All you need to do is start painting and creating content that makes you happy, that's it. The benefits will always come when you just be you. U R ENUFF. U R MUNKO. Success only follows those that truly feel successful. The only way to feel this is to be you 100%. Don't worry about numbers and comments. Even this comment...teehee!!!
Those walls/concepts/videos you say that didn't do big numbers are killer productions. Your love for Graffiti comes across in your passion and education you always give us. 👑
Thank u so much for this video I really needed to hear your msg I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 10 years after my injury to my spine I was a carpenter for 25 years and loved my work Im unable to work due to the constant pain I used to do a lot of art growing up but didn’t think I was able to do it as a career After hearing what you have been going through What I get out of what you are saying is do what you love not for anyone else but for yourself So I’m going to start my art again and try and find some happiness Good luck with your new chapter I look forward too seeing your next video Best regards from London
Thanks for bearing your soul to us Smoe! Its super hard being a RU-vidr and Artist and realizing what is working and what isnt. I appreciate your honesty and your emotions and can relate! I think figuring out how to make art you are proud of is important and finding ways to share on RU-vid you are proud of is difficult! When you explained how the letters overlap each other and how you connected each one was very interesting for me, and I felt the passion come through here. I think if you make more videos based on the things you are passionate about, people resonate with that. The high view counts are easy to see as "successful" but are usually bloated with people who are not regular fans. So finding that balance is tricky but Im happy to hear you are going in a direction that feels better for now. Cheers - Kiptoe
oh hell, i really missed your comment... thanks so much for your words... yeah, it is a struggle... and I am looking forward to your 100 cans video!! Crazy!!
Great video with a strong message. It reminded me a lot of problems that I struggle with as well. Thanks for ruining my Saturday! But anyways 😅 I hope that these changes will work well for you. YIC!
Hi Doke! I saw one of your videos the other day and you pulled up a book that had all kinds of cool things about letters and font types like seraphs and such. What book was that?
You are making the right choice Smoe. It's about the art and not about the numbers or the money. Letters are what brought us to you and its the letters that will provide you with longevity. All the letter content and raw videos that you drop are very special. Thank you very much for painting this canvas for me. Its everything I wanted it to be. The details look amazing! Thank you for taking the extra time required to make such a masterpiece. I cant wait to see it in person in the next day or so. It takes a lot of effort and work to make these videos and I want you to know that there are lots of people out here that appreciate your hard work, effort, and style. We will be here to support you. Much love brother!
Anything you touch turns into gold. I will be here every step on the way, no matter what you paint or draw! You're an absolutely amazing artist and you should do whatever makes you happy and the real fans will follow!
You are a great artist all-round, and though you are obviously good at doing fun and cool characters, what originally drew me to your work was your lettering. Your 'typography style' is easy to read, and looks amazing. The fact that you too like adding surrealistic elements AND the fact that you've got such a charming personality.. *mind you, I am/was typing the word 'charming' right as you were blowing raspberries in your voiceover*.. is a bonus that makes me look forward to seeing each new piece of content you put out. And as someone who did youtube full time for 5 years, I think it's great that you're going to focus more on the work you love creating.
I really prefer your letters over the characters, the way you manage to integrate them with the background making it a cohesive art piece just amaze me. This one in particular is magnificent everything just flows so well togheter, keep making what you love!
I always love everything you create SMOE. I don’t watch the videos specifically for the letters or the characters, or whatever subject you are painting. What I love is you as a person, your honesty and your commitment to your work. I’m glad you are finding the “creators path” that works best for you. It’s a joy to watch you work, regardless of what your creating. Keep doing what makes you happy because your joy and excitement for the work is what makes me most happy as a viewer.
The letter structure along with ur quirky humor is what got me into your channel. There are very few writers that are as talented as your self that have channels.
Appreciate the personal touch in this. Found you through the 10Hun art collab, and really appreciated your surrealist style. Honestly, I find the graffiti difficult to read, and just appreciate it as an image, but really enjoyed the breakdown of the letters in this video, it dramatically helped me understand it, so thank you. Make things that make you happy, and we'll watch because you are a fantastic artist
Absolutely love this! Your art, the lettering is what got me interested, not the posters and other stuff even it was beautiful. It is your lettering and your style. I'm so thrilled you're going back to it. Makes my heart happy. I hope your time off gave your body and soul a chance to recharge. It's so important that you take care of yourself. If you don't take care of your heart, the body will suffer. I can't wait to see what you create next and again, I'm so thrilled you're doing what makes you happy!
