Just so you know Art ala carte, I started art with your "how to draw horse" tutorials when I was 10-13 years old. I was digging through my ancient sketchbooks and found some horses and animals from your how to draw tutorials. Now I'm making money from my work, I do character design, and mostly digital paintings. I will never forget your channel, when I was just a kid having some fun with drawing cute animals. I learned a lot Thank you ❤

I'm happy to see you back, even if just temporarily. Just know that your life is yours, and not ours. You give away as much of it as you feel like, and not a whit more. And we'll be happy to have had you in our life for the time that you were there. Massive Thanks for all the fun. Hoping to see you again!!

Random comment on a year old video, but wanted to say it. I've just begun my art journey, and your videos are the most helpful I've found on youtube so far. You give great, simple detail and I've already improved a lot. Just wanted to leave a thank you :)

I’m glad you aren’t leaving KZfaq, you helped me so much when I was first getting into drawing years ago. I will happily watch all the new tutorials you post :) watching art and tutorials helps me improve in my own art, I also just like watching it

You've really helped I'm a 64 year old woman who always wanted to learn art. You really have inspired me and at least I'm not afraid of trying. Burnout happens one day you might feel inspired again. You take as long as you need. Wonderful drawing.

To Art ala Carte, I was ten, when I started watching your videos. Just ten. Still in Primary school. Year 5, I believe. The first one I ever watched was your copic marker video of you trying the pens for the first time after avoiding them for so long. The next day, my Mum took me to Hobbycraft with her and I begged, absolutely begged, for a small three-pack so I could try and make the drawing of the elf-boy that you made in the video. I followed one of your tutorials the next day, "How to draw a Chibi Wolf Boy". And then followed your Amethyst dragon drawing. I watched so many, and they still stick out in my mind, years later. The dragon painting that bled into the sky, because you used a brush you didn't know about. The fae-girl amidst the butterflies with wonky eyes, that you fixed with vines and different eye colours. The KZfaqr exchange about mermaids, and you drew a deep sea mermaid, and recited what a pain it was to paint in her hair. The jellyfish girl. The mad hattress five-marker challenge. The clock-fox. The tutorials, the tutorials, the tutorials. I've named these off the top of my head; I'm sure there's tens, hundreds more. And when I started watching them -- at ten -- I thought: "I wish I could do that." I'm eighteen now. And I can do that, although sadly stopped watching for several years now. It's a strange thing; to see your art progress so far so the things that were once so difficult is now child's play. And I remember your videos most fondly of all. They're all over my old, beaten-up sketchbooks: a chibi wolf boy here, an amethyst dragon there, mermaids and ballerinas and horses and hares. My art is nowhere near your level even now, but I'm getting there. The "I wish I could do that" isn't quite over yet. But I'm planning on going to University to study art, and I want to thank you for helping me get there. Without your tutorials, I wouldn't be nearly as well-practiced and motivated. I was going to leave a comment on your latest video whatever the subject matter, so this isn't really related to you potentially leaving KZfaq, but it is a nice coincidence. And --it's okay if you want to leave KZfaq. We'll all be sad, but -- it's not such a bad legacy, for your works to be copied to sketchbooks in awe. Take care of yourself, whether you decide to pursue KZfaq or leave it. Sorry I wrote a novel in this comment. And thank you. So, so much.

I am so sad that now that it seems like you are reaching to the end of your art journey is the time when I just found your channel 🙁 you are a great instructor, thank you 🙂

I really needed this video. I haven't been enjoying it myself recently, to hear that one of my favourite artists can go through the same really reassures me that it's all going to be okay. Take as much time as you want off,. I just want to let you know how much your videos have taught me. Thank you for inspiring me ❤️

You were my big art stepping stone when I was a kid- you really taught me basics that stuck with me in a way that I never had access to from anybody else at the time. I was maybe eight at the time, and I'm about to turn nineteen now. I've been in an awkward slump of my own where I haven't made anything, or then I want to create but lack the ideas to make something. It's a strange feeling, it feels like my creativity died and fizzled out. I've been trying to work on it, but just hearing you speak about your own struggles provides a sense of comfort. It's nice to know that another artist, one who did, in fact, help me so many years ago still feels all these aches and pains. It's crazy to think that I've been an artist for 10+ years. Thank you for the things that you've done, truthfully.

