Stop WAITING. Start MAKING. The only art career advice that you need. 

Finding ones "own" path sure is difficult...but once you find it, your reason, your "WHY"...it will be a real awakening for yourself

Seriously. I'm not trying to get in the industry anymore and now that I'm older I just want to sell art but this was my main barrier. I tried to study too much instead of actually doing. It's important to learn if you're a decent artist but at some point it starts hurting your progress.

Lol "JUST DO IT!" -Shia LaBeouf

I have a feelinf that Trent is some sort of art-world Santa Claus, and he always knows what his audience is doing, because those videos are always on point!

It’s uncomfortable how this video says everything I needed to hear at the exact moment I needed to hear it. As someone who doesn’t have all the time in the world to practice I tend to over extend in trying to get it right the first time to make the time I have worth it. This leads to constant redraws concepts and changes. Ultimately nothing gets done and I’m back where I started . Having learned nothing and still wondering how to break into the industry with my work. Cycle repeats over and over again. Thank you for the advice. This is something I’ve been struggling with as a 25 year old man lol.

This is such great advice. I’m an artist, and I currently work as an art teacher at a private school-but I eventually want to start doing art itself full time. I was riding an Uber with a guy who works in videography (and actually used to work in the industry in LA), and his advice was to “Just start.” “You’ll always think that you aren’t ready yet, so just start.” Really helped push me back into working on my art skills.

"Just Do It" - Shia LaBeouf

I was chasing after someone else’s dream for so long but started to chase my own original dream this year. After 6 years of the corporate grind I’m now officially a comic book artist. It’s wild and still feels like a dream. Thanks for being a guiding light Trent! I’ve been following your advice for a long time ❤

I REALLY needed to hear this. I have been dealing with a lot of self doubt and I have been stuck because of it. Like, I know what I want and I know what I need to do, but I can't get myself to do it for fear of failure. I just need to commit and stop worrying about the future.

This! Most students I've had who struggle with this, the core of their problems is the fear of getting started because there are so many unknowns! The lack of experience in the thing creates the fear of failing. And "try it allow the failures to happen" is a skill and a muscle that needs to be used to surpass that apprehension. One thing I try to teach as often as I can is to "fart it out" so you have something to work with, and automatic drawing. These are small exercises that add up over time.

I 100% agree with this wisdom. If you want to take the lead in the art world you have to know, what do you want and what does that look like. You have to develop your voice and keep developing it (continuous improvement). With these things in mind, you can better equip yourself with the right resources to perform better and increase the joy of your work. Thanks for sharing Trent!

Feng Zhu once said there are telltale signs on why you are still not working in the industry 1. Are you procrastinating like playing video games. 2. Are you going to lots of conference/conventions such as lightbox expo. 3 are you watching too much tutorials like schoolism.

best advice for anything. Takes time to become easy, but it's the only way really.

So true on so many levels. I'm a UI designer in gamedev and the thing that has made the most impact for me is my personal projects that I published to Artstation, Behance, LinkedIn, etc, and is how I have gotten most of my jobs. I got into the industry by just having fun making personal UI mockups of upcoming games, redesigning current games UIs, or just coming up with entirely new game concepts and making UI for how I imagined it could look like in that game. Most of the stuff I create/design I consider bad, but that doesn't really matter as someone else might really like it and want to make use of my skills. Only thing that I did that was actionable in the sense of improvement was that I would do something new for each new project - new tool, new style, etc. In the end; just start making stuff and you will have a higher chance of success than not doing anything.

I don't want a career in this anymore...I just want to feel good while creating again. I miss being "in the zone".

Thanks Trent. I really like to come back to your videos, especially, these because sometimes it's that simple. Simple doesnt mean easy ofc. I have the best intentions of creating/making art, I am drawing everyday. However balancing out your own projects and learning as well is tough for me and sometimes getting distracted/lost in all the "I need to learn this to do this" etc. then forgetting what the initial goal was in the first place. These types of videos helps a lot, at least to me, to steer me back on track and that I dont need to overcomplicate things. Thanks again!

