Got so stuck on my deficiencies in perspective, light source/shadows, the impact of color on composition, etc. that I just STOPPED and went back to watching SVSlearn videos on these topics, which are great. These are timely reminders that no matter how helpful tutorials are, it’s only through doing & making mistakes that what we study starts to click. I have a list of Jake Parker words of wisdom (e.g., “Finished, not perfect”) and I am adding these: “You learn more from doing something than just studying something” and “Stopping that project until you get better is not the answer. That’s not how you’re going to get better.” I am going to finish my 2017 Christmas card now 🤪
My solution to the whole "I suck now so I'll finish when I git gud" thing is to just do practice work. Since I am not thinking of it as art, I don't have to worry about how it looks and can focus on making it through the difficulties. If you catch yourself idling, with no idea what to do, it's not a bad idea to use the time to practice figure drawing or still life/ perspective until you have a new idea.
I suffered with trying to be perfect at drawing before starting my comic, and wasted so many years just studying and planning, never drawing. I finally started it, and now because I'm forced to draw continually nonstop, I've been improving sooo fast! Comics are good because they force u to get that drawing mileage and u improve automatically! If I'd started drawing comics sooner my skills would've been even more advanced by now! That's my biggest regret. Sure, I cringe at the first couple chapters but at some point that was my best, and now I can flip through and see how my "best" increases more and more. It's really humbling.
You are my biggest idol ever. Not just because of your art skills but because of how you see things and try to explain it to others. I’m 16 years old and visiting the art pre school of design in Zurich. I’m every day surrounded by extremely creative and skilled people and from time to time a lose my motivation because I think I’m not good enough. My biggest dream is to show people my thoughts and emotions thru my art and to illustrate children’s books. And every time my motivation is down I look up to you and how much u achieved. It motivates me to continue and to not give up. To follow my dream. Thx for being such an inspiration.
Let me put it this way, as a consumer. I’m glad that the webcomics I love had the chance to exist with their weird-looking opening chapters, instead of the artist waiting to get where they are now before deciding to start. People care about writing. The art is secondary. As an artist that probably hurts to hear, but by god is it true if the writing’s good enough. Your art will improve, but your story can whither and die inside your head.
It’s so cool that you are sharing this project through all of its stages - from the inception of an idea, all the way through finalizing the project and publishing. Normallly in life we see the beginning, or the end, but not the bits in the middle - so it is hard to visualize how a project gets from inception to completion. Thanks so much for your generousity and consistency - and congratulations.
Great reminder! I literally mutter this ‘finish, not perfect’ whenever I feel the resistance to actually work on the project. I now listen to your stuff when I am on the coloring part of my book projects 😃
This is what I've been learning too. There comes a point where you have to accept yourself and your flaws as well as strengths. Those things make you focus your abilities, creating a situation where the combination of your skills, flaws and strengths merge together into a story that only YOU can tell, whatever that medium might be.
I see all these artists making comics/cartoons/games/etc and it fascinates me. I have no idea how to come up with your own big story, how to create a plot and a consistant world... I realised I myself have no big ideas, just some small plots for a couple of illustrations. That's all. This is... kinda scary... I don't feel like a real artist
I'm reminded of when Yoshitaka Amano, the Final Fantasy image illustrator, said that one thing he never wanted to be called was "sensei" because it would mean that he had mastered art and that he would rather be learning continually. Totally paraphrasing here. But anyway, congratulations on finishing, thank you for this encouraging pep talk, and I'm looking forward to reading Skyheart!
Love this honesty - as someone who's been following you for a while, it's reassuring to hear you talk about having to stop and reset and rebuild your confidence. Thank you for the transparency!
This exactly what I needed to hear. I have my own ideas that I want to put out there, but always put it off for the exact reason you talk about in your video. This video has given me the motivation I need to just start working. Thank you!
Thanks for your message Jake. This is your second video I've watched. I had to medically retire at 50 and took up painting wargaming miniatures after always giving up on and off my whole life. I'm slowly getting better and a friend in the community introduced me to you.
Thank you Jake! I love how it looks right now. I've been putting off my project for 2 months. Been working on it since 2017 and had it in my head since the time I don't remember it. This is something I've been contemplating on - impediment to action leading to more action. For me, working alone and not having trained leads to these doubts often in the past couple of years, I've learnt how to recognise when the doubt is real and when it's not. Also I must say, I have you as the beacon of hope since 2016. It was in October 2016 that I actually overcame my decades long belief that I couldn't draw through inktober. As a kid, I used to love drawing but "art teachers" would criticise and shame when I did not draw something by the book. That made me believe at the age of 8, that I couldn't draw. Inktober came in and I started scribbling cause I was bored at my job. So inktober helped me use my brain well. That lead me to quit the job, exhibit my work and now I'm struggling as a freelancer. It's challenging but I would not exchange it for anything. Love you!
Self doubt gets so bad for me sometimes that I won't even talk about some projects I'm working on. Thanks for making this video it was very encouraging and came at the right time for me.
I too am always paralysed by doubt concerning my abilities, but I don't have any ideas so they don't get the chance to prevent me completing a project...
Dear jake, I am a writer and have published a book in my language. I started with a new book but had so much of self doubt and have stopped writing for almost 4 months now. Self doubt crippled me. I stumbled upon your video and What u have spoken has resonated so deeply. Thank you and I will start writing again. ❤️❤️
Hey Jack. thanks a lot for this. I have been working on a story for past 2 years and been working on the characters for a while now. but Everytime I start drawing I just can't keep myself motivated. Feels like I ain't doing justice to the story with my drawing. I have failed at the first page more than enough times but this was inspiring. thanks a lot. even if I give some time each day to it or at least finish a page a week from now on I will slowly catch up I believe. thanks a lot once again.
