Great video bro. I'm a working artist and animator and I can relate to everything you said. Unfortunately, instead of going with what would be 'easier' and making a nice living, I spend a lot of my time plugging away at my animation. Trying to get a show on TV. But it's exhausting. I hate that feeling of trying to compete with the best out there when as an artist it should just be about creating, expressing, and enjoying yourself. But I'm a perfectionist.... and it's not always a good thing. I never forget the famous line Jerry Seinfeld said about success, "Sucess is finding the torture you are comfortable with." Sorry, it's late and this comment is scattered. Anyways, I subbed. Best of luck to you.
Why get a show on TV when you can put your animation work on TH-cam and build your own business around that. There are other ways to broadcast your show.....Think outside the box...don't let getting a TV show gig to ruin your gift for animation.
Following your passion is like falling in love and getting married but to your craft. It will take a lifetime of work and its anything but easy but there is nothing unfortunate about it. If you can pull it off and make it work, there is no better feeling in the world.- and you owe it to yourself not to waste your life on the easy things. ( now I am just talking to myself lol)
Funny because I'm trying to figure out if I should try to be an illustrator/concept artist or graphic designer haha. Anyways thanks for the videos man!
This is definitely where I am in life, I want to start my own online business and i have for the last 4 years since HS (Im 22 now), but my parents are constantly telling me i don't have the natural skills to run a business. I recognized my problem areas and I am ready to start improving on them, its just harder when you constantly have people in your ear telling you otherwise, especially your own family. I'm disappointed in myself for letting people make me question myself and talk me out of what I knew what my passions were all along, but I'm excited to be moving forward and putting my best and all into my future now with no excuses!
Anna bella Never let anyone tell you who you are and what you can't do. That is the thing that upsets me the most is all the negativity and ugliness I listened to for years. When people tell you that what they are really saying is that because they couldn't do that, you can't do that. People tell me that I'm going to break doing all the things I do, because the truth is they don't have the stomach for it and are shock at how consistent I have been, because they don't want to believe that I can do something they can't. I think the same is true in your situation.
I wanted to be in animation industry for a long time. I was like you. I love every aspect of animation process. I even real a bunch about cinema and storytelling. But when I actually tried it for real. I found out I dont have enough patientce for animating. I’m bad at sequential art and comics. I can’t storyboard. I’m bad at character design. But my real passion lies in caricatures cartoons and graphic design.
This really takes me back to my child hood. I developed a love for art and drawing when I was young as well. You could always find me with my little art sets and drawing pads getting lost in my drawings. My favorite character to draw was Sonic the Hedgehog. Then I would always watch Bob Ross and other art shows to paint and draw. I originally had a love and still do for architecture. But now my I am doing photography and graphic design. Nice video Roberto.
Raw inspiration, I'm 27 and a college graduate with a diploma in 3D animation who is finding myself gearing more towards graphic art in a similiar fashion. I'm at a crossroads right now and haven't been doing near enough art lately, this has sort of reawakened that fire. consider your ass Subscribed! hahah Really appreciate the vibes and info brother! Thanks again and much love
i can not thank you enough for this inspiring video. I'm struggling right now as an artist and as a designer. trying to not let your passion melt away or to be dulled down from exhaustion is so key. putting in the time is exactly what I'm gonna do. thanks again man big thumbs up
Seeing in this is actually crazy. Watched this video a little while back and this is exactly what i needed to see. I think i'm on this stage right now. Been spending 16hrs a day editing and on other projects. Nowadays there are too may good mentors on youtube i honestly feel blessed. Thank you, Roberto!!!
This video and the other one about not necessarily having to go to college for Graphic Design popped out for me at a very confusing time in my life and have definitely made me see things better. I can't thank you enough for putting in the time and effort to share your story, advice and be of a helping hand to all the young people out there who aspire to be something art related!
This entire story resonates with me so well. I've struggled with insecurity about my abilities all my life and have allowed people to dictate who I can be in terms of my career. I'm going back and forth right now on whether I should pursue animation or graphic design. I'm getting really good at graphic design and that's how I found your videos. I'm trying to figure out where to start on this graphic design path. Thank you for this.
Hearing your story helped me. Wrestling now with the transition from cartooning and animation into Graphic Design my experiences are similar. My girlfriend taught me that my personal work is just that, personal. Like you she showed me that I didn't have to give up what I love doing in the pursuit of a creative career. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and experience, it means a lot.
i've always been into art and design growing up going through high school and was convinced i wanted to do something in the creative field leaving high school. Coming closer to finishing my final year and deciding what study path to take, i heavily got into tattooing culture and invested my drawing time into tattoo designs.At this point in time i decided i wanted to be a tattoo artist but soon after finishing high school i lost all motivation for this due to family and difficulty finding an apprenticeship. after this i just stopped drawing in general, dropped out of a university course i didnt like and really was just lost for long period of time. i thought to myself i really need to do something and i knew i wanted to work in a creative industry. I always thought i'd do web or graphic design as a "fall back" thing. I commenced a diploma course in digital design now and just discovered digital drawing and thought id give it a crack after months of not drawing. Long story short though, and my question, looking at many digital artworks and watching videos, these artist just seem so talented and seasoned. me just getting back into it and noticing i've lost all my fundamentals. Can someone like me (im 20) develop artist skills like professionals staring where im at now?
migorenster Yes if you're willing to put in the work you absolutely can. Many people start later in life than you at the thing they want or are meant to do and progress, you just have to be willing to prioritize it above everything else.
Thank you for this video. I am going through this right now as I am contemplating a career in UX design (highly in demand, good stable pay, in tune with my marketing background), or being a fashion / interior / fine artist.
oh wow!! I love hearing other people's stories on why those choose different careers especially dealing with Computer animation/graphics design. I am currently in school for that and I will graduate in December. My last few semesters in college I am finally getting into my major so this will make me really think about my decisions.
Yo Roberto, this is almost exactly like my story. Im a 27 yr old Graphic design major and drawing is my foundation and anyway its so dope to hear it from someone cause its almost exactly like my story. I dig your videos and hope to see you if you ever roll through Miami or vice versa. Peace brotha
All of us need to concentrate on the things that we are strongest at. Those things we are not as strong in need less attention and less of our time. Too many people waste their lives chasing a dream that they have no chance of obtaining greatness in. Know yourself!
I think every artist has a dream pet project that we sit on for awhile. I had a webcomic too and I realized I wasn't a very good writer so I worked on both my writing and art skills. I don't think I have to go 'all in' with just one major and give up everything else. Graphic Design in itself is being good at a combination of things (not to mention programs) so why not treat illustration the same way? I think if you have animations / webcomics you never finished you should eventually complete them. If you worked hard on it for years and had to give it up, taking it back up in your spare time and finally finishing will be really satisfying. Right now I am redesigning my characters look. Turns out graphic design does influence character design so i've come full circle. :D
Thanks again Roberto for sharing you wise advice and sharing your experiences. I've been drawing since I was a kid. My favorite subject to draw are portraits. I got away from my dream by making some unwise choices. It has taken a long time to get back on track doing what I really love to do. Along the way I discovered jazz and played piano in the jazz ensemble at a community college, for a number of years. I also discovered photography. In the past I've made creative church bulletins, newsletters and business cards. But I really love doing the fine arts.
Thank you for you frank, real testimony. I'm in the process of changing my career options from only animation to getting more into graphic design. You have to be careful you don't get pigeon-holed into one area of work. You can lose all your other skills, and it is tough to get it back with the way everything changes so fast these days. Years fly by so fast. Protect yourself by having diversity in the work you can do.
Roberto Blake Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am an aspiring graphic designer, and I can relate to some of your experiences here. I too wanted to become a cartoonist animator, however, I believe my talents are more versatile in graphic design. Yet, I haven't lost hope for becoming an animator, either. I plan to broaden my spectrum of all different types of art specialization(Painting,Illustration,etc.) to help me pursue my goal of becoming a Master Visual Artist someday. God Bless you, sir; you've inspired me.
Watching this in 2021 in my Graphic Design Course in college. I was wondering if I truly made the right decision by abandoning my dream job. I thought I would never be good enough and that I wasn't going to have the skill to be an artist. But now that I'm older and more experienced I realize that I could have done it if I wanted to, but I don't necessarily regret my choice to be a designer. Art, character design, animation, etc; all mean too much to me to let someone else tell me what I can and can't make. It's my PURE love, like it is for you. Thank you for such a good video. I know where I need to be. :)
Thank you for the huge inspiration....I'm a hardcore 3D Character Animator for last 9 Years & now gonna jump into the world of "Graphic Design". Your story kinda resembles to my own :)
I'm just starting to get my feet wet with the Adobe software and learning about graphic design through my recent lynda membership and youtube videos like yours, and I just gotta say thank you for sharing your story. My childhood dream was to be an animator too (I wanted to draw ninja turtles until I croak), but I had some things happen along the way and can totally relate to the lack of mentorship, guidance and discipline as a youth. As a single dad at age 33, I finally think I found something that I can apply my creative skills into, and these videos are of great help. Thanks again for sharing.
