"Imagine fear sitting in the back seat of your car. It's not allowed to drive, it's not allowed to define the destination. But it has room back there, it can talk to you and has a voice, but not a vote." - Elisabeth Gilbert
I'm not an artist, but I always find your lovely advice videos extremely helpful. This is super relevant for people who have anxiety and are constantly overwhelmed with fear before making any moves. Thank you Fran for always being so passionate and sharing your worldly wisdom with us! :)
Don't be scared, Fran! Have a baby! Me, and I think lots of people will support you for just who you are, even if you won't have time to share videos and post on instagram! For me it's usually a rollercoaster, sometimes I feel great about what I do, and next day I feel horrible and the worst. Maybe you can make a video for downtime, like a manual what to do, what to read, watch, research into to get the feeling of being good back?
I have been working on a fiction book for several...umm six... years now and though I am close to done, I still haven't finished it. Sometimes I think subconsciously I am afraid to finish it because if it is done I have to put it out there in the world and it will finally be judged! Art is scary, but art is also everything
You know Fran, what you said about having a baby must be so distressing for you. We, the "real fans", will be there even if you leave for many months. Or even 1 year. We will still be there! If you feel stressed about it though, you could always film like 5-6 videos at the beginning of your pregnancy, and post once a month :) that way you are still present if that puts your heart at peace!
Fran, remember this: You will always be in my heart. For real. You have meant so much to me that even if you desappear right now, I would still remember you when I'm old. And it is a bit lot weird because I only know you by a screen, but that's what I feel.
I just cried during this whole thing and I'm still crying. I have really bad anxiety and I've had it for years and it just doesn't get better and I've been feeling really bad the last few weeks, but this helps so much, I just wanted to say that, thank you, please don't ever be scared that you're gonna say something wrong, you always make me be better, video after video! anyway, I quit crying now. Thank you so much.
I struggle with anxiety too. Some tips that can help you: 1.Don't think about what others may be thinking. If that happens don't entertaining the thought just let it go and think about something else. 2. Focus on the present moment 3. Take notes of things you like or are curious about, and do more of that. 4. workout(if you don't like the GYM just go for a walk dance at home, etc) 5. read many books, choose the ones that make you think ex: science, history, general knowledge. 6. If you are bored, don't watch random tv shows or surf the web for hours. Instead find something meaningful to do like watch a documentary, read, learn something, crafts. 7.Get a pet(the cuter the better) 8. Make things that scare you anyways, don't think just do it. 9. Remember your goal must be to be good to yourself and help others. What people may thing about you or if they approve you or not doesn't matter at all. xoxo
Massiel Rodriguez thank you so much! from the bottom of my heart. it always lifts me up just seeing that people really wanna help and really care. those are some really good tips and reminders. thanks a lot for taking the time to write it all out! much love to you!
¡Hola Fran! Soy una ilustradora en proceso y tus videos siempre me ayudan a querer seguir intentando. A pesar de que ya tengo 27 años y no he logrado casi nada, seguiré intentando porque la ilustración es mi pasión. Quiero agradecerte por inspirarnos todos los días y por demostrarnos que con trabajo duro y mucho amor todo se puede. Por otro lado, me gustaría que si quieres enfocarte en otras cosas, como tener un bebé, lo hagas. Es tu vida, es tu momento y es tu decisión. Por supuesto que te extrañaremos, pero a través de todos estos años he podido descubrir que eres una excelente persona con un gran corazón, y estoy seguro que tus otros seguidores también. Lo que quiero decir con esto, es que no importa cuanto tiempo debas ausentarte aquí estaremos el día que vuelvas recibiendote con los brazos abiertos (virtualmente). Mucho éxito, Fran. Y muchas gracias :)
Could you tell something, to those who have never shared their art on the internet, but they really want to do it, maybe open an etsy shop too..? How to start? What would be the first step from unknowingness toward showing your art? How to do it without "pushing" it too hard towards people, but spread it without any effort? I mean, there's a lot of artists who really want to sell their art, but they do this whole "business" in a such wrong way, they want to sell soo much, that they become annoying, unpleasant. And I wouldn't like to be that one. (I hope you understand what I mean, it's hard to explain..) Because I've read a comment, a girl wrote that she opened an etsy shop, and during 2 months she couldn't sell anything, and it makes me so sad, because I know there's a lot of us, who want to give their work to others, and somehow live from what they would deserve for their work, but maybe.. something is missing. And I don't know what.. how to do it? How to do this whole proccess without make it as a "business", but with joy, make each other happy with a drawing? I don't want my fears stop me from doing what I love, but what if if I had the courage to start, but after I realise it doesn't work? I could feel what that girl is feeling and I don't think she deseves this, or any of us, so it would be really precious if we could get some advice from you. I know there isn't a "recipe" how to start this thing succesfully, and do it right, but I'm curious what do you think about it, what have you experienced beside being scared in the very first time when you opened your shop? How did it go at the beginning? Thank you in advance if you will answer to my questions! I'm really grateful that you exist!
Awesome Links: Valeria, a lovely fellow patron, shared this TED talk about Michelle Poler, who did 100 scary things in 100 days! th-cam.com/video/2dbNRGiqaaM/w-d-xo.html Extremely interesting to understand fear and what happens when we face it.
what a lovely video, Fran! Thank you for sharing your fears. I find you even more badass now that you shared those. I guess my main fear right now is not knowing if I'm going to "succeed" as I want too. It's hard to remove yourself from your own situation and be objective and focus on the good side of things. The fact that you feel like you need help in your shop (I know how time-consuming it can get) can only be a good thing. And as an outsider, I can objectively tell you you're not going to stop there.
I have a huge reason to learn English - it is you. Fran, I just love you, you inspire me all the time and I want to thank you. You help me to try something new every day and do not stop. I have never written comments before, but I am watching you about a year or more and I believe in you. Thank you for your fears, advices, beautiful arts, for your laught and smiles. Thank you for all.
"I want this so bad, but I am not willing to deal with this right now, because I don't want the possibility of failure(...)." - That's exactly how I feel ... all the time! 1. I start. 2. While working on it I am not satisfied with my level of expertise anymore. I feel like I won't be good enough to do it. 3. Suddenly I am afraid of failing again. 4. So I stop. Somehow hearing this from another "artistic" person gave me hope to overcome that train of thought!
Fear of disappointment, whether it be others or yourself is a big part of being so passionate about something. It's a gnawing sensation, but working through the pain is worthwhile.
I understand you 100%! I studied Fine Arts and now I'm into graphic design and illustration. I try to do my best about my work but I always think about if people find flaws in my work or if my perspective is not right or my colors don't match and things like these. I am still scared about selling art. I haven't done it yet, but I see people who don't mind and sell stuff that are not that good (in my opinion of course), and I'm thinking that I am a fool cause I'm standing here and waiting for my fear to go away. So, this video gives me a push to a step closer to share my artwork to the people! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You are such a strong person and artist too! ^_^
Years ago I opened an Etsy shop selling bracelets. Which is a laugh because if you know me you know I VERY rarely make jewelry. I'm a painter, first and foremost. So I closed my shop. And ever since I have been trying to think of ways and ideas to reopen my shop to be worth while and something I won't hate. This video helped me a lot and buying from your shop has helped. It allows me to know that others have had the same anxieties when selling. And after receiving your art in the mail I've seen that it can go from one country, over seas, to the next country and still be intact. I've always been afraid something will get bent. Thank you so much Fran, you and your art and videos have inspired me so much to start something for myself. I think my goal for this month and next will be to make a stock and reopen my shop. Thank you, thank you for all of your wisdom and kind words! I'll always be here to support! 😊
Fran! We will always, always love you...you are my biggest inspiration! Every time I feel sad, that I feel doubting myself and my art I come to your channel! Thank you! from the bottom of my heart, your experiences, the way you encourage all of us sometimes bring to tears of joy..because I don't feel so alone anymore. You are awesome don't be afraid! We will always be here for you.