Weißte ... ich schaue mir deine Videos an, egal welchen Inhalt sie haben. Natürlich interessiert einen dieses mehr und jenes weniger. Aber ich mag es zu sehen, dass du deinen Traum lebst. Mach, wonach dir der Sinn kommt. Ich finde dich mega sympathisch und das macht es für mich aus. Du besitzt geile skills, ein irres Farben- und Formgefühl. Übrigens - starkes Statement. Und es gibt ein Leben abseits von youtube, dass das Herz mehr füllt, als Klickzahlen.
Awesome to see you taking the time out to expres this on your channel. Many people don't even know about how this can affect an artist... and distract you from your true callin'. Thanks for the inspiration, tips and tricks. Keep up the good work, however you think it feels right.
Stay true to yourself! We are not just here for the graff, we are here because we love and respect your work. Keep sending those positive vibes that we love to see.
I’m so sorry that you were feeling bad about things and not painting what you want to paint.. the most important thing is that you are happy, glad that you had a break and hopefully you feel better now.. do what you need to do, we will be here whenever you have something you want to upload. We love you smoe ❤
U r an amazing artist and I look up to u for both ur skills and explanation of ur personal delimas with RU-vid.i myself am an artist (mostly block printing and chainsaw carving) and go through similar issues. My only advice is what it sounds like u have already gravitated towards.. staying true to urself and the art and not letting algorithms and others opinions direct ur energy. It really shows when u enjoy a piece and that shines through and gets noticed positively by the ones who really matter... U and ur true fans. The rest will come... And if it doesn't then u didn't need it. Jeep ur head up u truly are an amazing artist ...and from what I can tell ... Person as well
Good for you Smoe!! Your letters are the reason I started watching you & my favorite part of your channel! You have an even more special place in my heart after seeing this video & definetly have 100% of my support! Thank you
I followed you for the style of your letters. I have purchased 3 of your pieces and they are all letters. Having said that, you are a true artist at heart. Letters or characters your art is awesome. There are few people that feel the letters as we writers do. Keep you art true brother and you will be happy.
Best conclusion. Back to why I started to follow your content and support you on patreon (I litterally do not have benefits from patreon, 90% of videos I do not find time to watch them before official release). Looking forward to it, to be honest I allready thought about quitting helpy gang cause the more professional and mainstream your content became in the last monthes, the less I enjoid it. As I started to follow, I felt it was more about the art recorded and the fun you had while doing it, meanwhile it felt more like the art that was focused on was the endproduct video itself. So it's personal taste, but Im on your side defentily
thanks a lot Thorsten! Yeah... Sometimes I think I am a Phoenix, I have to burn down to come back from my own ashes... maybe a SMOEnix. hahaha. It is terrible, and I wish I could improve on a more straight line instead of making loops and ziczac linis into all directions like going 7 steps back to go 8 steps ahead... but at least now I am one step ahead again... thanks for your support!
It's cool Bro, your a writer that's why you've had this realisation. Temptation to sell out has been in the scene for years. Now it's an industry. Keep it real.
I found your channel recently because of your graffiti lettering. As an artist from anothet industry i totally understand mainstream over what you love. I had to also take a step back and decide on what i actually want, that makes me happy. Being happy is important. Artist first who shares on youtube! Sending love and positivity all the way from Toronto, Canada.
One year ago I started watching RU-vid and found you. You have inspired me do art. My first canvas, legal piece and yesterday I did my first tattoo. I even went to Warendorf with my son just to see your work. Do what you want Smoe, I will follow.
I LOVE that statement. I've been watching your channel for 4 years now and I learned a lot from you. A LOT. You are an inspiration and teacher to many young writers. Everyone who starts painting should watch your channel - there a lot of tips about 3d, light or style. I am very happy with your statement. Do everything in harmony with your heart. If something bothers you, stop doing it. Years later you will remember it well. That picture gave you a lot of fun. Keep doing this! when I am rich I will definitely buy your print or a painting ;) BIG RESPECT to you Smoe! You are great artist!
