A Summary for anyone who doesn't have time for the video (He starts the list at 12:00): 1. I can't and I shouldn't do everything. 2. Planning and Scheduling - planning around when you're most and least productive. 3. Work-life balance. 4. Opportunity Costs. 5. Figure out the power of your brand, and create for the people who follow you.
Producing good work is a HARD task by itself and being an efficient, effective and a prolific creator is another mammoth every creator needs to tackle. All the thing that you've mentioned in this video like being present, grateful, using un distracted time blocks, spending time with family and keeping yourself healthy is what I've learnt and am still learning that it is at the core foundation of being able to produce great work. The simplest, tiny little actions done on a consistent basis has an ginormous effect on our lives has been my biggest lesson of 2016. p.s Jake, working with you on the videos we've produced has been one of my greatest accomplishments last year. Its been an eye opening creative experience. And we need get back on our streak again ;)
Essentially we all look at the momentous successes of some people and we're like, "wow, I can *never* get there", but it's being good to great at what you do and a lot of micro, daily "correct" actions or choices that lead people to their successes. I was a part of the Nerdarchy RPG TH-cam channel, and we started from 0 subscribers, but through being consistent and strategic work, we grew to 32.5k as of my leaving. I'm building my own channel based on something I love more than RPGs (and I still love RPGs!), but I have no delusions that it's going to be any different than how one eats an elephant, "one bite at a time".
Ahh I always look forward to your videos Jake! And I often go back to watch your old videos because the content is solid. You will never catch me unfollowing no matter what. :) Social media can be very important, but taking care of your health and your loved ones is even more important. So please never feel too bad for being away. We know you are working hard. I can relate to such large ambitions, because I too am restless and want to do it all, but like you mentioned, doing too much can be so overwhelming. Not to mention it can take a toll on you. I think what you have listed is quite a successful year. And it is only going to get better. Keep up the great work and thank you for giving the art community great advice and lessons. You are much appreciated.
What you said about being present in the moment really, really rings true with me. Something I've started to notice in my life too. I've started trying to be more present and I'm realizing it's having a tangible effect on my productivity and also my general happiness/ positivity.
Just dove a little deeper from that "Finished, Not Perfect"-video, and gotta say, not only do I love listening to your ideas, but also loooooove watching the nature of that squiggly inkwork! It makes it so lively, it's fantastic!
The 5 things start at 11:51 . Just a note. I didn't write the starting time because the info before it is useless. It's all good. It was just convenient to jump to it when I listen again.
I learned that I don't have to control people! And that opened my heart up to learning when to keep my mouth shut and not be verbally abusive. I learned how to set more healthy boundaries with my new ability to not control others. I learned how not to be stubborn, that I needed to put others first, and how to do it in a healthy way. I learned to be more self motivated and not depend on others to help or inspire me, but depend on God instead. I finally broke the art block that I have had for almost 3.5 years! I'm drawing every day now! And I bet you can guess Who gets all the credit for teaching me. This video is actually the answer to the problems I've been praying about just this week. God's using you, Jake. Keep up the good work!
I'm glad you're learning to balance! As soon as I get a few more paychecks, I'm going to pick up Litte Bot and Sparrow, as well as one of your Drawings books (whichever one isn't sold out by the time I get enough money). I'm really excited for Skyheart! And one of the things I learned this year is that the only thing holding me back from drawing and being creative is me. I'm the one that has to go out and do things and not just watch other people do it, because they are the ones making money (and gaining followers) and not me. So that's my goal for this year - to actually get off my butt and do things that make me forget to eat and sleep. Love you and all your work, Jake Parker!
That's crazy, my Passion Planner is on it's way for delivery. It's an exciting looking book, especially since you have some flexibility in how you record data in it. Great video as always, Jake! Glad to have you back for the year.
Jake, thank you so much for filming this. This is the exact video I needed coming off of the "high" from New Years and stepping back into what's realistic and possible. The past couple weeks I've had myself scheduled so tightly I couldn't possibly fit anything else extra in and of course had a couple of emergencies to deal with that threw everything off. I think your point about prioritizing what is and is not important is super great, and I'm finding myself prioritizing and figuring out which projects get the green light and which ones don't. I had every day of the week scheduled for social media posts, but now I'm only focusing on my tarot deck, 52 weeks of illustration (all portfolio pieces), and Fanart Fridays. We share a goal of posting to Instagram once daily - something I've found that helps with that is printing out all my posts at the end of the week and hanging them up with clothespins on a string. I've found that it turns Instagram into more of a "project" and less of a "task" and then I have a tangible record of it by the end of the year.
answering email questions sounds like a great video for multi tasking. I'd appreciate hearing the questions you think are looking in the right direction
Thank you very much for sharing, I love to hear a "year in review" type of analysis from people; especially professional creatives. I also second your thought of doing a specific video with visuals of your planner/planning specifics. I would love to see that as well. Thanks again, I enjoy your videos a lot!
