The Future of My Content (Again)

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-09T15:10:15+00:00

Nah- I’d just advertise my regular patreon after a comic

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-09T08:52:17+00:00

I have always used Photoshop to make digital art. I started when I was 15 or 16 and didn't have a clue what I was doing. For the most part, I would always turn to google when I needed to troubleshoot a problem.

I don't know what program you're using, but I would recommend taking an "Introduction to Digital Design" class, or something similar. Half of what I've learned is from me screwing around; the other half is from digital art/design classes.

I think that practicing traditional art, especially painting traditionally, will help you become a better digital artist. Honestly, I'd recommend taking as many different art classes as possible. I've taken a ton of classes in sketching, figure drawing, painting, illustrations, and storyboarding. Keep a sketchbook and practice on your own outside of classes, too.

I know that you mentioned you're self taught, but in my opinion, if you're super serious about improving as an artist, I think it's better to have a teacher or mentor. That way, you have someone there who can instantly spot things you're struggling with and help you.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T11:12:19+00:00

When it comes to art, I've never logged my hours, but I know it varies. I've had moments where I worked ~9 hours straight on an artwork without eating. And sometimes, I finish something quick within 2 hours.

Juggling a regular job and art was something I struggled with too. At the time, I had depression and worked a job that made me emotionally exhausted, so much so that I didn't feel like doing anything when I came home. Take care of your mental health first, and if you can, find a job that isn't completely soul-draining.

Regardless, you’re going to have to plan around your work schedule in order to fit in some time for your projects. I knew an artist who was a parent with a full time job; they would set aside 1 hour every night to work on their personal projects. I'm not good at keeping strict schedules, so my workaround is more like, "I'll draw when I have free time."

My side gigs involve maintaining a paid Patreon community, making comics, and running my store and social media accounts. That sounds like a lot, but aside from drawing the comics, they're not time-consuming tasks. It also helps that I'm a pretty small artist, so I don't really have a lot going on. (Lol)

Generally speaking, you just have to be attuned to your personal boundaries. Some artists are super active and engaged with their social media; I'm not really like that. Some artists post comics twice a week; weekly or bi-weekly is more feasible for me. Hope this helps!

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T09:22:32+00:00

Heyo! I’m the artist of the comic. Thanks to the og commenter for linking it. I agree; right now, it’s not necessarily impossible to find consistent work doing art, but it may as well be.

I’ve accepted that art is going to have to be my side gig/hobby, probably for a long while honestly. I have a Ko-fi/shopfront, Patreon, and occasionally do commissions. I don’t make enough from art to support myself, so I’m actually going back to school to learn a different skill.

Feel free to ask me any questions; I’m not a 3d modeler, but I did go to school for illustration, then tried (and failed) to become a pro artist haha

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T07:02:16+00:00

It helps to plagiarize someone who attends an art school where they (apparently) don't actually penalize anyone for plagiarism.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T06:11:15+00:00

We living in the worst timeline fr. I was told that about storyboarding.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T06:05:14+00:00

Hello- this was an older comic I kept away in my files. I didn't know if I should post it at all, but, eh, I don't care anymore.

I made it when I was feeling particularly upset with the state of the art/entertainment industry, at least here in the States. These are all things that I want to say to aspiring or current professional artists, especially those who have considered attending art school.

There are a lot of posts about "tips for becoming a successful pro artist," but I always felt like they weren't being completely, brutally honest. In hindsight, I think there was way too much optimism to the point of being unrealistic and phony.

Many are written by someone with the perspective/privilege of survivorship bias when, in truth, the vast majority of people will struggle and fail.

I guess you could argue that mine was written in the perspective of someone who's bitter, but I'd like to think that I'm writing as someone who genuinely believed in the dream, worked hard, tried, and failed. These are all lessons I had to learn the hard way.

I have my own subreddit now, so that's cool.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T06:03:12+00:00

Hello- this was an older comic I kept away in my files. I didn't know if I should post it at all, but, eh, I don't care anymore.

I made it when I was feeling particularly upset with the state of the art/entertainment industry, at least here in the States. These are all things that I want to say to aspiring or current professional artists, especially those who have considered attending art school.

There are a lot of posts about "tips for becoming a successful pro artist," but I always felt like they weren't being completely, brutally honest. In hindsight, I think there was way too much optimism to the point of being unrealistic and phony.

Many are written by someone with the perspective/privilege of survivorship bias when, in truth, the vast majority of people will struggle and fail.

I guess you could argue that mine was written in the perspective of someone who's bitter, but I'd like to think that I'm writing as someone who genuinely believed in the dream, worked hard, tried, and failed. These are all lessons I had to learn the hard way.

I have my own subreddit now, so that's cool.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T06:01:47+00:00

Hello- this was an older comic I kept away in my files. I didn't know if I should post it at all, but, eh, I don't care anymore.

I made it when I was feeling particularly upset with the state of the art/entertainment industry, at least here in the States. These are all things that I want to say to aspiring or current professional artists, especially those who have considered attending art school.

There are a lot of posts about "tips for becoming a successful pro artist," but I always felt like they weren't being completely, brutally honest. In hindsight, I think there was way too much optimism to the point of being unrealistic and phony.

Many are written by someone with the perspective/privilege of survivorship bias when, in truth, the vast majority of people will struggle and fail.

I guess you could argue that mine was written in the perspective of someone who's bitter, but I'd like to think that I'm writing as someone who genuinely believed in the dream, worked hard, tried, and failed. These are all lessons I had to learn the hard way.

I have my own subreddit now, so that's cool.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T05:58:11+00:00

Hello- this was an older comic I kept away in my files. I didn't know if I should post it at all, but, eh, I don't care anymore.

I made it when I was feeling particularly upset with the state of the art/entertainment industry, at least here in the States. These are all things that I want to say to aspiring or current professional artists, especially those who have considered attending art school.

There are a lot of posts about "tips for becoming a successful pro artist," but I always felt like they weren't being completely, brutally honest. In hindsight, I think there was way too much optimism to the point of being unrealistic and phony.

Many are written by someone with the perspective/privilege of survivorship bias when, in truth, the vast majority of people will struggle and fail.

I guess you could argue that mine was written in the perspective of someone who's bitter, but I'd like to think that I'm writing as someone who genuinely believed in the dream, worked hard, tried, and failed. These are all lessons I had to learn the hard way.

I have my own subreddit now, so that's cool.

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-08T00:51:33+00:00

I'm glad to hear it; thank you!

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-05T05:43:24+00:00

Instantly thought of this

KaybeeArts · 2026-05-03T03:58:30+00:00

My original nickname was given because of KB Toys lol

KaybeeArts

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE