WHY I DIDN'T GO TO ART SCHOOL 

Honestly, art school kind of broke me spiritually. There is so much snobbery involved that they make you question your art to the extreme that you don't see anything worth in it anymore. They sort of strip away the joy out of everything you do and the art that you admire. I think you made the best choice.

geeze she's so pretty

I go to artschool, and it's the most chill thing ever. Our teacher is really nice and tries not to stress us and does a great job at encouraging us, no matter our level and style. When I went to artschool (which was 4 years ago) I originally came there to get better. But now, I only come there to meet other artists who are really talented and amazing. I don't really learn anything from artschool, I really only attend it for the experience, atmosphere and company. I still consider myself selftaught. I mean, we've all taught ourselves in some way? (sorry if my english is bad. Just wanted to share my experience w artschool ^^)

As someone who just graduated from art school, I'd have to say that it was definitely the worst investment of my life by far... The only thing truly beneficial about art school is making connections with friends and teachers who can potentially get you jobs. If the teachers do not work in the industry and aren't up to date with current trends, software, workflows, etc. then you shouldn't consider going. At the end of the day, art degrees do not matter when it comes to finding jobs. All you need is a strong portfolio and skill sets relevant to the job. There's so many great resources online nowadays that art schools really aren't needed at all..

How are you comfortable giving away your original artwork???? I try so hard to work up the courage, but I get too attached to them. How do you do it???

Great video! 😆 For those in high school or just pondering should you go to art school, I would suggest this: Look at your state Universities and community college's art programs first (less money). Next I would consider majoring in art WITH a minor in marketing/business...(I promise this will help your art career) or switch and have the minor in art. Definitely the biggest part of any art program is the exposure and meeting people who have connections. If you can't afford to go to school, but still want an art career; find a local art group to join. You may have to be juried in and have to pay a yearly fee, but it is worth it, especially if they are putting up shows in your area. Also, look for call to artist jury shows through your local center for the arts. Most mid-size to large cities and counties should have a center and getting into group juried shows help get your name out there. Plus local collectors tend to be members and buy from these shows. The center should be handling all of the advertising and openings, getting their members there. I hope these help! 😆

For me, I never thought I was going to go the post-secondary school at all, due to my fear of debt. So I worked full time for five years after high school at plenty of different bakery/cooking jobs until it eventually started to drive me insane. I dont want to work with food as my career so I kept falling into these states of depression due to feeling unsatisfied with my life. I really wanted to be a full-time working artist but art school was just too expensive and I also love working with computers, so I am now going to a Institute of Technology studying animation, game design, web design, graphic design, and film editing.

I've been self taught, reading art books and all kinds. in the town that i lived in, there were so many pretentious (not sure if i spelled that right) art snobs that i just couldnt destroy myself spiritually...and financially just to learn something that i could reading a book. love your vid by the way

I found myself nodding to you as you talked about your friends and how you differ from them...as if I'm having a conversation with you. For some reason, I feel so at peace when I listen to you talk. I think it's because of your honest, modest, and genuine personality that makes me feel like I could relate to you. I am also an artist currently in college, and for the longest time, I wished to pursue art.... but because my oldest brother was extremely traditional, he wanted me to pursue something more practical. I know my weakness in what he wanted for me and I knew I would fail if I tried to pursue it so after HS, I never went to college because it wasn't what he wanted and I was scared that he would not approve. My husband (then boyfriend) encouraged me to go and he was extremely supportive. Everyday, he encourage me by being one of my first critics and his honesty moved me so much that I chose to finally pursue art. I'm so glad you have to courage to find and create art for all of us! Please continue in pursuing your happiness!!

I have an Art Certificate from ACAD (Canada). I learned more from independent workshops and self teaching (videos and experimenting), than from classes, although the cert does look nice on the wall.

another option that is a little cheaper and what I'm currently doing is local art classes. it gives you some of the benefits of art school like networking and devolving your skills but is more budget friendly. The only downside is you won't get the learning self discipline aspect but they usually have evening and weekend classes so you're able to work and still learn. :)

I'd never understood why college/art schools are so expensive in north america, here in south most of the colleges are free. And even for artists everything is outhere, you just have to look for it.

