Thank?? YOU??? I thought i was the only one??? I want to paint landscapes AND draw characters and start an art business, but also try freelance copywriting AND write a novel. And im not crazy!! Thank you!!
So many creatives are multi-passionate. For people who are similar, it can be isolating. It is good to hear the personal and creative struggles from someone else's perspective, even if it is a stranger on line. You approached this is a nice way and I appreciate it.
I feel like I need to re-watch this video several times a year. This describes me to a frightening degree. lol Thanks for posting this video! It's was very helpful and inspiring!
I have hobby of, electronic, woodworking, metalworking, gardening/plants collecting, aquarium fish shrimps and plants keeping/collecting, microbiology, 3D design and 3D printing, calligraphy, watercolor, drawing, ect I mostly just choose what pulls me the most, or needed the most in the time.
There is a problem with pursuing one thing. If it falls through, you are done. Sometimes people do not have anything else. They lose everything. It can be financial or passion. I think being multi-passionate is amazing! I celebrate mine. I do not get bored. Am I as good as others? Nope. I'm perfectly fine with that. It's who I am.
I’m a multi-hyphenate & have struggled pretty much all of my adult life (I’m 47 years old). I’m just getting to a point where I’m embracing it without shame. Thanks for this video❤
Oh, yes! I have always been in the middle of many things and have learned to put things away for a season because know I will be picking it up again. At one point my husband thought I needed to choose my thing, what with being the mom of four and having health difficulties but that only lasted a short time and I was back in it all! He has always been supportive, realizing that I was an artist long before I allowed myself the label. Now 76, I still have a lot to do!
I am so grateful I discovered your channel and signed up for your newsletter. I am 67 and practice in many creative areas. I handled this in my youth by getting a factory job and staying there for 45 years. Ugh. Now that I am retired I am finally realizing my creative dreams in art, writing and illustrating books, making short films, music, printmaking, and glass engraving. Luckily, I do not have the added pressure of needing income from my work. But I am "stalled" on a book I am working on and have been a bit depressed over my isolation - because I never seem to fit in anywhere socially. I think I blame myself for this - rather than focusing instead on all my creative gifts and being grateful for them and all the time & space I have been given to explore them. So, THANK YOU SO MUCH for reminding me of all that is good about being who I am. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Maybe start teaching some of your skills or joining local community classes or meetups with like minded people there are a ton of Facebook groups you can join for free. My sister suggested to me when I started writing- when you have a writer's blook about one story just start writing anything and everything, start a different one, a short story a poem, take notes anything to get the juices flowing and seek out inspiration. It'll come don't let things get you down. Don't beat yourself up over it. Things take time.
Your videos have been really resonating with me, as a fellow multi-passionate artist. This is something I've been really struggling with lately and it's affecting my creativity. Thanks for validating that I'm not the only one who does this.
Thank you! Thank you! I am a multi-passionate who often feels guilty and silly for having so many interests. You normalized it for me. You also dispelled a common belief of my mine that I have to monetize all of my passions in order to make it “worth it” or validate the time and money I spend on them. It puts so much pressure on my craft to always be thinking about how to sell and make money. It takes the joy out of it in many ways. Anyway, thank you again for naming and normalizing all of this.
I can't thank you enough for this video. I'm so desperate to make a living from my art and I'm getting so confused and overwhelmed for over a year now. I forgot how to just enjoy creating and not be pressured to earn from it. I've spent a lot in online courses on how to sell my service but only left more confused. I was looking for a follow along blueprint but I guess as artists there's no exact formula to do that.
I love drawing, sculpting , sewing ,fashion illustration,graphic design , digital painting, photography, interior design and the list goes on lol , the first time I hear about this topic and something clicked thank you for sharing
This is me in the last 2 years as I finally started doing something about my passion for art and I really dont know what to do, but I want to make it work and make art my job, my passion and really make it out there. But I am frozen, disappointed that I am not as good as the others. This is so relatable.
This video somehow randomly appeared on the feed and with every sentence you said, my surprise was replaced by hearty laughter. I know there are plenty of people in the world who have multiple passions, but I didn't think, there is someone like me, who have an inner conflict about which thing to priorities. It was as if you were speaking my thoughts, my inner process. Great Video! I'm curious to see how your 'multiple passions adventure' continues. 😍
I relate to this 100%! This perfectly describes the challenges, benefits, and thoughts behind the experience of being a multi-passionate. I combine my many interests into my videos and sometimes feel discouraged that they take so long because there are so many moving parts I want to include, like making the music in them. This is a great reminder that it's fine for those passions to be hobbies and not spend life stressing about how I should monetize them (I design for clients for a living so can express facets of creativity that way and experiment in my own time!)
This is something I struggle with and I recently discovered I am ADHD. I am sure this is a typical adhd trait. Focused on too many things and feeling behind everyone else. Thanks for sharing tour experience xxx
I resemble so so many remarks that you have brought forward in this video. I mostly work with acrylics, painting in a realistic style... I etch custom commissioned artwork on black granite monuments for different monument companies and private individuals, etching everything from portraits to animals to landscapes to anything that peaks someone’s interest.. I also make collectible vintage wooden trucks on the style similar to the old Model A’s in detail with company logos etc. I’ve wondered many times if I should stick to just one passion... Your post gave me some great insight.. I think part of of what I am seeing is the fact that I’m doing too much commissioned work, instead of doing subjects that I want to paint or etch or whatever. I’m at the age now that I need the satisfaction of doing what I WANT TO DO and enjoy it, rather than the pressure and deadlines brought on by commissioned artwork. If it sells ok and if it doesn’t sell that’s ok too, at least I would be much more relaxed and satisfied.
Well, I feel like the algorithm highjacked my brain. ;) Thank you for this. I have been a million things, artist, baker, mom, business owner, writer, not to even get into all the "regular" jobs I've had. I have skills in many areas but expertise in none.
I really appreciate this! I am very much multi-passionate as well, and the truth I’ve been struggling to accept is that a UA-cam channel is probably the best (and possibly the only) way to incorporate the things I love together. It feels really “late in the game” to start attempting a UA-cam channel and like I’ll never being able to support myself on my art, but I also feel like I’m good at too much to let myself stagnate in customer service, updating an etsy shop once every 4 months. This was really encouraging, and I’m glad you’re sharing your journey this way!
