almost two years. I also have sacrificed a lot of things to be able to save money for my goals but also I financially help my parents because they are going through a rough period. I have just few friends who understand that I can't go out because I need to save every penny to accomplish what I want, or even accept the fact that I'm not being and awful person if I just simply can't go with them to the mall because it really represents spending a lot. This video made me feel less guilty about a lot of stuff so thank you.
Been looking for this vid from you for a while (as in the juggling of art and a job) absolutely gutted that the file got corrupted. Recently I have essentially made your choice but in reverse- I currently work part time on average 20 hours a week (though it fluctuates between 12 - 30+) in a gruelling retail job where I'm constantly over-worked, often expected to stay behind an extra 15mins - 1hour unpaid, the store is regularly understaffed and disorganised etc. etc. and have turned down a supervisor job that would guarantee 39+ hours a week and higher rate of pay after probation. The money would help massively but the job is brutally tough, 2x the BS I have already listed. At the end of the day you gotta ask yourself "Do I want to stack shelves or do I want to be an Artist?
+Gussy .D It's not much of a decision for me really, I'd go insane if I had to work full time at something I'm not committed to, so the choice was made for me really :)
I cant even express properly how what you say in this video relates to me. Dont ever stop, you seriously help get me motivated and your guidance really makes an impact in me. My heartfelt thanks !!! PS. I'd really like to hear the other 25 minutes :p
This topic is one of the most interesting! How to get money if your art is not good enough to earn something from it? How to improve your art when your time gets consumed by dumb other jobs that are unforfilling as sh*t? Its a shame that out of all videos this one got corrupted! Do you consider redoing this topic? That would be sweet!
Being an art and design technician is another way(At a school,college or university). Some positions advertised online are part time, but the jobs are not easy to get as experience is often required and so voluntary work or college adult classes/short night courses in subjects like CAD, 3D printing, Photoshop, model making or fine art print making can keep you in practice and current with use of equipment, new technologies and health and safety practices of using machinery and chemicals. This way you should require less training for the job and it looks better on your CV and in an interview. Also try to relate any night class project you are doing to your current art work or make an interesting alternative, so that it doesn't become this 'class you have to go to...' on top of holding down a job and pursuing the art work and working on other projects...
You're the man Volen. Love your approach to your videos in keeping it real. I look at any fellow artist as a "Brother in Arms". As artist we endure a constant War of Attrition. Keep up the good work. Godspeed brotha.
I know what you mean it a really nice video!! I have a family and work full time now, but i still try to do digital art and sports after 9,30 hours of work... its hard its very hard but the passion is there and i do believe if i put all the effort into my passion after some time after years success if going to come... :) Thank you for your videos!
+Edvinas Kiseliovas Thanks very much man, keep it going, consistency over a long period of time accumulates to a huge amount, so just keep putting in that little bit every day. Best of luck man, thanks again.
Ltd edition Giclee prints are another way as well - reproducing your original art work as copies(Archive medium is proffered), which you can sell through galleries and online. Not as straight forward as you think as an online fan base has to be built through online net working and social medias. I know of some one who is doing this right now and selling prints and getting commissions online, who now gets by on a zero hour contract.
You've been speaking my life. I'm trying to discipline myself to getting up early to do my drawings. I'm no where near good enough to justify not working full-time. Im always at novice level cause there's always something else that's to be done. But thats the song of every single parent.
Self-berating is not necessary, we all suck at the beginning... in fact that should be the thing that DOES justify not working full-time :) It's hard, absolutely, it's not ever been easy for anyone. But it's doable. Think, reflect, practice and you'll do it.
same case for me, im an xray technologist going for 4 yrs now, its a boring monotonous boring job, yeah it keeps me alive, but its draining my energy, there is no fullfilment at the end of the day. I feel like im wasting my life with a career that was forced in to me for the financial stability of my future. Thanks for your vids, my passion for art in the past is rekindld from time to time.
Dear Volen Thanx For making all these Videos,they are a huge inspiration,Here and there I Keep Coming back to them. I wanted To Let you know, you also inspired me to start posting my work no matter how grim. Btw I Think I have you beat on that. I Think I'll join a forum as well. I'm Off To start a tumblr to post works. Keep them videos coming buddy!!