I understand the Asian thing, I'm going through the same thing I'm probably gonna end up going into business or something along those lines

I understand the asian thing going on lol. My parents we're so against it, but I went to Art School for a year anyway. Can't imagine myself doing other things. Now I go to School of design and arts and my major is Graphic design. Art School, was so much fun. I met my true friends there. I learned a lot of things in Art School, so it's actually worth it :)

BIG yes to the social media topic! I would love to learn more about your approach to building your presence and establishing yourself using social media 😊

Hi Happy D! You are so talented and thank you for sharing your story. I'm 35 years old. I've always loved art and creating. When it was time for college my parents were much like yours, except my dad literally said "Art school is for weirdos..." (Thanks, Dad. LOL) I have taught myself a lot since through watching RU-vid tutorials much like yours and many others and even scored a job as an instructor at a local Gallery for their weekend Corks & Canvas classes (you know the drink and paint parties) They had a special instructor Gallery showing and I sold one of my paintings. The first time ever! I was so thrilled. I never look at my art and think anyone would find value in it and I think that's really what holds me back from trying to pursue it as a career. Someone at my age realizes the usefulness of social media and the internet to promote and sell their work, but because of my age, I have no idea where to start. I have no idea what would make people want anything I have to offer. How do you overcome that? How did you know "Yeah, people are definitely going to dig this". What gave you your confidence. I mean, clearly your art speaks for itsself. You are super talented and I don't believe i could ever create anything close to your abilities, so maybe that's what's lacking? Maybe I need to give myself more time to learn. What resources did you use to self teach?

You always inspire me, I couldn't get to go to an art or desgin school, but your story made me think in a positive way, I'll keep practicing my skills, thank you

I'm not in college/uni yet, but I do go to a high school that has a very special arts program that you have to audition for when you're in 8th grade, before high school starts the following year. I'll be going into my fourth and final year of high school this upcoming September, and I have to agree that even in these three years of high school and taking art programs, my passion is dead. I've no muse anymore, really. School really has sucked my motivation away and I no longer feel the urge to create things. It's summer break now, and being away from the art school really has my brain flowing and I've been really getting into the groove again... but it's so sad that something meant to make us better as individual artists, only makes us uninspired and tired.

I study science in uni and I learn drawing\arts all by myself. I try to be confident in arts but sometimes I still doubt myself. I feel like I'm unprofessional compare ppl who go to art school.Your video is sooo inspirational!!!❤️❤️❤️

Went from watching your studio tour, to this- and your cats still on your bed. Too chill... So chill... Life goals

I'm at the same point your were in when you quit your job. I've been a registered nurse for 7 years and I love being a nurse, but art has always been my first passion! I just turned 30 so maybe its a midlife crisis hahaha. You're so inspiring!

Thank you for sharing your story. I felt so inspired after watching this video. I studied computer engineering and graduated 4 years ago and have been working in the technology department at the same company that I joined since graduation. I've been falling in and out of self doubt in the past 4 years and questioning my career choices constantly because at the end of the day, I still feel unfulfilled and empty no matter what I tell myself to believe. Even though I don't have the courage to take the leap like you did, I just wanted you to know that you have become a huge inspiration for me and watching your videos has really pushed me to persevere along my journey in learning and improving my art skills.

How do I get over trying to be perfect? I keep thinking I should copy others (especially experience) because I want to be perfect.

Thank you so much for making this video. It's already my third year in college. Because of my parents I gave up painting and chose a science major. I'm changing my major to graphic design now just because I still cannot ignore my passion in arts and don't want to feel sorry to myself one day in the future when I'm sitting in the office. Your video encouraged me a lot. If you insist a choice with huge risk that means you really love it and you will not regret no matter what's the result.

I really appreciate this kind of video! It's genuine, not overly-produced, and your storytelling skills are amazing.

