So in a nutshell: Write down loads of notes on a subject, impliment studies in your Workflow and apply what you've learned in said studies on your way to the final product
I think that's at least a great place to start, if I had more time I would've liked to get into how I started recognizing patterns within my notes that then lead me to starting to understand actual fundamentals, but maybe that'll be in a future video!
Except everyone’s got different ceilings. You can improve how fast you run the 40. But there’s slim chance you’ll run a 4 flat. But buddy next to you might. Maybe you’re a better cook and that’s your art.
25:00 This breaks me. I am mostly learning by my own daily with participating in classes of mentorigns whenever possible. It has been 6 years by now. I suck at using my studies and references as effectively. I will never be able to do art as a profession, I am just too stupid. Your progress depiction made me realize that not everybody is made for this. Awesome proggress in general, I am glad for you!
Dang I hope that's not what you take from my video haha. I'm a firm believer that anybody can do this stuff with enough time and practice. I think what's important is just really breaking things down to their fundamentals. Even back during that time I made that image I was still guessing a lot. I think starting really small, just working in black and white and focusing on painting basic objects to understand light, then working up from there is a good way to start gaining confidence. If you ever need any help you can always email me at forrestimelartwork@gmail.com and I'd be happy to help.
I really wish i didn't feel like I was shut down from art. I graduated highschool last year, and i just... i just feel like i'm so behind. Like I know i could be better than what I am. But my parents always harped that art wasn't a real job, that the only famous artists were dead artists, and stuff like that. And it just. drained me.
Do you enjoy drawing? Then just do it. Time you spend with stuff you don't enjoy is wasted time. Your lifespan is finite and the less you fill it with your passions the less valuable your life becomes. So stop telling yourself that you're behind and art is wasted time. Just enjoy your life. And maybe you can make a career out of it.
@@havocindustries3078 yea. that's mostly how i'm living right now. I still draw, and i make some money here and there from it. This is mostly a feeling that i've learned to live with.
I am 28 And I just started out learning art without any experience before, hoping to be a creature illustrator. Your video is so inspiring and I bought your beginner guide, it's really helpful, thank you.
I’m both impressed by the rate which you improved and disappointed in my own lack of progress. Currently 22 out of college and working on indie games as a art generalist but I’m not nearly at the stage of development as you. It’s probably a combination of things, never belonging to an art community, no real art mentors to learn from, lack of dedication. etc. but learning from pros experience always helps me ground myself for what I need to learn next to improve. I really wanna be an illustrator some day, but not sure what’s the right path in the meantime while I’m slowly building up my skills. Thank you for taking the time to show your story.
I too am disappointed in my own lack of progress haha, I think it's just natural. All you can do is just keep your head down and keep working on what you want to work on. If it helps, I'm jealous that you get to work on indie games :)
@@ForrestImel it’s not paid work mind you, I’m still a junior artist, we’re about to launch a 4 month project so I’m kinda excited but also worried on its reception. But thank you for the reply and encouragement.
@@inconspicuousboar3177 it'll go good for you man have faith and keep doing it. I'm self learned myself with no mentors and the like like mentioned and I've been this for 4 years now and it's finally time for me to apply for an art school. But anywhere I look on the internet regarding the portfolio, other people are just wayyy better how can you be that good?? What's even the point for you to study when you already know basically everything you need. The portfolio blueprint / requirements itself is quite daunting for me, don't know how I'll pull it off, but I'll try my best. Let's just hope the future is bright. Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing I am on my way to get an internship in the industry and was having some insecurities about my progress! It helps a lot to see the improvement you had and that you didn’t simply spawn as a art god.
I know this is a bit older of a video but ill shoot my question anyway! Im currently a senior in highschool and I also want to be a concept artist or maybe an animator. I have creativity and ideas so I feel motivated, but I know my technical skills are lacking. I was going to practice gesture drawings next, but in your 2012 section where you said 2000+ gesture drawings and you felt like you learned nothing-- How do I avoid this?? Ive heard peoples say doing the pose yourself and thinking about it critically is the way to go, but Id really like your take on how to make that learning process, or really any technical learning process (anatomy, etc) ACTUALLY effective. Thank you so much, this video is super inspiring!
Thank you for this video. The points you made, especially regarding trying things out but not really knowing what they mean is something I subconsciously knew I was doing but never really had it pointed out. Seems like a common occurrence for those starting to take art seriously. I hope to start taking lots of notes/ do studies after this video. Unfortunately I'm stuck in an office job with little time for practice. I'm hoping soon, with enough savings, that may grant me ability to go part-time to focus more on improving art. It really is a long journey for everyone.
This video was a great watch! I’m slowly starting to learn how I need to pivot my study approach for full efficiency and actual learning. I’m currently attending an art school, but it’s extremely expensive. It’s refreshing to hear that you can be self taught and become successful without the huge price tag. Thank you :)! Watching you improve was amazing!