Alex Lion Thank you man, comments like yours keep me going and keep me coming back to YT, FB and all the other places I try to keep active on. I'm very happy to have been able to help, keep pushing it & post me your tumblr whenever you feel like it :) Thank you again.
Osjey Thank you. It's easy for things to go the wrong way, especially in a lot of environments filled with scarcity... it's all about keeping in mind that there are always options and you can always dig yourself out if you work hard. Thanks for watching.
What job do you do part time that allows you to sustain yourself? I want to work in a decent job that would let me practice on the side but i worry about making enough to live.
Devin Menge I don't know about `decent`, the only thing I would advise is don't worry so much about the job, just cut down your expenses. I live on what's less than minimum wage here in the UK per year, I just don't spend money. Worrying about too many things at one time leads to losing focus..
There is no easy way to do it. As this gentlemen has put it, you have to sacrifice and work your way out of it. Use the stress and pain you are experiencing from your full time job and express that in your artwork. That is where authentic art comes from. It comes from our pain, our joy, our sadness. If you are passionate enough about becoming an artist, you will find a way...
Wise words, thank you :)
I feel this so much right now. After high school I joined the military so I could pay for art school when I got out (I'm poor). But I was miserable and did not even get to draw that much. So here I am at 20 years old living back with my parents and working 4 days a week. I am glad I saved up military money so I could get myself a great laptop and a cintiq. So thank you for this video
+Victor Von Bonbon You seem like you're in a good position to make some good improvement... just make sure to put the work in :)
One solution is a zero hour job or a part time job, for example 20 or 30 hours a week, with one or two days of over time to make up for it. I'm a painter and I'm also starting to generate some concept art, and work as a ramp agent/baggage handler, where the shifts can be very short or very long and start very early, so I have to take the rough with the smooth - it is what it is. Another problem is short staff and disorganised chaos in many jobs today, and the noise level in my job can drive you insane, though the job can also be interesting and challenging as there's variety in the jobs I do, such as aircraft push back and marshalling. Putting this aside, there's the boring house hold chores etc, which have to be done eventually, so it's a case of finding a system that works, planning a structure that works around days off and the free parts of the morning or evening around the shifts you work.
Thank you... You are a great inspiration to me and hearing your story and knowing that I am not the only one who wasn't born in the perfect background to do what I am meant to do makes me feel better. I have been reading the book on learned optimism that you have recommended to me and aside from all of the scientific babble it explains what I have been doing to myself. I am in school studying IT, I am just going there to get the paper at the end, get a job and move out of my parents house. Dealing with my thoughts, having a girlfriend now and also possibly having a part-time job for the weekends and trying to improve my craft really gets to me sometimes. I see others around my age either working, or going to universities, going to festivals and getting what they want, while I am doing what I can to grow and struggle with making decisions in general. I noticed that I excessively try to organize my life and that I have such high expectations of myself that I feel stress from within almost all the time. What hits me the most is whenever I see someone young, doing something creative and making money doing it, I can't help, but to compare myself to them and feel bad afterwards... I constantly question myself, don't trust myself that much (it used to be worse) and constantly over-think and try to organize everything and before I realize it, it's night time... I often times lose myself in all of the things that I am trying to do and I feel like I am always in a hurry, rushing around to get nowhere fast. I am beginning to learn that it is ok to be myself, to feel the way that I feel and think the way that I think, because that is just where I am, I am on the road to my dream life. Keep up the good work Volen :)!
+Michael Over Awesome dude, thank you so much, that's great to hear, I'm very happy about what you're saying at the end.
Everyone feels the same, just to different degrees. What you're saying is present in everyone else too, you might be a bit more introspective or more acutely aware of certain parts of your character. It might be painful now or you might be focusing on certain aspects way too much and missing out on a lot of others, which is what we all probably do constantly.
These things that are now painful, are not necessarily there to remain as a constant pain. They're there as signals. Pain is a signal, that's what it's for - to attract your attention to a certain occurrence whether it's physical or mental. What you do with that is up to you, but there's no transformation of any kind possible without pain.
The anxiety and tension might ultimately guide you to excel more, than someone who got something early on that might later make them complacent - because they got used to the idea that they get what they want so they don't work hard any more. It's very hard to say what anything is about, all you can do is try as best you can to be efficient, dedicated, organized and make sure you go through what's most important each day. The rest - you don't really control. And if you do your work properly - you probably won't have time to worry about it anyway, you'd be too tired at the end of the day ;)
Thank you dude, thanks for keeping me updated and very happy to be able to help and relate in some small way. Keep it up man, we're rooting for you :)
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and making all these vdeos. I only recently begun to realize how important is the right mindset to achieve anything. I've been drawing/painting for about 16 years now, each day, at least several hours a day, and didn't learn much, eventhough I worked my ass off. Classic case of "you're doin' it wrong" (and keep repeating). I'm so glad you're here, willing to share how to learn in the efficient and meaningful way, and despite of any obstacles that may be on the way. Thank you so, so much for your hard work and all your help!
Saarl wow... thank you so much, I never cease to be amazed at the awesome comments I get, but really that's from what you look for, it has little to do with me :) I'm very happy that something I may have said has sparked something in your brain. With some things - slow is fast and fast is slow. And with learning - the slow way is always the more efficient one, even if we constantly rebel at it. Taking the time to untangle complex problems in your head is the only way you can iron out the kinks in your learning. Thanks again, I hope to be able to provide more useful stuff for you in the future, keep going & keep learning. What you've learned now may just well be the most important thing you need to know to really start improving. Good luck.
Even when working full time, there are always possibilities to draw. Coffee breaks, lunch breaks, anytime you have to what for something, meetings (!). Always have a pencil and at least a sheet of paper with you.
Anyhow, I don´t see drawing/painting as something I have to WORK on after my day job. Drawing is my passion, so I enjoy it and it gives me energy even after a full 8-hour day of different work.
It does take longer to reach a level where you are good, but eventually, you reach it!
Elderscroller true and very good advice about drawing and having materials handy at all times... I might just steal your comment for the next vid :) Thanks for watching.
I've been feeling like this for almost two years. I also have sacrificed a lot of things to be able to save money for my goals but also I financially help my parents because they are going through a rough period.
I have just few friends who understand that I can't go out because I need to save every penny to accomplish what I want, or even accept the fact that I'm not being and awful person if I just simply can't go with them to the mall because it really represents spending a lot. This video made me feel less guilty about a lot of stuff so thank you.
Thank you, nothing to feel guilty about, you just find meaning in other things, nothing bad about that :) Keep on doing what you're doing.
So sad that the other 25 minutes got cut off, but so grateful for what's here. Well said!
tickycup There will be way more than 25 minutes in the future, I'm sure :) Thanks very much for watching and for all your great comments.
Been looking for this vid from you for a while (as in the juggling of art and a job) absolutely gutted that the file got corrupted. Recently I have essentially made your choice but in reverse- I currently work part time on average 20 hours a week (though it fluctuates between 12 - 30+) in a gruelling retail job where I'm constantly over-worked, often expected to stay behind an extra 15mins - 1hour unpaid, the store is regularly understaffed and disorganised etc. etc. and have turned down a supervisor job that would guarantee 39+ hours a week and higher rate of pay after probation. The money would help massively but the job is brutally tough, 2x the BS I have already listed. At the end of the day you gotta ask yourself "Do I want to stack shelves or do I want to be an Artist?
+Gussy .D It's not much of a decision for me really, I'd go insane if I had to work full time at something I'm not committed to, so the choice was made for me really :)
I cant even express properly how what you say in this video relates to me. Dont ever stop, you seriously help get me motivated and your guidance really makes an impact in me. My heartfelt thanks !!! PS. I'd really like to hear the other 25 minutes :p
+Pedro Lima Thank you very much Pedro, very happy to hear that man, thank you. Will definitely keep going with comments like yours :)
This topic is one of the most interesting! How to get money if your art is not good enough to earn something from it? How to improve your art when your time gets consumed by dumb other jobs that are unforfilling as sh*t? Its a shame that out of all videos this one got corrupted! Do you consider redoing this topic? That would be sweet!