Really enjoying all your videos, I also was a cartoonist and I only do it on now the side for a personal hobby, now I focus mostly on graphic design. It's nice to get feedback from another graphic designer, as I still making my way through my last year of college.
I found comparing my own experiences to this story very interesting. My journey was almost the opposite. I started off being prepped for a career in game design, and then the GFC hit, and my country had to close down many of its major studios, and lay off many industry veterans, creating a very hostile environment for a graduate to get work in. After many failed attempts I returned to comics, and now I run a small business doing just that. After watching your video, I feel compelled to perhaps make a video sharing my experiences. RIP Monty.
im intrigued what small business you're doing if you dont mind me asking and replying, cause im at a standstill on what to choose as my major , career, that helps me feed my passion and life sustainability. being actually broke does wonders to the mind to the point of exhaustion and stress.
I got in to a little animation in college. Some 3d, motion, and flash. It was fun but also time consuming as crap. I have one on my channel called Bella's Birthday. Took the entire semester from storyboarding on paper, creating the 3D models, shooting the film, then editing in Premiere. But it was fun. I know you may not have the time to do it now but you should see about making it a weekend hobby. Stop motion, or flash shorts, etc.
***** For now I'm doing more with motion graphics in my spare time since I'm getting client request for it and I want to get better at it anyway. Also as I get more videos pre-edited and scheduled I will have more time for my own indie film projects as it gets warmer.
Roberto, I was in kind of similar situation like yours. Years ago, when I was a kid I was also making comics and I was thinking for quite long to become an animator. When I turned 15 years old, mother bought me my very first graphic tablet for drawing comics, but I wasn't using it. I liked to draw with hand. I saw huge improvements every year, but then, I gave up on drawing, not sure what exact reason it was, maybe because I was in love or because of situation in university, because I was going to quit it. But anyway I gave up on it. Then I started to make indie games and make some digital art, but I wasn't enjoying it as well, then I went to college, I found people who think the same as I do and they inspired me to go to graphics design, but I didn't know where to start so I dropped it again. Now when I found your videos I also found a spark in myself and now I really believe I can a do good job at graphics design. I do my best at it and I give all the time I have just to learn more about it. I really enjoy working on graphics design and it is all because of you Roberto! That you very much for inspiring me.
Roberto, you sir are amazing! I also dreamt of becoming an animator myself but ending up falling in love with web design and videography. I feel like I’m at the same point in my life now as you were when you dealt with other people putting you down and making you feel like you’re not good enough. Today, literally an hour ago, I was at my breaking point and this video Roberto, OMG, was heaven sent! I’ve struggled with sharing this issue with loved ones to find that they’re always insensitive and harsh about my goals and aspirations of become a creative entrepreneur. Your video lit at huge flame and I feel like I’ve bounced back. It’s so great to have actual evidence of someone who’s successful and actually “looks like me,” if you know what I mean. I’m happy to see that yes! It is attainable even as a woman of color, who’s introvert, who often suffers from depression, who wants to always create ‘awesome’ things, etc. thank you Roberto! Thank you so much. Xo -Whit (also a June baby 😎✌️)
I love to write and read. I start writing short stories since i learnt completely how to write and i also sold my stories to my classmates, and i also draw many anime character countless of times and i also sold them. Since then, i joined the world of art and anime. I'm 17 now and i am still writting stories and drawing. My goal is to be able to write books that later will be mangas that finally and hopefully will become animations. As you can tell English is my second lenguage and all my stories are being written in English. I have heard from many people that I don't have what it takes to write or even draw and it reallt hurts. I'm someone who gets discouraged very easily and losses confidence awfully quick. Since i found your channel i have this hope that maybe i can do what i want to do, learning from you, about computers, art programs, advices and all this stuff. I personally, appreciate what you do to help the next generation of artists and... keep doing what you cause you're great at it!
I was kind of the opposite. When I first began attending college, I took computer graphics because I was told that is where the money is. Turns, out, I suck at 3D animation and web design programming. Where I began to shine was in fine art and illustration. Since my time at Bucks County Community College, I have been accepted into a local art school that teaches cartooning. I am doing great and drawing all the time. I try to teach myself a lot too. But, like you, when I was in high school, I was not popular. Kids did not like my desire to actually learn and not cut class to do drugs. I don't like drugs, so I never did them. So I got teased a lot. One of the major things I got teased about was my drawing. Kids told me I would suck at it and many teachers said that all artists end up flipping burgers for a living. I have recently found out that this is not true. Passion and beating the pavement can lead to perfection with enough persistence. Also, I know what it is like to be discriminated for the color of one's skin. I used to work at Wal-Mart in Philadelphia where I live. At the time, it was mostly black people working there and I was told to get another job by my supervisor who did not like that I was white. I went to my boss who was also white and asked something be done about it. When he found out it was my Black supervisor who threatened me, he said to go ahead and get another job because he was afraid of a racism lawsuit. I talk to many black and white and every people under the sun that I meet in school. It happens to everyone from every walk of life. Believe in yourself and your dreams can come true. I tried crappie jobs like my high school teachers told me to do and ended up finding myself in college where I worked unloading trucks at the campus bookstore to pay for my books and supplies. You can do anything dude! Having a day job is smart....but nothing is wrong with doing your dreams on the side. I hope to see you post your comic and animation stuff some day! You can do it! Rock On!
I can relate to this story pretty well. I started out wanted to be a Animator since 12 years old, but as I got older I just gravitated more towards graphic design. However im still trying to improv my drawing skills and do it for fun, Now almost 10 years later im getting closer to being a graphic designer. I still would LOVE to work in the animation industry in some sort of way if the opprotunity comes my way, as I still and forever will have a great deal of love for it.
I don't know what to do!! I have a 5 year degree in Social Communication but I want to keep studying because I haven't found my passion. I wanted to study Graphic Design but now I feel attracted to animation but i'm not the type of person who was born with a talent like drawing.. i can't really draw although I plan to take a drawing course. The thing is that I don't know if i'll be good at Animation or Graphic Design and I'm scared of making the wrong decision because its an expensive career. It's so hard for me to find what I like :( and it's really frustrating.
I feel your pain, I got my degree in interpersonal communication. Realistically, the only place in the market for that skill set is sales or going back to grad school for therapy. To make that decision you have to look at yourself. Are you the kind of person who would gets a jolt of happiness from creating something from nothing? If that answer isn't yes, then go find a different path if it is then just keep pushing and get involved in an art community and you'll find your way in the creative field.
well it took me a while to decide but I chose to study Digital Art & Design at a University where you get a bachelor degree in two years. I'm doing all the paperwork and I hope to start next year :)
Great video! Thank you for sharing your story! After dropping out of college I've been restless as to how to pursue my career in creative industries. Your videos are inspiring!
From what i've seen, you don't HAVE to work for someone else to do animation. People make animated shorts and post them on youtube all the time. Sometimes those shorts turn into shows and movies, but I bet the people making them, just love doing them. Many famous companies, such as Disney actually started off in a garage.
Wow this video has truly inspire me!! I'am 15 and going to the similar stuff that you are, but ultimentaly I choose to go with both art and technology (since I love them both) I want a job in Animation/Art but is a gamble as always so I'm backing it up with Graphic Design and Programming. An I'm making steps to working towards my goal already taking graphic an technology classes at my highschool and such While self studying Art and Animation on my own. I too was scared at my age to follow Art but thanks to you an many others I've found my passion and aim to be a Multimedia Artist Thank you and great video as always
Your videos are really helping me realize a lot of things about myself :D, I as well grew up drawing cartoons, I would draw stuff in school n sell it to my classmates at times, Scooby doo was kinda my favorite character :P and the first character i could draw, my mom would take me to watch movies like the road to El Dorado, Anastasia which made me want to become a cartoonist/animator, I worked at an animation studio in fact it was my first job but i took up a graphic design job because of the money, I am now at a point in my life where I wanna get back to animation but now I dont know how :( or if I really want it
Jude Cruz Self awareness is very important. Look at small things you can do to progress towards you goal. You say you don't know how to get back in? Ask animators on social media for advice, do research, look at TH-cam videos look at local collage courses. Do you homework. There is no reason to "not know where to start" in this day and age...if you don't know something you can always Google or TH-cam it. It's never been easier to have questions answered than now.
Great video and advice. You speak the truth and it's very refreshing to find open and honest testimonial. I'm really glad you're on your path doing what fulfills you. I had a similar goal growing up, and ended up studying animation in college. It is a tough industry to break into especially if you're not set doing what you like to do and showing it in your portfolio. I'm referring to what you talked about in your other video about putting together a graphic design portfolio. I've been doing a lot of illustration and graphic design work over the years as a private freelancer. Overall great channel, and service you're doing for fellow artist, I commend your efforts. Thank you.
that same happen to me,when a was going into a career field was interesting in videography ad editing and good at it but later down i find that graphic design was my true passion.
yes i do for i want to animated my logos maybe to impress my clients and give extra pricing plus a have a love for animated logos or images but just didnt go deep into it for the software after effects is a bit confusing
keifer simpson youre like me...but vice versa..im kina great at graphic design my professors often praise my works...but my real passion is editing and videography..i love telling stories and moving things haha...
