"There's no point. It's too much hard work." "Well you know what's hard work? It's living your whole life and looking back and wishing that you could have believed in yourself a little bit more." I felt like I was punched in the face after this. I needed that. Thank you for everything you do Trent.
I work 9-5 as an insurance dude and I've began drawing again trying to get back into it. I use to love drawing when I was younger. Last few weeks I've been gettin' back at it and I'm that guy putting in those extra 2 hours a day after work. Wish me luck!🤞And I wish all of you reconnecting with your artistic selves out there ❤️ We got this
It's crazy that so many people would choose negativity than positivity these days. I have the same mindset. Being someone in my 30s who is still hassling to "make it" into an art career, I always felt like the underdog, until I've got my very first art client and though "I knew it! I'm going somewhere!" Thanks man, you're one of the channels that helped me! Signing up in one of your courses catapulted me to more opportunities!
I understand why some folks do this though. It’s easier to believe that it’s not our own fault, that it’s out of our hands. But those who own their fate, will always pull out ahead.
I was recently working as a concept artist in a startup AAA studio, got accepted and worked 3 months in probation. During this time I learned so much - I also learned that I was not used to the subject matter the project was focused on. Things weren't going well but I constantly tried to learn and adapt. Eventually I spoke to my art director and told him I would not take the job due to the fact that I was underperforming and couldn't work with the subject matter. He respected that and told me that the hardest decisions often force you to grow. What a great Art Director! Now it has been 6 months and honestly I have never produced better work than I am now - so much improvement from a hard learned lesson
I am happy to hear that! Also… can I look at your portfolio if is on ArtStation, linked in or whatever? 😊 I am working hard on mine while studying and… yeah. It would be of great to see an accepted one! Please
man i remember watching this type of video from you back before covid, you fueled me with so much motivation... and then life happened over and over again and I'm exactly in the same place in life, desperately climbing what feels like an infinite hill, trying to land my first job. won't give up tho 💪
I define success as not necessarily working for 'the industry' but living off my work to some degree. Teaching workshops, publishing zines or short stories myself even.
This video came in the right time to me. I'm at that point where I'm working hard but getting absolutly nothing, I don't have artist friends to ask for advices and things are getting harder and harder, I don't know what is gonna happen but I'll continue to believe in myself. Thank you
I've made it my goal to study in South Korea as a character artist and I'll be damned if I let anything stop me from doing so. As usual, a wonderful video.
@@LeoneDeloris4730 Indeed. Already have an art mentor and plenty of art inspirations from there. Love the style. Love the commitment to precision, detail and mastery. Compared to Canada, I see more opportunities for me abroad. Also, thanks :)
thank you so much for your art mental support, i always listen to your podcast while im sculpting rocks at night after work, dreaming of reaching my goals...
Crazy how this changing of mentality is what drove me into art in the first place. I had a friend who trashed my work because I kept asking critique. I was like "yeah, screw this guy I'm gonna learn all the frickin fundamental". The thing is now I'm much better and I made em quit art (not really, he really love what he's doing now). I just had a existential meltdown from external stuff from art and the fact you told this, really gives me that epiphany. Thanks Trent!
I want to be a concept artist. I am in my late 30’s and I know there’s an old-school mentality that it's “too late” after a certain point, but I was always an artist, I just didn’t pursue it because I let all the people in my life stop me. But now I've been seriously grinding away for the last 7 years, but I didn’t know the difference between illustration and concept art until I found your channel Trent Kaniuga. I wish I could remember which year I saw that video, but I have had that thing in my head ever since I saw it. I am that person you mentioned in another video that keeps toiling away on her craft without ever really applying for the job. In fact, I am even going back to college again to major in art in my late 30s. Lol. Currently I am still trying to conquer my fears and get my portfolio more solid and organized. Because I would be embarrassed for a company to see it the way it is now. The main thing I know I am missing is my rendering isn’t anywhere near as epic as what I see on this channel. Lol. But I am working towards that level. I know the main thing is to NOT QUIT. Never give up! Never Surrender! (Galaxy Quest) Fixing my mindset is the number one thing I am currently working on now and videos like this one really help me to stay focused on following my hard dreams. Thank you!
I love this mentality, the endless journey of trying to do as much stuff, work, and hobbies as you can. Loving it all, and getting lost in making stuff. Starting off your mind works against you and there will be a ton of friction. But each time you do that, the more you can handle as long as you don't have a limiting belief around that. Even in that moment, you can seek out what is in your mind thats hindering you and work through that. I know I have to sacrifice more, and I'll be building up that pain tolerance over the many years to come. It's a journey that only stops when you die, you can't stop pain all together. I am so glad that your spreading this message through the artist community. Your content is 👌 thank you so much for being awesome.
One of my favorite examples of mindset was at an networking Event last December. It was just a small venue and you could talk to a lot of people. There was a guy who tries to find a job as a game designer but is extremely pessimistic all the time, and he found people like that where he could vent about. That was his night. There was another artist who has a similar skill set as I did and she kept in one corner of the room for most of the night. I decided on the way there to be open and I was excited because I had a lot of cool, non-art realted things ahead of me that month and so I carried that energy into every connection I made, and promptly got a job offer the same night. I traveled back with the two after the event and I was the only one making progress because I actively decided to not be negative. This will always act as a reminder for me that mindset is so important.
I didn’t know anyone. So I can’t say that was true for me. But I’m sure it would have helped if I knew someone, but I still would’ve needed the skill and knowledge as well.
