Hey everyone, so
before I get into the video with my girl Steph, I actually just want to
apologize in advance for the audio.
So a few weeks ago, I purchased
a mini microphone from Edutige.
I got their omni-directional
mic which means that it picks up sound from
every direction. And I thought it was cool, because it was so tiny and it is inconspicuous
and I thought it was going to be good for vlogging but
when I reviewed the footage on my computer, I just wasn't happy with the audio.
So Steph and I recorded this video at the beach.
This was very impromptu and
we didn't plan on doing this, but we did it anyway and
I didn't think about the conditions at the time.
So, throughout the whole video,
you literally hear waves crashing like every few seconds. I mean, you can totally hear us, but
you know in the background you can hear the waves crashing every few seconds, and it does get distracting.
I'm highly sensitive to certain sounds so if you're the same way this video might bother you as well.
But,
even though I
still decided to post this video up because
I just really think that everything that we talked about in this video is so important
especially with like what Steph had to say. She had so many great things to talk about and
I want you guys to gain something from this video even though the audio isn't the best.
And since Steph lives in LA, re-filming this is
not going to happen because
yeah, we don't see each other every day.
Plus, even if we had the chance to re-film it, I
wouldn't want to just because...I don't know, I hate re-filming things.
So if you think that
the background noise is going to bother you
I decided to put subtitles so just click the CC button down below and it'll activate the
subtitles for you guys, and I really do hope it helps.
So again, I apologize.
And just to let you guys know, I did return that microphone
literally like before I filmed this video because it wasn't working out for me. I probably should have purchased their
uni-directional mic, but it was too expensive.
Um, but I don't know, maybe in the future.
I probably should have brought this mic with me, but let me just show you how it looks...
I don't like to bring too much with me especially that day, I didn't want to put too much in my purse.
but
You know, if I really want good quality, I should just deal with it, you know? It's totally like...
a vlogger's set up, but
audio is very important to me and hopefully I'm not too shy with bringing this
whole setup with me in public in the future. But anyway, now that I've explained myself
grab a snack
because this video is quite lengthy, so
let's get into the video!
Say hi!
Okay, I'm doing my left-side that's why I'm sitting this way.
This is perfect because--
Yes, there we go. It works.
Hey everyone! So, I'm here with my friend Steph.
She came down to visit me, for the day.
And we're here at Sunset Cliffs.
We're just chillin',
enjoying the beautiful weather.
And I thought I would have her on a video, to talk about one particular comment I received
like two months ago.
And I actually mentioned this on one of my older vlogs, that I was going to talk about it
in a speed-drawing video,
but I think it would be more interesting to have another artist's perspective
on this topic which is regarding art block.
So,
let's get to it!
Yes!
So, this comment is from Amanda
and, she says..
Is it normal to be pissed off when someone dear to you tries to talk
professionally about that it takes time and many good artists have art blocks, too?
Because when I get really down about my art
I start to think I'm no good whatsoever
And I think everyone else around me is 100% better than me.
Does age have anything to do-
anything to do with wanting to have a fan base around my art?
I just want appreciation and comments about the things I draw, but I get none.
I don't get it most of the time.
And I can't seem to bring myself out of my art block, at all.
I never have drawing ideas
and I end up doing the same thing over and over again which is manga OC's, only showing the face.
I don't feel like I'm progressing.
Well, I I would agree
It's natural, completely natural to feel
pissed off when someone's telling you what it is that you're going through
It's already frustrating enough that you're experiencing that.
And it's sometimes even more frustrating when
someone's telling you what you're experiencing
and you're just looking for an answer.
Because, you're just constantly
searching at this point for inspiration and
nothing's sticking.
But, I would say
don't take it personally because I'm sure this person is coming from a good place
And he or she is just saying, "I understand where you're coming from because a lot
of people go through this, too.
And it's not just artists, it's
anybody
creating and
it's completely normal and I go through it all the time.
She does, too. (Char)
I think we're both currently on the same wavelength.