When things get tough, just do what you want. I ended up waiting a long time after being discouraged by the state of the game industry. It took a long time to get back up on my feet, wanting to make and show art again. But hopefully part-time freelance will someday be possible.

this made me also think that i shouldn't keep running away from drawing and making my game thank you ;-;

This is the advice that I needed hahaha. I have been wanting to create my art account on instagram for so long but never did because I didn't consider my art "perfect" yet. I think it's time now

My god it's like he knows xD I definitely haven't done enough since the end of last semester. Time for that 3AM inspiration kick! Thank you Trent!

Might as well put this vid in the description of every future video! 👍 thanks!

Love u Trent, thanks for every advice you gave throughout all these years, i know you care about us, you helped me A LOT. Its time to go back to work! thanks for everything

Thanks for this. I’ve just stumbled on this vid and as someone looking for a late career change, this is solid wisdom. I’m in the throws of making a one-shot comic and have been having fun coming up with my own IPs. Let’s see where it goes!

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to hear.

man.. i love your videos. been doing art work for 3 yrs + now and i always need your advices on this kind of stuff. i already know how to draw. now i need to stop the bad voices in my head

I know it will take a long time to get there but a while ago I decided to actually start working on all the projects I dreamt of since years (writing stories, making whole world building with concept art for everything, illustrating them) and while before I was all over place not sure what to work on so my progress was bad, suddenly I have a very clear path of what I need to learn. So I know I need to improve by A LOT but at least I'm working on those projects, adding more and more to notebooks and folders, working out the concepts slowly while I work on my fundamentals in the same time :)

I love this video! I make stuff, but I don't share it online....and you are so right. Make stuff, share it...then make more. It's so simple, but I think we all make it seem complicated.

Find my calling as a webcomic artist... back then I wanted to do EVERYTHING lol but now that I found what I really want to do in this area :D

Wow, if this video is not the biggest kick in the pants ever to grace everyone, then I do not know what else it is! ...And I, for one, welcome that kick in the pants. *OUCH!!!*

I am this close to finish and print my own comicbook! This whole corporate art world crash really empowered me to pursue my own goals and to become true indie artist! And thank you Trent! Your lessons really helped! I would post some snippets to the discord server!

It is solid advice. I did this in 2021, when I began my own indie game. I have learnt so much, have been both proud and shamed by my efforts, but it is 100% worth it.

Love it. Thanks, Trent. I'm one of those authors who follows your channel. All this stuff applies.

@Trent, I couldn't agree with you more, Just get out there and do and work with what you got. It is better than doing nothing. Another important part is when you run into problems find resources or people that can help keep moving, instead of giving-up. NEVER GIVE IN TO GIVING UP.

Awesome advice! Recently did exactly that and took the plunge and am currently working on a video game demo with a friend. Honestly, the best thing I could've done, it's become so much easier to learn what I don't know, and target those weaknesses. Who could've guessed lmao

Hey man, Ive followed you for a long time and I love your stuff. I know you've been working a lot on your game and promoting that lots, I totally followed you on steam and hope to play it when its out. But honestly I miss some of your tutorials, you've done a few motivational and I find listening to you enjoyable but id love a colouring/painting tut again or some cheat skills. I bought your photoshop cheat tut and another one or two with it a while back and i'd love some more short stuff on here. Thanks for being awesome and inspiring, keep being great!

THANK YOU!!!

Sometimes we ask for specific hacks because we're trying to avoid rejection. Rejection sucks. We think there's some perfect formula. The perfect portfolio + the perfect networking event + the perfect art mentor = a painless, successful art career. Unfortunately, you're never guaranteed a win. Every artist will be rejected by something they want no matter how good they are. Rejection is unavoidable. I'm not trying to belittle the fear of rejection, but if that's why you're not starting an art project or sharing an art project, no amount of advice from successful artists will save you except for what's in this video: you just have to do it. Do it and get rejected and keep doing it anyway. Because there will be people who love what you're doing. Thank you, Trent for keeping us going!