One of the main problems for me is that i dont know if the preparation phase for a project counts as practice time it always makes me think that im not gonna improve that way, that i need to put more hours into a fundamentals to actually get good.
I think that gathering reference and inspiration is important, but it isn't as effective as a combination of that with focused deliberate studies. A great test you can do and something I used to do back in the day was I would do a 30 minute painting off of a theme/topic with no studying or reference, then I'd do 1-2 hours of studies focused around that image and then finally do another 30 minute painting afterwards and the results were night and day.
I still keep my old drawings and attempts to paint on canvas because I have created my own way of traditional painting that rivals both postmodernists and old school artists. It even surprised many, because I found a grassy valley that no one had ever walked before, something that no one had done before me. And I achieved this thanks to the fact that I used both known knowledge and forgotten techniques of drawing and painting, as well as another method that to this day is beyond the power of anyone but me.
i had to drop out of college for game design with animation as a minor due to the onset of severe mental issues. i lost all confidence in myself and got bogged in debt due to losing scholarships. this is really inspiring to me. currently i work in an office which is paying well for someone with no degree, but i can't see myself staying for decades there. i'm hoping to make my own way with art, thank you for this candid video
I really appreciate this video and it gives me a better insight on how to study but im still anxious about finding and landing opportunities.Even though im 15 i still cant see a sure fire way to land a job since i have no real desire to go to art school after im out of school.
this is so inspirational, I've never really wanted to like be a full-time artist or anything like that because I think my adhd would literally kill me, but I do want to improve my art so thanks for this I'm so glad you get paid for what you love being an artist is amazing sometimes :)
thank you for your transparency on your living/financial situation and how often you were practicing. i dont think people realize how much time it takes to get to a level that is industry-ready. im unfortunately putting my dreams aside to pursue a degree that can hopefully land me a steady office job. im trying my best to make the time to practice, but i cant help but feel envious of people who can spend most of their time perfecting their craft.
I had an office job. It's fine for so many years, but that itch will never go away. You can make time. Before I was a mod at conceptart, I did a 37.5 hour job, but drew 40 hours a week. Being a mod sucked me dry, so don't do that. Draw before work, lunch time, after work, all weekend etc - it mounts up.
That whole Highschool to starting freelance section really mirrored my own experience, especially that first starting to make money from your art really resonated with me. But I’d even made the same early mistakes in how I studied anatomy! Such a great and relatable video!
Inspiring video, as always. I think in my case it is the opposite. I started drawing 4,5 years ago and i was only grinding the fundamentals. I am gradually getting into doing more creative stuff but i think even though i have strong fundamentals I actually struggle coming up with ideas, making things look "cool". Imagine you know the anatomy and how does it actually help you with... i don't know, drawing a fancy fire mage with burning pointy hair and huge teeth.
Look at things like floral curtains, textured tiles etc. I can see all sorts of beings there, but mostly when I'm relaxed. I see something different each time.
When you showed the first image, the anatomy thing, and after the portret. You must have been drawing for years already (as it's just digital painting you're shawing)! You happen to have a video or guide on the time before? I wish I could draw like that even xD.
Thank you. I love videos like these. It makes you feel full of hope. I wish more artist would share these kind of experiences as well because is very inspiring and it gives you a lot of feedback on how to study and learn the subject.
I love this, thank you so much for this Imel, this is so inspiring! know that you pass through a lot of troubles that this is something normal, just gave me the strength to keep going. once I achieve what I want to do I will comment here "I did it " can't wait to see more of your journey!
I'd be repeating what a lot of others have said already but thanks for this video. The details of your situation and how you applied intention to learning instead of guessing has been a fiery kick to the ass as it's something I've been needing to hear. I hope you make more videos they are gorgeous.
es un gran video, gracias por compartir tu historia con nosotros es muy valioso que un gran artista comparta sus vivencias y conocimientos con los que aspiramos a vivir de esto, hay mucho trabajo y esfuerzo detrás de este estilo de vida.. muy admirable, éxito!!
As someone who had to withdraw from art school and developed crazy complexes for myself thinking I'll never break into the gamedev industry as a concept artist, it truly fills me with hope and enthusiasm to see someone who I consider to be one of my art heroes make it without an art degree. Thank you for this video, Forrest!
I went to artschool for a 3-year-period, and I made it clear before I signed up that my goal was to create a teaser animation for my project. I'd already made an animatic, which I wanted to expand upon. In our final year, the headmaster told us that the senior class had so many troubles and delays with their individual projects that they had to sit with us for another 6 months, in order to finish them. And we would be assigned projects for our own final presentation, instead of having a choice of our own; we could choose from either making an add for a watch, a perfume or for jewelery... I had learned a lot, though the school was mostly teaching 3D, not 2D. However, the past 6 months of making a project on some jewelry I didn't give a beat about felt pointless. All I learned was that I really didn't want to work in advertisement. In the end, the whole experience made me drop my own project for 10 years, and I went into an office job. Only last year I rediscovered my desire to draw and started turning the original script into a webtoon, which I am working on almost every day now. Lot of improvement is needed, but practice is the way! Sometimes it takes a while to recover from a letdown or personal crisis. But from my experience it is much better to draw than to have a grudge against yourself for not drawing or painting. Being creative is such a good moderator in a life that always tempts us just to be lazy and to consume. As long as I am seeing some progress, I am quite happy now and feel like I'm (finally) doing the right thing.