Hi! i'm an amateur illustrator from Venezuela recently graduated from art school, since new year i have watched each one of your e-series videos and i have to say THANK YOU, you have been a great source of advice, knowledge and inspiration for me, as a small token of appreciation i'm planning on buying all your "Drawings" books, again thank you.
Hello Jake, I got introduced to you via your Finished not Perfect video and I'm glad I did. Last year I learned that I'm better than what I think and that I should just run with my talent. I had been too tentative last year and previous years. This year has been a huge confidence boost because I worked a con as a tablemate to a bigger artist and still was able to make decent money. The biggest boost from the con was I made the most money from on the spot commissions than any of my prints or anything else.
Crazy life lessons - even more crazy? The amount of things you accomplished in a year; always good to have goals, but just as important to celebrate all the little victories. As always, thanks Jake!
as always Jake, great advise. I always enjoy watching your videos. I hope this year I'll be able to start up my own kickstarter project, just by watching your videos I'm learning what to expect when I do launch my project. your video "Finished not Perfect" still resonates in me. And I'm glad you will be reprinting your first book. I want to get my hands on all 4. thanks again and keep up the good work... can't wait for Skyheart to be done.
What I'm really learning is that ou are no different from me, which is very encouraging seeing someone in your position deal with the very problems I deal with, very relevant advice for me, much of these things which I used to turn a blind eye to as I hate planning and all that but I thik this is the straw that broke the camels back, I like the idea of time blocks and having VISUAL organization tools and not just words ona screen telling me what I need to do.
Great video Jake. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. One thing I learned last year towards the end that I am working on implementing this year is making more personal art as an artist. Being a commercial illustrator I've never really bothered with personal work only focusing on client needs. But i was missing out on so much as an artist. So this year I am planning personal paintings to begin developing my own voice; while still balancing that with client work. Thanks again Jake and am looking forward to your future videos.
Thanks again for another wonderful video Jake. I have trouble focusing on doing art while online at the PC, but playing your videos always puts me in the right artistic spot, because then I can be drawing and "goofing off" online at the same time. XD Many thanks.
I am a little late on this, but I learned something important last year that I've been working on this year and I am glad to see some progress. I've mentally been very down because of an accident that took away some of my mobility. I know you yourself have been in an accident, and where as the repercussions in my case were bad, I also feel that I allowed it to control me, in a way giving up. It made me so sad, so unhappy. I finally got to the point where it was either 'be unhappy for the rest of your life' or try your hardest to get back up, maybe I will never fully recover, but I won't use doing nothing as an excuse anymore. I've made some startling progress and I am finally at a point where I think I'll be okay and still be able to chase my dreams ^^ Your videos really inspire me, also, for that I want to say thank you so much!
awesome advice Jake! Thanks. 5 kids!!!! That's awesome dude, I have 4, so I know the struggle of balancing a family life and work. You're doing an amazing job. Keep inspiring.
I could watch you ink pages forever, it's so informative to see how you handle the brush pen! I just got the Zebra fude and really enjoy using it, so thank you for recommending it on your site.
Great video. Made me feel better to know that even someone as prolific as you doesn't always hit all of his goals. Pre-ordered Drawings IV. Finally a reason to look forward to March.
Great video Jake. I think you should do a video about the difference in selling prints and making a graphic novel. and why it's worth doing for the future.
Wow..I enjoyed watching the video that I thought it was only 18 minutes or so- Jake, listening to you never made me bored. I wish you'd talk more about your experiences.
A bit late to the game on this, but... regarding not being able to respond to emails - Man, you do so much for everybody with your videos and online presence alone. I've learned so much from following your videos, facebook, instagram, etc. Don't feel bad. You do more than anyone I can think of already.
I''ve been going through a lot of the same realisations as you, trying to find the work life balance. I've even been going to therapy to try and sort out that whole 'feeling guilty because I'm not working' when I do in fact deserve to not be panicking about it the whole time. It's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of the worlds we literally create, but yeah, real experiences FTW.
Awesome stuff as usual. It helps to hear other artists talk about their successes and failures. It makes me feel like I'm not alone in struggling with some of these things. Thanks for sharing!
Such awesome delivery of great advice, and of course getting to watch while you draw! So glad that you share with us. you are definitely an inspiration to me, and so many others. Thanks again for doin what you do.
Last year I learned that I can complete a month long project. 2016 was the first year I've started and completed the inktober challenge and I look forward to replicating that in future projects.
Jake, this was an awesome video, it was great listening to your talking during my own artistic activities. I found your tips to be very helpfull and I'll try to apply these to my life. Thank you again. I'm glad you've returned and I hope your family is all fine :)
Thank you for this, Jake. You figure all these things out the hard way, and then give it to us for free. You have been in the periphery of my attention for a few years, but recently, you have moved into sharp focus. I've been devouring your TH-cam content over the last couple of weeks. Your advice is exactly what I am looking for. I'm a 42 year old husband and dad. I suffered an injury a few years ago that knocked me out of my blue collar career. I viewed it as an opportunity to go back to school for art. I will graduate in the Spring, so I am ramping up to re-enter the "real world". The topics you cover in these videos apply directly to so many of my concerns. I can't thank you enough. I'm headed over to FB and IG right now to follow you there.