I m in the same dilemma right now. Completed bachelors in mechanical, but my interest is towards arts. Now i want to study art related subject as i love to do drawings. However the same problem have come again whether to choose Animation, Illustration/concept art OR graphic design. I m very confused now.
You are right being an artist or animator makes me force to be on that way, i love logo designing and illustration, that is why i quit animation, because my life seem to be a frustration for me if i do animation, no games, no youtube, only booring animation process, i am choosing something easy, through which i can enjoy and learn more and improve, as also i can play games, if i want, Thankyou
Again, another heartwarming video Mr. Blake, I enjoyed the sincere vibe throughout the video. it's always refreshing to learn about someone's past and how it led to the person they are today. I would like to know more about the web comics you've mentioned, because I'm developing one of my own to be syndicated, I also write comic strip gags from time to time.
Catnique Thanks for watching. Yeah I think a peek behind the curtain is a great way to connect with all of you and let you see the consistency and that I'm a real person, not a "performer. ;)
Thank you Roberto Blake your story is amazing and i am proud to see how far you have come!. I to am an artist and i have art in my bones! i am 24 and i hated school, but ive always love drawing and learning what i want to learn about. i am going to take everything you spoke of to my heart and be the best! I truly want to become a successful animator and thats what im going to do! Thank you! you are AWESOME ROBERTO!
Love the video. I hope its possible to stay fluid in these things as we get older. Maybe your graphic design experience might make your animation compelling in a different way then it would of been with traditional animation training. Saul Bass and motion design come to mind. I am still hoping to find my voice in something that compels me. I like the mantra of "create something awesome" because i think it hints at being fluid. Why not create a twine game one day and a branding package the next...
Will Oberleitner True. I think it will actually. I think my understanding of the creative process and my work flows as a designer will help me tremendously in doing a personal animation project once a year or so. I do motion graphics already for clients from time to time and that has helped me learn quite a lot that I can apply to other things.
Thank you for this video Roberto Blake. I've been looking forward to this video about why you quit your journey for being an animator. I enjoyed drawing since I was a little kid. As yourself, I was inspired by the cartoons, comics, movies, and video games. For a long time, I wanted to be doctor, veterinarian, and weatherman until 10th grade when I realized I wanted to be an artist of some kind. I was never really into architecture and didn't know much about graphic design. I knew I wanted to be an animator. I didn't go to art school because I didn't want to accept a crazy amount of debt; also I didn't really understand how to go about getting scholarship. It didn't seem easy as it sounded; even today, I still don't understand. There was little guidance for me with that. Years later, I went to a technical college for graphic design. At this point, I said I will learn all I can from this and use it to advance me closer to the direction of animation. To be honest, I felt like if I was going to need to work extra hard because I wasn't in a "real art school" that I could walk out door college with no problem getting a career. I realized later that this isn't always the case. When I find out how often some video game companies and animation companies layoff in my research, I felt graphic and web design was more stable career choice. In addition to this decision, the news document about art student debt was scary. I set my art down for a long time, to try to learn a few coding on my own. I made improvements but I still more practice. This year, I'm picking up the pencil and paper and building my portfolio. I know I don't want to continue working a my dead-end grocery store job for the rest of my life. Also, I don't want to be like many of my family and friends that gave up on there art passion due to curve balls life threw at them. I'm similar to you, Roberto Blake, as in having the need to create art at your own freedom and not always want to be told what to draw. I FRIGGIN' HATE THAT TOO, lol. Keep up the AWESOME work. You are great the way you are. I don't know if I ask this question before but is Flash still relevant. If so, do I need to learn Actionscript 3.0. I know HTML 5 and Muse is there. There may be some thing HTML 5 can't do that Actionscript 3 can't.
Robert Abrams For animation Flash is still relevant for cartooning, and there are plenty of shows currently out that are almost completely done n Flash Animation like Johnny Test. Action Script is hit or miss and it depends, but for Web Design it's dead.
Hi, I just wanted to say that I feel the same, now I'm this point I'd my life, where when I was younger, my dream was becoming an animator, and I took some courses for it (afternoon classes). But as I am getting older I start thinking that it's such a hard work, being an animator, and a little boring... My question to you is: 1. If I want to get into photography & videography (maybe start a TH-cam channel), what is the best camera (that on the one hand won't cost a lot, and on the other hand, have the potential of starting a career (or freelance)? 2. What do you think of going to learn a graphic design/video editing/web development & design course in the University/collage vs. Learning it on my own (and I'd that's your suggestion - please recommend a resource). Thanks for all your videos, you help me alot
Thank you so much for this video. I feel like you touched on a lot of the feelings I have had straight out of college and if I made the right decision between fine art and graphic design. Also the idea that you can't be afraid of yourself was a great point. So thank you for, I guess, just being a real person and being vulnerable enough to share it with us. -Candice
2 years I studied drawing and painting seriously, but now the place where I am. I cant get jobs in art in the country I am right now. I switched to learning graphic design now. I'm studying mechanical engineering right now, I'll graduate next year. Time to switch the careeer
Thanks Robert. I was also a creative child and had a father who put a negative light on following my dreams. I had two paths which I believed were my calling in life. First one being a music producer and arranger. Second was Digital Artist or Graphic Designer. I spent about twenty years of my life creating music and learning the art of Digital music. I attended music school in California, worked in Nashville and Los Angeles for many years as a Demo producer for songwriters and producers. While fighting against depression and the belief of my fathers words, "you will never make it" I was getting into my 40's and had only experience and no success in the music business. I lived a secluded life in a studio with no personal life and lost all hope. My music partner was a relative who had control issues which I had to escape his manipulation. By the grace of God, I met my wife and I was able to break the chains of music business. The second option of digital graphics was always waiting in the background and it brought me much excitement and hope of making some kind of living. Over the ten years of being out of the music business, I have had many problems with selling myself and you and others on youtube have given me hope that a life of a creator is possible. Thanks Robert.......
You people are all so lucky.. I don't have any talent from early age like you do, I tried everything.. programming, animation, graphic design etc. and I'm bad at everything, nor I have any motivation to develop it. Whenever I start with something new I compare myself with others, because there is always someone at my age that already can do it super well. I'm like a ultimate loser.
beauty and the "BBEEAASST" lmao i canrelate to this vid alot but the audio around the 1:46 mark either goes wonky or you dropped your tone super low saying beast hahah great vid man
dude your awesome man, been going through you channels videos today and all your videos have a very motivational tone to them which really helps me with my work especially as im going into my third year at university studying design. Thanks for the videos, there awesome and so so so helpful, it your doing something special and pro-active for the young design community.
Thats the problem I have. Sometimes I think I'm not good enough. I share my work on facebook, deviantart, and instagram and I barely get any feedback. I'm not sure what am I doing wrong, everyday I try to learn something new and improve. By the way good video, keep it up!
Lilflako502 Sometimes you have to actually ask for feedback, people can be lazy or they are afraid to comment good or bad. Many people here will like a video but never leave a comment for example.
Roberto Blake I do ask for feedback for my logos but few people actually respond. That is so true. In fact I was one of them and I also liked videos but didn't actually hit the like button because I wasn't used to it, but now I do because it helps youtubers a lot. So most of the time as soon as the video starts I hit the like button because I know the videos I watch are awesome like yours.
For me it was the opposite. I went to college first for graphic design but went to animation because I felt the struggle was worth it. It was the only thing I felt I knew how to do since high school. Cartoonist/animation is not for the faint of heart, though. One has to be very serious about it to excel at it. I suffer from burnout so many times and get frustrated but I find it worth it anyway because I get so attached to what I want to do professionally. But if it's not worth it, then don't do it.
I just changed my major from animation (after two years in the program) to graphic design. It was a very hard decision for me. The only kind of animation my school focuses on is CGI, and I dream of becoming a 2D animator. I knew I couldn't keep on learning a type of animation I didn't have any passion for, so I left and changed to graphic design. Even though I have changed, I will still pursue animation, but if it doesnt work out, at least I will have my graphic design background to fall back on.
Very insightful and on point. just the kind of content i need to help me push on in this industry. i'm looking forward to even more content. Thank you very much sir!
I'm also having that same problem but little bit different than you because I'm doing 2D, 3D animations and motion graphics and hoping to invest more to study abroad now. But feels like it doesn't worth that much as I have to spend because most of websites says it's not good job to work along. I'm so lost and confused because I've been doing them for about years and I just love it. And now it seems like it doesn't worth that much. Let me know your idea about it. I don't know should I study something else or start that degree. :(
I love the way you speak in details and explain things very clearly.... Unlike me , I would read and can't explain what I read. Very frustrating . Any tips of of you get your speaking skills? Keep up the great work! So glad I found your channel 😃
Shaleenee J Presentation skills are mostly a matter of practice, and learning to relax. Doing TH-cam videos regularly helped me a lot, but I also took a lot of oral communication courses in high school and college to force me to get over my fear of embarrassment. I also did some talent shows, speeches, spoken word until I stopped being terrified. Just like I climbed trees and did rollercoasters to get over my fear of heights.
Hey man, I love your videos. Can you please do an episode showcasing your own work, projects you've worked on, and maybe what your creative process was for these works? And maybe even how much money you made. I feel like it would give me an idea of what kind of things a real graphic design does.
