Hard work pays off! What projects do you have planned for this fall? I WANNA KNOW!

I've been drawing all my life, but I never went to school for it. Aside from the one art class I had in high school, but...I hate it, and didn't want to be in there in the first place, so I rarely ever count that one. And now, in my mid-40s (gradually turning into my late 40s now), I decided to go back to college, and I'm taking up art classes to get my certificate in Studio Art. Never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, eh? Before that, though, throughout my 20s and mid 30s, I was mostly self-taught, and got help from some of my artist friends along the way. I used to go to conventions, get a table there, sell my fantasy art, do on-demand commissions of people's D&D characters, that sort of thing. I wasn't *great*, but I was good enough that people wanted to commission me, so that was something, right? I suffered from burnout and depression in my mid to late 30s and had a hard time even doing art, and nearly gave up on it completely. Mostly because I think I was focusing on the wrong reason why I was doing it - I was focusing too much on how I can make more money, what would people buy, etc etc., and not focusing on if this is enjoyable for me. That I'm doing this because I *want* to do it, and that I love doing it. So, here I am now, trying to re-discover myself and actually taking up classes in college as a part-time student, so I don't get too overwhelmed. When I finish my current semester (fall 2023), I'll have half of the credits I need for my certificate. I'm currently taking Drawing I and Painting I, because again, I never really did this in school...not seriously, anyways. I've literally made up my own terms for things, and it's only now that I'm really learning the correct terms for things, like positive and negative space, the plane (meaning the page/canvas I'm working on), etc., and I'm still trying to learn and remember them, so that other artists, when I talk with them, will know what the heck I'm trying to talk about! XD I honestly still don't know what I want to do with my art, or where I'll go with it. I have a number of ideas and projects floating around in my head right now, but I'm holding off on a lot of them until I get through some of my college courses, and hopefully learn more about what it's like to do this as a serious full-time "job". I have job in quotes, cuz I think that at this point, I'm just happy to do art right now, just for the fun of it, and trying not to worry about selling it, or worry about the money aspect of it, so I don't get trapped in my old mind set, and only worry about the making-money aspect. I'm lucky that I don't need to work, my husband provides for both of us, so that I *can* pursue my art the way I'm doing it right now. There are times when I do think about how it would be cool to put my art in a gallery and stuff, but I honestly don't really know how to do that, and I also feel that a lot of the local galleries in my area aren't too keen on my preference of fantasy art, but...I'm just trying not to think about that right. Baby steps, right?

Hullo Sam, “Pragmatic” I was not very pragmatic when I started creating art. My first sale was in 1972, my grandma had started teaching me how to use watercolors for painting. My grandfather paid me to paint several small pictures to go into the doll houses he was making for my sisters and cousins. I thought this is the job I want painting pictures is so much fun and I can earn money doing it! Needless to say at 62 years old I am mostly retired artist still painting still trying to learn. I did work for years in the graphic design industry as well as just about every artistic endeavor you might think of, photography, painting portraits in oil acrylic and watercolor. Even making ashtrays for art fairs, because everybody used to smoke! I am excited to watch your art journey and remember how I hurdled numerous obstacles and wonder if I could do as so many are getting to do in today’s world. I am enjoying your videos, thank you for sharing all of these wonderful ideas with your viewers. See ya next video!

Pragmatic is the word I’ve been looking for in all these years of following you. The introductory years you taught me the basics of portraiture always with the idea not to give up, accept what happened and look forward to changing outcomes.

sick portriat Slew

How pragmatic! Lol these kinds of videos are so valuable. The ability to look behind and see how far you've come is truly a wonderful feeling. Cheers!

You've always been an inspiration of mine. Keep it up!

Perfection, Slew. You continue to get better and better with classic painting ❤

I've been watching you for years now and you have improved so much with your paintings. They all look so lovely and realistic. All these years I watch every single video when it comes out. Your channel is addicting and very inspiring👌🏼

I really like how stylised this painting turned out. I've been watching your channel for a while and it's cool to see how you've progressed!

You’re tenacious, upbeat, and pragmatic Slew! I loved this video❤

Really nice video explaining your journey 💖can't wait to see more! Very inspiring

Pragmatic is a fun word to say honestly! Currently part time artist and I did my first art event yesterday with great feedback and support. Been meeting with my Art coach last few months becoming more goal oriented as an artist. I'm a veteran artist that is heavy cannabis influenced a variety of mediums. Learning me, myself as an artist I just strive to try all mediums and forms. Love watching you and Tenhun both grow over the last few years! (followed on my other accounts) ❤️💚 Keep motivating man!