I would be totally into occasional videos where you answer emails. -Last year I learned that expressing gratitude in a concrete way (saying it out loud or preferably writing it down) every day trains your brain to notice things that make you happy and improves your mood and the mood of people around you.
Thanks again for another awesome video! One thing that's helped me which may help you (based on what you said about your online following): I learned that I have a split audience for Ripples. There are customers in that audience who love the art and do purchase it, but also followers who will not buy anything because they want to learn or ask questions or because they like the kind of lifestyle we're building. I've learned that asking for art feedback or buying asks from non-customers gives less good results. So we're splitting the audience on social media and website this year. People can be in both groups, or just one (eventually). The Jake Parker brand has its art customers but also those seeking to learn, so myself for instance I don't like robots and won't buy the art BUT I subscribe to SVS and would pay for your videos/tutorials. Hope that helps, you've helped me so much! Thank you!!
I think you could do a video like this that's also a Q&A. Maybe have your assistant go through and collect up the most ask questions via email/Social media and then answer a few while you ink a comic page. You'd problem have enough questions to make 4-5 videos at least. I love your videos and I tend to play one while I'm working on an art piece. I find it more motivating and I focus more than if I'm listening to music.
just bout DRAWINGS 1, 3 and 4 and cannot wait til you release skyheart! love your work and will support you as much as i can :) Thanks for being such an inspiration keep up the great work
Thank you so much for the informative and enlightening video. Each point you made was spot-on, and I’ve been thinking a lot about such things for the past year. I really like the “schedule block” approach-planning creative time vs. productive times (that require less creative power but more showing up to log the hours). That point really helped bring some clarification into my work day, so thank you! My husband and I have also had a similar conversation before in regards to work-life balance (where he’s requested to have a conversation other than just art. The struggle is real. ;) ) Also, I really liked your point on opportunity costs. I’m quite ambitious in regards to projects I take on, and it’s really helpful to be reminded by another artist about the very real time and energy costs that these projects do take up. Reality check! Thanks again, and excited to hear more-onwards and upwards! :)
I relate with you so HARD with the convention issue. I am starting as an artist and the local convention is in two months... I just finished working on a freelance project that lasted four months, and all I want to do is work on my own stuff, strenghten my portfolio and find better opportunities in the long run. Conventions are great for meeting people and selling merchandise, but if I decide to attend, I will have to do fanart and do art that can sell... and right now I'm more motivated about doing my own stuff and leave it at that... and socially I really want to meet different people that are dettached from the artworld, do other activities that are not art-related, etc.
Just got my Drawings 2 and 3 in the mail, amazing stuff. A nice perk was my daughter (almost 2 years old) enjoyed flipping through the books as well. Thanks for the inspiration man and putting great content out there
Good day mr Jake Awesome video once again. if possible would you be able to talk about illustration e.g what you have to learn, how to get into the industry and maybe even being freelancer. There are a lot of people including myself that want to do illustration but are not sure what exactly it is or how you should be learning. Thanks
i learned #1 last year too... there are sooooooo many things to learn and get "into". but there isn't enough time. so at some point, you kinda have to pull back and concentrate your efforts in your wheelhouse.
What I found out recently is what really sells in my brand. Trying different styles, colors palettes, mediums etc. I use to create alot of snail paintings and that boosted my following and I got a good percentage of sales from prints and originals. Then I got burnt out for about 6 months and noticed I had to struggle to keep people interested in other pieces. Odd gouache snails was my selling point and I worked that back in.
Thank you for the video, its always inspiring to hear your experience and advice. as far as projects go ive been running my channel while balancing school. and as of right now im working on making a comic believe it or not.
I relate some much with what you have said in this video as i am a workaholic as well. I literally laughed when your wife asked to talk about something other than art because my fiance does the same. time blocks are something I can't wait to implement, as I get distracted while multi tasking. you're a huge inspiration and am working towards being as influential as you one day. looking forward to skyheart!
