artists put time and effort into mastering their craft and making stuff, they deserve to be compensated. Some of the most critically acclaimed, historically valuable art in the world was made *for money* for patrons like the Medici family and the Vatican. The fact that you think that "real artists" don't make money from their art just shows an immense ignorance on your part of (1) reality, and (2) art history. By your own definition, Caravaggio, Monet, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci aren't "real artists" sooooooooo yeah lmao that's bs
@@KelseyRodriguez yeah well we don't live in Da vinci times and that kind of art patronage isn't a thing unless you're making 'art' for the juice in NYC for their money laundering facilities that they call galleries and museums. But have fun continuing to make more money on youtube than you do making art. I was trying to make you feel better about the fact that you will never make a living off your art. But since you insist that real artists DO make money then I guess you're just a mediocre youtuber and not a real artist. Snot
@@veraswanson1074 You don't have to be. Art is a luxury in high demand. I know it's hard to comprehend when you know absolutely nothing about it. Five figures are not as uncommon as you think in the art industry, and especially not within the sphere of entertainment on youtube. Kelsey is not a rare case. Most serious artists are smart. I know twitter is full of the outspoken "poor" ones, but that's because everyone else are hard at work making 💲💲💲💲
To me, you are like an art-business coach. You are also an encourager, which artists need very much. I don't care if you sell your artwork or not. To me, you are an important part of my art world, which I find extremely valuable. Thanks for all your YT efforts and for doing what comes naturally to you. That in itself is setting a good example for me.
The first few seconds of this video, I knew actually what she was going to say and I agree. I hate my current job, but allows me to make well thought out approaches to my art career. You have to be able to sustain and have that steady flow of income.
A job for me isn’t an option. I’m disabled without disability benefits and for the first time since I’ve been ill, I had to skip my medicine last month because I can’t afford it. Now I’m debating eating vs buying medicine next month.
I just want to say, I wouldn't have believed I could make money doing what I love without seeing your videos. Your videos made me do more research, and I was able to compile everything I learned into a business plan that I pitched to my parents in the hopes they would stop worrying about what I'm trying to do. I'm going to be posting my first TH-cam video soon, and I am trying to build an audience/community (because I really need some creative friends) and put the foundation in place for multiple streams of income (other than TH-cam). My business isn't fully dependent on my art, which is what I want. However, I still see myself as an artist and a creative. I create videos, paintings, drawings, posts, etc. There is art in making videos, and it's okay that you make money in other ways. You're still an artist. Anyone who creates is an artist, regardless of the medium. My father, for example, hasn't painted for years, and I still consider him an artist because he views the world as one; he wants to create, but just doesn't have time. And that's okay, too. Titles are so out of style. Why must we define what the title "Artist" means? If someone considers themself an artist or creative, they are. So thank you, Kelsey. For doing what you do and being the kind of artist you are.
Hey! Subbed to your channel!- I've been painting for a while, but am just now looking to get into it full time and grow my creative community (on and offline). Good luck! I hope we get to do what we want and help each other along the way :)
Hey :D I also want to start my creative career and make videos and slowly work on being able to support myself with my art. If you want to do something creative together, think about your busines plan or just talk about art, I would be happy to be your friend :) ~Ella
@@Juststudiothings Thank you! I’ve been drawing and painting on and off for a while, too. It was after I saw Kelsey’s videos that I thought…maybe I can actually do this. Good luck to you too! We’re all part of the same community on here, so I think we can all support one another. 😊
@@ella.the.creative7643 Hi, Ella! You’re very sweet. Thank you! Sure! We can definitely chat. I’m always open to meeting and befriending new people in the art community. 😊
When people try to gatekeep who gets to be called an artist it drives me up a wall. Do you create art? Congratulations, you're a real artist! Whether you ever sell a piece or if you keep it hidden on a tall shelf in a closet and no one ever sees it, whether you have an art degree or not, whether you do it for pay or for pleasure, it doesn't matter. You're a real artist. And I think people don't understand just how difficult it is to get into a gallery or what is involved with it. It can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to create a gallery-ready portfolio and collateral that you leave behind for gallery owners. And you don't just walk up to a gallery and they automatically start showing your work. You have to have an artist persona that they can sell before they will even look at your work, because their customers are not looking for pretty pictures. Gallery customers want prestige, and they want something that matches the sofa and drapes. To create prestige you have to be an interesting story (be, not have) that gallery owners can spin up to create a mystique around your art. And you have to have a signature, consistent style that is substantially unique. We all know what someone means if they say "a Picasso" or "a Pollock." Getting into a gallery is very much like rocking up to a company that's not hiring and convincing them to hire you as a C-level executive. If you have money and connections already, or a great resume of previous experience, you might have a shot, but if you're Joe Schmo walking off the street with no previous work experience, your chances are infinitesimally small. Not zero. But tiny. Comparatively, the barrier to entry on youtube is: do you have a smartphone and the internet? If yes to both, you can start building an audience for your art. Starting with youtube and etsy or a print-on-demand site for prints is the smart choice of venue if you're not already independently wealthy.
Oh well, to be honest I couldn't give a flying fk about these elitists. People that pretty much made me hate use the word artist for myself. So you do you. Tho, the funniest of these things is the "artcism" of the artists who don't draw erotic stuff and look down on those that do tiddy art. It's hella funny, at least for me.
I see an artist as someone who creates art, whether they sell it or not. My art exhibitions came about as a "ridiculous goal" with a mental health theme. A community arts grant helped me to cover the cost of the gallery fees & art materials. I recently started an online store. It's not cheap to have an ecommerce website (even with building it myself). A big investment for someone on a low income.
Thank you for pointing out that Van Gogh didn't really sell paintings during his life. I think when people make comments about what is a "real artist" has more to do with their own insecurities, jealousy, and limiting beliefs.
I think these sorts of videos are very important for artists who are not yet able to sustain themselves through their art. It's important to know what options are available and how one person (in this case you) is able to use a platform like TH-cam to help sustain their art career. I'm still relatively new to the TH-cam game and am growing very slowly, but I think artists make good TH-camrs because they're used to the long game. Learning art takes a long, long time and so does growing a TH-cam channel, so we're used to failing over and over again to get better and better.
I feel like that many artist are often pressurized to sell their original and prints but tbh not everyone has the same privilege to do that. I'm myself a hobby artist with very bad mental health so I only paint for myself at the moment however I've also received some negative messages on IG like "Why do you waste your money and time on painting if you don't sell your art" I just hate the fact that our society wants to monetize everything! Passions doesn't always have to convert into a business especially when I'm not ready! I would have definitely sell my artworks if money and space wasn't an issue for me ( I've been shifting apartments a lot which made me really depressed due to the constant change in the environment ). Anyways amazing video and advice as always. You're literally the only artist I trust when it comes to the business side of art. Just do whatever feels right you. Being honest and transparent is something we all appreciate about you but putting your priorities and needs are way more important. Just because you don't Paint every week and post it on TH-cam doesn't make you less as an artist. You're simply amazing KELSEY👏.
I have a full time job. It takes 10 hours of my day. Then regular life occurs as well... really hinders creativity. Yet I still have a TH-cam channel and create art. Its not easy. But I love it! I'm so envious of full time artists. 8m very happy for them! You inspire me! Because it shows have a chance!😁
I'm currently working as a vfx artist in television and, as cool as it sounds, I've realized it's not for me. I just started working towards creating my own art full-time and you're videos have helped me so much! I started filming for my TH-cam last weekend and hope to post my first video next week 🤞🌻 ✨
OMG, I can hardly believe that you’ve actually featured my question and answered it.. this is a first for me.. I stopped the vid and went back and forth dancing in my apartment😂.. then I resumed watching and rewatching those whole four minutes of mine😃 I loved it and I wanted to tell you about my reaction but it’s hard to describe how good it really felt. thank you Kelsey❤
Hey Kelsey I’ve been a long time viewer since your Alaska days - it’s amazing to see your personal growth. Since watching you I’ve started my own channel, but I made some pretty stupid mistakes before then including buying prints, paying for store spots/pop ups you name it and it just wasn’t selling. Looking back I think me and my art were not ready, on my channel I try and explore that weird flux zone where you have to make art to make content, but your not making any money out of it so finding a direction (for me personally) is challenging. My channel itself has become more authentic, from click bait titles / common art video tropes to a more raw and cumbersome vlog style. I hope that being true to my voice gets me where I want to be. Thank you for the long term advice you’ve been providing whilst it hasn’t always helped me for my specific situation it rebalances my objectives and helps me to just keep going 💜
I love that Kelsey had identifiable "Alaskan days" as she stayed in our cabin in Kenai during the pandemic with the cold weather outside and the moose wandering by.