“Be scared - but do something about it!” Thanks Fran!! I have never believed it when people compliment my work, but I just started the artists way, and the morning pages have been helping me work through some stuff. Sending love your way, what a scary video for you to make I imagine, but it was so good to hear!
I've been kind of stuck in my work and career because of this fear. And deep down I know it's so dumb because if I'm too scared to even try, nothing's ever going to happen! Your videos are always so helpful and inspiring, you've got a lot of wisdom in that head of yours :)
First I love your hair. It looks healthy and the color is beautiful. I also felt a strong connection to the comment you made about Etsy and the growth and the baby . I want the growth of my business ,but the fear of it's growth overwhelms me but I still desire it more then anything . I fear once I finally settle on wanting a baby , I will lose the thing that is me. My work is such an important thing to me that I bury my fear deep down. Thanks for the video !
Fran, I have been terrified of moving away from science and back into art (it's taken me 10 years to even consider it!) but your honesty, openness and wisdom is so refreshing and encouraging that I feel like taking the leap (and I literally only found your channel yesterday). Thank you and congratulations on your success. :)
Incredible ! Thank you for opening this discussion ; about experiencing fears of success & fears of loss .. These are primordial natural fears that many of us experience & yet do not understand. It is ironic that the lack of self -understanding aggravates the initial problems of fears & so there is a spiral. The solution is to feel the fear & then take action. Not action towards the fear per se’ , but action as in doing an activity. It should be something concrete & tangible, something you can see & feel results immediately, like cleaning, gardening, fixing your kitchen, doing errands, stuff like that. The point of taking action is to train your body to stay active - in spite of feeling very uneasy. It will train you to have confidence in “making moves ..” Progress & confidence is built up over time .. little by little. This is the real work !
Seriously, I love you. So inspiring to hear you adress this & also share that you are finally where probably most illustrators want to be. I am convinced your success goes hand in hand with your authenticity. Don't ever change, only move forward of course. But you are awesome
I feel ashamed to say this, but I feel very alone, I am bipolar and I suffer from a lot of anxiety and continuous fear, I am a writer, that's what I like to do, I've been writing a novel for about six years, and I know it! It's a long time, but fear has not let me finish it, I'm afraid that they will judge me, that it is of poor quality, sometimes I think that others are more intelligent than I and that oppresses my chest every day of my life and I do not find the breath to continue with her (with the novel) (with my life) and well .. I just wanted to say thanks for saying and open your heart to these feelings, which are things so everyday, but at the same time so hidden. I hug you strongly.
Simone ... U r not alone! I have the same challenge. Working on starting an after school centre for years ... But scared of failure, rejection, loss of reputation etc! 😞
When i discovered I had a talent and passion for photography, over 10 years ago, I was in a panic almost constantly. I would panic while taking photos, and panic while looking at them. I loved them so much and I wanted them to be great. I thought they were great and I wanted to sell them and show them as soon as possible. However my anxiety really got in my way and I spent alot of time really trying to wind down. I had other stresses in my life that I didnt realize, and eventually I had to go on medication. I just want you to know, thank you for posting this. Back then I didn't have youtube or anything really to help me, and that was another scary thing. I also didn't want to show my work to anyone for fear they would steal it. So the only advice I can have is, if you feel this way, you are not alone. Go with the flow I guess, but most importantly, don't give up. Now I'm almost finished with a degree in digital media and very happy about this!
Thanks for this, dear Fran. I'm constantly scared of making any moves because of insecurity. I currently have a full time job that barely leaves me any free time to advance in my illustration career, and even the thought of switching jobs to have a better schedule makes me want to hide. Your words have given me courage and faith.
Hola Fran, solo quiero agradecer la sinceridad de tus videos, aunque te cueste creerlo de verdad eres un gran apoyo, me animas a hacer lo que siempre he querido y, que muchas veces se ve entorpecido por el miedo, sé que debo luchar contra eso y lo haré. Gracias por todo, me encantan tus videos. Muchos cariños desde El Belloto, Chile.
Thank you for this little video. It is a brave thing just to talk about fear. I have let my fears become road blocks too many times. I am trying to do little brave things every day right now to change the direction of my life. It helps me to hear others going through the same things.
When you are being scared of losing something, you're already experiencing these emotions and stress that are connected to that situation. Enjoy here and now like there is no tomorrow. Goo luck! New subscriber
Hi Fran! i was really really scared about art too (i still am) but i got this book "art and fear, by david bayles and ted orland" and it really helped me in a lot of ways! definitely recommend it to anyone who's scared! Also thank you so so so much for every single video, you're the reason i fell in love with illustration and stuck to it, i can't hug you from here but please hug yourself from me! thank you 💚
Niki G Oh my goodness! I have that book, it's so great! This quote from the book helped me the most: "You make good work by (among other things) making lots of work that isn't very good, and gradually weeding out the parts that aren't good, the parts that aren't yours." This has helped me a lot because I am such a perfectionist. I was afraid to make bad work, to be more loose and go with the flow. Its a really great book, and I too recommend it highly!
Niki G same here! I've been taking my time with it. Reading a page or two a day. I want to make sure I fully understand what is being said, and I move on. Been enjoying the book a lot because of it, I'm not much of a reader, so this book is a nice change of pace.
ShyGato yes exactly, its not really a book you can finish fast. and it's the first book im actually highlighting because i have to come back to all the great quotes.
we always feel scared of losing things we possess. it's like the nature of things and everything from people to work. In the past couple of days I've started being my own motivator and best friend. And yes, i try DO something about the things I fear too. thank you for sharing your thoughts and fears with us Fran
You speak out of my soul! I do have a Dawanda Shop, selling Cloth Pads, Wetbags and other bathroom supplys out of fabric. Dealing with all these financiall things made me go crazy lazy. When I did finish my tax report I felt so free, it was amazing. Thank you for this video it is good to see that I'm not alone with that ♥
I have watched your video three times now, wondering how to comment. So much of what you are feeling relates to me ( apart from the fact that you are already up and running as an illustrator and have illustrated children's books already - I am only beginning this journey and doing a distance illustration course to get me back into things and am terrified I will never make it). You are so talented and I am sure that you can continue with work throughout your pregnancy and that all your fans will wait for you if you decide to have a break. You never know as the next stage of your life begins with a family, it may give you so much inspiration for your work- sketch everything, and you may be able to use it later to do something( illustrations for a maternity/parenting magazine or book?). Sorry if I am sounding preachy because in reality I have no idea how to get myself started as an illustrator. Long story short, please don't be scared and do the best that you can do! We are here for you!
I so super appreciate this video because I've been struggling with fear of pursuing things that will further along my dream to the point that I'm practically self sabotaging myself 😭😭😭 it's so hard to try and conquer it but the least we can all do is attempt something risky but potentially good every day! It really comes down to if you desire your dream enough to chase it rather than succumbing to fear
You're such a great inspiration for me, I feel very thankful everytime I see a post from you on social medias or youtube, because it is really kind of you to share all of that with us ! So thank you very much Fran, for taking the time to speak to us, for talking about your process, your thoughts, your fears... that is so helpful ♥
La verdad es que no tengo miedo todo el tiempo y eso se está convirtiendo en mi peor enemigos porque no me está permitiendo avanzar en lo absoluto. Suelo sentir que no estoy suficientemente preparada o formada y eso me hace entrar en un círculo vicioso de formación constante. Tu mensaje es muy importante, porque a veces podemos sentir que sólo uno siente miedo y que por ello somos más débiles o menos capaces, pero saber que todos tenemos miedo alguna vez, ayuda a darnos cuenta de que aún así, es posible vencerlo. Gracias Fran, un abrazo!
Thank you, it's as if you went into my head and found the words I had hidden so far back in my mind. I am perpetually afraid, and even though I do all of the affirmations and read all the motivational books I find - I still watch myself self sabotage everything. Some days I'm afraid of any noise my phone makes because I'm waiting for this to end - for someone to take my art away. So every email, text, message are all potential threats to me. This has caused me to hurt people I love, and lose clients I've had for 5 years because I am so controlled by the fear that I'll lose them that I'm paralyzed. I'm constantly thinking that I don't deserve my clients, that they'll find someone better. I turn it into anger and get defensive like, "Well, I don't care about what they think, I'm doing my best!" I've been so far into this fear cycle I forgot I was afraid until I heard you say it. I'm deathly afraid of being to successful because then what will I do when it's over?
Genial Fran, gracias por los consejos! Yo estudié música clásica desde los 10 años y perseguí una carrera que no era lo mío al final. Sabía que no estaba apasionada por tocar música, especialmente cuando tenía que levantarme y pensaba "rayos, tengo que practicar :(" Pero hace unos meses retomé el dibujo y la pintura que habían estado presentes desde muy pequeña en casa, y me di cuenta que la ilustración es todo lo que quiero hacer. Por fin estoy bien con lo que hago y cada pequeño o gran consejo que compartes me ayuda a comenzar y seguir en este camino tan entrete. Gracias por ser tan abierta y compartir tu experiencia! :D
Thank you for this video Fran!!! I guess being scared really comes with the job. But despite of that, being scared lets you be stronger and makes you a fighter and we're soooo happy how great of an illustrator you've become! Continue making your masterpieces, Fran! All the loveee 💕
Fran you are the best! You just makes me realize i am afraid! Thank you ! And your advice and kindness makes everything much easier! As Ed says, don't worry, everything is gonna be ok!
I love you Fran! I’m a beginning artist too and right now, this hits home because I’m terrified of starting my own TH-cam channel and creating my own merch. But thank you. You are so authentic and I love your vlogs and honestly, TH-camrs like you make me feel not alone in my creative journey :)
Nice video. I think its so true that all artists are scared in similar ways. No matter how successful you become you fear losing that success, or not improving on it. Thanks for this!
Your videos are always incredible, but this one is my favorite. You'll never lose me as a fan! I'm so happy you've made it to where you are, and I'm excited to see where you go!
Love you Fran. And no matter how long you will be absent I will be supporting and admiring you and your work. Even though not much I can do now days but still I am a big fan of you. ♥️
Fran, no sé cómo agradecerte este vídeo. Poder empatizar con alguien que ha conseguido tanto nos hace ver a los que aún estamos en la franja de ilustradorxs noveles que es posible hacer realidad lo que nos propongamos. Muchas gracias, de verdad!! un abrazo enorme :)
Thank you so much for this. It really means a lot to have someone else relate their own fears and how they work through them on a daily basis. You rock!
I really loved this video, it was so inspiring and it's amazing that you exposed yourself so much. Talking about our fears, feeling and dealing with them is already so hard sometimes and videos like this, where you are just showing your human side so bluntly are very important. Thank you :)
Your work is charming Fran! Best of luck to you. I'm sure having a child will give you endless inspiration, perhaps new target market. I absolutely loved your 'Ghost Therapy' illustration. Your sense of humour shines through your stuff xxxx
I completely understand the fear you're explaining, Fran. I have my first Gallery showing in October this year and I have to make new art content to display, print, and price. Outside of doing the actual artwork, which I've procrastinated in creating lately, i don't know how to go about doing the rest. Pricing my work is really playing with my insecurities right now. Anyway, I know I'll eventually get too busy to worry when the deadline draws near and I have no choice but to get to work but in the meantime, I'm overwhelmed by the fear. Thanks for talking about this and making us feel like we're not alone.
Just getting into creating my own tutorial/motivational videos myself, and this is really helpful! You're an incredible artist and I think I can speak for everyone that it's awesome you're sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
You articulated this so well. I've been sitting on all my projects for so long because creating and putting out content on the internet is so scary but damn, I want to do it so bad. In recent weeks I've taken small steps to create some things and share them. It feels good but I know I have so much more to create. Your advice on doing one small scary thing at a time is exactly what I needed to hear. Love this video!
Thank you for this video Fran! I am currently thinking of quitting my full time job as a package designer to pursue illustration. I just love it! And I've been binging all your videos these past few days. You are so inspiring for me in this time of my life. You've got a new Franfan here! Your wisdom from your experience has been super helpful and I feel less afraid to actually pursue and not be afraid of failing at what I love to do. Thank you so much!
Hi Fran, I admit even if sometimes don't watch your youtube post regularly. I always know when i binge watch it later. I will always always get some value from it!! (Like what i am doing right now ) .I don't know if this will comfort you . But someday even when you are not on youtube anymore. Just remember you have deep impact of many freelancer life (for real ! mine is one of them for sure) a lots of love and blessing from us. :)
I'm 26, I originally went to nursing and I work at a hospital currently. About a year ago I decided to not go back to the nursing school. My family and coworkers kept telling do nursing it's safe, it dependable, it stable. When I had my son about 4 years ago, I took a break from nursing school and in that period I realize nursing was not challenging and it i didn't want to do it. I decided to change it to Architectural Engineering, where you draft blueprint and just taking an interest in architecture in general. I've like it since I was young. I felt it was challenging and it really opened my mind. I can say I'm happy and my class I get to be more creative. In nursing it's memorizing facts in class and sadly to say I didn't want to take care of people. I want to open my mind and be more creative. The scary part was telling myself that I didn't want to do nursing and switching to something totally different. Now that I switched I'm not scared and I'm really happy. I'm not scared to fail anymore and that I feel made me more confident. I also stop listening to people around me and went with what made me happy instead.
Thank you for your advice in this lovely video! It's encouraging me to start a very overwhelming project that I really want to do, but keep putting it off because I felt too scared to do it, which is writing and illustrating my own picture book!
This is exactly what i needed today! I'm about to pursue a masters degree in illustration, it's something I'm crazy passionate about and I loved my BA degree but I've been putting it off for over a year, this year after graduating has been really tough but I'm still making things thanks to you! You're such an inspiration for illustrators like myself and you always reassure me that freelance illustration is a viable option for me! (I've heard too many negatives about it and people saying it's an unrealistic career choice) but you're a perfect example that it's more than possible 💖 thank you for everything fran 💖
Also a quick question, I have an online store (on my website not an etsy one) and at first people were really interested but for the past few months I've sold nothing :( any tips on keeping the momentum going? Is it a case of updating the stock I have? I don't want people on my personal social media etc to feel like I'm bugging them by reminding them I have products available 🙈 if that makes any sense x
You are such an inspiration 💕 You are fricking adorable and so kind 💕 Do whatever makes you happy and know that we will all be here behind you when you need us 💕 You have given us so much 💕
This is the first video of yours I've seen (but I subbed before it was halfway over :-) ), and it's uncanny how much I identify with everything you said (well, except for the having a baby part :-P ). Thank you for letting yourself be vulnerable and showing others, like me, that we're not alone, that this kind of fear is normal and if we're afraid, it's not because there's something wrong with us, and that we can still find real success even when our fears tell us it'll never happen. Thank you!