Bought the journal. I will never benefit from all the knowledge you drop but hopefully it rubs off on my daughter and I'll have her thank you in her oscar speech for best animated film or something like that. Keep it up Jake your a good dude. More strength training less running
I loved hearing this-especially the planning part! I'm working my way through your videos as I've only recently found you-but if you haven't already could you please talk more about how you plan your year,month,week and day? It's a big issue for me that I'm working on at the moment and would love to see and hear more about how you do it. Thanks for all your really practical and realistic advice-it REALLY helps! ;)
Hi Jake, You're a great teacher and outstanding artist ! It's hard to stay motivated... when making art is mostly a solo activity when you're freelancing. It's easy to procrastinate, give up, or get frustrated when you don't see results right away. Seeing as it does take years and thousands of hours to see improvement, we need you, to help us improve before we give up ! I wish I could make videos but i'm way too scared to put my face and voice on camera, and also i'm afraid when I get good enough to make art for clients, i'll be too anxiety ridden to put myself out there freelance wise. I think, actualIy I know, I face two obstacles, the first being raising my talent level enough to freelance, second, trying to overcome my fear of selling myself ! Just want to say all that while I still have the nerve. * creative bank account is an awesome phrase btw, so is self publishing ! *
Just catching this video...you have 5 kids and do this full time and it sounds like you are a single income family...you are my newest hero! very good info and inspirational! thanks
17 books and 49 films last year on top of everything else? Amazing how much you fit into your day...it would be interesting to see your book and movie list
Oh I wrote them down. Here the are in order of when I watched or read them: 2016 Books Starwars: Skywalker Strikes Kanan: The Last Padawan Nnewts Book I Superman: Secret Identity 15 Secrets of Time Managment Concrete Book I: The Depths All You Need is Kill I Kill Giants Elf Quest Volume I (half) #Askgaryvee Darth Vader: Vader Chrononauts Tetris by Box Brown The 10 Commandments (Prager) Creativity Inc The Power of Habit Never Split the Difference Sapiens (half) Smarter, Faster, Better (Half) Kanan: First Blood Deep Work (Half) The Art of Rogue One 2016 Films 3 Outlaw Samurai Master & Commander The Martian Bridge of Spies Batman V Superman Avatar The Making of the Force Awakens In the Heart of the Sea Nova: First Air War Captain America: Civil War Edge of Tomorrow Lawrence of Arabia Finest Hours Jungle Book (2016) Zootopia x2 Voltron Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Downton Abbey Season 6 WWI Tunnel Warfare Documentary The Music Man Jurassic World Hail Caesar Back to the Future I Back to the Future II 10 Cloverfield Lane Finding DOry The Force Awakens Pacific Rim Spies Like Us The Bourne Identity Dead Poets Society The Two Towers Return of the King Jason Bourne The New Ghostbusters The Hidden Fortress Raiders of the Lost Ark Guardians of the Galaxy Dr. Strange Arrival Star Trek: Beyond Moana Ant-Man Temple of Doom (Half) Creed Miracle on 34th Street Rogue One Home Alone 2 It’s a Wonderful Life The Princess Bride
OMG so crazy i just head the same advice from the Asian Efficiency pod cast except your comments are more artist specific (so great to hear an artist view of global concepts). Everyone that loved what jake just said i highly suggest checking them out. I just started on my path to being more efficient and I'm already blown away. Great vid and sweet piece.
What I learned from last year is that I draw one character more than the characters I started off with on my Instagram. It's kind of frustrating but all I really need to do is give my account more variety in characters than just drawing this one single character and watching it take over my account.
Really great video!!! Can't wait for more content this year. I definitely need to follow those first two things a lot more for myself. Also, just a quick question: when you do the sketch digitally, what's the opacity when you print it for inking?
You are awesome Jake! I want to create more art this year. Last year I tried to make a living off of my art but only made 27 bucks...I feel like that reason is because I didn't make enough art! I am still trying to develop my style, skill and gather a following. I would really appreciate a video on your productivity system! I am trying to find and make one that will work for me. I hope for another great year for you! Here is too 2017!
A Summary for anyone who doesn't have time for the video (He starts the list at 12:00):
1. I can't and I shouldn't do everything.
2. Planning and Scheduling - planning around when you're most and least productive.
3. Work-life balance.
4. Opportunity Costs.
5. Figure out the power of your brand, and create for the people who follow you.
Bless your soul. 40 mins for a few talking points of advice is oof
Thanks
Thank you, just noticed there are no subtitles so this short recap is very helpful!
Producing good work is a HARD task by itself and being an efficient, effective and a prolific creator is another mammoth every creator needs to tackle. All the thing that you've mentioned in this video like being present, grateful, using un distracted time blocks, spending time with family and keeping yourself healthy is what I've learnt and am still learning that it is at the core foundation of being able to produce great work. The simplest, tiny little actions done on a consistent basis has an ginormous effect on our lives has been my biggest lesson of 2016.
p.s Jake, working with you on the videos we've produced has been one of my greatest accomplishments last year. Its been an eye opening creative experience. And we need get back on our streak again ;)
Essentially we all look at the momentous successes of some people and we're like, "wow, I can *never* get there", but it's being good to great at what you do and a lot of micro, daily "correct" actions or choices that lead people to their successes. I was a part of the Nerdarchy RPG TH-cam channel, and we started from 0 subscribers, but through being consistent and strategic work, we grew to 32.5k as of my leaving. I'm building my own channel based on something I love more than RPGs (and I still love RPGs!), but I have no delusions that it's going to be any different than how one eats an elephant, "one bite at a time".
wow your good with words
Saved this video on the Watch later list since 2017. Finally got to see and its very inspiring.
Ahh I always look forward to your videos Jake! And I often go back to watch your old videos because the content is solid. You will never catch me unfollowing no matter what. :) Social media can be very important, but taking care of your health and your loved ones is even more important. So please never feel too bad for being away. We know you are working hard. I can relate to such large ambitions, because I too am restless and want to do it all, but like you mentioned, doing too much can be so overwhelming. Not to mention it can take a toll on you. I think what you have listed is quite a successful year. And it is only going to get better. Keep up the great work and thank you for giving the art community great advice and lessons. You are much appreciated.