I truly appreciate your insights. I’m new to your channel but you’ve given me hope as a creator. I’ve been putting my art on the back burner because of finances, but after following your advice I’m going to take steps to get back into that bag. Honestly I wish other artists stopped trying to measure what it takes to be an artist. Imo every one is a creator in one way or another. Nobody can take it away from you.
I was wondering about your art practice and whether or not you sell work/prints/etc. I think it’s amazing that you’ve found a way *related to* your art practice to finance your practice/pay the bills. There’s a couple who are artists (Rafi & Klee - also on TH-cam) who talk about having a “corporate side hustle” in order to have that financial security while pursuing an art career. Your “side hustle” just isn’t so far to the side and facilitates your practice. Absolutely love this for you!!!! And please, ignore the people who comment on your looks/style/etc. - you do you!!! Thank you for your content and all your hard work!
Sad to see so many non-artists trying to talk you down. So much projected insecurity and superiority complexes in one youtube comment section. I'm glad you don't disable comments, and I hope you can block out the voices of those who are just looking to put others down (free of consequence, because the internet is the cowards playground). I find these videos very informative and it gives me some food for thought in regards to launching my own channel as well as ways to tackle more passive income streams. I'm neck deep in commission and patreon work, but once I manage to dig myself out I will try to grow more passive income streams as well ✨
I agree a lot of what was said in this vid. It's the exact reason why after getting my art degree I decided to complete a design portfolio and sought out a design job with a salary/benefits to have that wonderful financial stability. And I can definitely testify to the idea that it's way easier to make art and feel fulfilled creatively when the finances are taken care of/stable. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
I agree to a degree about waiting to invest too much into a shop but I think it can also vary on the type of art you make! If you do a lot of fan art, investing in some stickers and posting them on etsy isn't that bad of a way to start even if you don't really have a following :) Getting stickers from places like sticker app/vograce aren't that bad and is a way to try starting without investing too much (of course it depends on what you're financial situation is) or if you have a printer that can handle sticker paper then the cost entry is pretty low! Plus getting nice envelopes from Michaels that aren't that expensive lowers the entry some more. I started an etsy shop that way and have had 100 sales without much of a following so I think it can be worth a shot if you're in a good financial position for it! Especially if you post your new stock on twitter, TikTok, insta etc to help gain exposure. But of course you shouldn't over invest, even though I really wanna do things like books and charms, they can be expensive to invest in so until I make a more strong income from my art I wouldn't go that far yet :)
@@karenl8837 I wouldn't call a $100 investment a big risk. Of course, if it's out of your budget then like I said don't do it. It's just a different opinion that's all.
This was very encouraging for me, thank you! I find the way you’re going about being a full time artist very relatable because I started more as a content creator making art as a hobby. I have felt like I am going about things backwards because I built a community and audience before having art to sell. But it has felt much safer this way, financially.
She's actually teaching herself a lot about marketing by creating these vids. And she can teach what she learns about it to others. Many creatives don't like the marketing part, and so its nice to have advice on it.
I guess, but I think a lot of people who want to be professional artists don't care if they actually *sell* their art to people or not. They just want to get paid for doing art. And if, for example, they get paid for youtube videos of them painting, then that would count.
You dont understand how much I needed this video! I very recently started building a social media platform, and I'm honestly loving it so much, I love the process for content creation but I've also wanted to have an online shop for awhile too but it's so hard to know where to go or when the right time will be. For months I've been torn on whether to jump right in and see what happens or wait for the best time. Your videos are always so comforting and really help guide me. For now I'm just enjoying content creation and growing my art skills. I recently started watercolour painting and I love it! I've decided I'm just going to enjoy the journey and not try to rush into being a full time artist. I know it'll happened eventually, no matter if it'll take years to get there. Also! I'm so excited for your shop to open whenever you're ready! Thanks so much so the great video!
I am an artist who is new to the idea of selling my art and I just found your channel - I've been listening to all of your videos while I craft and make inventory for my very first $25 craft booth and I just want to say thank you for your content! I appreciate your honesty and encouragement, thank you for being genuine!
To anyone out there feeling the pressure to sell art they don't want to sell. BOB ROSS NEVER SOLD ANY OF HIS PAINTINGS!! The og artist content creator that was HIGHLY successful without selling paintings. And the paintings are still in storage to this day...So don't beat yourself up about wanting to keep your art and making money through different revenues. 🥰
Thank you for doing what you do here- this has helped me move forward in my career and get the confidence I needed. Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work! 🙏✨🌿
This is great advice! I do Print on demand to save on having a lot of inventory, and its a great way to test out products to see how well they do before you invest in stocking that inventory.
I recently heard of print on demand and I thought it was a such a great option for people who maybe don’t have the biggest audience, but can start experimenting with selling their art without the risk of not selling inventory and also not having to dedicate time to packing and shipping orders. I’m going to be researching different platforms soon to explore this option. Great to see someone else doing it!
@@jocydoesart I just started my shop a couple of weeks ago and its been a great lower cost way to get started for sure. I currently use Printify, I also looked at printful and custom cat (i think thats the neme🤔). But good luck, I know you'll do great once you find the one that fits you best
you are an inspiration and a definite diamond for younger , new coming artists. thanks for all you do for the community, i hope the rest of your days are full of good fortune and happiness :)
A well said video ! I am myself am an art that started a business while still having a full time job and go to school. I struggle to have time to create tiktoks, insta reels, even keep up to date with my shop. Im currently helping my mom with bills to live. It's really hard out here.
I love that you drill in people's heads about passive income as an artist. I've always learned and worked on how I would make passive income but never thought about it as an artist until I started doing items for an avatar form, signing up for affiliates, etc. I had my online for about 2/3 years now on and off, and it hasn't grown or had any sales, so I started doing the other stuff to make money. I haven't made much, but I made more than I do in my art sales. Everyone should learn about passive income and best the system with it for us, as artists, can show the world we are smart financially and business-wise.
I agree with what you’re doing. The artistic landscape is changing so rapidly. Generally speaking, artists are notorious for being poor salespeople and even worse businesspeople. I think that using TH-cam to self promote and build an audience while you’re still working hard to level up your skills is pretty smart.
I just want to say your videos are by far the fucking best!!!! They’re so helpful and positive! Even the downsides and everything to bring an artist you explain everything so well an thorough
Honestly, THANK YOU, for making this content. I love the transparency, I think it's so valuable for everyone (myself included) who wants to start an art career. And it's not just this video. I love how you're putting information out there, making it accessible for others. Showing that it's not just a big secret. Thank you!!
Hi Kelsey. Thanks for the chat, very insightful. Artist here inside of my first year still. I went down the route of launching a store straight after the first 100 or so people asked me to. I have actually found generating passive income harder than direct sales. Interestingly enough my worries we’re losing the impulse of potential customers by not having a store there in the first place, so I guess I’m risk averse too but the other way around! I think some risk is a good thing though, it drives me to make sure I continue to push for success. For anyone that says you’re not an artist, they probably don’t realise that creating quality content is an art form in itself these days 😅 Take the leap girl, you won’t regret it :)
I'm so grateful to that person who asked the question which prompted this video and even more grateful to you for all you are sharing. I am following along and will see how it goes. You are definitely on the right track. Your answers all make are are right, on point and makes sense. I'm so happy for your success!. Keep up the good work. Forget all the haters, what you are doing is working, you are living proof of that. Thanks again. (hugs & Kisses)
I found your videos this week, and it feels like you're the help I needed in the final stretch of becoming a full time artist. Thank you for your videos, they're all incredibly insightful and helpful!
Kelsey, I just wanted to thank you. This was exactly the video I needed to see right now. You probably just saved me from making a big mistake and then hating myself when it didn't work out. Your empathy is incredible, thank you.
I love your channel. It makes complete sense to play it safe. I'm going to be starting my art business journey this month and I'm gonna document it on youtube etc. It's so exciting and I'm very grateful to have resources like your channel to help.