I would say don't make it your main job if you aren't willing to compromise artistically. For many people art isn't just a product, it an expression and extention of them as a person through their skill and style. Now I would say that if this describes you then you also have to kinda seek out those that will most be receptive to what you're doing. Example, I do pen & ink with watercolor, if I show it to someone who likes digital & they enjoy it great but if they don't then they aren't my focus. Frank Zappa once said if you are making a decision on your art based on how much money you'll get, then you aren't making an artistic decision but a business decision. If thats something you're comfortable with then thats ok but it is something you should understand when making it so you aren't disappointed in your work.
Great thumbnail 😄 the text made me chuckle anyone who’s tried to max their creative potential know that there are so many unfortunate limits, like hours in the day, energy levels, other responsibilities and obligations lol but if you can’t resist the urge to create, you’ll always find a way ❤ also that sounds like an interesting book! Ty for sharing - there’s always so much value in the videos you put out
@zack_feldman hey man, right back at you. I checked out your content and liked what I saw. I'm an old school mostly traditional artist myself, but I have been trying to shift to mostly digital, i was never able to overcome the disconnect on the old school drawing tablets, but these modern ones that you can draw on the screen are awesome to play around with.
Thank you. This video made me truly realize that although I have graduated art school, juggled part time jobs with freelance, am 30 now, and still can't get a studio job, I will literally never give up. I've on and off thought of ending my search for an art career pretty often, but still haven't. I figure now that if I really wanted to give up, I would have done it already so might as well continue to get better with out fear of instability or moping or getting angry. Basically used to the instability now. No one to blame, gotta keep truckin.
My goal as an artist has changed so much from where I was 10 years ago. When I was 16 I so desperately wanted to work at Blizzard and other big companies doing character designs for video games I loved. After a couple years of therapy and a few mental health diagnoses I discovered that’s not what I want at all! I’d much rather be an indie dev working towards something cool within my own hours and energy, and in my own values/principles. I’ve been breaking out programs like Blockbench to learn texturing and it’s been so fun learning how to work on projects I actually want. It’s at a snails pace sure, but I’m not killing myself with the pressure of going into studios and art schools because I thought that was the only option. Thanks for all the wisdom Trent! Hopefully I’ll be putting something out some day too ^_^
Love your mix of hard truths with positivity. It's not something I need to hear every day but its a good shot in the arm compared to a lot of other people out there.
I'm really inspired by your insight and mentality, Trent. I'm growing in my artistic capabilities every day but the biggest plus is now I believe I can do it. I guess it's important for artist to allow themselves a pat on the back now and then. It's a difficult road. Keep up the good content. You're helping a ton.
I totally agree with staying positive. Especially nowadays. I will just say one thing about pushing yourself though. While I do agree that you definitely have to sacrifice as an artist and depending on what part of the industry or job your looking for you will have to push yourself in different ways, but as someone with repetitive strain issues in both my hands for the past four years I would warn to always keep an eye on your body. If you can do those late nights sure, but don't physically break yourself. Doesn't matter how good you can draw, you don't have anything if you don't have your health at the end. I've had to change my whole goals with art because of rsi and back issues, so work hard but PLEASE take care of yourself!
Workin' on my goals everyday!!! Feels good to grow! Thanks for all your hard work Trent! My son and I finally looked through our book "the art of twilight monk" .. we've had it for years, but wanted to wait until we got caught up with the story before looking through. Listened to your audiobooks on YT years back, and not too long ago listened to the Twilight Monk audible book. Curious if there was anymore content that we're missing with Twilight Monk. I know you're hard at work with the game, but we're curious if there's plans to make another audio book? :) Cheers!
Wow. Thank you for giving Twilight Monk so much support! There is a book 2 novel that is available on Amazon “return of the Ancients”. I’ve begun recording the audiobook, but it won’t be done till later this year. Book 3 is written, but not published, and I have plans for more books after that. There was a 6 chapter comic series but it’s out of print.
This video is great, like everything you do Trent, thanks for this touch of positivity and motivation. I want to work for MTG in the next 2 years, and I will :)
Thanks so much for this! Freelance illustrator here, and I’ve been struggling a lot with my mental lately while looking for new opportunities. Rejection emails and dead end leads get me thinking “I’m not enough” far too often. I know I have it in me to do more, but that mental block becomes paralyzing sometimes. Your words have definitely encouraged me to keep trying and pushing. It means a lot.
Hey man i appreciate this video. I do have one thing to say: Careful with Tony Robbins. I worked as a copywriter for an organization that collabed with him sometimes and the dude is definitely snake-adjacent. He's got some okay tools for people, but he's always looking to sell successful people on his mega-expensive business class mastermind program. The hooks can get you anytime, be careful 😅
All I can say is that I grew up with depression. I thought I was going to die before I turned 30. I thought it was genetic. But when I started listening to Tony Robbins, it started me on a path to self improvement. Now, 17 years later, I have my dream life, and I can't imagine how I let myself keep repeating cycles of self destruction in my youth. Tony Robbins didn't have ALL of the answers. But his books helped me to start on a path of self improvement that cured my depression. Now I see many people from my old life, and they're still in it. And they insist on staying in that hopeless place. I want to pull them out. But they say "those self improvement guys are snake oil salesmen", and then they don't try... AT ALL to improve their lives. Why not just... TRY?