Trent, thank you for everything man.

There is very few people in the art youtubing catagory who give advice.Keep on doing what u do Trent. I wouldn't have published my first comic if i hadn't found u at the right time. ofcoz the comics trash but its something😅

Just the words I needed to hear, thank you. I want to take these 1st steps to pursue art commissions. And d maybe, just maybe... I can dream bigger from that.

There's is no better way than just start making. People underestimate and like to think that if they're doing late, they somewhat could catch up. Lol, no. Getting start and make it consistently could take longer than they expected. If they do it early, they could deal the obstacle early

Thanks Trent! It’s very true, and it’s easy to get locked into planning or practice without actually doing the thing you want to do. I make videos here on this platform and am working on a children’s book and educational material for beginner artists, on the heels of a decade of teaching art.

Hey! I wanted to share a project I am making that has to do with this. We don't have a website yet, but my friend and I are making a game called The Mouth of God. It's a horror rogue-like that has you going into a cave called "The Mouth of God" in order to find lost trinkets from past explorers. The cave turns out to be full of hallucinogenic "gas" that has you go through these things called events, basically a choose your own adventure style type of gameplay. My friend is doing all the programming, while I am doing all of the art. And there is a LOT of art going into this, like over 300+ individual drawings or so. So this is major experience for me, I am also creating all of the monsters and bosses. I want to get into creature design for the game industry, so this is keeping me on my toes!

good advice man,

excellent advice. as Yoda said "Do or do not, there is no try", ya gotta do what is important to you, what drives you, what is fun for you. I highly recommend Trent's tutorials

Can't wait to play Twilight Monk

Great advice, I'm getting a real Mike Mignola vibe off your 'inking' on this piece

Wow! I just looked back through your videos and found the first video I saw of yours. It was Demo #9 Kung Fulio part 1. I can’t believe I’ve been watching you for 10 years now. Geez… Makes me feel old haha. Anyways, I’ve always loved your attitude and your content. Hope you take your own advice and never stop making content lol. Anyways, have a good day.

I needed to hear this. I arguably should be listening to it during my morning routine. This issue with starting until the "right something" is certainly the main issue. But what to do if you have a large, yet passionate, to do list? what if I really want to make one project, but my brain keeps wanting to work on another one at the same time? Especially if it'd be much more doable without creepscope to do the first one?

Thank you Trent. Just deleted my twitter app (again) and gonna sit in front of my digital canvas before I go back lol.

Serving full time in the navy and working on a comic series, if I can do it anyone can!

I'm definitely going to start doing things with art, but I know I won't get anywhere with it really. But it's all about the fun I guess.

There's an old saying "build it and they will come" simply that just create and things MIGHT fall into place.

One word: This!

Thank you for the update Trent, I'll still be watching your content. I've love playing games and am curious about the industry. Since you asked for comments on what we all would like to learn more about: I am curious about writing for indie games. What is your take on how to build a portfolio for writing specifically for video games? Do indie game studios/founders even look for writers or do they tend to already have a story in mind? Is there is screenplay type format for video game writing or do hiring mgrs pretty much just look at how thought out the story, world-building, and character development is? I've heard just make a game to be marketable and then I get caught up with learning all the things like Unity and/or digital art (which I'm not great at either of those, but I do find them interesting) instead of just writing the story. Also, I'm mid-life data and technical writing career person seeking a career change - so my college background is a long time ago and in business. Thank you for putting so much great content out there for us and I'm glad you will continue to create videos.

I prefer techniques, sharing knowledge on art itself is more important or how games are made like what a 3D artist would need from a concept artist. How you’d make sprites that can be spliced and be used inside the game engine or preparing key shapes for animators. It’s probably the best to gain that knowledge and do it as mentioned in the video

Something to think about: Your body doesn't get stronger/healthier by just THINKING about exercising. Why would our art skill do the same?