Thank you SO MUCH for this video, Louise! This has been a lifelong dilemma for me!!! Being torn in all directions, without a single focus, feels so scattershot. I do get bored to tears or burned out just staying on one track yet have felt so envious of those who knew the ONE thing they were born to do - sometimes as early as 2 😂 - and excelled at it! It truly helped knowing that we don't have to fight how God designed us to be, that our multiple passions do amplify each other when combined! And that no single thing has to be a lifelong commitment, that we have seasons and phases. What we create can actually build on each other. Our perceived weakness can actually be turned into an advantage. And thank you for reminding us not to beat ourselves up but to actually just enjoy whatever we are creating at the moment! God bless you and all your endeavors always 🙏🙏🙏
Fantastic video. I bet everyone here resonates with this dilemma. Project scope is a "personal demon" we all should tame. As you said, combining passions into one is one of the BEST pieces of advice. My answer was game development because I love visual storytelling, character-driven stories, cinematography, and writing (in my language). Slow progress... As a professional artist, my passion is graphic novels; but as a hobbyist game developer, my passion is third-person shooters. Couldn't choose one, so I did everything. And now, I'm very old because I've been spending a long time working for publishers and not on my projects. My true passion, my creator-owner projects, stayed in the background. I've only finished my first graphic novel based on my IP this year, even with me drawing over 400 pages for publishers and clients during this decade. But working for others taught me how to develop an IP from scratch, ANY kind of IP. (P.S.: I've been drawing since I was 5. I drew buildings in perspective at 6. Never was a genius, but I've been drawing since forever and still feel I'm bad at what I do. Even as a pro. Don't know. I just feel like that).
I can’t tell you how much this resonates with me! I’m a 70 year old multi passionate creative. At some points in my life I’ve been able to focus on one thing and be successful with it possibly through the incentive to survive. I’ve paid my dues, worked full-time, created full time and now I’m lucky enough to be able to scrape by without having to make too much money from my creative work. But now the pandoras box of ideas and passions is wide open! I’m trying to decide which things to focus on. It does feel like a curse sometimes but its also what gives me joy. I’ll keep working on it but in the meantime, it’s nice to know there are so many others out there with the same ‘problem’ - thank you for taking time to talk about it.
Thank you for this beautiful video and your words of absolute wisdom. I have beat myself up for years for going from one thing to the next and back again (also, thanks, ADHD! LOL!) I love so many things, and am sooo grateful too, but I’ve felt hindered because it feels like I’ll never get to do every single thing I want to do before I die! But instead of letting it hinder me, I’m just going to enjoy every moment and the journey. It’s a beautiful journey. Thank you. You’re amazing. ❤
Great advice. We hear so much about 'finding your niche', 'becoming an expert in it' and then 'dominating your niche'. This makes us believe that we fail when we're not world famous. But, as you say, creativity can also be enjoyed as a hobby, a sidejob or slowly growing business. No stress, that's essential.
This was a great video Louise! Since I do like doing illustrations, sculpture, zines and comics, fiber/felt art and animation. You gave really good advice which I appreciate since when I’ll start my UA-cam I hope to combine my interests into my channel.
I totally agree. Over the last year I've developed fibromyalgia and Im struggling to continue in my "chosen career" as a nurse. Its terrifying and really hard, but in some ways it's kind of freeing to let go of that hard push and spend more time doing the things I love like painting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your painting. I really loved watching the layers of the tail and flight feathers build up.
So encouraging! I’ve been multipassionate since I was a child. It’s challenging to never be satisfied with one career, especially since most people don’t understand why I can’t stick to one thing like they can. You verbalize this experience so well and the insight from this video has given me inspiration and calmness. 🙏
Really amazing. The idea of “niche” can really be harmful for a creative. It caused me to abandon a lot of the passions I have. But now I am challenging that idea and am doing what you are suggesting, finding out how my passions can work together. It gives me renewed purpose. Thank you Louise!
Thank you... ive always got many ideas and plans that then confuse me so i never persue any of them. Thank you for sharing your experience, food for thought.
Louis, just to see the first seconds of this video already brought me peace in the middle of my inner conflict in my mind. Such a beautiful way to show your amazing gift (one of them) and share valuable information for multi-passion people like me. I started at 4 years old self-learning piano, then drawing, then sculpting (specially angels so I love your wings :) ) then went into the system and learn business management, and came back to music, then cooking, then move to another country, became General Manager, and then back to office for years but I was dying..getting dry without the creativity output in my life. Then, because of pain, I was able to re-invent myself. Started to integrating passions and has been a wonderful experience. Just struggling now with my career and searching for a way to improve my finances. So, I started to find some lights and found you :) Thank you so much! There is so much to share about this topic of multiple passions, multipotentialites, etc. I think/feel there is a hidden power we haven't tap yet. I just know the people of this era need us too. Best wishes always!
ive always wanted to put out gaming videos, and beats/music on another channel but i always feared if i could balance it and keep people engaged, not to mention I wanna sell art and make a video game one day too lmao. great video tho! very insightful
As you said being multi-passionate is a blessing and personally wouldn't have it the other way and have leant to manage the guilt when focusing more on one thing and ignoring others for short periods and trying to banish self doubt and for me could not live any other way... Thank you for sharing
Yess, Louis. I don't think I've ever heard anyone talk about being a multipassionate creative before-and you laid out your points so, so beautifully and without wasting any time. One can tell you're a writer indeed. I'm so happy to have stumbled into you and your work. ❤️🙏
I'm just like that. :D Like you said, I do many things and the only thing I'm happy to do as my job, is being self employed artisan. I do not have much money, and I don't want to have either, just the money to survive. Anyways, I don't need expencive holidays from my work, my work is so fulfilling, I usually don't take many days off. Also, I am aproaching being 50, so my whole life have been like this, and I'm still enjoying every moment, and still learning new skills.
