The PROBLEMS with an ART CAREER 

I was adequately warned by my art elders about how it feels to change your hobby into a career and was given some great advice to see if it is for you. Give your hobby a test run by doing it like a job. Set a schedule for you to do it, do not deviate from it (unless you are sick or other outside factors keep you from it) and treat it like a part time job. Go to work at it even if you aren't feeling up to it. Monitor your productivity and gauge where you need improvement. Give yourself a performance review like a boss would and rate how good of an employee you would make. It takes the naive sense of magic away from your hobby and grounds it in reality. If you still enjoy doing it after that then you could probably change your hobby into your job. After doing this I actually found more motivation and inspiration to work on my art. I think I've settled into that kind of schedule and mindset relatively unshaken so I could only assume that I would have the fortitude and accountability needed to really do this as a career and not a hobby. Now if only I could get some customers...

I'm excited to watch this, as a recent graduate, the idea of being freelance as an animator scares me.... The people I've met from the industry are all freelance and when I asked "how do you manage to plan your months ahead and make sure you'll be able to pay the bills" most of them said "tbf you don't" in a jokey way but that is the reality in a way, so I'm curious to see your perspective as a full timer!

This is the same advice I would say goes with graphic design too. It’s very corporate and not very creative. It’s production and it can very well suck out your creativity. Many young graphic designers burn out and leave. Start out and learn the industry and work your way into your own freelance business. If you want your own way. Then you can choose your clients as they choose you.

I've worried about art becoming less fun in the future if I pursue a career in animation, because drawing has always been my favorite thing and I would hate if it became a chore. But recently I realized that if I ended up in any other job, I'd feel like I was missing something, if that makes sense. When I watch amazing animated movies or storyboards I get so inspired. The ability people have to bring stories to life in so many different and beautiful ways is something I want to be a part of. And like you said, it can be liberating and allow you to pursue other hobbies which isn't something I had even thought of but sounds really appealing. Thank you for making this video :D

yo i feel its not talked enough about. So many young people worry about finding their style and what you said about what it really means to work in the industry is why i consistently tell people just learn how to draw period. Learn how to color period. Enjoy the things you draw but improve upon them with actual fundamental study. Then from there on the side actually take a stab at drawing different things, its not about being able to draw realism. Its about getting it to click in to your head. What that "it" is. It's understanding shape language, color theory, composition and framing, lighting, line and line weights, patterns and repetition, movement, perspective and scale, design language. ALL OF THAT APPLIES TO EVERY STYLE KNOWN TO MAN. If you understand it fully you know how to draw and paint and even if you've never lets say drawn cars a lot in your artistic journey you can apply the fundamentals to a reference of a car and make an accurate mock up in mere minutes because it all goes back to the fundamentals. And psychologically speaking once you learn something its easier to pick back up so don't worry about learning how to draw this thing for a job and forgetting it later because you didn't need to draw the thing anymore. It'll come back to you in a snap especially with a prime understanding of how to draw. I feel like my fellow professionals will get what I'm saying. Being in animation makes that even more important or really any industry job because you never know when youll be asked to create something out of your comfort zone and you need to make that shit into your comfort zone right now. To this day even though I consider myself very competent. Most of my practice is in observation rather than drawing because at this point its not whether if i can draw it its like mew is saying. ITS WHETHER I CAN UNDERSTAND AND VISUALIZE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE SO I CAN DRAW IT ACCORDING TO THE GUIDELINES. How are you supposed to draw anything if you can't understand it, or understand the information being given to you. With understanding makes it easier to relay the same information to whoever you pass the work onto or are working alongside with. I don't draw armor like that but have I seen armor and studied it in my head and watched other people paint it to understand the type of marks i should be making and values i should be creating. YEAH. Anything i need to draw i already have the simplest base for. Which is what you should aim for. After that is where the real creativity lies in building upon that base with references and notes given to you by your boss or yourself. The biggest key I'd say to improvement and being able to keep up is be an active observer of your world. Get into the habit of actually looking at things around you everyday. Information will overtime just bury itself into your brain. And respectively you can be like Kim Jung Gi in a sense. And that's how you get your mind into the framework of running your own shit. Its not easy running your own business let alone also producing quality goods yourself. Drawing and painting is one of the most accessible art forms. Given how ambitious you may be its also up there with film(animation included) being the most stressful and hardworking thing you can do. You're not just 1 but 2 if not 1 million moving machines and you need to be a knowledge sponge to make the whole thing way easier because with knowledge comes understanding which leads to better problem solving which leads to running your shit well for you or for others. B4 I entered college space. It made me so sad to see some artists and realize they aren't going to make it because they draw as a trend really. They never had the intrinsic motivation which is what you need to actually study drawing and coloring and actual production/business related stuff. You're not going to live the artist life being a one-trick pony. You enter the professional world many people have multiple skills that aren't even in drawing. They are in truest form "Arteest". The only studio who cares about your style is the one you're mimicking. And if you have your own real personal style no one but yourself and your personal audience cares about that. Younger people are so ambitious and you know my own teachers didn't tell me this stuff I had to fail over and over again to learn it. Being proficient in the one thing you do is only a quarter of the battle depending on how ambitious you are. I wish more teachers would be more open about this stuff, like include it in lessons. Don't just teach me how to draw realistically tell me how to succeed in the current climate of the art world in whatever part of that world I want to be in. But I guess technically its already happening but i think it should happen with younger people like even before highschool, seed the information in that this isn't easy. Not the old negative being an artist is hard youll be starving. But Like the reputation of a doctor. Its obtainable but its really fugging hard, soul crushingly hard, profound life experience hard LOOOL.