As a subscriber I can say that I honestly don't have a lot of time for TH-cam but when I do see that you have posted something new I know that it is something heartfelt and meaningful and I can learn from it so I watch knowing I'm not wasting my time. Good stuff. Keep it coming when you have time.
Dear Jake, Your influence on my art has been great. And whenever I need the advice/suggestion. I turn to your blog/videos and so forth. I cannot tell how much my first Inktober challenge positively bought me back to pencil and paper. I've been improving since then. With improvements comes new challenges. This time the challenge is to make stories. And your video is very important for this prospect. You are an inspiration for me!
This looks awesome Jake! Congratulations on getting it finished! This is like a splash of cold water to me; about two years ago I started work on a webcomic but have drug my feet about working on it due to a lot of these same fears you shared in this video. Which actually makes me feel a lot better that a professional like you could struggle with the same things as someone like me who is just starting out. But it also makes me realize that if I had taken your approach this whole time and just *done* it, I could already have my webcomic out there in the world instead of just the pages I've made and kept to myself out of fear of failure. Thanks for the food for thought and inspiration! Also, a random question I've always wondered: what is that intro music you use? It's so inspiring and I'd love to hear the full song!
It's not a waste of time watching artist's video. I watch them while eating, resting & folding clothes. I'll stop watching & start painting as soon as I finished those. It's tempting to watch all the time, but you gotta have self-discipline if u want to succeed :-) So keep making videos, if you have the time. Just don't say it's a waste of time or completely useless. Thank you Mr. Jake for teaching me so much. I'll buy your comic if I have the money
Last year I watched a video where I heard a term "allow yourself to fail" which changed my life and I started drawing more. I've learned a lot by following that advice. I experimented and tried different things. Today I stumbled across this video which made something within me click. I have 2 projects which I was postponing as I was thinking I was not good enough. I thought that I need to learn more before I can start and that I'm not ready yet. After watching few of your videos and after seeing all those pages you've finished I have a desire to tackle those projects and finish them. I don't know what else to say except, thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thank you for that extra push. I am writing a comic of my own and I always stopped because my art wasn't good enough. Coincidentally I resumed working on it last month and I am through designing the main characters so I can make my script into actual comic. It feels good to hear you telling that one need to work and stop waiting for roadblocks to be removed, because many of them aren't really what blocks one project. Thank you for sharing and nice work you have there. You seems proud and should be!
I had to watched this video twice. After I watched the first time I realised that I didn't listening you at all. Those pages are hard to ignore! It's always amazing to see finished project, especially when you're aware that the author spend huge among of time to done it. I really like those dark, evil creatures (soldiers and mounts). They have a Rayman's graphic style in my opinion, that was my first association on them. Ending is a cliffhanger and open so I hope to see next comics in the future!
Something that's worth saying: your first big passion project is probably going to suck- this is not a bad thing- because you are naive when you begin. Once you finish your first project, you get a chance to look back and learn, and then you will have a firm basis to begin again. Iteration is key to remaining productive! And it's hard to do if you're a perfectionist that also happens to be a beginner. Perfectionism stems from good taste, so it's not a bad thing in itself. But until your talent approaches your good taste, it's better to focus on gaining talent so you'll be ready to catch the muse when you see her. Your first project is going to suck, your second is going to suck a little less, and if you have good taste, you'll still be a little sucky at project 100! That's a good thing.
Just want to say, I'm 38. I stopped drawing in 11th? 12th? grade.. had an art teacher I hated. And just got into other things. A week ago, I picked up a pencil for the first time in almost 20yrs to start drawing again. I have been binge watching your videos... while I work on beginner hand and line cordnation, and just very basic stuff. This has rekindled my love for art. Just want to say... Thank you for your video.
Jake, first of all, congratulations. That seems like a huge (huuuuuge) undertaking. Would it be too much to ask you to see the stuff that you created to help you make Skyheart? Things like character turnarounds, building types for every place, tree/plant types if you did that... ship types or style guides... Maps... Things that you did for you, so that you wouldn't get lost or inconsistent in the making of this comic. And, well, why you did them! If that's not something reserved for your backers. Hope you had a drink of your favorite beverage when you finished! :D Cheers!
Congratulations on finishing. I have always gotten in the way of finishing my own work with a plague of self doubt and insecurity. I feel like I ruin it all once I get past the sketch or concept stage, and that more often than not becomes self fulfilling prophecy. You have some good nuggets of wisdom as usual. It's the putting into action that I get confounded with. Walls!!
This was exactly what I needed to hear today. I have a big project that I need to push through a last revision on, and being so close to the finish has been psyching me out. Thank you for reminding me that the only way out of current stress is pushing through to the finish. Also, great job on your project! I can already tell that my family is going to love it.
This is super inspirational. I'm working on my first children's book with a story I came up with. I have redrawn the first page so many times. Thank you for making this video. You are so awesome Jake Parker!
My storytelling is my strength in my own two comic projects I want to do. I've taught myself a lot of drawing, and my skills have improved a good bit over the years, but I still have trouble drawing people, especially movemwnt. I've always been best at landscapes and inanimate objects. I want to take time and improve my work before I really try to start them, but I know I might just keep putting it off forever.
Jake, I love you man, and I am serious. You have helped me get out of a major rut that I used to be in. Since finding your channel, I have quit my day job and decided to pursue my dream and go to Art College. I am currently attending the Northwest College of Art and Design. I am at the top of my class and I have grown so much as an artist! I also have started on a graphic novel project that my friend Hector and I have been sitting on for almost 2 years. I finally found the courage to go after it and I am so glad that you made this video! Thank you for your inspiration and your love for creation and creators. Keep it up!
Having just watch this video, and am watching it again for the second time, I am impressed with the grandeur of the amount of work that is put into the whole of the project. Frankly, I am completely overwhelmed with the extent of it. You should be wholeheartedly proud of the work that you have done! I aspire to be able to do a 10th of it. Cheers!