I'm so happy for your new era! You taught me how to draw a hedgehog. I was so proud, since stick figures are my artistic limit. I'm here for whatever you post ❤️

When I was a kid, I drew every single day multiple times a day. It was my greatest passion in life ! By the time I reached high school and started posting my art online for others to see, I felt like I needed to take my art more seriously and perfect it. Eventually I got to a point where I was no longer enjoying the art process and so I stopped for 4 months. Then it turned into drawing every couple months and hating it because I thought everything had to be perfect. Last year however, I sat down with myself one night and asked what am I doing differently now compared to my kid self ? Why did my kid self enjoy art more than adult me ? The answer was my kid self wasn't trying to be perfect, my kid self loved just drawing simple cartoons. Once I realized that, I went back to drawing those things and ever since then I've loved art again !

I am glad you arent giving up your channel. Morphing to fit you better is an awesome step.

I totally understand what you mean. I started feeling similarly last year, and it’s been sad for me and terrifying, because I’m an art student. What am I, if art is something I can’t enjoy anymore? Back when I started to draw more, take it a bit more seriously, years ago, when I was around 14, it was your channel that I found. I binge watched your videos for hours, specially the dragon ones. I loved it so much; I loved watching your videos. I enjoyed your narration, your explanation, you made things fun. Thank you so much for everything. It’s been a while, but I still think about your channel often. You were one of the people who inspired me, and made me start to consider art as a career for me, unintentionally. Ironically, I make videos now too and I’m an art student in college. Thank you. I hope you feel better.

Dont stop keep drawing i love your work so much your artwork is a masterpiece ive learned so much from you and how to draw adorable cartoons

Thank you for telling us how you were. I hope you're still enjoying art, or found another hobby you love. You're my favorite drawing instructor. You're so enjoyable. Thank you for your channel!

I remember watching your tutorial videos when I first had access to KZfaq. You taught me all the basics and really got me into art. That was way back when I was in elementary school I believe!? And now I'm about to get into an art college All that to say, thank you and I wish you all the very best no matter what 💗

A number of years ago, I realized I hadn't created art in about a year. I was busy with my new job, and was too tired to create anything. It broke my heart, but I decided to watch art videos on KZfaq; Art ala Carte was the first channel I started watching and it brought my creative spark back. I'm glad you're finding a way and reconnecting with why YOU want to keep arting 💜💜💜

Just discovered this channel when I thought I was finished with art. . . Now I draw and sketch all the time. We love your videos so please start posting again soon!

I just wanted to let you know that I still think about your art and videos a lot. You truly inspired me to take art more seriously, and any time I see or think about art nouveau, I think of you. Just wanted to let you know that even though you don't make videos anymore, and even if you never do, you've impacted so many lives and are remembered fondly. I hope you've found some joy in making art for yourself again, but either way, it was a chapter in your life that you loved and that helped so many people. Thank you, Valerie!

I’m so glad you’re able to recognize that stepping back on videos is the healthiest thing for you right now! Your health, whether mental or physical, is the most important thing.

I thought i was the only one who felt like this. As a struggling artist its good to know other artists feels like this, i have gone a full year without doing art it felt good. But than one day i picked up a pencil and remembered my love for art, and got back into it. Ala, do what you think is best for you. Just remember we love you!

i’ve been watching you since i was a little girl in 5th grade, trying to learn how to draw. you literally taught me the basics of sketching, you made it make sense to me! how to break it down into shapes, and more. introducing me into watercolors, charcoal, shading i’m now in college and i still go back into your videos, to simply watch or have company while im drawing. you’ve truly changed my life and others! i love you so much! and i hope you’re doing well

You were such an inspiration to my childhood art journey- I learned so much from you. Thank you!! I'm glad you've discovered where you stand in the growing net-scape and will hopefully be able to go forward and enjoy the process as much as you have in the past ❤

thank you for sharing and for not stopping!!!! I have learnt soooooooo much from you I loove your tutorials please dont stop (love lila 11 years old)

I'm so glad you're back. You're one of my favorite art KZfaqrs. This is exactly why I am afraid of making my art into a business.

this is the channel that got me into art 6 years ago

For years i drew on the pc and as of late, i was losing interest, i didnt like how things where coming out, i was un motivated to do art. Well someone showed me a galaxy tab that was on sale for 250$ and though i felt unmotivated i thought you know i can use a tablet for watching youtube and stuff in bed, it arrived...And i have not stopped drawing! the tablet has inspired me to create so much art! and even learn new ways to do different art! I have even been actually getting commissions! sometimes you just change up what you are doing!

Thank you for all you have done in KZfaq land. They are very much appreciated. PLEASE DO WHAT FEELS BEST FOR YOU! There are enough videos for me to watch that you've already made. 😄 I will watch whatever you throw out here, whenever you throw them out. You are a special one, genuine and caring!