Exactly everything you said is absolutely true, I needed this guidance much, I'm 23 now and...I also have this multi passionate disorder issue!!! But now there r many things I want to do at time, but I end up getting disappointed and overwhelmed!!!! But now I'm trying to just focus on a single task that I'll love to do throughout my whole Life 🤍🌻... I'm still deciding that thing 😹!!!
Yes let’s call this a disorder that way all the UA-camrs might draw attention to it and change the school systems with accommodations and guidance for us confused people 🤣 (JUST KIDDING someone’s going to try to medicate us for being creative visionaries 😆)
Love this!! I love the reminder that being creative is a gift and focusing on that is so much more important than focusing on the things that we don't have.
UA-cam algorithm knows me better than I do. It introduced you in such a casual way... I watched less than half, and like it! What a refreshing, so divergent philosophy! And what a talent you have! Love your bird & everything in your video. Thank you so much from Mexico City, Louise!
What a wonderful reflection of a lovely multi-faceted, multi-dimensional creator. Deeply grateful for this offering at a time in my life when it resonates so deeply and is needed most. Much appreciated! 🙏🏾
This video has been a big help by the way, way more than you know. I never thought about combining multiple passions or turning passions into projects so I'm not just "ooh I'll study codying" "anyway now I'm drawing dogs" "oo now I'm collecting books"... It seems like something so obvious but I've never heard it from anyone else.
I have so many interests - your message is so important for people who love to learn. Do what you love and eventually your generalist approach will add up
Thank you Louise. I listen to this video as an affirmation and meditation. It has moved me forward. Thank you for your clarity and practicality. Specificity and identifying your skills. Time, focus, ok to go through many changes. It helped me know that I am truly ok and I have more to offer than I thought. Shutting down self sabotage, all scary words and you put this perspective gliding through without shame omg! A great way to showcase the artists ability to heal ourselves, each other and many. Pure HOPE for this Artist. Thank you deeply, Continued success for you!
This resonates big time. Thank you for sharing this and for talking about all your passions. WOW. I just found your channel today and I love your honesty and soothing voice. EVERYTHING about your channel is so on point and so you. I think you could easily add personal brand consulting for artists. I’m in many groups where I see people with incredible talent who do not have the beautiful mix of audio/visual skills and the sensitivity to understand how to create an attractive brand. You’ve nailed it! All your skills indeed “amplified when combined.” A regular brand “marketer” doesn’t have the sensitivity to pull off a brand with soul the way you have. You’d be AWESOME as an artist’s brand consultant!! Another stream of income. 💛
Oh Louise, I am so so thankful for all your words and thoughts in this video. It could just be my story. You are giving hope to me in how not to get too depressed and how to handle respectivle juggle all my different interests and passions. Good to know that there are kindred souls out there. Regards D.
You've really put everything I think about in just the way I wanted to say it but it never got spoken, I'm also a multi-passionate, I'm an artist (I draw portraits), I'm a software engineer and I love coding, I'm also a designer (I design websites, social media posts, anything), I'm also an aspiring writer ( I love writing and my dream is to write so many books), I'm also obssessed with psychology and neuroscience (when I was a child my dream job was to be a psychiatrist). And based on my experience, I figured out that all these passions I have are connected somehow and shape who I'm as a person, for example in my UI/UX design career I found psychology plays a huge impact on designing good digital experiences. So basically I really try to follow all my interests and exploring myself along the way because actually sticking to one thing is what hurts me the most.
“No detours, no distractions” Aw man yes! I felt this for a long time until I pursued music but even if I “chose” something. I still get pulled into monetizing or trying to make a career out of my many hobbies.
I have needed this video and your words…. So badly. I am so hard on myself for doing so many things and narrowing down on one thing. Luckily, I’m capable to do them well and make a living on them, but I feel so scattered at times. Your words are perfect for me. Thank you!!!!
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for this! I have been stifled for decades by my multi passionate life. Art, music, photography, magic (the conjuring type), I felt paralysed by it all. This has been such a breath of fresh air to hear this. I am fed up of people telling me to quit things, I just can't do it. This has really helped. I thought I was on my own with this. Thank you so much!
I agree with everything you said, twinning feelings about it all. I struggle up and down with just putting my art and self out there, because I'd rather be making art all day, not admin business stuff 😂
Wow! The synchronicity I'm experiencing finding this video is unbelievable...(!?) I quit my job of 20 years as a librarian to pursue my REAL passion as a musician. The two professions were never compatible and I had to make a choice. That one was easy...but I have other loves too! I'm a nature freak and I paint and draw, but have never had the chance to study. Currently I'm supplementing a small pension playing music (I need the money!) and this spring I have been offered the opportunity to sell my art in a local gallery . People seem to love my art as much as my music, it seems, but I feel split trying to juggle both! With the art I feel like an imposter not having had any proper instruction...but here I go! In between rehearsals and gigs I'm putting together my art show. ( love birds too,) and while I paint I listen to rehearsal material for my band. My father was a musician all his life and he loved to paint too, but was always on the road. He always told me I should have more than one passion in case music didn't sustain me. (It's a fickle business!) Still trying to integrate all this! I needed to hear your video. Thank you so much!
Dear Louise, Listening to you is definitely calming and inspiring! So many wisdom nuggets! I'm so happy I came across your channel, it's like the voice I was craving! Thank you, Simone.
Thank you. I've been working on an intellectual archeology or anthropology project using my journals over the decades. Pondering the Substack route. I'm also a photographer and trading myself to paint. Your video was very inspiring to me.
I can't thank you enough for this video. You perfectly articulated the struggle I've had for years in a way I haven't been able to. I'm going to use this video to show friends and family anytime the ask why I've "given up on X? You're so good at it!"
I am definitely in an experimental phase of trying to make all my interests work. Recently though, a friend of mine (a poet and dancer) posted on her many interests as well and said that she understood that she has all of them but sometimes she'd be doing one thing and sometimes another more and that was ok, from then i understood something. After that of course I had a creative crash of sorts, and in that time i listed my interests and decided to go with the flow, and like you, find ways in which my interests could work together and fun ways of exploring them.