I recently switched to illustration so I gota really boring call center insurance job that was crappy hours that took up my whole day so I worked super hard to get my status up so I could work in the morning and draw at night. Did that for year. The moment my portfolio was presentable enough to work freelance I dropped to part time and it has been nice (granted I get enough bonuses and raises from the crappy job to be okay with switching PT). I work my stable job just enough where it doesn't break me down mentally and then I have all the energy for drawing and freelancing. Sometimes I draw between calls if it's slow. At first I wanted a studio job but I got really disillusioned by the fact that entry level jobs don't seem to exist in a lot of the studios around me or everyone wants you to learn obscure open source programs or have you be an an animator, concept artist, 3D modeler and graphic designer all at once. Even the internships all require you to be a recent graduate or currently full time. I literally live near Cartoon Network, ATL and and a bunch of gaming studios. So I'll just take my time, freelance, do the projects I want, work on passive incomes and find my way while I keep adding to my 401K.

This is super real. 10/10 - you said pretty much exactly what I would say about what life is like as an animator/artist. And the convo about creative / career fulfillment is super honest. I personally found more creative fulfillment when I wasn’t working an art job than when I was working as an animator. But balancing personal fulfillment with your financial well-being often makes personal fulfillment go out the window. And you didn’t even touch on burn out which is a completely unpredictable factor from person to person. And the thing is - each industry has its own issues. And you don’t really get to understand if you can sink or swim in it until you’ve experienced it.

​honestly this hits home. its not what i want to hear but its what i need to hear. I work a standard 9-5 licensing cars, but id also like to have my art be the side thing to make life more comfortable.

I’m both worried & excited for this video. I finished grad school in 2020 & while I’ve been working on making it into the industry, I’ve been working as a part time cleaner for 6 years since there aren’t any art or animation jobs where I live. I want to quit my job later this year partly to focus more on furthering my art goals, but I’m worried about stuff like student loans, insurance, & not making as much money at my current job. All of your videos have either been motivational or showed me what to look out for with pursuing my art career, so I’m really looking forward to this

My fantasies slowly drifting away.....

Before watching this, I was only viewing the positives of working in animation, not realizing that some things can still go wrong. Michelle, you're so helpful, I'm glad I found your channel!

its not all doom and gloom but the reality is that having art as a career can be hard finically in any field without a bit of push for work, either within a company or freelance and the person usually has to find some side jobs, create art related things outside of their job or find another part time job to have money to live like they want to.

Love this kind of open and honest content. The art world isn’t all romanticized sunshine and roses and it’s good and healthy to acknowledge that.

