Some good advice in this video that other artists will find useful. I left my job in 2001 to paint full time, I took voluntary redundancy from my job and the redundancy money gave me enough to live on for my first year. When I left my job our two children were aged 2 and 5 and my wife didn't work due to being disabled, but that didn't deter me, I still took the plunge. Life's too short and we're only here once. The first 3 years were tough but then things gradually took off. This 2020/2021 financial year I have just cleared my first £100K from my art, in 2019 I took on my first full time studio assistant and in September 2020 I took on a 2nd full time assistant. I use my own success in art to give these young budding artists a chance to paint full time as they'd unlikely get the chance otherwise. I paint 7 days a week for roughly 14 hours a day. It takes high level of commitment but it never feels like a job. Paint, sleep, paint, sleep, it's the best. 😁

This is criminally under-viewed. I don’t think I’ve seen such an inspirational video about the journey to make art your life. Thank you for this, Chelsea. You’ve made me feel like I’m not alone on this journey. All the best to you.

As a self-taught artist I realised my dream 2 years ago of moving to the south of France as a full-time painter. I've been painting for 11 years and it is WORK!! But I wouldn't change a thing. The more I study famous painters stories and listen to stories like yours, I realise that it's about the journey. Congratulations!

You remind me of me when I was younger. I'm 62-I've been an artist most my life. Feast or famine for most of it. 27 years as a graphic Designer in printing helped me feed my need for art supplies and paints-my true passion. I also sew, make dolls and doll houses, leather work, welding, ceramics-all of it! A true artist NEVER limits themselves. You are awesome!

Most major life changes require a leap of faith. No risk; no reward. I'm glad it worked out for you. You are a great artist.

You are a smart talented young woman. I waited until I retired to get back seriously with my art and am now in a gallery. I paint 3-4 days a week , I teach one day a week and am loving life. I have been accepted into OPA which was a real honor for me.

I just come across this video by accident. It gave me goosebumps and I just sob. Sitting in our living room with the sun in my face. Asking myself "now what"? You just gave me a push to the right direction. Listening to every word of advice. Your story really inspired me. Thank you so much. I'm holding my tears back while commenting. Thank you again. You helped me answer to my question to "now what". I have all the tools I needed to re start. I just needed an encouragment from someone whose been where I'm at right now. God bless you and keep you safe. Happy painting.

Absolutely beautiful - everything about this. The painting, the story, the artist. This is incredible. Thank you for sharing this Chelsea.

You actually had a plan, while I decided to just jump in like an idiot. But I guess different circumstances call for different approaches to life, thank you for sharing your story!

One of the most honest how I became a fulltime artist I have seen, thank you.

"I had to take the path that scared me the most." How profound! Thank you very much for sharing your art and your story.

Me, a game artist, at the point of "gamedev was never my jam, I think simply being an -artist- was always my thing, and that's what im gonna do" went youtube and found this. Thank you. Im taking the leap and i'm planning on starting my own business next year when i have it all figured out. But the work has already begun.

Chelsea, I wish I had your courage. I have been painting for a long time and have dedicated myself to painting four hours a day. I am building quite a collection of work, but have no idea how I might move forward. I am a high school principal and have a lot of responsibilities. I think if it was just me, I might take the leap. God bless.

Thanks for sharing. I’m currently in the “pursuing my art career while working in my corporate job” phase. Very motivating. And beautiful work!

heck girl I wish I woulda been as smart as you at your age, I'm 66 and am just enjoying the thrill of painting, I have loved to draw forever but just started to paint and just love it...very happy for you kiddo

I am on the same journey at 50 years old. I was laid off from my job due to covid. My lifetime dream has always been to be a full-time artist but like you I needed security for our family so that dream went on the back burner. However, I continued to paint for much of my life and participated in and taught art workshops. When I was laid off I told myself this was my chance to see where I could take this. It's been a year and I have learning a lot about portraits and figurative painting. I think this is the direction I'm going into. I have been posting my work and have been astonished at the comments and support I've been getting but have only been asked to do a handful of commissions. I'm at a loss at what to do next. I live in a small town need to branch out. Thank you for this amazing gem of a video! I know I'll be watching it again for inspiration!!!

