Maybe It's Time to QUIT ART? (To Try Something New)
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- Опубліковано 29 лип 2021
- Having trouble getting a job in the art field or selling your artwork? Maybe you're bored or the work you do just isn't fun, anymore? Whatever it is, maybe it's time to re-evaluate your art life and try something new?
I know for me, I recently made a dramatic change in my career as a corporate and contract artist to do something completely different and start a whole new career, while keeping my art career in-tact, at home - but on my terms.
In the video, I simply discuss some of the ways to recognize if maybe it's time to re-evaluate whether we're still on-course with our passion for creativity, as well as our goals for what we expect from it.
Some of these include:
• Having a gut feeling that things are not progressing.
• Feeling like we're stuck in the mud, not going anywhere.
• We find more frustration than success.
• That we're doing art for the wrong reasons.
• That the goals we've set have come and gone.
• When we understand the concept that "change returns success."
• Discovering that we've lost the passion for our work.
• When we just give away our work on social media or to a job.
• When money becomes the issue.
• We have a strong desire to simply try something new.
As aways, I'd love to hear your feedback on this discussion, so please feel free to leave your comments below. Thank you so much for your time watching. ~ Mark
GEAR:
• Etchr Watercolor Sketchbook
• A. Gallo Watercolors
• Staedtler Fineliner Pen
• Arteza Expert Watercolor Pencil
MUSIC:
“Still Fall (instr)” by M.D. Campbell © 2020 M.D. Campbell • All rights reserved
Blog: www.markdcampbell.com/the-9-li...
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The intent of my channel is to bring videos of useful content to help fellow artists and art students with insightful information, as well as bring consumers real-world reviews on the products we're likely to buy and use every day.
I'm always grateful for feedback to help improve my channel, so please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Thank you for your time watching! Cheers! ~ Mark
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i think that what also happens, as we get older ,is that our entire perspective changes .. some of us have paid dearly , physically and emotionally , for staying in work situations that drain , exhaust , and stress us ..
i feel so so lucky that i finally am in a place where i can paint and sketch for pure pleasure .. i do sell my work, and take commissions as well , but i only take work that i know won't stress me out .. i'm in a place of privilege , at this point , that i've never been in , in my entire adult life, so i don't take it for granted ... i loved listening to this video , mark , and i'm so happy you are loving what you're going now :-))) your friend, norakag 😊😊
Your history and experiences have provided you with a wealth of perspective and sage understanding of the larger picture in life - something that seems to be very rare today, except for those who, as you said, have paid dearly or who have run the gauntlet of life's tribulations. And to recognize your placement, nowadays, and not exploit it or take it for granted shows that you are still fully connected from where you came from and that the tether of learning keeps you humble. It says so much about you that I've learned from you and your artwork. Always grateful for you, my friend. Thank you! ~ Mark
@@MDCampbell 💜
_After a 3-month break from making videos, I'm back with a discussion on why it's important to quit what we're doing when it doesn't feel right, isn't lucrative, or stops working for us. This is relevant in the Olympics right now and why I took a break, in the first place, as well as our jobs, health, hobbies, and even relationships. Your thoughts? Cheers! ~ Mark_
I'm glad you have a new job in a new exciting field. I hope you will still continue your art videos here when you have a fun for you topic to discuss.
I miss you and your videos. Please come back. 😢
Thank you for your insights. I don’t do anything artistic for a living but I doodle,draw and do watercolor and other creative things. I’ve never felt like I would be able to art as a living. People love what I do. I just can’t seem to see it their way. So I do my art for me and give it away. I’ve heard the surround yourself with like minds but I never feel like I belong so I think for my art I feel like it doesnt belong. At least how I’ve always felt. Your discussions always get me thinking though so again thank you i
Thank you, Noreen Latimer! I appreciate that! And you're definitely not alone. I think a lot of artists - whether professional, amateur, or hobbyist - feel exactly like you described, often not seeing their work (or themselves) the way others view them. The only way to truly be successful is to respect the value within our own creative spirit and the joy we yield from simply exploring it, with or without an audience. I'm grateful for your sage feedback... you got me thinking, too! lol! Cheers! ~ Mark
So glad to see you back Mark! Such an interesting and well put video as always!
I really appreciate that, Shana! Glad to be back! lol! :)
It's great to hear the perspective of someone with more experience. As someone whose art is still quite a while away from making real money one of my fears is finally achieving (monetary) success only to grow tired of what I do. So it's reassuring to hear that you've successfully pivoted into different artistic directions.
