How do you know when it's time to QUIT your art career? Divergent Doll Maker ep.6

I'm sad to hear that you're struggling at the moment. I've enjoyed seeing the dolls you've made over the past year or so - the 'needle felting hair for a goth boy' video being the one that let me find you channel. I've watched your newer illustration videos too and enjoyed just quietly watching them while eating to see the final results of your work. While there is not much I can do other than showing support for your videos by watching, sharing, liking, and commenting - I do hope we still get to see more art come from you as time goes by.

I have not long found you and your beautiful work through Pinterest.. I'm now catching up on your videos, which i have found invaluable to me, I'm self taught for some 20 or so years, only done one online course, your videos have helped me so much and am now learning how to felt the hair on my dolls. I'm also now into doing goth type dolls, not as clever as yours of course but am loving it! please do not stop doing your videos, I'm finding this one a huge help, trying to get a business going here for me too. Thank you Jo

Thank you for sharing your struggles and experiences as an artist. I have always wanted to be an artist too. I have worked many other jobs but my heart knows what I am meant to do. I currently work part time and sell some of my creations on the side. I don't think I could work more hours without really struggling with good mental health. I have struggled with serious anxiety my whole life and that takes a lot of my energy. There is only so much that one person can manage. I feel like you have been brave in opening up on Youtube and sharing your story. It has helped me a lot.

Thank you for explaining the struggles of being a self employed artist or creator in this economy. Personally I think that doing digital products of your illustrations is a fantastic idea. It can give you a possible income stream (also showing via youtube would hopefully show that it is not AI generated). So downloadable prints, colouring in pages/books print on demand ie redbubble etc Maybe a video tie in of one of the characters made into a doll? Making a slightly different doll pattern (a variation on your current dolls) and sell as a digital download? Follow your passions and will continue to watch to see what directions you go. ❤

I feel exactly the same way, squeez between my passion, my bills and the "new world" after de storm that I don't understand. I will follow you, for your dolls, your illustration and se how all going for you after a week, month, year, and years. Don't give up! 😊😉✨️

I have been following you from the side lines and love your dolls. It has been interesting listening to some of your advice and your life situation. I am in a similar position but do have the support of a working husband. In terms of illness through, I have chronic fatigue, depression and fibromyalgia and craft is an outlet. Like you I could not work and do craft so I stick with craft as this helps physically and I enjoy it. I started sewing, have tried macrame, lace making and now enjoy needle felting dolls. I think the key as a crafter or an artist is to follow where your heart takes you and enjoy it all while looking after your health and making sure you can pay your bills. Please continue with the inspirational videos though. It gives me hope.

I am also an artist, just graduated from art school and I'm haunted by fear about the future. I'm not neurodivergent but I think my desire to do art would reach a similar grisly fate if I were to take on a typical part time job. I don't know what the future holds but the people around me believe in me, so I keep pushing through the fear. And I think the people around you believe in you too. I love your work and I believe we will all find a way to adapt.

Artists have such a tough road to hoe in terms of income and career. I love the design and quality of each little doll I've watched you make. I hope they soon start flying off the shelves as they should. I'll be interested to watch your journey no matter which road(s) you follow.

I just found your channel and love your doll making videos! Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring us☺️ i can relate to choosing between sharing different forms of art on your channel and feeling like we have to choose to niche down on one, but its also what makes you unique! I'm looking forward to seeing your future videos whether be dolls making, illustration or podcasts💜

So many of my artist friends have seen their income plummet since Covid. Unfortunately, that applies to digital products as well. Lots of 'entrepreneurs' discovered AI in their Covid downtime and have taken over. Platforms where we would sell our original digital products are not just permitting it, but encouraging AI products. Where an artist who actually draws their designs may need a few weeks to a month to fill a coloring book with original line arts, the AI "artist" can do it in as much time as it takes to type this comment. Add to this the way the wealth gap increased exponentially and people just are not able to purchase art since it is seen as a luxury and the money is simply not there for it. It's a tough time for artists who do not have the privilege of a wealthy benefactor (or a spouse able to support the family on one income) Good luck in whatever you choose to do. I hope it works out for you.