Wow I had no idea that taking vacation time off work could affect the hours towards your health insurance when in the animation union. That is awful! I’m glad you talked about whether quitting your job for your own business would work for someone. It’s an important perspective to consider balancing a cushy corporate job while having side interests.

The you're not special one is on point. I've always realized this but it became more and more clear the older I got. High school, yes, I'm the man. College, not the best anymore but above average. Checking online artists... I'm nothing! Haha. It's not a career path of mine so I'm not too fuzzed about this but this applies to a lot of jobs.

Thanks for sharing ! Really enjoy hearing about your experience, more people need to hear this and know what is waiting for them

Thank you for this realistic video .. you helped me see the reality as an artist in the field vs. the idea of what I thought it would actually be .. love your content ❤

At the end you got really deep and I honestly really appreciate it. Thank you

I really appreciate that you lay all the pros and cons bare of working in the animation industry so that people can make their own informed decision if they want to continue or not. I personally strive to obtain a very similar position to yours, having an industry job with a few personal projects on the side. And your videos make me feel somewhat prepared on how to get there. Thanks so much!

Damn this video is on some real shit. Props to you for being so authentic and honest

Thank you so much for all you videos! I work in video games and feel a similar way. We are all working on consumer products at the end of the day. Leaving space for us creatively in our free time seem to be a more sustainable and doable way to go for now.

I appreciate you making a video like this and being honest about the negatives of choosing an art career, specifically in entertainment. I’m a recent graduate and I’m currently looking for a job. I appreciate the insight on what I have to look forward to later in my career. No one really talked about stuff like this during school. Thank you.

I've been dreaming a lot about my future lately and what an amazing artist(animator) I'm gonna be with no experience in animation(haha). And videos like this bring me down to earth and remind me to work harder.(pardon my eng) So...just thank u!🧡

I always hated that sentiment. "Quit your job and go travel!"...sounds great but with what money to finance it?

I really enjoyed and appreciate this video for many reasons! I resonated most with the part about being in art school and realizing you're not special. I went from being this amazingly talented artist in my rural town in Central California to being an "average" artist amongst my classmates when I moved to attend LCAD, some of which had taken animation classes at their high schools in Southern California. I felt so behind right away!! I had to learn to accept that and push myself and to learn from the extremely talented classmates and friends that I had around me. Everyone has their own art journey and their own decisions to make that suits THEM, so I truly appreciate and agree with everything you said! Thank you and I love your art!

Thank you so much for making a video like this! I've been trying to get into the industry for years with no luck and I've been questioning whether or not to keep pursuing it. The idea of finally breaking in, only to keep job hunting/applying for jobs/interviewing every few years or so is exhausting. I started looking for a life/career coach to help me find alternative career options that are more stable as a result. Was there anything besides comics and storyboarding that you ever considered pursuing at some point in your life?

Thank you for your "rant". I am planning to start my art career and your honest opinion really helped and gave me some thoughts for food. thanks a lot

okay, i must thank you for this video. I think i had a pretty "peachy life is super cool" vision on the animation industry I knew it was an industry but i believed it would be super cool since it's art but oh boy you must understand it's an INDUSTRY. It's not making me back down though bc every jobs or industries are pretty much that way (maybe not all project driven but i don't mind that yet) i'm still thriving to get into animation cuz it's pretty fun and i honestly can't see myself doing something else. Thank you because i needed that REAL STATEMENT instead of la vie en en rose talk :)

I appreciate you Michelle!

Ok you got my attention with the thumbnail, I was worried for a second, touché 😆 Great video too!

Thank you so much for this video!

I totally resonate with your closing words. Your conclusion is exactly the same conclusion I came to with my life: I like being financially stable more so the fun artistic things I do on the side stay fun.

I love how in-depth this video is, thank you for being so transparent!