Thank you so much for this. For the past couple of years I've been learning what works for me and what doesn't - it's a process that is sometimes so very frustrating. Mostly because I'd love to move faster towards my goals. Coming to terms with the fact that I don't excel in focusing on just one thing for a long periods of time...is still in process :D
Yes being creative on multiple levels is very distracting. 😂 For me I was writing music, singing, acting, crafting, developing my own photographic style, writing poetry, teaching workshops and lately I'm obsessed with visual art and also just about to launch a creative online project. I love setting challenges and launching head first into a project. Creativity is always such a precious gift and the various skills are mutually enriching.
I've been binge watching your videos and it resonate so strongly! I've been painting more often lately, but I can't find my niche since I like and do all sorts of things, but maybe that's just who I am and that's what makes me, me! Thanks for the inspiration, I've subscribed and can't wait to watch more of your content!
Everything about this hit _so hard_. I am 47 and only now figuring my true creative self? identity? out. Making many lists and asking myself questions about what I am really, really passionate about -- as opposed to just interested -- helps immensely. I also keep lists of projects I'm working on (all 5000 of them) and where my progress is. I am not a list maker, except for these, and they are always ready for me to refer back to when I feel like I'm stuck in a creative blizzard. It also helps me see that, as diverse and unrelated as they look up close, from a distance my multi-[x]s link together beautifully. Doesn't solve the problem of how to "niche" myself, but maybe I don't care. Like yourself, I've spent my whole life separating myself into parts to please a particular audience, and I'm not interested in only being a piece of me anymore. Art is supposed to add to your existence, not take away from it. Thank you for making this video.
You re so thoughtful and introspective. I find what you have to say very interesting, so yes, I became a subscriber. Thank you for sharing yourself and your thoughts.
I have been finding constant shifting of styles the most frustrating and heart breaking thing for years... im tryimg tk embrace it. It is a help to hewr others struggle with this too. Ots frustrating because art is the one constant that got me through things in life. Then the jounrey in art itself becomes a struggle..then i feel guilty as its not third world problems and i should vbe grateful.. i have to go gently . Its a tough one
I've always felt like i like to many things and i felt like i HAVE to choose one and discovering this video is making me feel like its okay to not be passionate about just one thing. I can breath better.😂
I have found the development of various creative interests only enhances the whole. The disciplines used to learn one skill have application in other areas of life and creative interests. No curse.
Honestly I didn't know this was a legit thing and thought I was just too scatter brained to really commit to one hobby. I figured I was just flakey but it's more than that, I have a joie de vivre and want to do and learn ALL the things that I find intriguing before my time is up. Fomo Yolo kind of thing? Lol Glad to know it's not just me.
Thanks for these words,(musician/writer/graphite), the way you speak about it, sometimes seems like you are reassuring yourself but I completely understand what you are saying and have felt and agree with every word, even the 'you know what? I'm just gonna play' part. It helps it to be more real when someone else says it though. Ps your voice is very soothing(I mean that with respect).
Thanks for this, it helped me breathe a sigh of relief! Photography has always been my main thing (and sometimes a career), but I've always dabbled in various forms of art. In the past I've noticed that trying to focus only on the photography sometimes cramped my creativity and I'd get stuck, and by moving on to painting or drawing for a bit would help get creativity flowing again. Glad I found your channel, some great thoughts!
So weird to hear you describing what has been so confusing so many times in my life ! Especially when you are multi passionate AND perfectionist!! Then it can be hell, really, to adapt to each new context where everybody is obviously here for many years and therefore more skilled... But I agree on the bright side of this particular feature of us: all these skills reveal themselves helpful at each new project, when there is not everything to learn from scratch. Thanks for sharing, I've been a little down because of this lately, which is new for me cause I was rather proud of having started from scratch so many times before. Now it seems it's getting more tiring and frustrating, maybe because I'm getting older and people my age are A LOT more skilled of course, after sometimes 20 years of experience!! Courage to all :-)
Yes, to all of this! Only I became a children’s and teen librarian, so I can create library programs around all of my passions and share them with the kids. It’s the best decision I ever made, because my multiple passions are an asset in my work.
I think each person has to find the right balance between change and stability. Even changing continuously it may become a symptom of a personal disease. The middle way - as Buddha said- it’s always the right one. Even if that “middle ground” is a different combination of elements for each person on the Earth.
I do embroidery, watercolour, gouache, acrylic, line and wash, alcohol ink, linocut, digital art, illustration and collage - honestly it’s just too much and once I start to get better at one I move onto another - it’s very expensive and hinders my progression. I go back and forth constantly.
Another great video. I feel the same way about multiple creative avenues. Lol. I’m an artist, author, publisher and UA-camr!! Ugh lol. But I love it and I hope I can inspire on my journey. 🙏🏻
Dear Louise, thank you for this thoughtful and beautiful video. Could you please share the information about the pencil you are using in this video? It looks interesting and convenient due to the big lead.
Thank?? YOU??? I thought i was the only one??? I want to paint landscapes AND draw characters and start an art business, but also try freelance copywriting AND write a novel. And im not crazy!! Thank you!!
So many creatives are multi-passionate. For people who are similar, it can be isolating. It is good to hear the personal and creative struggles from someone else's perspective, even if it is a stranger on line. You approached this is a nice way and I appreciate it.
I feel like I need to re-watch this video several times a year. This describes me to a frightening degree. lol Thanks for posting this video! It's was very helpful and inspiring!
I have hobby of, electronic, woodworking, metalworking, gardening/plants collecting, aquarium fish shrimps and plants keeping/collecting, microbiology, 3D design and 3D printing, calligraphy, watercolor, drawing, ect I mostly just choose what pulls me the most, or needed the most in the time.
Beautiful bird 😍🐦👌💖🌹🌹🌹💞🍀you ar awesome 💝
There is a problem with pursuing one thing. If it falls through, you are done. Sometimes people do not have anything else. They lose everything. It can be financial or passion. I think being multi-passionate is amazing! I celebrate mine. I do not get bored. Am I as good as others? Nope. I'm perfectly fine with that. It's who I am.