Great video Roberto Blake ! I honestly went more into the graphic design portion as well but not because I couldn't do animation, but more along the line is because I couldn't get into the industry. Every company I applied to stated that I needed more experience which I couldn't get unless I was was working an unpaid internship. Also its much easier to freelance with graphic design than it is for 3d animation. I've actually stopped drawing (regretably) because I compared my work to others in my class while I was in college. But now I'm trying to set up a business where I can make a living and still have a lot of free time to do what I want to do. It is sad that we lost Monty Oum. I know he did a lot of motion capture when he was doing dead fantasy and as far as I know, did a lot of 3d modeling in blender. 3d animation and 2d animation are completely different realms I believe. I wasn't that great at 2d animation, but I was a pretty decent 3d animator and motion graphics designer.
Anthony Purington Yeah, getting into the industry is rough. What I know about marketing to an employer now, and make no mistake that is the angle to getting a job today period unless you're going to be a drone... its the marketing game, you have to make something and get attention for doing it and somebody will want you to do it for them. That's how its going to be going forward. Job applications are dead. You have to build something, marketing it, and people will "buy into you". Ultimately this is even how Monty got into the biz.
Yeah I'll keep that in mind but with that being the case, I'll be working for myself. But of course, that's not a bad thing. I was just having a hard time finding consistent work. And I also feel like I'm giving the same kind of work as well. Currently I'm trying to get my other channel, Trekkingtony up and going. Right now I'm exploring France, and in a couple of months I'll be going to Japan. If there's a place you want me to explore, let me know and I'll try to make it there and record and post a video up. By the way , awesome Attack on Titan wallpaper
This video has taught me a very valuable lesson about wanting to break into illustration while using graphic design. I honestly think you and Josiah Brookes (Draw with Jazza) would make great instructors for art and design. I feel the same exact way. In a sense, I sorta see you as an older me! Lol. Anyways, thank you for posting this video!
Roberto Thank You so much for sharing your personal story I went through something similar in my life. From the time I was a kid I loved anime and cartoons so that inspired me to draw as well. When In 6th grade I wanted to become a game designer and make great games with my artwork. I've had my few bumps in the road here and there going into High school. I decide that I would go to school for game development and become a game artist. Of course being a young and naive freshmen in college i didn't know what it would take to get into the game industry as an artist. And the school I went to didn't really give me a good foundation for me to help me get into the industry. I feel like right now I wasted $45k going to a school with a degree I regret. Over the past 4 years my career hasn't gone in the direct of game design but in the direction of graphic and web design. Now Im looking for careers in graphic and web design. There are times I do feel like I had given up on that passion to pursue something else that I was good at. But it professionals and You Tubers like you in the creative industry that care about people who want to be designers and you inspire them. I personally thank you for that man.
You're my Monty, Blake. lol. No but seriously, this video its very inspiring. I'm going through some trouble myself on choosing the right major in commnunication design, i really dont know what to choose.
Thank you so much, watching this has helped me on what i want to do next year, I’m a college student who’s on her final year and is applying to university. I also love doing drawings and animation drawing as well however back then i would given in to easily because of what people said and how there art was so much better than mine. But once i found out that doing graphics, photoshop and photography, it made me build back my confidence in being proud in my work. So thank you for this video because i was stuck on what to chose. ☺️☺️
I loved this video, Roberto. I shared a similar experience as you when it came to drawing. I also thought I wasn't good enough to being a cartoonist or animator after seeing digital and other artwork on DeviantArt, although I was selling my art in school and was told by others that I was a great artist. I'd rather do it for me and still enjoy drawing without having someone tell me what to draw and commercialize my artwork. Please, do more videos on your personal experiences as a graphic designer/web designer. I'd like to see you do a video of "What my day as a graphic or web designer looks like" or something of that nature. You are also an inspiration to ne because I am a 22 year old African American female and I rarely see African Americans in technology or design fields so seeing you do this are successful at it is refereshing. I'm applying to graduate school for an M.A. degree in Web Design and Online Communication and your videos are very informative when it comes to what I want to do. Thanks so much!!!
Really good honest story...I will share it with my students. I've come across a lot of students who are struggling with what you had gone through and I pretty much give the same advice as you, but it would be nice to hear it from someone else as well.
actually i was wanna to be a 3D games animation a little bit thinking like on you. but when i started to learned in school i found that my drew wasnt to be good. so i decide to be a graphic designer. although i love play the games since in my childhood that i think cant lose in my life of the part.but maybe that it just a dream in my mind:(
How much do you get to draw being a graphic artist? I want to be a graphic artist because you can work at a company, not alone, and it's a little more varied than making works of art and selling them, or drawing cartoons/comics. But my skill seems to lie in actual drawing, not necessarily designing? I'm good at drawing people and things from scratch, as a kid I was inspired by disney so I'm good at capturing expressions, emotions, actions etc, but not sure if these would even matter or be used in graphic arts? I just don't want what I think is my strong point, drawing, to be underused. I'm actually not even sure I'm good at designing lol. I'm also not a natural computer whiz..I thought about computer animation/character design but I like that graphic arts has the opportunity to freelance, whereas animation seems less so. Anyway just wondering how much you actually get to draw in graphic arts?
Sometimes we can beat our heads against a wall trying to become one thing when there is a different and related path we could follow to greater success and fulfillment. Fortunately you had your "aha" moment before you made yourself miserable working towards being an animator. You made the switch before being consumed with frustration, and now you're doing something you love, that you're excellent at, and is still in a way related to your previous artistic goals. Bravo! I was originally going to be a stage magician. Now I make cinematic magic for movies as a visual effects artist.
Aquatasy Thanks for that comment. That is interesting that you found another way into entertaining and making MAGIC! You should consider doing some heavy personal branding that has that theme around it.
I'm already planning it. It's a topic that I routinely lecture about, especially when I'm giving talks about getting hired as a digital artist and remaining sane & employed. I'm launching two other channels (CAndrewNelson and TeachingSpot) that will feature that sort of branding. Thanks for the encouragement and thank you for your videos.
Another awesome video! My fiancee an I have been watching your channel for the last week and we really appreciate your style, personality and work. You are a great motivator, you have great tips and we are definitely going to watch your channel. You are addictive :) A very positive and inspirational personality. Thanks for sharing your experience with the world. Ps. my fiancee is now working on his professional portfolio and thanks to you he is starting to believe in his abilities and that he can also make it. Thank you!
Your story is mine but in reverse, I tried going the graphic designer rout and I love it but at the same time I love drawing and I’m getting better at it, so I decided to mix the two
i searched for videos which could help me and i found this video. i must say this is such a helpful video for me! cus' i just finished my graduation in 3d animation and vfx. and i was thinking what to do.....
I actually wanted to study animation and do it, but it isn't such a easy task. There are many things that take into account in animation. I would have to study foreshortening, perspective, character/story and other facets.
Great video bro. I'm a working artist and animator and I can relate to everything you said. Unfortunately, instead of going with what would be 'easier' and making a nice living, I spend a lot of my time plugging away at my animation. Trying to get a show on TV. But it's exhausting.
I hate that feeling of trying to compete with the best out there when as an artist it should just be about creating, expressing, and enjoying yourself. But I'm a perfectionist.... and it's not always a good thing.
I never forget the famous line Jerry Seinfeld said about success, "Sucess is finding the torture you are comfortable with."
Sorry, it's late and this comment is scattered.
Anyways, I subbed. Best of luck to you.
me also
Why get a show on TV when you can put your animation work on TH-cam and build your own business around that. There are other ways to broadcast your show.....Think outside the box...don't let getting a TV show gig to ruin your gift for animation.
Following your passion is like falling in love and getting married but to your craft. It will take a lifetime of work and its anything but easy but there is nothing unfortunate about it. If you can pull it off and make it work, there is no better feeling in the world.- and you owe it to yourself not to waste your life on the easy things. ( now I am just talking to myself lol)
Ashley Yeager love it!
Funny because I'm trying to figure out if I should try to be an illustrator/concept artist or graphic designer haha. Anyways thanks for the videos man!
Nick Star No problem Nick! Check out my Graphic Design playlist and see if it helps you!
This is definitely where I am in life, I want to start my own online business and i have for the last 4 years since HS (Im 22 now), but my parents are constantly telling me i don't have the natural skills to run a business. I recognized my problem areas and I am ready to start improving on them, its just harder when you constantly have people in your ear telling you otherwise, especially your own family. I'm disappointed in myself for letting people make me question myself and talk me out of what I knew what my passions were all along, but I'm excited to be moving forward and putting my best and all into my future now with no excuses!
Anna bella Never let anyone tell you who you are and what you can't do. That is the thing that upsets me the most is all the negativity and ugliness I listened to for years. When people tell you that what they are really saying is that because they couldn't do that, you can't do that. People tell me that I'm going to break doing all the things I do, because the truth is they don't have the stomach for it and are shock at how consistent I have been, because they don't want to believe that I can do something they can't. I think the same is true in your situation.
Deep
Are you still pursuing an online business or have you achieved that goal? Genuinely curious.