Thanks for this one. Have a great idea for a comic series, and have the main characters pretty much sorted out. But still can't draw characters the way I want. So anatomy, color, perspective and storytelling lessons, let's do this!
I've been working on a project with my character as a study in poses and expressions and I haven't worked on it in a few months. I laughed when he said you need to finish your project because I was like he knows! I'm going to figure out some time I can work on it.
You couldn't have said it all any better. You hit it right on the head. For myself I finished the first issue of my very first comic last year and am now working on my second issue. For that first issue it took me over 10 year to finally start working on it because I kept telling myself that I needed to learn more and get better. For the duration of working on it I was streaming on Twitch and as my followers grew so did my need to finish it and push through because they were there watching me working on it and expecting a comic to be made. As I worked on it I kept having to remind myself as I had doubts trying to cloud my progress that it was my first comic and it was the best way to learn and it would give me something to look bad on as I progress through the story and fix the mistakes and improve. I am really happy you made this video because I think this message needs to be spread out a lot more to those who think they need to get better at their skill before tackling a project. Even if they were to hold off on working on a very intense and involved project and practice smaller versions like make an issue for a comic before trying to make graphic novels that way the doubts you may have are a lot easier to push through for a big passion project because you have the experience and have that reference material to look back on and make the bigger project stronger.
The inks look gorgeous! Can't wait to get the finished book. I'm stuck halfway through my webcomic/graphic novel with the same kind of doubts about my people-drawing abilities. This is really inspirational for me - I think I need to just buckle down and DO it. Thank you so much!
Dude!! That awesome! Can’t wait to buy this book! I know it’s gonna be great once it’s all completed. I do want to thank you just for all the videos you posted. Because of them, I am currently working on my own first project. I’ve worked on other people’s projects for years but you’re videos encouraged me to do my own project. So thank you for what you do! God bless!
Thank you for this. I am committing to finishing my story. You're a constant motivator and you are making a dent in inspiring others. Best of health to you and your family.
Good ol' Marcus Aurelius! What a fascinating insight about that impediment. And somehow reassuring that mr. Finished Not Perfect gets the same hangups I do!! It never stops, eh? I've been THINKING about my book I started 2 years ago (I showed you some initial pages in 2016) and stopped for many reasons: am I good enough, will it be interesting to anyone, is there a market for it, am I not too late, etc etc etc. All those questions only lead to DO IT. They always lead to that. I'm also currently watching your vid on Art Block, of which I never I thought I'd have such a heavy case but I clearly do. Not sure why. Many congratulations on finishing that MASSIVE pile of drawings!! I can't imagine how that feels but it must feel GREAT. You gained even more massive chops than usual. Last but not least: I never considered you to be a weak humanoid designer, just exceptionally strong in the vehicle and robot design. And THANK YOU for making this video. I will be watching it again.
Thank you so much for being open and honest with your video. I struggle with the same inferiority complexes and self-doubts as I go through my artistic Journey to be coming a full-time comic book artist I appreciate your honesty, and your openness.
Thank you Jake for being vulnerable and honest! This is so encouraging to be reminded that every artist goes through this in varying degrees. And I'm also so relieved to see that it's taken you a couple years to finish the inks, because it is a realistic portrayal of a working artist going through the ebbs and flows with a life outside of art. And thank you for the honest explanation of posting your videos--I completely support this decision. :)
I love the art in Seven To Eternity and Jerome Opena’s illustrations and think to myself that I never do that. However like you said you have to battle against your negative thinking and just do it. Regardless if it’s a graphic novel, a painter, story teller, and etcetera.
Congratulations! I have been doing a videogame this months. The amount of things that I didn´t know how to do helped me a great deal because they forced me to learn useful skills. The book looks awesome! I hope you realease a digital version. Have a great week!
A lot of the time a real issue when it comes to projects is merely the time. Im not the type who like utilizing excuses, and I am aware that it's important to learn time management skills. Often times when students (like me for an example) has or wants to start a project, they are prolonged in completion or in many cases are forced to stop. Im happy to day that I'm still trying to do my comic after almost 3 years of starting it, but many do not have the opportunity to work on the project. When you make a project it should be important, and I know projects often are to those involved, but you have the tackle "more important" tasks in order to save you from stress and backfire.
Thanks Jake, this video came at a perfect time. I’m a big believer in the universe bringing things into your life when you need them and then it’s up to us to act upon the opportunity. This video came for me at a time when I was hesitant to start a sizeable project for the exact reason you mentioned - not being comfortable with my current skill set yet. I’ve been like this all my life and it’s never a good thing because like you said, you’ll never be as good as you aspire to be at that moment and when you DO become that good, you’ll be aspiring to be something even better. There truly is no time like NOW. Thanks for the reminder.
oh GOODNESS!!!!! we are more alike than I ever even thought to think! I don't like to waste people's time with my videos too! I spend months filtering ideas that I want to deliver to my potential audience, and then weeks/days recording and editing, because quality is super important to me ;) but then it turns out I didn't really say what I meant to, and just spent too much time trying, and no one really watches anyway... but I like your video and I'm happy for you that you finished your work on your book!!!!
Guilty as charged. I had delayed working on my novel idea for years until I finally just decided to sit down and finish it. I wrote the bulk of it during NaNoWrimo and finished the first draft on the last days of 2017. I’m in the process of revising but now at least I have the first step done. I plan to eventually turn this into a comic but my self doubt about my art skills (drawing backgrounds) keeps holding me back. I’ve decided that while I revise my written story I will practice drawing backgrounds for my story (among other things) so when the novel is at the final stage I can start drawing it.