I love you, Fran! Thank you so much for what you do. It means a lot for me. Every time when i feel bad about my contact with illustration i'm going to you.And it always helps. I'm waching you maybe 8 months or something like that. Thank you for being with me. :
Hello Fran! I will start by thanking you for all the amazing tips, all the inspiration and motivation you give us. I understand all these concerns you addressed here and I share them, but I am also struggling with something else. Even though I would like to have a youtube channel and an etsy shop... I find so hard to overcome my fears and insecurities because I have no one in my life that has the same art interests than me! I feel too overwhelmed when I start thinking of video edition software, cameras, choosing works for prints, what to say... My friends don't care much for illustration, art in general or even youtube videos. So it's pretty hard to get feedback other than "i like it"/"don't like it". Anyway, I try to shake of the doubts and keep going, getting my motivation from youtubers that share their experience like yourself, so thank you!
thank you Dianaa! I felt THE SAME way when I started this channel. I had no idea how to film, edit.. even talking to a camera! (add to that: talking to a camera in a different language). But I promise each time to face that fear or uncomfortable feeling, it gets easier. The only way of making fears smaller, is by doing that thing regularly. YOU CAN DO IT DIANA!
Diana Marques if you need someone who shares an art interest (I'm actually about to start my illustration degree in September!) I don't mind exchanging email address so you can have an illustration pen pal :)
Hi Fran U were amazing. Am so thankful I saw ur video today. My fears have been stopping me from starting my educational startup for many years now. I fear of rejection, loss of reputation, trouble some customers, having no time off, etc. I feel I have watched a real experience sharing video which isn't one of those philosophical or the theoretical thing. And when I read many of the comments, am experiencing a sudden state of peace within, seeing that am not alone and probably most of the people who want to do business or do something by themselves face!
Thank you for being so honest and for sharing your fears with us !! It really helps to see that other people are feeling the same way and that they can move forward :D
Fran, es imposible que te odiemos. Al menos yo no podría hacerlo nunca. Desde que te encontré y ví tus videos, me has ayudado como no tienes idea (incluso me has salvado de seguir eligiendo una vida lejos de ser lo que soy u.u). No olvides que todo esto que te esta ocurriendo SERÁ hasta donde tu quieras que sea, por mas que te vaya bien/mal, por mas que lo disfrutes/sufras, es tu gran experiencia, y tu voluntad decidirá el final feliz de esta etapa soñada en la que vives (o no??). PD: mil gracias por estar para todos nosotros y mucho éxito para este gran nuevo negocio!!!
I just came across your channel in recommended videos (yay for the algorithm!) thankyou for saying everything here, you're great! And so right, action is always the best way to deal with fear (and most things, really). And go make your new human, the world needs more of you in it, and putting yourself in another person means the impact you have on the world can live on through them... xx
Thank you so much for this video! I can totally relate. I have people asking to purchase art that I do, and even had someone ask me if I wanted to submit a piece to be shown and possibly sold in a local group show at a friend's gallery yet I am constantly making excuses out of pure fear. I get angry with myself because I struggle financially and I know the money would help, yet I still won't do it. I used to think it was pure procrastination, but I've come to realize it's definitely fear. I'm just not sure how to overcome it. I agree that to get over fear you have to do something scary, but that would mean getting over the fear to get over the fear lol. I just cant seem to get over it. I hope one day I will. It's good to know other artists (even established ones) are still scared of the same sort of things.
Hey! It's my first time watching any of your videos, and I adore your honesty and how open you are with your followers. And just so you know, from one artist/mom to another, having a baby doesn't take up your time half as much as you think it will, specially in the first few months, you can totally do both and enjoy them to the fullest, and it will be totally worth it because a baby will teach you how to love the way you never have before and maybe when they're a little older, they can appreciate your work too
I'm really happy that TH-cam recommended me your videos. The title of this video is sooo~ me right now, trying to find the courage to put out there my drawing. You're a great source of inspiration!
Today I freaked out about not being able to pursue my dreams, I took a walk and thought about it and turned out I was just being scared... I've been meaning to watch your video for a long time and as soon as I opened YT, this video was the first thing that I saw... now I thank you cuz as you were talking I was like: she gets it, she really really gets me... thank you deeply, your words have made me feel in companion with my fears and your advice has just made me feel that yeah, I'm not alone, I just have to take action. MERCI FRAN!
thanks for letting me know ahead of time there'd be no cut shots. Makes me far more inclined to keep listening. It's my first video of yours and it will not be my last! Stellar advice babe!
I really appreciated you making this video. I'm trying to get started with my own artistic career and I constantly put things off and self sabotage because of all of my anxiety and low confidence. Doing one thing a day that's "scary" sounds like something I'm going to try to implement to start getting my own art off the ground.
Love this video Fran! You are always so inspiring and motivating 😊 I'd love to see a video from you talking about starting an etsy shop for the first time - advice, how to do it, what we should know, what to start with etc.
Great video! I feel like this can apply to pretty much anyone, we all have something we fear of but if we could just push through that fear we are all capable of amazing things.
Omg Fran, I relate to all this sooooo much! I also work as a graphic designer and this video hit me right in the guts! My friends keep telling me to sell my art prints, that I would do fine but the fear is soo real! I panic to think about all the shipping/management/stuff. Seen that you've been through all of this made me feel confident to start doing my things Thank you for posting this
Hi Fran! Thank you so much for your videos, they really are a ray of sunshine each and every time! I'd like to see a video on your inking process one day, I'm always fascinated with how you do not put outline everywhere and how much it makes your work special :) you and Ed take care! :)
Thank you so much for this video! I (and many others) really needed to hear this. Sometimes it's comforting to know that other people have the same worries/fears that you have. It makes you feel like you aren't so alone during a hard time. So thank you very much for this ❤️ Also, if you want a baby you should have one! Or at least rest assured that if that's what you decide, people who have truly connected to you and your work wish you well and will still be interested in your work and in what you have to say when you come back. And really all life experiences, especially a big one like becoming a mother, will just add depth to your life experience. And in turn will add depth to your creativity, and it will likely make you a better artist for the experience. Trust your gut, fulfill your needs 💙😊
How anyone can give this video a thumbs down is insane! Fran you are so genuine and amazing, and I love watching your videos more than any others! ❤️❤️
I feel like you are a therapist, always giving such good advice, I love it ❤️ you are truly an inspiration on various level to all of the people around the world watching you hesitating on whether they should go ahead and share their art. Good job Fran 👍🏻❤️
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"Imagine fear sitting in the back seat of your car. It's not allowed to drive, it's not allowed to define the destination. But it has room back there, it can talk to you and has a voice, but not a vote." - Elisabeth Gilbert
I'm not an artist, but I always find your lovely advice videos extremely helpful. This is super relevant for people who have anxiety and are constantly overwhelmed with fear before making any moves. Thank you Fran for always being so passionate and sharing your worldly wisdom with us! :)
Thank you Ceciliaaaaaaa
Don't be scared, Fran! Have a baby! Me, and I think lots of people will support you for just who you are, even if you won't have time to share videos and post on instagram! For me it's usually a rollercoaster, sometimes I feel great about what I do, and next day I feel horrible and the worst. Maybe you can make a video for downtime, like a manual what to do, what to read, watch, research into to get the feeling of being good back?
Anna 💜
Yes please have a baby I would love to see a mini-Fran!!!!
Omg I'm not her, but I'd love to do a video on that topic, it goes right on my list!
Right? So cute!
I have been working on a fiction book for several...umm six... years now and though I am close to done, I still haven't finished it. Sometimes I think subconsciously I am afraid to finish it because if it is done I have to put it out there in the world and it will finally be judged! Art is scary, but art is also everything
so scary....but you can do it
I feel myself identified with you... go girl we can do it!!!
Bianca you're so right it hurts
i'm with you :) you can do it ^^
Thank you!
You know Fran, what you said about having a baby must be so distressing for you. We, the "real fans", will be there even if you leave for many months. Or even 1 year. We will still be there! If you feel stressed about it though, you could always film like 5-6 videos at the beginning of your pregnancy, and post once a month :) that way you are still present if that puts your heart at peace!