Kinda tells me my mistake at this point as to why I was not improving or feel like not doing much, Would really say this helps, And gives a view point about the points I am missing and can put in there :D thanks
I think it would have been beneficial for you to enrol also in an academy course for anatomy at least because they have various models you can practice with drawing women and men and honestly it helps a lot.
What a cool trajectory you took. We’re probably similar in age, I graduated in 2012, also chose not to go to school, and now work full time in the AAA space as a key art artist and illustrator. It’s funny you mention PNCA because I reviewed a graduating class’s portfolios just a few weeks ago having never been to college myself. Are you in Portland by chance? I’ll buy you a drink.
I was hoping to learn in a little more detail how you improved but I guess that could be a longgg topic if you went into it too much; you seem like a nice guy and what a beautiful thing to fulfil your dreams
I think I will do another video in the future where I talk about the specific lessons and milestone improvements in more detail instead of just discussing the general journey.
Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say, ”I sent out a looking for work message online” - I’ve been struggling way too long and have never cracked getting regular work.
“Trying to recreate what I think I’ve seen” this is exactly my problem right now (for the last few years to) if I just try to use reference I’d be so much better, I’m always trying to draw my own thing cause I’m in constant drawing “original” stuff only for it to look horrible each time. I’m working on it now but it’s gonna take a bit to stay in my head. I have improved but very slowly.
Thanks for the insight. It's very helpfull seein other artists career! I started drawing at 2016 and got my first commissions at 2018, till now I is'nt got a full-time job but I'm feeling things will go right this year. Thanks for this video
This is a really interesting video, thanks for sharing. I’m 21 now. I’ve been taking my art ‘seriously’ for maybe 6 years at this point, but I’m realising now I’ve never studied as much as I should have, and when I have it’s been completely directionless. I just haven’t known where I’m going, I’ve never been able to build a strong following and at times it feels like I’ll never make money with art. That said this video is pretty motivating and really gives me hope for the future. Liped and subscribed.
I notice the turning point was when you started to see things more analytically. Recognizing patterns, writing notes. But the thing I liked the most is your approach of studying before doing an image, writing down each elements and leave even a bit of time to get a better idea of each element your piece will have. That's SO powerful man, it makes each painting a learning experience instead of just feeling like a flawed printer, I had no idea why it didn't occur to me to do that. I'm probably just too focused on finishing a picture instead of getting anything from it. if I have to paint a cloud and didn't know well how I'd just try while painting the illustration that needed it, that adds a lot of pressure and stress for sure, especially on a deadline. Great video.
Great video! its really interesting to hear your journey! And your advice on how to pracitce art is invaluable!! thank you once again for sharing. Ive been at it, drawing since 2021 and made significant progress because ive been practicing kinda like how you mention it in the video just intuitively, and lept infront of many of my peers in illustration and visual communication uni. Even those who has been drawing since they were children. My point being that practicing with intention is super important!! Though youve made me realize i copy a lot without actually deconstructing what i see all the time. ill be more concious of it now, thank you.
I just got this in my recommended, saw the Dockside Extortionist background, and had to look up the original artist. I didn’t know you’re the artist for the card, and others like Seedborn Muse and Hexdrinker! Beautiful work!
This is so inspiring, your determination to succeed was showing every year. This gives a lot of hope to all the artists out there. Paint and draw, time will get you there. I bought your tutorials before about fundamentals and it really helps me a ton. Thank you!
Just remember that a big part of my development actually starting to ramp up was due to me really starting to take a deep dive into my studying habits and practices, prior to that it was about 5-6 years of just noodling around and not knowing what to do :)
@@ForrestImel Yeah you're right I'm studying but it became more an habit than really a "deep dive" i should focus more on stuff that i enjoy ( to be honest i dont really suck but you know i could've been way better).( idont know if i was clear).
Damn thank you, I was interesting until the end, all thanks, would be nice to know how did you bargain on your contracts... and that negotiation part which is also something you are not taught!
It was very interesting and inspiring to see your skills growing. Its very similar like my story honestly, but I am still waiting for the big clients! Maybe I shouldnt wait ... anyway I would love part 2 of this video and the story how you landed in today skills and clients. Love the video
This is amazing, my friend. Not going to lie, the speed of your progress punched me in the gut pretty hard, but it's slowly turning into some genuine motivation. Thanks for sharing your story and can't wait to see more of your journey!
