Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this video, I reflect on the dynamics of the YouTube art world, sparked by someone’s critique of it being like a "pyramid scheme." This discussion–and people’s responses to it– made me reevaluate my own art practice and business, leading to six realizations I share here. I touch on the art community on YouTube and the importance of transparency about the business side of art. I also look at the challenge of balancing my painting time with the work it takes to build my channel. Thinking about us as later-in-life emerging artists, I acknowledge that our work matters even if fame and fortune are elusive. Our genuine connections and what we create in our small corner of the internet deserve respect and are worthy of discussions, because they come from our lives. This video explores the art/YouTube/money problem we face as creators—like bees working hard to produce honey that often benefits others more than us. But in spite of this strange scenario, we can use it to deepen our practice and we find each other, making meaningful, supportive relationships.
Videos/discussions referenced:
Morgue Design's initial video: youtube.com/watch?v=UBV1bHGcjfc
Response by Kelsey Rodriguez: youtube.com/watch?v=uFsp-EnEqP0&t=3s
Response video by Adam Duff youtube.com/watch?v=LtcQv4Td5TQ&t=0s
Response video by Ruby's Trinkets youtube.com/watch?v=vXA0NKn6_Ng
One more video I just found by Adam Duff about the importance of the online art world stepping it up a notch. youtube.com/watch?v=pHuTtrhFbg8
Link to buy me a coffee (thank you for your support!) buymeacoffee.com/vybsx9tmqq
Want more from Anne Livingston Art?
Subscribe here on YT: youtube.com/@annelivingstonart
Check out my book Slow Color Project: annelivingston.com/shop-and-classes/slow-color-project-book
Instagram: instagram.com/annelivingstonart
Facebook: facebook.com/annelivingstonart
Website: annelivingston.com
In this video, I reflect on the dynamics of the YouTube art world, sparked by someone’s critique of it being like a "pyramid scheme." This discussion–and people’s responses to it– made me reevaluate my own art practice and business, leading to six realizations I share here. I touch on the art community on YouTube and the importance of transparency about the business side of art. I also look at the challenge of balancing my painting time with the work it takes to build my channel. Thinking about us as later-in-life emerging artists, I acknowledge that our work matters even if fame and fortune are elusive. Our genuine connections and what we create in our small corner of the internet deserve respect and are worthy of discussions, because they come from our lives. This video explores the art/YouTube/money problem we face as creators—like bees working hard to produce honey that often benefits others more than us. But in spite of this strange scenario, we can use it to deepen our practice and we find each other, making meaningful, supportive relationships.
Videos/discussions referenced:
Morgue Design's initial video: youtube.com/watch?v=UBV1bHGcjfc
Response by Kelsey Rodriguez: youtube.com/watch?v=uFsp-EnEqP0&t=3s
Response video by Adam Duff youtube.com/watch?v=LtcQv4Td5TQ&t=0s
Response video by Ruby's Trinkets youtube.com/watch?v=vXA0NKn6_Ng
One more video I just found by Adam Duff about the importance of the online art world stepping it up a notch. youtube.com/watch?v=pHuTtrhFbg8
Link to buy me a coffee (thank you for your support!) buymeacoffee.com/vybsx9tmqq
Want more from Anne Livingston Art?
Subscribe here on YT: youtube.com/@annelivingstonart
Check out my book Slow Color Project: annelivingston.com/shop-and-classes/slow-color-project-book
Instagram: instagram.com/annelivingstonart
Facebook: facebook.com/annelivingstonart
Website: annelivingston.com