Luckily so far when I've gone back and looked I've still loved most of my old art with every fibre of my being. And I hope it'll stay that way as long as I stay true to making art I love and believe in.
Thank you, tiny salad, and yes, it's been a whirlwind of pivoting into different creative roles, some I've cherished while others were a curse. If you're heading into a direction of trying to find success in a creative field, my only advice is just be ready. Be prepared. And be willing to adapt. One of the most important things for me was my ability to mimic other styles of design and illustration (I worked for a publisher fixing other people's illustrations, so I had to work in their style - totally weird!). It gave me a wider range of opportunities, which again, some were cherishable and some were a curse. Good luck and thank you for your thoughtful feedback! Cheers! ~ Mark
Welcome back Mark, cheers!
Thank you so much, Paulo! Grateful for your support, as always! Hoping you are well! ~ Mark
Great to watch you again Mark! I never ever wanted to make a living doing my art... I didn't want to turn it from a pleasure to a chore. Now that I'm retired (2 years!) after 40 years working at the hospital, I am thoroughly loving having so much time to paint and draw. Just for me. Cheers - and as always, thanks for sharing your wonderful illustrations!
Congratulation on the retirement! Funny, when I was young, I don't think I would've understood congratulating someone on their retirement. But, now that I'm heading in that direction, myself, I feel that boost of excitement when someone says, "I retired!" Still, I'm not quite there yet. lol! But, I understand your points where, for me, even UA-cam was becoming a chore. I see so many people I've come to know grinding out daily videos to the point where I wonder if they're enjoying it or if they _have_ to do it to earn a living? I never wanted UA-cam to become that for me. My commitment has always been that UA-cam is not about money, getting known, or making it my job. It's a hobby, if ever there was one! Enjoy that time you have to explore your art. You earned it! Cheers and thank you! ~ Mark
Oh, I can relate to this! I've been a teacher for 14 years and while I like my colleagues and school, I need to change (or add) something. Definitely recognize the feeling of being stuck... Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for checking in on this one, Ann-Louise Vigortsson! Having worked with many teachers in my career, I love the excitement when I meet a teacher who has a secret art background that keeps them happy. One teacher was incredible at painting flowers while another found peace in painting landscapes. The day-to-day grind of being in a classroom with students, dealing with administration, and trying to meet goals and expectations is constant for teachers. Having something completely different to turn to may be essential for many teachers - and non-teachers, too. I hope you have been able to find that "thing" that brings you joy and happiness, outside the classroom! Cheers! ~ Mark
I’ve tried to approach art as a working artist several times in my life now to no avail. It was only when I decided that I was going to focus on enjoying what I created AND the process of creating that I finally pulled out of a creative slump.
It's amazing when we can change that perspective, but it can be really difficult. A photographer friend of mine is constantly wondering why no one is buying their work despite a strong marketing and social media presence. Unfortunately, when I suggest trying something new or trying another field, I'm met with the idea that "it's not me or my work, it's _people!_" They put the blame on others for not being interested, instead of taking control themselves. I'm happy that you were able to discover your enjoyment in the process of your work. I do that, as well, but sometimes, it can still be a challenge! Glad we have each other to support in this community! Thank you, MyLadyAmalthea! Stay well! ~ Mark
Very good points Mark. I had an art block a year ago. Guess what bring me back. I start translating video tutorials for my friend from Russian to English. And she even payed me. I became confident enough and give the add on IG, got few more jobs. After I get tired of translating I start drawing again.
Wow! That's an incredible story. There are groups here that pay for people to read to the elderly. I don't think it's a lot of money, but the idea that translating, for you, became something to give you confidence and to find pleasure in, well, that's just fantastic! Well done! Thank you for checking this one out, Moonlight Gator! Stay well! ~ Mark
I love watching you draw and I learn so much from your videos! Thank you!
I really appreciate that, Sharee Martin! Thank you!
Oh man how this one resonated with me! Great insights Mark! I've said to my wife before, "I'll always love what I do, just not necessarily how I have to do it or for whom." I'm here (on UA-cam) because that corporate drag finally broke me too. Like you over 30 years of it. You characterized it so well. It never really felt like success anymore. I used to keep myself semi-passionate for years by focusing on the fact that I loved the process and loved honing and increasing my skill and expertise. That worked for a time but eventually it wasn't enough. Creative exploration and inspiring others is my passion now. Anyone else reading this comment would do well to heed Mark's advice here. Learn all you can about these careers and what's involved. If you're a hobbyist, try it all, don't box yourself in. The greatest passions are often surprises.
Oh yeah! ...and I never thought I would hear the term "Rubylith" again. Wow, that takes me back. The hours I spent cutting that stuff. Amberlith too. Not to mention waxing tons of type galleys to cut and paste up. I chuckled when you mentioned typos. On tight deadlines when resetting type wasn't an option, I remember slicing and moving individual letters even. LOL! I hated doing mechanicals. I absolutely loved when digital did away with those. Prepress was actually fun then! Great to hear a bit of an update from you my friend. Glad you're into what you're doing now!
Steve, thank you so much for commenting on this one. Based on our previous conversations, it makes total sense that this discussion would resonate. I'm sure you and I could laugh about things like Letraset sheets, rolls of Frisket, and all those non-repro blue pencils. lol! Personally, I'm thrilled you could relate to this, as I was afraid it might not connect with many people. But, as I read the comments, it's clear that there's a lot of us out there who have had to ask the same questions, re-evaluate situations, and make tough decisions about our careers, living situations, and even friendships. For me, I've minimized certain areas of my life and finally adjusted my career to compliment those changes. I'm still in the process of purging the extra-weight, but as you can probably relate, that takes a long time. lol!
Thank you so much for sharing your insight and feedback on this one. You know how much your voice means to me and knowing that we share such commonality in our paths makes me very happy. And as you said, I hope those reading this will consider your advice and learn as much as possible, and explore everything! I hope all and everyone are well on your end! We're in the "back to college" phase, now, which is always exciting for the kids, but a big tug on the heartstrings for us! lol! ~ Mark
I was on tenterhooks waiting for the pupils. I appreciate what you said in this video and I hope the takeaway for people will be not only to look toward other directions but also to practice, practice, practice, explore, rinse and repeat! Take care.
LOL!! Those pupils. I never like to commit to who is looking at whom until the whole piece is done! lol! Weird, right? And yes, thank you for the important point about practice, exploring, and also nurturing or fostering their creative spirit. Many people forget this, which is why so many abandon their interests and have to rediscover them 20 years later. Thank you for checking in and for your feedback! Stay well! ~ Mark
Hey Mark, I completely understand. Believe it or not I took a break from UA-cam, but due to the fact that I do bulk filming it didn't seem that I took a break. I just returned to making videos.
I'm thrilled you are continuing to bring your perspective, positive light, and unique insight to the art community. Your recent video dealing with Artist Block, ua-cam.com/video/lfUHOtqctDc/v-deo.html , is one of those topics that everyone can not only relate to, but I think is important to hear especially when they are _not_ dealing with artist block. It's an excellent reminder! I hope you are well and thank you for checking this one out! Be well! ~ Mark
There are so MANY of your points that I can relate to. Not in the art field which I am currently studying, but in 'real' life - particularly when it comes to acute burnout. That seems to happen when you try to follow some one else's vision for your life.
Thank you for checking in, Connie Marks, and yes... I made the mistake of trying to live up to someone else's idea of "potential," that it caused me to spiral down and have to restructure my own agenda for my needs and wants. I totally get that and you make an excellent point. I hope you're now in a place where you've learned not to follow someone else's vision, or are at least able to manage it for your benefit. Stay well! ~ Mark
Every job, every experience, has the potential to teach us something.
Absolutely true! :)
I am so happy you are currently doing work that is both financially and spiritually lucrative. My career is completely unrelated to my artwork. I’ve done artwork on commission and I didn’t enjoy it. So now I do it for me or give it away to friends and family.
Thank you so much, tawana washington! There's such reward and gratification in working at a job you love. And doing work for ourselves is the primary reason for doing it in the first place, I think. I appreciate your thoughts! Be well! ~ Mark
Marketing teams are the worst! No matter which team you are from, I always dread having to work with them. (Currently, I'm a translator in my company)
Having the courage to walk away or try something new when your current path feels wrong is so relevant for me. Your video gives me a lot to think about. As always, I love to watch you paint and draw. It's fascinating to see how you lay down such smooth washes, and then add layers and layers of small detail. Wishing you all the best, Mark.