I’m a multi-hyphenate & have struggled pretty much all of my adult life (I’m 47 years old). I’m just getting to a point where I’m embracing it without shame. Thanks for this video❤
Oh, yes! I have always been in the middle of many things and have learned to put things away for a season because know I will be picking it up again. At one point my husband thought I needed to choose my thing, what with being the mom of four and having health difficulties but that only lasted a short time and I was back in it all! He has always been supportive, realizing that I was an artist long before I allowed myself the label. Now 76, I still have a lot to do!
Good for you!!
lol u sound like my Mom. She is living her best life at 74 and has gone back to school. I’m so proud of her. And you as well.
@@TammiMorrison Kudos to your mom! We might not look like a 25-year-old but we still think like that! LOL!
@@katpaints you guys inspire me.
I am so grateful I discovered your channel and signed up for your newsletter. I am 67 and practice in many creative areas. I handled this in my youth by getting a factory job and staying there for 45 years. Ugh. Now that I am retired I am finally realizing my creative dreams in art, writing and illustrating books, making short films, music, printmaking, and glass engraving. Luckily, I do not have the added pressure of needing income from my work. But I am "stalled" on a book I am working on and have been a bit depressed over my isolation - because I never seem to fit in anywhere socially. I think I blame myself for this - rather than focusing instead on all my creative gifts and being grateful for them and all the time & space I have been given to explore them. So, THANK YOU SO MUCH for reminding me of all that is good about being who I am. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Maybe start teaching some of your skills or joining local community classes or meetups with like minded people there are a ton of Facebook groups you can join for free. My sister suggested to me when I started writing- when you have a writer's blook about one story just start writing anything and everything, start a different one, a short story a poem, take notes anything to get the juices flowing and seek out inspiration. It'll come don't let things get you down. Don't beat yourself up over it. Things take time.
Your videos have been really resonating with me, as a fellow multi-passionate artist. This is something I've been really struggling with lately and it's affecting my creativity. Thanks for validating that I'm not the only one who does this.
Thank you! Thank you! I am a multi-passionate who often feels guilty and silly for having so many interests. You normalized it for me. You also dispelled a common belief of my mine that I have to monetize all of my passions in order to make it “worth it” or validate the time and money I spend on them. It puts so much pressure on my craft to always be thinking about how to sell and make money. It takes the joy out of it in many ways. Anyway, thank you again for naming and normalizing all of this.
I can't thank you enough for this video. I'm so desperate to make a living from my art and I'm getting so confused and overwhelmed for over a year now. I forgot how to just enjoy creating and not be pressured to earn from it. I've spent a lot in online courses on how to sell my service but only left more confused. I was looking for a follow along blueprint but I guess as artists there's no exact formula to do that.
I love drawing, sculpting , sewing ,fashion illustration,graphic design , digital painting, photography, interior design and the list goes on lol , the first time I hear about this topic and something clicked thank you for sharing
This is me in the last 2 years as I finally started doing something about my passion for art and I really dont know what to do, but I want to make it work and make art my job, my passion and really make it out there. But I am frozen, disappointed that I am not as good as the others. This is so relatable.
This video somehow randomly appeared on the feed and with every sentence you said, my surprise was replaced by hearty laughter. I know there are plenty of people in the world who have multiple passions, but I didn't think, there is someone like me, who have an inner conflict about which thing to priorities. It was as if you were speaking my thoughts, my inner process. Great Video! I'm curious to see how your 'multiple passions adventure' continues. 😍
I relate to this 100%! This perfectly describes the challenges, benefits, and thoughts behind the experience of being a multi-passionate. I combine my many interests into my videos and sometimes feel discouraged that they take so long because there are so many moving parts I want to include, like making the music in them. This is a great reminder that it's fine for those passions to be hobbies and not spend life stressing about how I should monetize them (I design for clients for a living so can express facets of creativity that way and experiment in my own time!)
This is something I struggle with and I recently discovered I am ADHD. I am sure this is a typical adhd trait. Focused on too many things and feeling behind everyone else. Thanks for sharing tour experience xxx
I resemble so so many remarks that you have brought forward in this video. I mostly work with acrylics, painting in a realistic style... I etch custom commissioned artwork on black granite monuments for different monument companies and private individuals, etching everything from portraits to animals to landscapes to anything that peaks someone’s interest.. I also make collectible vintage wooden trucks on the style similar to the old Model A’s in detail with company logos etc.
I’ve wondered many times if I should stick to just one passion... Your post gave me some great insight.. I think part of of what I am seeing is the fact that I’m doing too much commissioned work, instead of doing subjects that I want to paint or etch or whatever.
I’m at the age now that I need the satisfaction of doing what I WANT TO DO and enjoy it, rather than the pressure and deadlines brought on by commissioned artwork. If it sells ok and if it doesn’t sell that’s ok too, at least I would be much more relaxed and satisfied.
Well, I feel like the algorithm highjacked my brain. ;) Thank you for this. I have been a million things, artist, baker, mom, business owner, writer, not to even get into all the "regular" jobs I've had. I have skills in many areas but expertise in none.
I really appreciate this! I am very much multi-passionate as well, and the truth I’ve been struggling to accept is that a UA-cam channel is probably the best (and possibly the only) way to incorporate the things I love together. It feels really “late in the game” to start attempting a UA-cam channel and like I’ll never being able to support myself on my art, but I also feel like I’m good at too much to let myself stagnate in customer service, updating an etsy shop once every 4 months. This was really encouraging, and I’m glad you’re sharing your journey this way!
How dull must life be for a mono-passionate person!
I love your sparrow! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you SO MUCH for this video, Louise! This has been a lifelong dilemma for me!!! Being torn in all directions, without a single focus, feels so scattershot. I do get bored to tears or burned out just staying on one track yet have felt so envious of those who knew the ONE thing they were born to do - sometimes as early as 2 😂 - and excelled at it! It truly helped knowing that we don't have to fight how God designed us to be, that our multiple passions do amplify each other when combined! And that no single thing has to be a lifelong commitment, that we have seasons and phases. What we create can actually build on each other. Our perceived weakness can actually be turned into an advantage. And thank you for reminding us not to beat ourselves up but to actually just enjoy whatever we are creating at the moment! God bless you and all your endeavors always 🙏🙏🙏
Fantastic video. I bet everyone here resonates with this dilemma. Project scope is a "personal demon" we all should tame. As you said, combining passions into one is one of the BEST pieces of advice. My answer was game development because I love visual storytelling, character-driven stories, cinematography, and writing (in my language).