Thank you lovely for this amazing and interesting video! I think art school isn't necessary either, even though I am in my second year as a fine art student. But my academy is amazing (I don't say others are) but we've got a LOT of free dom. We barely have classes, only philosophy and art history, sometimes we do have these workshop weeks but basically you are just 'free'. You've got your own studio in the school where you go and leave when ever you want to. You can make the work you want to and basically nothing is too crazy. The teachers and professors talk to you about your work which is always so interesting as well. They don't force you to do anything really but if you are motivated and willing to improve I think this is one of the best ways. :)

I've been such a wreck for a while thinking that I don't have a future in this area without an art education, and then I see your video and really motivating and gives a glimpse of hope. Thanks a lot for what you do, def a subscriber

This is so encouraging! You've just earned my subscription. Im studying in engineering field as well but i don't really like it so im learning art whenever i have free time during my 5 years of engineering course to maybe have an alternate path in future.

I think you made the right choice. I definitely found your story inspiring. I've majored in something I probably wouldn't want to pursue for the rest of my life, and knowing that I'm not the only one who's been through a similar struggle is reassuring. Also, questions for the next video: how do you dispose of your water from toxic oil paints? And, when you started posting videos, where did you get your music from?

in also self taught and independently learning new techniques. thanks for being awesome!

Thanks. It's great knowing a great artist like you who took Computer Science. I was forced by my parents to do so because of money. It really sucks. I am studying at a computer/art/business college and I get jealous of art students at my school. Someday, I will eventually be an artist. I'm looking forward to taking a course in Interior Design or be self taught. For me, what I lack most is self discipline and motivation. Because there will be times where I would not be in the mood to do things that I should be doing such as art. But knowing that you decided to be self taught, I might as well apply it to myself. One of my classmates told me that his father was a self taught architect. Being self taught really sounds cool and it also saves a lot of money, too. And you have all the time in your hands.

First of all, you're really god damn gorgeous and I enjoyed hearing you speak about something you love. I'm glad that you're happy with all the decisions you made, because I know how dangerous regret can be. We need more creative people like you in the world, rather than super-systematic people who walk the stereotyped path that their family or country believed in. Stay positive! I look forward to more of your videos :)

I'm glad that you made the right decision, because the school of art is within you. ♥️🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨♥️

I regret going to art school, i think you made the best choice. It kills your passion for art and beats you down. But im sure its different for everyone.

This video is so relatable to me. I've always wanted to go to Art school too but I never applied myself, life got in the way also. I just decided to be a self-taught artist and work from home. It's hard to make fast income being a full-time artist and the money is slow but I love to create art.

I watched a lot of your videos but this's the first time I see your face , You're really beautiful .you remind me of your painting 💖💖💖

It's super inspiring to know you didn't go to art school. Thank you for making a channel and sharing your experiences & art!

I just discovered your talent & I find your artworks & videos very inspiring. I can relate to this specific vlog, because I've been brought up in similar fashion. I've been an artist at heart since a very early age & active on DA for almost a decade before I took the route of Mechanical Engineering schooling and career & I'm still in it for almost 7 years. My parents believed that art should only be taken as a hobby & not a career. I find art school tuition as expensive as engineering school & never had an education in any form of arts but I learned & improved on my own free time. I find your artworks and your current standing as an artist very inspirational. Thank you for this video.

The things that you're saying speak a lot to me. I have a quite similar experience. I studied biology at university and for the moment I'm a high school teacher, but as I began teaching (part-time) I also came back to drawing seriously with the goal of publishing one day a comic book. Now 5 years have past and I'm feeling that I progressed with my drawing skills, so I think that is time to begin something concretly. The problem is that it takes a lot of time to prepare a lesson for a science class, and the other is that I couldn't save money because I was working half time most of the time. Probably I need another job that enables me to draw after my day of work, without having to prepare something for school. In that situation I could have the money and the time that I need to develop my art and soon or later publish something. The chance that we have here in Belgium is a big comic book culture, and same in France. From one hand it is very inspiring and from the other it must be more competitive and that's why I feel that I still have to progress to have a chance. I'm already 31 (but no kids!) so it's time to make big decisions. (sorry I make mistakes in English because I speak French). Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and by the way you're cute ;-) ahah. Wish you a lot of success!

