Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
People ask me: "What do you do for a living?"
Writer? Artist? Entrepreneur? Teacher? I honestly don't know what to call myself, and I've stopped caring.
Because here's what I've learned: worrying about whether you're "an artist" is one of the best ways to stop yourself from making art.
A lot of people think they need credentials, permission, or some official title before they're allowed to create. They think art school, gallery representation, or professional status is the entry fee.
It's not.
In this video, I'll explain why the label doesn't matter, why nobody else cares what you call yourself, and why the only thing that actually counts is whether you're making stuff.
If you've been waiting for permission to start creating, consider this your permission slip.
🟥 Become a channel member and get perks: youtube.com/channel/UCnwAvNKzdoFgRyvXEBJBv0Q/join
More from Danny Gregory:
💌 My (free) weekly essays: dannysessays.com
🎨 My newest course: Quick Draw: sketch.tiny.us/quick
✏️ My most popular course: How to Draw Without Talent: sketch.tiny.us/WIthoutTalent
🎓 My other courses: SketchbookSkool.com
📚 My books: sketch.tiny.us/books
❤️ My favorite art supplies ❤️
🖊️Drawing pen: geni.us/Fudenosuke
🖌️ Brush pen: geni.us/NIJP
⛲️ Fountain pen: geni.us/2L44mQ
✒️ Dip pen: geni.us/AzWOBZT
🖌️ Watercolor brush: geni.us/WNSix
👉 Nib: geni.us/ZebraGNib
📓 Sketchbook: geni.us/venezia
🌈 Colored Pencils: geni.us/Inktense
✏️ Colored-pencil sharpener: geni.us/VLhfnO3
🖍️ Tempera sticks: geni.us/tempera
Note: There are affiliate links on this page – this means that if you click through and order anything through them, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me continue creating the free content I share, and I greatly appreciate the support!
People ask me: "What do you do for a living?"
Writer? Artist? Entrepreneur? Teacher? I honestly don't know what to call myself, and I've stopped caring.
Because here's what I've learned: worrying about whether you're "an artist" is one of the best ways to stop yourself from making art.
A lot of people think they need credentials, permission, or some official title before they're allowed to create. They think art school, gallery representation, or professional status is the entry fee.
It's not.
In this video, I'll explain why the label doesn't matter, why nobody else cares what you call yourself, and why the only thing that actually counts is whether you're making stuff.
If you've been waiting for permission to start creating, consider this your permission slip.
🟥 Become a channel member and get perks: youtube.com/channel/UCnwAvNKzdoFgRyvXEBJBv0Q/join
More from Danny Gregory:
💌 My (free) weekly essays: dannysessays.com
🎨 My newest course: Quick Draw: sketch.tiny.us/quick
✏️ My most popular course: How to Draw Without Talent: sketch.tiny.us/WIthoutTalent
🎓 My other courses: SketchbookSkool.com
📚 My books: sketch.tiny.us/books
❤️ My favorite art supplies ❤️
🖊️Drawing pen: geni.us/Fudenosuke
🖌️ Brush pen: geni.us/NIJP
⛲️ Fountain pen: geni.us/2L44mQ
✒️ Dip pen: geni.us/AzWOBZT
🖌️ Watercolor brush: geni.us/WNSix
👉 Nib: geni.us/ZebraGNib
📓 Sketchbook: geni.us/venezia
🌈 Colored Pencils: geni.us/Inktense
✏️ Colored-pencil sharpener: geni.us/VLhfnO3
🖍️ Tempera sticks: geni.us/tempera
Note: There are affiliate links on this page – this means that if you click through and order anything through them, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me continue creating the free content I share, and I greatly appreciate the support!