That’s so smart
thank you.
that's all.
*sends a virtual hug to everyone reading this*
Fran, remember this: You will always be in my heart. For real. You have meant so much to me that even if you desappear right now, I would still remember you when I'm old. And it is a bit lot weird because I only know you by a screen, but that's what I feel.
THANK YOU CRISTINA
Cristina 💜
Thank you for being as you are : )
Cristina omg so cute 😭😍
I just cried during this whole thing and I'm still crying. I have really bad anxiety and I've had it for years and it just doesn't get better and I've been feeling really bad the last few weeks, but this helps so much, I just wanted to say that, thank you, please don't ever be scared that you're gonna say something wrong, you always make me be better, video after video! anyway, I quit crying now. Thank you so much.
you're gonna be ok
I struggle with anxiety too. Some tips that can help you:
1.Don't think about what others may be thinking. If that happens don't entertaining the thought just let it go and think about something else.
2. Focus on the present moment
3. Take notes of things you like or are curious about, and do more of that.
4. workout(if you don't like the GYM just go for a walk dance at home, etc)
5. read many books, choose the ones that make you think ex: science, history, general knowledge.
6. If you are bored, don't watch random tv shows or surf the web for hours. Instead find something meaningful to do like watch a documentary, read, learn something, crafts.
7.Get a pet(the cuter the better)
8. Make things that scare you anyways, don't think just do it.
9. Remember your goal must be to be good to yourself and help others. What people may thing about you or if they approve you or not doesn't matter at all.
xoxo
Massiel Rodriguez thank you so much! from the bottom of my heart. it always lifts me up just seeing that people really wanna help and really care. those are some really good tips and reminders. thanks a lot for taking the time to write it all out! much love to you!
I'm glad I was able to help :)
¡Hola Fran! Soy una ilustradora en proceso y tus videos siempre me ayudan a querer seguir intentando. A pesar de que ya tengo 27 años y no he logrado casi nada, seguiré intentando porque la ilustración es mi pasión. Quiero agradecerte por inspirarnos todos los días y por demostrarnos que con trabajo duro y mucho amor todo se puede.
Por otro lado, me gustaría que si quieres enfocarte en otras cosas, como tener un bebé, lo hagas. Es tu vida, es tu momento y es tu decisión. Por supuesto que te extrañaremos, pero a través de todos estos años he podido descubrir que eres una excelente persona con un gran corazón, y estoy seguro que tus otros seguidores también. Lo que quiero decir con esto, es que no importa cuanto tiempo debas ausentarte aquí estaremos el día que vuelvas recibiendote con los brazos abiertos (virtualmente).
Mucho éxito, Fran. Y muchas gracias :)
Could you tell something, to those who have never shared their art on the internet, but they really want to do it, maybe open an etsy shop too..? How to start? What would be the first step from unknowingness toward showing your art? How to do it without "pushing" it too hard towards people, but spread it without any effort? I mean, there's a lot of artists who really want to sell their art, but they do this whole "business" in a such wrong way, they want to sell soo much, that they become annoying, unpleasant. And I wouldn't like to be that one. (I hope you understand what I mean, it's hard to explain..)
Because I've read a comment, a girl wrote that she opened an etsy shop, and during 2 months she couldn't sell anything, and it makes me so sad, because I know there's a lot of us, who want to give their work to others, and somehow live from what they would deserve for their work, but maybe.. something is missing. And I don't know what.. how to do it? How to do this whole proccess without make it as a "business", but with joy, make each other happy with a drawing? I don't want my fears stop me from doing what I love, but what if if I had the courage to start, but after I realise it doesn't work? I could feel what that girl is feeling and I don't think she deseves this, or any of us, so it would be really precious if we could get some advice from you. I know there isn't a "recipe" how to start this thing succesfully, and do it right, but I'm curious what do you think about it, what have you experienced beside being scared in the very first time when you opened your shop? How did it go at the beginning?
Thank you in advance if you will answer to my questions! I'm really grateful that you exist!
Hey Hadley! I just screen-captured your comment so I can do a video about this, thank you so much for your question!
"Everybody is feeling scared of something." A good reminder to know you're never alone! thank you :-)
Awesome Links: Valeria, a lovely fellow patron, shared this TED talk about Michelle Poler, who did 100 scary things in 100 days! th-cam.com/video/2dbNRGiqaaM/w-d-xo.html Extremely interesting to understand fear and what happens when we face it.
Me encantó esa conferencia, gracias por compartirla!
what a lovely video, Fran! Thank you for sharing your fears. I find you even more badass now that you shared those.
I guess my main fear right now is not knowing if I'm going to "succeed" as I want too. It's hard to remove yourself from your own situation and be objective and focus on the good side of things.
The fact that you feel like you need help in your shop (I know how time-consuming it can get) can only be a good thing. And as an outsider, I can objectively tell you you're not going to stop there.
I have a huge reason to learn English - it is you. Fran, I just love you, you inspire me all the time and I want to thank you. You help me to try something new every day and do not stop. I have never written comments before, but I am watching you about a year or more and I believe in you. Thank you for your fears, advices, beautiful arts, for your laught and smiles. Thank you for all.
"I want this so bad, but I am not willing to deal with this right now, because I don't want the possibility of failure(...)." - That's exactly how I feel ... all the time!
1. I start.
2. While working on it I am not satisfied with my level of expertise anymore. I feel like I won't be good enough to do it.
3. Suddenly I am afraid of failing again.
4. So I stop.
Somehow hearing this from another "artistic" person gave me hope to overcome that train of thought!
Fear of disappointment, whether it be others or yourself is a big part of being so passionate about something. It's a gnawing sensation, but working through the pain is worthwhile.
I understand you 100%! I studied Fine Arts and now I'm into graphic design and illustration. I try to do my best about my work but I always think about if people find flaws in my work or if my perspective is not right or my colors don't match and things like these. I am still scared about selling art. I haven't done it yet, but I see people who don't mind and sell stuff that are not that good (in my opinion of course), and I'm thinking that I am a fool cause I'm standing here and waiting for my fear to go away. So, this video gives me a push to a step closer to share my artwork to the people! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You are such a strong person and artist too! ^_^
Years ago I opened an Etsy shop selling bracelets. Which is a laugh because if you know me you know I VERY rarely make jewelry. I'm a painter, first and foremost. So I closed my shop. And ever since I have been trying to think of ways and ideas to reopen my shop to be worth while and something I won't hate. This video helped me a lot and buying from your shop has helped. It allows me to know that others have had the same anxieties when selling. And after receiving your art in the mail I've seen that it can go from one country, over seas, to the next country and still be intact. I've always been afraid something will get bent. Thank you so much Fran, you and your art and videos have inspired me so much to start something for myself. I think my goal for this month and next will be to make a stock and reopen my shop. Thank you, thank you for all of your wisdom and kind words! I'll always be here to support! 😊
Fran! We will always, always love you...you are my biggest inspiration! Every time I feel sad, that I feel doubting myself and my art I come to your channel! Thank you! from the bottom of my heart, your experiences, the way you encourage all of us sometimes bring to tears of joy..because I don't feel so alone anymore. You are awesome don't be afraid! We will always be here for you.
Wishing you BEST wishes, too.. You, Holly and so many other 'you tubers' are greatly appreciated. Take care. D
thank you Debbie! :3
“Be scared - but do something about it!” Thanks Fran!! I have never believed it when people compliment my work, but I just started the artists way, and the morning pages have been helping me work through some stuff. Sending love your way, what a scary video for you to make I imagine, but it was so good to hear!