What you said about being present in the moment really, really rings true with me. Something I've started to notice in my life too. I've started trying to be more present and I'm realizing it's having a tangible effect on my productivity and also my general happiness/ positivity.
Just dove a little deeper from that "Finished, Not Perfect"-video, and gotta say, not only do I love listening to your ideas, but also loooooove watching the nature of that squiggly inkwork! It makes it so lively, it's fantastic!
The 5 things start at 11:51 . Just a note. I didn't write the starting time because the info before it is useless. It's all good. It was just convenient to jump to it when I listen again.
I learned that I don't have to control people! And that opened my heart up to learning when to keep my mouth shut and not be verbally abusive. I learned how to set more healthy boundaries with my new ability to not control others. I learned how not to be stubborn, that I needed to put others first, and how to do it in a healthy way. I learned to be more self motivated and not depend on others to help or inspire me, but depend on God instead. I finally broke the art block that I have had for almost 3.5 years! I'm drawing every day now! And I bet you can guess Who gets all the credit for teaching me. This video is actually the answer to the problems I've been praying about just this week. God's using you, Jake. Keep up the good work!
I'm SO glad you're back !! 😱👍
Oh it's Vexx!
Wow I watch your videos and I didn't realize you watch Jake Parker, lol
Qween Z8 Hiii 🙌
Shrimp Tails Yeah he's so awesome ! Not only an amazing artist, also very hard-working and a great story-teller 👌
Thanks! You make some great videos too! Congrats on the 50k.
I'm glad you're learning to balance! As soon as I get a few more paychecks, I'm going to pick up Litte Bot and Sparrow, as well as one of your Drawings books (whichever one isn't sold out by the time I get enough money). I'm really excited for Skyheart! And one of the things I learned this year is that the only thing holding me back from drawing and being creative is me. I'm the one that has to go out and do things and not just watch other people do it, because they are the ones making money (and gaining followers) and not me. So that's my goal for this year - to actually get off my butt and do things that make me forget to eat and sleep. Love you and all your work, Jake Parker!
That's crazy, my Passion Planner is on it's way for delivery. It's an exciting looking book, especially since you have some flexibility in how you record data in it. Great video as always, Jake! Glad to have you back for the year.
Jake, thank you so much for filming this. This is the exact video I needed coming off of the "high" from New Years and stepping back into what's realistic and possible. The past couple weeks I've had myself scheduled so tightly I couldn't possibly fit anything else extra in and of course had a couple of emergencies to deal with that threw everything off. I think your point about prioritizing what is and is not important is super great, and I'm finding myself prioritizing and figuring out which projects get the green light and which ones don't. I had every day of the week scheduled for social media posts, but now I'm only focusing on my tarot deck, 52 weeks of illustration (all portfolio pieces), and Fanart Fridays.
We share a goal of posting to Instagram once daily - something I've found that helps with that is printing out all my posts at the end of the week and hanging them up with clothespins on a string. I've found that it turns Instagram into more of a "project" and less of a "task" and then I have a tangible record of it by the end of the year.
answering email questions sounds like a great video for multi tasking. I'd appreciate hearing the questions you think are looking in the right direction
#3 was really profound for me, and something that I think will really help me in both my personal and professional / creative life. Thanks, Jake!
Thank you very much for sharing, I love to hear a "year in review" type of analysis from people; especially professional creatives. I also second your thought of doing a specific video with visuals of your planner/planning specifics. I would love to see that as well. Thanks again, I enjoy your videos a lot!
Hi Sean! I was thinking the same thing about the planning/scheduling video. Do you know if he got around to making it?
Hi! i'm an amateur illustrator from Venezuela recently graduated from art school, since new year i have watched each one of your e-series videos and i have to say THANK YOU, you have been a great source of advice, knowledge and inspiration for me, as a small token of appreciation i'm planning on buying all your "Drawings" books, again thank you.
Hello Jake, I got introduced to you via your Finished not Perfect video and I'm glad I did. Last year I learned that I'm better than what I think and that I should just run with my talent. I had been too tentative last year and previous years. This year has been a huge confidence boost because I worked a con as a tablemate to a bigger artist and still was able to make decent money. The biggest boost from the con was I made the most money from on the spot commissions than any of my prints or anything else.
Crazy life lessons - even more crazy? The amount of things you accomplished in a year; always good to have goals, but just as important to celebrate all the little victories. As always, thanks Jake!
it’s so cool to find out that you’ve had interactions with Kesh, i love his videos and content so much!
This video really made me think about when I'm most creative. What you said about scheduling really helped me thanks so much Jake
as always Jake, great advise. I always enjoy watching your videos. I hope this year I'll be able to start up my own kickstarter project, just by watching your videos I'm learning what to expect when I do launch my project. your video "Finished not Perfect" still resonates in me. And I'm glad you will be reprinting your first book. I want to get my hands on all 4. thanks again and keep up the good work... can't wait for Skyheart to be done.