Just wanted to say this is super inspirational. Im still early in my journey and seeing this kind of progress reminds me that we all start somewhere. Im going to keep chasing my dream, being patient and most importantly have fun and focus on the journey. I appreciate you showing your journey, its super cool to see as someone who also wants to get into stuff like this❤❤
@forrest imel I went and got that book by Michael Hampton, there are many anatomy books, but his really does help me with understanding the language of art better. It's changed how I view and understand the human figure better. I can see now, how convoluted my approach has been and highlights all of the rookie mistakes i still make. Game changer. Thanks for sharing!!
Yay!!! Another artist who didn’t go to art school! I heard a lot of art school and it drains you and your creativity and some completely leave because of it. Which is sad to see…
Thanks for sharing your experience! How do you feel about learning at least a little traditional ways of drawing/painting? (important, useful or optional) Do you think drawing and painting live figures, plein air, etc. is important for a digital artist? (useful, optional)) * may be opinion on 3D? (important, useful or optional)
I think learning traditional techniques is fine, it's up to you and what sounds fun or enjoyable to you. There is a lot you can learn from learning traditional techniques so it's only beneficial, but it's not necessary for every artist or anything. Yes, drawing live figures and plein air, any drawing from life really is a great exercise. 3D is totally optional in my opinion, but like with most things, definitely beneficial if you learn a new skill :)
I'm grateful to hear of your experiences, and your art is incredible, even alot of your early pieces from right after high school! Though as somebody trying to begin freelancing I worry I might have to face similar struggles. Also, I wholey believe that "Head of Illustration" was just another anti-digital art snob. It's a good thing you didn't get into that school and waste your time and money.
Hey Forrest, this video was wonderful, this is the first video I think I didn't skip...it was full of information and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.. :) I have also learned everything from TH-cam. I dont think going to school for learning Art is necessary at all.
Thank you for the part where you mentioned the Michael Hampton book and how you used it to progress. I have the book and have been wondering how other professionals have used it😁 I think overall this may be the most helpful video on TH-cam for portraying what I’m up against if I want to take art seriously.
Hey love your last video, specailly because you talk about something normally do not hear about it. the insecurity when one started, the doubt about work with art directors and the feeling you didnt do great the first time, actually this happened me the last year and a bit everytime I work with a company.
In 2012 a head of illustration didn’t know what digital art was?? That’s wild to me considering how many career paths are so reliant on it
Could you maybe give an overview of the equipment that you used throughout your art journey. Hardware, software, etc... :)
So in a nutshell: Write down loads of notes on a subject, impliment studies in your Workflow and apply what you've learned in said studies on your way to the final product
I think that's at least a great place to start, if I had more time I would've liked to get into how I started recognizing patterns within my notes that then lead me to starting to understand actual fundamentals, but maybe that'll be in a future video!
A video like that would be great @@ForrestImel
@@ForrestImelI’d love to see a video on that if you decide to make it
@@ForrestImel Please do
Except everyone’s got different ceilings. You can improve how fast you run the 40. But there’s slim chance you’ll run a 4 flat. But buddy next to you might. Maybe you’re a better cook and that’s your art.
0:17 I was waiting for that
25:00 This breaks me. I am mostly learning by my own daily with participating in classes of mentorigns whenever possible. It has been 6 years by now. I suck at using my studies and references as effectively. I will never be able to do art as a profession, I am just too stupid. Your progress depiction made me realize that not everybody is made for this. Awesome proggress in general, I am glad for you!
Dang I hope that's not what you take from my video haha. I'm a firm believer that anybody can do this stuff with enough time and practice. I think what's important is just really breaking things down to their fundamentals. Even back during that time I made that image I was still guessing a lot. I think starting really small, just working in black and white and focusing on painting basic objects to understand light, then working up from there is a good way to start gaining confidence. If you ever need any help you can always email me at forrestimelartwork@gmail.com and I'd be happy to help.
Pfft! 6 years is nothing. Keep arting, the penny in areas will suddenly drop and then you'll fly.
I want to become a professional artist like you too, in the future. ❤😢
42:30
That..sounds like hell on Earth. I tried grinding art for a long time, but holy smokes. How do you even survive that physically.
It took awhile to adapt, but eventually things started to ease up and I was actually able to finally take one day off a week which was nice haha
@@ForrestImel 1 day off a week on a highly specialized trade that takes years and years to get good at...yay capitalism :D
I can tell that you had a good understanding of color even from early on. How did or how do you lear colortheory if you dont mind me asking ^^ ?
I really wish i didn't feel like I was shut down from art. I graduated highschool last year, and i just... i just feel like i'm so behind. Like I know i could be better than what I am. But my parents always harped that art wasn't a real job, that the only famous artists were dead artists, and stuff like that. And it just. drained me.
Do you enjoy drawing? Then just do it. Time you spend with stuff you don't enjoy is wasted time. Your lifespan is finite and the less you fill it with your passions the less valuable your life becomes. So stop telling yourself that you're behind and art is wasted time. Just enjoy your life. And maybe you can make a career out of it.
