Jim Lee advice on Whether or Not You Should Become An Artist

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Jim Lee:
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Filmed by Jim Lee
Edited by Victor Glover

[nateblack]

Jim Lee: "I didn't go to art college."

That's all I needed to hear.

[stranger]

I half expected the video to just be Jim Lee saying "No", then turning away to draw in silence for 3 minutes.

[JeremmyaDevin]

"Get your shit together." Is the best advice for anyone out there, trust me cuz i have so many friends who won't do any practice but always envying other people arts, asking how they use brushes, texture, etc.

[itsjonesh]

"If you want it bad enough, you're gonna make it happen somehow".

So much this.

I just got into an art university here in my country, and one of the very best institutions of Brazil, on top of that. Gonna start my term officially next week. It took me 7 years to get into that Industrial Design course - 5 to even know what i really wanted with art, and 2 to pass on the exams, disputing against hundreds of thousands of others.

Point is: If you want it bad enough, go and do it. It's gonna be scary, you're gonna get yourself thinking "what the hell am i doing with my life" a lotta times, you're gonna second-guess yourself constantly, it will be cruelly laborius and can even scar you for life, and there will be people (and sometimes yourself) that will try to put you down or sabotage you, but if you manage to pass all that, persevere and go through with it, then you will manage to get to your objective.

I want to work with my drawings. I wanted to become a concept artist, yet i naturally go to inking in comics. I'm still a nobody in the Social Media, and i have a LOT of ground to walk until i can get into the industry proper, but i know that i will get there someday.

[없어수지]

It is such a powerful statement to say: "If you want it, you gotta work hard for it. This won't come easy."
Because if you agree, you are able to take your life into your own two hands and make it happen.

[alexgoartoffice]

You know people ask if they should keep drawing because they don’t have confidence, but to be honest it’s not how you draw that makes you better it’s what gives you the energy to improve

[michaeljohnsonclyburn]

Ok so this perspective is incredible . It's so true. You have to want it so bad you'll work overtime to get it. Don't let anyone stop your dreams (including yourself). Have the dedication and willpower to make it happen. If its important to you you'll make time for it. Theres YouTube and libraries so the information is there. Just have to find it. Keep drawing. Make it a lifestyle like fitness. Hope to see Jim when I go to Baltimore comic con. 😊

[saurabhdhabeknight]

It's not my dream it's yours!!

Hard hitting reality 🔥👏👏

[pinelo_art]

It's great to hear this coming from one of the greatest. I've been working non stop to be an amateur comic book artist for some years now, and when i say non stop i say draw and learn everyday with lots of failures intermixed with joy of triumph. I try to find balance between my day jobs and my drawing adventures, so i really felt it when he said that "you have to want it enough that maybe your fingertips may bleed" because somedays even my hands hurt for it(i'm not that young anymore). The size of your goal is proportional to the size of effort and sacrifices you should apply, and it may or may not happen for you, and that´s ok but be sure to do it for love, and enjoy every minute of it. Be safe and Keep drawing. "If you want it bad enough, you're gonna make it happen somehow".

[tomgriffiths]

No, I didnt go to art college. You just gotta do it. Im a commercial artist, you just gotta do it.👍

[edmaori]

For the love of comics or illustrations for that sake if you have that burning desire to pursue your dreams, dive deep down and make that thing happens...Art is a journey of discovery, make art and enjoy..!!

[michaeljohnsonclyburn]

Came back to this. This is so true. The mindset and willingness is necessary. Have to want so bad that you'll work endlessly to get it. No excuses

[mrmhdzhernandezmarivel]

Jim lee is awesome one of the very best artist in the world 😀

[BEAKER]

i agree. the best artists I've ever known in my life are self taught. I honestly don't know anyone who learned to draw in a school.

[samgilesss]

I find it especially difficult when I either look at other people 'doing it' or when you feel like you're not getting the recognition you deserve.. but I'm just giving myself excuses not to do it!! Just KEEP going!!! Keep improving

[kaz-magicarts]

I've been creating art since the age of 4. I started making comics at the age of 5. And just continued creating art and diving into different mediums. Yes. I did go to college, but I did not get a degree in art. I posted my artwork online in different social media. Got noticed in one group and now I am creating indie comics. I'm also doing local conventions as another way for people to see my art. So really it all comes down to you on weather you want to make that leap or not. My family asked me if I had any backup plans of career ideas. My mind was set to.stick with what I want. Yes. I even work a full time and still put in time for my art. If you want to achieve your dream, keep pushing forward and never let anyone tell you otherwise. You're in charge of your own path.

[holyshades]

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. - Epictetus

[RyanALeonard]

I'm not a well-known artist however if you truly wanted you to have to put the work in you have to do it. I've gone to school for art and honestly, I didn't really get a lot of info on that based on the school I went to. I learned on my own and from the artist who I follow. When you finally sit down and just have an idea of what you want to do with your art and give it the time you need, you can make a lot of stuff happen. Just do it.

[novanin]

Facts! This is something even I had to hear. Sometimes you have to be blunt and harsh because you're exactly right. NO one is going to do this for you, you have to step up and just do it. Everything we do in life takes time, dedication, sacrifice, heartache. But if you want it bad enough you will make it happen and show your worth. I agree with everything you've said Jim Lee and thank you because I myself has been struggling a bit with what I want to do.


Thank You.

[chrisjones]

This is real shit. This is good to hear coming from Jim Lee.