Thank you so much, it really helped me to realize what I truly want to do and how to do it. ✨

Hey! Haven't seen a video of yours in a minute, really like this new editing style of including some stock footage over dialogue-heavy points! I think it's a smart way to save time rather than doing a sketchbook video every talk you do lol. Thank you for making this!

loved this video, the things you said are so true

Thank you for sharing your insights! I used to want to become an illustrator. But as I take on courses to learn, I realize I may not suit to be one. I do love to draw, but the art I make is based on stories/scenes that already exist, like from a movie or anime and that I resonate with a lot. It's like the feeling of the scene is what drives me to "re-create", but not a requirement from other people. I always ended up with anxiety whenever I try to imagine myself going into the creative industry or freelance. "What if I'm unable to understand their requirement? What if I'm unable to create something outstanding?" After watching this video, I think I feel mentally more stable by keeping my job and making drawing a hobby instead, at least that's how I feel for now... 😢

This is so true! I decided to become a freelancer in 2019 so that I could take on multiple projects because working at just one animation studio is not enough to support me and my family.

Hi Michelle! I love your videos. Could you please make a video about ergonomic tips for artists? I think that'd be an interesting topic :)

It's odd having been here since all of the silly and fun animation videos to now receiving art-career advice. What a wild journey this has been.. and I'm just a viewer!

thank you so much !!

Psych major here, but with a fondness for making art, painting and drawing both digitally and classic. There was a time when I wanted to make art my whole time job, start challenging myself and maybe take commissions and everything. All because I wanted to spend more time drawing and creating. For me personally as the years go by I think it's better to leave my passion for art as it is, I hobby which I love. Then again, I'm grateful for your advice. It's very eye opening.

Gold tips. Good communication, focus and organization still the core of working in a team. We all should improve this ''community-based'' skill early as possible.

That's what I really enjoy about your videos; you discuss both sides of having a career in art. It would be super easy to put out content of just one side of animation being Always Awesome or Always Horrible but that's not realistic at all. I loved what you said about how every industry has pros and cons! It mirrors something Elizabeth Gilbert said about every path, level of success, and career having a 'shit sandwich' -- you just have to find which flavor you can tolerate (ew, but true lol)

I knew I needed to listen this as someone who struggled to find a job as graphic designer/illustrator and got laid off from my first/previous job because I was "overqualified". To be honest, I am getting anxious cuz it has been over a month of job hunting, but I'll give it more push and avoid stunting my artistic skills because of my anxiety. Thank you for this video

Great video! Also a recent grad as many people in the comments. I really have been enjoying this channel and the community you're building here. Supportive and informative at the same time. Alot of videos on the internet are emotional and biased on these topics. But this one was realistic in a way a lot of people don't always cover. I'm here for it of course:) Still don't know what to do about my animation career though lol. It really is a difficult decision, but nice to know that you can afford a living/ doing a studio job when It really seemed impossible to have a comfortable living when I was last doing research. I didn't make the move to LA and still doubtful of it. I wish I could find more studios that are unionized but in the east coast US or at least offer intern jobs right now remotely.

i highly appreciate this video \

I'd love for you to make another video like this but collabing with other professional artists in different fields. I'm only saying this for the people who don't know you and this is the first time watching your videos. Like, yes, I was able to apply what you said about working in my own industry but I can see it being hard for others who aren't going into animation. This video felt more like "problems with a [animation] career".

I’m a bit nervous to watch this video because I want to be full-time artists so I’m gonna watch the video and see how I feel!!

I got into the dream of the art industry a year about a year ago, and just entering I was wondering if I was gonna make it with so many amazing artists I sometimes wonder if I can get any bigger

Appreciate your vids and advice, as I have long had an interest in pursuing a creative field. I didn't pursue it when I was in university, and instead went with something more "practical", got into teaching for many years. I was getting comfortable in it but I wasn't fulfilled. Pushing middle age now, wondering if I'm too old to change into a more creative career path.

The American health care system never ceases to negatively surprise me 👁️👄👁️

My dream as an artist is to make an animated show, literally my life goal is to make that show and build a fanbase. And hearing you talk about the truth on how hard even getting the chance to make a project hits me with the hammer of reality. Please, I really need to know, what major should I take to reach my goal(making a show)? And What should I do to even have a chance to make the project?

I want to become an artist because I don’t see doing anything else but we’ll see

In terms of financial and creative fulfillment. I think purpose is a big thing to consider. Not everyone is like me but purpose is bigger than money to me. I'll fulfill my creativity for free destined for it to absolutely fail corporate wise. I have one life and if i don't do it now when will I. As long as i have a roof over my head, food, and clothes and other basic needs and can continue to do so. Then i am going to pursue my purpose. I think at some point one must talk to themselves and really ask in terms of quality of life/how you want to live your life realistically how much money do you need. My bills are set relatively lower than what i make through great sacrifice so I can pursue my purpose so if my next job pays less its not a big deal. You simply have to be real with what you're comfortable with or what you care about.