I'd be interested to know if you are still pursuing your business? how are supporting yourself while you grow?
true! just true! :D
I wanted to be in animation industry for a long time. I was like you. I love every aspect of animation process. I even real a bunch about cinema and storytelling. But when I actually tried it for real. I found out I dont have enough patientce for animating. I’m bad at sequential art and comics. I can’t storyboard. I’m bad at character design. But my real passion lies in caricatures cartoons and graphic design.
This really takes me back to my child hood. I developed a love for art and drawing when I was young as well. You could always find me with my little art sets and drawing pads getting lost in my drawings. My favorite character to draw was Sonic the Hedgehog. Then I would always watch Bob Ross and other art shows to paint and draw. I originally had a love and still do for architecture. But now my I am doing photography and graphic design. Nice video Roberto.
Bella J Thanks!
Raw inspiration, I'm 27 and a college graduate with a diploma in 3D animation who is finding myself gearing more towards graphic art in a similiar fashion. I'm at a crossroads right now and haven't been doing near enough art lately, this has sort of reawakened that fire. consider your ass Subscribed! hahah Really appreciate the vibes and info brother! Thanks again and much love
+Corey Farnham Thanks so much man.
i can not thank you enough for this inspiring video. I'm struggling right now as an artist and as a designer. trying to not let your passion melt away or to be dulled down from exhaustion is so key. putting in the time is exactly what I'm gonna do. thanks again man big thumbs up
Great insight. We have to respect our art on every level. Its always good enough, just keep putting it out there.
Jordan Spears Indeed!
Seeing in this is actually crazy. Watched this video a little while back and this is exactly what i needed to see. I think i'm on this stage right now. Been spending 16hrs a day editing and on other projects. Nowadays there are too may good mentors on youtube i honestly feel blessed. Thank you, Roberto!!!
This video and the other one about not necessarily having to go to college for Graphic Design popped out for me at a very confusing time in my life and have definitely made me see things better. I can't thank you enough for putting in the time and effort to share your story, advice and be of a helping hand to all the young people out there who aspire to be something art related!
+Hedayat Mansour I'm glad its helped give you perspective.
This entire story resonates with me so well. I've struggled with insecurity about my abilities all my life and have allowed people to dictate who I can be in terms of my career.
I'm going back and forth right now on whether I should pursue animation or graphic design. I'm getting really good at graphic design and that's how I found your videos. I'm trying to figure out where to start on this graphic design path. Thank you for this.
Hearing your story helped me. Wrestling now with the transition from cartooning and animation into Graphic Design my experiences are similar. My girlfriend taught me that my personal work is just that, personal. Like you she showed me that I didn't have to give up what I love doing in the pursuit of a creative career.
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and experience, it means a lot.
+Chucky Scott Glad to know it helped you. Makes it totally worth it.
I'm not very good with words but all I can say is this : Thank you for everything
CasualKeys I appreciate it.
i've always been into art and design growing up going through high school and was convinced i wanted to do something in the creative field leaving high school. Coming closer to finishing my final year and deciding what study path to take, i heavily got into tattooing culture and invested my drawing time into tattoo designs.At this point in time i decided i wanted to be a tattoo artist but soon after finishing high school i lost all motivation for this due to family and difficulty finding an apprenticeship. after this i just stopped drawing in general, dropped out of a university course i didnt like and really was just lost for long period of time. i thought to myself i really need to do something and i knew i wanted to work in a creative industry. I always thought i'd do web or graphic design as a "fall back" thing. I commenced a diploma course in digital design now and just discovered digital drawing and thought id give it a crack after months of not drawing. Long story short though, and my question, looking at many digital artworks and watching videos, these artist just seem so talented and seasoned. me just getting back into it and noticing i've lost all my fundamentals. Can someone like me (im 20) develop artist skills like professionals staring where im at now?
migorenster Yes if you're willing to put in the work you absolutely can. Many people start later in life than you at the thing they want or are meant to do and progress, you just have to be willing to prioritize it above everything else.
Nice Attack on Titan desktop wallpaper!!
Thank you for this video. I am going through this right now as I am contemplating a career in UX design (highly in demand, good stable pay, in tune with my marketing background), or being a fashion / interior / fine artist.
oh wow!! I love hearing other people's stories on why those choose different careers especially dealing with Computer animation/graphics design. I am currently in school for that and I will graduate in December. My last few semesters in college I am finally getting into my major so this will make me really think about my decisions.
Yo Roberto, this is almost exactly like my story. Im a 27 yr old Graphic design major and drawing is my foundation and anyway its so dope to hear it from someone cause its almost exactly like my story. I dig your videos and hope to see you if you ever roll through Miami or vice versa. Peace brotha
All of us need to concentrate on the things that we are strongest at. Those things we are not as strong in need less attention and less of our time. Too many people waste their lives chasing a dream that they have no chance of obtaining greatness in. Know yourself!
I think every artist has a dream pet project that we sit on for awhile. I had a webcomic too and I realized I wasn't a very good writer so I worked on both my writing and art skills. I don't think I have to go 'all in' with just one major and give up everything else. Graphic Design in itself is being good at a combination of things (not to mention programs) so why not treat illustration the same way? I think if you have animations / webcomics you never finished you should eventually complete them. If you worked hard on it for years and had to give it up, taking it back up in your spare time and finally finishing will be really satisfying. Right now I am redesigning my characters look. Turns out graphic design does influence character design so i've come full circle. :D
Thanks again Roberto for sharing you wise advice and sharing your experiences. I've been drawing since I was a kid. My favorite subject to draw are portraits. I got away from my dream by making some unwise choices. It has taken a long time to get back on track doing what I really love to do. Along the way I discovered jazz and played piano in the jazz ensemble at a community college, for a number of years. I also discovered photography. In the past I've made creative church bulletins, newsletters and business cards. But I really love doing the fine arts.
cynthia story Thanks for watching!
Thank you for you frank, real testimony. I'm in the process of changing my career options from only animation to getting more into graphic design. You have to be careful you don't get pigeon-holed into one area of work. You can lose all your other skills, and it is tough to get it back with the way everything changes so fast these days. Years fly by so fast. Protect yourself by having diversity in the work you can do.
👊🏾👊🏾
Roberto Blake Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am an aspiring graphic designer, and I can relate to some of your experiences here. I too wanted to become a cartoonist animator, however, I believe my talents are more versatile in graphic design. Yet, I haven't lost hope for becoming an animator, either. I plan to broaden my spectrum of all different types of art specialization(Painting,Illustration,etc.) to help me pursue my goal of becoming a Master Visual Artist someday. God Bless you, sir; you've inspired me.
Watching this in 2021 in my Graphic Design Course in college. I was wondering if I truly made the right decision by abandoning my dream job. I thought I would never be good enough and that I wasn't going to have the skill to be an artist. But now that I'm older and more experienced I realize that I could have done it if I wanted to, but I don't necessarily regret my choice to be a designer. Art, character design, animation, etc; all mean too much to me to let someone else tell me what I can and can't make. It's my PURE love, like it is for you.
Thank you for such a good video. I know where I need to be. :)
I like your story and video but I am going to stay with animation
Awesome
It has always been my dream to be an animator but never been dedicated,now working as web developer
Thank you for the huge inspiration....I'm a hardcore 3D Character
Animator for last 9 Years & now gonna jump into the world
of "Graphic Design". Your story kinda resembles to my own :)
😊
I'm just starting to get my feet wet with the Adobe software and learning about graphic design through my recent lynda membership and youtube videos like yours, and I just gotta say thank you for sharing your story. My childhood dream was to be an animator too (I wanted to draw ninja turtles until I croak), but I had some things happen along the way and can totally relate to the lack of mentorship, guidance and discipline as a youth. As a single dad at age 33, I finally think I found something that I can apply my creative skills into, and these videos are of great help. Thanks again for sharing.
Really enjoying all your videos, I also was a cartoonist and I only do it on now the side for a personal hobby, now I focus mostly on graphic design. It's nice to get feedback from another graphic designer, as I still making my way through my last year of college.
Nice! Thanks for watching!
I found comparing my own experiences to this story very interesting.
My journey was almost the opposite.
I started off being prepped for a career in game design, and then the GFC hit, and my country had to close down many of its major studios, and lay off many industry veterans, creating a very hostile environment for a graduate to get work in.
After many failed attempts I returned to comics, and now I run a small business doing just that.
After watching your video, I feel compelled to perhaps make a video sharing my experiences.
RIP Monty.
***** You should definitely make a video sharing your experiences!
im intrigued what small business you're doing if you dont mind me asking and replying, cause im at a standstill on what to choose as my major , career, that helps me feed my passion and life sustainability. being actually broke does wonders to the mind to the point of exhaustion and stress.
I got in to a little animation in college. Some 3d, motion, and flash. It was fun but also time consuming as crap. I have one on my channel called Bella's Birthday. Took the entire semester from storyboarding on paper, creating the 3D models, shooting the film, then editing in Premiere. But it was fun. I know you may not have the time to do it now but you should see about making it a weekend hobby. Stop motion, or flash shorts, etc.