Thank you so much, C0raBr0wn! You know how much I admire your work, so your thoughts mean the world to me. I hope you are doing well and being as creative as ever! ~ Mark
As always Mark, great video and advice! I was a graphic designer for a while, and had two lay offs. I had done some big logos and product design, but because I wasn’t taught the super photoshopped graphic style I couldn’t get another job with just an associate degree. So 11 years later, I’m finding what speaks to me, and giving my childhood dream of being a children’s book author/illustrator some attention. Im doing online classes with Storyteller Academy. And I’m hoping to publish my first book in 2022.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I can totally relate, Hearts Fire Garden, and I'm really excited that you've found a direction that speaks to you! Looking forward to what comes in 2022!! Stay focused and be well! ~ Mark
Even doing something you are passionate about, it has some business stuff that just feels like work. For me it is book keeping and a lot of necessary paperwork stuff. I believe, there is always something about your work that is taxing and as long as that is a small amount it's fine. If not you need to change something.
I completely agree and that bookkeeping aspect was always the most daunting chore for me, especially having to chase invoices that were being ignored for months. You can't make people pay, but you can certainly hound them... but that takes time and energy! lol! Thanks for checking this out, Fyn the cat! ~ Mark
Hi Mark, This feels like such a timely question. I'm doing a similar thing. Looking to give up a very highly paid, very stressful job to give myself the time and opportunity to see if I can take my art further. Physical and mental health can't stand up to what is being forced in my current occupation. Art is an escape at the moment. Such a difficult discussion. Thanks for the insight and sharing your personal journey.
You're welcome, Cat Fitz, and I can certainly appreciate your perspective. Whether it's an Olympic athlete stepping away for health reasons or an executive stepping away from a large corporate role to spend more time at home, we all have our limitations and if we don't embrace them and recognize their bounds, we risk damaging the very things we're trying to work for, be it our health, family, or even the job itself. Cheers and thank you for sharing your insight, as well. ~ Mark
Hi Mark, this was an excellent video and what was needed for sure. I too believe that if something is only dreadful, then it's time for a change. Art is kind of a hobby to me, though it's definitely growing into more, but I have/had (currently changing a career path myself) a day job that pays the bills. It kind of takes the pressure of my back to work on comissions that sometimes can be stressful as you experienced yourself. Thank you so much for sharing your experience in the design world. Btw your sketchbook piece is great, I loved how you used this pretty shade of blue and it got better when you added the layers of yellow and other colours. That was very enjoyable to watch. :) Have a great day and stay safe!
Thank you so much, Lana! I value your feedback tremendously! I'm always happy when a subject I discuss finds relevance with others, validating why I do this at all. It's something I toiled over in the past few months. Of course, thank you for the generous words about the piece. It was just for fun, as almost always is, but it's nice when someone recognizes it and can appreciate it. All is well, here, and it's a treat when you check in. Thank you! ~ Mark
Hey Mark so happy to see your video pop up on my feed! As usual you didn’t disappoint, you dazzled my eyes while you tickled my brain! Lots of food for thought in this one. ❤️
In my experience, the only way to get out of the rut other than quitting is to get a mentor. I'm pushing thirty and trying to become a graphic designer, I get some jobs but my work is satisfactory at best, there's no way I can become any good just muddling through on my own in the very few hours that are free from trying to keep the electricity on.
Also the custodial jobs I've had were the most exhausting and rage-inducing thing in my life, so if you're jealous of the cleaning lady something is very wrong indeed haha
Thanks for your thoughtful feedback, em_m! It's funny, but my envy of the custodial staff is that it's a job that has specific duties to be done within specific hours, and they rarely take work home with them. I know this because in my younger years I worked as a custodian for a glue manufacturing company and yes - there were moments of despair (like having to paint a huge warehouse wall using a spray gun and a cherry-picker... took weeks and it was sheer frustration). I could actually see myself being a custodian when I'm older because it's an incredibly respectable job that, for people who like satisfaction in cleaning, can be so rewarding. But, to your point, I think the idea of getting a mentor is fantastic! Aligning ourselves with someone we admire can have such huge advantages. I remember also when I was young, taking an unpaid internship with a successful photographer. I learned so much about his craft, but also about how to deal with clients, models, and setting up the staging for a shoot (lighting, styling elements, etc.). Such valuable experience, despite the lack of a paycheck! lol! CHeers! ~ Mark
So glad to see a new video from you! I was looking up Inktober type videos, and remember your on the subject were great and that’s when i started watching your videos. But that was only a starting point to watch what you had to say. I so enjoy listening to your perspectives on art matters while watching you create a piece. The topic evolves and the image involves and both come together. Please keep making your videos; they’re really great!❤️
Mark, so happy you are back !