I am so jealous. My desire to be a well-known painter is not for profit I honestly just want people to see my paintings and say wow. Hopefully Someday

I'm sharing this with someone who is not an artist but aspires to get out of an overly demanding but good job, has a mortgage, insurance, etc and is finding the transition too scary and difficult, and everything in this video can be used for any transition like that, not just to being a full-time artist, but a full-time self-employed happy person! Thanks.

This is soooo beautiful. It makes me think of my cousin who painted the most beautiful still lives. I used to go visit her and would leave with a painting in my car. But once I saw the most beautiful painting I have ever seen. It was a tall painting ( not landscape form) and had white lilies in it, with pink and blue hydrangeas and white roses. She painted it for a client and I felt too embarrassed to ask her for a similar one as she worked so hard. Today I regret not asking as she is long gone and I cannot get this painting out of my head

Your work is beautiful. It's all about following your goals. I did the same thing and I picked graphic design. It resulted in a life of pain for 12 years chasing after jobs I didn't actually want. IT's a great skill, but it wasn't what I wanted. Art and illustration were what I truly wanted. It took me a long time to realize that. It also took me a lot of courage to tell everyone about my dreams. I'm still in the process of realizing them. I'm sure family and friends think I'm crazy for pursuing what I want to do, because the myth of the starving artist seems to be prolific with so many people who are not artists. It does the soul no good to deny what it wants.

Is it me or does her work (that painting in particular) have flashes of Sargent? Beautiful stuff.

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. christopher reeves

My dream for a long time is to paint like that! My life is all about arts! I live arts.💖💖💖Your amazing! Thank you!💖🖌🖼

You certainly made the right decision. I was encouraged away from art as a career when I was young and I unfortunately listened. I continued sketching but little else. Now in my 40s I have returned to art, re-learning and finally further developing my skills. I think that you will never regret dedicating yourself to your painting.

My word! You have such a God given talent...and you were smart enough to go after it. I am 75 and I too am an artist. i never came to the degree you are at but I now am working on it...Like gramma Moses. I watched your whole video. You are so uplifting and have a beautiful spirit. I will be watching you.... Just WOW!

I studied Art and was a Woodcarver. I retired as an Art Teacher. Your work is amazing. You made a great choice going into Painting full time. Thanks for sharing.

Congrats Chelsea! It's time for artists to be thriving and paid for their awesomeness. And so are you. Watching from Canada.

This is amazing, I can so relate to your story and its so inspiring. Thank you!!!

Really enjoyed listening to your process to become a professional artist and the realistic expectations you had for yourself. And of course, I also thoroughly enjoyed watching your excellent skill make this beautiful painting come life. I wish you continued success and many happy hours painting!

Life seems to have always been in the way...I haven't done any artwork in years but It is amazing to see you fulfilling your dreams. You have become a great coach to those of us who have allowed the pressures of life to squeeze the inspiration dry. I keep watching knowing that I will also break free and fulfill my dreams even at 60. Thanks for what you are doing I feel honored!!🙂

Chelsea! Thank you. This video just sorta appeared in my choices front page. I've been struggling with how to make this leap. I did some of what you did--- I learned lots of styles, genres, in many kinds of art--- painting, illustration, writing, teaching, marketing, singing. I called it survival mode and it was like advancing ten pawns across a chess board to make something into a Queen. But I was finding it hard to transition to making consistent money. I'm a breaking point, having been unemployed for a year, after leaving a job for ethical reasons back in May of 2022. I scrambled to find work in multiple places across the US, hoping to find a job near my boyfriend who lives 6 Hours a way. But I couldn't get an interview. I finally did a wildly improbable goal: to have my own pop up show in an art gallery by Christmas, chose a date, reserved the gallery ( the director was so kind to not charge me until after the show) and on that goal, I suddenly just worked towards creating 40 paintings for the show, even though I was running out of money. I was able to do a painting a day for 40 days, and sold some of them on Facebook as I went, but was living in borrowed rooms and places that I had to move back and forth many times (I think, 8) in one year. I had a studio for a short period of time, so that helped. The show was a huge success--- and I sold many of the smaller paintings to people locally. I made enough to pay the fee on the gallery, and survive for another couple of months, but every month it was a nail-biter to see if I could make it. It made many of my friends worry. I have no savings. I recently took an art class with a Master illustrator to try and see if I could leap into that safe place. I need my own place, and that means more bills, and I know I need to make some HUGE leaps of improbable goals, but I'm uncertain which way to turn. I feel like I'm at a turning point where I either commit to a path where art/writing is a hobby, or where it is everything. I've made it for a whole year on painting and writing, BUT not without living free/housesitting, or taking small personal loans. I don't want to keep doing either of those. Your video is inspiring, but I need to create STEPS for myself--but I am running out of time. I don't know if I have time for another improbable goal. But I feel like taking SOME leap. I know I've now seen your video at the right time (though more than 3 years after you made it). I almost feel like I should keep searching for work to create some financial net for myself---but it's been a year of searching.... Anyway, I wanted to share since you invited us to share. Thank you again, Chelsea!

