How I Became a Full-time Artist — and why I quit

This is my story. It's also probably yours. Whatever happened to that intensely creative person we once were and how do we get back to being that way again?

💬 If you’re in the U.S. or Canada, TEXT with Danny at 919-298-8117.

[sf]

Your videos are immersive. I'm so inspired by your message, it's transformational! The dark ages of adolescence, yep can relate to that! 😀 3:00 This is true, that pressure to produce excellence, it's devastatingly fear provoking and makes it so difficult to cut through it and just love the process to create rather than produce! So we end up putting it off for a long time or not doing it at all. 'Lets get back to playing!' I, like many other people watching this video really needed to hear this message, thank you, thank you, thank you Danny Gregory! xxx

[noahferguson]

Living the post married life has made me think about who I was before a wife, kids, and career formed my identity. I was an artist all my life until high school. The guidance counselor banned me from the art program, because I made a D. Although I was the best artist in grade school and junior high, I was banished from what I loved. Then life got in the way. I discovered punk rock, skateboarding, and checked out. I barely made it out of high school because I didn't care. After all these years I have returned to art because it is the most authentic understanding of my self. Your videos bring tears to the eyes. I feel like I have returned from exile.

[terryclarke]

All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. - Picasso

[monicahanlin]

Okay this was beautiful and very relatable! I quit being an artist at 19 because a boyfriend shamed one of my drawings. I became a graphic artist. 30 years later I began drawing again, and now have an online shop for my art. Thanks Danny! Love your stories!

[garrettgriffin]

I hoarded sketchbooks and notebooks for years. in 2020-2021, I started gradually whittling them down. Your videos help. Every time I watch one, my fingers twitch for pen and sketchbook. So, thank you.

[mountainside]

It’s harder to go from 4th grade to age 65++ without mourning the lost time- and how there isn’t enough time left to learn all I want to- but it all goes away by just doing art. No longer need or care about judgment- it’s of no use. So remember, don’t look back, because that’s not where we’re going!

[godsservant]

Wow! I needed this! Almost decided to ditch art and get rid of all supplies when I relocate. Uh, never mind! Thanks for giving us permission to dream and draw and paint again and not care what others think or what sells...

[kathrynseward]

Your little talks always hit home! I was an artist when I was little. I considered doing art and design in collage but ended up in the sciences... and eventually became a doctor. Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like in a different path. Art eventually made a comeback in my life during my extensive training to become a doctor and is a mainstay outside of my job at the hospital. It keeps me going when the times are dark. During the stress of early Covid/quarantine It became a lifesaver. Instead of watching the news, I channeled it into my art. Thank you for your channel, it really speaks to me on a deep level!

[jelenavisic]

Finally smeone who understand! I loved drawing sinsee I could hold a pencil and now I am 12 years old and my love has only grown! One thing I remember people thold me was : You can not live off art!
But now I think we had a different understanding on - living off art - thats joy for me. I love doing it.

[lisareid]

Thank you so much you are the only person in my life who gives me “permission” to draw and love my time doing it!

[olivierdeme]

Your words will touch so many like me who used to think art was for others.
Thank you for making my day.

[dienekevugts]

I listened with tears in my eyes. Recognizing the story and so happy that I can playing with my supplies without thinking about the outcome or what people will think about it.

[b.b_is_here]

Love this video. I recently read a book about the types of mindsets people have about learning and achievements. You either belong to the group where you believe that you can only achieve things if you have talent, or group B where you believe anything can be learnt on a master level through failure but perseverance. Lots of examples of great artists who didn't show great talent early in their lives, but worked hard at it, enjoyed the learning process, accepted the failing process and utilized it and in result became great. Their greatest strenght was to realize how you should stop pressuring yourself, enjoy the process and do it without your inner judgement. You must allow yourself to be free and happy for the time you are creating.

[susannaartist]

You were one handsome college student and young man. Great thought provoking commentary. Most of us artists can relate to what you are saying. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration to help us want to continue to produce our art.

[bellap]

I thank you so much for your sharing. I discovered at 51 years old, that I was an artist too! I have a full time job, but every minutes I have, I draw, I paint, I make a book so I can watercolor on it, etc….it’s definitely the little creative girl I was, that I rediscovered a year ago! It feels great! ❤️ I am ready for my retirement in 2028! 🤣🤣🤣❤️🦋🙏🏻🌸🌻

[niteycat]

I love it and the one you did about the sketchbook that saved your life. I haven’t did any art since my brother passed in December because it was a connection we both had. I am slowly getting there.

[wisewordings]

"Dark ages of adolescence" indeed! I loved art my whole childhood, but when I took an art class in high school and realized so many of the students were more skilled (I would have said talented) than myself, I gave it up. Thanks for getting us back to creativity! I too now believe that art and creativity are for all, period.

[SharonFoster]

I have a very similar story. Unstable childhood, discouragement from family because doing art had no future financially. Had a mostly rewarding career as a software engineer, financially if not creatively. Now 73 and retired, playing catch-up. So glad I found your channel!❤

[industrialchristian]

I’ve wanted to be an Artist for most of my life. The Teacher at School was an alcoholic waster who put me off. Every time I sat down and tried to actually do something since, the guilt kicked in. “Cut the Grass, Do the washing up, Fix that loose wardrobe door” ab Nauseum. Now it’s 2022, I’m in my late 50’s Gout has laid me up since April. I feel free to start learning without guilt. Thank you Sir for your inspirational videos.

[Lotsahounds]

Thank you for helping retirees like me to sort out where we've been and have peace about it. Then to get up and go! The Christmas cards I drew are too awful to send, but they make me laugh, reflect, move on! Merry Christmas, Danny.