I've been kind of stuck in my work and career because of this fear. And deep down I know it's so dumb because if I'm too scared to even try, nothing's ever going to happen! Your videos are always so helpful and inspiring, you've got a lot of wisdom in that head of yours :)
First I love your hair. It looks healthy and the color is beautiful. I also felt a strong connection to the comment you made about Etsy and the growth and the baby . I want the growth of my business ,but the fear of it's growth overwhelms me but I still desire it more then anything . I fear once I finally settle on wanting a baby , I will lose the thing that is me. My work is such an important thing to me that I bury my fear deep down. Thanks for the video !
I love that you express your fears. I think a lot of us out here are scared. But this is very motivating.
A little fran and ed baby 😍.
Fran, I have been terrified of moving away from science and back into art (it's taken me 10 years to even consider it!) but your honesty, openness and wisdom is so refreshing and encouraging that I feel like taking the leap (and I literally only found your channel yesterday). Thank you and congratulations on your success. :)
Incredible ! Thank you for opening this discussion ; about experiencing fears of success & fears of loss .. These are primordial natural fears that many of us experience & yet do not understand. It is ironic that the lack of self -understanding aggravates the initial problems of fears & so there is a spiral. The solution is to feel the fear & then take action. Not action towards the fear per se’ , but action as in doing an activity. It should be something concrete & tangible, something you can see & feel results immediately, like cleaning, gardening, fixing your kitchen, doing errands, stuff like that. The point of taking action is to train your body to stay active - in spite of feeling very uneasy. It will train you to have confidence in “making moves ..”
Progress & confidence is built up over time .. little by little.
This is the real work !
Fran, this was EXACTELY what I needed right now. THANK YOU
Seriously, I love you. So inspiring to hear you adress this & also share that you are finally where probably most illustrators want to be. I am convinced your success goes hand in hand with your authenticity. Don't ever change, only move forward of course. But you are awesome
I feel ashamed to say this, but I feel very alone, I am bipolar and I suffer from a lot of anxiety and continuous fear, I am a writer, that's what I like to do, I've been writing a novel for about six years, and I know it! It's a long time, but fear has not let me finish it, I'm afraid that they will judge me, that it is of poor quality, sometimes I think that others are more intelligent than I and that oppresses my chest every day of my life and I do not find the breath to continue with her (with the novel) (with my life) and well .. I just wanted to say thanks for saying and open your heart to these feelings, which are things so everyday, but at the same time so hidden. I hug you strongly.
Simone ... U r not alone! I have the same challenge. Working on starting an after school centre for years ... But scared of failure, rejection, loss of reputation etc! 😞
When i discovered I had a talent and passion for photography, over 10 years ago, I was in a panic almost constantly. I would panic while taking photos, and panic while looking at them. I loved them so much and I wanted them to be great. I thought they were great and I wanted to sell them and show them as soon as possible. However my anxiety really got in my way and I spent alot of time really trying to wind down. I had other stresses in my life that I didnt realize, and eventually I had to go on medication. I just want you to know, thank you for posting this. Back then I didn't have youtube or anything really to help me, and that was another scary thing. I also didn't want to show my work to anyone for fear they would steal it. So the only advice I can have is, if you feel this way, you are not alone. Go with the flow I guess, but most importantly, don't give up. Now I'm almost finished with a degree in digital media and very happy about this!
Thanks for this, dear Fran. I'm constantly scared of making any moves because of insecurity. I currently have a full time job that barely leaves me any free time to advance in my illustration career, and even the thought of switching jobs to have a better schedule makes me want to hide. Your words have given me courage and faith.
Hola Fran, solo quiero agradecer la sinceridad de tus videos, aunque te cueste creerlo de verdad eres un gran apoyo, me animas a hacer lo que siempre he querido y, que muchas veces se ve entorpecido por el miedo, sé que debo luchar contra eso y lo haré. Gracias por todo, me encantan tus videos. Muchos cariños desde El Belloto, Chile.
Thank you for this little video. It is a brave thing just to talk about fear. I have let my fears become road blocks too many times. I am trying to do little brave things every day right now to change the direction of my life. It helps me to hear others going through the same things.
When you are being scared of losing something, you're already experiencing these emotions and stress that are connected to that situation. Enjoy here and now like there is no tomorrow. Goo luck! New subscriber
Hi Fran! You are such a sensitive, generous and lovely human. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on fear and anxiety with all of us.
Hi Fran! i was really really scared about art too (i still am) but i got this book "art and fear, by david bayles and ted orland" and it really helped me in a lot of ways! definitely recommend it to anyone who's scared!
Also thank you so so so much for every single video, you're the reason i fell in love with illustration and stuck to it, i can't hug you from here but please hug yourself from me! thank you 💚
Niki G Oh my goodness! I have that book, it's so great! This quote from the book helped me the most: "You make good work by (among other things) making lots of work that isn't very good, and gradually weeding out the parts that aren't good, the parts that aren't yours."
This has helped me a lot because I am such a perfectionist. I was afraid to make bad work, to be more loose and go with the flow. Its a really great book, and I too recommend it highly!
ShyGato i havent finished the book yet but it has so many good quotes i feel like i have to read it another 9 times to have them by heart
Niki G same here! I've been taking my time with it. Reading a page or two a day. I want to make sure I fully understand what is being said, and I move on. Been enjoying the book a lot because of it, I'm not much of a reader, so this book is a nice change of pace.
ShyGato yes exactly, its not really a book you can finish fast. and it's the first book im actually highlighting because i have to come back to all the great quotes.
Niki G Definitely! For some reason I didn't think to highlight my favorite quotes, I should probably do that, haha. Thanks for this nice little chat 😊
Thank you fran!!
And for all the artist out there trying to make it...YOU CAN DO IT!!! Kudos.
we always feel scared of losing things we possess. it's like the nature of things and everything from people to work. In the past couple of days I've started being my own motivator and best friend. And yes, i try DO something about the things I fear too. thank you for sharing your thoughts and fears with us Fran
You speak out of my soul! I do have a Dawanda Shop, selling Cloth Pads, Wetbags and other bathroom supplys out of fabric. Dealing with all these financiall things made me go crazy lazy. When I did finish my tax report I felt so free, it was amazing. Thank you for this video it is good to see that I'm not alone with that ♥
I have watched your video three times now, wondering how to comment. So much of what you are feeling relates to me ( apart from the fact that you are already up and running as an illustrator and have illustrated children's books already - I am only beginning this journey and doing a distance illustration course to get me back into things and am terrified I will never make it). You are so talented and I am sure that you can continue with work throughout your pregnancy and that all your fans will wait for you if you decide to have a break. You never know as the next stage of your life begins with a family, it may give you so much inspiration for your work- sketch everything, and you may be able to use it later to do something( illustrations for a maternity/parenting magazine or book?). Sorry if I am sounding preachy because in reality I have no idea how to get myself started as an illustrator. Long story short, please don't be scared and do the best that you can do! We are here for you!
I so super appreciate this video because I've been struggling with fear of pursuing things that will further along my dream to the point that I'm practically self sabotaging myself 😭😭😭 it's so hard to try and conquer it but the least we can all do is attempt something risky but potentially good every day! It really comes down to if you desire your dream enough to chase it rather than succumbing to fear
drawing while listening is the best.
Aristotle said that courage is not the absence of fear, but right action in the presence of fear.