It's a good point to mention that it may be a good idea NOT to have your comic/own story be the sole supporter because the pressure of it doing financially well and being a commercial success might take the enjoyment out it it for you. I find when I put pressure on my comic to be a successful comic, instead of it just being my story that I hope others resonate with I get creative blocks. Because I get so scruitinizing of my ideas if they're good enough to do well that I basically thing all my ideas aren't good enough. THing is you DON'T know for sure if your idea is going to be popular or not to be financially feasible, there's what you do your best to aim for, and then there's who needs you. And how many of those people happen to need you and your specific content at the time you post it. SO many conditions have to be met. And sometimes that means high quality stuff might not be as popular, and stories with plot holes and mistakes can be overlooked if the story also has elements that are appealing enough for a mass audience to over look its flaws. Of course if my comic does end up being such a success/in demand I'll totally switch over but that's AFTER I'll know I don't have to worry about money.

The thumbnail caused so much anxiety for me as a person who's goal is to financially sustain myself with art

I'm a 18 year old brazilian who started studying art last year and want to be a art student outside my country! this video helped me a lot and cleared a lot of my decicions on having an animation/illustration career, thank you for this video 💝💝

as a disabled and chronically ill person who is doing really well as an art/animation student, i was really glad you talked about how health insurance in the animation industry works-- even in union jobs. it was really illuminating, along with the rest of the video. gave me a lot to think about. as much as i love and adore art and animation, my health and my ability to, y'know, LIVE matters to me more. i'd love to hear more on that subject if you wouldn't mind, since im definitely at a crossroads of knowing i am QUITE FUCKING GOOD at art/animation but knowing the industry nowadays might not be able to accomadate me on even the most base level of "consistent access to a doctor through my insurance", but im still in debate since health insurance by itself is complicated and not spoken much about-- especially not in Animation with how ableist (ableist towards others) + internalized the ableism (ableist towards self) most jobs in the industry seem to be in order to feed into the hustle-culture a lot of the industry seems to be-- from a student's outside perspective, anyway. the rumors and implicated inferences about it have scared me away from testing if such is valid more than i actually have had experience in it. so idk. i would love more guidance on that, basically. fantastic video as always, fam; keep it up, much love ♡

Hello, I was wondering what studio do you work for? So studios hire animators full time to just work on anything? how does that work? Does this mean you don't have to hurry to get a new job once a project you are working for is done? I would like to get a job in the animation industry but tbh all I'm worrying about right now is if it can be a stable job or not!

I wanna focus more on art, but I dunno if I can modify my schedule in a way to allow me the time since I've been having a mental block when it comes to doing art at home after work. Strangely, outside of home I am excited to the point of anxiousness and become hyper focused, so I'm thinking if I work at it somewhere else long enough my confidence to work at home will return. I'm just hoping my job will let me make the changes I want. I'm tired of giving so much of my free time weekly... Should've never done it in the first place.

Yeah, you really can’t beat online classes taught by people IN the industry. If none will higher you, at least you’ll be good enough to start a studio/channel/collaboration/indie project etc

Were you considered as gifted? And if you were, How did you get over that kind of identity? (I'm asking this because being gifted means feeling special and it's so tricky)

I was wondering what the job outlook of a storyboard artist vs is a 3D modeler? Is there more job positions for a 3D modeler? In movie studio, are storyboard artists just as common as 3D modelers?

Just gotta go hard enough for people to want to own your work f$&k working for people

What tips do you have for international people trying to get into the industry? I'm currentky going to art school in my country, is that enough? What else should I do to break into this industry?

got scared at the health insurance part, but then remembered its probably an American thing and where i live i actually have to take days off from work or else i might have problems with law

Thank you for this video! I work in the gaming industry currently, in Europe on top of that so I could not wholly relate to all aspects, but definitely to the romantic view of the industry before entering. Even though I've had people tell me that the industry is difficult, I never wanted to take off my rose-tinted glasses haha. Your video is so earnest and I deeply appreciate you sharing this kind of honest knowledge about how things aren't always all peachy. The 'ugly' sides of the entertainment industry surely can be depressing, but the work can still be fun :) I guess it's about finding a balance in between all of that

Will joining the animation union limit me only to union studios or could I still work at a non-union studio?