Thank you so much for this! I feel like I'm in the same boat and it's encouraging to know that it can work out.

Chelsea, WHAT an impressive presentation (wonderfully scripted); what a courageous exposé of your inner self; what an inspiring tale of building a future in your passion; what a generous offering of support and experience…and, oh!, what a beautiful painting of a captured human moment. Thank 🙏🏻 you!

Just like to say that the world is now a better place now you do it for a living. I think it was the right thing to do because I am one of those who believe that we all have gifts that we should pursue. I am 72 and as a boy of thirteen managed to get some artwork into a London exabishion. I also have a gift but life does not always allow you to proceed. I am still messing with a paint brush. Love your work PJ.

Finding you is another one of those moments in my life that can not be an accident. Thank you for your story. For being authentic and honest. I will continue to follow you and will take your advice to heart!

I’m so glad I came across this video. I have always dreamed of being a full time artist and until recently never dreamed it could be a reality for me! This last year, I decided to take my painting more seriously and start improving my skills.

Thank you for sharing your story! I'm working towards going full-time myself, and your story, especially as someone doing it on their own with an established mortgage, is encouraging.

Just found you, the colours in this painting are amazing! You know how to balance saturation so well!

Much as I enjoy the informational content of these videos I’m mostly here to be mesmerised by the painting. This is gifted work and it’s such a joy to have it available to watch for free. ❤️

I totally fell in love with the idea of the “wildly improbable goal”!

Chelsea! Found your channel through Chris fornatero as I’m sure many others will. We have such similar stories and I resonate with every word of your narration. Feeling genuinely excited about your life path is so underrated. Your story of talent and entrepreneurship development is great to hear.

Yay! So wonderful to see your lovely face!! This is such a special painting. It was so wonderful to hear your story in your own words. It's been an amazing journey. xoxo

Just wanted to pop in and share how inspirational this was for me and how your story sounds so so familiar to me as someone working a job for living money but daydreaming constantly of doing art full-time like people keep saying I should. This helps a lot in giving me the advice I need to get things in motion so I'm gonna get to work and just want to thank you again for sharing. Beautiful painting btw!

This was a gift, and I appreciate your efforts so much. Thank you. It accomplished everything you hoped it would and more I expect. Gives me hope for my own future. Very well done, and yes, the painting is gorgeous, too!

Beautiful painting. I adore your artistic talent and wish you to be a fulfiled and prosperous artist

Loved watching this and hearing your interesting and well spoken story! The painting took my breath away! I had my own custom drapery workroom business for 18 years. I just retired and am now pouring my creative juices into painting (watercolor, oil, acrylic and pastel). Even though I am retired, I have made so many paintings, I really need to sell some just so my poor kids won’t wonder what to do with all of them when I die! 😜🤪 But I agree, becoming an entrepreneur is both terrifying and exhilarating but for me it was the best thing I ever did.

This was really inspiring! Thank you so much for this video ❤️

This has been so worth listening to, thank you for sharing. You’ve shared some great advice in amongst your story which is invaluable and inspiring. I wish you all the best in your new full time career.

I am a full time PhD chemistry student and I'm soooo unhappy haha. I quit painting to focus in my scientific career and now I realised it was the wrong decision. Everyday I wish I was painting instead of being in the lab and I am seriously thinking how can I do to study fine arts and change paths, but it seems so complicated. Thank you for doing this video, it really calmed me down a little

You are talented artist. That is very nice painting!

Hi Chelsea, Thank you for sharing your journey so openly and honestly. You are one of the few voices out there who lack any pretention and have given me a great deal to think about. Your painting is brilliant and you are the real deal, one of the best of the best. I know because I have been watching KZfaq art videos for over ten years and very few rise to this level. You are raising the bar!