A very good talk on the pros and cons of going to Art School. They are not for everyone. It is the Art itself that is important.

i have been with you for a half year or so and i am so happy that either your videos and your art has developed. good luck :) and i`d really like to listen about how did you build your audience on social media and started to selling your art

Thank you so much for this video and story. It's inspiring and a morale boost for at least one self-teaching artist and CompSci graduate! I hope you have a rocking day and keep going strong. You're awesome!

"I know you guys might be in high school now.." *throws head back and laughs incredulously* *looks at my sixth grade textbooks*

There’s definitely a lot to consider before taking the plunge for art school. It’s perfect for some, and not at all for others

I'm so glad you didn't bash art school. As a university student who is majoring in art, it would have hurt me to hear you, someone i look up to, bash it. ... thank you for sharing your story! I'm glad things have been going well for you as an artist 💕

I love your insight on this matter. I'm a visual communication major. Now that I'm graduating, I'm willing to resume my plans as an illustrator. Sadly, we don't learn so much about illustration at my uni. So, I've been pretty much self-taught. However, for almost 3 years now, I've been taking some workshops. It's really nice since you get to know other illustrators and you kinda build that network you mention in your video. If you have the chance, I'd totally recommend you to attend a nice workshop. Regarding skills, I can totally tell you wouldn't need to go there for learning techniques. But it's always nice to meet other artists. If you take workshops, it's also great since they don't usually have a fixed duration. You can usually go as many times as you want to and such. They tend to be very flexible as well. I can't remember right now, but I think my art supplies store (Hobby-Lobby) used to promote a watercolor workshop in my town for example. There must be interesting workshops you can join for meeting other artists! :) If you can, you should totally give it a try! :D Oh, and by the way, I don't know if you quite explained it or not... But I'm curious about how you managed to discipline yourself regarding time managemente. I find it so hard! Even if design majors tend to take as much time and effort as an art major, I seriously don't have that discipline. I tend to do everything at the very last minute. And now that classes ended, I find it so difficult to start focusing on my art again. It's like I really wanna draw something, but at the same time, I just don't want to... Any piece of advice? x_x Btw, I totally loved this video even if it wasn't a time-lapse video. It was useful in its own unique way!

Watching this video has been really helpful. I always regretted NOT going to art school. I always felt like I was missing out on something but as long as I stay on this art path and stay motivated, the destination will pretty much be the same. Thank you. :) And, you're right, art school is SO expensive. That's why I didn't go in the first place.

I'm not an artist but I'm a fashion designer and after trying a lot of things I decided to create my own clothing line, and like you said it's not easy, but it's so inspirational and realiving to hear your story becaus I feel identified and it motivates me to keep going. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video, it was incredibly helpful.

Wow! you have put things right out there and if they work for you that makes you an artist. Most of what I see as your anxiety comes from the old argument concerning commercial art vs fine art. Fine art is often characterized as art for arts sake. For myself, I am 70 years old and I have spent about one third of my life in class. School for me was being exposed to other peoples work and thoughts on the subject. You appear to be getting that. Much of my studies included the humanities, art history and English. I was very fortunate to have studied with what were considered art masters of the time and that had a very strong impact on my work. The cost at first was tolerable but today would be more than my life could bare. I remember returning to my first major school to see if I could still buy my media and they said that it would be ok. That was about 11 AM and someone saw me that knew me and told someone else and the next thing I knew was that I had spend the rest of the day talking to students. That was an experience in itself. Success can be fleeting though. I ran into another artist from my hometown and he was telling me how it was for him. Then he asked me where I found my fingers? When I told him, he melted and told me he would give up all of his wonderful career for one year of my school. I felt kind of bad for him. My fine arts training sure had its ups and downs. He was commercial and good at it. Then I remembered talking to a teacher that I had hired and she asked me about design and I asked her what she was talking about and said good-by. I never talked to her again. I miss her. I told her that I had never designed anything in my entire life. It was later that I saw that she was talking about pleasing others with her work and she had sold a lot. She always feared that she would "run out" of ideas or something. Sorry, this is not in my vocabulary. If I could I would take away all need to please with art. Just keep doing what you like, no matter what anyone thinks. Always try hard and remember your failures, they are things only you can determine. What that means is that you should be your own worst critic. The very best to you and keep that pencil moving. Oh ya! When someone asks you how many pieces of art you have sold? Remember Vincent, who only sold one piece and that was to his brother. He did it without a gallery!