"Man... he makes so much sense... again! Let's get back to wor... OH MY GOD, TRENT JUST BROKE THE MOON!"

I'd rather lose it all than say I never tried.

"Those who don't practice, get left behind, just the way the game is" Best advice I ever received "You can only fight the way you practice" Another tenant to live by ❤

This is the same realization i had a few years ago when i started getting out that life-long depression arc. It couldn't happen before that. I'm making stuff now. 2D and 3D and tried music recently but it was too hard and i'll get back to it later. I made a few videos over the spring of 3D modelling Lodanos from Eternal Ruins and im currently working on Fizz from Helluva Boss. Love that slutty little clown. Ill put up videos of that too when its done and there's some of my 2D art up on Cara, too. Oh, I'm also currently sewing a hat! Did you know you can just, like, do that? Sew a hat? Or pants. Literally no one will stop you. It costs like 10 Coins in materials. I've never sewed before and it seems to to be turning out fine. Anyway, "Just do it" sounds like stupid advice when you hear it and aren't ready for it, but, really, it's all there is.

Good advices

your the best my friend !

Hello Trent - How are you. I am wondering are there video on how to make a game like this. Very cool and stylize game here and would love to challage myself to create something cool as well. I have an idea that I'd like ro see come to life and i believe once i get this idea going just maybe it will be a hit. Teilight Monk is a side stroller game but also something else as your examples shows. Thank You

I wrote a book and published on Amazon. It has my artwork from characters to backgrounds and I designed the jacket/cover. How do I use that project to help me get more work?

sad that anything with a link that isn't a direct link to youtube gets deleted :( i tried to link a painting

Due to my fear that AI will take my target group whereas I'm hoping to build a family, I had put things on ice. But as I see how time is slipping by with nothing to show, and still not the right partner - I'm starting to think the same.. just so it. Of course I'm scared to be taken advantage of and being totally exploited, ... but I give myself 40 years, after which I can take a look back at my life and say that "I may have failed as a starving artist, but at least I tried" Even if not every fight, story or product finds its recognition - someone to listen - at least you tried and didn't ignore your inner passion

Have you work with people that start art later in life? I want to try but I worry if I started later I won't be good enough or that people won't take me seriously.

Hi Trent Kaniuga, I bought your course for the Gothic knight! Right now I'm trying to make a portfolio for a Internship as a Concept Artist ! But I have some issues in the process ... How can I have a your though about it ? Hope you will see the comment

I gotta ask, is getting into art industry makes a ton of money? Cuz money motivates me lol Edit: and i only do commissions as of now and to be honest i don’t earn enough with it.

Thank you Trent !.. In France we have a proverb that says " c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron !.. " . Thank you for your work Trent !.. 👍👍❤❤🕊🕊

May I ask a question, let just say I are working on an animation, if I were to focus on making the whole project black and white, (Like Paperman) would it be time beneficial (Or any sort of benefical perhaps money) than if I were to add colors or theres is litterally no difference?

Hey Trent, I was doing private DnD commissions for a few years (mostly US clients) but suddenly I stopped getting commissions, a lot of social media changes and AI stuff I guess. it's been bad for at least a year for me, I was hoping it was just a rough patch but it's only getting worse. I have hundreds of DnD characters I've drawn over the years but I don't think I'm employable because I live in Ecuador, art jobs here are non existent and international jobs ask for years of experience with 2+ games shipped, I don't think I think my illustrations of just half and full body characters are enough to get a job in the industry nowadays. Any advice?