Congratulations Jake!!The comic looks great. It has intresting panels and characters.Wish you the best of luck with the comic's sales.Also we appreciate a lot your approach to TH-cam and the fact that you pay a lot of attention to the quality of your videos.thank you :)
I can't describe the feeling I got this moment... I'm going through the most hurting hardship i've ever faced right now, hurting a lot, but your video just makes me breathe again... I'm thinking of becoming a pro artist and all the thing I see are block, tons of block and dark clouds, in a way this hardship I mentioned earlier got me at the point that I need to find a new way to be happy, a way to be true to myself, and the only way I see is becoming a pro artist... But it's so fuzzy out there... So hard to become "pro" in France... Anyway thank you for this video full of hope !
I've always been super duper inspired by you and you are exactly just like those "idols" you said in the video to me. It's really almost comforting and a relief to hear that even our own idols have the same doubts and thoughts as we do :)
some of the pages in your comics look alike one of my dreams as a child btw love your art you always inspire me to make art and never giving up.Even im not the greatest artist i know i have a passion for it.thank you jake...
it is strange how soothing the sound of pages being turned by be. Also it is kinda of nice to remember that all artist experience some form of doubt. And what is it about the human form that we all find so challenging? I'm right there with you, I do the BIG mistake of comparing my art style to another's art style.
These videos are literal gold mines you can get for free. Thank you, truly you deserve way more success on TH-cam even if this is not your main aim. Peace :)
Thanks for sharing your experiences Jake, I agree that you need to just push through and be in that vulnerable state of learning and displaying what you can do even though you might feel inadequate. I've been working on a small kids book and I'm really trying to follow the "finish it and then make another" instead of dissecting my work constantly and slowing down the process of completing one book. Thanks again.
I should've watched when you first posted. I've submitted art for a contest on Newgrounds just when I thought it was done after uploading my entry. The piece is traditional color done with acrylic paint, after looking once posted. The image kinda changed which when seeing art in person & then online, quality shifts like brightness-contrast. I realize my entry wasn't done there are a few things I could to improve it but the Challenge of the Month by Jazza deadline was Feb 21st. Last week I watched a few good interview videos of John Romero, from what John said and now watching your video. You're both 100 percent right.
I needed this. Ive been so stuck because I feel like I can’t write the story I’m trying to tell. Thank you. I always figured that my art hero’s just sat down and made beautiful comics and didn’t doubt themselves. I guess we all have the same feelings.
Thank you so much for making this video! I really needed this reminder and also a reminder to my art fam. I've had so many projects on hold over the years because I just didn't feel like I had enough skill to work on it. I'm definitely on the path to change that and finally start drawing my comics. Thank you again! Stay awesome.
Wow that was so inspirational. I have felt that way about all of your videos. I am a huge perfectionist, and I want to say soon that I am an ex-perfectionist. I just started a super scary project that I am excited about but focuses on all my weaknesses. As terrifying as it is, I chose it in hopes that I would improve at them, but I’ve been standing immobilized for a couple weeks now, so thank you so much for this video!!!
This hit home my man. Literally have been commissioned to illustrate a 9 series comic book. Early on I felt like I bit off more then I could chew and trying to work on that as well as other projects that bring in money has been a tough act to balance. But I will be vigilant!
I'm truly thankful for every thing you're sharing in this video. What you said here is really important for every single person not necessarily artists only. You have no idea how much I'm thankful after listening to this video. I come to this channel whenever i need inspiration.
Thank you for this information! I frequently go back to your Finished Not Perfect video and I will add this video to my motivation arsenal. Now I need to finish those short stories and novellas I started!
I'm a few years late here but these videos are so on point, it's the iceberg - that amazing piece of work that we admire, whatever it is, that is the pinnacle of that artist's efforts with a whole lot of work and perseverance sitting below the water supporting it.
Really glad to hear this, am in the middle of a book project and the struggle with self doubt is so real. Will be pushing on through this week! Thanks for the pep talk.
Great to hear the inking is finally done. I've been following Skyheart's progress carefully. After seeing this video I realized I need to do the same thing and I promised myself and my friends that I'm finally doing the work to finish my first comic story in 2018. I had the exact same problem with wanting to be better, but as you said, that feeling never really goes away if you just keep on practicing. Thanks for the nice work you've been making, definitely inspired one extra person here!
Got so stuck on my deficiencies in perspective, light source/shadows, the impact of color on composition, etc. that I just STOPPED and went back to watching SVSlearn videos on these topics, which are great. These are timely reminders that no matter how helpful tutorials are, it’s only through doing & making mistakes that what we study starts to click. I have a list of Jake Parker words of wisdom (e.g., “Finished, not perfect”) and I am adding these: “You learn more from doing something than just studying something” and “Stopping that project until you get better is not the answer. That’s not how you’re going to get better.” I am going to finish my 2017 Christmas card now 🤪
So true
My solution to the whole "I suck now so I'll finish when I git gud" thing is to just do practice work. Since I am not thinking of it as art, I don't have to worry about how it looks and can focus on making it through the difficulties. If you catch yourself idling, with no idea what to do, it's not a bad idea to use the time to practice figure drawing or still life/ perspective until you have a new idea.
I suffered with trying to be perfect at drawing before starting my comic, and wasted so many years just studying and planning, never drawing. I finally started it, and now because I'm forced to draw continually nonstop, I've been improving sooo fast! Comics are good because they force u to get that drawing mileage and u improve automatically! If I'd started drawing comics sooner my skills would've been even more advanced by now! That's my biggest regret.
Sure, I cringe at the first couple chapters but at some point that was my best, and now I can flip through and see how my "best" increases more and more. It's really humbling.
My comic is called "The AGENTS Above" on Webtoons, btw!
Post the link here so people can see it quickly :))
It is unavailable, I can't read it!!!
If only more people understood this. Good on ya!
The obstacle is indeed the way!! Congrats again Jake. This video defenitly reminds me to reframe my thinking in terms of how I approach obstacles..🤔🤔
Kesh !