Yes I'm at that crossroads now. Here in Australia though we don't really have a deadline for our student loans & we may qualify for a government allowance while we study. But on the other hand I would be doing more traditional work & have less time for my own work that I enjoy & want to build a business on. Your videos are so inspirational & at 30yo I want to follow in your footsteps. Thank you for everything you do. You make me believe its possible with some hard work. This means the world to me. Much love.

Very inspiring. I have been in the fence about it and have been slowly working at it. I have no videos but some pieces out on social media and Etsy. just taking my time with it. I too work in the tech industry as it is my second love. keep up the amazing work and know that you are inspiring for being a hard working and determined self made artist! 👍👍👍

you always motivate me to draw more, even tough I don't think I will be so good at drawing as you or other similiar artists

OMG! I know this has nothing to do with the topic, but I saw the thumbnail for this video and you are GORGEOUS and look JUST like your paintings ^_^

I’ve thought of going to art school but I’ve decided on going to school to be a veterinarian. I’m just doing art on the side. I admire you lots, your art is beautiful. 💕

Great video also I do believe because of technology and the internet being an artist doesn't have to be a lonely thing you get to interact , get instant feed back and connect with your fans , I think now a days it's the best time to be an artist :)

Hi Happy D. Artist! Ultimately, I've found such inspiration in your videos, just as this one which has cheered me up for sure! I think it's because I feel strongly identified with the fact that currently I'm tying to move forward from my average job (which I'm trying not to complain about, 'cause I've received lots of benefits from it, though) to an art career that gives me the freedom to really invest the most of my time in my personal projects. Of course! I have a clear idea that this won't be easy, besides all the things I must consider before, during, and after it happens. But well, I'm mounted in that track and know that must keep up going towards completing my objectives. Thanks so much for sharing! Keep posting, please! :) Blessings!!

your rambling is the only one I love listening to, well, yours and Dan Howell's

Oh my gosh, we're the same!! I only studied Fine Arts for only 2 semesters before taking up Computer Science. I was discouraged and looked down because my siblings were taking up Accountancy, Engineering, Medicine.... etc. I'll be graduating soon and I'm thinking about working a few years. I don't have plans going to art school anymore... The tuition is too much. But I'm sure I want a career something art related. I've seen successful artists who are self taught. Currently, I'm watching a lot of vlogs and listen to podcasts of different artists. I take advantage of my spare time studying art on my own..... enroll on short courses if possible. I remember one artist (I forgot who, haha) saying that, you have to expose your works as much as possible.... Go to art conventions, set up an art blog, collaborate, reach out to people, etc. I think it's a great way to start :) Thank you for sharing this video :)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience ! It’s really helpful and inspiring :) I would like to become a self taught artist too ( as I didn’t go to art school ) and I’m always happy to hear that it’s possible and some people make it ! I’m glad you made it :)

Your self inspiration confidence made you an Artist your love an observation helped you for that i am Proud of you ❤️

I feel like I can really relate to your journey. I'm someone who has always loved to create art and whose parents were really against a career in it. Now I have a degree I don't use and a job I don't really feel is a calling, and I've been considering trying to make it as an artist for years but I don't even make art that much anymore because I'm so tired by the time I get home that the challenge of 8+ hours on a piece is too daunting. So I rarely practice, have very few pieces, and my confidence is pretty much gone. Your channel and journey inspires me though, and makes me think that maybe there is a chance.

My parents were the same way and I'm not Asian :D I think good parents want what is best for their children and a lot of times, they feel they know best. I'm glad you ultimately followed your passion. Thank you for posting this video about your journey. You are where I'm trying to be and you inspire me to be a great artist ;) Take care and best wishes for your continued success!