Thank you so much, Kate! Glad to be back! :)
i needed to hear this and i will listen to it again. TY for the video.
Really great subject; thank you for putting this together.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Miranda Watson - Alkali Creek Art. I appreciate your feedback! :)
Glad to see you back.
Tfs.
Thank you so much, Jr M! I appreciate that!
So much good information! Thanks for sharing your experiences with art and graphic artist! I can relate with the challenge of trying to find out what path is right for myself! Life balance many times makes this all even harder. Its interesting how different the "right" path sometimes looks as we grow and get older :)
Thank you (: I needed to hear this.
So awesome, Tukkar! Thanks for letting me know this.
Thank you for sharing
I appreciate you taking your time to check this one out, Linda Thaxton! Thank you and thanks for your kind words.
I found this very interesting and am so glad you took the time to share this with us. I didn't pursue an education or career in art because it wasn't encouraged back in my day. We always heard the expression "starving artist" and my parents did not show interest in or encourage my art. So my career options/choices were made on the skills I had acquired in high school and later college courses. Did I love what I did? No, but there were always jobs in my field and I took pride in my work and was a hard worker. In my retirement, I am now going back to art in the form of trying watercolours and knitting (which I consider an art). I am struggling with motivation and fear of failure. Once I actually sit myself down at my art desk, I really enjoy it, but know I need to give up the fear of failure and not expect perfectionism (which was required in my career).
First of all, Mary Algar, thank you for checking this one out and leaving your thoughtful feedback! I think I was very fortunate because my parents were like yours and discouraged me from a pursuit in art, and pushed me to take courses in computer science - a field I wanted nothing to do with. If it weren't for my high school art teacher stepping in and convincing my parents I should go to art school, I don't think I'd be here, right now, doing what I do. As for your retirement (congratulations, by the way!), this is the time where you get to explore your creative spirit without fear or apprehension. You're not out to impress anyone, but rather immerse into your own spirit and find that experience that makes you feel - really _feel_ - that connection to the creative energy that is all around us. If you're not sure what to do or apprehensive, then just try simply swatching or try some practice techniques, like gradients, layering, or laying washes. Whatever you do, it will make you feel really good! No perfectionism needed, ever! lol! Thank you again and be well! ~ Mark
Great advice! A change is as good as a rest :-)
So, true, V Dyson! And lord knows I love a good nap! lol! Cheers! ~ Mark
I was working in a computer and printing shop before, and it was a torture. I love fixing computers, I love printing/copying documents, talking to customers, being honest with them and get their problem solved, but the owner of the shop is one big hypocrite goblin to deal with. After five years of working there, I start to swear to myself as I wake up. One day, that thing ordered me to pack parcels which it's not something I want to do as a job, so I decided to quit. I cried as I arrived at home because I was the only bread winner in the house. Good thing that my mother didn't mind and introduce me to the nearby convenient store. The same thing happens, the same goblin with different appearance but scream louder than the computer shop one. Just one month and either my body or my mental health sunk so bad that my whole body is in pain and the goblin put on the sweet words about how painful I looked before fired me. I'm pretty sure it's because goblin no.2 don't like that I'm not obedient to her, told goblin no.1 to fired me, but I'll never know. Now I worked in my house, a computer shop printing and copying service it's not the best, and it's crumbling just like the entire country, but I got no idea what to do for a living neither. I start drawing anime characters because It's something I wanted to do for a long time, and there might be a way to make money out of it, but It was hard. It's a fight every time I tell myself to draw. My draw is not as bad as I was beginning, but I struggled every time to get myself drawing. I know in the back of my head that to be better at drawing is to draw, but It's harder to swallow than when it's about video games or learning English. Still, I'm rather dealing with myself than those goblins that kept pushing my buttons every day.
This made me a little sad. I'm not sure why.
Curious, Garrin Riggin, as to why it might make you feel sad? Perhaps the idea that pursuing something we love might not last forever or that change is often inevitable? For me, it's something I learned with age. That after so many unexpected pitfalls and road blocks, life is something that must be taken in stride and never underestimated. Like the ocean that can look so calm and inviting, knowing that it can change and become violent and destructive is nature at its most humbling. Sadness turns to understanding and understanding turns to wisdom. A sublime wisdom that can't be bought, but only earned. Cheers and hope you're feeling less sad. ~ Mark