Always absolute blessing to hear you words Sir! Amazing work on giant gun guy :) I went into the art/design university (in Europe) in pursuit of my dreams to become professional 2D character animator and illustrator. I have one and a half year left to go. I know my skills have grown a lot but paradoxically sometimes I feel that either I don't have time or I feel too drained and tired to spent time on drawing because of the all the school work that doesn't have direkt connection to my preferred niche in that field. But I still know that it all comes in handi one way or another. Growth is not supposed to feel pleasant all the time.
Great video. Always super insightful. I love your videos about art careers even though I have no intention of pursuing it as a career (in the sense of being the thing that pays bills & keeps the lights on). But even as a serious hobbyist, so much of what you said still resonates. Having a bit of fire to prove I can do it, having the drive to improve and complete my own projects to the absolute best of my ability and create something I can take pride in all still resonates. Especially your point about not one day regretting not giving it your all and wishing you'd believed in yourself more. You always have great advice that strikes the right balance between no bs no sugarcoating truth, but also incredibly motivating and inspiring.
I was about ready to throw in the towel last year and I came to a cross-road where I had the opportunity to become a middle school art teacher, which is security, but not my passion. I stubbornly stuck to my passions and another opportunity was presented to me. I was invited to join the Beyond Skyrim: Atmora team as an environment concept artist. The project lead thought I was already a working professional artist and it was a big boost to my confidence. It's a non-paying position, but I've learned so much that I would not have learned had I not joined. I'm learning team dynamics, game pipeline, and most importantly that I can make my dreams work. I trust that this journey has more tough choices for me, but if I follow my heart I think everything will be alright. My goals moving forward is to get as much learning from this team project as I can and in August this year we have a showcase at Creation Mod Con. I hope to use that as a spring board in making connections, along with my personal project involving my favorite subject matter: rocks.
As a 30 year old, back in school to learn 3d design, I feel the need to prove myself more than ever . It has been a learning curve for me as I came in as a traditional/digital artist, however, I am loving every moment of it. I lose a lot of sleep trying to get better each day, but to the people who've said I won't make it, just keeps me going. School isn't for everyone, it's just that I needed that structure. It's a bit rough but we gotta keep fighting!! I hope everyone gets their chance, let's make it happen!!
Those business exchanges can be nuanced. In graphic design I remember a lot of clients wanting all the text to be as big as possible, and the same size; for ‘impact’, in their eyes. I would explain to them it would be a lot more effective if they used some visual hierarchy, with a contrast in the size of text. I would be reminded that they were paying for it, and to ‘just do it’. I reached a point where I realised they had a vision, and I was getting in the way of that. In a lot of cases, I would advise them to set someone up in-house with an Adobe subscription to produce what they wanted, and it’s worked out in a lot of cases. I could be called upon for any trouble shooting advice. Aside from that, I was always open to anyone who wanted to buy into my style and vision.
I have been feeling and told even with my close friend that my art has been yoo amateur for gow long i have been drawing, and isnt bad but lacks professionalism compared to my other peers and i have been struggling to focus and push harder. I get so scared, its so hard, but i dont want to quit because i literally dont care for anything else
I’m not sure if I’ve gotten better at digital painting or if this it’s an art trend, but I keep seeing artists using this start off soft and then slowly add hard surfaces using highlights process- that’s cool
i have learned that there is no easy career, because the "easier" it is the more competition theirs going to be, making it harder balancing it out. i say don't give regard to how hard it's going to be, if you want it, go for it and don't give up until you get it.🔥🔥🔥🔥
I always watch your videos for the art but your insight and wisdom is worth the watch too. Writing out a list of goals has helped me immensely in the past so I appreciate that tip as a reminder. Are you okay with 3D artists working off of your concepts for personal, non-commercial works?
Great video. My goal is to draw concept art and Illustrations for stories. I love storytelling through Art, which is one reason why I pursued drawing comics for years, but I couldn't keep up with the schedule (though it IS awesome to see how it progressed through nearly 100 pages). Now I want to build up my foundation art wise and do more.
There was a point in my life, college actually, when I got a negative mentality, I was doing really well with art, but my teachers trashed the kind of art I wanted to do, and they said I was very talented at doing their type of art(art with a message, somewhat more expressive instead of figurative), I felt that I would not ever get career I wanted, got a depression, stopped doing art and I blamed them when what I should have done really, was doing the college stuff, and keep on doing my art on the side. Years later, I recovered from my depression and the first thing I did was buying a drawing tablet. So for the last 3 years and a half I've been working on trying to be a concept artist, and I'll keep at it
Trent I'm currently watching this at a Kroger's while sitting in the rain helping a friend out with their car that's not running correctly. Or engine misfiring.
hey Trent, i've been binging a lot of your videos and you've mentioned having worked on "Scud: The Disposable Assassin", did you ever get around to talking about it? would be cool to hear, i loved reading that comic
I've not talked about it much, but I was friends with the creator of Scud (Rob Schrab) a long long time ago. We kinda got started around the same time. But he went off to make movies and tv, and I went into the game industry. Someday i'll do a video covering every comic I've worked on... if I can remember them all.
I think its sometimes okay to be miserable you just dont have to get eaten up by it I think everyone has sometimes theese doubts u just have to always fight ur way out of it
I feel like you already have a video on this, but what’s your schedule look like on any given day or week? I feel like I go through periods of working for my job, drawing for fun, working on personal projects, studying, etc. but when I shift from one to the other, by the time I swing back, I feel like I’m “starting over” Like, I might spend a week learning Blender, then a week on my personal work, and by the time I get back to Blender, I’ve forgotten most of what I’ve learned from before. 😅 So how do you divvy up the limited time you have to cover all the different irons in the fire you have going on, in a way that keeps the results consistent or growing?
