This is kinda the best lesson you could give anyone, most folks when something bad like this happens to them dwell on it and just lose themselves to it but being able to use a tragedy to strengthen yourself is something more people need to hear.
In my early 20s, I got an apartment as part of my grandma's inheritance. I thought I'd never have to pay rent and that all that money saved could be used to further my art career. I didn't even live a whole year there before an earthquake completly demolished my home. I've been couch surfing for 5+ years now. It's hard, man. Sometimes I struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel but hopefuly one day I can get paid well for the art that I want to make and get another place I can call my own.
Thank you for sharing, Trent. I know what you mean about going through dry patches at work. One technique I follow is to set up accounts where money is sent without fail. From every payment I receive I tithe 10%, save 10% for the family emergencies, 5% for studio emergencies, and 5% as a travel fund. Some months it's easier than others but it is key to determine where the money should go.
As a 15yo aspiring concept artist i haven't really thought about these things yet as i'm really focused right now on studying the fundamentals to make sure my art is at an high enough level to get in to artschool after highschool but i'll definitely keep this in mind for my future. I doubt i'll have stacks of money and a successful comic book series at 17 but i sure will play it safe with the money i do have then. Thank you for the amazing advice as always Trent, it's really amazing that you're putting all this knowledge out their about the industry for free for us all to learn from!
@@mudbutt234 I don't know of any ateliers in my area but i'll sure take a look. Besides, basically all form of school are almost free in my country so there isn't really a worry about cost apart form finding a place to stay. I'm open to any advice tho, what exactly is the difference between an atelier and a traditional artschool?
Thanks for sharing these with us. The problem with struggle is that you don't know why it is happening and its value until you are over it. Then, you realize it was essential for your growth and you are happy because it happened and it goes on and on in cycles.
2:37 At least you lived a little and made your own mistakes^^ hahah. Last Year in March 2021 here in Germany again Schools, Workshops and Comiccons closed down due to the BIG C..... Again money problems, again stagnation, again fear, making ends meet...somehow jobs dried up, I could get a good art job to save my life....I stabalized, than broke my collarbone...and spiraled during the last year into weight loss and depression....It was rough. Somehow I came back from all that. I am glad for that experience. It gave me some depth. Strong Roots. 9:21 Dude! Stay nourotic! You do you! This Vid is pure gold! Two days ago I had a job interview in a Bar Restaurant. The next day I showed up for work, but the Boss wasnt there, and I couldnt work. So I took that as a sign from the Universe. Yesterday I played my Guitar on the sTreets of my local town and made 10 bucks. I guess that Is now my side job. Artist by day, Guitarist by dawn... Love EBAY!
Great advice man! My biggest mistake has been compromising my passion to make a tiny bit of cash. I loved to freelance, but didn't develop my freelancing into work that I loved. I'm a 3D artist/animator, but I ended up doing design/front-end, which I'm not passionate about and only mediocre at, simply because those jobs were easy to get. At the same time I was sinking tons of time into creating music... which I "forgot" to market, because I didn't understand business. A lot of wasted years there.. I'm hopefully on a better path now, because now I get my basic income from a part time marketing job, so I learn that for myself, while also paying the bills. I spend the rest of my time on art commissions that I enjoy and building a portfolio of work that I actually want to do. My biggest epiphany has been that to build a successful business, I have to base it on my genuine passions in a profound way, and then think about how to profit on that from a realistic business perspective.
Thank you for sharing your experience, It means a lot, especially for a person like me who's going through a bit of stuff lately. What i wanted to ask you since long time, Is a video sharing your knowledge about freelancing. Lot of companies ask you to be a freelancer, but many people don't know this and those expensive private schools don't even mention It (i've learnt It the hard way); but at the same time its hard to find all the requirements and expenses and whatnot through the internet, especially since every state has its own laws and taxations. Of course im not asking you to list how to freelance for every country 😂 but just how you did It. It would mean really a lot, thank you again for these great videos.
So many things can happen and you are absolutely right -- gotaa stay prepared but be ready to go with the flow whichever way the tides flow. Glad you made it out the other side - everything you do is so very appreciated!
Thanks Trent for creating these videos. Sound advice, encouragement, and inspiration is needed in these times. Keep up the great work and best of luck on your game!
Damn! I'm a rookie anime animator/artist and I'm currently at that stage right now. Already working but still relying on my parents because anime work pay is so shitty that it's just not enough to live. I'm so stressed. Been wondering for a while now if I should just quit and find a better job, but thanks to this I think I will keep up with it. Hoping one day I will also succeed like you. Thanks for the lesson. 😢 XD
I really appreciated this video. I so heavily agree with the message and Its great to hear these stories. Lets you know you are not alone in the ups and downs. Thanks Trent
Thanks for this. For the first time in my life I have a safety net that I made over years. I jumped to freelance and even though I have that net, finally, and I have a lot of connections from all the years in full-time, I'm terrified. Like background-level not really conscious. I wake up with anxiety. but the situation I left was in some ways worse, I'm happier even as I'm afraid. Now I'm just having a hard time between that fear and current world events. Anyway not rly a point to this, just grateful for your videos.