Thank you for bringing me back down to earth, I'm a Ph.D student in comp. sci. who wants to build an art career and sometimes I just want to kamikaze into it and go full time and drop what I've been doing but this reminds me that its ok to build slowly and to be patient. In terms of physical products, you could test how well they sell by using a print on demand service initially so you don't need to carry inventory, such as printful (which is USA based) then if the product does well you may want to consider carrying inventory to increase your profit margin. Drop shippers make a ton of money on basic T-shirt / merch sales with bad art simply because they automate everything, they research what sells and market like crazy via facebook ads etc. If they can do it surely artists with good work can too.
Just about every artist we know can quote a piece of unfair criticism that stung them at some point, but the ones who made a lifelong career learn to absorb or discard critique depending on whether it's useful or just mean. No point wasting time on people who don't wish you success!
i hope every artist or aspiring artist stumbles across your channel, you give such great advice. I agree it's better to build ourselves and our audience first before we start marketing. A lot of the times, we artists are not good at marketing so It's so nice to have your channel giving us tips on how to manage our art business, cz it's really not talked about enough 💚
Literally, every time I turn on one of your videos I think, "oh yeah I will just clean my workspace and do my laundry while watching this" and soon realize that I need a notebook to take some notes! You go, girl! Super insightful!!
This was such a wonderful video, Kelsey! Not only are you sharing your artwork and creativity the way you are comfortable and happy with, but you are inspiring countless others, including myself, to follow their artistic dreams. Keep doing you ❤
I loved it, you are so nice!I really work half-time next to the college and try to improve my art first and then start youtube and when I am comfortable enough..like you said THEN start conventions and online shop,Step by step
Hi Kelsey, wanted to lyk that I admire your ambition and consistency :) and the clarity you bring to you art career. At the moment, I’m scared to look at numbers because I know that I’m not making enough content to make these numbers useful information. As creatives, we definitely hope that the creations we put out will come back to us - sometimes that can come as numbers such as views or sales. I wonder how that will change as we move forward with our art careers.
I agree with a lot of the points but when it comes to business there’s always risk so if you’re keen to start a business feel free to risk it if you want too ❤ fear of failing or losing money will hold you back too ! You can take calculated risks- also like with investing - you can give yourself a budget you’re ok to lose. So if you do it’s not a pain but a lesson ! Good luck I appreciate also that you give the advice out of love… but sometimes we can project our own fears onto others and some people will actually thrive ina. Risky business start ❤
I like this kind of video much much more than your business advice videos. I know you're struggling to reconcile those two parts of your TH-cam presence, but seriously--business advice is of the moment. This is advice that will applicable forever. More of this, please!! SO GOOD!!!!
I love your candidness & really needed your insight. I launched an Etsy shop for my knitting but I would have benefited from this video had I saw it before doing that. I know I can still use your insight as I am at an impass & sort of at the drawing board to restart. Thanks for sharing!
So I wish I would've found your videos sooner. I'm a watercolor artist focusing on chickens and custom pet portraits. I kinda just jumped in feet first and made the shop to sell my art , first on Etsy and now on my own website and at festivals. My IG and FB following are quite small. I started a YT channel a while ago but then dropped it for a while. I've gone back to YT in the last couple of months to really give it more effort. I'm just trying to find where I belong. Thankfully, I've had just enough of a following that my art has at least supported my art business, so I'm not in a big financial hole. I initially didn't need to depend on my art income as I grew, but now finances are getting tight and my family is starting to really need the income. My husband is a teacher, and I stay home to homeschool and work on my art business. Living on a single teacher's income is HARD, so I really need my art business to grow. I'm a little at a loss for what to do right now to make more money, but I'm learning. I appreciate your videos. I'll keep on as long as I can. I don't know that I have time to homeschool my children, grow my art business, AND have another part time job, so I hope it doesn't come to that. I just want all the effort in my art business to finally start paying off. Anyway, thanks for the videos and advice.
Great video, Kelsey! 👏🎉 Lots of people leaving those sorts of comments don't know that, in order to have consistent art sales and make a sustainable income selling art, you need a)an large enough audience that likes your work, and b)an understanding that you are a business and therefore, you need knowledge of things like sales, strategy, marketing and accounting. 😁 You're 100 percent right in that, it's important to have multiple streams of income as an artist, especially if you want to sustain a good quality of life and don't want to be worrying all the time that you won't be able to pay the bills. It's important to stay open to teaching or doing workshops at least every now and then, even if one doesn't want to make their income though teaching, in my opinion. Or staying open to making prints, TH-cam, etc. One must be willing to make sacrifices, especially as you grow and learn and discover what the right path for us is (there are so many ways to make a living as an artist nowadays). Also, just because you're doing something for a period, doesn't mean you'll be doing it forever. Things shift and change as you continue improving and evolving as an artist. The first few years, when I was starting my art business, I did lots of commissions, gallery shows, and participated in local art events. Honestly, I didn't enjoy it very much and am so happy that I set myself up to be able to be picky with the commissions I do take. What I do now is much more sustainable and profitable. But yeah, building an audience is #1 and this takes time, patience and lots of effort. People making this comments don't know how things actually work, it seems. Thanks for sharing with us, Kelsey! Love your videos. 💕
Yes! Diversification in so incredibly important. I've not really gotten in to social media as an income stream, but art licensing, freelance work, books, commissions, fairs and online store have been a few of mine over the years. Though I really like your idea of creating a base first before selling. Super smart and very intentional.
GIRLLLL I've been away for a couple of weeks and you're almost at 78K ?? CONGRATS !!! you deserve it :D I'm sooo happy for your growth ! When it comes to TH-cam, I always say that I view TH-cam as a showcase for my art. I think it's a good tool to use !
Thank you for this! I love your very careful, thought out process. I've been accused of lacking confidence, not selling myself blah blah and I couldn't put into rational words why exactly I am being careful about marketing myself. Now I understand that it's not only about giving myself time to learn, grow and prepare, but also about minimizing risk. We need to give ourself permission to make the decisions we make because, at the end of the day, we are the ones who have to live in the bed we have made.
You are absolutely wonderful! I appreciate your generosity, honesty, sincerity and devotion to creating art and helping others to feel confident to do so!!!!! Haters will always hate and try to tear down others who succeed and feel confident! You are PERFECT just the way you are!
My art journey is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT to yours!! There is definitely no right way to become an artist- where you live, you art style, your age, social media and other commitments in your life have a huge impact and what route you take xx
Awesome info as always. Your ability to deconstruct or demystify rather the business of things is an asset that is so beneficial to artists no matter how many paintings you’ve done. Putting a quota on “value”. Shame on them.
Your energy is absolutely infectious and your videos have been both grounding and encouraging for me!! I love your passion! Thank you so much for making this channel, it was exactly what I needed ❤❤❤
You are such an inspiration to many artists including myself. Thank you for being so honest and helpful. You always have so many helpful tips. I appreciate your videos and everything that you put into them. Thinking smart I beilive is the way to go financially.
Thank you for the video, Kelsey, it is so helpful ☺️ I am working towards my dream creative career and still figuring out what exactly i want to make and how to build several income streams as well. Documenting my journey on TH-cam has been fun as well 😊 good luck everyone! ❣️
I see a lot of comments saying basically what I wanted to say, but I think it's worth saying again: I seriously appreciate how clear and down to earth your advice all is. I don't feel talked down to, nor do I feel buttered up. Having these realistic takes on planning both content and art (firmly against the belief that a painting is "content" but who's to say the process isn't content) makes things so approachable and inspiring. Also, I love your vlogs! I can understand wanting to have a separate space for them if you're worried about your channel numbers, but it's also nice to have them all here as well, to break up the talking head / planning and advice videos. Will follow either way you decide to go :)
I completely relate to this. I'm still researching the market and observing the competition before I commit to the development of my products. I feel sort of comforted by this 💜
Kelsey! I love watching your content because idk I just believe you! When you tell me I can make a career from TH-cam and making content. I just started posting regularly and I’m going to be using your channel and content so much as I move forward! Regarding business plans bc I can get overwhelmed with that. Thank you for your content!! 💖
I found your channel pretty recently but you really give the best advice for artists! Thank you for all your videos they have inspired me in my art journey so much in such a short amount of time!