It's happening!
And for me,
I've been in a creative block for the past 2 months now.
And um, sometimes it's fun sometimes it's not.
But in this case, I've been having a lot of fun with this creative block because it's giving me the opportunity to
pay attention to other things in my life that need more attention.
And,
sometimes I get inspiration out of what I'm doing,
and
so,
you just never know! I say just keep doing what you're doing
and,
creative blocks don't last.
Yeah.
Very temporary, always temporary.
You just gotta know what to do with your time when you're in it.
It's not always gonna be pleasant, it's not always going to be fun...
but it won't last.
So you'll be good.
What do you think?
Well, for me
in the past when people used to say those things like, you know, "things take time",
and,
it's coming from like my family members or like friends who aren't in the creative field
and don't understand what I'm going through.
I also don't take it too personally because I just think that whatever we're going through
whether it's creatively,
or just things in our lives, like personally
like our job or whatever
I just think that whatever we want to improve on, things will always take time.
Also, I just feel that everyone's different like
everyone's mentalities different.
So, some people may take it negatively,
some people may take it more positively.
Just from reading her comment, I just feel that
and I'm sure you and I go through it, too
we go through these bouts of
negativity about our work, and just comparing ourselves to others.
Till this day, we still go through that. But, I think like, what I've been learning over the past few months or so
and just a fact I'm getting older. I realize that,
whatever we think about
whether it's
wanted or unwanted
will continue to grow. So, if you're constantly thinking negatively that
you're not progressing or that, you know, you're not as good as another artist...
that thought of yours is gonna continue to
grow and you're not going to improve because
you're just--
stuck in that mindset.
And you create whatever you put your attention on
whether it's good or bad...
Whether you're stuck in a style,
what, what is it? Manga?
That's okay!
You got somewhere to start and,
you can find room to play with that.
You could,
figure that out while you're dealing with this current block.
You'll get a hit of inspiration, out of nowhere.
It will surprise you.
And then when it starts,
you won't be able to stop working.
And it will just take over--
Everything will just flow from there.
And you lose time and, you lose track of time.
And that's just the best thing ever,
just like, when you're creating something that you love,
it's just,
the best thing ever, right?
There's no stopping it, and you're just...
Another thing that I was thinking about...
It's like, you know how that saying goes,
"If you don't love yourself,
then
how can anyone love you?"
so as far as that...
If you don't love your work, how can anyone else love your work?
If you are not positive and you are
you know
if you're not embracing the process...
then you won't improve, right?
Yeah, exactly. I mean you can't expect that everything put out
that
you expect a certain outcome...
a result that's promising to you.
It doesn't work that way.
Failure is necessary, and I
hate to use the word failure, but when
you're not getting the feedback that you want out of it.
It's just,
it's a learning curve.
and,
I mean, when Char and I started out, we weren't all that.
Omg (laughs)
I wasn't, and I
barely knew how to sketch!
And I had to teach myself through YouTube videos.
Of,
and I still do to this day like,
when I'm dealing with a block and I want to learn new techniques.
I think it's important to continue to learn.
Oh, we're always learning. You gotta be open.
You gotta act as a student for the rest of your life,
and keep an open mind.
So much to learn and it's fun!
And it makes a fun process, because you're constantly evolving
as a human being
and as a creator and
you'd just be surprised.
Keep going down your creative route,
and keep playing with ideas,
follow different artists and
mimic their techniques.
Yeah, I mean,
outcome is not always gonna be promising...
you just put out the work that you love and,
eventually,
somebody's gonna come back
to wanna see more.
And this is just how we kinda grew our audience.
And,
I didn't expect much of it.
And I just had fun with it,
and I just kept putting out stuff that I
loved and
eventually over time, people just started noticing.
and
you'll gain from that and--
I'm losing my train of thought.
The heat is like, getting to me!
I know! It's so hot right now.
(laughs)
It's not scorching hot, but it's like hot enough...