What I'm really learning is that ou are no different from me, which is very encouraging seeing someone in your position deal with the very problems I deal with, very relevant advice for me, much of these things which I used to turn a blind eye to as I hate planning and all that but I thik this is the straw that broke the camels back, I like the idea of time blocks and having VISUAL organization tools and not just words ona screen telling me what I need to do.
we missed you Mr jake parker! I watched the other videos like 3 times each!
You're a huge inspiration dude, can't thank you enough for all that you give. You rock.
So good having you making videos again, Your always a great inspiration
Great video Jake. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. One thing I learned last year towards the end that I am working on implementing this year is making more personal art as an artist. Being a commercial illustrator I've never really bothered with personal work only focusing on client needs. But i was missing out on so much as an artist. So this year I am planning personal paintings to begin developing my own voice; while still balancing that with client work. Thanks again Jake and am looking forward to your future videos.
Thanks again for another wonderful video Jake. I have trouble focusing on doing art while online at the PC, but playing your videos always puts me in the right artistic spot, because then I can be drawing and "goofing off" online at the same time. XD Many thanks.
I am a little late on this, but I learned something important last year that I've been working on this year and I am glad to see some progress. I've mentally been very down because of an accident that took away some of my mobility. I know you yourself have been in an accident, and where as the repercussions in my case were bad, I also feel that I allowed it to control me, in a way giving up. It made me so sad, so unhappy. I finally got to the point where it was either 'be unhappy for the rest of your life' or try your hardest to get back up, maybe I will never fully recover, but I won't use doing nothing as an excuse anymore. I've made some startling progress and I am finally at a point where I think I'll be okay and still be able to chase my dreams ^^ Your videos really inspire me, also, for that I want to say thank you so much!
awesome advice Jake! Thanks. 5 kids!!!! That's awesome dude, I have 4, so I know the struggle of balancing a family life and work. You're doing an amazing job. Keep inspiring.
I love watching you ink your drawings. It's so satisfying :)
I could watch you ink pages forever, it's so informative to see how you handle the brush pen! I just got the Zebra fude and really enjoy using it, so thank you for recommending it on your site.
Great video. Made me feel better to know that even someone as prolific as you doesn't always hit all of his goals. Pre-ordered Drawings IV. Finally a reason to look forward to March.
Your videos are SO inspiring! You always give some great advice, really really helpful. Keep up the good work Jake! :)
Great video Jake. I think you should do a video about the difference in selling prints and making a graphic novel. and why it's worth doing for the future.
Wow..I enjoyed watching the video that I thought it was only 18 minutes or so-
Jake, listening to you never made me bored. I wish you'd talk more about your experiences.
A bit late to the game on this, but... regarding not being able to respond to emails - Man, you do so much for everybody with your videos and online presence alone. I've learned so much from following your videos, facebook, instagram, etc. Don't feel bad. You do more than anyone I can think of already.
So much wisdom in these videos of yours :) Thanks for so generously sharing your experiences and thoughts about living a productive creative life.
Finally a new video! :) I really enjoy these! Keep up the great work! :D
I''ve been going through a lot of the same realisations as you, trying to find the work life balance. I've even been going to therapy to try and sort out that whole 'feeling guilty because I'm not working' when I do in fact deserve to not be panicking about it the whole time. It's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of the worlds we literally create, but yeah, real experiences FTW.
Awesome stuff as usual. It helps to hear other artists talk about their successes and failures. It makes me feel like I'm not alone in struggling with some of these things. Thanks for sharing!
Yayy your back and I hope your tour went great
Thank you so much that you keep making these videos! Good luck with 2017 with all that you do.
Such awesome delivery of great advice, and of course getting to watch while you draw! So glad that you share with us. you are definitely an inspiration to me, and so many others. Thanks again for doin what you do.
Last year I learned that I can complete a month long project. 2016 was the first year I've started and completed the inktober challenge and I look forward to replicating that in future projects.
This was a great video! I'm so happy that you're back, Jake!
Good sleep and morning energy is an artist best friend.
Wow, Jake. You're an impressive, hardworking artist and person. I'm inspired to set my life goals each year. Thank you.
Glad to see you back, Jake!
Jake, this was an awesome video, it was great listening to your talking during my own artistic activities. I found your tips to be very helpfull and I'll try to apply these to my life.
Thank you again. I'm glad you've returned and I hope your family is all fine :)
Thank you for this, Jake. You figure all these things out the hard way, and then give it to us for free. You have been in the periphery of my attention for a few years, but recently, you have moved into sharp focus. I've been devouring your TH-cam content over the last couple of weeks. Your advice is exactly what I am looking for. I'm a 42 year old husband and dad. I suffered an injury a few years ago that knocked me out of my blue collar career. I viewed it as an opportunity to go back to school for art. I will graduate in the Spring, so I am ramping up to re-enter the "real world". The topics you cover in these videos apply directly to so many of my concerns. I can't thank you enough. I'm headed over to FB and IG right now to follow you there.