I commented on this video a few days ago but I was having dinner so I probably skipped some part of your videos but today I got enough time to watch the whole video and I'm in tears😭. The part where you talked about your "Niche" was so damn relatable!! I've seen many amazing artist selling their artworks on IG and I often wondered whether I could make a living with just doing TH-cam in future and I'm so grateful and extremely happy for having such an amazing Person like you in this platform!! The way you talked about "Being comfortable" was very validating and honest that most people don't talk about!! This video have gave me a lot more clarity on how I'll approach my art career in future. Note*: The best thing about your vidoes is that you really bring that emotional connection with your audience♡. Also I've been so super HAPPY because of seeing your growth. The amount of hardwork you have put on this channel is giving you the same amount of love in back. Please keep doing what you do kelsey🧡
I watched one of your videos about two months ago and since then I've been so motivated to create videos for this platform! I can't thank you enough for all the advice and strategies, they've really guided me throughout this process and inspire me to keep going :)
You really are a good person ^^ your advice is gold. I am 30 and in a new phase of my life (i was able to draw and make stories and art for me but too shy to expose to the world). Now i wanted to try to enter in the art world, but not entierely because i am a graphic designer ^^ ! Your videos are really nice :)
At 8:10 - another low-risk starting idea is print on demand! I love that the investment is really low, like just the $0.20 listing on Etsy. Then I just made an excel sheet to help me with pricing!
I think the issue is that it’s not so much a career in the arts as a content creator career plain and simple. The business of art has a tiny component of social media though major artists and emerging artists aren’t even on social or post very little. Not on TH-cam for the most part but solely on Instagram as that’s where the art world hangs out. An art career is made half in the studio half networking / showing your work in real life and on insta/ applying to various open calls, institution commissions, publications, prizes and grants amonst other collaborative outreaches. That’s what an actual art career is. Though this strategy makes financial sense, it’s a content creator career, there’s nothing wrong with that it’s just not an art career. For people who want to see a fine artist documenting her career I suggest Claire Luxton
It's a bit hurtful to see people judging you but at the end of the day it's all noise. I even think that you are not selling art just yet is the respect towards the masters in the world. The more you're exposed, you're succeeding to make your audience as maximised as possible than the people judging you. It's your life and your pace, the other noise does not matter. We are all in this together Kelsey! I very much appreciate your courage for openly speaking like this. You are very strong and kind 😊
I have ran across a few of your videos in the past and am glad i was recommended to this video as i have learned so much from just those few videos i have seen. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and opinions on everything that i think of and have questions about. You seem to be the only honest youtuber who answers the questions i have in a real way. I am now subscribed and wish i subscribed earlier.
hi kelsey, i always watch your videos during my 10 hour shift at work, i work at animation as an animation director and i beleive someday i will be able to be an artist full time, i also believe it will be a lot harder because in latin america art is not as valued as in foreign countries (i guess). your videos always sinspire me for the day, even if after watching them and going home i just havethe energy to cook dinnner, feed my cat and fall asleep. your videos do inspire me a lot, thank you always for making them
Found your videos recently and have been binging them 🤣 Doing similar videos but as a potter/ ceramic artist❤️ Thanks for creating such a wonderful community for TH-cam artists❤️
Thank you for sharing. Waiting to start selling though - I just don't have the time to do all things. But when somebody wants to buy, hell yeah you sell! Blessings from Japan
I dont know who can ever post a hate comment on you. You such a gorgeous creature! Your hair is perfect, your hands is perfect, your glasses is perfect
so basically what i get from this video is that procrastinating is fine all jokes aside though, this really changed how i look at this career. its amazing how we can share our mindsets and to be honest? i've never thought of this, never thought of that, makes me "ohhh, oh wait yeah that makes sense :0" its never an instant journey, but oh boy how this boosted my motivation
So much great advice in this video Kelsey! ☺️Especially reaching out to those who doing what you want to do / people in your niche ! 🙌🏾💕✨as someone who grew up with a similar background I am also risk averse and want to put myself in the best position possible to succeed.
I like the informal tone of this video and your honestly. And yea, to be honest a lot of developing artists just need to find their own specific way of achieving their goals. And definitely, would love if there was more variety of artists on youtube, be it their subject matter or personal voice, but also so true! There are artists making a living, its just that they dont want to be public figures and do all the extra stuff involved lol. Personally, I fall into the category of people who want to be independent with my own art being the main stuff I create, and also just need to work on their art and being stable irl before launching anything like a store or full time artistry. I also have a different niche and background than yours, and working to eventually be able to talk more about it ahah. Regardless, its always nice to see how other artists make their own art path. Thanks for the vid!
I think we have the exact same approach to business even though our businesses and careers have taken different paths. Very helpful video! Keep up the good work.
I'm really glad i watched this before launching an online store. I was about to invest money that would hurt my finances a lot on samples and inventory. All from feeling pressure and guilt from bot being 'productive' financially as an artist. you are right that there is a timing for it and erring in the side of caution is a good plan :) i will wait until i do have more money to invest and a more solid guarantee that i can recoup my costs back and that it won't drive me to a difficult place. i will wait til i'm ready :)
I am doing what they all say NOT to do and living entirely on commissions lol. However, I am building my youtube channel and hope to branch out into online teaching as well. I will state though that I have been doing commissions as a aide thing to part time retail job for years and years...and I also have a lot of contacts as a pet portrait artist because i compete in dog sports with my dogs and so know many dog people and get a lot of work that way so i do have these things on my side. Without them, things may be a lot more difficult and things can still be rather slow and stressful haha...but still managed to make more than my retail job so I probably worry more than I need to. Still, having a couple of passive income streams will certainly be beneficial and so this is what i am working towards... I'm also one of these that does not like taking risks (I was just really fed up of the management in the retail job so had to quit) so this is very good advice for most. I always have to be different and would not recommend people do things the way I have. I am in no way organised or anything either. Just seeing your vids (Or anyone elses) about organising completely overwhelms me. I just blunder along and have survived now for nearly 2 years doing it LOL...how much longer, i do not know. I need to improve and develop things for sure...
Since it sounds like you’re skilled at pet portraits I would highly recommend making some generic breed specific art to sell on print on demand, water bottle stickers, mugs, even maybe digital products like clip art and that sort of thing. People are really breed loyal and love that kind of merch. It’ll use the same skills you do for commissions but give you a less labor intensive income stream as well.
I actually had a question about building an art business that I was hoping you had answered in one of your videos, and this video actually gave me a good response to that. Basically, I was wondering "at what point are you 'good enough' or 'ready' to start charging money for your art?" I've seen artists at varying points of their journey charging for their art, and I always wondered what would be the best point to start. Does it have to do with your skill? Does it have to do with your own financial needs? Or something else? But I think your point of building an audience/fan base/whatever you want to call it and then selling art makes more sense from a business perspective. You can theoretically start charging for your art at any point, but you'll only sell it when people know who you are and enjoy your art enough to own it. So thank you for discussing this! Additionally, on the note of what it means to be an artist, I greatly dislike this idea that you're only an artist if it makes you money. I think this limits a lot of people from expressing their creativity because they start thinking things like "I'm not good enough" or "I don't have the skills to do this, so I don't want to do it." Art is a form of expression and not everyone wants to make money off of it. People can decide for themselves what their art is and how they're going to use it.
Subscribed! I found you by looking up tutorials on how to set up your camera for art making shots. Thank you for putting out resources for us artists who want to broaden their craft and outreach❤️❤️
as if real artists make money from art
artists put time and effort into mastering their craft and making stuff, they deserve to be compensated. Some of the most critically acclaimed, historically valuable art in the world was made *for money* for patrons like the Medici family and the Vatican. The fact that you think that "real artists" don't make money from their art just shows an immense ignorance on your part of (1) reality, and (2) art history. By your own definition, Caravaggio, Monet, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci aren't "real artists" sooooooooo yeah lmao that's bs
@@KelseyRodriguez yeah well we don't live in Da vinci times and that kind of art patronage isn't a thing unless you're making 'art' for the juice in NYC for their money laundering facilities that they call galleries and museums. But have fun continuing to make more money on youtube than you do making art. I was trying to make you feel better about the fact that you will never make a living off your art. But since you insist that real artists DO make money then I guess you're just a mediocre youtuber and not a real artist. Snot
@@veraswanson1074 You don't have to be. Art is a luxury in high demand. I know it's hard to comprehend when you know absolutely nothing about it. Five figures are not as uncommon as you think in the art industry, and especially not within the sphere of entertainment on youtube.
Kelsey is not a rare case. Most serious artists are smart. I know twitter is full of the outspoken "poor" ones, but that's because everyone else are hard at work making 💲💲💲💲
@@veraswanson1074 you sound bitter
I thought this was being sarcastic lol 😂 they were serious?? 🤣🤣🤣
To me, you are like an art-business coach. You are also an encourager, which artists need very much. I don't care if you sell your artwork or not. To me, you are an important part of my art world, which I find extremely valuable. Thanks for all your YT efforts and for doing what comes naturally to you. That in itself is setting a good example for me.