This self portrait came out really great. It’s been so fun watching you continuously evolve and improve. Thanks for sharing these tips too. I’m about to embark on the full time-ish journey now. So very timely for me. Thanks!

Amazing as always

Great video rant that just hits home for me (went full time with my art this year). Done all the business degree stuff before committing to art fully but let me tell you, it doesn't give you the practical experience that creating your own startup will. For me, it became very clear how unpredictable the nature of working as an artist really is but I love it truly. It's the content making which still frustrates me as i just made my website and expected it to the the work for me... I guess it takes more years to master not only the art making but the entrepreneurial spirit so I wish other artists the best of luck on their creative journey. You're definitely not alone ❤

Pragmatic. That’s what I’ve learned from you since I found you on youtube. I love your determination through all kinds of situations, the willingness to take information and move on. Today I decided to work more intentionally than before with specific goals. #1 is learn to hold the paintbrush the way you do. Thanks, Slew.

Awesome Sam. Regret nothing. You’re doing it. An artist with marketing savvy. That’s an unique talent .

Great self portrait!! One of my favourites. 🤩

I’m going on three years of self employment as an artist and content creator. I can relate to many of the things you mentioned in the video. There’s a lot more to take care of when you work for yourself compared to being an employee, so it takes a while to get a handle on it. As you said in the video, I find that I need to take some time to experiment with new art materials and to learn new things. That's the fun part, but it's also seems to be where the progress is made!

Yo this video hit man! For sure a discussion that was important for me to hear. Love the critique at the end, and winter is coming. Enjoy the heat while we can lol.

incredible tips for those of us who are in the process of creating our business with our art!! thanks man 🙏

PRAGMATIC! also I love listening to your rants ☺

The over commentary was very interesting. I liked how you talked about how you evolved as an artist and a business person. The the discipline it takes for both.

Pragmatic ! Loved this insight into the grass not always being greener but I think if you truly love something the negatives don’t really feel that bad. I must say your paintings have got actually insanely good I’m inspired. My challenge at the moment is I kinda cracked short form content and ways to push my art so it’s time to think about long form and KZfaq I’d love to be doing this full time one day and self sufficient through KZfaq. Expecting it to be super hard but enjoying the journey so far

This is literally the stuff i wish someone told me a few years ago, starting out as an artist! also yeah, there's way more life in the painting than the photograph 🔥

Awesome Slew. I am looking forward to beginning my career as a full-time artist/ creater. I think I have reached the stage where I need to give up the full-time job to allow my creativity to take over. I find I don't have the energy to create. I will definitely look into having some kind of a plan. Thank you for posting.

Nice portrait. I like working with reflective light in paintings as well. Great job.

Awesome self portrait!!

I’m like # 300. Your portrait is looking upwards, towards the future, optimistic and ready to face challenges ahead. 👏🏼

it was the roots.. always is.. those early days.. in the old studio.. watching you grow in it.. then grow out of it.. and progress to where you are today.. don't forget the roots.. and always listen to your heart.. and you will do fine..

Super cool listening to your PRAGMATIC perspective, running your own art business is the dream

Pragmatic. Been watching the vids since you were back in your old home studio when it was a mess haha. Ever since you packed up your old studio and moved into the new one, a lot has changed but in the best way possible. You are doing great things and this video gave a taste of the SLEW who just sits down is just an awesome painter. I love the new SLEW in his new bigger and better studio just as much though! You have grown exponentially these past few years and hope you can continue to grow. Much love SLEW❤️

Great painting!

Pragmatic! Would love to see how you organize your days and tasks. I have adhd, I struggle a lot with actually keeping up with the art tasks that I want to do to help further my art career. Would love to see what you use.

I really like your art it is really inspiring to me and you did your self very well you made it look so simple ❤

Good stuff 👏

Pragmatic! I'm just starting out here on youtube, being a full-time artist would be a dream, learning more on the business side of things is something I hadn't really thought of yet, thanks for sharing your experiences, its very helpful 😊

Man. Feels like art and creativity as always been in my life, less or more at times. Always liked drawing/sketching. Im 20 and after visiting multiple art galeries and museums I saw a whole breathtaking world I’ve never seen from an other angle. Since, I’m strongly thinking about doing a full 360 to go study and pursue arts… to be continued… pragmatic:)