@@havocindustries3078 yea. that's mostly how i'm living right now. I still draw, and i make some money here and there from it. This is mostly a feeling that i've learned to live with.
I am 28 And I just started out learning art without any experience before, hoping to be a creature illustrator. Your video is so inspiring and I bought your beginner guide, it's really helpful, thank you.
same here XD
I’m 27 and have been just drawing for fun but finally decided to start learning seriously so I wish us both luck!
Wow stumbled on this video doing the same thing, also 28 aswell not that good yet but putting the work in
Ayyy
Hows it going?
Amazing buddy
I’m both impressed by the rate which you improved and disappointed in my own lack of progress. Currently 22 out of college and working on indie games as a art generalist but I’m not nearly at the stage of development as you. It’s probably a combination of things, never belonging to an art community, no real art mentors to learn from, lack of dedication. etc. but learning from pros experience always helps me ground myself for what I need to learn next to improve. I really wanna be an illustrator some day, but not sure what’s the right path in the meantime while I’m slowly building up my skills. Thank you for taking the time to show your story.
I too am disappointed in my own lack of progress haha, I think it's just natural. All you can do is just keep your head down and keep working on what you want to work on. If it helps, I'm jealous that you get to work on indie games :)
@@ForrestImel it’s not paid work mind you, I’m still a junior artist, we’re about to launch a 4 month project so I’m kinda excited but also worried on its reception. But thank you for the reply and encouragement.
@@inconspicuousboar3177you got this! wishing you luck from a stranger on the internet.
@@inconspicuousboar3177 it'll go good for you man have faith and keep doing it. I'm self learned myself with no mentors and the like like mentioned and I've been this for 4 years now and it's finally time for me to apply for an art school. But anywhere I look on the internet regarding the portfolio, other people are just wayyy better how can you be that good?? What's even the point for you to study when you already know basically everything you need. The portfolio blueprint / requirements itself is quite daunting for me, don't know how I'll pull it off, but I'll try my best. Let's just hope the future is bright. Good luck!
@@inconspicuousboar3177are you paid yet? Lol
Thank you so much for sharing I am on my way to get an internship in the industry and was having some insecurities about my progress! It helps a lot to see the improvement you had and that you didn’t simply spawn as a art god.
PewDiePie is self taught and he's really good at art
I know this is a bit older of a video but ill shoot my question anyway! Im currently a senior in highschool and I also want to be a concept artist or maybe an animator. I have creativity and ideas so I feel motivated, but I know my technical skills are lacking. I was going to practice gesture drawings next, but in your 2012 section where you said 2000+ gesture drawings and you felt like you learned nothing--
How do I avoid this?? Ive heard peoples say doing the pose yourself and thinking about it critically is the way to go, but Id really like your take on how to make that learning process, or really any technical learning process (anatomy, etc) ACTUALLY effective.
Thank you so much, this video is super inspiring!
Thank you for this video. The points you made, especially regarding trying things out but not really knowing what they mean is something I subconsciously knew I was doing but never really had it pointed out. Seems like a common occurrence for those starting to take art seriously. I hope to start taking lots of notes/ do studies after this video. Unfortunately I'm stuck in an office job with little time for practice. I'm hoping soon, with enough savings, that may grant me ability to go part-time to focus more on improving art. It really is a long journey for everyone.
This was beyond helpful. Thank you so much.
This video was a great watch! I’m slowly starting to learn how I need to pivot my study approach for full efficiency and actual learning. I’m currently attending an art school, but it’s extremely expensive. It’s refreshing to hear that you can be self taught and become successful without the huge price tag. Thank you :)! Watching you improve was amazing!
One of the main problems for me is that i dont know if the preparation phase for a project counts as practice time it always makes me think that im not gonna improve that way, that i need to put more hours into a fundamentals to actually get good.
I think that gathering reference and inspiration is important, but it isn't as effective as a combination of that with focused deliberate studies. A great test you can do and something I used to do back in the day was I would do a 30 minute painting off of a theme/topic with no studying or reference, then I'd do 1-2 hours of studies focused around that image and then finally do another 30 minute painting afterwards and the results were night and day.
I love your videos
Checked out your Artstation and I was inspired to keep going bro thank you!!!
I still keep my old drawings and attempts to paint on canvas because I have created my own way of traditional painting that rivals both postmodernists and old school artists. It even surprised many, because I found a grassy valley that no one had ever walked before, something that no one had done before me. And I achieved this thanks to the fact that I used both known knowledge and forgotten techniques of drawing and painting, as well as another method that to this day is beyond the power of anyone but me.
i had to drop out of college for game design with animation as a minor due to the onset of severe mental issues. i lost all confidence in myself and got bogged in debt due to losing scholarships. this is really inspiring to me. currently i work in an office which is paying well for someone with no degree, but i can't see myself staying for decades there. i'm hoping to make my own way with art, thank you for this candid video
This is great! Thank you!