You're such a great inspiration for me, I feel very thankful everytime I see a post from you on social medias or youtube, because it is really kind of you to share all of that with us ! So thank you very much Fran, for taking the time to speak to us, for talking about your process, your thoughts, your fears... that is so helpful ♥
I love your honesty, you show all the bad and glamorous side of illustration. Go girl xxx
La verdad es que no tengo miedo todo el tiempo y eso se está convirtiendo en mi peor enemigos porque no me está permitiendo avanzar en lo absoluto. Suelo sentir que no estoy suficientemente preparada o formada y eso me hace entrar en un círculo vicioso de formación constante. Tu mensaje es muy importante, porque a veces podemos sentir que sólo uno siente miedo y que por ello somos más débiles o menos capaces, pero saber que todos tenemos miedo alguna vez, ayuda a darnos cuenta de que aún así, es posible vencerlo. Gracias Fran, un abrazo!
Thank you, it's as if you went into my head and found the words I had hidden so far back in my mind. I am perpetually afraid, and even though I do all of the affirmations and read all the motivational books I find - I still watch myself self sabotage everything. Some days I'm afraid of any noise my phone makes because I'm waiting for this to end - for someone to take my art away. So every email, text, message are all potential threats to me. This has caused me to hurt people I love, and lose clients I've had for 5 years because I am so controlled by the fear that I'll lose them that I'm paralyzed. I'm constantly thinking that I don't deserve my clients, that they'll find someone better. I turn it into anger and get defensive like, "Well, I don't care about what they think, I'm doing my best!" I've been so far into this fear cycle I forgot I was afraid until I heard you say it. I'm deathly afraid of being to successful because then what will I do when it's over?
Genial Fran, gracias por los consejos!
Yo estudié música clásica desde los 10 años y perseguí una carrera que no era lo mío al final. Sabía que no estaba apasionada por tocar música, especialmente cuando tenía que levantarme y pensaba "rayos, tengo que practicar :("
Pero hace unos meses retomé el dibujo y la pintura que habían estado presentes desde muy pequeña en casa, y me di cuenta que la ilustración es todo lo que quiero hacer. Por fin estoy bien con lo que hago y cada pequeño o gran consejo que compartes me ayuda a comenzar y seguir en este camino tan entrete. Gracias por ser tan abierta y compartir tu experiencia! :D
You deserve everything that you have Fran, and you help and inspire many people. Just keep being you.
Thank you for this video Fran!!! I guess being scared really comes with the job. But despite of that, being scared lets you be stronger and makes you a fighter and we're soooo happy how great of an illustrator you've become! Continue making your masterpieces, Fran! All the loveee 💕
Fran you are the best! You just makes me realize i am afraid! Thank you !
And your advice and kindness makes everything much easier!
As Ed says, don't worry, everything is gonna be ok!
I love you Fran! I’m a beginning artist too and right now, this hits home because I’m terrified of starting my own TH-cam channel and creating my own merch. But thank you. You are so authentic and I love your vlogs and honestly, TH-camrs like you make me feel not alone in my creative journey :)
Nice video. I think its so true that all artists are scared in similar ways. No matter how successful you become you fear losing that success, or not improving on it. Thanks for this!
Your videos are always incredible, but this one is my favorite. You'll never lose me as a fan! I'm so happy you've made it to where you are, and I'm excited to see where you go!
Love you Fran. And no matter how long you will be absent I will be supporting and admiring you and your work. Even though not much I can do now days but still I am a big fan of you. ♥️
Fran, no sé cómo agradecerte este vídeo. Poder empatizar con alguien que ha conseguido tanto nos hace ver a los que aún estamos en la franja de ilustradorxs noveles que es posible hacer realidad lo que nos propongamos. Muchas gracias, de verdad!! un abrazo enorme :)
Thank you so much for this. It really means a lot to have someone else relate their own fears and how they work through them on a daily basis. You rock!
“Be scared but do something about it” is a million times better than “Dont be scared” Thanks Fran!
this came at the perfect time!! thank you :) i love your videos
I really loved this video, it was so inspiring and it's amazing that you exposed yourself so much. Talking about our fears, feeling and dealing with them is already so hard sometimes and videos like this, where you are just showing your human side so bluntly are very important. Thank you :)
Your work is charming Fran! Best of luck to you. I'm sure having a child will give you endless inspiration, perhaps new target market. I absolutely loved your 'Ghost Therapy' illustration. Your sense of humour shines through your stuff xxxx
I completely understand the fear you're explaining, Fran. I have my first Gallery showing in October this year and I have to make new art content to display, print, and price. Outside of doing the actual artwork, which I've procrastinated in creating lately, i don't know how to go about doing the rest. Pricing my work is really playing with my insecurities right now. Anyway, I know I'll eventually get too busy to worry when the deadline draws near and I have no choice but to get to work but in the meantime, I'm overwhelmed by the fear. Thanks for talking about this and making us feel like we're not alone.
You are SO articulate about this!! I love it! It's totally okay to be scared and do the thing anyway!!
Just getting into creating my own tutorial/motivational videos myself, and this is really helpful! You're an incredible artist and I think I can speak for everyone that it's awesome you're sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
You articulated this so well. I've been sitting on all my projects for so long because creating and putting out content on the internet is so scary but damn, I want to do it so bad. In recent weeks I've taken small steps to create some things and share them. It feels good but I know I have so much more to create. Your advice on doing one small scary thing at a time is exactly what I needed to hear. Love this video!
Thank you for this video Fran! I am currently thinking of quitting my full time job as a package designer to pursue illustration. I just love it! And I've been binging all your videos these past few days. You are so inspiring for me in this time of my life. You've got a new Franfan here! Your wisdom from your experience has been super helpful and I feel less afraid to actually pursue and not be afraid of failing at what I love to do. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this video! You don't know how much it helps me try to defeat fear for an instant and keep trying to do new stuff.
I'm really happy to have found your videos. It's nice to know that other people share your struggles. Thanks so much!
Hi Fran, I admit even if sometimes don't watch your youtube post regularly. I always know when i binge watch it later. I will always always get some value from it!! (Like what i am doing right now ) .I don't know if this will comfort you . But someday even when you are not on youtube anymore. Just remember you have deep impact of many freelancer life (for real ! mine is one of them for sure) a lots of love and blessing from us. :)
I'm 26, I originally went to nursing and I work at a hospital currently. About a year ago I decided to not go back to the nursing school. My family and coworkers kept telling do nursing it's safe, it dependable, it stable. When I had my son about 4 years ago, I took a break from nursing school and in that period I realize nursing was not challenging and it i didn't want to do it. I decided to change it to Architectural Engineering, where you draft blueprint and just taking an interest in architecture in general. I've like it since I was young. I felt it was challenging and it really opened my mind. I can say I'm happy and my class I get to be more creative. In nursing it's memorizing facts in class and sadly to say I didn't want to take care of people. I want to open my mind and be more creative. The scary part was telling myself that I didn't want to do nursing and switching to something totally different. Now that I switched I'm not scared and I'm really happy. I'm not scared to fail anymore and that I feel made me more confident. I also stop listening to people around me and went with what made me happy instead.
Thank you for your advice in this lovely video! It's encouraging me to start a very overwhelming project that I really want to do, but keep putting it off because I felt too scared to do it, which is writing and illustrating my own picture book!
Fear is a huge factor in selling- but pushing through and dealing with them is the key. Great content thanks!
This is exactly what i needed today! I'm about to pursue a masters degree in illustration, it's something I'm crazy passionate about and I loved my BA degree but I've been putting it off for over a year, this year after graduating has been really tough but I'm still making things thanks to you! You're such an inspiration for illustrators like myself and you always reassure me that freelance illustration is a viable option for me! (I've heard too many negatives about it and people saying it's an unrealistic career choice) but you're a perfect example that it's more than possible 💖 thank you for everything fran 💖
Also a quick question, I have an online store (on my website not an etsy one) and at first people were really interested but for the past few months I've sold nothing :( any tips on keeping the momentum going? Is it a case of updating the stock I have? I don't want people on my personal social media etc to feel like I'm bugging them by reminding them I have products available 🙈 if that makes any sense x
You are such an inspiration 💕 You are fricking adorable and so kind 💕 Do whatever makes you happy and know that we will all be here behind you when you need us 💕 You have given us so much 💕
This is the first video of yours I've seen (but I subbed before it was halfway over :-) ), and it's uncanny how much I identify with everything you said (well, except for the having a baby part :-P ). Thank you for letting yourself be vulnerable and showing others, like me, that we're not alone, that this kind of fear is normal and if we're afraid, it's not because there's something wrong with us, and that we can still find real success even when our fears tell us it'll never happen. Thank you!
