What helps me (I work as a GP for about 30 hours a week and have 4 children, and more hobbies than I can count 😁) is just calling myself an artist. No matter how much (or how little) time I spend creating, I am an artist. Making it part of my identity makes me feel good somehow. I'm an artist when I'm on my bike to work and admiring the landscape. I'm an artist when choosing what to wear, when cooking and when cleaning. I bring my artistic skills to all aspects of my life.
Wow I love this so much!!!! 😄❤️❤️❤️ what a great perspective and outlook to have!!! I totally agree that we are artists no matter how much art we’re making. And you’re totally right that being an artist we look at the world differently. So even if we’re not making art we’re still observing and learning from the world around us to apply to our art later. Thank you for sharing ❤️
I think identifying so deeply with being an artist too is that even when you don't make art for a long time, you trust that you will again. Because it's inevitable, you're an artist. It will naturally come together. It's having faith.
It's usually not even just finding the time to do the art it's also then posting your art in a way that engages people and that is the hard part for me😫
Such a good and valid point! I totally agree with you, and part of that is finding what works for you as cliche as that is to say. I also have a video on posting to Instagram that may help! For me, I hate filming process videos for reels. So that’s a dealbreaker for me. So when I posted reels last year I did mainly reveal videos. I follow a lot of artists who don’t even post reels and make it work. So find what works for you! And be easy on yourself ❤️
@@emhaggsart thank you! Reveal videos are really cool and I think you shouldn't need to do more since you already did the art! I'm getting back in the swing rn thank god and thank you for the tips! loved your video❤
This makes me feel better since I am also working full time and makes me feel less alone and less ashamed for not being a full time artist since i dont feel ready for such a change
I’m so glad this could help you feel less alone and ashamed ❤️ there is no shame in not being a full time artist!!! And I think that’s really valuable that you know you’re not ready for that right now. Sending you all the good vibes ❤️
Full time engineer & part-time artist here! Hearing this was like a targeted therapy session for me - thank you for sharing your thoughts! Just followed on IG and excited to see your art journey as I continue mine
I’m so glad you were able to connect with the video and it was helpful!!! ❤️ and thanks for the follow-I just followed back. Your art is super cute!! 😊
Drawing is the medicine for my mental and spiritual health. I LOVE CREATE ART AND I CANNOT WAIT to sit down and draw. I’m a full time mother. I don’t work outside home but it is truly a full time job. My dream is to become a stay home mother who works with art ❤ I enjoyed your video
I love this!!! ❤️ I’m so glad that art is your medicine and that you love it so much! I hope you’re able to find a system that works for you to be a full time mom and artist! Best of luck ❤️
It feels nice to hear an artist tell you it's okay if you can't do art right now or back then. I have felt detached from the title artist because when I was younger I could give my all into art. I was so inspired! Fast forward to most of my adulthood, I had to put it on the backburner for my line of work. I had nothing to give. Now that I'm trying to transition into a new career, I have a little bit more to give. Although sometimes it does feel like what's the point because I wasted so many years to improve. This video felt like advice from a good friend. Thank you
I can relate to this so much. When I worked in customer service for five years, that’s when I took my two year art break and was hardly making art at all. I too didn’t get back into it until I switched careers. And when I did I definitely felt far behind and like I wasted time when I could’ve been improving. Especially when you see people younger than you being more talented and successful. It’s such a cliche but I LOVE the saying “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is today.” You can always say I wish I did this or that differently, but it doesn’t change the present. And it’s never too late to explore your art or improve. And at the end of the day, your enjoyment making art is way more important than improving anyway. Thank you so much for your comment and kind words!!! ❤️ best of luck ❤️
The first realiistic post I have ever heard. Well done you for giving all of us a voice. I work, have fibromyalgia and 3 kids. Energy is as much of an issue as time. Creativity is part of your being. Its not going anywhere and will find its way out, even in a small way. So glad to come uoon your post.