Trent been following for ages. I’d love to work on adopting some of your techniques. I draw mostly line art for comics and struggle adapting to a more painterly/concept style. I find yours very appealing as it seems comics adjacent in a lot of ways. My question is, you have many many tutorials on your gumroad. Which would you recommend for focusing on character style painting? I’d love to finally start my journey in leveling up. For myself not looking for a job anywhere. Regardless thanks for the continued inspiration.
I talk about rendering the most in my Hearthstone illustration workshop. But I’d recommend starting with Easy Art Lessons if you don’t know the fundamentals yet.
Whenever I start having cynical thoughts about trying to get work as an artist, after I cool down, I reassess my thoughts and ask myself, "What do these thoughts do to my motivation?" If it is detrimental to my motivation, I do my best to dismiss these thoughts, even if they are true. Anything that saps my motivation is discarded in my mind, I don't have time to mope, there is work to be done.
i too was born at a very young age..... in fact i was born at 0 years old... that was probably one of the most strange things anyone has ever said.....
I'm glad you don't always do MGS style cause your regular style is probably my favorite. Which reminds me of something I forgot to ask awhile ago. Have you thought about, or are you going to redesign Rodin, the Hammer Knight before the game comes out? In my opinion his design feels very out of place compared to all the other characters, almost like he's pulled straight outta Warhammer. Maybe because of the excessive armor compared to every other character, or that other very bulky guys like Samora, Yibada, and Kartooj have relatively small legs? I'm not really sure...
Thank you for the video. It’s good that at 17:20 I still did hear something that would scare me. Lol. But I really must ask you this: I understand that you want the viewer to concentrate on the head and the gun, probably on the arms too, but still why does it’s utility belt have pockets that are too small for its gigantic hands? My only theory is that there are tools that could be used to fix any part if it gets broken by the one inside the robot if there is even such a person or some good stranger.
Nice attention to detail! His hands have smaller parts that fold out to reach into smaller pockets. That’s also how he can use the bathroom, and pick up things like forks and spoons. .
Yes art is hard, and getting work is competitive, but all jobs can be competitive. But it's art, especially if it's for entertainment. It's harder for a surgeon, an officer, firefighter. Sheesh, firefighter, that is some balls of steel to go into the inferno, a police officer, nerves of steel to show no fear when facing a crazy head. And a surgeon, hands of serenity to be 100% error free.
Most people that get certified to be a cop can get paid to be a cop. Getting certified to be an artist don’t guarantee diddly. Artists need mental mastery , and adaptability to succeed.
this should probably be an Email xD... Hey, Which Place should i Start on your Series as a Starter? - The "Easy Art Lessons 1-5"? or you got a better Recommendation?...
then you become a real artist you never gonna quit but if you get popular that probably dont matter cause lets be honest 9/10 were destined to never be popular no matter what and being a hidden gem in the endless void dont sound bad
@@TrentKaniuga going there willingly is just having more control compared to going to parent summer house and work hard there for 12 hours and do something you dont even want to also is being impossible to get hired but being popular a good option i kinda want to see what will happens then you reject every single offer or as they say job opportunity and only focus on making content you want to and then you want to atleast its safer not dealing with dangeroulsy unpredictable human beings
Repent and believe the gospel! Jesus died for our sins and rose 3 days later so we could be forgiven of our sins and be gifted with everlasting life! Put your faith in Him and follow Him! Life is short, think about this. Please make the right choice today!
"There's no point. It's too much hard work."
"Well you know what's hard work? It's living your whole life and looking back and wishing that you could have believed in yourself a little bit more."
I felt like I was punched in the face after this. I needed that. Thank you for everything you do Trent.
I work 9-5 as an insurance dude and I've began drawing again trying to get back into it. I use to love drawing when I was younger. Last few weeks I've been gettin' back at it and I'm that guy putting in those extra 2 hours a day after work. Wish me luck!🤞And I wish all of you reconnecting with your artistic selves out there ❤️ We got this
yeah man, rock it and enjoy the process. Once you reach your artistic spot you will remember how it was climbing up.
get it man im all here for that ! I whish you luck
F* yes man! Good luck to you! You got this 💪🏼
That age old question: "Do I want it bad enough?" Everywhere I go, that question seems to follow.
It's crazy that so many people would choose negativity than positivity these days. I have the same mindset. Being someone in my 30s who is still hassling to "make it" into an art career, I always felt like the underdog, until I've got my very first art client and though "I knew it! I'm going somewhere!" Thanks man, you're one of the channels that helped me! Signing up in one of your courses catapulted me to more opportunities!
I understand why some folks do this though. It’s easier to believe that it’s not our own fault, that it’s out of our hands. But those who own their fate, will always pull out ahead.