Slow progress... As a professional artist, my passion is graphic novels; but as a hobbyist game developer, my passion is third-person shooters. Couldn't choose one, so I did everything. And now, I'm very old because I've been spending a long time working for publishers and not on my projects. My true passion, my creator-owner projects, stayed in the background. I've only finished my first graphic novel based on my IP this year, even with me drawing over 400 pages for publishers and clients during this decade. But working for others taught me how to develop an IP from scratch, ANY kind of IP.
(P.S.: I've been drawing since I was 5. I drew buildings in perspective at 6. Never was a genius, but I've been drawing since forever and still feel I'm bad at what I do. Even as a pro. Don't know. I just feel like that).
I absolutely relate to all the things you said. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Thanks a lot for this ❤ subscribed
I can’t tell you how much this resonates with me! I’m a 70 year old multi passionate creative. At some points in my life I’ve been able to focus on one thing and be successful with it possibly through the incentive to survive. I’ve paid my dues, worked full-time, created full time and now I’m lucky enough to be able to scrape by without having to make too much money from my creative work. But now the pandoras box of ideas and passions is wide open! I’m trying to decide which things to focus on. It does feel like a curse sometimes but its also what gives me joy. I’ll keep working on it but in the meantime, it’s nice to know there are so many others out there with the same ‘problem’ - thank you for taking time to talk about it.
Thank you for this beautiful video and your words of absolute wisdom. I have beat myself up for years for going from one thing to the next and back again (also, thanks, ADHD! LOL!) I love so many things, and am sooo grateful too, but I’ve felt hindered because it feels like I’ll never get to do every single thing I want to do before I die! But instead of letting it hinder me, I’m just going to enjoy every moment and the journey. It’s a beautiful journey. Thank you. You’re amazing. ❤
Great advice. We hear so much about 'finding your niche', 'becoming an expert in it' and then 'dominating your niche'. This makes us believe that we fail when we're not world famous. But, as you say, creativity can also be enjoyed as a hobby, a sidejob or slowly growing business. No stress, that's essential.
This was a great video Louise! Since I do like doing illustrations, sculpture, zines and comics, fiber/felt art and animation. You gave really good advice which I appreciate since when I’ll start my UA-cam I hope to combine my interests into my channel.
I totally agree. Over the last year I've developed fibromyalgia and Im struggling to continue in my "chosen career" as a nurse. Its terrifying and really hard, but in some ways it's kind of freeing to let go of that hard push and spend more time doing the things I love like painting.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your painting. I really loved watching the layers of the tail and flight feathers build up.
So encouraging! I’ve been multipassionate since I was a child. It’s challenging to never be satisfied with one career, especially since most people don’t understand why I can’t stick to one thing like they can. You verbalize this experience so well and the insight from this video has given me inspiration and calmness. 🙏
Really amazing. The idea of “niche” can really be harmful for a creative. It caused me to abandon a lot of the passions I have. But now I am challenging that idea and am doing what you are suggesting, finding out how my passions can work together. It gives me renewed purpose. Thank you Louise!
Thank you... ive always got many ideas and plans that then confuse me so i never persue any of them. Thank you for sharing your experience, food for thought.
Louis, just to see the first seconds of this video already brought me peace in the middle of my inner conflict in my mind. Such a beautiful way to show your amazing gift (one of them) and share valuable information for multi-passion people like me.
I started at 4 years old self-learning piano, then drawing, then sculpting (specially angels so I love your wings :) ) then went into the system and learn business management, and came back to music, then cooking, then move to another country, became General Manager, and then back to office for years but I was dying..getting dry without the creativity output in my life. Then, because of pain, I was able to re-invent myself. Started to integrating passions and has been a wonderful experience.
Just struggling now with my career and searching for a way to improve my finances. So, I started to find some lights and found you :)
Thank you so much!
There is so much to share about this topic of multiple passions, multipotentialites, etc. I think/feel there is a hidden power we haven't tap yet. I just know the people of this era need us too.
Best wishes always!
I love you
ive always wanted to put out gaming videos, and beats/music on another channel but i always feared if i could balance it and keep people engaged, not to mention I wanna sell art and make a video game one day too lmao. great video tho! very insightful
As you said being multi-passionate is a blessing and personally wouldn't have it the other way and have leant to manage the guilt when focusing more on one thing and ignoring others for short periods and trying to banish self doubt and for me could not live any other way... Thank you for sharing
Yess, Louis. I don't think I've ever heard anyone talk about being a multipassionate creative before-and you laid out your points so, so beautifully and without wasting any time. One can tell you're a writer indeed. I'm so happy to have stumbled into you and your work. ❤️🙏
I'm just like that. :D Like you said, I do many things and the only thing I'm happy to do as my job, is being self employed artisan. I do not have much money, and I don't want to have either, just the money to survive. Anyways, I don't need expencive holidays from my work, my work is so fulfilling, I usually don't take many days off. Also, I am aproaching being 50, so my whole life have been like this, and I'm still enjoying every moment, and still learning new skills.
Exactly everything you said is absolutely true, I needed this guidance much, I'm 23 now and...I also have this multi passionate disorder issue!!! But now there r many things I want to do at time, but I end up getting disappointed and overwhelmed!!!! But now I'm trying to just focus on a single task that I'll love to do throughout my whole Life 🤍🌻... I'm still deciding that thing 😹!!!
Yes let’s call this a disorder that way all the UA-camrs might draw attention to it and change the school systems with accommodations and guidance for us confused people 🤣 (JUST KIDDING someone’s going to try to medicate us for being creative visionaries 😆)
Love this!! I love the reminder that being creative is a gift and focusing on that is so much more important than focusing on the things that we don't have.