The first few seconds of this video, I knew actually what she was going to say and I agree. I hate my current job, but allows me to make well thought out approaches to my art career. You have to be able to sustain and have that steady flow of income.
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A job for me isn’t an option. I’m disabled without disability benefits and for the first time since I’ve been ill, I had to skip my medicine last month because I can’t afford it. Now I’m debating eating vs buying medicine next month.
@@sadepennbrook oh wow. I'm sorry.
I just want to say, I wouldn't have believed I could make money doing what I love without seeing your videos. Your videos made me do more research, and I was able to compile everything I learned into a business plan that I pitched to my parents in the hopes they would stop worrying about what I'm trying to do. I'm going to be posting my first TH-cam video soon, and I am trying to build an audience/community (because I really need some creative friends) and put the foundation in place for multiple streams of income (other than TH-cam). My business isn't fully dependent on my art, which is what I want. However, I still see myself as an artist and a creative. I create videos, paintings, drawings, posts, etc. There is art in making videos, and it's okay that you make money in other ways. You're still an artist. Anyone who creates is an artist, regardless of the medium. My father, for example, hasn't painted for years, and I still consider him an artist because he views the world as one; he wants to create, but just doesn't have time. And that's okay, too.
Titles are so out of style. Why must we define what the title "Artist" means? If someone considers themself an artist or creative, they are.
So thank you, Kelsey. For doing what you do and being the kind of artist you are.
Hey! Subbed to your channel!- I've been painting for a while, but am just now looking to get into it full time and grow my creative community (on and offline).
Good luck! I hope we get to do what we want and help each other along the way :)
Hey :D I also want to start my creative career and make videos and slowly work on being able to support myself with my art. If you want to do something creative together, think about your busines plan or just talk about art, I would be happy to be your friend :) ~Ella
@@Juststudiothings Thank you! I’ve been drawing and painting on and off for a while, too. It was after I saw Kelsey’s videos that I thought…maybe I can actually do this. Good luck to you too! We’re all part of the same community on here, so I think we can all support one another. 😊
@@ella.the.creative7643 Hi, Ella! You’re very sweet. Thank you! Sure! We can definitely chat. I’m always open to meeting and befriending new people in the art community. 😊
Very well said 👌🏻💙💙💙 keep it up and I wish you and other artists success in your artistic careers 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
When people try to gatekeep who gets to be called an artist it drives me up a wall. Do you create art? Congratulations, you're a real artist! Whether you ever sell a piece or if you keep it hidden on a tall shelf in a closet and no one ever sees it, whether you have an art degree or not, whether you do it for pay or for pleasure, it doesn't matter. You're a real artist.
And I think people don't understand just how difficult it is to get into a gallery or what is involved with it. It can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to create a gallery-ready portfolio and collateral that you leave behind for gallery owners. And you don't just walk up to a gallery and they automatically start showing your work. You have to have an artist persona that they can sell before they will even look at your work, because their customers are not looking for pretty pictures. Gallery customers want prestige, and they want something that matches the sofa and drapes. To create prestige you have to be an interesting story (be, not have) that gallery owners can spin up to create a mystique around your art. And you have to have a signature, consistent style that is substantially unique. We all know what someone means if they say "a Picasso" or "a Pollock." Getting into a gallery is very much like rocking up to a company that's not hiring and convincing them to hire you as a C-level executive. If you have money and connections already, or a great resume of previous experience, you might have a shot, but if you're Joe Schmo walking off the street with no previous work experience, your chances are infinitesimally small. Not zero. But tiny.
Comparatively, the barrier to entry on youtube is: do you have a smartphone and the internet? If yes to both, you can start building an audience for your art. Starting with youtube and etsy or a print-on-demand site for prints is the smart choice of venue if you're not already independently wealthy.
Oh well, to be honest I couldn't give a flying fk about these elitists. People that pretty much made me hate use the word artist for myself. So you do you.
Tho, the funniest of these things is the "artcism" of the artists who don't draw erotic stuff and look down on those that do tiddy art. It's hella funny, at least for me.
I don't really consider those circus shows at galleries to be "real artists".
I see an artist as someone who creates art, whether they sell it or not.
My art exhibitions came about as a "ridiculous goal" with a mental health theme. A community arts grant helped me to cover the cost of the gallery fees & art materials.
I recently started an online store. It's not cheap to have an ecommerce website (even with building it myself). A big investment for someone on a low income.
Thank you for pointing out that Van Gogh didn't really sell paintings during his life. I think when people make comments about what is a "real artist" has more to do with their own insecurities, jealousy, and limiting beliefs.
I think these sorts of videos are very important for artists who are not yet able to sustain themselves through their art. It's important to know what options are available and how one person (in this case you) is able to use a platform like TH-cam to help sustain their art career. I'm still relatively new to the TH-cam game and am growing very slowly, but I think artists make good TH-camrs because they're used to the long game. Learning art takes a long, long time and so does growing a TH-cam channel, so we're used to failing over and over again to get better and better.
I feel like that many artist are often pressurized to sell their original and prints but tbh not everyone has the same privilege to do that.
I'm myself a hobby artist with very bad mental health so I only paint for myself at the moment however I've also received some negative messages on IG like "Why do you waste your money and time on painting if you don't sell your art"
I just hate the fact that our society wants to monetize everything! Passions doesn't always have to convert into a business especially when I'm not ready!
I would have definitely sell my artworks if money and space wasn't an issue for me ( I've been shifting apartments a lot which made me really depressed due to the constant change in the environment ).
Anyways amazing video and advice as always. You're literally the only artist I trust when it comes to the business side of art. Just do whatever feels right you. Being honest and transparent is something we all appreciate about you but putting your priorities and needs are way more important. Just because you don't Paint every week and post it on TH-cam doesn't make you less as an artist.
You're simply amazing KELSEY👏.
I have a full time job. It takes 10 hours of my day. Then regular life occurs as well... really hinders creativity. Yet I still have a TH-cam channel and create art. Its not easy. But I love it! I'm so envious of full time artists. 8m very happy for them! You inspire me! Because it shows have a chance!😁
I'm currently working as a vfx artist in television and, as cool as it sounds, I've realized it's not for me. I just started working towards creating my own art full-time and you're videos have helped me so much! I started filming for my TH-cam last weekend and hope to post my first video next week 🤞🌻 ✨
Hey you got this! I am in the same boat of cfocusing on my art full time. Do what makes you happy. 🌺😊
aaaa that's so exciting!! if you're in our discord server feel free to tag me & share a link to your first vid in #self-promotion
Hi, i am curious about your first video so i subscribed and am looking forward to it! Good luck and have fun making art! 😊
That’s where I’m at too, going from book illustrator which has sustained me for years but is getting stifling- to full time creating my own art
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EARLY OMG, kelsey i just wanna say that you're one of the most insightful artists on this platform!!!
aaaaah thank you so much!
OMG, I can hardly believe that you’ve actually featured my question and answered it.. this is a first for me.. I stopped the vid and went back and forth dancing in my apartment😂.. then I resumed watching and rewatching those whole four minutes of mine😃 I loved it and I wanted to tell you about my reaction but it’s hard to describe how good it really felt. thank you Kelsey❤
Hey Kelsey I’ve been a long time viewer since your Alaska days - it’s amazing to see your personal growth. Since watching you I’ve started my own channel, but I made some pretty stupid mistakes before then including buying prints, paying for store spots/pop ups you name it and it just wasn’t selling. Looking back I think me and my art were not ready, on my channel I try and explore that weird flux zone where you have to make art to make content, but your not making any money out of it so finding a direction (for me personally) is challenging. My channel itself has become more authentic, from click bait titles / common art video tropes to a more raw and cumbersome vlog style. I hope that being true to my voice gets me where I want to be. Thank you for the long term advice you’ve been providing whilst it hasn’t always helped me for my specific situation it rebalances my objectives and helps me to just keep going 💜
I love that Kelsey had identifiable "Alaskan days" as she stayed in our cabin in Kenai during the pandemic with the cold weather outside and the moose wandering by.
I truly appreciate your insights. I’m new to your channel but you’ve given me hope as a creator. I’ve been putting my art on the back burner because of finances, but after following your advice I’m going to take steps to get back into that bag. Honestly I wish other artists stopped trying to measure what it takes to be an artist. Imo every one is a creator in one way or another. Nobody can take it away from you.