I was recently working as a concept artist in a startup AAA studio, got accepted and worked 3 months in probation. During this time I learned so much - I also learned that I was not used to the subject matter the project was focused on. Things weren't going well but I constantly tried to learn and adapt. Eventually I spoke to my art director and told him I would not take the job due to the fact that I was underperforming and couldn't work with the subject matter. He respected that and told me that the hardest decisions often force you to grow. What a great Art Director! Now it has been 6 months and honestly I have never produced better work than I am now - so much improvement from a hard learned lesson
I am happy to hear that! Also… can I look at your portfolio if is on ArtStation, linked in or whatever? 😊 I am working hard on mine while studying and… yeah. It would be of great to see an accepted one! Please
fELT LIKE A lil beach today. Trent always here to get it pumping a bit makin me feel like I ain't no pencil.
man i remember watching this type of video from you back before covid, you fueled me with so much motivation... and then life happened over and over again and I'm exactly in the same place in life, desperately climbing what feels like an infinite hill, trying to land my first job. won't give up tho 💪
I define success as not necessarily working for 'the industry' but living off my work to some degree. Teaching workshops, publishing zines or short stories myself even.
This video came in the right time to me. I'm at that point where I'm working hard but getting absolutly nothing, I don't have artist friends to ask for advices and things are getting harder and harder, I don't know what is gonna happen but I'll continue to believe in myself. Thank you
I've made it my goal to study in South Korea as a character artist and I'll be damned if I let anything stop me from doing so. As usual, a wonderful video.
really? south Korea? good luck man
@@LeoneDeloris4730 Indeed. Already have an art mentor and plenty of art inspirations from there. Love the style. Love the commitment to precision, detail and mastery. Compared to Canada, I see more opportunities for me abroad.
Also, thanks :)
thank you so much for your art mental support, i always listen to your podcast while im sculpting rocks at night after work, dreaming of reaching my goals...
I sent this video to my Discord after being asked why I work on a Saturday. The ones who clicked on it now know why
I really appreciate this video and the message at the end
Crazy how this changing of mentality is what drove me into art in the first place. I had a friend who trashed my work because I kept asking critique. I was like "yeah, screw this guy I'm gonna learn all the frickin fundamental". The thing is now I'm much better and I made em quit art (not really, he really love what he's doing now). I just had a existential meltdown from external stuff from art and the fact you told this, really gives me that epiphany.
Thanks Trent!
I want to be a concept artist. I am in my late 30’s and I know there’s an old-school mentality that it's “too late” after a certain point, but I was always an artist, I just didn’t pursue it because I let all the people in my life stop me. But now I've been seriously grinding away for the last 7 years, but I didn’t know the difference between illustration and concept art until I found your channel Trent Kaniuga. I wish I could remember which year I saw that video, but I have had that thing in my head ever since I saw it.
I am that person you mentioned in another video that keeps toiling away on her craft without ever really applying for the job. In fact, I am even going back to college again to major in art in my late 30s. Lol. Currently I am still trying to conquer my fears and get my portfolio more solid and organized. Because I would be embarrassed for a company to see it the way it is now. The main thing I know I am missing is my rendering isn’t anywhere near as epic as what I see on this channel. Lol. But I am working towards that level. I know the main thing is to NOT QUIT. Never give up! Never Surrender! (Galaxy Quest)
Fixing my mindset is the number one thing I am currently working on now and videos like this one really help me to stay focused on following my hard dreams. Thank you!
I love this mentality, the endless journey of trying to do as much stuff, work, and hobbies as you can. Loving it all, and getting lost in making stuff.
Starting off your mind works against you and there will be a ton of friction. But each time you do that, the more you can handle as long as you don't have a limiting belief around that. Even in that moment, you can seek out what is in your mind thats hindering you and work through that.
I know I have to sacrifice more, and I'll be building up that pain tolerance over the many years to come. It's a journey that only stops when you die, you can't stop pain all together.
I am so glad that your spreading this message through the artist community.
Your content is 👌 thank you so much for being awesome.
One of my favorite examples of mindset was at an networking Event last December. It was just a small venue and you could talk to a lot of people. There was a guy who tries to find a job as a game designer but is extremely pessimistic all the time, and he found people like that where he could vent about. That was his night. There was another artist who has a similar skill set as I did and she kept in one corner of the room for most of the night. I decided on the way there to be open and I was excited because I had a lot of cool, non-art realted things ahead of me that month and so I carried that energy into every connection I made, and promptly got a job offer the same night. I traveled back with the two after the event and I was the only one making progress because I actively decided to not be negative. This will always act as a reminder for me that mindset is so important.
Powerful. Thanks for sharing this!
Truth is who you know > skill.
I didn’t know anyone. So I can’t say that was true for me. But I’m sure it would have helped if I knew someone, but I still would’ve needed the skill and knowledge as well.
Thanks for the encouragement ❤
I would say don't make it your main job if you aren't willing to compromise artistically. For many people art isn't just a product, it an expression and extention of them as a person through their skill and style. Now I would say that if this describes you then you also have to kinda seek out those that will most be receptive to what you're doing. Example, I do pen & ink with watercolor, if I show it to someone who likes digital & they enjoy it great but if they don't then they aren't my focus. Frank Zappa once said if you are making a decision on your art based on how much money you'll get, then you aren't making an artistic decision but a business decision. If thats something you're comfortable with then thats ok but it is something you should understand when making it so you aren't disappointed in your work.
Thanks for another amazing video Trent. Nothing beats hearing that art is impossible, and that we're capable of the impossible. Extremely refreshing!
Great thumbnail 😄 the text made me chuckle anyone who’s tried to max their creative potential know that there are so many unfortunate limits, like hours in the day, energy levels, other responsibilities and obligations lol but if you can’t resist the urge to create, you’ll always find a way ❤ also that sounds like an interesting book! Ty for sharing - there’s always so much value in the videos you put out
Thanks Trent, as a 37 year old with a kid working on my portfolio on my spare time encouragement like this is always appreciated.