UA-cam algorithm knows me better than I do. It introduced you in such a casual way... I watched less than half, and like it! What a refreshing, so divergent philosophy! And what a talent you have! Love your bird & everything in your video. Thank you so much from Mexico City, Louise!
What a wonderful reflection of a lovely multi-faceted, multi-dimensional creator. Deeply grateful for this offering at a time in my life when it resonates so deeply and is needed most. Much appreciated! 🙏🏾
I'm 35 and this video spoke so deeply to me! Being this way can feel isolating, I felt like I had a friend listening to you :)
This video has been a big help by the way, way more than you know. I never thought about combining multiple passions or turning passions into projects so I'm not just "ooh I'll study codying" "anyway now I'm drawing dogs" "oo now I'm collecting books"... It seems like something so obvious but I've never heard it from anyone else.
The content of this video, describe me in every single words. Thanks 🫀
This is the video I needed so much lately. Your advice probably will save me. Thank you!
I have so many interests - your message is so important for people who love to learn. Do what you love and eventually your generalist approach will add up
Thank you Louise. I listen to this video as an affirmation and meditation. It has moved me forward. Thank you for your clarity and practicality. Specificity and identifying your skills. Time, focus, ok to go through many changes. It helped me know that I am truly ok and I have more to offer than I thought. Shutting down self sabotage, all scary words and you put this perspective gliding through without shame omg! A great way to showcase the artists ability to heal ourselves, each other and many. Pure HOPE for this Artist.
Thank you deeply,
Continued success for you!
This resonates big time. Thank you for sharing this and for talking about all your passions. WOW. I just found your channel today and I love your honesty and soothing voice. EVERYTHING about your channel is so on point and so you. I think you could easily add personal brand consulting for artists.
I’m in many groups where I see people with incredible talent who do not have the beautiful mix of audio/visual skills and the sensitivity to understand how to create an attractive brand. You’ve nailed it! All your skills indeed “amplified when combined.”
A regular brand “marketer” doesn’t have the sensitivity to pull off a brand with soul the way you have.
You’d be AWESOME as an artist’s brand consultant!! Another stream of income. 💛
This one hit close to home. I'm also a multi passionate creator and at times it gets extremely difficult emotionally and creatively
Oh! Relate SO much! To add to the creative confusion, i love petsitting and that does not give me time to fully follow my arty passions!!!
I am falling in love with your soothing voice. 🥰 Everything you say about being multi-passionate rings true to me. Thanks for the pearls of wisdom. 😊
Oh Louise, I am so so thankful for all your words and thoughts in this video. It could just be my story. You are giving hope to me in how not to get too depressed and how to handle respectivle juggle all my different interests and passions. Good to know that there are kindred souls out there. Regards D.
You've really put everything I think about in just the way I wanted to say it but it never got spoken, I'm also a multi-passionate, I'm an artist (I draw portraits), I'm a software engineer and I love coding, I'm also a designer (I design websites, social media posts, anything), I'm also an aspiring writer ( I love writing and my dream is to write so many books), I'm also obssessed with psychology and neuroscience (when I was a child my dream job was to be a psychiatrist). And based on my experience, I figured out that all these passions I have are connected somehow and shape who I'm as a person, for example in my UI/UX design career I found psychology plays a huge impact on designing good digital experiences. So basically I really try to follow all my interests and exploring myself along the way because actually sticking to one thing is what hurts me the most.
“No detours, no distractions” Aw man yes! I felt this for a long time until I pursued music but even if I “chose” something. I still get pulled into monetizing or trying to make a career out of my many hobbies.
I have needed this video and your words…. So badly. I am so hard on myself for doing so many things and narrowing down on one thing. Luckily, I’m capable to do them well and make a living on them, but I feel so scattered at times. Your words are perfect for me. Thank you!!!!
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for this! I have been stifled for decades by my multi passionate life. Art, music, photography, magic (the conjuring type), I felt paralysed by it all. This has been such a breath of fresh air to hear this. I am fed up of people telling me to quit things, I just can't do it. This has really helped. I thought I was on my own with this. Thank you so much!
I agree with everything you said, twinning feelings about it all. I struggle up and down with just putting my art and self out there, because I'd rather be making art all day, not admin business stuff 😂
Wow! The synchronicity I'm experiencing finding this video is unbelievable...(!?) I quit my job of 20 years as a librarian to pursue my REAL passion as a musician. The two professions were never compatible and I had to make a choice. That one was easy...but I have other loves too! I'm a nature freak and I paint and draw, but have never had the chance to study. Currently I'm supplementing a small pension playing music (I need the money!) and this spring I have been offered the opportunity to sell my art in a local gallery . People seem to love my art as much as my music, it seems, but I feel split trying to juggle both! With the art I feel like an imposter not having had any proper instruction...but here I go! In between rehearsals and gigs I'm putting together my art show. ( love birds too,) and while I paint I listen to rehearsal material for my band. My father was a musician all his life and he loved to paint too, but was always on the road. He always told me I should have more than one passion in case music didn't sustain me. (It's a fickle business!) Still trying to integrate all this! I needed to hear your video. Thank you so much!
Dear Louise,
Listening to you is definitely calming and inspiring!
So many wisdom nuggets!
I'm so happy I came across your channel, it's like the voice I was craving!
Thank you, Simone.
Thank you. I've been working on an intellectual archeology or anthropology project using my journals over the decades. Pondering the Substack route. I'm also a photographer and trading myself to paint. Your video was very inspiring to me.
It is a relaxing experience watching you paint. You help me schedule my priorities.
I can't thank you enough for this video. You perfectly articulated the struggle I've had for years in a way I haven't been able to. I'm going to use this video to show friends and family anytime the ask why I've "given up on X? You're so good at it!"
I am definitely in an experimental phase of trying to make all my interests work. Recently though, a friend of mine (a poet and dancer) posted on her many interests as well and said that she understood that she has all of them but sometimes she'd be doing one thing and sometimes another more and that was ok, from then i understood something. After that of course I had a creative crash of sorts, and in that time i listed my interests and decided to go with the flow, and like you, find ways in which my interests could work together and fun ways of exploring them.