Great painting and advise

Pragmatic. Its nice to see you now. I remember seeing you when you blew up. Congrats with your studio experiences. My two main artist i watch are you and kipto. I can ask a question and share something. I dont know if thats any worth for you. I used to dedicate my all, m&m, you got one shot, opportunity comes ones in a lifetime style before sunrise till no more, to classical ballet and moving my body to the max in dances and movement like contemporary and others. I loved it and hated it every day. The tears the blood the anger, the extacy. The abuse of favouritism, emotional abuse, the (mis)use of power and personal gain was killing me. It got me to teaching dance in africa to children to being accepted for the london russian ballet school, to dancing on the higest level and still scrifising, dedicating each day to a better tomorow and wishing i was like the ones that were there in my eyes. After some time i saw that in the eyes of one of the child students, that could do all the jumps and turns, and the teacher, that had the carreer you could dream of there was no difference. Both were never in another world than the one they knew and were almost the same still. I was never able to dance like then again. If not profesional then how? Adrift and lost. I traveled on my bare feet with no belongings other than a little bag, following different teachers in movemen, meditation and other practises. Begging them to save me. But no teacher will take you when you see them as your recue. I have to be a person first that knows and stands. It took three years to regain a sence of wealth and richness inside me that was my own that would never dissapear no matter how muh it would be bended or has to bend. My favourite state of being is when i create a happening with the people that are there in a enviourment where the chances are small. In uganda with the community and the locals, we created a festival for orphans to give free dance and other art form classes. Over a 1000 people came and over 400 children and artist from the neighbouring countries even came. Wow i knew what i wanted to be each day.... All from using blablabla. Seeing my surrounding as a blanc peace of paper and enough room to be filled in by what is there. So there is never fear that that was is shown can not be there. I stept away from the proffesional dance world and found my love. Realising i had the techniqy but never took it home for love to now having love but never be able to do with my body what i could do then.. During all this i drew. Mostly lived experiences that could not be incorporated anymore came out in brief images and expressed in paper. I had no dedication to the grind of improving or ambition to make it a proffesion. It was just allways there. Now i give art away, share prints with people that im grathfull of for existing and making markets in art and dance to all who wish. But the buisnis side, the side that represents my work, my style and the so called environmental believes towards being serious about what has been created by the ones before and towards your future as a artist. I am what? An artist? The dedication towards my body and dance before and how it has fallen has let me in a state never to take anything so serious anymore, no knowledge is sollemly mine, no tears will ever be witheld illude that i am more than my current state. All are welcome, all are enough. Eventhough that can crash with human limitations of how much you can share and how much you can incorporate in a day. All this art that flies free all this passion that is dedicated to the well being of one. Yet unable to sustain my life and unable to support my family in times of need. I recieve what is necessary for the day and that is enough. How to continue from that in something that is represented, comes from my own regardless of existing currents and modern shortcuts in technology. Its seems so daunting to suddenly pretend to take myself, my creations and expressions more serious than they are, happenings in currents and tides. Sorry whole story. Love everyone x luna Now i travel with my van and a dog named cami i found in portugal. Everywhere i go i

Pragmatic! I enjoyed the paint and rant. It’s fun to hear that you’re a very organized person who makes many lists. I love hearing about other people’s methods for planning when it comes to goal making and handling many projects at once. I’d be into a video about how you stay organized! I’m a part time fine artist, part time graphic designer, part time mushroom farmer. I’m working on my first long form KZfaq video right now. Thanks for the entertainment!

Pragmatic. Good luck with the studio

Smashing!

Pragmatic! A great word. Here is one back: in Louisiana we use a word for the random bits & extra stuff - lagniappe. Pronounced lan-yap. Oil painting...the smell, the feel of the paint sliding across the canvas as it blends 2d into 3d. Love it. I was banned from painting oils because my family did not appreciate the essence.

Pragmatic I've been struggling a lot with getting past my emotional wall to get to drawing. I've started again, but I give myself a hard time for not understanding what I'm making. Although I'm giving myself grace because although I've been observant, I'm starting to do the physical work now

Love the retrospective man! Also noticed the Tigerbelly podcast, great taste 🤌

Pragmatic :9 I’m a hobby artist hoping to make it full time but find the business side feels so overwhelming. The feeling of not being good enough to sell yet is always there. This video helped to get a real balanced perspective on working the job you love and all that comes with that. Thanks as always Slew!

Thank you for the video; your work is always an inspiration. At the moment, artistically I am working on building a portfolio of works that I am proud of. The goal for me is always to improve in terms of technical skill, and I ultimately want to be able to paint the ideas that I've had for years. Yet, to achieve this goal I must figure out a way for my art to be able to o not only pay for itself, but also allow me to experiment and try out new materials and techniques. I work exclusively with oil paint, and I want to experiment with a much wider range of pallets and styles for figure painting for example. Thanks again.