I too am 37 with a kid working on my portfolio! Good luck!!
@zack_feldman hey man, right back at you. I checked out your content and liked what I saw. I'm an old school mostly traditional artist myself, but I have been trying to shift to mostly digital, i was never able to overcome the disconnect on the old school drawing tablets, but these modern ones that you can draw on the screen are awesome to play around with.
@@dacedebeer2697 the technology has grown exponentially in the last few years! I’ve got a decent tablet now, and need to use it more, haha!
Good luck! I’m 42 and still feel like I haven’t “made it” but I’ve been working as an artist for a while now. It’s a tough road but a worthwhile one!
god damn, what a drawing ! ... and talk. Very very very good video man !
Thank you. This video made me truly realize that although I have graduated art school, juggled part time jobs with freelance, am 30 now, and still can't get a studio job, I will literally never give up. I've on and off thought of ending my search for an art career pretty often, but still haven't. I figure now that if I really wanted to give up, I would have done it already so might as well continue to get better with out fear of instability or moping or getting angry. Basically used to the instability now. No one to blame, gotta keep truckin.
My goal as an artist has changed so much from where I was 10 years ago. When I was 16 I so desperately wanted to work at Blizzard and other big companies doing character designs for video games I loved. After a couple years of therapy and a few mental health diagnoses I discovered that’s not what I want at all! I’d much rather be an indie dev working towards something cool within my own hours and energy, and in my own values/principles. I’ve been breaking out programs like Blockbench to learn texturing and it’s been so fun learning how to work on projects I actually want. It’s at a snails pace sure, but I’m not killing myself with the pressure of going into studios and art schools because I thought that was the only option.
Thanks for all the wisdom Trent! Hopefully I’ll be putting something out some day too ^_^
everyone on this planet needs to see this, not just artists
Your videos are always so inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you. Genuinely.
Thank You, was great listening to You. Also amazing drawing, love the colors, lighting and details.
Love your mix of hard truths with positivity. It's not something I need to hear every day but its a good shot in the arm compared to a lot of other people out there.
I'm really inspired by your insight and mentality, Trent. I'm growing in my artistic capabilities every day but the biggest plus is now I believe I can do it. I guess it's important for artist to allow themselves a pat on the back now and then. It's a difficult road. Keep up the good content. You're helping a ton.
I totally agree with staying positive. Especially nowadays. I will just say one thing about pushing yourself though. While I do agree that you definitely have to sacrifice as an artist and depending on what part of the industry or job your looking for you will have to push yourself in different ways, but as someone with repetitive strain issues in both my hands for the past four years I would warn to always keep an eye on your body. If you can do those late nights sure, but don't physically break yourself. Doesn't matter how good you can draw, you don't have anything if you don't have your health at the end. I've had to change my whole goals with art because of rsi and back issues, so work hard but PLEASE take care of yourself!
Workin' on my goals everyday!!! Feels good to grow! Thanks for all your hard work Trent!
My son and I finally looked through our book "the art of twilight monk" .. we've had it for years, but wanted to wait until we got caught up with the story before looking through.
Listened to your audiobooks on YT years back, and not too long ago listened to the Twilight Monk audible book. Curious if there was anymore content that we're missing with Twilight Monk.
I know you're hard at work with the game, but we're curious if there's plans to make another audio book? :)
Cheers!
Wow. Thank you for giving Twilight Monk so much support! There is a book 2 novel that is available on Amazon “return of the Ancients”. I’ve begun recording the audiobook, but it won’t be done till later this year. Book 3 is written, but not published, and I have plans for more books after that. There was a 6 chapter comic series but it’s out of print.
This video is great, like everything you do Trent, thanks for this touch of positivity and motivation.
I want to work for MTG in the next 2 years, and I will :)
You can do it!
Thanks so much for this! Freelance illustrator here, and I’ve been struggling a lot with my mental lately while looking for new opportunities. Rejection emails and dead end leads get me thinking “I’m not enough” far too often. I know I have it in me to do more, but that mental block becomes paralyzing sometimes. Your words have definitely encouraged me to keep trying and pushing. It means a lot.
More than just art advice this is life advice great video.
NEW TRENT INTO MUSIC PEOPLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Amen Brother!
Trent! As Always you find a way to Encourage me to Keep Moving forward Thank you! Stay AWESOME!
Hey man i appreciate this video.
I do have one thing to say:
Careful with Tony Robbins. I worked as a copywriter for an organization that collabed with him sometimes and the dude is definitely snake-adjacent. He's got some okay tools for people, but he's always looking to sell successful people on his mega-expensive business class mastermind program.
The hooks can get you anytime, be careful 😅
I agree, a lot of those “inspirational” guys are selling you a DREAM. He’s got some good stuff to say but there’s a lot of fluff.
All I can say is that I grew up with depression. I thought I was going to die before I turned 30. I thought it was genetic. But when I started listening to Tony Robbins, it started me on a path to self improvement. Now, 17 years later, I have my dream life, and I can't imagine how I let myself keep repeating cycles of self destruction in my youth. Tony Robbins didn't have ALL of the answers. But his books helped me to start on a path of self improvement that cured my depression. Now I see many people from my old life, and they're still in it. And they insist on staying in that hopeless place. I want to pull them out. But they say "those self improvement guys are snake oil salesmen", and then they don't try... AT ALL to improve their lives. Why not just... TRY?