Glad to hear from you again, Ms. Val! Getting caught up in the business side of art content creating is definitely a struggle that should be talked about more. Rambling is totally ok; sometimes it’s the only way to voice our thoughts. You’ve been a huge inspiration to me for several years now, and I can’t wait to see what you create this year, even if you only pop back in temporarily! As my good artist KZfaqr friend Allison Aletha says ‘There’s more to life than art, and there’s more to you than being an artist.’ ❤

Please don't stop art you are my idol i never would have been so good at art with out you

I understand completely...I used to use art (drawing & painting) as a stress reliever. Friends would ask my why I don't do it professionally, and i would tell them, i have to be in the mood for it. If I'm required or forced to do it, it's not fun anymore, it's more like a chore or work than a desire, and I already have a full time job. So now i draw or paint only once in awhile, so that i can enjoy it, i love to create and/or crafting but these days i mostly crochet, knit or sew as a stress reliever .

Any artist out there, find what you enjoyed the most about art and just stick with it. Art isn’t fun if you always do what others want you to do. Do what you want and it might very well save you. I go through this in art class all the time. My teacher is constantly making us draw realistic Hands. I’ve done it a thousand times. But I only take this class to improve other skills towards my more cartoon style. And I make sure to draw unrealistically in my style as often as I can.

I love your videos and will watch anything and everything you post. Lots of times, probably 🙂. But it's the most fun for us when it's fun for you, so just know your audience will still be here, supportive and patient.

It's so good to see you again! Hearing about your struggles and that you are pulling through is so encouraging.

Funny I was just thinking about you yesterday! Thank you for your infectious enthusiasm, helpful advice and incredibly educational tutorials over the years.

It's been 7 months, If you're gone, that's ok. I do want to say though that your channel was such a big part of my growth as an artist. I used to watch so many of your videos like 6 and 5 years ago (mainly of wolves, I was that kind of kid.) But thank you. Your art tips are something I carry on to this day :)

@Art à la Carte i feel like instead of being the tool that KZfaq was created for, it has turned into a popularity contest, for likes and subscriptions. I miss the days of when it was an educational tool. There is too much pressure for content influencers to create create create!!! As artists, we are very sensitive people, and can’t keep up with that kind of pressure! I can’t speak for everyone, but I never wanted anyone to see my work because I was scared of being made fun of! So, I’m grateful to people, like you, and so many other artists that I follow regularly, because each artist brings something so different and lovely to the table, and it’s all AWESOME!!! I’ve become bedridden within the last few years, and because I’ve always been active, I was going cRaZy sitting there, not being able to do anything I loved. I turned to KZfaq to see if there was a tutorial on how to draw Mickey Mouse, and I’ll be forever grateful to the person who went to Disneyland and recorded, on their home videos, the artist academy at Disney °o°, because I was able to learn how to draw Mickey by the pros.😃 Once I built up enough confidence, I started finding other artists to follow, and you were one of the first channels I found! 💖 Even though I’ve never shared my work, with any of the artists I’ve learned from, I’m happy just to follow along, or be inspired and create my own work.😊 Sending big ginormous art hugs!! Like you said: Do what makes you happy!💖💖💖

I watched your art videos since I was in elementary school and now I’m in university. I visited your channel every time I was granted permission to watch youtube. Your art really inspired me to start drawing, and even just trying to copy what you were doing was so much fun for me. Thank you for being a great teacher all those years back. Please don’t stretch yourself too far!

Love you, Val.

I haven't drawn anything over 10 years.... I don't even want to. I have been obsessed with Diamond Painting for about two years though. I have drawn since I was a kid, I'm 35.

I'm so glad your back you were my inspiration to start creating art l rember about 2 3 years ago l just looked up how to draw a hoarse and l clicked on your video after that l was so proud of my art i was obessed with ur channel and drawing and then something happened l drew and l drew but no mattter how much l tried l hated everything l created and then l just stopped l didn't touch my art supplies for the longest time about like 3 months and then l slowly started to come back to it lm in that faze right now were im just kinda takeing it easy mabye drawing like 2 3 times a week and l slowly see the joy for art coming back too me and too know that ur back is amazing keep createing! ❤❤❤❤❤

Hey. Its been a year. How are you doing..? OK I CANT BE CALM ANYMORE WHERE ARE YOU????? you helped me draw a wolf when i was really little. I was so proud of myself. I loved wolves and still do - but now the person who helped me find a love for drawing isn't here. Please come back. We all love you.

i take huge art breaks and only sketch when i feel like it. i couldn’t imagine having a channel based entirely on art. take your time, take a break if you need :)

I used to watch you when I was little and you have helped me so much it’s ok if you leave temporarily or perminently it’s your choice

