The #1 Mindset that Keeps Artists Starving 

I watch David's videos with 2x speed, it's like having a tough uncle talking much-needed sense into me. Thank you : )

Art is a MESSAGE!!!!!!!

I like how you say the art has to get out there to "start it's own life". Very cool idea-just never thought of it that way.

Hello, I just found your RU-vid page. I am so happy you made this video! If we talk about professional artists - in general - people have no problem buying certain types of art: music CDs, movie DVDs, fashion. But many people don't want to buy a painting or a poetry book. I have a friend who is an artist and he refuses to work for free but people ask him for free artwork all the time. And it really saddens me when paintings by Van Gogh and Basquiat gets sold on auction for millions. Who gets all that money? The public needs to support artists - like you said - art has a message and we need to be able to buy more supplies.

Yes..thanks for the video! I read,and was told years ago that there was no money to be made..very discouraging..I just got back in to my art and want to say thanks again ..

Fabulous David, straight down the line, I love it!

I like your down-to-earth attitude in this video. As is true of many creative people, I have a hard time with business-oriented thinking but that is a shortcoming I need to overcome. I need to make art that makes people happy so I have money to buy stuff that makes me happy, like art supplies and food and so on. ;) And I need to get it out there somewhere where people can see it and buy it. It's only common sense of course, but sometimes that is exactly the kind of sense we need to learn to make. ;) Thanks. :)

Thanks for the content. I just left a review/feedback to the university I attended on lacking giving information to students on how to be an active professional artist and make a living. I hope they take it well. Love your content!!

Love the way you cut to the chase.

I needed to hear this - thanks so much

I had to subscribe to this wonderful channel , you are very inspiring also I am a college graduate in a different field and had to learn entrepreneurship on my own. College taught me the techniques but not how to apply them to owning a business. Your real ness and presence is a much welcome necessity to everyone who needs to see and hear the reality of what’s happening of wishful thinking and wondering why progress is not being made. Thank you for sharing!

I love your info!!!!!

Thank you, David...........The first thing that caught my eye when I found you on RU-vid, was the vibrancy of your color and the vitality in the energy of your paintings.....They live with a cohesive unity and diversity that draws people........They stand individually but collectively, they sing..............It's refreshing to hear an artist affirm their work as a valuable and necessary commodity.........The second was your down to earth personality. You shared valuable information and then punched it up with an honesty that made me laugh. It also made me remember what you had just said. I am just beginning to paint with acrylics and I love them.......... Your generosity and ability to share pertinent information that kept me coming back. I am looking forward to the day that I can purchase your courses. I have seen enough to believe that they will be invaluable. It may take a while, but I will get there.

Well said! That romantic idealistic attitude doesn't put food on the table, or anything else. I agree about art making a difference and bringing joy to someone's home.

It's nice to hear you say that it's about continuing the message. For me at least, it makes it easier to think that way, too. It's not about me-me-me making money, but about creating a sustainable way to continue to make the world a happier place. That's intelligent realism rather than non-thinking romanticism. Just found your channel and subscribed! Thank you David M Kessler! :)

Here's the kicker Dave, not only is it your biz but you make some good looking art. Ps- I'm one of those hungry ones. Not quite starving but...

David, I enjoy listening to you… I appreciate the fact that you say it as it is and you give information that is very applicable. You’re a very practical man, and extremely talented.

Very realistic and honest advice ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ! I enjoy your videos every time .

That's me. Whole studio full of art and not selling. I don't care. I'm not a business person. I spent 40 years working as a legal assistant and art is something I do because I simply love it. I don't want to ever turn it into work. Because I didn't love what I did for work for decades. Art is my love.

love it....and I totally agree ...that is what I tell people... I dont do it for free... If you dont sell art...then you cant buy art materials in my case ....so sell it thanks

Thank you for all your videos. I have watched some already. This one is absolutely on point. Love your Art work. Maybe one day I can afford to buy one of your paintings. Greetings from the Netherlands.

I want to take an on line course. I should pay for that instead of buying art supplies…

Not all colleges let you go out there and not tell you how to succeed. I go to a 4 year university and they make us take a Senior Seminar. We talk about starting a business , internet presence , and treating it like a business . We also talk about gallery representation, creating a portfolio and other things. I have met a few knucklehead students and instructors who do the art for the sake of art deal but in my school they are the exception not the norm. We cannot graduate from the art program without Senior Seminar.

Bravo....you always hit the nail on the head.

MFA FLUNKIES!😂😂. But for real, once i switched from "i do art because i love it" to "i want to get that paper $$" i sold a couple pieces.

Thank you. It is a real teaching. I agree for others but i never feel good enough to sell my work. I have to work on that way.

It's so funny I feel like the exact opposite is true. I feel like what keeps starving artist starving is this mentality of doing it for the money and not having any soul in it.

Bravo!!! Well said David :)

Good speech. You can't say "professional" if you don't strive for income.

Your so right I’m struggling to get something sold, my prices aren’t crazy, I have a web page, I just need someone to fall love with enough to buy it.

so very true.

thanks 4 all your videos!

For all those starting out feeling a thousand miles behind

I Think you are are a smart man. Just see some of your things on the web (i am from Denmark); i know USA have not thet same value here then as the USA, but.......in the name of the Universe.........i Think you give and give and give to US amatesurs. I think you are a Nice man...........thank you. . In USA. Still i Think you ar a berygtet good

Where there's a will there's a way .

Thank you for watching my video on The 31 Mindset that Keeps Artists Starving! Please leave comments and any questions you may have below.

Thank you

How do I do it Mr. Kessler? I use only digital tools and eventually output them onto canvas. Galleries are not accepting my work.

I'm a beginner. How do I start? Thank you for your videos.

I don't know how to sell

How can i sell my art? And where do i show it?

Hi, I believe I'm an artist, but haven't sold anything yet. Is there any way I can send you my paintings so you can tell me what they are worth and how can sell them?

I am a 17 years old and do paint good and am interested to learn more. I am not aloud to do much of painting stuff because of these ideas of artist don't earn enough and so on. even I hesitate that if it happens with me then what's the answer I give to my parents. How to take this up as profession and also feel secured to go on with. I really enjoy painting! could plz reply my message!

I need help.

My arts not good enough for the world haha

$$$

Ok how do you make. Money? Pls make a RU-vid