I really appreciate this video and it gives me a better insight on how to study but im still anxious about finding and landing opportunities.Even though im 15 i still cant see a sure fire way to land a job since i have no real desire to go to art school after im out of school.
Such an inspiring video :D Thanks for doing this!
this is so inspirational, I've never really wanted to like be a full-time artist or anything like that because I think my adhd would literally kill me, but I do want to improve my art so thanks for this I'm so glad you get paid for what you love being an artist is amazing sometimes :)
thank you for your transparency on your living/financial situation and how often you were practicing. i dont think people realize how much time it takes to get to a level that is industry-ready. im unfortunately putting my dreams aside to pursue a degree that can hopefully land me a steady office job. im trying my best to make the time to practice, but i cant help but feel envious of people who can spend most of their time perfecting their craft.
I had an office job. It's fine for so many years, but that itch will never go away. You can make time. Before I was a mod at conceptart, I did a 37.5 hour job, but drew 40 hours a week. Being a mod sucked me dry, so don't do that. Draw before work, lunch time, after work, all weekend etc - it mounts up.
Remember also that practicing without purpose won’t actually help you.
He admitted most of his practice was a waste of time.
That whole Highschool to starting freelance section really mirrored my own experience, especially that first starting to make money from your art really resonated with me. But I’d even made the same early mistakes in how I studied anatomy! Such a great and relatable video!
Man such a long , hard working & interesting art journey. Really enjoyed this. Truly thank you for sharing in detail your experience!
I really enjoyed hearing your art journey :D
even from the gate, the rendering quality is super nice. Such an inspirational artist!
Inspiring video, as always. I think in my case it is the opposite. I started drawing 4,5 years ago and i was only grinding the fundamentals. I am gradually getting into doing more creative stuff but i think even though i have strong fundamentals I actually struggle coming up with ideas, making things look "cool". Imagine you know the anatomy and how does it actually help you with... i don't know, drawing a fancy fire mage with burning pointy hair and huge teeth.
Look at things like floral curtains, textured tiles etc. I can see all sorts of beings there, but mostly when I'm relaxed. I see something different each time.
When you showed the first image, the anatomy thing, and after the portret. You must have been drawing for years already (as it's just digital painting you're shawing)! You happen to have a video or guide on the time before? I wish I could draw like that even xD.
Thank you. I love videos like these. It makes you feel full of hope. I wish more artist would share these kind of experiences as well because is very inspiring and it gives you a lot of feedback on how to study and learn the subject.
I love this, thank you so much for this Imel, this is so inspiring! know that you pass through a lot of troubles that this is something normal, just gave me the strength to keep going.
once I achieve what I want to do I will comment here "I did it "
can't wait to see more of your journey!
knows nothing of anatomy, then shows a fully rendered anatomic character... Talent people talent.
I'd be repeating what a lot of others have said already but thanks for this video. The details of your situation and how you applied intention to learning instead of guessing has been a fiery kick to the ass as it's something I've been needing to hear.
I hope you make more videos they are gorgeous.
it make me realise i'm staying way too much in my zone of confort in art o:
Great video! Thank you for going in depth on your journey, very insightful.
es un gran video, gracias por compartir tu historia con nosotros es muy valioso que un gran artista comparta sus vivencias y conocimientos con los que aspiramos a vivir de esto, hay mucho trabajo y esfuerzo detrás de este estilo de vida.. muy admirable, éxito!!
As someone who had to withdraw from art school and developed crazy complexes for myself thinking I'll never break into the gamedev industry as a concept artist, it truly fills me with hope and enthusiasm to see someone who I consider to be one of my art heroes make it without an art degree. Thank you for this video, Forrest!
I'm sorry you had to go through that, but you can definitely do it, I believe in you!
I went to artschool for a 3-year-period, and I made it clear before I signed up that my goal was to create a teaser animation for my project. I'd already made an animatic, which I wanted to expand upon. In our final year, the headmaster told us that the senior class had so many troubles and delays with their individual projects that they had to sit with us for another 6 months, in order to finish them. And we would be assigned projects for our own final presentation, instead of having a choice of our own; we could choose from either making an add for a watch, a perfume or for jewelery...
I had learned a lot, though the school was mostly teaching 3D, not 2D. However, the past 6 months of making a project on some jewelry I didn't give a beat about felt pointless. All I learned was that I really didn't want to work in advertisement. In the end, the whole experience made me drop my own project for 10 years, and I went into an office job. Only last year I rediscovered my desire to draw and started turning the original script into a webtoon, which I am working on almost every day now. Lot of improvement is needed, but practice is the way!
Sometimes it takes a while to recover from a letdown or personal crisis. But from my experience it is much better to draw than to have a grudge against yourself for not drawing or painting. Being creative is such a good moderator in a life that always tempts us just to be lazy and to consume. As long as I am seeing some progress, I am quite happy now and feel like I'm (finally) doing the right thing.