I think it's important like, especially if you're going through an art block
and you're uninspired or unmotivated,
I think one good tip is to
find inspiration from other artists.
I mean, not completely copying their--
Oh, well even if you, yeah not completely but--
but just taking bits and pieces from different artists, and creating your own style.
This is how you develop your own style.
Copy these artists and practice
but take what you want from each one and put it all together and,
whatever comes from you is like your own,
unique, style.
This is how I learned because
everything that I've taken, was from like 2 or 3 different artists.
Took what I liked, and now people recognize my whimsical
free flowing, chicken-scratch sketches.
Whatever!
That's what I call it, because I don't--
I love it!
and
Yeah, I mean
You'll figure it out, but yeah of course in the beginning it's a little frustrating.
Yeah, I don't know how old you are Amanda, but...
Yeah, I know! How old are you?
You sound so cute!
I like these questions!
Wait...did I lose it? Hold on...
Are we good with that question?
I think so...which question was that?
The first one. (laughs)
The second question is, "Does age have anything to do with wanting to have a fan base around my art?"
Oh.
I just want appreciation and comments about the things I draw
but I get none.
Age has nothing to do with
your fan base or your art or your passion or anything.
Like, it's never too late to get started on what you love to do.
And that is my simple answer.
It has nothing to do--don't ever let that get to your head.
Seriously! Like, I've seen artists who are like, what, 13?
And like, their style just looks so advanced.
Oh my gosh.
Oh, and this one right here.
I never have drawing ideas and
end up doing the same thing over and over again
which is manga OC's only showing the face.
It's not a question but...
Oh okay, so she's venting.
That's okay,
because I get frustrated
when I
Can't figure out a pose that I want to work on
and I just get bored with all the stiff poses
that models use
and I just feel like my content is boring.
I just,
I hate it sometimes.
But that's okay.
It's something that you definitely know that you've nailed.
In your case faces. Me, I know gestures,
but I definitely like to go
In a different direction from there...
and I understand that you do as well.
and
like I said,
during this creative block, I suggest you just
focus on other things in your life that need
attention at this point, I'd say
...if you have a dog, or if you have friends to catch up with,
do that, follow through with that and
Go out, take yourself out.
Treat yourself to a drink if you're old enough, and
just,
refresh your mind because that's important, too.
You also need a break from your passion as well.
You can't always constantly be
working.
You need like a good balance of
things in Life and
you'll get hit with inspiration out of the blue.
I saw this video, and
I think it's so true that like people always say that "practice makes perfect", but
say if you want to learn
how to draw the human figure.
And you're not good at it, like me.
That's why I don't like drawing people
because I'm really bad at proportions.
And if that's something you want to learn,
I think it's important like if you want to learn it,
maybe like what she said earlier, watch tutorials...
Take a workshop.
Yeah, take a workshop or,
buy books on how to draw
different poses.
So yeah, I think always trying to learn something new I think that's like the fastest way to
improve in your work.
Yup.
Just,
be open-minded about it, and playful like don't put so much pressure on yourself
when sketching.
Just do it on
if it helps, I, I would suggest to
just start
scribbling on crappy paper.
Like don't set yourself up
to
create something perfect on
fancy paper, basically.
I mean, that's what screws me up all the time.
is when I get like nice clean paper...
weight is like
thick, and it's like, 'if you mess up, this is it!'
Tossing the paper if you mess it up.
And that's what I feel before I start something.
So, a way to practice is to practice on crappy paper.
Less pressure and you'll be surprised on what comes out.
And,
practice on
cheap sketchbooks,
it's
just to get the flow of things and it helps me all the time.
I scribble on a napkins sometimes if I have to
and sometimes I like the outcome of
what I created, and I'll snap a picture
'cause I'm not gonna keep that frickin' napkin in my bag to reference.
You'd be surprised when
you alleviate that pressure on yourself.
it's always fun! You should always have fun!
Going back to one of the things she said, about
comparing yourself to other artists.