Will be reshooting it, lots of people have asked - It'll be coming shortly ;)
Being an art and design technician is another way(At a school,college or university). Some positions advertised online are part time, but the jobs are not easy to get as experience is often required and so voluntary work or college adult classes/short night courses in subjects like CAD, 3D printing, Photoshop, model making or fine art print making can keep you in practice and current with use of equipment, new technologies and health and safety practices of using machinery and chemicals. This way you should require less training for the job and it looks better on your CV and in an interview. Also try to relate any night class project you are doing to your current art work or make an interesting alternative, so that it doesn't become this 'class you have to go to...' on top of holding down a job and pursuing the art work and working on other projects...
You're the man Volen. Love your approach to your videos in keeping it real. I look at any fellow artist as a "Brother in Arms". As artist we endure a constant War of Attrition. Keep up the good work. Godspeed brotha.
I know what you mean it a really nice video!! I have a family and work full time now, but i still try to do digital art and sports after 9,30 hours of work... its hard its very hard but the passion is there and i do believe if i put all the effort into my passion after some time after years success if going to come... :) Thank you for your videos!
+Edvinas Kiseliovas Thanks very much man, keep it going, consistency over a long period of time accumulates to a huge amount, so just keep putting in that little bit every day. Best of luck man, thanks again.
Ltd edition Giclee prints are another way as well - reproducing your original art work as copies(Archive medium is proffered), which you can sell through galleries and online. Not as straight forward as you think as an online fan base has to be built through online net working and social medias. I know of some one who is doing this right now and selling prints and getting commissions online, who now gets by on a zero hour contract.
You've been speaking my life. I'm trying to discipline myself to getting up early to do my drawings. I'm no where near good enough to justify not working full-time. Im always at novice level cause there's always something else that's to be done. But thats the song of every single parent.
Self-berating is not necessary, we all suck at the beginning... in fact that should be the thing that DOES justify not working full-time :) It's hard, absolutely, it's not ever been easy for anyone. But it's doable. Think, reflect, practice and you'll do it.
Great and very inspiring!
same case for me, im an xray technologist going for 4 yrs now, its a boring monotonous boring job, yeah it keeps me alive, but its draining my energy, there is no fullfilment at the end of the day. I feel like im wasting my life with a career that was forced in to me for the financial stability of my future. Thanks for your vids, my passion for art in the past is rekindld from time to time.
+qari Olandesca Thanks very much, I'm happy to hear I can provide that, just do a little bit each day, that's all it takes to get started.
Great and very inspiring video. Love it! :D
TheHellAndwill Thank you very much :)
This video has helped me alot
Dear Volen Thanx For making all these
Videos,they are a huge inspiration,Here
and there I Keep Coming back to them.
I wanted To Let you know, you also inspired
me to start
posting my work no matter how grim.
Btw I Think I have you beat on that.
I Think I'll join a forum as well.
I'm Off To start a tumblr to post works.
Keep them videos coming buddy!!
Alex Lion Thank you man, comments like yours keep me going and keep me coming back to YT, FB and all the other places I try to keep active on. I'm very happy to have been able to help, keep pushing it & post me your tumblr whenever you feel like it :) Thank you again.
people should ask themselfes how they got in a job that they dont like in the first place. Good video!
Osjey Thank you. It's easy for things to go the wrong way, especially in a lot of environments filled with scarcity... it's all about keeping in mind that there are always options and you can always dig yourself out if you work hard. Thanks for watching.
What job do you do part time that allows you to sustain yourself? I want to work in a decent job that would let me practice on the side but i worry about making enough to live.
Devin Menge I don't know about `decent`, the only thing I would advise is don't worry so much about the job, just cut down your expenses. I live on what's less than minimum wage here in the UK per year, I just don't spend money. Worrying about too many things at one time leads to losing focus..
InPursuitOfArt ok that really puts my mind at ease, & that advice about focusing is really relevant right now thank you!
As Gary vaynachuck says Ugo home after along day of work kiss the dog and go to work if urealy want it ul really do it