Dude, no one is waiting without a reason. We need to jump the gap over the abyss and some of us have broken legs, cramps, ropes that tangle around our feet in a weird way. A reckless move may be dangerous or just impossible. It's the mistake of the survivor. YOU can "just do it". Others cannot. Some lack strength. I do. When I'm empty, it's pointless to draw. They say "inspiration comes when you start", "just be patient". Trust me, I'm no idiot, of course I tried pushing through for like 6 hours without any motivation. I got crap. The crap below 0. Absolutely useless, no searching, no practicing, my lines got worse and worse and I kept pushing. And that's the second part, failing like this burns out BAD. I had doubts before, now I SEE I can't draw. I see I'm an unreliable piece of sh!t. No one would hire one. And I get nowhere, I just lost the bits of energy I had and solidify my mistakes. And without energy I have no fundamentals. I can't feel if something is off. So constructing is pointless. I don't feel the lack of perspective, the broken proportions, the bad thumbnails... I have no energy to check if I'm making crap. Everything is gray. So... should I wait or should I go and demand a job at Bliz\Disney\Ghibli? Yeah, I better wait. For how long? I wait 3 days, I'm a bit better, still weak. Something else happens, I get crippled emotionally again. Wait 3 more days. Same lack of energy. I wait a week. Ok, now I'm fine-ish. I have energy for 2 artworks. Cool. Is that where I apply for Dreamworks? No. Wait more? How can I possibly change the fact that I don't want anything, that I've burnt out years ago trying to do what YOU people recommend? "Just doing it". I felt like pushing forward was a mistake but I trusted this optimistic opinion. And got hurt. Got many inner scars. Tried more. Got more scars. Now I'm shredded inside, can't move my finger without thinking I'd fail even that, thank you so much. Stuff the "seek professional help" BS, it never helps. I could bet everything I have that it won't help. Here, take my home, I'll buy a new one if I get successful. But if these "professionals" have nothing better than advise me to think pleasant thoughts, change my goals, reward myself, split big job into small tasks, run dopamine detox and similar garbage tips I can get from any motivational channel, you pay for my life. No? I thought so. You too know it's BS. Can't treat burning out. Can't find energy when you have no energy for looking for energy. And many of us are like this. We are not as strong as you. You've been rewarded for your effort, we were beaten by life over and over. Trying something new? Pain. Seeking the right shape for 1 week in a row? Pain. Running tutorials and courses and getting nothing? Pain. Drew what I know - pain. Drew what I never tried - pain. Drew random lines just to feel confident - pain. And you swim through joy, getting tiny bumps you know you can bypass. Is there anything you cannot do even if you spend a year studying? I do. To me it's 95% of unreachable goals. No idea why. It just doesn't click, doesn't get easier. Maybe I've used up all the nods in my brain. Maybe I'm sick. But why do I see so many other artists who can't just like I can't? Per one you we have 1000 artists who can't no matter how much they invest. 20 years in my case. And I still get humiliated with tips like "try harder, don't be afraid". Yeah. Never tried that (no). I try harder and I'm punished with turning thoughts "I can't" into facts "I couldn't". "Just do it, if you can". No hard feelings, some people need the motivation you provide. But most are born different, raised different, live different... And have lower hard caps. Waiting is all we have. Waiting and hoping something would change, a miracle would come, because we have no other way. Wait or die. So we wait and hope and try a bit every day.

Hmmm

What's the point of doing something if you're going to do it badly ? What's the point of releasing a comic book or a video game if no one will read/play it cause it looks like shit ? To learn ? Well you can learn without humiliating yourself. I feel like the people who say "just do the thing" are the one who either just don't care about what they're doing or already have the skills to do it properly. But I care about what I do. And I don't have the skills to do it the way I want...

Trent what can you do when people are preying on you...and keeping and eye on you 24x7..scamming/ stealing your stuff..giving a crooked eye.....giving death threats to not put your art out.....and yes I am the "person" whos in the mess..that you know about...where we live we are prohibited to carry arms......would love your input...I am loosing my mind..

💪😼💪

✨👍✨🧠🤏

Great video! I know you said to post links, but it feels awkward to do so. Two years of procrastination. For the past three months, I've actually been animating and doing art. www.youtube.com/@aereath

One of my favorite artists rookzer0 has very little following but the guy does his own thing and stands out to me. He's a big idol to me.