Thank you for the confidence motivator I've always wanted to be an artist, but I'm going to go to college and then become an artist because it does make more sense to have a college degree and then be an artist instead of having nothing to fall back on so thank you for making things clearer for me.

omg. You are so pretty and beautiful. Ever since I saw your videos I have been following you and been very motivated to draw. You inspire me and challenge me to draw and improve my art more. I have learn a lot of things from you. Thank you. Love from Philippines. Maraming Salamat.

just found you! i get so happy when i find a skilled and genuinely passionate artist on youtube

Thank you for sharing, im glad that you started to show you face on RU-vid it helps people get to know you more as a person and connect with your others, and I love your work so keep going😊👍

Awesome video! Thank you for this ;D I am on the path myself of being a self taught artist as I can't afford to go to art school. Not sure if you have any videos on this topic but wanted to know what you studied (books, online courses, etc) to get you to where you are today with your drawings. Thanks again!

Hey Happy D, I'm kind of in the same boat. I've been working full time for 3 years and I'm pretty fed up with choosing a job over my art career. I've saved up for awhile now, and by June or July I plan on quitting my job. The scariest thing is not knowing where the money will come from or how successful will I be. Savings can only last a while. But I'd rather try it and fail and revamp. Then to just be miserable at a job I hate.

I agree with what you say re: art school. My work really only kicked into gear when I went to animation school.

At first, I didn't go to art school simply because I didn't get in. Now I'm thinking should I or shouldn't I... But I feel like I don't want to go, because I don't want to be restricted as an artist. The possibility of like-minded friends is intriguing, but I am scared of the rules and the pressure to make a certain kind of art to "succeed".

You have such an amazing explanation and i feel the same way. I would have loved to go to Full Sail University to enhance my art but couldn't afford it, so now I'm simply improving myself through practice and online learning. Hope you keep up your artwork and make it count!!

Can you please make a video on the work ethic you said was the biggest take away? How does your daily timetable go around? Would you please share how your day unfolds? Awesome video. Listened to it, actually while I was getting up today morning. :) Just watched it again. Thank u so much for sharing your knowledge and art journey.

I too, had already graduated from college when I realized I wanted to do something creative. I sketch on an almost daily basis and my art has slowly improved over the years but I still don't feel like i'm at a professional level. I took some online courses with Art Institute a few years ago but quit after 1 semester. The reason? They wouldn't let me take the classes I really wanted to take. I had to stick to a certain major, none of which I was really interested in. So now I have a few more $1000 dollars worth of student loan debt. I did get something out it, though. I learned I can draw better than I thought, I just hard to push myself harder. And the only thing standing in the way of progress is me! Well, and money. Unfortunately, I can't quit my job to pursue art full-time.

I would love to hear you talk about how exactly you explore and develop your art style!!

You know, at first i wanted to go to art school. I saved money for a year when i was 23 and even convinced my friend to come with me. We went to San Diego, but i took two classes. Sadly it was too expensive, i couldn't pay my rent and the job i had didn't respect my school schedule. I was depressed for 8 months because it was emotionally exhausting. I am now 25, saving money for art supplies, books, and comic cons to get where i need to.

thank you for your words it is very helpful to decide the next road that I should take!!

i wish i will be able to achieve what you did so far... im also studying computer science because of the same reason and i plan on graduating this university and then studying art or trying on my own if its not worth my 5 years... your video was really motivational since i tend to lose hope... its really difficult for me to find a reason not to drop off this university and just start studying at the art school... so thank you for giving me something to step on.. im more like a person of "if she can do it.. then i can do it too!" :) good luck with your career i wish you the best!

OMG!! i also did computer science, and worked for some years, but i realize that i wanted to be a full time artist and not just for hobbie, now i'm practing and studing for myself to get there ! What a coincidence! amazing video btw :D love your art

loved the video HappyD! (I just want to say to feel free to tape anything that makes you happy 😊) I'm in a similar crossroads currently deciding between my art or my music I honestly feel I want to do both but with college it's always a choice. I even feel I don't want to finish college and just progress my talents.