Omg so well put!!! I love what you said about energy is as much of an issue as time. But your creativity will find a way. Such a great perspective to have. Thank you for sharing ❤️
I NEEDED THIS! This video has found me at such an appropriate time in my life! I love all of these tips, especially following other smaller creators which helps put things into perspective and gives your folks to reach out to who know how you feel. Its been soooo long since I've made art just to make art, or made something for me. My reading journal helps me flex my creative muscle every month, but since I film it for RU-vid, it still feels like something I HAVE to do ya know? Same with making products for Etsy. I'm going to take your advice and start small! There's so much more I want to say, but I'll stop here. Thank you for taking the time to make this, I feel very seen lol ☺❤
MAAAAACCC!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I am so glad you feel seen and heard by this video!!! And I 100% know what you mean by something that is a creative outlet but you feel like it’s an obligation. I used to feel that way about by monthly bullet journal videos. It’s great in the sense that it’s a deadline and accountability, but it starts to feel like it’s not for you. It’s for others. I hope you can find the time, energy and inspiration to do something small for yourself ❤️ even if it’s just a silly doodle! And even if you don’t doodle, you’re doing your best with what you have right now and you’re doing enough!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I've been running myself ragged trying to make some sort of income from my art so that I can actually WFH for a living. 😩 But I have to be a bit more realistic as I do need my non-artistic job to survive and ironically continue to pursue art. So glad I came across this; I can loosen my jaw. 😂
That’s so true, we need our jobs to survive and continue pursuing art on the side. Perhaps it’s more about finding another WFH job in the meantime, and that way you have more time to do art because you won’t have to commute and other things? Then maybe after that you’ll be able to grow into doing art wfh full time! I hope you’re able to find what works for you ❤️ best of luck!!!
Aaa tysm this video is so reassuring and comforting, while being realistic too! Even tho u joked, I think “do what your brain and life can handle right now” is actually some of the best advice I’ve heard in a while. Much love ❤
I’m so glad that this was able to provide some comfort! ❤️ I think us artists are already hard on ourselves enough, never mind the pressure we put on ourselves to become full time. Much love too you and go easy on yourself ❤️
It was great to watch this video. I have a full time job, I'm married with 6 pets, very little time for art. I already suffered a lot following artists (full time artists) and I realized that this wasn't good for me now I rarely access my art Instagram, today I focus on RU-vid, I love discovering new artists and I keep posting my content as I have the time. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you liked the video!!! I think realizing when we need to take a step back from certain social media is so important. And it is so much easier to manage one thing at a time. I’m glad to hear it sounds like you’ve found a good balance! ❤️
thank you for the video, these are great tips!! this video was randomly recommended to me by youtube & i’m so glad i found it! i struggle a lot with comparing my (a full-time 40hr/week worker, with a 2 hour commute every day) output to a full-time creator’s output, and it can really take a toll on my self-esteem. the tip about following smaller creators i feel is going to be an amazing life-changer! you’re right, if it’s impacting your mental health badly, unfollowing or muting certain big creators for a bit might just be for the best. i’m in the process of figuring out a strategy to maybe batch-film videos on a specific day/weekend of the month, so the other weekends are free for resting/seeing friends/doing fun stuff! i’m also thinking of organising a few “smaller creator shares” on social media specifically to find other amazing creators who are on the same schedule as me, hopefully that works out! will check out some of your other videos! ❤
Thank you and I’m so glad you found the video helpful!!! ❤️ I think the batching content idea sounds great and super efficient!! I used to batch reels back when I made a lot of those for Instagram and it makes it a lot easier. Leaving time to rest and have a life is so important! Best of luck with everything and be easy on yourself ❤️❤️❤️
This was really helpful! Each point was legitimately useful. I'm often disappointed with videos like this because I find they're often the same advice or just fluff but glad I took a chance! Subscribed
the 2-hour commute is so real (ME). Plus having a Kid. Plus a house to manage. Plus all the other things you mentioned (exercise, cook, be present with family and friends). Unfortunately for me, Art is the thing I put very very low on the priority list :(
I feel like this video applies to musicians as well! In the past, as a student then free-lancer relying on someone else’s income, I was able to perform much more often. Now as a full time public school teacher, I have little time/energy/motivation for gigs and I take the ones I can handle and otherwise just play for myself. 🎶 🖼️
I’m so happy as musician you were able to find this relatable! It truly is harder to balance your passions and hobbies once you get a full time job. But I’m glad you’re finding time to play just for yourself! That’s so important!