@@TheLobstersoupYou go you. It's never to late to dream and make it come true.
a ton of people working in the game art industry dont have a degree. idk how this is news to you
I've studied art since 8 years ago, and I still barely draw a furry crap. I curse god for giving me the passion but not the talent every single days.
As someone who started drawing mid 2023, this is quite inspiring
Kinda tells me my mistake at this point as to why I was not improving or feel like not doing much,
Would really say this helps, And gives a view point about the points I am missing and can put in there :D thanks
Envious on how skilled you got. I feel so embarrassed that life time doesnt even come close of a fraction of what you acquired.
Gj
I think it would have been beneficial for you to enrol also in an academy course for anatomy at least because they have various models you can practice with drawing women and men and honestly it helps a lot.
I'm so glad to have found your videos right when I need them.
What a cool trajectory you took.
We’re probably similar in age, I graduated in 2012, also chose not to go to school, and now work full time in the AAA space as a key art artist and illustrator. It’s funny you mention PNCA because I reviewed a graduating class’s portfolios just a few weeks ago having never been to college myself. Are you in Portland by chance? I’ll buy you a drink.
This is so inspiring. Thank you for making this video!
I was hoping to learn in a little more detail how you improved but I guess that could be a longgg topic if you went into it too much; you seem like a nice guy and what a beautiful thing to fulfil your dreams
I think I will do another video in the future where I talk about the specific lessons and milestone improvements in more detail instead of just discussing the general journey.
Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say, ”I sent out a looking for work message online” - I’ve been struggling way too long and have never cracked getting regular work.
“Trying to recreate what I think I’ve seen” this is exactly my problem right now (for the last few years to) if I just try to use reference I’d be so much better, I’m always trying to draw my own thing cause I’m in constant drawing “original” stuff only for it to look horrible each time. I’m working on it now but it’s gonna take a bit to stay in my head. I have improved but very slowly.
Dude, it’s very insightful seeing another’s journey, including their struggles. I’d love to see a part 2.
This was amazing! Thanks so much dude
This guy is the same phenotype as james somerton 💀
Been following since 2016- so excited to hear you tell your story
Thank you, Forrest. This is inspiring to me as someone who also wants to make game illustrations and work as an illustrator in the game industry.
Thank you so much for this, you are in a position that I would like to be in one day so your videos are very valuable to me :)
Thanks for the insight. It's very helpfull seein other artists career!
I started drawing at 2016 and got my first commissions at 2018, till now I is'nt got a full-time job but I'm feeling things will go right this year.
Thanks for this video
This is a really interesting video, thanks for sharing. I’m 21 now. I’ve been taking my art ‘seriously’ for maybe 6 years at this point, but I’m realising now I’ve never studied as much as I should have, and when I have it’s been completely directionless. I just haven’t known where I’m going, I’ve never been able to build a strong following and at times it feels like I’ll never make money with art. That said this video is pretty motivating and really gives me hope for the future. Liped and subscribed.
I notice the turning point was when you started to see things more analytically. Recognizing patterns, writing notes.
But the thing I liked the most is your approach of studying before doing an image, writing down each elements and leave even a bit of time to get a better idea of each element your piece will have. That's SO powerful man, it makes each painting a learning experience instead of just feeling like a flawed printer, I had no idea why it didn't occur to me to do that. I'm probably just too focused on finishing a picture instead of getting anything from it. if I have to paint a cloud and didn't know well how I'd just try while painting the illustration that needed it, that adds a lot of pressure and stress for sure, especially on a deadline.
Great video.
Great video! its really interesting to hear your journey! And your advice on how to pracitce art is invaluable!! thank you once again for sharing. Ive been at it, drawing since 2021 and made significant progress because ive been practicing kinda like how you mention it in the video just intuitively, and lept infront of many of my peers in illustration and visual communication uni. Even those who has been drawing since they were children. My point being that practicing with intention is super important!! Though youve made me realize i copy a lot without actually deconstructing what i see all the time. ill be more concious of it now, thank you.
I just got this in my recommended, saw the Dockside Extortionist background, and had to look up the original artist. I didn’t know you’re the artist for the card, and others like Seedborn Muse and Hexdrinker! Beautiful work!
At 23:57 I was like *whoah!!*
thankyou for this video
Really inspiring man! I hope this year really level up my art , theres lot of work to do 💪
This is so inspiring, your determination to succeed was showing every year. This gives a lot of hope to all the artists out there. Paint and draw, time will get you there.
I bought your tutorials before about fundamentals and it really helps me a ton. Thank you!
Great video, so relatable! Would love to hear part 2 - what happened after Smite and also how to juggle full time art job and working on portfolio.
Best video on learning ever
5 years in trying to learn and damn I still suck it's crazy to see people progress like you :D.
