no one cared about my art for 14 years... and then 

Wouldn't it be insane if someone wrote a short song about all the people that are monetizing the fact that they're quitting RU-vid? Then wouldn't it be even crazier if they linked it in the video description?

This is a really exciting moment man, and I'm super happy for you. But I have to be honest and say that a part of me hopes you act like none of us are here and just keep doing your thing. You do not need our approval, our appreciation, or even our eyeballs. I hope, selfishly, that none of this warps your creative process, although maybe that's impossible who knows, because once you've crossed the line into knowing there are observers, something shifts. And then, I have found, it is an endless journey of returning to where you were when you started, limitless with the freedom to do and make anything that you wanted, because no one was looking.

Did you have a previous channel? I'm always disappointed when someone says they've been posting for that long and their channel history only goes back 3-4 years lol

Love it. Also what track starts at 3:11? Do my ears hear a cover from that bon iver album you don’t like??

I wanna be selfish and keep your art to myself in order for you to not sell out. But deep down, more people need to see your art and hear your storytelling skills. Also, you are trending on LinkedIn this week. Big boi making its way to corporate life I guess. ;)

For the past several years I’ve thought of your channel as one of my best kept secrets. Like some underground movement no one’s discovered yet, almost afraid to tell people about it because I’m worried they either won’t get it, or maybe worse yet, they will, and then this thing that felt special and personal would would suddenly be out there in the mainstream. From the standpoint of supporting your favorite artists, I guess that’s pretty shitty. Either way, I’m glad your channel is starting to pop. You’re work is good, and honest, and more people deserve to see it.

big moves

I'm rooting for you forever, dude

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Your art is incredible, but your approach to creating is what inspires me the most. The fact that you've been doing this for so long, regardless of if people were watching, or not. How you're disinclined to conform into what could bring you virality. Your human, goofy, friendly side. How you push others to the spotlight. Your humility. That's something that will always have my respect. Creativity north star. Happy this is finally working for you.

🥳

Yoo, your creativity is awesome! You are the one of inspiring people to me, to make something cool and unique. I just like to understand, that there's a guy who makes stuff just because he likes it. Not because it is "needed" or "required", but for its own sake. And it is hard, it may require time (a lot of it), resources, but in the end, It is totally worth it. I am definitely inspired by you! :) Thank you for everything!

I love this

You know, Salvation Mountain is a really interesting place if you really think in depth about it, especially in the artistic space, and how we define growth, perfection, success, etc. 99% of the art we're all creating will for all intents and purposes disappear when we leave this life. The algorithms will forget, friends and family will move on, and we'll return to the Earth. But Salvation Mountain (and art like it) still sustains and continues to act as a beacon to those who are curious enough to seek it out. And while Salvation Mountain (and places/art like it) may be scoffed at for how eccentric it/its creator may be - it sustains, and it invites gathering of curious like-minds. Maybe legacy of community gravity should be what we define as "best case success", instead of simple cash flow and followers. Dig the video, dude. Cheers.

artists of the world unite!

Jesus loves you Shaffer! He wants a relationship with you!

Been waiting for the days when your stuff gets picked up, Shaffer. Love to hear it sounds like your heart is in the right place with it, looking forward to continuing to see your evolution.

Thank you for making stuff from a place of sincerity.

Beautiful video, it really inspire me to keep making art, God bless you ❤

a beautiful video. thank you for putting it together - especially because of that much needed kick of inspiration. and now i have a new place i definitely need to check out.

Thank you shaffer, you put everything so beautifuly and inspire so many of us.

us artists just have something inside of us that needs to be let out. it just needs to. there's no other way

I'm glad you're here too man, keep up the pursuit it means something

What a nice lil inspirational video!

I wish I could have found your stuff sooner. But, I am really happy to be here now. Keep it going Shaffer!

This was worth the time and more.

I needed this video today man🙏

SO HAPPY THAT I HAVE FOUND THIS CHANNEL. WOW. LOVE IT. GOD BLESS YA

Thank you for this!!!

I’m always so proud of you.

No one deserves an uptick in the consumption of their art more than you.

love you dude.

Preach bro! The amount of times I have to justify why I make things even when money and giant followings aren’t coming my way is annoying as hell. If you’re a true creative you will make stuff and never stop, because it’s what feels right and all other alternatives feel wrong. 🖖

awesome

Well, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I feel every line you said. It even feels you meant me specifically with this video. So... thanks man! Also great choice of music.

First of your videos I've watched, thanks for creating it, I felt like I needed to hear a lot of those things. Its nice to see beautiful and positive vids out here

I used to live out in Slab City, and Leonard’s artwork is truly amazing in real life. His legacy is very well respected by people who live out in the Slabs as well. Thank you so much for sharing this message! Your art is truly beautiful, heartfelt, and inspiring. I’ve devoted my entire life to being an artist because I truly do believe that being an artist is the greatest act of rebellion because art gives people hope and makes them feel seen.

I feel the same way dude. I would be here and have been here creating and trying. It's who I am. It's what I do. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Such a beautiful video. You’re incredibly inspiring.

Woah lol you talking about this, which very much hits for me, then having a follow run at 3:26 is wild

Ill never stop. Thanks for the video

Loved this. Subbed! Glad I found your work man!

No shadow of a doubt......the best thing i've found in a long time, is this channel, big up shaffer

You're balloon IS taking off Shaffer. The world needs your creations.

This was so encouraging! Thank you for this. Your art matters.

Yes bradda, been watching your videos and was incredibly surprised so little of them had taken off. Was sure that if you would keep going that it would come. And now here we are! ⚡⚡⚡

Thank you for your art Shaffer.

I see you. I hear you. You are awesome! Thank you for being here.

wow was this worth the time... really frickin glad I stumbled onto this. inspired by you dude

This place gives me Wes Anderson vibes. Also keep up the good work. Trying to make more creative videos over technical because of your channel by the way.

Great perspective Shaffer, right there with you! I like your genuine outro ~"Thanks for watching, honestly I would be here regardless, but I'm glad you are!". Keep making the art that your soul is needing you to create!

just came across your channel, and really love your videos!! very inspiring

Congratulations 💕I hope this new year is extremely fulfilling for you. I haven’t been along for the 14 years, but here’s to 14 more

Awesome my dude. Keep up your art. It's amazing and really worth the time!

Cheers Shaffer, same for myself - just keep making things I love and sharing - 10 years in and just got my 100th sub but whatever, do it because it’s what feels right.

I’m glad you’re glad I’m glad I’m here

This was a beautiful message! Thank you for it

Brilliant message!

The act of making something is worth the time. Well said.

RIP Nikon D5100 Video Test

Thank you for this video ❤

I really don’t have the right words but I just want to say thankyou for being honest. You have inspired me so much and many others and your work is genuine and impactful.

Thankyou man. much needed one!

yor art is AWESOME SHAFFER😍

Love the message. Keepem coming

I really appreciate this video

Great storytelling my man.

WOOP WOOP

This is a soliloquy. Go you, bro.

3:57 flacid baloon sounds?

Wisdom here. You got me.

Worth a follow

collaboration ？

6:18 "because" 🤓

🎯

goat material

scoot scoot da boop de poop

LOVE HAS WON

heck. yeah.

Thanks

dope

Just remember you only met Braxton in year 14! Love your work. Keep making, keep sharing, and keep doing it your way….

Nhaffer Sickel