I'm majoring in marketing and getting a minor in digital design. My mom said that art jobs aren't "real" jobs and she wanted me to have job security. At least with this route, I still get a chance to use my creativity in my career. You can definitely make art a practical part of your career even if you are not full time.

I am a chemistry graduate and working in a secondary school teaching chemistry... Yet, I am thinking of quitting my job and starting my art journey.... I am so struggled. It is good to find your video thank you..

Thank you for sharing. It is great to get a chance to learn more about your background and journey in the art world.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I am starting building my career as artist now and listen to your example shows me that's possible achieve what I dream of. Really Thanks!!

Kudos to you. I'm glad you were able to make it on your own. I remember when I told my father I wanted to be an artist, he told me to build a network first before I go out there in the world to become a professional one. I made a name for myself as: "The Reluctant Artist" since 1998 when we first got online where I lived. I built my own website in 2002 but had to shut it down because of art thieves. When my sister introduced me to Deviant Art in 2010, my network sky rocketed from having Mike Debalfo as my first Deviant Art friend, who had later networked me to Stanley "Artgerm" Lau and Nei Ruffino, then networked me to J. Scott Campbell's Facebook. I think you get the picture. After getting tips and suggestions from these wonderful artists, I got a little bolder and posted more of my work. I'm glad RU-vid suggested me to your channel. At least they got that right. LOL! I hope you make it out there! The world has finally gotten the clue that Freelance Artists do cost money ;p

Thank you for the video! I always love when I get a RU-vid notification from you

Happy D. Artist I do believe Artist is really in your talent and if we have it that’s almost a profisional one. I just add you to fully soppurt you . Love from Germany

I went to an art "school" (that looked like some large corporate building with a gallery full of artwork done by former students there) before, and I *HATED* it. It started all nice and chill, but as time went on, I felt like I wasn't really progressing or anything. Sure, I got to learn the basics so I could broaden what I've learned, since I was self-taught, and hoping I will be able to branch out more and try new things. Sure, there was the experience and what it would feel like in the art industry, but everything was so straightforward and the whole "there's only one right way" thing going on, and that motivation I had and will to be creative was just taken away. It was so fucking draining that I left before midterms even started, and I'm glad I did. Now I'm in a community college that's WAY BETTER and the professors there would actually help me build up a portfolio to transfer into a university.

I've honestly lost motivation and creativity since I've been in art school. Struggling currently to get that back.

thank you so much for talking about this. you're one of my favorite artists, i admire your positivity and attitude. i've always been predisposed to art, painting and drawing for as long as i can remember, yet i don't see myself attending art school; i want to study pharmacology. art school also wouldn't be likely to happen considering my stereotypical asian mother ahaha. but anyways, this video helped to reaffirm that my decision to pursue med school doesn't limit my options in this lifetime; i can pursue both ♡

I never gotta chance to join art school.. till now I used to regret but after watching your video I got hopes.. thanks for the motivational video.

thank you, Happy!

I feel like something to keep in mind is that art school is really about networking, work ethic and for me about the big art world. I go to a really conceptual based contemporary art school. So if you want to be in galleries in New York and Europe and go to art festivals and be a "serious" artist you really need to get that degree. Obviously this is just one part of the art world but if that's where you want to be I've heard numerous buyers and galleries say they don't look at you unless you have that bachelors of fine art or even a masters.

When I was young, we didn't have as much resources like youtube vids, self publishing companies, online courses, etc etc. I grew up when that stuff was really expensive because it was so scarce to have companies do that work for you. However, with social media, online courses, and more, it is much easier to learn art and start profiting off of it. I don't think you needed as much now.