You were burnt out for real. It's good you took the time to step back and recover. I might not have ever had a youtube channel but I hit burn out with my artwork in the past. It was combined with severe depression and it lasted for 10 YEARS. I kept trying to create but I couldn't. I'd stare at my workspace and tools and just feel worst than ever. It was making my depression worse the more I tried to create. I managed to do some fanart here and there and would see that I still had some spark in there but if I tried to do original stuff again it just went to the pooper. It was rough. Art was my whole life and suddenly it felt like my life had no meaning or value left. What helped me get out of that hole was watching art youtubers who did watercolor and ink. I was so enthralled by those mediums and I began to feel the itch to create. It came out of no where and took me by surprise. I was a digital only artist for most of my art life so watercolor and ink was a drastic shift in medium. I think that's what helped me get the "fire to light." I hadn't used a traditional media in ages so getting to be really involved with my tools really helped capture my excitement. With learning this new media it didn't matter if my work wasn't perfect like it used to be...I was learning again so I was free to just practice, have fun and create. I also got into "witchy" music at the time so I was very inspired by that as well. I'd put on some Pagan music and just let my hands and mind doodle freely. I still don't produce anywhere close to what I used to when I was younger but I create art on a far more regular basis now so I'm happy. I hope you continue to find happiness in your creations! Also on a side note I miss old art youtube. Lol I miss seeing challenges and the old art collectives and collabs between channels and speed paints, etc. I hope someday it'll be revived.

I've missed you, but I'm so glad you had a good break.

Glad you’re not leaving 🎉. I enjoy your channel ❤. But always take care of yourself first 🤗. But I’m really glad you let us know what’s happening with you because you do feel a loss when all of a sudden a channel you watch all of a time suddenly disappears. So thank you for everything you do and I’m rooting for you 🎉🎉🎉

I missed you but I am so happy your taking care of yourself. you have been an inspiration and a blessing I love your art videos. But in the end, you need to do what is best for you because your amazing person.

I am glad you are "back". I watched a number of your videos several years ago and learned a lot from you as a fellow artist. You introduced me to Mark Kistler and my kids watched his drawing program. Your theme song "having lots of fun with art ala cart" jingle has been stuck in my head for years. I still remember your Glen Keane "pencil" video and you have a unique perspective and humor. I think your voice is needed on YT, but I'm glad you took a break - it sounds like good things came from that separation. God bless!

Thank you so much for making this video :) One, it’s great to hear from you again, and know that although your relationship with art isn’t fully there yet, it’s taking good steps. And two, it’s been very comforting to know that I’m not alone in feeling ~meh~ with art- at the very worst possible time too, when I’m in my first year of University, taking an Illustration course! I’ve been here since September, and I’ve moved all the way to the bottom of the country for it, and still don’t know hardly anybody except for my flatmates. Finding a routine has been hard, with sleeping, eating enough, doing my washing and cleaning my living area regularly, and then trying to do my best with the coursework and catching the bus to campus every weekday has been… a lot more difficult than I anticipated. I don’t know what’s worse, the lonliness or the deteriorating relationship with art. It’s like my crutch is beginning to not work anymore, like you said, as since I was very little I’ve used art as an escape and a pleasure. But it’s not fun anymore. I think because every time I go to create, whether it be for schoolwork or personal work, I’ll just be gripped by the thought of ‘art is a waste of time’, ‘my skills aren’t good enough to get a job anywhere’ and the like. Social media, while full of great ideas, can also be a detriment- it just reminds you that ‘art=content’ and your stuff, if you share it, is but a drop in the ocean nowadays. Hopefully I’ll get through this soon, and my school art work and my personal art both start to see improvement soon (as a former straight A* student from when I was in little school, all the way up until my last year of high school, it’s very discouraging that my work at University is getting middle grades, I guess I’m just not used to it yet haha :,) I’ll keep trying to keep a routine of actually making it into campus, doing my best and maybe even sharing some work with the tutors for feedback and maybe just even some human interaction lol. This video definitely helped, I’ve been watching since I was in primary/elementary school, so you are very very dear to me. And seeing this also reminded me to remember why I first started creating; because it’s fun to see your dreams and ideas realised into paper or clay or fabric or whatever :) Thanks Valerie, I wish you the best for the near future

I'm a 12 years old child who discovered you today because I wanted to learn how to draw ponys(I learned, finally I can try to draw Pinky Pie). I think I'll watch you more because I think your videos are interesting

You were the first KZfaq artist/tutorial maker I found back when I first started to push myself into improving my drawing skills. I have loved catching glimpses of your journey, and I gotta say, you are awesome! I totally get being in an “art schlump/landslide/etc” (I’m currently in the middle of one right now.) Take as long of a break as you need. Do art (or don’t) how you feel like it. After all, that is what art is about: feeling something, then channeling that feeling. At least, that is what it means to me. God bless!

