TLDR;
This video encourages artists to start a YouTube channel to gain visibility, build an audience, and open career opportunities. It covers various aspects of creating and maintaining a successful art channel, including monetization strategies, content ideas, essential equipment, and tips for staying consistent. The video emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process, creating content for the right audience, and learning from experimentation.
- Starting a YouTube channel can provide artists with visibility and open doors to new opportunities.
- Consistency and enjoying the process are key to long-term success on YouTube.
- Focus on creating content for the audience who needs it, rather than worrying about judgment.
Start an art YouTube channel [0:00]
The video introduces the idea that artists who showcase their work online will have a significant advantage. It highlights YouTube as a powerful platform for artists to gain visibility, build a loyal audience, and discover new opportunities. The creator shares his five-year experience on YouTube, offering insights into starting and growing an art channel. The video will cover channel setup, content creation, equipment, and consistency tips.
YouTube is great for artists [0:58]
The speaker acknowledges his disadvantage on YouTube due to the lack of visually interesting content, as his channel focuses on business and marketing advice rather than art. He points out that artists have a significant advantage because they can showcase their art, process, studio, and materials, which are visually appealing and engaging for viewers. This inherent visual appeal gives artists a unique edge on the platform.
Why you should start an art YouTube channel [1:54]
The primary reasons to start an art YouTube channel include diversifying income and increasing the chances of selling artwork. While direct monetization through YouTube can take time, it opens doors to other income streams like books, online classes, portfolio reviews, coaching, and workshops. These can be promoted through the channel. Although the speaker earns a modest bonus from YouTube and related activities, artists with visually engaging content have the potential to grow faster and generate more income.
Making money on YouTube [2:17]
The speaker explains that he makes money on YouTube through ad revenue and sponsored videos, but it took five years to reach a modest income of over $100 per month. He also earns from external sources like books, Skillshare classes, portfolio reviews, coaching, and workshops, which he promotes through his YouTube channel. His total income from YouTube and related products is around $1,200 to $1,500 per month with 16,000 subscribers and 3,000 average views per video. He advises against relying solely on YouTube to pay bills quickly, as it takes time to build a substantial income.
You've got to enjoy it [3:37]
To grow and stay consistent on YouTube, it's essential to enjoy the process of making videos. The ideal scenario is to have fun while making money, but since monetization takes time, the enjoyment factor is crucial for long-term commitment. The speaker finds fulfillment in helping others and enjoys the creative hobby of video creation. He emphasizes that making videos should be enjoyable, even without immediate financial rewards, to maintain consistency.
Fears about starting a YouTube channel [4:58]
Common fears about starting a YouTube channel or posting art online include concerns about judgment and negative comments. The speaker shares his recent experience with increased negative feedback and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the intended audience. He reminds himself that his content is for those who find it helpful, not for those who might judge or criticize. The key mindset shift is to create for those who need the content, rather than worrying about pleasing everyone.
3 great creative YouTube creators to inspire you [6:30]
The speaker introduces three successful art and illustration channels on YouTube: Kelsey Rodriguez, Mimi, and Ohn Mar Win. Kelsey Rodriguez creates videos about her art style, process, studio tours, marketing tips, and mindset. Mimi focuses on children's book illustrations and has built a large audience, which helps her promote her books and other products. Ohn Mar Win creates tutorials teaching people how to paint and has a Patreon, classes, courses, a book, and workshops.
Ohn Mar Win shares how simple it can be [8:38]
Ohn Mar Win shares a short video demonstrating how simple it can be to create videos. She uses an old iPhone for B-roll footage, lapel mics for audio, and a cheap tripod for over-the-shoulder shots. In the early days, she filmed on top of a coffee table in front of her French doors for natural light. This illustrates that creating valuable content doesn't require expensive equipment.
What kind of channel should you start? [10:06]
The speaker discusses the type of channel one should start, noting that his channel grew slowly due to being in a narrow niche. He suggests that broader topics like watercolor painting or drawing for fun have larger potential audiences. Depending on one's skills and experience, options include tutorials, educational content, or a visual diary-style vlog. Experimentation is encouraged to discover what resonates with viewers. Early videos can be seen as experiments to learn the ropes and try different formats.
What equipment do you actually need? [11:52]
The speaker addresses the common concern about needing expensive equipment to start a YouTube channel. He emphasizes that it's not about the equipment and that many videos filmed cheaply have gained millions of views. He filmed the current video on his iPhone with a tripod. Essential items include a phone, a window for natural light, a tripod or books to hold the phone, and a quiet room. Investing in a good microphone is recommended for better audio quality.
The most important part of growth on YouTube [15:03]
The most important aspect of growing on YouTube is the packaging of videos, specifically the thumbnail and title. The speaker recommends Aprilin Alter for YouTube tips. Attractive thumbnails and persuasive titles are crucial for getting people to click and watch the videos. Examples from Kelsey's channel illustrate how to create curiosity, offer how-to guides, present shocking content, or optimize for search engines. Thumbnails should be clear and visually appealing, reflecting the brand's style.
How to keep people watching [16:59]
The first few seconds of a video, known as the hook, are critical for retaining viewers. A significant drop-off in viewership often occurs in the initial seconds. Planning and scripting this part carefully can help keep people watching longer. Even if a full script isn't used, carefully planning the hook and intro is beneficial.
How to stay consistent [17:33]
Consistency is the most challenging part of YouTube. The speaker shares that committing to a video a week significantly accelerated his channel's growth. To maintain consistency, he suggests lowering the bar for initial videos, batch filming content, deciding on content pillars, keeping an idea file, and avoiding perfectionism. He also advises against obsessing over stats, especially in the early stages, and emphasizes that the first 50 videos are for practice.
Send me your first YouTube video! [22:07]
The speaker encourages viewers to start their YouTube channels and share their first videos with him. He reiterates that the best time to start is now, without needing perfect equipment or a fully defined niche. Learning as you go and consistently showing up are key. Early videos may not be amazing, but improvement comes with practice.