That creation was wicked! I love rouge feel and the colors! 😍😍 Trent I bought your kickstarter but I have only received a collectors card do you know what’s going on? Take care!
Thank you for this, man. And I totally agree. Hard times do create stronger (and smarter) people. Question tho, you learn to live avoiding spending money unless it was necessary because you had to, but would you advise people to put themselves in difficult situations like that on purpose? Difficult within reason, of course. Like spending months without a car even when you have one right there, or getting used to limit themselves to spend half of what they would normally spend. Stuff like that.
Only challenge yourself with things that you can overcome. But be conscious of it. Yes. I went without a car for many years, because it was a distraction. I’ve boxed up video games and even thrown out my tv at times. Sometimes being bored is the way to get productive. But be careful to not get into debt just to force yourself to succeed. That’s too risky
Hey Trent, I'm working on a comic and I also draw and paint, digitally and traditional. I've already sold a few paintings and done some commission. My question is, if you had a chance where someone would rent you money without intrest, how would you invest it to grow your art career and make profit?
This is kinda the best lesson you could give anyone, most folks when something bad like this happens to them dwell on it and just lose themselves to it but being able to use a tragedy to strengthen yourself is something more people need to hear.
In my early 20s, I got an apartment as part of my grandma's inheritance. I thought I'd never have to pay rent and that all that money saved could be used to further my art career. I didn't even live a whole year there before an earthquake completly demolished my home. I've been couch surfing for 5+ years now.
It's hard, man.
Sometimes I struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel but hopefuly one day I can get paid well for the art that I want to make and get another place I can call my own.
Man thats harsh... Keep your head up, I hope when the tide shifts for you, you find all the success you want.
Tough times never last, but tough people do. you'll make it through this man, don't worry.
I hope you are in a better situation now
I can relate with the struggles. But it taught me to be more aggressive in taking & managing risks & challenges.
Way to kick that knowledge. Life and it's lessons can take a toll on anyone, you have used yours to inspire. Nice shizzles. #RESPECT
Thank you for sharing, Trent. I know what you mean about going through dry patches at work. One technique I follow is to set up accounts where money is sent without fail. From every payment I receive I tithe 10%, save 10% for the family emergencies, 5% for studio emergencies, and 5% as a travel fund. Some months it's easier than others but it is key to determine where the money should go.
Smart! You’ll always have a nest egg.
As a 15yo aspiring concept artist i haven't really thought about these things yet as i'm really focused right now on studying the fundamentals to make sure my art is at an high enough level to get in to artschool after highschool but i'll definitely keep this in mind for my future. I doubt i'll have stacks of money and a successful comic book series at 17 but i sure will play it safe with the money i do have then.
Thank you for the amazing advice as always Trent, it's really amazing that you're putting all this knowledge out their about the industry for free for us all to learn from!
I'd recommend not going to art school and just find an atelier. They are cheaper and focus on things that will get you hired, unlike art schools.
@@mudbutt234 I don't know of any ateliers in my area but i'll sure take a look. Besides, basically all form of school are almost free in my country so there isn't really a worry about cost apart form finding a place to stay. I'm open to any advice tho, what exactly is the difference between an atelier and a traditional artschool?
@@dks6515 Check this video out. It will explain the difference. ua-cam.com/video/Kqib4CxqPTM/v-deo.html
@@mudbutt234 what's an atelier?
@@cringenirth4763 Watch the video I linked. The lady explains it.
Thanks for sharing these with us. The problem with struggle is that you don't know why it is happening and its value until you are over it. Then, you realize it was essential for your growth and you are happy because it happened and it goes on and on in cycles.
Thank you for the continued wisdom!
#truth... Trent, I love how you mix inspiration with the spice of reality checks. Much love from the Midwest (Chicagoland)!
I was watching min 9:00 of your video, and I freaked out cuz I saw it in my sleep, with the exact subtitles...
2:37 At least you lived a little and made your own mistakes^^ hahah.
Last Year in March 2021 here in Germany again Schools, Workshops and Comiccons closed down due to the BIG C..... Again money problems, again stagnation, again fear, making ends meet...somehow jobs dried up, I could get a good art job to save my life....I stabalized, than broke my collarbone...and spiraled during the last year into weight loss and depression....It was rough. Somehow I came back from all that. I am glad for that experience. It gave me some depth. Strong Roots.
9:21 Dude! Stay nourotic! You do you! This Vid is pure gold!
Two days ago I had a job interview in a Bar Restaurant. The next day I showed up for work, but the Boss wasnt there, and I couldnt work. So I took that as a sign from the Universe. Yesterday I played my Guitar on the sTreets of my local town and made 10 bucks. I guess that Is now my side job. Artist by day, Guitarist by dawn...
Love EBAY!