Hey, Smoe. Congratulations on finding your way back to yourself re YT. I began following you during TenHun's YT Biggest Collab series, and I'm still here bc you are you, moreso now than ever. These videos by you and Doke are informing and inspiring my own journey as an artist. Thanks for that, guys. Peace be the journey. (Cool Runnings) 💖
i highly appreciated the video it self, and how true and honest you are, telling us and yourself this youtuber artist issue. i perfectly understand your pain, i am having similar problems with being a graffiti writer and a youtuber, and both every second of the painting. slowing down is the way, sooner or later everyone has to. thanks for the motivation smoe, take all the time you need all the times you need it.
oh I did relate to so much of what you said in this video. just recently started my art youtube channel and it’s pretty small, but I noticed i’m looking way too much into the analytics and started feeling bad when a video didn’t do as good as the previous one. sooo stupid, but hard not to do. also had a few brands sending me art materials to try out (I thought “woah that’s so dope now i can save some money on paints and try out new stuff at the same time, right?” 💡) buuuut now the pressure is on making content of the stuff i got while having deadlines for other things i scheduled in and a busy summer at the bar that i work in. then, from being overwhelmed and stressed i always get an instant art block and just have the urge to live my life in peace. perfect 😂👌 really really great video, loved the artwork and seeing your technique. i think it really is when you do what you really love, that the people are noticing, watching and want to join the process because of that fact, not to see another mainstream thing. thanks for creating 🔥🔥🔥
Please don’t stop posting one a month I’m happy . Yu have made me better as an graffiti arist,my colors, my structure, my3d and shading have gotten better . Smoe for me keep going please
Do what makes you happy. I watch your videos whenever I get a chance. I appreciate all your videos and the diversity of your talent. Lots of appreciation from South Africa
Thank you so much for returning to what makes you happy, it comes across in the video and I look forward to seeing more of the true you on your channel
Smoe do what makes you happy and the money will come to you thru art and happiness and making sure you take care of family first. Thank you for the awesome videos.
Honestly I really really love that bees mural painting. It was so awesome and goes with the duck painting. The mural painting inside the painting was great too. Mixing lettering and compositions like this is probably the best mix. There's Lettering and characters. Just believe in what you do best. We have already been here with you from the beginning, man.
A couple years back my brother stumbled across a Doke video when I came over to visit. That got me hooked. Then you two did a portrait battle, that was my introduction to you. You both participated in that international collaboration for charity, which was a fantastic introduction to so many other amazing artists! You, Doke, Ten-Hun, and Jazza are the art guys I watch on RU-vid. You all are such amazing content creators and RU-vid personalities that although none of you know me, I feel like we're all friends. That's the magic you all bring to your videos. As your unknown friend from across the planet, I want you to do what you gotta do to be happy.
Sieht richtig hammer aus💖 ist wie dass man schmecken kann wenn etwas mit oder ohne liebe gekocht wurde. Danke dir sehr fürs teilen, konnte sehr viel mitnehmen 💖
Thank You SMOE I love Your honest Art Soul...Thank You for inspiration and don"t worry anyway You are one of the top Artist doing 3D Graffiti around our GLOBE.
I absolutely understand so much of what you're saying Smoe! I've tried to upload weekly videos for probably the better part of 3 years now and I can definitely say, it completely kills your soul! And for me it totally takes the time away from me that I would have to actually make art or do graffiti for the most part. And RU-vid really does have a way of forcing you to make the videos that are going to do better. It's very sad.
You are always amazing. But please put the expectations on the shelf for now. I have art videos (not this page, I'm not phishing, just relating) and the whole thing wore me out. I decided to go back to painting how I want withOUT the camera. Please go by YOU and YOUR heart of what you love, even if it means the camera never turns on. it feels freeing. I have all kinds of weird stuff on my actual social medias, it is MY expression. The most liked/viewed videos are not my baseline because it causes anxiety. So i took a step back and got a better look .... my baseline is: did it seem to reach one person in a helpful or entertaining way? Then I am pleased and feel so happy. Ive even deleted my most popular videos. Your channel helped me through dark times. you brought light and creativity and inspiration to this old dried up artist. thank you. Be free.
it is so nice to read i have helped you in some way… thanks for your comment… new stuff is coming soon and it will be funny and educational as always… 😂😂😂
Best descicion ever mister smoe! I think not many people, specially on RU-vid, could self reflect and know what makes them happy in life in that way. Lots of people sacrifice what they love for "success". Good to see somebody pausing, reflecting and redirecting towards balance in life. Keep doing what you love, and i keep watching what you do 💪
I congratulate you on your choice to make the art itself more of a priority, over the amount of clicks and likes. You started out this way, filming your painting process. and now you are Painting to Film intead. It is exactly this reason why i still have a daytime job, and kept art as a hobby, not a bread winning occupation. It's nice if you can make some money off of it,to compensate for the materials, but if pressure and unhappiness are overpowering your joy in creativity it is time for a change. Plus, you are not saying any farewells yet. People who are truly interrested will keep an eye out for your releases when You are ready to share it with us. Stay sane, stay healthy, and stay creative, then happiness will follow closely behind. Much appreciation from Holland, Kamikazen1 :)
Love all your art work, so do what feels right and I will definitely follow. We have very little time in this life so do what makes you happy. And I'll be watching 👀
Our reward for "doing what we have to do" is eventually doing what we want to do. It doesn't make it wrong. As a father, I enjoy what makes me happy more when my responsibilities to my family are taken care of. With that being said, I was drawn in by your lettering and enthusiasm for it.