Kesh like your video
OMG ITS KESH / SKESHBOOK
Keeh!! Thanks, I got to know about jake by ur reference
You are my biggest idol ever. Not just because of your art skills but because of how you see things and try to explain it to others. I’m 16 years old and visiting the art pre school of design in Zurich. I’m every day surrounded by extremely creative and skilled people and from time to time a lose my motivation because I think I’m not good enough. My biggest dream is to show people my thoughts and emotions thru my art and to illustrate children’s books. And every time my motivation is down I look up to you and how much u achieved. It motivates me to continue and to not give up. To follow my dream. Thx for being such an inspiration.
Let me put it this way, as a consumer.
I’m glad that the webcomics I love had the chance to exist with their weird-looking opening chapters, instead of the artist waiting to get where they are now before deciding to start.
People care about writing. The art is secondary. As an artist that probably hurts to hear, but by god is it true if the writing’s good enough. Your art will improve, but your story can whither and die inside your head.
It’s so cool that you are sharing this project through all of its stages - from the inception of an idea, all the way through finalizing the project and publishing. Normallly in life we see the beginning, or the end, but not the bits in the middle - so it is hard to visualize how a project gets from inception to completion. Thanks so much for your generousity and consistency - and congratulations.
I got stuck so many times!!! Now I'm trying to get back to work with what I love, illustration and editorial Design.
Great reminder! I literally mutter this ‘finish, not perfect’ whenever I feel the resistance to actually work on the project. I now listen to your stuff when I am on the coloring part of my book projects 😃
This is what I've been learning too. There comes a point where you have to accept yourself and your flaws as well as strengths. Those things make you focus your abilities, creating a situation where the combination of your skills, flaws and strengths merge together into a story that only YOU can tell, whatever that medium might be.
I'm glad I'm not alone in all these bad feels. And I'm shocked someone else has read Elf Quest, lol. I've only read the first two from my library.
Felicity Swan Yeah. You're not the only one lol
Felicity Swan I read Elf Quest too!
Elfquest was my childhood FFS!
I see all these artists making comics/cartoons/games/etc and it fascinates me. I have no idea how to come up with your own big story, how to create a plot and a consistant world... I realised I myself have no big ideas, just some small plots for a couple of illustrations. That's all. This is... kinda scary... I don't feel like a real artist
Rimmo Kenro I know how you feel.
So so so happy to see a new video! I always get super excited when I see a new one!
Shrimp Tails в
I'm reminded of when Yoshitaka Amano, the Final Fantasy image illustrator, said that one thing he never wanted to be called was "sensei" because it would mean that he had mastered art and that he would rather be learning continually. Totally paraphrasing here. But anyway, congratulations on finishing, thank you for this encouraging pep talk, and I'm looking forward to reading Skyheart!
Love this honesty - as someone who's been following you for a while, it's reassuring to hear you talk about having to stop and reset and rebuild your confidence. Thank you for the transparency!
This exactly what I needed to hear. I have my own ideas that I want to put out there, but always put it off for the exact reason you talk about in your video. This video has given me the motivation I need to just start working.
Thank you!
Man, these videos hit hard whenever I see my WIP script sitting in a tab untouched bootup after bootup.
Thanks for your message Jake. This is your second video I've watched. I had to medically retire at 50 and took up painting wargaming miniatures after always giving up on and off my whole life. I'm slowly getting better and a friend in the community introduced me to you.
Thank you Jake! I love how it looks right now. I've been putting off my project for 2 months. Been working on it since 2017 and had it in my head since the time I don't remember it. This is something I've been contemplating on - impediment to action leading to more action. For me, working alone and not having trained leads to these doubts often in the past couple of years, I've learnt how to recognise when the doubt is real and when it's not.
Also I must say, I have you as the beacon of hope since 2016. It was in October 2016 that I actually overcame my decades long belief that I couldn't draw through inktober. As a kid, I used to love drawing but "art teachers" would criticise and shame when I did not draw something by the book. That made me believe at the age of 8, that I couldn't draw. Inktober came in and I started scribbling cause I was bored at my job. So inktober helped me use my brain well. That lead me to quit the job, exhibit my work and now I'm struggling as a freelancer. It's challenging but I would not exchange it for anything. Love you!
Self doubt gets so bad for me sometimes that I won't even talk about some projects I'm working on. Thanks for making this video it was very encouraging and came at the right time for me.
I too am always paralysed by doubt concerning my abilities, but I don't have any ideas so they don't get the chance to prevent me completing a project...
Dear jake, I am a writer and have published a book in my language. I started with a new book but had so much of self doubt and have stopped writing for almost 4 months now. Self doubt crippled me. I stumbled upon your video and What u have spoken has resonated so deeply. Thank you and I will start writing again. ❤️❤️
Hey Jack. thanks a lot for this. I have been working on a story for past 2 years and been working on the characters for a while now. but Everytime I start drawing I just can't keep myself motivated. Feels like I ain't doing justice to the story with my drawing. I have failed at the first page more than enough times but this was inspiring. thanks a lot. even if I give some time each day to it or at least finish a page a week from now on I will slowly catch up I believe. thanks a lot once again.
As a subscriber I can say that I honestly don't have a lot of time for TH-cam but when I do see that you have posted something new I know that it is something heartfelt and meaningful and I can learn from it so I watch knowing I'm not wasting my time. Good stuff. Keep it coming when you have time.
Dear Jake,
Your influence on my art has been great. And whenever I need the advice/suggestion. I turn to your blog/videos and so forth. I cannot tell how much my first Inktober challenge positively bought me back to pencil and paper. I've been improving since then. With improvements comes new challenges. This time the challenge is to make stories. And your video is very important for this prospect. You are an inspiration for me!
I am guilty of getting in my own way like this. I let my own doubts hold me back. This needs to change. And I'm the only one who can do that.
It's nice to see artists talking the truth! It's liberating for us newbies!!
That's my problem right now. Getting better with my art, really nailing down my style that's mine, and being motivated to do it!
This looks awesome Jake! Congratulations on getting it finished! This is like a splash of cold water to me; about two years ago I started work on a webcomic but have drug my feet about working on it due to a lot of these same fears you shared in this video. Which actually makes me feel a lot better that a professional like you could struggle with the same things as someone like me who is just starting out. But it also makes me realize that if I had taken your approach this whole time and just *done* it, I could already have my webcomic out there in the world instead of just the pages I've made and kept to myself out of fear of failure. Thanks for the food for thought and inspiration!
Also, a random question I've always wondered: what is that intro music you use? It's so inspiring and I'd love to hear the full song!
Hey Jake, I love how you didn’t make the panneling to attention grabbing.
You are leaving space for the reader to ‘fall’ into the story.
It's not a waste of time watching artist's video. I watch them while eating, resting & folding clothes. I'll stop watching & start painting as soon as I finished those. It's tempting to watch all the time, but you gotta have self-discipline if u want to succeed :-) So keep making videos, if you have the time. Just don't say it's a waste of time or completely useless. Thank you Mr. Jake for teaching me so much. I'll buy your comic if I have the money
Last year I watched a video where I heard a term "allow yourself to fail" which changed my life and I started drawing more. I've learned a lot by following that advice. I experimented and tried different things. Today I stumbled across this video which made something within me click. I have 2 projects which I was postponing as I was thinking I was not good enough. I thought that I need to learn more before I can start and that I'm not ready yet.
After watching few of your videos and after seeing all those pages you've finished I have a desire to tackle those projects and finish them.
I don't know what else to say except, thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thank you for that extra push. I am writing a comic of my own and I always stopped because my art wasn't good enough. Coincidentally I resumed working on it last month and I am through designing the main characters so I can make my script into actual comic. It feels good to hear you telling that one need to work and stop waiting for roadblocks to be removed, because many of them aren't really what blocks one project. Thank you for sharing and nice work you have there. You seems proud and should be!
I had to watched this video twice. After I watched the first time I realised that I didn't listening you at all. Those pages are hard to ignore! It's always amazing to see finished project, especially when you're aware that the author spend huge among of time to done it.
I really like those dark, evil creatures (soldiers and mounts). They have a Rayman's graphic style in my opinion, that was my first association on them. Ending is a cliffhanger and open so I hope to see next comics in the future!
It's been to long that I've been away. Glad to be back to see another Jake Parker video!
Something that's worth saying: your first big passion project is probably going to suck- this is not a bad thing- because you are naive when you begin. Once you finish your first project, you get a chance to look back and learn, and then you will have a firm basis to begin again. Iteration is key to remaining productive! And it's hard to do if you're a perfectionist that also happens to be a beginner.
Perfectionism stems from good taste, so it's not a bad thing in itself. But until your talent approaches your good taste, it's better to focus on gaining talent so you'll be ready to catch the muse when you see her.
Your first project is going to suck, your second is going to suck a little less, and if you have good taste, you'll still be a little sucky at project 100! That's a good thing.
Just want to say, I'm 38. I stopped drawing in 11th? 12th? grade.. had an art teacher I hated. And just got into other things. A week ago, I picked up a pencil for the first time in almost 20yrs to start drawing again. I have been binge watching your videos... while I work on beginner hand and line cordnation, and just very basic stuff. This has rekindled my love for art. Just want to say... Thank you for your video.
Jake, first of all, congratulations. That seems like a huge (huuuuuge) undertaking.
Would it be too much to ask you to see the stuff that you created to help you make Skyheart? Things like character turnarounds, building types for every place, tree/plant types if you did that... ship types or style guides... Maps... Things that you did for you, so that you wouldn't get lost or inconsistent in the making of this comic. And, well, why you did them!
If that's not something reserved for your backers.
Hope you had a drink of your favorite beverage when you finished! :D
Cheers!
Missing your videos Jake!! Going back through old ones because this content is awesome.
Congratulations on finishing. I have always gotten in the way of finishing my own work with a plague of self doubt and insecurity. I feel like I ruin it all once I get past the sketch or concept stage, and that more often than not becomes self fulfilling prophecy. You have some good nuggets of wisdom as usual. It's the putting into action that I get confounded with. Walls!!
This was exactly what I needed to hear today. I have a big project that I need to push through a last revision on, and being so close to the finish has been psyching me out. Thank you for reminding me that the only way out of current stress is pushing through to the finish. Also, great job on your project! I can already tell that my family is going to love it.
This is super inspirational. I'm working on my first children's book with a story I came up with. I have redrawn the first page so many times. Thank you for making this video. You are so awesome Jake Parker!
My storytelling is my strength in my own two comic projects I want to do. I've taught myself a lot of drawing, and my skills have improved a good bit over the years, but I still have trouble drawing people, especially movemwnt. I've always been best at landscapes and inanimate objects. I want to take time and improve my work before I really try to start them, but I know I might just keep putting it off forever.
man the background and vehicles are always so great
Jake, I love you man, and I am serious. You have helped me get out of a major rut that I used to be in. Since finding your channel, I have quit my day job and decided to pursue my dream and go to Art College. I am currently attending the Northwest College of Art and Design. I am at the top of my class and I have grown so much as an artist! I also have started on a graphic novel project that my friend Hector and I have been sitting on for almost 2 years. I finally found the courage to go after it and I am so glad that you made this video! Thank you for your inspiration and your love for creation and creators. Keep it up!
This video makes me want to finish the handful of stories I have started writing.
Having just watch this video, and am watching it again for the second time, I am impressed with the grandeur of the amount of work that is put into the whole of the project. Frankly, I am completely overwhelmed with the extent of it. You should be wholeheartedly proud of the work that you have done! I aspire to be able to do a 10th of it. Cheers!