Hi! Can you elaborate on what you mean by a project-driven industry? What would be the other alternative instead of it being project-driven?

I feel like they possibly are special, it's just concentrated, like Mensa.

Living in LA ouch..

bills to pay !

Hmmm... Nice. Although this feels like a dystopian. Retirement... What's the point of art if all of it doesn't benefit others and just puts me in a chair waiting for death. Thinking and helping the future helps others and puts me useful.

“Youre not special” I was never special as an artist 😎 take that Nah tho I was never known as the art kid since my siblings and friends are definitley better than me

Can animatiom studios hire you if you are self taught and don't come from college?

Don't forget the healthcare marketplace is a thing, if you need insurance. You don't need a constant full time job.

Can we talk favoritism too and ineptitude. I don't work in animation rn I work in regular smegular film. It applies to the camera operators themselves who are beloved. Sometimes it don't even matter if youre good or bad to land the gig or the promotion. Mfers just have to like you or someone stepped down and youre the next runner up xD. And even in both those scenarios its not all sunshine theyll still not pay you enough or give you a raise but just the title LOL. Not only should you aim to be really good on a technical level at your job but not too good that the wrong people are jealous. Do not think it beneath anyone to shit on you just because you're good. Be strategic in how you show off. Don't be a kiss ass but be likeable. Being likeable will take you farther than being good at your job. Realistically anyone can be good at what you do but not everyone who is good is fun to work with. Because some of the spikes in your spine youll see. The only reason they still have a job is because they are friends with so and so. And that so and so MIGHT BE AN IMPORTANT PERSON. The amount of kiss assery you have to do definitely depends on your social standing. You're reputation and who you're friends and "enemies" are, are on your job id.

Please add timestamps?

Well ... I skipped college and art school yet I'm earning good money from commissions and merch etc.

I was very talented at art and fantasized about where I’d be if I focused on my career. Spent a few adult years working on that dream. Then I met my husband, and 2 kids and a new home later, I’m so happy I chose to have a family instead. I can work on art at home for pleasure instead of being stressed by corporate demands. I guess for me family is the most important.

dropping this vid since she says "school" she is from a different world so this is not for me or poor ppl lol

You make great videos but there are unlimited levels to the game. You create the reality. Keep going! Here is a tip for you and everyone as an artist who has been very successful (academy award, acquisitions, family etc... ) for 20+ years in the biz. To gain the balance of financial reward + lifestyle + family you need to enhance your mindset. Do not identify as an "animator" but rather as a human being trying to create value in the world through animation. One's intellect and creativity orbit your identity. Wealth “You get paid in direct proportion to the difficulty of problems you solve.” - Elon Musk. Consciousness “There is only one evil in the world, and that is limited identity" - Sadhguru Keep going but think bigger and how to provide value in the world through your gifts!

wow sounds absolutely horrible 🙈

You didn't start with 'hello bishes' wtf

All of the ignorant stuff you say can be referred to you also

The generic stock footage is completely unnecessary for the talks..

That's exactly right, you're not special either.

Art as a career will be only profitable to a very small minority of truly gifted artists, one might say geniuses. It won't be profitable for the average artists, the mediocre artist whose skill is only as valuable in proportion to how hard it is to create images for the common man. However with AI artists and AI image generators it is so easy to generate as many images as one needs endlessly an in a few minutes. For the common man who just needs an image or concept art or two for their project it's enough, and when before you had to hire the average and mediocre artists for the job you can do it yourself FOR FREE! No more commisions or jobs for them. People who do want something truly great will pay lots of money for the few truly gifted artists in the field, though. But as a career it's going to be as dead soon. If you're an aspiring artist if you're looking for a career, if you're looking for a means to earn your bread and butter, unless you're truly gifted you should consider another career path. If you don't care about making money you can also pursue art.