Great advice man! My biggest mistake has been compromising my passion to make a tiny bit of cash. I loved to freelance, but didn't develop my freelancing into work that I loved. I'm a 3D artist/animator, but I ended up doing design/front-end, which I'm not passionate about and only mediocre at, simply because those jobs were easy to get. At the same time I was sinking tons of time into creating music... which I "forgot" to market, because I didn't understand business. A lot of wasted years there.. I'm hopefully on a better path now, because now I get my basic income from a part time marketing job, so I learn that for myself, while also paying the bills. I spend the rest of my time on art commissions that I enjoy and building a portfolio of work that I actually want to do. My biggest epiphany has been that to build a successful business, I have to base it on my genuine passions in a profound way, and then think about how to profit on that from a realistic business perspective.
Thank you for sharing your experience, It means a lot, especially for a person like me who's going through a bit of stuff lately.
What i wanted to ask you since long time, Is a video sharing your knowledge about freelancing. Lot of companies ask you to be a freelancer, but many people don't know this and those expensive private schools don't even mention It (i've learnt It the hard way); but at the same time its hard to find all the requirements and expenses and whatnot through the internet, especially since every state has its own laws and taxations. Of course im not asking you to list how to freelance for every country 😂 but just how you did It.
It would mean really a lot, thank you again for these great videos.
So many things can happen and you are absolutely right -- gotaa stay prepared but be ready to go with the flow whichever way the tides flow. Glad you made it out the other side - everything you do is so very appreciated!
Thanks Trent for creating these videos. Sound advice, encouragement, and inspiration is needed in these times. Keep up the great work and best of luck on your game!
I have heard your story many times now but I still really enjoy it! It’s inspiring. Thanks for sharing content!!! 💪💪
These life lessons are what keeps me coming back to this channel, baby. Oh Yeah~
Thank you for sharing your experience and lessons
I should have seen this 4 months ago... thank you! Great video.
Damn! I'm a rookie anime animator/artist and I'm currently at that stage right now. Already working but still relying on my parents because anime work pay is so shitty that it's just not enough to live. I'm so stressed. Been wondering for a while now if I should just quit and find a better job, but thanks to this I think I will keep up with it. Hoping one day I will also succeed like you. Thanks for the lesson. 😢 XD
I really appreciated this video. I so heavily agree with the message and Its great to hear these stories. Lets you know you are not alone in the ups and downs. Thanks Trent
Thanks windy!
Thanks for this. For the first time in my life I have a safety net that I made over years. I jumped to freelance and even though I have that net, finally, and I have a lot of connections from all the years in full-time, I'm terrified. Like background-level not really conscious. I wake up with anxiety. but the situation I left was in some ways worse, I'm happier even as I'm afraid. Now I'm just having a hard time between that fear and current world events. Anyway not rly a point to this, just grateful for your videos.
I feel the same way at times, especially with investment markets fluctuating. But over time it gets easier and more stable.
Your a positive guy
That creation was wicked! I love rouge feel and the colors! 😍😍 Trent I bought your kickstarter but I have only received a collectors card do you know what’s going on? Take care!
More artists should appreciate the challenges that hold potential rather than contribute to failure
Question? Did you enjoy your time doing Ghost Rider for Marvel? How was it working for them? I think it was amazing work, keep making great videos :)
I enjoyed it for a good chunk of time. But I didn't fit with the big movement in comics to "go more realistic".
Feel-good story, Trent.
Thank you for this, man. And I totally agree. Hard times do create stronger (and smarter) people.
Question tho, you learn to live avoiding spending money unless it was necessary because you had to, but would you advise people to put themselves in difficult situations like that on purpose? Difficult within reason, of course. Like spending months without a car even when you have one right there, or getting used to limit themselves to spend half of what they would normally spend. Stuff like that.
Only challenge yourself with things that you can overcome. But be conscious of it. Yes. I went without a car for many years, because it was a distraction. I’ve boxed up video games and even thrown out my tv at times. Sometimes being bored is the way to get productive. But be careful to not get into debt just to force yourself to succeed. That’s too risky
YES, Trent, I see you as successful.
The best lesson we can learn from is it doesn't matter if you are the best or worst artist. You just need to be the last survivor
Hey Trent, I'm working on a comic and I also draw and paint, digitally and traditional. I've already sold a few paintings and done some commission. My question is, if you had a chance where someone would rent you money without intrest, how would you invest it to grow your art career and make profit?
Can I ask what brush are you using for the outlines from your brush pack?! I’ve been trying to find it since forever!
"My backup plans have backup plans." you always say that😂😂
damn i had no idea you made creed!
What program are you using?
Photoshop
quick question what recorder do you use for your videos?
Pearl Jam!! 😀 music of my teenage years lol
creative fields are so fickle, not something to go into with your eyes closed
The real challenge is to do stuff like that with real watercolors,inks and brushes.
Snapple apple baby
very well
Now that Aquatic Moon isn't focusing on AAA games anymore, what kind of contract work are you doing?
None. I’m focused on creating art tutorials and making the Twilight Monk game.