Always absolute blessing to hear you words Sir! Amazing work on giant gun guy :) I went into the art/design university (in Europe) in pursuit of my dreams to become professional 2D character animator and illustrator. I have one and a half year left to go. I know my skills have grown a lot but paradoxically sometimes I feel that either I don't have time or I feel too drained and tired to spent time on drawing because of the all the school work that doesn't have direkt connection to my preferred niche in that field. But I still know that it all comes in handi one way or another. Growth is not supposed to feel pleasant all the time.
Great video. Always super insightful. I love your videos about art careers even though I have no intention of pursuing it as a career (in the sense of being the thing that pays bills & keeps the lights on). But even as a serious hobbyist, so much of what you said still resonates. Having a bit of fire to prove I can do it, having the drive to improve and complete my own projects to the absolute best of my ability and create something I can take pride in all still resonates. Especially your point about not one day regretting not giving it your all and wishing you'd believed in yourself more. You always have great advice that strikes the right balance between no bs no sugarcoating truth, but also incredibly motivating and inspiring.
Great video! This type of content will never get old! Thanks!
very insightful advice, especially in regards to the more personal and emotional aspects of pursuing art. thanks for this!!
I was about ready to throw in the towel last year and I came to a cross-road where I had the opportunity to become a middle school art teacher, which is security, but not my passion. I stubbornly stuck to my passions and another opportunity was presented to me. I was invited to join the Beyond Skyrim: Atmora team as an environment concept artist. The project lead thought I was already a working professional artist and it was a big boost to my confidence. It's a non-paying position, but I've learned so much that I would not have learned had I not joined. I'm learning team dynamics, game pipeline, and most importantly that I can make my dreams work. I trust that this journey has more tough choices for me, but if I follow my heart I think everything will be alright. My goals moving forward is to get as much learning from this team project as I can and in August this year we have a showcase at Creation Mod Con. I hope to use that as a spring board in making connections, along with my personal project involving my favorite subject matter: rocks.
Thank you for this free lesson!
I need more longer video trent talking about art and etc😊
I have plans for a lot more casual/frequent videos. Stay tuned!
As a 30 year old, back in school to learn 3d design, I feel the need to prove myself more than ever . It has been a learning curve for me as I came in as a traditional/digital artist, however, I am loving every moment of it. I lose a lot of sleep trying to get better each day, but to the people who've said I won't make it, just keeps me going. School isn't for everyone, it's just that I needed that structure. It's a bit rough but we gotta keep fighting!! I hope everyone gets their chance, let's make it happen!!
Those business exchanges can be nuanced.
In graphic design I remember a lot of clients wanting all the text to be as big as possible, and the same size; for ‘impact’, in their eyes.
I would explain to them it would be a lot more effective if they used some visual hierarchy, with a contrast in the size of text.
I would be reminded that they were paying for it, and to ‘just do it’.
I reached a point where I realised they had a vision, and I was getting in the way of that. In a lot of cases, I would advise them to set someone up in-house with an Adobe subscription to produce what they wanted, and it’s worked out in a lot of cases. I could be called upon for any trouble shooting advice.
Aside from that, I was always open to anyone who wanted to buy into my style and vision.
I have been feeling and told even with my close friend that my art has been yoo amateur for gow long i have been drawing, and isnt bad but lacks professionalism compared to my other peers and i have been struggling to focus and push harder. I get so scared, its so hard, but i dont want to quit because i literally dont care for anything else
Grate paint job! I need to learn that skills, my dudes!
I’m not sure if I’ve gotten better at digital painting or if this it’s an art trend, but I keep seeing artists using this start off soft and then slowly add hard surfaces using highlights process- that’s cool
Truth saying is your super power
Thankyou, Trent
i have learned that there is no easy career, because the "easier" it is the more competition theirs going to be, making it harder balancing it out. i say don't give regard to how hard it's going to be, if you want it, go for it and don't give up until you get it.🔥🔥🔥🔥
I always watch your videos for the art but your insight and wisdom is worth the watch too. Writing out a list of goals has helped me immensely in the past so I appreciate that tip as a reminder.
Are you okay with 3D artists working off of your concepts for personal, non-commercial works?
Thank you! I needed this today. Art is, indeed, very hard ;)
wonderful insight!
Great video. My goal is to draw concept art and Illustrations for stories.
I love storytelling through Art, which is one reason why I pursued drawing comics for years, but I couldn't keep up with the schedule (though it IS awesome to see how it progressed through nearly 100 pages). Now I want to build up my foundation art wise and do more.
awesome! (what's the opposite of a fatalist? that's me!)
There was a point in my life, college actually, when I got a negative mentality, I was doing really well with art, but my teachers trashed the kind of art I wanted to do, and they said I was very talented at doing their type of art(art with a message, somewhat more expressive instead of figurative), I felt that I would not ever get career I wanted, got a depression, stopped doing art and I blamed them when what I should have done really, was doing the college stuff, and keep on doing my art on the side.
Years later, I recovered from my depression and the first thing I did was buying a drawing tablet. So for the last 3 years and a half I've been working on trying to be a concept artist, and I'll keep at it
word up!
More of a designer than an artist, to be honest. Your attitude towards thing though, is exemplary.
I love these videos. Great art, too.
I appreciate your videos!
Trent I'm currently watching this at a Kroger's while sitting in the rain helping a friend out with their car that's not running correctly. Or engine misfiring.