I feel this so much. It’s hard to find the balance sometimes.
Thank you so much for this. For the past couple of years I've been learning what works for me and what doesn't - it's a process that is sometimes so very frustrating. Mostly because I'd love to move faster towards my goals. Coming to terms with the fact that I don't excel in focusing on just one thing for a long periods of time...is still in process :D
Yes being creative on multiple levels is very distracting. 😂 For me I was writing music, singing, acting, crafting, developing my own photographic style, writing poetry, teaching workshops and lately I'm obsessed with visual art and also just about to launch a creative online project. I love setting challenges and launching head first into a project. Creativity is always such a precious gift and the various skills are mutually enriching.
You are awesome! Keep doing the good deed! 🖤
I've been binge watching your videos and it resonate so strongly! I've been painting more often lately, but I can't find my niche since I like and do all sorts of things, but maybe that's just who I am and that's what makes me, me! Thanks for the inspiration, I've subscribed and can't wait to watch more of your content!
sometimes it feels im just crazy ,thank you for this !
Everything about this hit _so hard_. I am 47 and only now figuring my true creative self? identity? out. Making many lists and asking myself questions about what I am really, really passionate about -- as opposed to just interested -- helps immensely. I also keep lists of projects I'm working on (all 5000 of them) and where my progress is. I am not a list maker, except for these, and they are always ready for me to refer back to when I feel like I'm stuck in a creative blizzard. It also helps me see that, as diverse and unrelated as they look up close, from a distance my multi-[x]s link together beautifully. Doesn't solve the problem of how to "niche" myself, but maybe I don't care. Like yourself, I've spent my whole life separating myself into parts to please a particular audience, and I'm not interested in only being a piece of me anymore. Art is supposed to add to your existence, not take away from it. Thank you for making this video.
You re so thoughtful and introspective. I find what you have to say very interesting, so yes, I became a subscriber. Thank you for sharing yourself and your thoughts.
Oh. I relate so much. I have no "one thing" and still trying to figure out how to arrange/prioritise these passions in my life. And I am fourthy...
Wow, this script could be an excerpt from my journal
I have been finding constant shifting of styles the most frustrating and heart breaking thing for years... im tryimg tk embrace it. It is a help to hewr others struggle with this too. Ots frustrating because art is the one constant that got me through things in life. Then the jounrey in art itself becomes a struggle..then i feel guilty as its not third world problems and i should vbe grateful.. i have to go gently . Its a tough one
Hello, this is totally me! You have made me feel a lot better :-) Thanks!
I've always felt like i like to many things and i felt like i HAVE to choose one and discovering this video is making me feel like its okay to not be passionate about just one thing. I can breath better.😂
I have found the development of various creative interests only enhances the whole. The disciplines used to learn one skill have application in other areas of life and creative interests. No curse.
I feel seen. So glad I found your channel, thank you!🌞🌞
Honestly I didn't know this was a legit thing and thought I was just too scatter brained to really commit to one hobby. I figured I was just flakey but it's more than that, I have a joie de vivre and want to do and learn ALL the things that I find intriguing before my time is up. Fomo Yolo kind of thing? Lol Glad to know it's not just me.
Thanks for these words,(musician/writer/graphite), the way you speak about it, sometimes seems like you are reassuring yourself but I completely understand what you are saying and have felt and agree with every word, even the 'you know what? I'm just gonna play' part. It helps it to be more real when someone else says it though.
Ps your voice is very soothing(I mean that with respect).
Thank you! 😌🖤
Omg, you are my savior. Thank you for this video ❤ much love 🙏🏻🌸
Thanks for this, it helped me breathe a sigh of relief! Photography has always been my main thing (and sometimes a career), but I've always dabbled in various forms of art. In the past I've noticed that trying to focus only on the photography sometimes cramped my creativity and I'd get stuck, and by moving on to painting or drawing for a bit would help get creativity flowing again. Glad I found your channel, some great thoughts!
Thank you for sharing this 🙏
So weird to hear you describing what has been so confusing so many times in my life ! Especially when you are multi passionate AND perfectionist!! Then it can be hell, really, to adapt to each new context where everybody is obviously here for many years and therefore more skilled... But I agree on the bright side of this particular feature of us: all these skills reveal themselves helpful at each new project, when there is not everything to learn from scratch. Thanks for sharing, I've been a little down because of this lately, which is new for me cause I was rather proud of having started from scratch so many times before. Now it seems it's getting more tiring and frustrating, maybe because I'm getting older and people my age are A LOT more skilled of course, after sometimes 20 years of experience!! Courage to all :-)
Love this thank you Louise 🙌 can totally relate to being a multi passionate and this video has reminded me that’s it’s ok to combine ❤️
I love everything that you said ❤ You’re such an inspiration!
Thank you for making this!!!!
Thankyou, I loved this video and your beautiful painting
Yes, to all of this! Only I became a children’s and teen librarian, so I can create library programs around all of my passions and share them with the kids. It’s the best decision I ever made, because my multiple passions are an asset in my work.
Lovely video, relaxing, inspiring and very wise. Thanks!
You made me cry 😁 thank you for answer me at alll of my questions 🥰
I think each person has to find the right balance between change and stability.
Even changing continuously it may become a symptom of a personal disease. The middle way - as Buddha said- it’s always the right one. Even if that “middle ground” is a different combination of elements for each person on the Earth.
I do embroidery, watercolour, gouache, acrylic, line and wash, alcohol ink, linocut, digital art, illustration and collage - honestly it’s just too much and once I start to get better at one I move onto another - it’s very expensive and hinders my progression. I go back and forth constantly.
Thanks!
Thank you! 🙏🏻
I literally could have written this myself!! It's a curse for sure!! Thanks Louise for the video :)
Another great video. I feel the same way about multiple creative avenues. Lol. I’m an artist, author, publisher and UA-camr!! Ugh lol. But I love it and I hope I can inspire on my journey. 🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing this.
Dear Louise, thank you for this thoughtful and beautiful video. Could you please share the information about the pencil you are using in this video? It looks interesting and convenient due to the big lead.
I’ve never related to and been inspired by a video as much as this one