The letters and graf is what drew me to your channel in the first place. Your passion, practicality and integrity is what has kept me here. Be true to yourself and the sweet viewz will come.
Much love Smoe! I'm here for your letters! You do amazing and such inspirational work! Do you! Your true fans will still be here to enjoy whatever you do!
I can hear the emotion in your voice. While I'm not a RU-vid, I put a lot of my identity into my art. Now I'm an electrician and there was an empty hollow feeling when I stopped being active. I started doing legal and canvases and it turned into commissions which was a deadline, which electrical is already full of, so I became resentful. The happiest I will EVER be, is when I just put some paint to a wall with NO deadline, no input, no suggestions. Just me and the paint.
Yo Smoe! The only reason why I watch your channel is because of your Graffiti art and Graffiti letters. I appreciate all the work you put into this channel to share your art all around the world. I have a Graffiti background and I've been through alot over the years but as I get older " The Letters " don't die. I love creating and I believe in my heart that it will always be like that for the rest of my life. I love every video you upload because there's always something new and creative to learn from you. Follow your heart Smoe ! Cheers Brother all the way from California!
Wise words. Big respect for coming to this conclusion. Look forward to seeing where your free mind goes. I had a similar experience of being burned out and needing to do nothing for a while. When I was finally free to do nothing my creative output was greater than ever before and so much richer. Finally I was enjoying doing my art as opposed to trying to appease someone else. I recently put together a reel of my stuff from the last year and was quietly blown-away by the volume and quality of the work. Good luck friend, I hope you find some similar joy.
Man I just found your channel and I love your art. I also love surreal and abstract art and I love especially the art you do in public. I saw the art in Wiesbaden before I even knew you. It's fastastic. Listen to your heart man. That's so important because that's how you get into "the zone". That's so important. Don't feel guilt or anything! And I have to say that I almost never thought about letters or something but you gave me the first access to that topic. And Btw I 100% agree with your social media critique. Very important topic to me Gruß
This feels right to me too. I love all your stuff. I'm happy that you're going to only do the things you want. I look forward to seeing your new videos.
BRAVO MY FRIEND!!! It"s so true that we only create art for others. Where you get SOOO much more enjoyment out of your art when you create something you truly love. I"ve always been a fan of you work and really can wait to see more of YOUR artwork. Have a great week big man. YIC 🌼
I started watching when you were painting canvas. I like your style whatever the medium. I'm just happy that you are back to what you love doing, good for you.
This is the most honest video I've ever seen. From one artist to another I understand the struggle. Be you do you! Thats when we can create true pure artwork. Would love to get a coffee with you and discuss art and more!
thanks a lot… 😊 i actually even stopped drinking coffee after this video 😂 it is like… i am super happy with this video, the artwork, the message… but since that I am more in a cleaning up mode, instead of kicking out the new content… 😂😂 will be back soon 💪🏼 but a tea would be nice 👌
I can only speak for myself Mr Nova but the main reason I found you was because of graffiti and the fact that you kill it . I don't know about everyone one else but stay with the thing that makes you the most creative in your world of art. We all know money makes the world go round but your world is as important. Keep on Keeping on my man
Smoe, finding your graffiti art and your passion for letters has revived my love of letters and helping me to find my passion for graffiti art. I absolutely love your style and the amazing technique that goes into your pieces! You are awesome and I hope you stick with the letters! Characters are great, but don’t be a slave to the norm! I can’t wait to be able to afford to have you write my tag name. I keep dropping that hint to my wife as Christmas is coming. Lol!
As a subscriber who was lured in by the "mainstream topic" videos: Please paint what makes you happy! *Your passion and your talent is what truly attracts me to your videos.* Your personality and attitude is what keeps me invested in your content! Please please please create what feels fun and good! Challenge yourself but only if it excites you! I'm so proud that you are choosing to be authentic and care to your own needs first. Thank you for teaching me about the beauty and intricacy in graffiti art! Stay inspired SMOE!💖 (I'm so moved by your integrity to your art that I bought a print! Thank you again!)