Summoning the meanness
Let's gooooooo✊✊✊✊✊
"I was born at a young age"
LOL
hey Trent, i've been binging a lot of your videos and you've mentioned having worked on "Scud: The Disposable Assassin", did you ever get around to talking about it? would be cool to hear, i loved reading that comic
I've not talked about it much, but I was friends with the creator of Scud (Rob Schrab) a long long time ago. We kinda got started around the same time. But he went off to make movies and tv, and I went into the game industry. Someday i'll do a video covering every comic I've worked on... if I can remember them all.
@@TrentKaniuga please do! and let me know when you plan on doing another sale, i really wanna get that lesson pack
I think its sometimes okay to be miserable you just dont have to get eaten up by it I think everyone has sometimes theese doubts u just have to always fight ur way out of it
I feel like you already have a video on this, but what’s your schedule look like on any given day or week?
I feel like I go through periods of working for my job, drawing for fun, working on personal projects, studying, etc. but when I shift from one to the other, by the time I swing back, I feel like I’m “starting over”
Like, I might spend a week learning Blender, then a week on my personal work, and by the time I get back to Blender, I’ve forgotten most of what I’ve learned from before. 😅
So how do you divvy up the limited time you have to cover all the different irons in the fire you have going on, in a way that keeps the results consistent or growing?
Trent been following for ages. I’d love to work on adopting some of your techniques. I draw mostly line art for comics and struggle adapting to a more painterly/concept style. I find yours very appealing as it seems comics adjacent in a lot of ways.
My question is, you have many many tutorials on your gumroad. Which would you recommend for focusing on character style painting? I’d love to finally start my journey in leveling up. For myself not looking for a job anywhere.
Regardless thanks for the continued inspiration.
I talk about rendering the most in my Hearthstone illustration workshop. But I’d recommend starting with Easy Art Lessons if you don’t know the fundamentals yet.
Tell it like it is Sensei
Whenever I start having cynical thoughts about trying to get work as an artist, after I cool down, I reassess my thoughts and ask myself, "What do these thoughts do to my motivation?" If it is detrimental to my motivation, I do my best to dismiss these thoughts, even if they are true. Anything that saps my motivation is discarded in my mind, I don't have time to mope, there is work to be done.
2:11 Create a service
I don't know why but when you said "...and this is the mindset of a loser" I laughed out loud
i too was born at a very young age..... in fact i was born at 0 years old... that was probably one of the most strange things anyone has ever said.....
I'm glad you don't always do MGS style cause your regular style is probably my favorite. Which reminds me of something I forgot to ask awhile ago. Have you thought about, or are you going to redesign Rodin, the Hammer Knight before the game comes out? In my opinion his design feels very out of place compared to all the other characters, almost like he's pulled straight outta Warhammer.
Maybe because of the excessive armor compared to every other character, or that other very bulky guys like Samora, Yibada, and Kartooj have relatively small legs? I'm not really sure...
Thank you for the video. It’s good that at 17:20 I still did hear something that would scare me. Lol. But I really must ask you this: I understand that you want the viewer to concentrate on the head and the gun, probably on the arms too, but still why does it’s utility belt have pockets that are too small for its gigantic hands? My only theory is that there are tools that could be used to fix any part if it gets broken by the one inside the robot if there is even such a person or some good stranger.
Nice attention to detail! His hands have smaller parts that fold out to reach into smaller pockets. That’s also how he can use the bathroom, and pick up things like forks and spoons. .
Yes art is hard, and getting work is competitive, but all jobs can be competitive. But it's art, especially if it's for entertainment. It's harder for a surgeon, an officer, firefighter. Sheesh, firefighter, that is some balls of steel to go into the inferno, a police officer, nerves of steel to show no fear when facing a crazy head. And a surgeon, hands of serenity to be 100% error free.
Most people that get certified to be a cop can get paid to be a cop. Getting certified to be an artist don’t guarantee diddly. Artists need mental mastery , and adaptability to succeed.
How about when you're 40?
this should probably be an Email xD...
Hey, Which Place should i Start on your Series as a Starter? - The "Easy Art Lessons 1-5"? or you got a better Recommendation?...
The easy Art lessons are a great starting point for beginners.
then you become a real artist you never gonna quit
but if you get popular that probably dont matter cause lets be honest 9/10 were destined to never be popular no matter what and being a hidden gem in the endless void dont sound bad
Thats why Its important to love the process!
@@TrentKaniuga going there willingly is just having more control compared to going to parent summer house and work hard there for 12 hours and do something you dont even want to
also is being impossible to get hired but being popular a good option
i kinda want to see what will happens then you reject every single offer or as they say job opportunity and only focus on making content you want to and then you want to
atleast its safer not dealing with dangeroulsy unpredictable human beings
7:11 am i a bad person for liking the video at this part? 😂
Hi, Trent! How long did the painting process take?
I don’t usually spend more than. 10 hours on most paintings. Could do this one in probably 6 hours.
@@TrentKaniuga 6? Holy Mother Earth! The man is fast! Thank you, Trent!
Ah, yes... I was also born at a young age, my friend
Great stuff as always.
Repent and believe the gospel! Jesus died for our sins and rose 3 days later so we could be forgiven of our sins and be gifted with everlasting life! Put your faith in Him and follow Him! Life is short, think about this. Please make the right choice today!
Go back to blizzard, they need someone who isnt making tumblr fanart of gay dragons.
I have considered it, but I don't know if my personality type fits there.