When you said art is all around you, I almost started to cry. With happiness. I really found so much encouragement with this video. Thank you ❤❤❤
I'm so glad you made this. It took me the past two years to figure this out. Hopefully people will heed your advice and skip all of that. 🙂
I was wondering about your art practice and whether or not you sell work/prints/etc. I think it’s amazing that you’ve found a way *related to* your art practice to finance your practice/pay the bills. There’s a couple who are artists (Rafi & Klee - also on TH-cam) who talk about having a “corporate side hustle” in order to have that financial security while pursuing an art career. Your “side hustle” just isn’t so far to the side and facilitates your practice. Absolutely love this for you!!!! And please, ignore the people who comment on your looks/style/etc. - you do you!!! Thank you for your content and all your hard work!
Sad to see so many non-artists trying to talk you down. So much projected insecurity and superiority complexes in one youtube comment section.
I'm glad you don't disable comments, and I hope you can block out the voices of those who are just looking to put others down (free of consequence, because the internet is the cowards playground).
I find these videos very informative and it gives me some food for thought in regards to launching my own channel as well as ways to tackle more passive income streams. I'm neck deep in commission and patreon work, but once I manage to dig myself out I will try to grow more passive income streams as well ✨
I agree a lot of what was said in this vid. It's the exact reason why after getting my art degree I decided to complete a design portfolio and sought out a design job with a salary/benefits to have that wonderful financial stability. And I can definitely testify to the idea that it's way easier to make art and feel fulfilled creatively when the finances are taken care of/stable. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
I agree to a degree about waiting to invest too much into a shop but I think it can also vary on the type of art you make! If you do a lot of fan art, investing in some stickers and posting them on etsy isn't that bad of a way to start even if you don't really have a following :) Getting stickers from places like sticker app/vograce aren't that bad and is a way to try starting without investing too much (of course it depends on what you're financial situation is) or if you have a printer that can handle sticker paper then the cost entry is pretty low! Plus getting nice envelopes from Michaels that aren't that expensive lowers the entry some more. I started an etsy shop that way and have had 100 sales without much of a following so I think it can be worth a shot if you're in a good financial position for it! Especially if you post your new stock on twitter, TikTok, insta etc to help gain exposure. But of course you shouldn't over invest, even though I really wanna do things like books and charms, they can be expensive to invest in so until I make a more strong income from my art I wouldn't go that far yet :)
What you did is exactly what Kelsey is talking about in not taking big risks.
@@karenl8837 I wouldn't call a $100 investment a big risk. Of course, if it's out of your budget then like I said don't do it. It's just a different opinion that's all.
This was very encouraging for me, thank you! I find the way you’re going about being a full time artist very relatable because I started more as a content creator making art as a hobby. I have felt like I am going about things backwards because I built a community and audience before having art to sell. But it has felt much safer this way, financially.
I think it's pretty valid tbh.
People would fairly ask: 'Why should i take art marketing advice from an artist who isn't marketing their art?'
She's actually teaching herself a lot about marketing by creating these vids.
And she can teach what she learns about it to others.
Many creatives don't like the marketing part, and so its nice to have advice on it.
I guess, but I think a lot of people who want to be professional artists don't care if they actually *sell* their art to people or not. They just want to get paid for doing art. And if, for example, they get paid for youtube videos of them painting, then that would count.
You dont understand how much I needed this video! I very recently started building a social media platform, and I'm honestly loving it so much, I love the process for content creation but I've also wanted to have an online shop for awhile too but it's so hard to know where to go or when the right time will be. For months I've been torn on whether to jump right in and see what happens or wait for the best time. Your videos are always so comforting and really help guide me. For now I'm just enjoying content creation and growing my art skills. I recently started watercolour painting and I love it! I've decided I'm just going to enjoy the journey and not try to rush into being a full time artist. I know it'll happened eventually, no matter if it'll take years to get there.
Also! I'm so excited for your shop to open whenever you're ready! Thanks so much so the great video!
I am an artist who is new to the idea of selling my art and I just found your channel - I've been listening to all of your videos while I craft and make inventory for my very first $25 craft booth and I just want to say thank you for your content!
I appreciate your honesty and encouragement, thank you for being genuine!
To anyone out there feeling the pressure to sell art they don't want to sell. BOB ROSS NEVER SOLD ANY OF HIS PAINTINGS!! The og artist content creator that was HIGHLY successful without selling paintings. And the paintings are still in storage to this day...So don't beat yourself up about wanting to keep your art and making money through different revenues. 🥰
Thank you for doing what you do here- this has helped me move forward in my career and get the confidence I needed. Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work! 🙏✨🌿
This is great advice! I do Print on demand to save on having a lot of inventory, and its a great way to test out products to see how well they do before you invest in stocking that inventory.
I recently heard of print on demand and I thought it was a such a great option for people who maybe don’t have the biggest audience, but can start experimenting with selling their art without the risk of not selling inventory and also not having to dedicate time to packing and shipping orders. I’m going to be researching different platforms soon to explore this option. Great to see someone else doing it!
@@jocydoesart I just started my shop a couple of weeks ago and its been a great lower cost way to get started for sure. I currently use Printify, I also looked at printful and custom cat (i think thats the neme🤔). But good luck, I know you'll do great once you find the one that fits you best
you are an inspiration and a definite diamond for younger , new coming artists. thanks for all you do for the community, i hope the rest of your days are full of good fortune and happiness :)
A well said video ! I am myself am an art that started a business while still having a full time job and go to school. I struggle to have time to create tiktoks, insta reels, even keep up to date with my shop. Im currently helping my mom with bills to live. It's really hard out here.
I love that you drill in people's heads about passive income as an artist. I've always learned and worked on how I would make passive income but never thought about it as an artist until I started doing items for an avatar form, signing up for affiliates, etc. I had my online for about 2/3 years now on and off, and it hasn't grown or had any sales, so I started doing the other stuff to make money. I haven't made much, but I made more than I do in my art sales. Everyone should learn about passive income and best the system with it for us, as artists, can show the world we are smart financially and business-wise.
I agree with what you’re doing. The artistic landscape is changing so rapidly. Generally speaking, artists are notorious for being poor salespeople and even worse businesspeople. I think that using TH-cam to self promote and build an audience while you’re still working hard to level up your skills is pretty smart.
I just want to say your videos are by far the fucking best!!!! They’re so helpful and positive! Even the downsides and everything to bring an artist you explain everything so well an thorough
Honestly, THANK YOU, for making this content. I love the transparency, I think it's so valuable for everyone (myself included) who wants to start an art career. And it's not just this video. I love how you're putting information out there, making it accessible for others. Showing that it's not just a big secret. Thank you!!
Hi Kelsey. Thanks for the chat, very insightful. Artist here inside of my first year still. I went down the route of launching a store straight after the first 100 or so people asked me to. I have actually found generating passive income harder than direct sales. Interestingly enough my worries we’re losing the impulse of potential customers by not having a store there in the first place, so I guess I’m risk averse too but the other way around!
I think some risk is a good thing though, it drives me to make sure I continue to push for success.
For anyone that says you’re not an artist, they probably don’t realise that creating quality content is an art form in itself these days 😅
Take the leap girl, you won’t regret it :)
I'm so grateful to that person who asked the question which prompted this video and even more grateful to you for all you are sharing. I am following along and will see how it goes. You are definitely on the right track. Your answers all make are are right, on point and makes sense. I'm so happy for your success!. Keep up the good work. Forget all the haters, what you are doing is working, you are living proof of that. Thanks again. (hugs & Kisses)
I found your videos this week, and it feels like you're the help I needed in the final stretch of becoming a full time artist. Thank you for your videos, they're all incredibly insightful and helpful!
Kelsey, I just wanted to thank you. This was exactly the video I needed to see right now. You probably just saved me from making a big mistake and then hating myself when it didn't work out. Your empathy is incredible, thank you.
I love your channel. It makes complete sense to play it safe. I'm going to be starting my art business journey this month and I'm gonna document it on youtube etc. It's so exciting and I'm very grateful to have resources like your channel to help.
Thank you for bringing me back down to earth, I'm a Ph.D student in comp. sci. who wants to build an art career and sometimes I just want to kamikaze into it and go full time and drop what I've been doing but this reminds me that its ok to build slowly and to be patient. In terms of physical products, you could test how well they sell by using a print on demand service initially so you don't need to carry inventory, such as printful (which is USA based) then if the product does well you may want to consider carrying inventory to increase your profit margin. Drop shippers make a ton of money on basic T-shirt / merch sales with bad art simply because they automate everything, they research what sells and market like crazy via facebook ads etc. If they can do it surely artists with good work can too.
Just about every artist we know can quote a piece of unfair criticism that stung them at some point, but the ones who made a lifelong career learn to absorb or discard critique depending on whether it's useful or just mean. No point wasting time on people who don't wish you success!
i hope every artist or aspiring artist stumbles across your channel, you give such great advice. I agree it's better to build ourselves and our audience first before we start marketing. A lot of the times, we artists are not good at marketing so It's so nice to have your channel giving us tips on how to manage our art business, cz it's really not talked about enough 💚
Literally, every time I turn on one of your videos I think, "oh yeah I will just clean my workspace and do my laundry while watching this" and soon realize that I need a notebook to take some notes! You go, girl! Super insightful!!
This was such a wonderful video, Kelsey! Not only are you sharing your artwork and creativity the way you are comfortable and happy with, but you are inspiring countless others, including myself, to follow their artistic dreams. Keep doing you ❤
I loved it, you are so nice!I really work half-time next to the college and try to improve my art first and then start youtube and when I am comfortable enough..like you said THEN start conventions and online shop,Step by step
Hi Kelsey, wanted to lyk that I admire your ambition and consistency :) and the clarity you bring to you art career. At the moment, I’m scared to look at numbers because I know that I’m not making enough content to make these numbers useful information. As creatives, we definitely hope that the creations we put out will come back to us - sometimes that can come as numbers such as views or sales. I wonder how that will change as we move forward with our art careers.
I agree with a lot of the points but when it comes to business there’s always risk so if you’re keen to start a business feel free to risk it if you want too ❤ fear of failing or losing money will hold you back too ! You can take calculated risks- also like with investing - you can give yourself a budget you’re ok to lose. So if you do it’s not a pain but a lesson ! Good luck
I appreciate also that you give the advice out of love… but sometimes we can project our own fears onto others and some people will actually thrive ina. Risky business start ❤
What you do on TH-cam, inspiring people is courageous, creative and artistic too. Really great job💕
Aaah, that background is so relaxing and the nice music too. This makes me feel so warm. Such comfy vibes
I like this kind of video much much more than your business advice videos. I know you're struggling to reconcile those two parts of your TH-cam presence, but seriously--business advice is of the moment. This is advice that will applicable forever. More of this, please!! SO GOOD!!!!
I love your candidness & really needed your insight. I launched an Etsy shop for my knitting but I would have benefited from this video had I saw it before doing that. I know I can still use your insight as I am at an impass & sort of at the drawing board to restart. Thanks for sharing!
So I wish I would've found your videos sooner. I'm a watercolor artist focusing on chickens and custom pet portraits. I kinda just jumped in feet first and made the shop to sell my art , first on Etsy and now on my own website and at festivals. My IG and FB following are quite small. I started a YT channel a while ago but then dropped it for a while. I've gone back to YT in the last couple of months to really give it more effort. I'm just trying to find where I belong. Thankfully, I've had just enough of a following that my art has at least supported my art business, so I'm not in a big financial hole.
I initially didn't need to depend on my art income as I grew, but now finances are getting tight and my family is starting to really need the income. My husband is a teacher, and I stay home to homeschool and work on my art business. Living on a single teacher's income is HARD, so I really need my art business to grow. I'm a little at a loss for what to do right now to make more money, but I'm learning. I appreciate your videos. I'll keep on as long as I can. I don't know that I have time to homeschool my children, grow my art business, AND have another part time job, so I hope it doesn't come to that. I just want all the effort in my art business to finally start paying off.
Anyway, thanks for the videos and advice.
Great video, Kelsey! 👏🎉 Lots of people leaving those sorts of comments don't know that, in order to have consistent art sales and make a sustainable income selling art, you need a)an large enough audience that likes your work, and b)an understanding that you are a business and therefore, you need knowledge of things like sales, strategy, marketing and accounting. 😁 You're 100 percent right in that, it's important to have multiple streams of income as an artist, especially if you want to sustain a good quality of life and don't want to be worrying all the time that you won't be able to pay the bills. It's important to stay open to teaching or doing workshops at least every now and then, even if one doesn't want to make their income though teaching, in my opinion. Or staying open to making prints, TH-cam, etc. One must be willing to make sacrifices, especially as you grow and learn and discover what the right path for us is (there are so many ways to make a living as an artist nowadays). Also, just because you're doing something for a period, doesn't mean you'll be doing it forever. Things shift and change as you continue improving and evolving as an artist. The first few years, when I was starting my art business, I did lots of commissions, gallery shows, and participated in local art events. Honestly, I didn't enjoy it very much and am so happy that I set myself up to be able to be picky with the commissions I do take. What I do now is much more sustainable and profitable. But yeah, building an audience is #1 and this takes time, patience and lots of effort. People making this comments don't know how things actually work, it seems. Thanks for sharing with us, Kelsey! Love your videos. 💕
Yes! Diversification in so incredibly important. I've not really gotten in to social media as an income stream, but art licensing, freelance work, books, commissions, fairs and online store have been a few of mine over the years. Though I really like your idea of creating a base first before selling. Super smart and very intentional.
GIRLLLL I've been away for a couple of weeks and you're almost at 78K ?? CONGRATS !!! you deserve it :D I'm sooo happy for your growth !
When it comes to TH-cam, I always say that I view TH-cam as a showcase for my art. I think it's a good tool to use !
Thank you for this! I love your very careful, thought out process. I've been accused of lacking confidence, not selling myself blah blah and I couldn't put into rational words why exactly I am being careful about marketing myself. Now I understand that it's not only about giving myself time to learn, grow and prepare, but also about minimizing risk. We need to give ourself permission to make the decisions we make because, at the end of the day, we are the ones who have to live in the bed we have made.
You are absolutely wonderful! I appreciate your generosity, honesty, sincerity and devotion to creating art and helping others to feel confident to do so!!!!! Haters will always hate and try to tear down others who succeed and feel confident! You are PERFECT just the way you are!
My art journey is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT to yours!! There is definitely no right way to become an artist- where you live, you art style, your age, social media and other commitments in your life have a huge impact and what route you take xx
Awesome info as always. Your ability to deconstruct or demystify rather the business of things is an asset that is so beneficial to artists no matter how many paintings you’ve done. Putting a quota on “value”. Shame on them.
Your energy is absolutely infectious and your videos have been both grounding and encouraging for me!! I love your passion! Thank you so much for making this channel, it was exactly what I needed ❤❤❤
You are such an inspiration to many artists including myself. Thank you for being so honest and helpful. You always have so many helpful tips. I appreciate your videos and everything that you put into them. Thinking smart I beilive is the way to go financially.
Thank you for the video, Kelsey, it is so helpful ☺️ I am working towards my dream creative career and still figuring out what exactly i want to make and how to build several income streams as well. Documenting my journey on TH-cam has been fun as well 😊 good luck everyone! ❣️
So early! I love how your numbers are growing and growing. You inspire me and I've binged all your content!
I see a lot of comments saying basically what I wanted to say, but I think it's worth saying again: I seriously appreciate how clear and down to earth your advice all is. I don't feel talked down to, nor do I feel buttered up. Having these realistic takes on planning both content and art (firmly against the belief that a painting is "content" but who's to say the process isn't content) makes things so approachable and inspiring.
Also, I love your vlogs! I can understand wanting to have a separate space for them if you're worried about your channel numbers, but it's also nice to have them all here as well, to break up the talking head / planning and advice videos. Will follow either way you decide to go :)
I completely relate to this. I'm still researching the market and observing the competition before I commit to the development of my products. I feel sort of comforted by this 💜
Kelsey! I love watching your content because idk I just believe you! When you tell me I can make a career from TH-cam and making content. I just started posting regularly and I’m going to be using your channel and content so much as I move forward! Regarding business plans bc I can get overwhelmed with that. Thank you for your content!! 💖
I am SO glad I came across your channel - you are so helpful and give me a lot of confidence and reassurance!
I found your channel pretty recently but you really give the best advice for artists! Thank you for all your videos they have inspired me in my art journey so much in such a short amount of time!
It makes total sense to create an audience to sell your art to.