This is a inspiration to me. Ive been drawing for a few years. Just do what you love and dont stop believing

Thank you for sharing, Chelsea! Your art is beautiful and your story is inspiring! I'm at the verge of making the leap too - well, I made the decision in the autumn and also ended a complicated contract with my previous job where I had to buy myself free! And I haven't felt so free and excited for years! I've been at home with my two little children for almost 3 years now and this autumn-winter I have arranged one day in a week to go to the studio. I love it and I've managed to be quite productive. Now I'm waiting the kids to start preschool in September 😅 I would really love to have some support and ideas from fellow full time artists, luckily I'm in the TAA fb group, but I'm thinking of taking some courses or joining a mastermind as well :) it's scary and it's exciting!

Hi l been an artist my whole life hardly sold any paintings need to learn marketing so I can be a full time Artist Amazing Artist... So I can leave a legacy for my family and to the WORLD 🌍... that is my Great Desire...

I love hearing about success stories like yours. It was such a courageous but rewarding career change. I don't think you can lose when you are passionate about something. Rather, when you wake up everyday and feeling like you are living with a sense of purpose. Incredible painting by the way.

Thank you for sharing this video!! Very honest, inspirational, and relatable. I hope that someday I will become a full-time artist.

This is my second video of yours that I am watching and by far the most inspiring art video that I have heard on this subject…going full-time. I cannot say how much you have inspired me and described so beautifully your journey. I am not young like you…62 going on 63. I got into art around 48 but it has been a bumpy journey but not altogether unsuccessful. It is difficult to find someone as transparent as you and I am glad you were able to do your heart’s desire. I don’t know where I will go with my art but I am inspired to “keep on keeping on”. It is never too late (at least in my opinion) to do something of this sort despite one’s age. While I love realism, and you paint so beautifully, I am definitely in love with Impressionism…or a “painterly” approach. I am working on this. When you mentioned that you had to make a choice over what type of art you would do if you had only one choice, this is something I have asked myself of late and I must confess that it is hard to choose as I love different mediums, not just oils. Actually oils, has been my last choice to look into, and surprisingly it seems to be that it is going up on my scale of preferences. However it is hard to choose and this is where I need to make a greater effort. Thank-you so much Chelsea for sharing this…truly inspiring. God bless.

Beautiful painting! Very interesting journey! Congratulations!

Thank you a lot for this video! I’m far from going full time, but I’m working to get there and this was very helpful to at least imagine, how other artists became full time! I’m so happy that it was sucessful for you and your paintings are truly amazing!

Simply want to say thank you for this video.

Well done, that is somehting i'd like too. And your painting is amazing

I want to follow my dreams as well and become an artist... I am in a position which I really feel I missing something in my life and I think is this...living based on my "work in progress" skills of drawing and painting. I want to know where and how to start... thank you! God put this video in my way and I feel I wish to talk to someone like you to share more of how to start.

Been self-employed artist nearly ten years, and I’m proud of my success, but am only just now learning the things you share here. Great job!

FANTASTIC! I'm 55, and as a young child I always loved art. But I too was fearful of pursuing it as a career. I went into another field and immediately knew it wasn't going to work. I then went to art school, but fear reared its head again, and I thought I wasn't talented enough. I relied on my back-up job for too long. After ten years, I went back to school, and I became an art historian. I have worked as a full-time professor of art history since 2006. I absolutely love what I do! Recently, I decided to push fear aside and I started painting. During college, I never took a painting class despite earning a BFA. Except for the occasional painting done just for fun, I never gave it any seriousness and the paintings sucked. Not anymore. My first painting was of a pet, and it is amazing (but needs work since it was my virgin voyage). I am now working on my second - another pet - and my department head who also teaches painting and has a great reputation as an artist in our area, has said that if I work on it, I could be quite talented. WHAT????? Self taught????? So though I am not pursuing this as a money-making venture, I am so excited to be on this journey. Fear be damned!! I'm so excited for you as we have a similar story, and I am going to check out the books you recommend. Thank you for this wonderful video!

Beautiful Story dear, I wish for you, me and every women who are strong like you every success. Brave Ladies who achieve Their own success deserve the best.

I really want to get better at digital art, particularly animation. I have one of those pen tablets but I really want to get something where I can see what I'm drawing on the screen... I've been on the fence to get a more professional display tablet. I've decided now to go ahead and make the jump on getting one. Cheers!