I love you, Fran! Thank you so much for what you do. It means a lot for me. Every time when i feel bad about my contact with illustration i'm going to you.And it always helps. I'm waching you maybe 8 months or something like that. Thank you for being with me. :
Hello Fran!
I will start by thanking you for all the amazing tips, all the inspiration and motivation you give us.
I understand all these concerns you addressed here and I share them, but I am also struggling with something else. Even though I would like to have a youtube channel and an etsy shop... I find so hard to overcome my fears and insecurities because I have no one in my life that has the same art interests than me! I feel too overwhelmed when I start thinking of video edition software, cameras, choosing works for prints, what to say... My friends don't care much for illustration, art in general or even youtube videos. So it's pretty hard to get feedback other than "i like it"/"don't like it".
Anyway, I try to shake of the doubts and keep going, getting my motivation from youtubers that share their experience like yourself, so thank you!
thank you Dianaa! I felt THE SAME way when I started this channel. I had no idea how to film, edit.. even talking to a camera! (add to that: talking to a camera in a different language). But I promise each time to face that fear or uncomfortable feeling, it gets easier. The only way of making fears smaller, is by doing that thing regularly. YOU CAN DO IT DIANA!
Fran Meneses You are the best
Diana Marques if you need someone who shares an art interest (I'm actually about to start my illustration degree in September!) I don't mind exchanging email address so you can have an illustration pen pal :)
let's do thiiiis :D
Hi Fran
U were amazing. Am so thankful I saw ur video today. My fears have been stopping me from starting my educational startup for many years now. I fear of rejection, loss of reputation, trouble some customers, having no time off, etc.
I feel I have watched a real experience sharing video which isn't one of those philosophical or the theoretical thing. And when I read many of the comments, am experiencing a sudden state of peace within, seeing that am not alone and probably most of the people who want to do business or do something by themselves face!
Thank you for being so honest and for sharing your fears with us !! It really helps to see that other people are feeling the same way and that they can move forward :D
Fran, es imposible que te odiemos. Al menos yo no podría hacerlo nunca. Desde que te encontré y ví tus videos, me has ayudado como no tienes idea (incluso me has salvado de seguir eligiendo una vida lejos de ser lo que soy u.u). No olvides que todo esto que te esta ocurriendo SERÁ hasta donde tu quieras que sea, por mas que te vaya bien/mal, por mas que lo disfrutes/sufras, es tu gran experiencia, y tu voluntad decidirá el final feliz de esta etapa soñada en la que vives (o no??). PD: mil gracias por estar para todos nosotros y mucho éxito para este gran nuevo negocio!!!
I just came across your channel in recommended videos (yay for the algorithm!) thankyou for saying everything here, you're great! And so right, action is always the best way to deal with fear (and most things, really). And go make your new human, the world needs more of you in it, and putting yourself in another person means the impact you have on the world can live on through them... xx
Thank you so much for this video! I can totally relate. I have people asking to purchase art that I do, and even had someone ask me if I wanted to submit a piece to be shown and possibly sold in a local group show at a friend's gallery yet I am constantly making excuses out of pure fear. I get angry with myself because I struggle financially and I know the money would help, yet I still won't do it. I used to think it was pure procrastination, but I've come to realize it's definitely fear. I'm just not sure how to overcome it. I agree that to get over fear you have to do something scary, but that would mean getting over the fear to get over the fear lol. I just cant seem to get over it. I hope one day I will. It's good to know other artists (even established ones) are still scared of the same sort of things.
Hey! It's my first time watching any of your videos, and I adore your honesty and how open you are with your followers. And just so you know, from one artist/mom to another, having a baby doesn't take up your time half as much as you think it will, specially in the first few months, you can totally do both and enjoy them to the fullest, and it will be totally worth it because a baby will teach you how to love the way you never have before and maybe when they're a little older, they can appreciate your work too
I'm really happy that TH-cam recommended me your videos. The title of this video is sooo~ me right now, trying to find the courage to put out there my drawing. You're a great source of inspiration!
Awww kiddo. We will always be fans. I get nervous with every step I make with my work too. It's nice to know I'm not the only one.
Today I freaked out about not being able to pursue my dreams, I took a walk and thought about it and turned out I was just being scared... I've been meaning to watch your video for a long time and as soon as I opened YT, this video was the first thing that I saw... now I thank you cuz as you were talking I was like: she gets it, she really really gets me... thank you deeply, your words have made me feel in companion with my fears and your advice has just made me feel that yeah, I'm not alone, I just have to take action. MERCI FRAN!
thanks for letting me know ahead of time there'd be no cut shots. Makes me far more inclined to keep listening. It's my first video of yours and it will not be my last! Stellar advice babe!
I really appreciated you making this video. I'm trying to get started with my own artistic career and I constantly put things off and self sabotage because of all of my anxiety and low confidence. Doing one thing a day that's "scary" sounds like something I'm going to try to implement to start getting my own art off the ground.
Love this video Fran! You are always so inspiring and motivating 😊
I'd love to see a video from you talking about starting an etsy shop for the first time - advice, how to do it, what we should know, what to start with etc.
Great video! I feel like this can apply to pretty much anyone, we all have something we fear of but if we could just push through that fear we are all capable of amazing things.
Omg Fran, I relate to all this sooooo much! I also work as a graphic designer and this video hit me right in the guts! My friends keep telling me to sell my art prints, that I would do fine but the fear is soo real! I panic to think about all the shipping/management/stuff. Seen that you've been through all of this made me feel confident to start doing my things
Thank you for posting this
Hi Fran! Thank you so much for your videos, they really are a ray of sunshine each and every time! I'd like to see a video on your inking process one day, I'm always fascinated with how you do not put outline everywhere and how much it makes your work special :) you and Ed take care! :)
Tus vídeos llegan siempre cuando más los necesito y no sé a qué nivel darte las gracias.
Thank you so much for this video! I (and many others) really needed to hear this.
Sometimes it's comforting to know that other people have the same worries/fears that you have. It makes you feel like you aren't so alone during a hard time. So thank you very much for this ❤️
Also, if you want a baby you should have one! Or at least rest assured that if that's what you decide, people who have truly connected to you and your work wish you well and will still be interested in your work and in what you have to say when you come back. And really all life experiences, especially a big one like becoming a mother, will just add depth to your life experience. And in turn will add depth to your creativity, and it will likely make you a better artist for the experience. Trust your gut, fulfill your needs 💙😊
Hi Fran, thanks for being so honest. The only truth is we have all been there. Deal with it and keep doing what you are good at.
Fran, I would never unsubscribe, you are an inspiration always. Look after yourself, go after what it is you want from life, don't be afraid.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and for the sound advice on overcoming fear.
Thank you for your bravery of exposing your fears. Very inspiring. It helps. Thanks so much! Love to watch your video's, they make me smile.
How anyone can give this video a thumbs down is insane! Fran you are so genuine and amazing, and I love watching your videos more than any others! ❤️❤️
I feel like you are a therapist, always giving such good advice, I love it ❤️ you are truly an inspiration on various level to all of the people around the world watching you hesitating on whether they should go ahead and share their art. Good job Fran 👍🏻❤️