Just remember that a big part of my development actually starting to ramp up was due to me really starting to take a deep dive into my studying habits and practices, prior to that it was about 5-6 years of just noodling around and not knowing what to do :)
@@ForrestImel Yeah you're right I'm studying but it became more an habit than really a "deep dive" i should focus more on stuff that i enjoy ( to be honest i dont really suck but you know i could've been way better).( idont know if i was clear).
Damn thank you, I was interesting until the end, all thanks, would be nice to know how did you bargain on your contracts... and that negotiation part which is also something you are not taught!
maybe instead of "self-taught" it can be.. "self educated"
heh, i'm starting a new trend with this. 😏i'm so smart
How to be an artist in 2024: just learn to fix hands in pieces made by our AI overlords ( sobs )
it's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it!
@@ForrestImel I showed my wife your video she says it's super inspiring!
Wish I could do it
It was very interesting and inspiring to see your skills growing. Its very similar like my story honestly, but I am still waiting for the big clients! Maybe I shouldnt wait ... anyway I would love part 2 of this video and the story how you landed in today skills and clients. Love the video
Super informative and inspiring! Thank you for posting this! Hope to see more! 🤘✨️
This is really inspiring to watch. Thank you for talking through your art journey, it's very insightful as someone who wants a career in illustration.
your stuff makes mine look like trash. I need to step it up lol
This is amazing, my friend. Not going to lie, the speed of your progress punched me in the gut pretty hard, but it's slowly turning into some genuine motivation. Thanks for sharing your story and can't wait to see more of your journey!
The best artists on TH-cam are self-taught.
I can’t find your distraction makers channels
My bad, I should include a link in the description probably: www.youtube.com/@distractionmakers
Just wanted to say this is super inspirational. Im still early in my journey and seeing this kind of progress reminds me that we all start somewhere. Im going to keep chasing my dream, being patient and most importantly have fun and focus on the journey. I appreciate you showing your journey, its super cool to see as someone who also wants to get into stuff like this❤❤
I visit your blog to get motivation
@forrest imel I went and got that book by Michael Hampton, there are many anatomy books, but his really does help me with understanding the language of art better. It's changed how I view and understand the human figure better. I can see now, how convoluted my approach has been and highlights all of the rookie mistakes i still make. Game changer. Thanks for sharing!!
Does magic still pay 100 per piece ?
I don't think Magic ever paid 100 per image. They currently pay $1250 for your average card that isn't a planeswalker.
Damn, s great story! I mean so much suffering =) especially when working on Pathfinder
45 days damn ))
Yay!!! Another artist who didn’t go to art school! I heard a lot of art school and it drains you and your creativity and some completely leave because of it. Which is sad to see…
Dude you look like James Somerton’s non-evil twin
I got folders starting from 2013 I almost get ptsd looking at them , tough times , I tried so hard for so long felt like I was going to go crazy lol
I’ve watched your journey from the first crimson daggers blood sports entry you did, I remember watching Dave or Dan critiquing your entry on stream
Thanks for sharing your experience!
How do you feel about learning at least a little traditional ways of drawing/painting? (important, useful or optional)
Do you think drawing and painting live figures, plein air, etc. is important for a digital artist? (useful, optional))
* may be opinion on 3D? (important, useful or optional)
I think learning traditional techniques is fine, it's up to you and what sounds fun or enjoyable to you. There is a lot you can learn from learning traditional techniques so it's only beneficial, but it's not necessary for every artist or anything.
Yes, drawing live figures and plein air, any drawing from life really is a great exercise.
3D is totally optional in my opinion, but like with most things, definitely beneficial if you learn a new skill :)
Thank you kindly!@@ForrestImel
I'm grateful to hear of your experiences, and your art is incredible, even alot of your early pieces from right after high school! Though as somebody trying to begin freelancing I worry I might have to face similar struggles.
Also, I wholey believe that "Head of Illustration" was just another anti-digital art snob. It's a good thing you didn't get into that school and waste your time and money.
Hey Forrest, this video was wonderful, this is the first video I think I didn't skip...it was full of information and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.. :) I have also learned everything from TH-cam. I dont think going to school for learning Art is necessary at all.
cool
In my opinion art school was a waste of time because really all I need is your course and I get 3 full years of a professional tutor❤
Thank you for the part where you mentioned the Michael Hampton book and how you used it to progress. I have the book and have been wondering how other professionals have used it😁 I think overall this may be the most helpful video on TH-cam for portraying what I’m up against if I want to take art seriously.
Ah man.. creature of the week on conceptart... those were the days haha.. great vid Forrest!
Welcome back Forrest :3 Thanks for this!
Hey love your last video, specailly because you talk about something normally do not hear about it. the insecurity when one started, the doubt about work with art directors and the feeling you didnt do great the first time, actually this happened me the last year and a bit everytime I work with a company.
I told myself. the only school I'll ever go to will be FZD... I miss Feng