I really enjoy your videos whether it's tutorial or not , I knew your channel first time by watching tutorial of pony 🥺🧡 then I started watching your other videos but never type in comment section probably this is the first time you see my comment ,I typed today in case you decide to delete your channel ,to tell you that you are one of my fav artists 🙆🧡,in the end always do what ever makes you happy again because I will watch you always 😊 thanks for all the beautiful videos you shared with us🧡🧡

oh man, i'm glad to see you back but also- i feel you JKSDFKL i am going through something similar currently! i'd say i'm also at the stage you are (testing the cast AJHJKSDF), but the way the pain started for me was: i went through a full-on burnout which got interrupted by a sudden burst of inspiration and, once that inspiration started to dissipate, the burnout i was basically ignoring came back to bite me after like 3 years LOL. i am only now properly moving on from that burnout, and a big part of moving on was reminding myself what i like drawing, why art makes me happy, and why i started drawing in the first place. your channel was a big part of why i continued drawing 10 years ago! your videos were always inspiring to me and it was always great fun drawing along with you, so i was thinking back to you and to those times when the burnout got too bad. it's been a lot of work re-learning to let myself draw whatever i want to draw even if it may not be interesting, but it's been helping! in my case, changing up my materials and trying new mediums has also helped, so for anyone else going through this, maybe you can try that out? JKAJKSD anyway, super happy you're alright! take care of yourself 💖💖💖

Yay! I missed your videos!!!! I am excited for however many or few videos you may post. Just glad to see you 🙂

i hope your ok. i love you! one of, if not the most inspiring youtube artist i know. take your time.

Thank you for being so transparent and honest in this video. Burnout is a real issue. So glad you're taking steps to enjoy art again. Thank you for your incredible channel. I know it's been an encouragement to so many people. ❤️

I've been going through that a bit myself, so I get it. I felt like studying art in college kind of threw me into that "shlump". I'm very grateful for what I learned, it honestly made a huge difference in my ability and accuracy as an artist, but the emotion and creativity left my art and got replaced by perfectionism and doing what I thought everyone wanted. I'm finally enjoying art again, it just took some time and learning what was wrong in the first place.

I relate a lot to the point that I recognized what you were going through. 💕 I grew up being obsessed with photography and all things dogs and gaming was also a massive part of my life. My photography passion kinda died when my favorite camera wore out in 2016. It was when I got into art and I honestly still grieve the feeling I had when using that camera because I knew it so in and out that it felt like my own limb, I knew exactly how to get the exact photo I envisioned and the idea to get to know my new camera and then one day wear it out too... it's a process I haven't started yet. The dog passion hit complete burnout after the pandemic stress but I lost my first dog February 2022 who nearly reached 18 years old and I brought home a puppy thinking it would rekindle me and I miss how easy that passion energy used to be, now I am just so tired all the time. Gaming I also had that feeling of wasting time and like the hayday ended a long time ago and isn't as fun as it used to be. Art happens in small little windows of inspiration. Language learning has been my big hobby the past 4 years (minus 2020, I couldn't focus in 2020) and my workflow on it hit gravel in August last year. I took a September break... October came and went, so did November and December... and right now I'm trying to pick it back up before I get rusty. All creative energy is deeply depleted and I tell myself a lot that it's okay considering how crazy everything is right now. I also know I always get low on energy during wintertime so it's all temporary. ^^ I'm glad you start to feel better! Remember that if your relaxing feels like work, try to do physical activity so that your rest can feel like rest again. Yin and yang. ^^

I’m so glad ur staying! When u said u were debating on ending ur channel, I almost started crying. Ur one of my very few OG channels I’ve been subscribed for so long. So seeing u go, a part of my soul would’ve left me! Whenever I sketch smthn, I always think of u! Ur my inspiration!

I remember binge watching your videos to learn to draw animals, I relalise that my style began by learning from you, you were definitely one of my biggest art influencers! I'm glad you're taking this step back, your passion for art always helped me and others, I hope you will still find happiness in creating youtube videos, but I'm really happy that you are taking this easy for yourself. It's difficult to hold onto your love for art while also being a content creator. Your plan is very understandable and wise

Hi Val. I still have some of the beautiful art you drew for me back in 1998. You've come a long way since "The Hut". I can't wait to show my daughter your tutorials when she is old enough to draw. I hope the next chapter in your life brings you happiness. Take care!