Kind of a snarky question, and you answered it with a great deal of grace and generosity
i just came from your perfectionism video and it’s so interesting seeing this video and how yours was holding you back
I commented on this video a few days ago but I was having dinner so I probably skipped some part of your videos but today I got enough time to watch the whole video and I'm in tears😭. The part where you talked about your "Niche" was so damn relatable!! I've seen many amazing artist selling their artworks on IG and I often wondered whether I could make a living with just doing TH-cam in future and I'm so grateful and extremely happy for having such an amazing Person like you in this platform!! The way you talked about "Being comfortable" was very validating and honest that most people don't talk about!! This video have gave me a lot more clarity on how I'll approach my art career in future.
Note*: The best thing about your vidoes is that you really bring that emotional connection with your audience♡.
Also I've been so super HAPPY because of seeing your growth. The amount of hardwork you have put on this channel is giving you the same amount of love in back. Please keep doing what you do kelsey🧡
I watched one of your videos about two months ago and since then I've been so motivated to create videos for this platform! I can't thank you enough for all the advice and strategies, they've really guided me throughout this process and inspire me to keep going :)
You really are a good person ^^ your advice is gold. I am 30 and in a new phase of my life (i was able to draw and make stories and art for me but too shy to expose to the world). Now i wanted to try to enter in the art world, but not entierely because i am a graphic designer ^^ ! Your videos are really nice :)
At 8:10 - another low-risk starting idea is print on demand! I love that the investment is really low, like just the $0.20 listing on Etsy. Then I just made an excel sheet to help me with pricing!
I think the issue is that it’s not so much a career in the arts as a content creator career plain and simple. The business of art has a tiny component of social media though major artists and emerging artists aren’t even on social or post very little. Not on TH-cam for the most part but solely on Instagram as that’s where the art world hangs out. An art career is made half in the studio half networking / showing your work in real life and on insta/ applying to various open calls, institution commissions, publications, prizes and grants amonst other collaborative outreaches. That’s what an actual art career is. Though this strategy makes financial sense, it’s a content creator career, there’s nothing wrong with that it’s just not an art career. For people who want to see a fine artist documenting her career I suggest Claire Luxton
It's a bit hurtful to see people judging you but at the end of the day it's all noise. I even think that you are not selling art just yet is the respect towards the masters in the world. The more you're exposed, you're succeeding to make your audience as maximised as possible than the people judging you. It's your life and your pace, the other noise does not matter. We are all in this together Kelsey! I very much appreciate your courage for openly speaking like this. You are very strong and kind 😊
Im so glad i came across this video. What youre saying is the realisation ive just come to myself. This video was so helpful. Thank you
I have ran across a few of your videos in the past and am glad i was recommended to this video as i have learned so much from just those few videos i have seen. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and opinions on everything that i think of and have questions about. You seem to be the only honest youtuber who answers the questions i have in a real way. I am now subscribed and wish i subscribed earlier.
you have no idea how helpful and reassuring this is. Thank you so much
i appreciate your authenticity and positivity :) and nice responses to those comments you received!!
hi kelsey, i always watch your videos during my 10 hour shift at work, i work at animation as an animation director and i beleive someday i will be able to be an artist full time, i also believe it will be a lot harder because in latin america art is not as valued as in foreign countries (i guess). your videos always sinspire me for the day, even if after watching them and going home i just havethe energy to cook dinnner, feed my cat and fall asleep. your videos do inspire me a lot, thank you always for making them
Found your videos recently and have been binging them 🤣 Doing similar videos but as a potter/ ceramic artist❤️ Thanks for creating such a wonderful community for TH-cam artists❤️
Thank you for sharing. Waiting to start selling though - I just don't have the time to do all things. But when somebody wants to buy, hell yeah you sell! Blessings from Japan
Thank you!!!! I’m so glad that you answered my question in your video.
I dont know who can ever post a hate comment on you. You such a gorgeous creature! Your hair is perfect, your hands is perfect, your glasses is perfect
so basically what i get from this video is that procrastinating is fine
all jokes aside though, this really changed how i look at this career. its amazing how we can share our mindsets and to be honest? i've never thought of this, never thought of that, makes me "ohhh, oh wait yeah that makes sense :0" its never an instant journey, but oh boy how this boosted my motivation
you have awoken something inside me and i am starting to plan for the future of my career/careers and im excited for my journey !
You are so organized!!! My fiancée is an artist; after binge watching your channel I told her that she had to follow your channel haha - you get it!
So much great advice in this video Kelsey! ☺️Especially reaching out to those who doing what you want to do / people in your niche ! 🙌🏾💕✨as someone who grew up with a similar background I am also risk averse and want to put myself in the best position possible to succeed.
I like the informal tone of this video and your honestly. And yea, to be honest a lot of developing artists just need to find their own specific way of achieving their goals. And definitely, would love if there was more variety of artists on youtube, be it their subject matter or personal voice, but also so true! There are artists making a living, its just that they dont want to be public figures and do all the extra stuff involved lol. Personally, I fall into the category of people who want to be independent with my own art being the main stuff I create, and also just need to work on their art and being stable irl before launching anything like a store or full time artistry. I also have a different niche and background than yours, and working to eventually be able to talk more about it ahah. Regardless, its always nice to see how other artists make their own art path. Thanks for the vid!
I think we have the exact same approach to business even though our businesses and careers have taken different paths. Very helpful video! Keep up the good work.
I'm really glad i watched this before launching an online store. I was about to invest money that would hurt my finances a lot on samples and inventory. All from feeling pressure and guilt from bot being 'productive' financially as an artist.
you are right that there is a timing for it and erring in the side of caution is a good plan :) i will wait until i do have more money to invest and a more solid guarantee that i can recoup my costs back and that it won't drive me to a difficult place.
i will wait til i'm ready :)
The queen uploads, ❤️ thanks for another informative video!
I am doing what they all say NOT to do and living entirely on commissions lol. However, I am building my youtube channel and hope to branch out into online teaching as well. I will state though that I have been doing commissions as a aide thing to part time retail job for years and years...and I also have a lot of contacts as a pet portrait artist because i compete in dog sports with my dogs and so know many dog people and get a lot of work that way so i do have these things on my side. Without them, things may be a lot more difficult and things can still be rather slow and stressful haha...but still managed to make more than my retail job so I probably worry more than I need to. Still, having a couple of passive income streams will certainly be beneficial and so this is what i am working towards...
I'm also one of these that does not like taking risks (I was just really fed up of the management in the retail job so had to quit) so this is very good advice for most. I always have to be different and would not recommend people do things the way I have. I am in no way organised or anything either. Just seeing your vids (Or anyone elses) about organising completely overwhelms me. I just blunder along and have survived now for nearly 2 years doing it LOL...how much longer, i do not know. I need to improve and develop things for sure...
Since it sounds like you’re skilled at pet portraits I would highly recommend making some generic breed specific art to sell on print on demand, water bottle stickers, mugs, even maybe digital products like clip art and that sort of thing. People are really breed loyal and love that kind of merch. It’ll use the same skills you do for commissions but give you a less labor intensive income stream as well.
Such valuable and vulnerable information! Thanks, Kelsey!
I actually had a question about building an art business that I was hoping you had answered in one of your videos, and this video actually gave me a good response to that.
Basically, I was wondering "at what point are you 'good enough' or 'ready' to start charging money for your art?" I've seen artists at varying points of their journey charging for their art, and I always wondered what would be the best point to start. Does it have to do with your skill? Does it have to do with your own financial needs? Or something else? But I think your point of building an audience/fan base/whatever you want to call it and then selling art makes more sense from a business perspective. You can theoretically start charging for your art at any point, but you'll only sell it when people know who you are and enjoy your art enough to own it. So thank you for discussing this!
Additionally, on the note of what it means to be an artist, I greatly dislike this idea that you're only an artist if it makes you money. I think this limits a lot of people from expressing their creativity because they start thinking things like "I'm not good enough" or "I don't have the skills to do this, so I don't want to do it." Art is a form of expression and not everyone wants to make money off of it. People can decide for themselves what their art is and how they're going to use it.
Gosh how are you so eloquent and yet not rigid at all in the way you speak 😫
I really love your channel and how analytical and strategic you are. I feel so much the same about art business!
Whoa! TH-cam algorithm loved you today!
We got earliest pop!
Subscribed! I found you by looking up tutorials on how to set up your camera for art making shots. Thank you for putting out resources for us artists who want to broaden their craft and outreach❤️❤️