Thanks for this one. Have a great idea for a comic series, and have the main characters pretty much sorted out. But still can't draw characters the way I want. So anatomy, color, perspective and storytelling lessons, let's do this!
I've been working on a project with my character as a study in poses and expressions and I haven't worked on it in a few months. I laughed when he said you need to finish your project because I was like he knows! I'm going to figure out some time I can work on it.
You couldn't have said it all any better. You hit it right on the head.
For myself I finished the first issue of my very first comic last year and am now working on my second issue. For that first issue it took me over 10 year to finally start working on it because I kept telling myself that I needed to learn more and get better. For the duration of working on it I was streaming on Twitch and as my followers grew so did my need to finish it and push through because they were there watching me working on it and expecting a comic to be made. As I worked on it I kept having to remind myself as I had doubts trying to cloud my progress that it was my first comic and it was the best way to learn and it would give me something to look bad on as I progress through the story and fix the mistakes and improve. I am really happy you made this video because I think this message needs to be spread out a lot more to those who think they need to get better at their skill before tackling a project.
Even if they were to hold off on working on a very intense and involved project and practice smaller versions like make an issue for a comic before trying to make graphic novels that way the doubts you may have are a lot easier to push through for a big passion project because you have the experience and have that reference material to look back on and make the bigger project stronger.
This sounds like this isn't just art advice but life advice.
The inks look gorgeous! Can't wait to get the finished book. I'm stuck halfway through my webcomic/graphic novel with the same kind of doubts about my people-drawing abilities. This is really inspirational for me - I think I need to just buckle down and DO it. Thank you so much!
Looks GREAT, Jake! Can't wait to get my copy! I love the design of the bad guys and especially those winged mounts they fly on.
Dude!! That awesome! Can’t wait to buy this book! I know it’s gonna be great once it’s all completed.
I do want to thank you just for all the videos you posted. Because of them, I am currently working on my own first project. I’ve worked on other people’s projects for years but you’re videos encouraged me to do my own project. So thank you for what you do! God bless!
Thank you for this. I am committing to finishing my story. You're a constant motivator and you are making a dent in inspiring others. Best of health to you and your family.
Such clear momentum. I teach at a university and I use a lot of your wisdom. And I attribute it to you. Thanks bud!
Good ol' Marcus Aurelius! What a fascinating insight about that impediment. And somehow reassuring that mr. Finished Not Perfect gets the same hangups I do!! It never stops, eh?
I've been THINKING about my book I started 2 years ago (I showed you some initial pages in 2016) and stopped for many reasons: am I good enough, will it be interesting to anyone, is there a market for it, am I not too late, etc etc etc. All those questions only lead to DO IT. They always lead to that.
I'm also currently watching your vid on Art Block, of which I never I thought I'd have such a heavy case but I clearly do. Not sure why.
Many congratulations on finishing that MASSIVE pile of drawings!! I can't imagine how that feels but it must feel GREAT. You gained even more massive chops than usual.
Last but not least: I never considered you to be a weak humanoid designer, just exceptionally strong in the vehicle and robot design. And THANK YOU for making this video. I will be watching it again.
Thank you so much for being open and honest with your video. I struggle with the same inferiority complexes and self-doubts as I go through my artistic Journey to be coming a full-time comic book artist I appreciate your honesty, and your openness.
You wouldn't be wasting my time if you posted every day! Love your work. Big inspiration!
Thank you Jake for being vulnerable and honest! This is so encouraging to be reminded that every artist goes through this in varying degrees. And I'm also so relieved to see that it's taken you a couple years to finish the inks, because it is a realistic portrayal of a working artist going through the ebbs and flows with a life outside of art.
And thank you for the honest explanation of posting your videos--I completely support this decision. :)
I love the way you work Jake. We both think the same about posting stuff. Thanks for everything!!
I love the art in Seven To Eternity and Jerome Opena’s illustrations and think to myself that I never do that. However like you said you have to battle against your negative thinking and just do it. Regardless if it’s a graphic novel, a painter, story teller, and etcetera.
Congratulations! I have been doing a videogame this months. The amount of things that I didn´t know how to do helped me a great deal because they forced me to learn useful skills. The book looks awesome! I hope you realease a digital version.
Have a great week!
A lot of the time a real issue when it comes to projects is merely the time. Im not the type who like utilizing excuses, and I am aware that it's important to learn time management skills. Often times when students (like me for an example) has or wants to start a project, they are prolonged in completion or in many cases are forced to stop. Im happy to day that I'm still trying to do my comic after almost 3 years of starting it, but many do not have the opportunity to work on the project. When you make a project it should be important, and I know projects often are to those involved, but you have the tackle "more important" tasks in order to save you from stress and backfire.
Thanks Jake, this video came at a perfect time. I’m a big believer in the universe bringing things into your life when you need them and then it’s up to us to act upon the opportunity. This video came for me at a time when I was hesitant to start a sizeable project for the exact reason you mentioned - not being comfortable with my current skill set yet. I’ve been like this all my life and it’s never a good thing because like you said, you’ll never be as good as you aspire to be at that moment and when you DO become that good, you’ll be aspiring to be something even better. There truly is no time like NOW. Thanks for the reminder.
oh GOODNESS!!!!! we are more alike than I ever even thought to think!
I don't like to waste people's time with my videos too! I spend months filtering ideas that I want to deliver to my potential audience, and then weeks/days recording and editing, because quality is super important to me ;)
but then it turns out I didn't really say what I meant to, and just spent too much time trying, and no one really watches anyway... but I like your video and I'm happy for you that you finished your work on your book!!!!
Guilty as charged. I had delayed working on my novel idea for years until I finally just decided to sit down and finish it. I wrote the bulk of it during NaNoWrimo and finished the first draft on the last days of 2017. I’m in the process of revising but now at least I have the first step done. I plan to eventually turn this into a comic but my self doubt about my art skills (drawing backgrounds) keeps holding me back. I’ve decided that while I revise my written story I will practice drawing backgrounds for my story (among other things) so when the novel is at the final stage I can start drawing it.