I've been going thru this phase myself, so I am glad I am not alone. I've noticed that a lot of artists I know are going thru this as well. What helped me the most is establishing that I needed to find my own pace in life. I felt like I was creating a lot, but not enjoying the process. So I ended up painting with gouache a lot and I loveeedd how I can take my time to get to the end goal 😊. So finding your pace in life is so stress relieving. So happy you've come through the strom of this and cannot wait to see what content you'll bring us!~

You were a huge help when I was getting back into drawing, back then I couldn't even draw a cat, now I can draw animals, but I need a reference other wise the anatomy will be very off, while I hope you'll still post, i understand as a fellow artist and having other hobbies that it's not fun to do it if you're not enjoying it, I haven't done much drawing these past few weeks, I've been taking breaks as I'm struggling to stylize my animals, and to draw expressions, I know soon I'll get it, after I take a few breaks from drawing so it's still fun.

Thank you for your honesty! Love hearing from you. Take things at your pace and we'll be happy with whatever content you want to share. God bless! ❤️

We all need a break from time to time and it's important to take it. So happy you are continuing! I have been following you for years and love your philosophies, your approach to art, and your relatable way of teaching. I am a k-8 art teacher and I always recommend your channel to my students who want to practice more drawing as you are such a great teacher. I have learned so much from you. I am always scouring new art channels, but nothing compares to yours. Thank you for all of your hard work and sharing your beautiful artwork with us. ❤

you’ve been one of my biggest inspirations for years now and are the one that made me take art seriously, it’s so nice to see u back and i cant wait for the new videos however often they come ❤️

To be honest im going through a phase, where i really dont like my art and im not enjoying drawing. But im trying what got me into drawing in the first place. Creating characters and designs for characters. Or just being creative without worring about how it will come out. You where the youtuber who tought me the most in the beginning and inspired me to learn and do more.Thank you. I wish you the best, have fun and take care of yourself.

i came across your channel some years ago during my crafting rush, i was super into art again many years after school where most of my creativity and passion for it had left me. Watching different artists style of art and their thinking process while they created the piece inspired me again! i still periodically think of the different fairy characters your created on those small note cards and i thought they where so cute and creative. i felt inspired by and wanted to try so many new things thanks to these kinds of videos so thank you for sharing them with us and for trying the waters again after your break : )

you inspire me so much💕💕💕 you are one of my idols and favourite artist that i look up too. specially when i started learning how to draw cartoon. i am always one of your biggest fans and i will always be excited to see all of your future artworks. please continue to inspire more artist. ❣️

I’m so happy to see you posting again! I have been watching your videos for some years now and I know many others will continue to find inspiration in what you post. However, take your time and do what you want.

Good for you taking time off to sort stuff out. Also, I'm glad you're not leaving KZfaq, as I'm looking forward to your tutorials. It helps me improve and I just like your style. Big hugs from across the Atlantic

i feel like I'm going through the same, it feels comforting to hear it from a creator who helped guide ne through art when i was younger

I know to a degree how you feel. When I got out of college I was so excited to start doing commissions/opening a store again. When I started I realised that I now hated painting and couldn't bring myself to finish anything. From years of doing coms and college I seemed to have lost a lot of creativity and couldn't paint anything for myself anymore. It's taken years for me to get passed this. I had a few months here and there through the years where I got the notion to art but nothing stuck until recently. I've been trying all sorts of mediums and crafts over the years and I've finally found something that brings me absolute joy!! Needle felting! I feel like a kid again where I'd be up until dawn arting away, it is refreshing to say the least. My only advice would be change it up, do art for you and no one else, find what makes you happy again.

I was in like 5th grade when I started drawing and you made me the artist I am today I’m 18 now but I haven’t drawn in 2 years because I think it because of things that are going on but I think once I move it will better and I plan on to get in to drawing again I miss it I think it will help me feel mentally better but thank you for doing all you tutorials on art and helping and taking your time to record I hope everything gose well for you

Art has always been my thing. But 3 years ago I put my pen down and haven't lifted it since, because I couldn't ever get the results I wanted. I know as artists we are never at a point of perfection. But I got so broken by failure I just stopped. Last week I picked up the pen again and came away with the same feeling 😞 creating is my life. And I've come to realise that I'm just no good at it. I'm 48 and my artistic life has amounted to nothing... I'll never get to a point I humbly want to be..... But..... As long as I can escape, isn't that the point in the end. Its my place, it may not stand up to the world of KZfaq pros. But 30 years ago no one cared. Its my space, its my time and its not about fame or recognition. Its who and what I am. I create I Need that. And isn't that the point. The thing with turning the thing you love into your job is.... It becomes your job! I think I wanted that and forgot that art is my escape. My world. Forget the end result. Its the creation that counts!