I love art but I know I'm too lazy to have an art career so that is why I'm trying to major in computer programming

She is sooo right. I went to one of the greatest colleges of Art at 28 years old after being a successful artist and it's super expensive, took me 20 years to pay off student loans requiring me to go back to a job that wasn't suited for my destiny and so I worked two jobs, the day job and then come home, take a nap and get up and paint until 4:00 am in the morning. I would get about 4 hours of sleep, get up and go to work. Though I achieved great success and something amazing to put on the Art Resume', I tell young people now to avoid art college and go to business college so they can learn to be a financial success. Honestly, if you are 20 and want to secure a solid future past 40, you might want to think of taking a day job that will pay you a pension retirement after you retire at 40. (Perhaps even a military career of 20 years from 18-38 and you have a retirement check each month, plus free health care (the VA kind of sucks, but for a good health care backup, not bad, plus you are eligible for USAA insurance which is the best insurance to have). Remember, A pension is NOT a 401k that is volatile and you could lose everything if a stock market crash happens. Live well below your means and paint. Follow your passion to your destiny. Buy a small house that you can afford to pay off within 10 years, or be creative and build your own (even better with self sustaining, off grid power). The reason I say all of this, is that you will have money to paint daily without having to do commissions you don't like doing or working a day job just to make ends meet. If you are successful at a young age, wonderful, but it may not last forever as the art world is super fickle and their is so much more to art than just painting. Business is a huge part of the pie along with marketing, social media, good website that actually gets good sales, etc.; and build a client, collector list over time. I have learned the very hard way of what not living your dream will cost you. You feel like you are dying internally (mentally) every day while you have so many ideas! What I've learned is you really, really do not need art college to achieve success. I now see and buy so many young people's art or art books that are sold through Amazon! I say to myself, if only I had the web when I was younger. You have SO MANY opportunities I never had when I was 20. There are thousands if not millions of online tutorials, advice videos like this one that can help you far better than a professor that can teach you only so much. There are online web training companies like www.thegnomonworkshop.com, IAMAG.com that have hundreds of amazing tutorials by art professionals even in the gaming industry and film industry that can teach you every day something new, a new technique, a new idea, whatever and for only a small monthly or yearly fee! Then there is ArtStation.com along with so many sites that will help you sell your work online and then there are conventions to sell your work. A good gallery is great for "marketing" of your name if you are in a great one, but they take up to 50-60%!! Go your own path. Live below your means and live the life you want and travel. Be careful of whom you marry, very, very careful as nearly 50-60% of marriages fail and can financially destroy you. However, if you marry the right person, they can be the greatest partner to you hopefully for as long as you live and your backbone. What I'm saying is make careful decisions every time you are at a crossroads in your life. Good luck and God Bless with your ART Career.

I'm a junior in art school right now and I have a looot of debt on my shoulders, haha. When I get our I'll have about $100,000 in debt. I'm fully aware of that number and I have several ideas of how I want to pay that off in the future. THAT BEING SAID I wouldn't have made another choice. You don't go to art school to get a degree like any other major, you go for the knowledge and experience. My teachers have given me so much knowledge that I never would have gotten otherwise, and me and my classmates are incredibly close, but also competitive to the point that we push each other to do more and try harder. That's not to say art school is for everyone, of course everyone has their own situation. I needed this time to grow, and I believe I was meant to meet these people in my life to become the artist I am going to be. Maybe I'll change my story when I'm actually paying off that debt because I am young, but I think this is the path I was meant to go on. Everyone is different, but for me I truly feel it was the right choice.

I'm 15 but already aspiring toward a career in art like yours. What you do is so amazing. I really would like to go to art school though because Ijust love learning and absorbing as much as I can from a range of sorces. My art teacher at school now doesn't really teach us technique, which is something I love to learn. It is great to see though from you that sheer hard work can get you anywhere. I know you've done a video about pricing art, but do you make any acceptions for family/friends. I've already started selling art (orginals) and I am encouraged to price super low even if it took lots of time just because they are my aunt/friend/mum's friend. Even though I am super greatful and I don't want to get too ahead of myself, I still struggle with this. Ahhhh

As a wife and Mother, I have put myself in debt through art school and refuse to go back due to loans taking away from my family. I don’t have the luxury of continuously creating a bill when i have to plan for my kids future and i can practice everyday and become self taught and sell my work. It may take years to grow myself and my art business. Thank you so much for the inspiration and your honesty.

Love your videos. I just started my youtube channel after dropping out of school. Really hope i will become as good as you are.