This was such a brilliant story, thank you! I love your art work too!

Thank you Chelsea, I’m still at the stage of honing my skills, but it makes me hopeful that I can do it too.

If I could paint like that I would’ve never done any other job. Unfortunately I don’t paint like that, but love it anyway

how did u know that we lessoned so far its so important to tell this story its so useful for many of us i am 55 years old and i just started and have new studio and being Syrian wasnt easy ] because we have a civil war

I loved every bit you shared. You are a great communicator and I'm so inspired by you!

Wow! Thank you, this video is something I really needed to see! Your work is Beautiful and I hope that someday I can become a full time Painter myself!

Have to Quit your job when you know you are that good! Good Luck Chelsea!

WOW, Those are my exact concerns! What if the stress of my day job transforms into a new worse stress if I leave it for something I want more.

I’ve realised how much talent I have and how much I want to paint full time as my job. It breathes life into me and feeds my soul. Thankyou for sharing this video to help myself and all the other artists out there

Your art is incredible. Loved looking at the process of painting your work, from start to finish 💜

I haven't watched this yet but if I could paint like that I would never do anything else.

i think the most important thing i got out of this was to have a savings dedicated to selling art. so if i can't make more back then what i spent then it might not be a good idea.

Thank you for sharing your story and your artwork. The painting you chose to highlight was a wonderful choice. All the best on your continued journey.

Thank you, Chelsea, for your motivation, advice and honesty. You are just the right inspiration I need right now to take my art to the next level. Seeing your talent shine through with each brush stroke and hearing your story is an education unto itself.

Ditto of mikebernhardt. Totally appreciated your story and process...the painting and live-action changes. How are you doing amidst the challenges during these days?

I am about to make this similar leap to start studying full time. It feels like my entire life is blowing up, and that I am having to sacrifice everything. I am incredibly nervous and scared, and don't know how I will make any of it work, but I know it is what I have to do. Thank you for sharing this, and sharing your journey. It is good to know that I am not alone

I LOVE this video!!! What a delight to get to hear your journey ❤️

Wow, just, thank you for this! Your videos keep opening my mind to my own artist path. So many things make sense when you hear someone else is going through a similar situation and you see that the decisions they've made could help you as well

Doing something else, something you knew you were not passionate about... saved you and taught you how you needed to invest time and energy into learning how to get into your art world. No "art school" teaches that, they take money and push philosophies on outdated and somewhat stereotypical ideals for making a living... which never prepares a student for life as a fine artist.

starving artist doesnt scare you ,, i applaud that

Seen this i actually felt much better and more motivated, i wish the things you are doing go so well, you are the type of artist the world needs. Great video 💘

Congrats on never giving up on your dreams.

How does a full-time artist earn income before he achieves commercial success? Could you please share some stories like this?

I don't think paintings sell that much anymore like before.

Your artwork is amazing Chelsea. Congratulations to you for making your mark in the artworld. Your journey to achieving your goals and following your heart is truly inspiring. Best wishes for the wonderful journey ahead. Thanks for sharing.🙏🙏

Thank you for this video, it was very inspirational listening you speak. I know you are truly very humble with your current situation and I hope you will always be. Don’t ever lose that and you will surely see more than ever dreamed of!!!

You should check out Robert Beverly Hale's Anatomy lectures here on KZfaq

Thank you for sharing this! Your story is so inspiring, and your paintings are wonderful. This one is a particularly special.

Chelsea, Im proud of your bravery and honesty! You are on the right path ❤️ wish you the best in your journey ☘️☘️☘️

Your painting is inspiration and this painting is beautiful! I can’t believe it took me so long to come across your channel.

Was blessed watching the painting, thanks for sharing the story - hopefully, someday I will have enough courage to make such decisions...thanks again✌

Thank you so much for sharing this turning point. I am going through something similar but as an online teacher. I have quit working for a company in order to return to the uncertainty of self-employment. I too made a six month plan and have been getting support by learning about being highly sensitive and videos like yours. I used to do art regularly and I'm hoping to restart that in the coming months. All the best to you!

Thank you so much for your story and this beautiful painting. I'm in the works for going full time and was stressed about a lot of different aspects of going full time so thank you so much for being able to share your journey so others can look up and believe and get motivated as well.

"Wherever you go, there you are." Thank you Chelsea. Thank you for being so honest. Thank you