I gotta look into these drawing books you're putting out, the drawings looked pretty cool, and I subbed :D
Welcome back... what a great video, awesome info.
I would be totally into occasional videos where you answer emails. -Last year I learned that expressing gratitude in a concrete way (saying it out loud or preferably writing it down) every day trains your brain to notice things that make you happy and improves your mood and the mood of people around you.
Thanks again for another awesome video! One thing that's helped me which may help you (based on what you said about your online following): I learned that I have a split audience for Ripples. There are customers in that audience who love the art and do purchase it, but also followers who will not buy anything because they want to learn or ask questions or because they like the kind of lifestyle we're building. I've learned that asking for art feedback or buying asks from non-customers gives less good results. So we're splitting the audience on social media and website this year. People can be in both groups, or just one (eventually). The Jake Parker brand has its art customers but also those seeking to learn, so myself for instance I don't like robots and won't buy the art BUT I subscribe to SVS and would pay for your videos/tutorials. Hope that helps, you've helped me so much! Thank you!!
+Amanda Bancroft that's great! Thanks for the response.
I think you could do a video like this that's also a Q&A. Maybe have your assistant go through and collect up the most ask questions via email/Social media and then answer a few while you ink a comic page. You'd problem have enough questions to make 4-5 videos at least. I love your videos and I tend to play one while I'm working on an art piece. I find it more motivating and I focus more than if I'm listening to music.
just bout DRAWINGS 1, 3 and 4 and cannot wait til you release skyheart! love your work and will support you as much as i can :) Thanks for being such an inspiration keep up the great work
Thank you so much for the informative and enlightening
video. Each point you made was spot-on, and I’ve been thinking a lot about such
things for the past year. I really like the “schedule block” approach-planning creative
time vs. productive times (that require less creative power but more showing up
to log the hours). That point really helped bring some clarification into my
work day, so thank you!
My husband and I have also had a similar conversation before in regards to work-life balance (where he’s requested to have a conversation other than just art. The
struggle is real. ;) ) Also, I really liked your point on opportunity costs. I’m
quite ambitious in regards to projects I take on, and it’s really helpful to be
reminded by another artist about the very real time and energy costs that these
projects do take up. Reality check!
Thanks again, and excited to hear more-onwards and upwards! :)
I relate with you so HARD with the convention issue. I am starting as an artist and the local convention is in two months... I just finished working on a freelance project that lasted four months, and all I want to do is work on my own stuff, strenghten my portfolio and find better opportunities in the long run. Conventions are great for meeting people and selling merchandise, but if I decide to attend, I will have to do fanart and do art that can sell... and right now I'm more motivated about doing my own stuff and leave it at that... and socially I really want to meet different people that are dettached from the artworld, do other activities that are not art-related, etc.
Just got my Drawings 2 and 3 in the mail, amazing stuff. A nice perk was my daughter (almost 2 years old) enjoyed flipping through the books as well. Thanks for the inspiration man and putting great content out there
Good day mr Jake
Awesome video once again. if possible would you be able to talk about illustration e.g what you have to learn, how to get into the industry and maybe even being freelancer. There are a lot of people including myself that want to do illustration but are not sure what exactly it is or how you should be learning. Thanks
Such a great video Jake. So valuable. Thanks Jake so much ^-^
i learned #1 last year too... there are sooooooo many things to learn and get "into". but there isn't enough time. so at some point, you kinda have to pull back and concentrate your efforts in your wheelhouse.
Hi there nice to see you back !
The amount of work you put into that drawing blows me away.
I`m glad you found some time to make a new video :)
What I found out recently is what really sells in my brand. Trying different styles, colors palettes, mediums etc. I use to create alot of snail paintings and that boosted my following and I got a good percentage of sales from prints and originals. Then I got burnt out for about 6 months and noticed I had to struggle to keep people interested in other pieces. Odd gouache snails was my selling point and I worked that back in.
Thank you for the video, its always inspiring to hear your experience and advice. as far as projects go ive been running my channel while balancing school.
and as of right now im working on making a comic believe it or not.
Thanks for the tips Jake!
Always loved your art style =D Now I need to buy all the art books! =D
NerdECrafter what are these kind of art books called?
So prolific! I subscribed, great stuff. I am a bit set in my ways but still inspired by your work ethic and drive.
I relate some much with what you have said in this video as i am a workaholic as well. I literally laughed when your wife asked to talk about something other than art because my fiance does the same.
time blocks are something I can't wait to implement, as I get distracted while multi tasking. you're a huge inspiration and am working towards being as influential as you one day.
looking forward to skyheart!
Bought the journal. I will never benefit from all the knowledge you drop but hopefully it rubs off on my daughter and I'll have her thank you in her oscar speech for best animated film or something like that. Keep it up Jake your a good dude. More strength training less running
Thank you for this Jake.