Firstly, I have enjoyed all of your content. More important you need to enjoy doing it. I wish you the best on this next stage and I will continue to enjoy your content. And hello from Canada.
I’m glad you’ve decided to be you. It may not maximize the algorithm, BUT passionate artists, especially niche artists, change lives. You really don’t know who you’ll touch, teach, and inspire. Moreover, graffiti art by its nature isn’t meant to be mainstream. It doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be showcased. Love your work! It’s amazing to watch you do what you do best. Thank you for sharing!
Smoe, you are an amazing artist and I absolutely love all the projects you do and I watch every video you put out, and will continue to do so! Do what makes you happy and we will always support you! 🏆
I love your letters! And your explanation and analysis of them, so I can understand the "swooshs" 🙂 Take the time, do your thing. In the end, this makes you happy and us too 💜
Great video, I love when artists put down their guard and talk openly about the struggle between commercialism and true expression. More of us should talk about it, so the rest of us have the courage to make more art that's truly expressive!
Take your time and do what you want, i enjoy your work everytime (Your a king) no matter if you post once a month, once a week once every 3 months, i respect your work and your choices. Your an artist and do what you want to do and i (and all peoples should) enjoy you work. Glad you didnt fall for the YT trap.
I will miss the RAW videos and your painting trips. You inspired me to pick up painting again and taught me that it is okay to paint legal walls. I will keep following you and I'm looking forward to seeing you at a Jam in the future. Right decision!
Been watching you for a few years now and always love your work and content…super talented but in all your videos it’s your personality and sense of humour I love. I totally get what your saying where you had enough but just keep doing you. Respect from the uk.
Ich schau deine Videos schon seit Jahren und ich bin davon überzeugt dass du mit dieser Entscheidung das richtige tust. Die Zeilen darüber, wie man als Artist auf sein Herz hören muss und der Struggle mit den Normen und Erwartungen der Gesellschaft habe ich echt gefühlt - da hast du mir gerade extrem aus der seele gesprochen. Anyway ist der Style und das ganze Piece insane geworden, liegt wohl daran dass du "frei" malen konntest. Wär ich nicht selbst so viel am dancen mit dem devil würd ich mir sofort eins davon gönnen!
I'm new to your channel smoe and idk if you will see this comment but I subscribed to you just because of your letters. I personally only do graffitti no characters or anything and your actually the only artist I follow because I love your personality and mostly your art. I love how informative you are and I love all the rules you apply Into your lettering. And how you don't care if it's right it just has to look right. That's my favorite saying! I loved you spilling your heart to us and the true artists that watch you are here for your letters and what you love to do. Not for videos that work on you tube. We love you smoe!
Dieses Video war der letzte Anstoß, den ich brauchte, um dich über Patreon zu supporten. Du verdienst es so sehr! Mach bitte weiter so. Deine Authentizität ist unmatched. Viel Liebe und Kraft.
I love that you stop being a youtuber.. Have watched your videos for years, love your letters how they synchronize and flow together. Do what makes you happy, whats the point if not. Hope you sell alot of your prints. I will most likely buy one next year when I get alittle more money to play with. Nothing better than getting one of those nice prints on my wall and altso supporting you !
Mr. Smoe, I understand your feelings and the state in which you will find yourself and for me as a viewer of each subsequent film it is your progress and do what your heart tells you. As a spectator, I watch your art with pleasure. greetings
Honestly, what I like about your videos is your personality. Whatever content you choose to upload I will watch. Good choice always following your heart and looking for happiness.
I appreciate the love u have for art & that’s y I watch ur videos, regardless of what u paint I’m watching; but truthfully *I love letters* too #StayUp #KeepWinning ☮️💜🎨
Brother you made the best decision for yourself and your life who cares what is or isn’t popular on RU-vid. I enjoy all of your videos even all of the festival videos where your painting with fellow artist.. much love from America Brother!!
Love your videos, Love your art, Love that you're taking time to get mentally healthy, will be here to see your channel in what ever form fits your life the best!
Take your time mate, there will always be a core fellowship of followers. Its taken me 6 months since getting paint and 2 since i built a wall to do my first filming. I have no idea how to even edit or upload it to youtube... yet. My go-pro doesn't format to my computer so i can't even watch back what i have filmed on anything bigger than the go-pro screen. None of this stops me painting. If you did one post a year i'd be watching.
I'm glad you are finding balance in your work, and that you are going to keep working your letters into your art. I've been watching/studying your work trying to develop my own graffiti writing for a series that I would like to do.
