Summary of "Is being a pro artist really that special, or not?"
Summary of Video: "Is being a pro artist really that special, or not?"
This video demystifies the idea of being a professional artist, revealing that pros and amateurs share many struggles, particularly around fear, doubt, and the creative process. The creator shares honest insights into the realities of professional artistry, emphasizing mindset, planning, persistence, and the importance of evolving one’s approach.
Key Concepts and Artistic Techniques Discussed:
- Fear and Doubt Are Constant:
- Fear never fully goes away, even for professionals. It is a natural part of starting new projects or putting work out into the world.
- Instead of avoiding fear, use it as a compass—fear often signals what you should be doing next.
- The "Ugly Phase" in Art:
- Every artist experiences moments where their work looks bad or frustrating (the "ugly zone").
- This phase is normal and signals potential growth, not failure.
- Professionals often hide these phases, but they are universal.
- planning and preparation:
- The difference between amateurs and pros is having a clear plan or roadmap (like a GPS).
- Planning includes:
- Researching and gathering multiple references (20-30 references per artwork is common).
- Understanding your audience and niche if starting a channel or business.
- Being flexible and ready to pivot when plans don’t go as expected.
- Example: Picasso spent about six hours planning before painting.
- Plans rarely go perfectly, so 80% planning and 20% reaction/adaptation is a realistic ratio.
- Flexibility and Adaptation:
- Be willing to challenge and revise your work instead of stubbornly sticking to initial ideas.
- Avoid phrases like "I like it like that," which limit growth and improvement.
- Pivoting and reacting to feedback or new information is crucial.
- time management and Productivity:
- Everyone has the same 24 hours daily; how you use that time matters.
- Common distractions include phones, TV, and media consumption (2-3 hours each daily on average).
- Shift mindset from “I don’t have time” to “How am I investing my time?”
- Focus on doing more efficiently and wisely, not just doing more.
- Mindset and Motivation:
- The brain is wired to avoid discomfort and seek easy pleasures, which can conflict with artistic goals.
- Balancing consumption (games, shows) and creation is vital—ideally, create more than you consume.
- Ask yourself how you will feel about your choices tomorrow, next week, or years from now.
- The Myth of Talent:
- Talent is largely a social construct and not a prerequisite for success.
- Early exposure, support, and practice matter more than innate ability.
- Believing in “talent” can be an excuse that limits growth.
- Accountability and effort trump supposed “natural gifts.”
- persistence as the Ultimate Key:
- The biggest "cheat code" to success is simply not quitting.
- Average freelance artist lifespan is 2-5 years; the creator has been a pro for 15+ years.
- Quitting guarantees failure; persistence leads to eventual success.
- Time will pass regardless, so invest it in yourself.
- Results Reflect Effort and Strategy:
- Current results equal current efforts and strategies.
- If results are lacking, examine what you are doing and what could be improved or done differently.
- Being intentional about your niche, marketing, and art style is crucial.
- Support Systems and External Environment:
- Many artists face lack of support or skepticism from family, friends, or society.
- Support is often earned through demonstrated results rather than expected upfront.
- Art is sometimes viewed as childish or non-serious, which can be discouraging.
- Perseverance despite lack of support is common among pros.
- Work Ethic and Showing Up:
- Planning and ideation are important, but the actual work is what counts.
- Consistent action builds belief in yourself and earns respect from others.
- Showing vulnerability about struggles can inspire others.
Advice and Strategies Presented:
- Recognize fear and use it as a signal to move forward, not to retreat.
- Prepare thoroughly by gathering many references and researching before starting.
- Develop a clear plan or roadmap for your artistic goals or business.
- Expect plans to fail sometimes and be ready to adapt and pivot.
- Embrace the ugly phase of your art as part of growth; don’t give up during this phase.
- Manage your time by reducing distractions and investing time as a valuable resource.
- Balance consumption and creation; strive to create more than you consume.
Category
Art and Creativity