Keep in mind that the artists that you follow
are probably older than you or just more experienced.
Don't compare yourself to other artists who are
on a different path as you.
If anything, use them as inspiration.
Yeah.
This is where you aspire to be.
Of course everybody's paths are different.
...Water's getting close...
I know!
It's so distracting, but
I think we're good.
Use them as inspiration and maybe tell yourself,
"this is where I want to be in the future."
But be very positive about it. Don't be negative and be like,
"Ugh, I'm not like this artist..."
"I wish I can do what they're doing..."
Be more positive about it and
just tell yourself, "I will get there eventually."
Yeah.
It will take time, I mean, coming from an artist,
things do take time if you're, you know, passionate about it and consistent in your work
you will get to where you want to be if
you just stay positive.
I mean, I don't know if that's the answer you want to hear but it's true.
Just shift your mentality a little bit,
and just praise yourself more than
coming down on yourself negatively, because that won't help you progress.
It'll just slow you down--
Embrace the process! I think that's so important.
I'm sure you go through the same thing, you know, when you're
feeling I don't know like
depressed, or like you don't feel like
your work is the best that you want it to be...
It's a normal feeling,
and I still get that, but
I don't come down on myself as hard as I did in the beginning.
My attitude now these days is that,
you know, if I love what I'm about to post,
I'm just gonna do it anyway and not expect
much feedback. I don't care so much anymore,
because it's not gonna matter! It's not gonna stop me from doing what I love to do.
And everybody's gonna have an opinion,
but I recognize the people that appreciate my work.
And, that's what keeps me going.
And, not everybody is gonna like it.
And that's just how it is.
But there are people out there, that will.
I feel like there's so much that we're leaving out, but
Yeah, we apologize if the answers aren't as clear.
I mean,
the conditions outside is kind of...
difficult to deal with.
And the heat is getting to our brains...
I'm actually getting hungry.
That's probably one of the reasons.
And we're just
dreading the hike back to our car.
Oh my gosh!
Should I record that?
I don't know if I should have my camera out.
OMG.
This is actually my third time going through that, but
Each time I'm still shaking--
We're literally hiking and climbing rocks
to the car.
I'm glad we weren't carrying a lot.
Oh, I know.
It's doable.
Yeah, hopefully we answered your questions well enough.
Hopefully that gives you some kind of insight.
And even if you know, if there's other people out there who are going through the same thing,
hopefully this helps you as well.
I feel like there's so much that I want to say, but--
Creative blocks are good.
They're good, they're not bad. Not bad at all.
It's part of the process.
I mean, currently Stephanie and I are going through an art block.
Yeah.
Two months in.
I mean, I talk about it so many times on my vlogs.
Two months in!
It sucks.
But I'm having the time of my life right now enjoying other things.
Yeah.
And I think it's important that like, 'cause we visit each other every few months or so.
Pretty frequently.
Yeah, so I think it's always best to surround yourself with people who--
Support you.
Yeah, support you.
And love you, and just want the best out of you.
Yes.
Surround yourself with good things, and things you love and it will work out.
It will.
It will.
IT WILL. (laughs)
You don't have to tell me, we know this.
We're trying to help you.
So, I think that's all for today.
This is actually the first time I recorded a video in public.
Me, too!
I was telling her, "I'm nervous!"
But yeah, I'm glad I was able to do it with my good friend, Steph.
This water is kinda scaring me.
Oh, we'll be gone soon.
Make sure to follow Steph on Instagram.
I always mention it whenever she comes down to visit me.
Oh my goodness, thank you!
I love her work. No, seriously I'm not just saying that because you're my friend, but
I love your work and I appreciate everything you put out.
It's so inspirational.
Thank you.
As you all know.
So yeah, that's about it.
We're probably gonna go head out to dinner.
Yay!
Hope you all are having a great day
and I will see you in the next video.
Bye!
Yay!
This is the hike.
The rope, it's like floss. It's so thin.
I'm out of breath.
you
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