I'm really happy to see you again. You've always been my inspiration with regards to my art journey and I learned so much about art (again) through your videos. Thank you! Just take time and enjoy what you're doing. I will always be here to support you. God bless you always 🙏💕😍

Thank you so much for this video & for letting me learn from you. You are becoming A huge inspiration to me

Please come back and make more of your great videos.

You made a video 9 years ago, about how to draw a base shape for a my little pony character, and it kick-started a journey for me. And, in a way, kickstarted my love and passion for drawing, and all things artistic! You’ve done so much, and you deserve all good things, and i pray that you get them Be yourself, be safe, and as always- Thank you, Art ala Carte. Thank you.

I miss watching your videos love your how to draw videos. Hope you are doing good.

It sounded like you hit full on Depression. Which is what Full Burn out is a Symptom of. It creeps up on you slowly, you think it's just a slump, or you're just tired, or you're not intrested at the time.... But before you know it, you're at the bottom of that Emotional funnel and you have to figure out how to climb out of that deep deep ditch. The reason why I feel like that was the case because I went through something very similar. Granted it was a piling of a lot of things over the years that I hadn't fully processed at the time, and you don't need to have tramatic experiences to go through depression, but your symptoms sounded *exactly* what I went through. Loss of wanting to draw, loss of wanting to do something that was once your happy place. While it was due to buissness side taking over, it still could cause depression because it makes you wonder "why am I even doing this anymore? what's the point? Am I even good enough? Nothing is coming out the way I want it. No one is even paying attention, so maybe I should just stop." Taking that break from making stuff for youtube was a good idea because you were able to focus on yourself and what you personally wanted. No, it's not the perfect fix for everyone, but it's a worth a try to see if it helps. How I got out of my own was stepping away from everything. I had to go out of state for a week and I told myself that I wouldn't intract with people on Discord for a while and just focus on stuff for *me*. Not for Twitch, Not for trying to get things going career wise, talk some, but not a lot. I also forced myself to just spend time outside and just draw what I saw and not care how it looked. I knew I was going to be rusty and it wouldn't be the most beautiful thing. But just drew outside with no thinking of who was going to see it. (One of them ended up being something I actually really enjoyed even if it was just a frozen over bird bath with a lot of detail and I learned what I could improve with the second being a bunch of trees clumped together), but for once because I didn't hear the little voice telling me that it was crap and that no one would like my work. I also picked up reading again which I used to do all the time in Collage but stopped because again.... Depression caused me to not do it. But when I read, I actually enjoyed the quite and looking at every word inbetween laundry. Every person is going have their own way in dealing with it, but it really is a scary moment when you *realize* you are depressed... because you don't know if there's anyway to make it better.

I don’t even care that you’re not posting that often. I just miss your videos. I’m glad you’re doing better, Valerie! ❤

I’m so glad you came back to KZfaq, baby steps are a good idea, l hope you get fall in love with art again 💗

Glad you're back with a new perspective. I know how it is wanting to do art while worrying about recording and angles, blah blah blah lolz. It's tough, so, much respect to you!

The way I got over my art was focusing on other things, like origami, rubix cube etc, but soon came back to it and the cycle repeats!

So much of what you said resonates exactly with what I’ve been going through. It’s really hard when you get so wrapped up in the business aspect of making art, it can take away any and all enjoyment. That’s why I deadass stopped selling art altogether. And I’ve been so much happier for it. I’m proud of you for going through this and coming out on the other side still creating. ❤️

Take as much time as you need. I've been through this myself. I'm not as a good artist as you, but you've inspired me to try again. I learned to draw My Little Pony thanks to you and my granddaughters love them. My thoughts and prayers go with you.

dang i havent watched you in a long while but im glad i found you about 5 or 6 years ago! your videos have helped me, you tought me how to draw the things i love, Cats! i used to wake up in the morning and just put one of your cideos on and get straight to drawing, you gave me the motivation to draw everyday! and i thank you for all you have helped me with! I hope you are able to find your love in art again and start posting cause i would love to get back into watching you!!

I’m glad your staying on youtube! You were the first channel I ever subscribed to on my first account and your videos were so helpful to me. Lots of other videos really emphasised the step by step, how to recreate an exact drawing but your’s emphasised the inner workings of the drawing. You didn’t just draw the outline, there were guidelines, circles and lines and squares and you put a leg one way but showed that I could do it another way if i wanted and that was so important for my growth as an artists and got me to a place where I love being and i improve because i draw so much not because I force myself. I know it won’t be like that forever and only the last 2 years have I been this into to drawing before then I barely drew that much and was super jealous of other artists but your videos helped overcome that and now I know I can apply that growth to other skills I want to learn but am struggling with like learning a language and writing. Thank so much for making this channel and being one of my biggest inspirations!