Pragmatic is not the word I would have thought of you and your journey, but it fits. Go you, dude!

Started with a square shape... ended up square! Nice record, always good to observe other artists exercises and processes. Salu de Brazil!!!

Pragmatic! Good stuff… curious…. What apps/software do u use to stay organized… keep it up! Much respect ✊🏽

beautiful!

Pragmatic.Interesting incite into the SLEW world. I expect you'd need to be very organised to do all things you do. But mainly I visit your films because your art is awesome.

Pragmatic. I'm gaining direction and the tools to accomplish my goals. 🤙

I like this work so good art 💥🥰💥

Proud of you Slew you've come far

Pragmatic is the word! Love it. I am allowing myself to seriously think about making 'painting' a real part of my (working) life; as in going part-time pro as soon as I can. The funny thing is, I feel like I need to get better, my surroundings don't. That said, at least I need to start selling... Anyway, my journey starts here. By stating my intention: I am going to take myself and my art more seriously. This freaks me out. Any advice for this middle aged novice?

Great☑️ it’s not easy but it is possible!

pragmatic, currently i´m drawing for fun, but i am learning at the same time, in some months i want to start painting with oils...

~pragmatic~ lol. My ultimate goal is to quit my 9-5 job. It is so draining and I think I struggle because when I am done with work, I feel like I need to grind out a painting or a commission and then I lose the passion and motivation that I always had before I made it my side gig (art I mean.) I still love it but I think if I could somehow get going on the full time art and quit the mundane job, I would be able to explore more and spend time on my own projects rather than just the commissions. Thanks Slew! another great video

Sick painting! How do you keep gaining inspiration? Is it that always trying to improve you’re craft allows room for more creative ideas?

Pragmatic!!! I think most creative people struggle on the business side of things. We just want to create haha.

pragmatic thanks for the "rant". 😻😻😻😻😻 5/5 lovin'-it kitty-catties

Thanks for the words of motivation and inspiration you always come through! Which one of your parents do you favor mostly? I've done a self-portrait and what I've noticed is overtime I start to favor from one to the other it's weird I don't know.

Pragmatisch is 👍🏽 but this was your journey at your art pad and that went 👌🏽 so don’t look back because you are still so young and growing!

Pragmatic to be sure, while recognizing that each situation is unique in it's variables. First, thanks for the insider information, both relating to the process of instigating tangible creativity and the bonus "arbitrage" at the end. Mouth is wonky, but you provided animus through color for sure ;) Question: I've always wanted to profit from my artwork, rather than just keep it to myself like a a doodle-magpie. What steps do you take, in order to control (as best as possible) the proliferation of your work? Do you worry or have reason to worry about artistic theft? Resellers? Copycats? Many thanks. Looking forward to everything you've got lined up. Fingers crossed you're doing a collab with Jimmy Diresta, painting on one of his giant buildings...or his go kart track.

pragmatic. I have stopped being creative in the past 5 years. and i can't seem to find my spark anymore. I feel lost without my art. But i don't know what to do.

So dope! 🔥 Im still procrastinating on trying oil paints, the smell the chemicals ugh.

Pragmatic 🙌🏽

Pragmatic is a great word and you really seem to be that way. I have been doing art my whole life and I for the longest time have been telling myself the lie that I'm not talented enough to do art full time as a job. I was watching another youtuber who said that you are good and that you do have talent was essentially what she said. I was like wow she is right, I am a good artist and not everyone enjoys everyone else's art. I have just started my journey to become a full time artist and I can't wait to see how this journey goes. My question is how do you gain or find your inspiration for the work that you do? Also, where are places you like to learn, or how do you learn new things for your work? (ex. youtube, skillshare, ect.)

Pragmatic: this is very relevant to me at the moment as I think about transitioning to art full time. I’m curious if you could give some specific examples of business strategies or growth goals which you now focus on which you didn’t when you first started

Pragmatic. What solvent /cleaner do you use?

Pragmatic 😁 My biggest struggle is fixating on a single task for so long during the course of the week and I end up not accomplishing my weekly goals AKA finally dropping a video on KZfaq 😑😅 any advice on overcoming that ?