I loved hearing this-especially the planning part! I'm working my way through your videos as I've only recently found you-but if you haven't already could you please talk more about how you plan your year,month,week and day? It's a big issue for me that I'm working on at the moment and would love to see and hear more about how you do it. Thanks for all your really practical and realistic advice-it REALLY helps! ;)
Hi Jake,
You're a great teacher and outstanding artist !
It's hard to stay motivated... when making art is mostly a solo activity when you're freelancing.
It's easy to procrastinate, give up, or get frustrated when you don't see results right away.
Seeing as it does take years and thousands of hours to see improvement, we need you, to help us improve before we give up !
I wish I could make videos but i'm way too scared to put my face and voice on camera, and also i'm afraid when I get good enough to make art for clients, i'll be too anxiety ridden to put myself out there freelance wise.
I think, actualIy I know, I face two obstacles, the first being raising my talent level enough to freelance, second, trying to overcome my fear of selling myself !
Just want to say all that while I still have the nerve.
* creative bank account is an awesome phrase btw, so is self publishing ! *
Just catching this video...you have 5 kids and do this full time and it sounds like you are a single income family...you are my newest hero! very good info and inspirational! thanks
+John Bleau thanks! It's not easy, but we are making it work.
So glad you're back 😊 Great vid!
Liked the vision for the month idea.
Another great video thanks! For me checking e-mail and social media less is a big one I agree.
17 books and 49 films last year on top of everything else? Amazing how much you fit into your day...it would be interesting to see your book and movie list
Oh I wrote them down. Here the are in order of when I watched or read them:
2016 Books
Starwars: Skywalker Strikes
Kanan: The Last Padawan
Nnewts Book I
Superman: Secret Identity
15 Secrets of Time Managment
Concrete Book I: The Depths
All You Need is Kill
I Kill Giants Elf Quest Volume I (half)
#Askgaryvee
Darth Vader: Vader
Chrononauts
Tetris by Box Brown
The 10 Commandments (Prager)
Creativity Inc
The Power of Habit
Never Split the Difference
Sapiens (half)
Smarter, Faster, Better (Half)
Kanan: First Blood Deep Work (Half)
The Art of Rogue One
2016 Films
3 Outlaw Samurai
Master & Commander
The Martian
Bridge of Spies
Batman V Superman
Avatar
The Making of the Force Awakens
In the Heart of the Sea
Nova: First Air War
Captain America: Civil War
Edge of Tomorrow
Lawrence of Arabia
Finest Hours
Jungle Book (2016)
Zootopia x2
Voltron Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Downton Abbey Season 6
WWI Tunnel Warfare Documentary
The Music Man
Jurassic World
Hail Caesar
Back to the Future I
Back to the Future II
10 Cloverfield Lane
Finding DOry
The Force Awakens
Pacific Rim
Spies Like Us
The Bourne Identity
Dead Poets Society
The Two Towers
Return of the King
Jason Bourne
The New Ghostbusters
The Hidden Fortress
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Guardians of the Galaxy
Dr. Strange
Arrival
Star Trek: Beyond
Moana
Ant-Man
Temple of Doom (Half)
Creed
Miracle on 34th Street
Rogue One
Home Alone 2
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Princess Bride
Your videos always leave me so inspired! Thank you so much!
i saw you made a new video and was like eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee YAY! :D
Also i'm really looking forward on skyheart hope you turn it into a series or even a multimedia franchise!
OMG so crazy i just head the same advice from the Asian Efficiency pod cast except your comments are more artist specific (so great to hear an artist view of global concepts). Everyone that loved what jake just said i highly suggest checking them out. I just started on my path to being more efficient and I'm already blown away. Great vid and sweet piece.
Hey jake, love your channel..just subbed..would u maybe consider doing a room tour..would love to see the behind the scenes of where you work.
You should totally draw some old 80's car in any style you want
34:10 such awesome architecture.
videos jake i hope you make more this year :)
inspiring as always, Keep the videos coming :)
I need to buy all your Drawings books tbh
What I learned from last year is that I draw one character more than the characters I started off with on my Instagram. It's kind of frustrating but all I really need to do is give my account more variety in characters than just drawing this one single character and watching it take over my account.
Thanks for your great video! Love your work! Do you plan to visit Montreal one day?
thanks for this video, i learned a lot 😀
thanks for posting
What? You traveled to Wichita and I missed it? Dang, I wish I would have known.
Really great video!!! Can't wait for more content this year. I definitely need to follow those first two things a lot more for myself. Also, just a quick question: when you do the sketch digitally, what's the opacity when you print it for inking?
+Erik Bostrom 50%
You are awesome Jake! I want to create more art this year. Last year I tried to make a living off of my art but only made 27 bucks...I feel like that reason is because I didn't make enough art! I am still trying to develop my style, skill and gather a following. I would really appreciate a video on your productivity system! I am trying to find and make one that will work for me. I hope for another great year for you! Here is too 2017!
Thanks for sharing 👍
I'm way more creative and motivated to work in the mornings as well! :D
...like 2AM :|
Those lineart
great video Jake! I´m wondering what´s the pen you´re using