Yess!!! This video right here is GOLD!!! I know many would find this hard to believe (& I even ashamed to admit) but I’m an art teacher who STILL struggles to find time to make their own art 😂 but this video reminded me that I work a full-time job to begin with & do many many other things. As someone is is TRYING to go full-time & quit teaching one day, this was very comforting as it taught me that it is okay to have “phases”. Especially when we can always return to them. So thank you so much for this! :) 🙏🏽
I’m so glad you found this video reassuring!!! You should not feel ashamed at all for not finding time to make your own art even though you’re an art teacher. Like you said you are giving yourself to a full time job and many other things, and I can imagine that being creative all day at work can be draining. It must feel hard to be motivated to create even more by the time you get home. I wish you all the best in your journey and be easy on yourself!!! ❤️❤️❤️
This was a necessary reminder lol, I have 1-3 art projects going on all the time and get lost in the hustle of it instead of the joy of making it… all well-said, thank you for posting this as a fellow 40 hour work week artist! I feel like the added typical artist struggle of depression etc adds more to the mountain of space in your mind. One at a time, being realistic with yourself… solid advice! I especially love connecting with other small creators and comparing our experiences and cheering each other on
I totally feel you on that! I get shiny object syndrome and love moving onto something new rather than finishing ideas or other more long term projects. It can be hard to juggle. And I totally feel you on the depression. I didn’t even touch on mental health but it is a doozy 😂 I’m so happy the advice in the video resonated with you!!! ❤️ thank you so much for your comment! ❤️
This was a really genuine, and funny video. I really enjoyed how transparent you were, and even caught yourself and apologized for a possible overgeneralization of how all well-known social media artists might act. Speaks volumes for your character. I also love the intro, and it made me laugh especially because I spend much of my time gardening and caring for my animals, and I tell myself its one of my prior obligations that keeps me from my art 😂 I literally grow my own tea, even
Thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful words!!! It means so much ❤️ I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that the intro made you laugh! That’s so cool you garden and have animals and even grow your own tea haha! If you love it, it’s always worth doing ❤️
Thank you for putting a realistic lens on being a part time artist. I work full time and I'm a mom, SO when my regular work day ends, I still have to go home and be responsible for a small child. Weekends are tough as they are mostly filled with keeping my child busy and catching up with chores. I was debating on going to a smaller format of sketchbooks and your video has convinced me to do so. I want to be a full time artist, but I don't see that happening as I need a stable/affordable form of healthcare that self employment does not offer. I really needed to hear this, thank you and I hope you're doing well :)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!! And I hope the smaller sketchbooks work out for you. I LOVE working in small sketchbooks (added bonus: they’re so cute!) And I totally get the thing about the healthcare. Healthcare is so important and expensive, so having a job that supplies it affordably is just so much easier. So glad the video was able to help you ❤️ best of luck with everything!!!
This is so helpful - even if I know a bunch of these things in my brain, having someone else say them makes it all feel....more legitimate? Not sure that's the word I want but I'm glad that this isn't another video preaching hustling til to drop or go full time.
I’m so happy this was helpful for you! That’s exactly what I was going for. I never wanted to preach that people aren’t working hard enough or that they NEED to be a full time artist. I think there’s so much pressure for us all to make our art either a side hustle or our main hustle, and I think it’s so harmful.
i have an art related job, and work mainly full time (35/40 hours a week over the summer + school soon) and i think that it's a beautiful thing because i get inspired by the project i teach as a TA. i think this video is rlly rlly amazing to know that i don't have to learn everything and know everything at such a young age. i really appreciate this video as a nice reminder that i have a life and i can still be a kid while also still being an artist at my own pace ^^
That’s awesome it sounds like you’re able to find a good balance and inspiration from your job!!! That can be so helpful to inspire you after work too. I’m so glad you liked the video!!! ❤️ absolutely nurture your inner child and take things as slow as you need! Not every artist needs to learn everything. Truly create what makes you happy!!! ❤️
It is such a tough balance! I’ve been going through it again lately as well. It definitely comes in ebbs and flows where I have more energy for art than other times, and I think that is completely natural and normal. I hope these tips help you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Finally someone with some relatable and legitimate art advice. I started to really dislike watching videos that give art advice bc it’s like those ppl expect everyone to be able to post a drawing on instagram every single day or even more content on other social medias. It literally takes me days to finish just 1 drawing let alone grow my audience on top of that.