***** For now I'm doing more with motion graphics in my spare time since I'm getting client request for it and I want to get better at it anyway. Also as I get more videos pre-edited and scheduled I will have more time for my own indie film projects as it gets warmer.
Oh give your insta
Roberto, I was in kind of similar situation like yours. Years ago, when I was a kid I was also making comics and I was thinking for quite long to become an animator. When I turned 15 years old, mother bought me my very first graphic tablet for drawing comics, but I wasn't using it. I liked to draw with hand. I saw huge improvements every year, but then, I gave up on drawing, not sure what exact reason it was, maybe because I was in love or because of situation in university, because I was going to quit it. But anyway I gave up on it. Then I started to make indie games and make some digital art, but I wasn't enjoying it as well, then I went to college, I found people who think the same as I do and they inspired me to go to graphics design, but I didn't know where to start so I dropped it again. Now when I found your videos I also found a spark in myself and now I really believe I can a do good job at graphics design. I do my best at it and I give all the time I have just to learn more about it. I really enjoy working on graphics design and it is all because of you Roberto! That you very much for inspiring me.
Tadas Neverdauskis Thank you for sharing that with me! I'm glad I was able to inspire and encourage you!
Roberto, you sir are amazing! I also dreamt of becoming an animator myself but ending up falling in love with web design and videography. I feel like I’m at the same point in my life now as you were when you dealt with other people putting you down and making you feel like you’re not good enough. Today, literally an hour ago, I was at my breaking point and this video Roberto, OMG, was heaven sent! I’ve struggled with sharing this issue with loved ones to find that they’re always insensitive and harsh about my goals and aspirations of become a creative entrepreneur. Your video lit at huge flame and I feel like I’ve bounced back. It’s so great to have actual evidence of someone who’s successful and actually “looks like me,” if you know what I mean. I’m happy to see that yes! It is attainable even as a woman of color, who’s introvert, who often suffers from depression, who wants to always create ‘awesome’ things, etc. thank you Roberto! Thank you so much.
Xo -Whit (also a June baby 😎✌️)
I gave up my childhood dream, too. But now I'm glad I found graphic design.
I love to write and read. I start writing short stories since i learnt completely how to write and i also sold my stories to my classmates, and i also draw many anime character countless of times and i also sold them. Since then, i joined the world of art and anime. I'm 17 now and i am still writting stories and drawing. My goal is to be able to write books that later will be mangas that finally and hopefully will become animations. As you can tell English is my second lenguage and all my stories are being written in English. I have heard from many people that I don't have what it takes to write or even draw and it reallt hurts. I'm someone who gets discouraged very easily and losses confidence awfully quick.
Since i found your channel i have this hope that maybe i can do what i want to do, learning from you, about computers, art programs, advices and all this stuff. I personally, appreciate what you do to help the next generation of artists and... keep doing what you cause you're great at it!
Thanks for sharing that with all of us! I hope my channel really does make a difference in your life.
I was kind of the opposite.
When I first began attending college, I took computer graphics because I was told that is where the money is.
Turns, out, I suck at 3D animation and web design programming.
Where I began to shine was in fine art and illustration.
Since my time at Bucks County Community College, I have been accepted into a local art school that teaches cartooning.
I am doing great and drawing all the time.
I try to teach myself a lot too.
But, like you, when I was in high school, I was not popular.
Kids did not like my desire to actually learn and not cut class to do drugs.
I don't like drugs, so I never did them.
So I got teased a lot.
One of the major things I got teased about was my drawing.
Kids told me I would suck at it and many teachers said that all artists end up flipping burgers for a living.
I have recently found out that this is not true.
Passion and beating the pavement can lead to perfection with enough persistence.
Also, I know what it is like to be discriminated for the color of one's skin.
I used to work at Wal-Mart in Philadelphia where I live.
At the time, it was mostly black people working there and I was told to get another job by my supervisor who did not like that I was white.
I went to my boss who was also white and asked something be done about it.
When he found out it was my Black supervisor who threatened me, he said to go ahead and get another job because he was afraid of a racism lawsuit.
I talk to many black and white and every people under the sun that I meet in school.
It happens to everyone from every walk of life.
Believe in yourself and your dreams can come true.
I tried crappie jobs like my high school teachers told me to do and ended up finding myself in college where I worked unloading trucks at the campus bookstore to pay for my books and supplies.
You can do anything dude!
Having a day job is smart....but nothing is wrong with doing your dreams on the side.
I hope to see you post your comic and animation stuff some day!
You can do it!
Rock On!
I can relate to this story pretty well. I started out wanted to be a Animator since 12 years old, but as I got older I just gravitated more towards graphic design. However im still trying to improv my drawing skills and do it for fun, Now almost 10 years later im getting closer to being a graphic designer. I still would LOVE to work in the animation industry in some sort of way if the opprotunity comes my way, as I still and forever will have a great deal of love for it.
I don't know what to do!! I have a 5 year degree in Social Communication but I want to keep studying because I haven't found my passion. I wanted to study Graphic Design but now I feel attracted to animation but i'm not the type of person who was born with a talent like drawing.. i can't really draw although I plan to take a drawing course. The thing is that I don't know if i'll be good at Animation or Graphic Design and I'm scared of making the wrong decision because its an expensive career. It's so hard for me to find what I like :( and it's really frustrating.
I feel your pain, I got my degree in interpersonal communication. Realistically, the only place in the market for that skill set is sales or going back to grad school for therapy. To make that decision you have to look at yourself. Are you the kind of person who would gets a jolt of happiness from creating something from nothing? If that answer isn't yes, then go find a different path if it is then just keep pushing and get involved in an art community and you'll find your way in the creative field.
well it took me a while to decide but I chose to study Digital Art & Design at a University where you get a bachelor degree in two years. I'm doing all the paperwork and I hope to start next year :)
That's great! Best of luck to you!
Thank you!! Same to youuu
same problem i am confuse both either to take Graphics design or Abimation please help me out!!!!!!!!!
Great video! Thank you for sharing your story! After dropping out of college I've been restless as to how to pursue my career in creative industries. Your videos are inspiring!
Glad they helped you!
From what i've seen, you don't HAVE to work for someone else to do animation. People make animated shorts and post them on youtube all the time. Sometimes those shorts turn into shows and movies, but I bet the people making them, just love doing them.
Many famous companies, such as Disney actually started off in a garage.
Wow this video has truly inspire me!! I'am 15 and going to the similar stuff that you are, but ultimentaly I choose to go with both art and technology (since I love them both)
I want a job in Animation/Art but is a gamble as always so I'm backing it up with Graphic Design and Programming. An I'm making steps to working towards my goal already taking graphic an technology classes at my highschool and such While self studying Art and Animation on my own.
I too was scared at my age to follow Art but thanks to you an many others I've found my passion and aim to be a Multimedia Artist
Thank you and great video as always
Your videos are really helping me realize a lot of things about myself :D, I as well grew up drawing cartoons, I would draw stuff in school n sell it to my classmates at times, Scooby doo was kinda my favorite character :P and the first character i could draw, my mom would take me to watch movies like the road to El Dorado, Anastasia which made me want to become a cartoonist/animator, I worked at an animation studio in fact it was my first job but i took up a graphic design job because of the money, I am now at a point in my life where I wanna get back to animation but now I dont know how :( or if I really want it
Jude Cruz Self awareness is very important. Look at small things you can do to progress towards you goal. You say you don't know how to get back in? Ask animators on social media for advice, do research, look at TH-cam videos look at local collage courses. Do you homework. There is no reason to "not know where to start" in this day and age...if you don't know something you can always Google or TH-cam it. It's never been easier to have questions answered than now.
Great video, thank you for sharing your story with us bro! :D Greetings from Colombia.
Great video and advice. You speak the truth and it's very refreshing to find open and honest testimonial. I'm really glad you're on your path doing what fulfills you. I had a similar goal growing up, and ended up studying animation in college. It is a tough industry to break into especially if you're not set doing what you like to do and showing it in your portfolio. I'm referring to what you talked about in your other video about putting together a graphic design portfolio. I've been doing a lot of illustration and graphic design work over the years as a private freelancer. Overall great channel, and service you're doing for fellow artist, I commend your efforts. Thank you.
RaffiAA Thanks so much for that tremendous comment! It really means a lot!
U a boss Roberto! Thx for sharing your story and being a mentor to us all.
You're so very honest Roberto, which I appreciate. Very inspirational. Don't let the chitter chatter of others get in the way.
Thanks
that same happen to me,when a was going into a career field was interesting in videography ad editing and good at it but later down i find that graphic design was my true passion.
keifer simpson Awesome. At this point do you think you're likely to pic back up video again and combine the two?
yes i do for i want to animated my logos maybe to impress my clients and give extra pricing plus a have a love for animated logos or images but just didnt go deep into it for the software after effects is a bit confusing
keifer simpson try some of the animated logo tutorials on videocopilot.
ok thanks gonna check them out
keifer simpson youre like me...but vice versa..im kina great at graphic design my professors often praise my works...but my real passion is editing and videography..i love telling stories and moving things haha...
I m in the same dilemma right now. Completed bachelors in mechanical, but my interest is towards arts. Now i want to study art related subject as i love to do drawings. However the same problem have come again whether to choose Animation, Illustration/concept art OR graphic design.