Congratulations Jake!!The comic looks great. It has intresting panels and characters.Wish you the best of luck with the comic's sales.Also we appreciate a lot your approach to TH-cam and the fact that you pay a lot of attention to the quality of your videos.thank you :)
I struggle with motivation all the time, and you are such a great help every time I watch one of your vids.
I think it's one of the greatest advice I've heard. This and your finish, not perfect video. Thanks for all this sharing, it's amazing and inspiring !
I can't describe the feeling I got this moment... I'm going through the most hurting hardship i've ever faced right now, hurting a lot, but your video just makes me breathe again... I'm thinking of becoming a pro artist and all the thing I see are block, tons of block and dark clouds, in a way this hardship I mentioned earlier got me at the point that I need to find a new way to be happy, a way to be true to myself, and the only way I see is becoming a pro artist... But it's so fuzzy out there... So hard to become "pro" in France... Anyway thank you for this video full of hope !
Jake those pages look AMAZING.
I've always been super duper inspired by you and you are exactly just like those "idols" you said in the video to me. It's really almost comforting and a relief to hear that even our own idols have the same doubts and thoughts as we do :)
Your video just gave me the spark to finally start a project I ve been putting off because of self doubt... Can't thank you enough 😊
some of the pages in your comics look alike one of my dreams as a child btw love your art you always inspire me to make art and never giving up.Even im not the greatest artist i know i have a passion for it.thank you jake...
I love how you keep mentioning Otomo and Mignola :) love them too
it is strange how soothing the sound of pages being turned by be. Also it is kinda of nice to remember that all artist experience some form of doubt. And what is it about the human form that we all find so challenging? I'm right there with you, I do the BIG mistake of comparing my art style to another's art style.
These videos are literal gold mines you can get for free. Thank you, truly you deserve way more success on TH-cam even if this is not your main aim. Peace :)
Thanks for sharing your experiences Jake, I agree that you need to just push through and be in that vulnerable state of learning and displaying what you can do even though you might feel inadequate. I've been working on a small kids book and I'm really trying to follow the "finish it and then make another" instead of dissecting my work constantly and slowing down the process of completing one book. Thanks again.
"The impediment to action becomes the action. What stands in the way becomes the way." Thank you for that.
You sir just inspired me to pencil the first 2 pages of my comic book. Thank you.
Wow! I'm so happy for you for finishing this! I am looking forward to seeing it!
you're one of my favorite persons on youtube! please , newer stop inspire me and a ton of other people!
I should've watched when you first posted.
I've submitted art for a contest on Newgrounds just when I thought it was done after uploading my entry. The piece is traditional color done with acrylic paint, after looking once posted.
The image kinda changed which when seeing art in person & then online, quality shifts like brightness-contrast.
I realize my entry wasn't done there are a few things I could to improve it but the Challenge of the Month by Jazza deadline was Feb 21st.
Last week I watched a few good interview videos of John Romero, from what John said and now watching your video.
You're both 100 percent right.
I needed this. Ive been so stuck because I feel like I can’t write the story I’m trying to tell. Thank you. I always figured that my art hero’s just sat down and made beautiful comics and didn’t doubt themselves. I guess we all have the same feelings.
Thank you so much for making this video! I really needed this reminder and also a reminder to my art fam. I've had so many projects on hold over the years because I just didn't feel like I had enough skill to work on it. I'm definitely on the path to change that and finally start drawing my comics. Thank you again! Stay awesome.
Thanks for the encouragement. I will finish some works that have been stalled because I lacked confidence. Good video, I hope your story does well.
Wow that was so inspirational. I have felt that way about all of your videos. I am a huge perfectionist, and I want to say soon that I am an ex-perfectionist. I just started a super scary project that I am excited about but focuses on all my weaknesses. As terrifying as it is, I chose it in hopes that I would improve at them, but I’ve been standing immobilized for a couple weeks now, so thank you so much for this video!!!
This hit home my man. Literally have been commissioned to illustrate a 9 series comic book. Early on I felt like I bit off more then I could chew and trying to work on that as well as other projects that bring in money has been a tough act to balance. But I will be vigilant!
I'm truly thankful for every thing you're sharing in this video.
What you said here is really important for every single person not necessarily artists only. You have no idea how much I'm thankful after listening to this video.
I come to this channel whenever i need inspiration.
It is so awesome to see the entire comic book!!! I love it!!! It looks amazing!!!
Thank you for this information! I frequently go back to your Finished Not Perfect video and I will add this video to my motivation arsenal. Now I need to finish those short stories and novellas I started!
I love the depth of thought behind your videos.
Congratulations on finishing SkyHeart! Thank you for the video, it was really motivating and just what I needed to go back to my project right away :)
Man! It was interesting to hear you have the same self doubts in your abilities crop up - - -Thanks for sharing! There is hope!
Nice to see you uploading again Jake.
I'm a few years late here but these videos are so on point, it's the iceberg - that amazing piece of work that we admire, whatever it is, that is the pinnacle of that artist's efforts with a whole lot of work and perseverance sitting below the water supporting it.
This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. I just started the rough draft of my comic after a year of self-doubt.
Really glad to hear this, am in the middle of a book project and the struggle with self doubt is so real. Will be pushing on through this week! Thanks for the pep talk.
Thank you so much! I’m starting again! Congratulations on finishing your inking!😊
Great to hear the inking is finally done. I've been following Skyheart's progress carefully. After seeing this video I realized I need to do the same thing and I promised myself and my friends that I'm finally doing the work to finish my first comic story in 2018. I had the exact same problem with wanting to be better, but as you said, that feeling never really goes away if you just keep on practicing. Thanks for the nice work you've been making, definitely inspired one extra person here!