I was so glad you pointed out the mouth…overall it is a good portrait, and for sure it is you, but I could see the mouth wasn’t right. I’m also not sure about the color zones. I mean on some males, yes, but this made you look older and tired, because you have a five o’clock shadow. Maybe it was a bit much, or lighting could be playing a part in it. Anyway, your self portraits are always fun to see, due to the fact that we are seeing the results of how you see yourself. Do you think artists try to paint a better or worse portrait of themselves, trying to create an artistic version? Personally I’ve done a true self portrait, though I did one of me when I was a youth. Regrets as an artist. Yeah no one told me that to be successful, you would have to have more business skills as well as being able to paint. But if you love what you do, then you learn those other skills. I personally think you have done a fantastic job! You will be going places for sure in the next ten years! ❤❤

Pragmatic ;D Here's my question for ya! This might be a generic question, but how do you find the drive and motivation to keep going in your art, to keep pushing through all the self-doubt and negative thoughts that may come up either before you begin or during the painting process? I am constantly feeling like a fraud and face impostor syndrome on the daily. I used to draw, but stopped when I was about 17 and have struggled to get back into it because I'm constantly asking myself, "Just think of how far along you would be if you kept it up at this point in your life?" I also just started writing my first novel. I have never written anything and yet here I am at 29 taking on this huge project with the goal of self-publishing it once it's done. And then once it's out there, I want to work on turning it into a screenplay so it can be turned into a show like Arcane. I have to stop myself from thinking, "Who are you to have such profound goals when you have zero experience with any of this?" Any advice is greatly appreciated. I didn't think my question would turn so deep hahaha. LOVE YOUR WORK. Between you, 10 Hun, and Kiptoe, I will always be inspired

Youve said pragmatic so many times, I've convinced myself it isnt a real word anymore. My dream is to open my own business, selling my art. I've been debating on if i should add a youtube channel into it. Anyways, ive been told that i dont need to go to an art school to be a full time artist (even tho i feel like it would help me improve quickly, but at the same time, I'm scared I'd become burnt out) i do; however, have no business skills whatsoever. I've done some research, I even have like 20 pages of notes/tips. But should I go to a business school for entrepreneurship?? If so, the only thing that could get me there is scholarships and grants, so would you recommend a decent, yet cheap school to major in entrepreneurship? I had a 3.8 GPA in hs, so i dont think I'll struggle with getting scholarships, but does the fact i graduated 2, almost 3 yrs ago change my chances of getting accepted. Seeing as i didnt immediately apply for colleges right when i graduated nor did i really prepare before graduating like my peers.

pragmatic! Should we enlarge our skill sets for using different mediums before our bussiness.

Pragmatic 🎨🖌

Pragmatic ✨

It's a rough job. It is better not to show them, until you feel good about them.

pragmatic, you did use the word a lot hahaha but good points were made

For being a full time artist I do think that the business side of it is the most important side I feel like time is moving fast and for the how be become an ARTIST full time is hard for me how do you know once you start cause I really want to become an ARTIST full time

Another self portrait, imagine that

pragmatic, baby!

Pragmatic 🙏🏾🇬🇧 Wolverhampton 😊

"Pragmatic" Man I've been working my whole life to be an artist and i have been doing a tattoo apprenticeship for awhile now and i was wondering how you approach a painting say a commission of something that your not really into painting ?

Pragmatic is so much like what I am right now.. switched to full time artist this year, I m a graphic and fashion designer who loves calligraphy and street art, I recently moved to an Italian lake to open an art studio with a showroom where I showcase my unique custom pieces and sell my clothing line.. I do custom works for privates and logo and brand identity graphics for business owners.. love music and videography, hoping to be so organised that I make it to include this skillz in my content schedule and one day manage to share a lot of videos of my works out there. Luckily I have some super skilled friends which helps me with this awesome adventure, and I hope I will be able to create and be part of an artsy community such like yours.. Love u slew, keep up the good work, your a big inspiration ✌🏻 Guity from Italy 😊🩵⚡

Saving up for that $85 Patreon !

Pragmatic - in in a 9-5 - how do your friends launch their art journey while keeping the job? Cheers bud!

Thanks for the wisdom! Love the portrait!

Pragmatic. How can some one focus on posting after their 8 hour shift. It’s hard to paint after work 😢

Pragmatic. Is there medical insurance available that is specifically for self-employed artists, please?

I’ve always thought you are a very pragmatic person, even at the beginning of your YT career, before you moved to the new studio and stuff

Camera brand? Lens? Lighting? Spec.s please?

Pragmatic

That hat in the beginning looks like Cat In the Hat, who would be the opposite of pragmatic😅 If you see this, how are you enjoying the new setup?

Problematic… What was your idea of your KZfaq channel when you first started? Like where did you want to go with your channel? Love watching your content keep doing you!!

Pragmática

pragmatic