I m very confused now.
Think about what you like but also feel you are truly good at
@@RobertoBlake i love doing digital art and love to watch animated shows. But haven't tried animation or grafic design
You are right being an artist or animator makes me force to be on that way, i love logo designing and illustration, that is why i quit animation, because my life seem to be a frustration for me if i do animation, no games, no youtube, only booring animation process, i am choosing something easy, through which i can enjoy and learn more and improve, as also i can play games, if i want, Thankyou
Again, another heartwarming video Mr. Blake, I enjoyed the sincere vibe throughout the video. it's always refreshing to learn about someone's past and how it led to the person they are today. I would like to know more about the web comics you've mentioned, because I'm developing one of my own to be syndicated, I also write comic strip gags from time to time.
Catnique Thanks for watching. Yeah I think a peek behind the curtain is a great way to connect with all of you and let you see the consistency and that I'm a real person, not a "performer. ;)
Thank you Roberto Blake your story is amazing and i am proud to see how far you have come!. I to am an artist and i have art in my bones! i am 24 and i hated school, but ive always love drawing and learning what i want to learn about. i am going to take everything you spoke of to my heart and be the best! I truly want to become a successful animator and thats what im going to do! Thank you! you are AWESOME ROBERTO!
Love the video. I hope its possible to stay fluid in these things as we get older. Maybe your graphic design experience might make your animation compelling in a different way then it would of been with traditional animation training. Saul Bass and motion design come to mind.
I am still hoping to find my voice in something that compels me. I like the mantra of "create something awesome" because i think it hints at being fluid. Why not create a twine game one day and a branding package the next...
Will Oberleitner True. I think it will actually. I think my understanding of the creative process and my work flows as a designer will help me tremendously in doing a personal animation project once a year or so. I do motion graphics already for clients from time to time and that has helped me learn quite a lot that I can apply to other things.
Thank you for this video Roberto Blake. I've been looking forward to this video about why you quit your journey for being an animator. I enjoyed drawing since I was a little kid. As yourself, I was inspired by the cartoons, comics, movies, and video games. For a long time, I wanted to be doctor, veterinarian, and weatherman until 10th grade when I realized I wanted to be an artist of some kind. I was never really into architecture and didn't know much about graphic design. I knew I wanted to be an animator. I didn't go to art school because I didn't want to accept a crazy amount of debt; also I didn't really understand how to go about getting scholarship. It didn't seem easy as it sounded; even today, I still don't understand. There was little guidance for me with that. Years later, I went to a technical college for graphic design. At this point, I said I will learn all I can from this and use it to advance me closer to the direction of animation. To be honest, I felt like if I was going to need to work extra hard because I wasn't in a "real art school" that I could walk out door college with no problem getting a career. I realized later that this isn't always the case. When I find out how often some video game companies and animation companies layoff in my research, I felt graphic and web design was more stable career choice. In addition to this decision, the news document about art student debt was scary.
I set my art down for a long time, to try to learn a few coding on my own. I made improvements but I still more practice. This year, I'm picking up the pencil and paper and building my portfolio. I know I don't want to continue working a my dead-end grocery store job for the rest of my life. Also, I don't want to be like many of my family and friends that gave up on there art passion due to curve balls life threw at them. I'm similar to you, Roberto Blake, as in having the need to create art at your own freedom and not always want to be told what to draw. I FRIGGIN' HATE THAT TOO, lol.
Keep up the AWESOME work. You are great the way you are. I don't know if I ask this question before but is Flash still relevant. If so, do I need to learn Actionscript 3.0. I know HTML 5 and Muse is there. There may be some thing HTML 5 can't do that Actionscript 3 can't.
Robert Abrams For animation Flash is still relevant for cartooning, and there are plenty of shows currently out that are almost completely done n Flash Animation like Johnny Test. Action Script is hit or miss and it depends, but for Web Design it's dead.
Thanks
Hi, I just wanted to say that I feel the same, now I'm this point I'd my life, where when I was younger, my dream was becoming an animator, and I took some courses for it (afternoon classes). But as I am getting older I start thinking that it's such a hard work, being an animator, and a little boring...
My question to you is:
1. If I want to get into photography & videography (maybe start a TH-cam channel), what is the best camera (that on the one hand won't cost a lot, and on the other hand, have the potential of starting a career (or freelance)?
2. What do you think of going to learn a graphic design/video editing/web development & design course in the University/collage vs. Learning it on my own (and I'd that's your suggestion - please recommend a resource).
Thanks for all your videos, you help me alot
i appreciate your passion.
Thank you so much for this video. I feel like you touched on a lot of the feelings I have had straight out of college and if I made the right decision between fine art and graphic design. Also the idea that you can't be afraid of yourself was a great point. So thank you for, I guess, just being a real person and being vulnerable enough to share it with us.
-Candice
2 years I studied drawing and painting seriously, but now the place where I am. I cant get jobs in art in the country I am right now. I switched to learning graphic design now. I'm studying mechanical engineering right now, I'll graduate next year. Time to switch the careeer
Great video Rb, thanks for sharing. My story is very similar and am glad I made the switch.
Thanks Robert. I was also a creative child and had a father who put a negative light on following my dreams. I had two paths which I believed were my calling in life. First one being a music producer and arranger. Second was Digital Artist or Graphic Designer. I spent about twenty years of my life creating music and learning the art of Digital music. I attended music school in California, worked in Nashville and Los Angeles for many years as a Demo producer for songwriters and producers. While fighting against depression and the belief of my fathers words, "you will never make it" I was getting into my 40's and had only experience and no success in the music business. I lived a secluded life in a studio with no personal life and lost all hope. My music partner was a relative who had control issues which I had to escape his manipulation. By the grace of God, I met my wife and I was able to break the chains of music business. The second option of digital graphics was always waiting in the background and it brought me much excitement and hope of making some kind of living. Over the ten years of being out of the music business, I have had many problems with selling myself and you and others on youtube have given me hope that a life of a creator is possible. Thanks Robert.......
I started as a designer now I'm going to animation, loads more fun (for me)
Amazing video/message, thank you for this!
You people are all so lucky.. I don't have any talent from early age like you do, I tried everything.. programming, animation, graphic design etc. and I'm bad at everything, nor I have any motivation to develop it. Whenever I start with something new I compare myself with others, because there is always someone at my age that already can do it super well. I'm like a ultimate loser.
beauty and the "BBEEAASST" lmao i canrelate to this vid alot but the audio around the 1:46 mark either goes wonky or you dropped your tone super low saying beast hahah great vid man
+Corey Farnham LOL
This hit a little close to home. A few changes but 95%same story. I also started with aspirations top be an animator.
Michael Galgano I think this could easily be a lot of people's story!
dude your awesome man, been going through you channels videos today and all your videos have a very motivational tone to them which really helps me with my work especially as im going into my third year at university studying design. Thanks for the videos, there awesome and so so so helpful, it your doing something special and pro-active for the young design community.
Abdul Khan Thanks. I'm glad the videos are helping you.
Thats the problem I have. Sometimes I think I'm not good enough. I share my work on facebook, deviantart, and instagram and I barely get any feedback. I'm not sure what am I doing wrong, everyday I try to learn something new and improve.
By the way good video, keep it up!
Lilflako502 Sometimes you have to actually ask for feedback, people can be lazy or they are afraid to comment good or bad. Many people here will like a video but never leave a comment for example.
Roberto Blake I do ask for feedback for my logos but few people actually respond.
That is so true. In fact I was one of them and I also liked videos but didn't actually hit the like button because I wasn't used to it, but now I do because it helps youtubers a lot. So most of the time as soon as the video starts I hit the like button because I know the videos I watch are awesome like yours.
Lilflako502
LOL I really appreciate that! I suspected as much!
Thank you for the awesome video! Your advice is really powerful, I appreciate you sharing your life experiences :D
damn. wow I can relate. I've kind of got stuck in a rutt with my current job, but I intend to give being a designer again.
trence5 Good luck!
The good thing about being a small TH-camr is that there is less haters, but your content is so amazing that the haters have no rights anyway.
Simon O LOL.
For me it was the opposite. I went to college first for graphic design but went to animation because I felt the struggle was worth it. It was the only thing I felt I knew how to do since high school.
Cartoonist/animation is not for the faint of heart, though. One has to be very serious about it to excel at it. I suffer from burnout so many times and get frustrated but I find it worth it anyway because I get so attached to what I want to do professionally. But if it's not worth it, then don't do it.
I just changed my major from animation (after two years in the program) to graphic design. It was a very hard decision for me. The only kind of animation my school focuses on is CGI, and I dream of becoming a 2D animator. I knew I couldn't keep on learning a type of animation I didn't have any passion for, so I left and changed to graphic design. Even though I have changed, I will still pursue animation, but if it doesnt work out, at least I will have my graphic design background to fall back on.
+MellowMewsette Thats a practical approach. Kudos.
Very insightful and on point. just the kind of content i need to help me push on in this industry. i'm looking forward to even more content. Thank you very much sir!
Shem Nero thanks for watching
Pure Gold 🙌💫💥 thank you for sharing.