I am so glad to see! I was worrying. Thank for your honesty and help. Also the horse turned out great!

As someone who is currently trying hard to get a KZfaq channel to take off and build a Community (currently of 48) this is a really good perspective videos. Sorry you lost your joy, so glad you found a new spark! Can't wait to see what you do moving forward.

Art ala Carte... Five years ago, I clicked on 'How to draw a wolf howling.' That's your video. I started out slowly, because I knew it was going to take time, and I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, it has been my life passion. Your channel helped me realize the things I could become, the things I could create. Five years later, I now have a drawing tablet of my own and I am currently working on a wolf comic series that I have planned out. And as this very video explains, yes, I myself have had scarry moments where it almost came crashing down on me, but I've took breaks in the moments I've needed it most. You've helped me learn the art style I have today, all I want to say is, Thank You, for being an amazing art teacher. 🙏❤

I've been following you for years, what's funny is I got busy and stopped watching yt and I noticed about the same time art seemed more like a chore, the more and more I thought about it, I thought I was alone, and I was sad because I didn't know how any other way to express myself, but I'm glad I found you again, I don't feel so alone anymore 😊 and I think I'm gonna get back into drawing again 😁 hopefully I can make use of all the art supplies I've purchased over the last 10 years 😅♥️

Literally going through that now. As I'm listening to your video I'm working on the 2nd painting I've done since November, and I'm enjoying it, but the struggle has been even opening the program in order for me to paint. The Idea of creating something is heavy on my heart but when it comes to it, like you said, I would sit in my workspace and watch KZfaq. Its going to be a lengthy process to get back to my years of nonstop drawing, having to show everyone what I'm working on, and being so excited to draw something I've never attempted before. I was really excited to see your return to KZfaq as you were a large part of the reason I started drawing. You might even remember my old KZfaq account I used to comment with, Wolf Royalty 😅😅 I used to follow all of your tutorials and they legitamately helped me develop the fundementals to teach myself how to draw the things I wanted to draw. When I was like 11 I would sit and binge so many videos from you and other artists at the time, and it used to bring me so much joy just watching you guys create and that I could create along with you. The business aspect may be whats causing this shift with artists. Why so many have ended up quitting social media, going on indefinite hiatus', just not liking art anymore. I've wanted to be some sort of content creator since I was in 5th grade, and it always motivated me to keep working towards a skill level I could publish and be proud of, but that might have been whats made my growth stagnent. When the likes dropped on Instagram, being at a certain follower count for years, and the feeling that creating for other people just takes too much time out of my day when I work full time and have just life stuff to do. I still want to do KZfaq and be able to work as an artist through social media, but I think its important to retrain my brain to create for myself again. To not view it as a numbers game and view it as a visual representation of my creativity. I'm very excited to see what content you have in store for us, and I will happily be here to watch no matter what your timeframe is for posting.

I agree - art has always been my own special place (I am mostly self-taught). I set aside my drawing (but not all of my crafting) for about 10 years as I moved into other things. What brought me back was a collaboration with another author which ended up taking me 15 months to complete the project which should have only taken 5 months. In frustration I pulled out my previous drawings and started making adult coloring books. Now I can't imagine not having it in my life again. I will ALWAYS create - it may not be ART, but it will be something that fulfills ME.

what you started talking about saying stuff about erasing that reminded me of the time I was watching one of her old videos of how to draw a horse running and I had to erase the whole leg😭😭

Hi carte! Ive Watched your channel for SO long,since 2020.I loved watching the wolf tutorials and because of you I’m the amazing artist I am,sure I don’t do wolves anymore but it was still a huge help for drawing my dragons! Watching this vid and seeing what your going through made me realize how much I’ve been going through this aswell,I’m glad you made this vid it opened my eyes,please take your time don’t rush yourself with this

I really missed you. I'm glad you are going to keep creating, thank you.

Ever since I actually went to an art school for college (i'd never had a proper art class previously, as a homeschool student) I have just totally lost any excitement for art. I can't remember the last time I made a sketch I was proud of, or done a painting all on my own without an assignment. Art used to be the center of my life but now I'm thinking more about textiles and cooking and baking and caring for animals. Those things are what art used to be for me- my entire plan for my life. It's been really scary, like I'm losing a part of my identity. But I have faith that whatever happens, it will be something I am passionate about. I used to say that I'd never stop painting. Now I'm more accurate: I will never stop -creating-.