I’m so happy you were able to find this relatable ❤️ honestly part of the reason I made this video is because I found the same thing and was also very frustrated by it!!! I felt like all of these people were telling me to draw or post every day, and that is just completely unrealistic! Art can take time and that is totally okay. Enjoy the process and be easy on yourself ❤️❤️❤️
Fellow small art tuber here! Thank you so very much for making this video! Funnily I've found many of the tips you shared I have been doing my entire working life, working small, setting stuff out before hand, just doing a bit at a time, switching mediums, etc. It's all spot on but even so, felt reassuring to me to actually hear someone else talking through needing to do those same things. I work a corporate job that has zero artistic creativity, it's highly demanding mentally and physically for me because of my chronic illnesses and pain. On weeks like this one, when so many fires at work are happening and the pressure is high and I am exhausted and having flare ups, art can feel pretty impossible and the doubt or fear of things "always being like this so what's the point?" creep in. Your words today have brought me to a place of peace and acceptance for where I am right now, and I am deeply grateful ❤ Excited to check out your other videos now too, thank you again so much! -Shaina
Hi Shaina! Thank you so much for the lovely comment and sharing your story ❤️❤️❤️ it’s great to hear that these tips resonated with you and are some things you already put to practice! Your work situation sounds very challenging, especially with layoffs happening. That sounds very stressful. I can very much relate to the thought that it feels like it may never change, that work will feel that way forever. I’m very much going through those feelings with my job right now. You’re absolutely right that everything is temporary and I hope your work gets less stressful soon! Thank you again for all the kind words, hang in there, and be easy on yourself! ❤️
@@emhaggsart oh wow what are the odds to find someone else in the exact same spot 😅 I guess it's a good reminder even more so that we really are never alone! I really send all the best feelings and good wishes for your job situation too, I really appreciate the space you hold here and just opening everything up for discussion for the people that need it! It rwally turned my week around, I hope your week went well! And that you can have a relaxing weekend (or whenever your next dyas off are lol) We are in it together and I am rooting for you!! 🌟
Omg this is the sweetest comment thank you!!!! 🥹❤️❤️❤️ I’m so happy I was able to give the space for our lovely convo! It’s been such a pleasure connecting with people in the comments of this video, everyone sharing their stories and challenges with balance. It truly shows we are not alone like you said. And the art community is just so loving and understanding. Thank you for your words of encouragement and I’m sending you all the positive thoughts and vibes as well!!! ❤️
Hey this is awesome!! I’ve been wanting to start making new RU-vid videos but it’s been so hard to fit them in amongst all the house work, keeping up with my health, local art commissions, and family stuff. I feel lately like I’ve even been failing at some of that stuff too 😅 the sad part is that I stay at home while my husband works, so I have it a lot easier than if I had a full time or even part time job on top of all this. I’m pretty sure I’d collapse lol. Thanks for making this video. It makes me feel better about not being able to do all 20 things a day I have on my to do list. I’ve subscribed also!!!
I’m so glad this video helped you feel better and to also have you as a new subscriber!!! Welcome! Happy to have you ❤️ staying at home is still full time work so don’t undersell yourself!!! And it sounds like you have a lot going on otherwise as well. Starting a RU-vid channel is a lot of work but it can be so rewarding. My advice for that is find a realistic upload schedule that works for you. Don’t try to do something crazy like a video a week if you know you’ll fall off of that after just a few weeks. And it might be the case that all the art you make is just for RU-vid right now and that’s okay. Maybe you can film creating your local art commissions? Anyway I hope you’re able to find a balance that is fulfilling artistically but also allows you to be human! ❤️
@@emhaggsart thanks for writing back!! Yeah I’ve been filming bits of my commissions to make shorts out of! And I was also gonna try the whole “one drawing a day and one video a week” schedule but I haven’t been able to fit it in 😓 thanks for being so positive and I’m srsly surprised you don’t have more subscribers lol. I was expecting you to have like 10k subscribers from the quality of your videos and thumbnails. You’re doing an awesome job!!
That’s a great idea to make shorts from filming commissions! And yeah a drawing a day and a video a week sounds like a lot! I’m sure you’ll find what works best for you! And don’t beat yourself up when you can’t always meet those goals ❤️ even for myself my goal is a new video every two weeks and I have missed two videos this year so far, but hey it happens. And thank you so much for the kind words and support ❤️❤️❤️ it’s definitely all a marathon and not a sprint hahaha