Excellent video....sort of walking the same path, but i did not draw that much.
never quit , never give up , never surrender!
I'm also having that same problem but little bit different than you because I'm doing 2D, 3D animations and motion graphics and hoping to invest more to study abroad now. But feels like it doesn't worth that much as I have to spend because most of websites says it's not good job to work along. I'm so lost and confused because I've been doing them for about years and I just love it. And now it seems like it doesn't worth that much. Let me know your idea about it. I don't know should I study something else or start that degree. :(
I love the way you speak in details and explain things very clearly.... Unlike me , I would read and can't explain what I read. Very frustrating . Any tips of of you get your speaking skills? Keep up the great work! So glad I found your channel 😃
Shaleenee J Presentation skills are mostly a matter of practice, and learning to relax. Doing TH-cam videos regularly helped me a lot, but I also took a lot of oral communication courses in high school and college to force me to get over my fear of embarrassment. I also did some talent shows, speeches, spoken word until I stopped being terrified. Just like I climbed trees and did rollercoasters to get over my fear of heights.
lol... very informative... Thank you!
Shaleenee J
No problem!
Hey man, I love your videos.
Can you please do an episode showcasing your own work, projects you've worked on, and maybe what your creative process was for these works? And maybe even how much money you made.
I feel like it would give me an idea of what kind of things a real graphic design does.
Cody Hunt With the exception of talking about the money (some contracts and legal reasons here) I'll probably get into this.
Great video Roberto Blake ! I honestly went more into the graphic design portion as well but not because I couldn't do animation, but more along the line is because I couldn't get into the industry. Every company I applied to stated that I needed more experience which I couldn't get unless I was was working an unpaid internship. Also its much easier to freelance with graphic design than it is for 3d animation. I've actually stopped drawing (regretably) because I compared my work to others in my class while I was in college. But now I'm trying to set up a business where I can make a living and still have a lot of free time to do what I want to do.
It is sad that we lost Monty Oum. I know he did a lot of motion capture when he was doing dead fantasy and as far as I know, did a lot of 3d modeling in blender. 3d animation and 2d animation are completely different realms I believe. I wasn't that great at 2d animation, but I was a pretty decent 3d animator and motion graphics designer.
Anthony Purington Yeah, getting into the industry is rough. What I know about marketing to an employer now, and make no mistake that is the angle to getting a job today period unless you're going to be a drone... its the marketing game, you have to make something and get attention for doing it and somebody will want you to do it for them. That's how its going to be going forward. Job applications are dead. You have to build something, marketing it, and people will "buy into you". Ultimately this is even how Monty got into the biz.
Yeah I'll keep that in mind but with that being the case, I'll be working for myself. But of course, that's not a bad thing. I was just having a hard time finding consistent work. And I also feel like I'm giving the same kind of work as well. Currently I'm trying to get my other channel, Trekkingtony up and going. Right now I'm exploring France, and in a couple of months I'll be going to Japan. If there's a place you want me to explore, let me know and I'll try to make it there and record and post a video up. By the way , awesome Attack on Titan wallpaper
I know I'm late but, considering your following and your clarity, now would be a good time to also persue a career in animation. Good luck man
This video has taught me a very valuable lesson about wanting to break into illustration while using graphic design. I honestly think you and Josiah Brookes (Draw with Jazza) would make great instructors for art and design. I feel the same exact way. In a sense, I sorta see you as an older me! Lol. Anyways, thank you for posting this video!
Still watching
Roberto Thank You so much for sharing your personal story I went through something similar in my life. From the time I was a kid I loved anime and cartoons so that inspired me to draw as well. When In 6th grade I wanted to become a game designer and make great games with my artwork. I've had my few bumps in the road here and there going into High school. I decide that I would go to school for game development and become a game artist. Of course being a young and naive freshmen in college i didn't know what it would take to get into the game industry as an artist. And the school I went to didn't really give me a good foundation for me to help me get into the industry. I feel like right now I wasted $45k going to a school with a degree I regret. Over the past 4 years my career hasn't gone in the direct of game design but in the direction of graphic and web design. Now Im looking for careers in graphic and web design. There are times I do feel like I had given up on that passion to pursue something else that I was good at. But it professionals and You Tubers like you in the creative industry that care about people who want to be designers and you inspire them. I personally thank you for that man.
You're my Monty, Blake. lol. No but seriously, this video its very inspiring. I'm going through some trouble myself on choosing the right major in commnunication design, i really dont know what to choose.
Thank you so much, watching this has helped me on what i want to do next year, I’m a college student who’s on her final year and is applying to university. I also love doing drawings and animation drawing as well however back then i would given in to easily because of what people said and how there art was so much better than mine. But once i found out that doing graphics, photoshop and photography, it made me build back my confidence in being proud in my work.
So thank you for this video because i was stuck on what to chose. ☺️☺️
I loved this video, Roberto. I shared a similar experience as you when it came to drawing. I also thought I wasn't good enough to being a cartoonist or animator after seeing digital and other artwork on DeviantArt, although I was selling my art in school and was told by others that I was a great artist. I'd rather do it for me and still enjoy drawing without having someone tell me what to draw and commercialize my artwork. Please, do more videos on your personal experiences as a graphic designer/web designer. I'd like to see you do a video of "What my day as a graphic or web designer looks like" or something of that nature. You are also an inspiration to ne because I am a 22 year old African American female and I rarely see African Americans in technology or design fields so seeing you do this are successful at it is refereshing. I'm applying to graduate school for an M.A. degree in Web Design and Online Communication and your videos are very informative when it comes to what I want to do. Thanks so much!!!
+Moz'ART Designs I'm also trying to be an Animator..its a tough field to be in
Really good honest story...I will share it with my students. I've come across a lot of students who are struggling with what you had gone through and I pretty much give the same advice as you, but it would be nice to hear it from someone else as well.
actually i was wanna to be a 3D games animation a little bit thinking like on you. but when i started to learned in school i found that my drew wasnt to be good. so i decide to be a graphic designer. although i love play the games since in my childhood that i think cant lose in my life of the part.but maybe that it just a dream in my mind:(
How much do you get to draw being a graphic artist? I want to be a graphic artist because you can work at a company, not alone, and it's a little more varied than making works of art and selling them, or drawing cartoons/comics. But my skill seems to lie in actual drawing, not necessarily designing? I'm good at drawing people and things from scratch, as a kid I was inspired by disney so I'm good at capturing expressions, emotions, actions etc, but not sure if these would even matter or be used in graphic arts? I just don't want what I think is my strong point, drawing, to be underused. I'm actually not even sure I'm good at designing lol. I'm also not a natural computer whiz..I thought about computer animation/character design but I like that graphic arts has the opportunity to freelance, whereas animation seems less so. Anyway just wondering how much you actually get to draw in graphic arts?
Sometimes we can beat our heads against a wall trying to become one thing when there is a different and related path we could follow to greater success and fulfillment. Fortunately you had your "aha" moment before you made yourself miserable working towards being an animator. You made the switch before being consumed with frustration, and now you're doing something you love, that you're excellent at, and is still in a way related to your previous artistic goals. Bravo! I was originally going to be a stage magician. Now I make cinematic magic for movies as a visual effects artist.
Aquatasy Thanks for that comment. That is interesting that you found another way into entertaining and making MAGIC! You should consider doing some heavy personal branding that has that theme around it.
I'm already planning it. It's a topic that I routinely lecture about, especially when I'm giving talks about getting hired as a digital artist and remaining sane & employed. I'm launching two other channels (CAndrewNelson and TeachingSpot) that will feature that sort of branding. Thanks for the encouragement and thank you for your videos.
Great history my man.You've already made it.
I tried graphic design, I suck at it. I'm better off as a concept/storyboard artist and 2d animator. I hope everyone will find their niche
Another awesome video! My fiancee an I have been watching your channel for the last week and we really appreciate your style, personality and work. You are a great motivator, you have great tips and we are definitely going to watch your channel. You are addictive :) A very positive and inspirational personality. Thanks for sharing your experience with the world. Ps. my fiancee is now working on his professional portfolio and thanks to you he is starting to believe in his abilities and that he can also make it. Thank you!
Estera Edu I'm glad to know it's made a difference in your lives and I really appreciate you telling me that.
Your story is mine but in reverse, I tried going the graphic designer rout and I love it but at the same time I love drawing and I’m getting better at it, so I decided to mix the two
Thank you, for sharing your story. It's crazy how life is so unpredictable.
he was a hero of mine as well...
and literally i was a fan back when i didnt even know who he was. i just saw his logo on ff vs doa and haloid
i searched for videos which could help me and i found this video. i must say this is such a helpful video for me! cus' i just finished my graduation in 3d animation and vfx. and i was thinking what to do.....
Much Props man, keep doing you
I actually wanted to study animation and do it, but it isn't such a easy task. There are many things that take into account in animation. I would have to study foreshortening, perspective, character/story and other facets.
No edits where needed, it was great the way it came out.
xaGe For a vlog I just go mostly uncut, I did one cut the entire time and that was a the beginning because I had to move in my chair off screen.
Understandable for that. You do fine just talking, you speak well so no edits are needed anyway.