OpenTube

Is Everyone Just Copying Each Other? ✏️🎨

Katie Moody

52,173 views

Is everyone in the art community really just copying each other? I got a comment calling out how many of us use the same supplies: Neocolor IIs, Penco clips etc, and it got me thinking. In this video I'm digging into where that judgment comes from, why sharing supplies might actually be a beautiful thing (not a bad one) and what Van Gogh and Cézanne can teach us about creativity in community. Grab a cup of tea and let's chat - I hope you enjoy! Katie x

🇫🇷 Join me in France! Grab your spot here: https://uptrek.com/retreat/travel-ske...

📚 Order my book! https://geni.us/SketchbookJoy

🧡 M A T E R I A L S
Hahnemuehle Watercolor Book * :
UK: https://tidd.ly/428MS1N
US: https://tidd.ly/4kV19WZ

Strathmore Sketchbook * :
UK: https://amzn.to/3TcDllo
US: https://amzn.to/43fJkeY

Holbein Acrylic Gouache * :
UK: https://tidd.ly/4dIlIkX
US: https://tidd.ly/4ekh52C

Arrtx Acrylic Markers (gifted) *
UK: https://amzn.to/4cLHnuQ
US: https://amzn.to/4xfiTSp

Winsor & Newton Gouache *
UK: https://tidd.ly/4bkmnIk
US: https://tidd.ly/4pbBX1h

Holbein Traditional Gouache * :
UK: https://tidd.ly/4cuh8rF
US: https://tidd.ly/4nEHk6J

Neocolor II pastels * :
UK: https://tidd.ly/3RzwXE9
US: https://tidd.ly/4nceHyL

Luminance Pencils * :
UK: https://tidd.ly/3xh5mAP
US: https://tidd.ly/4edCBG1

The above starred (*) links are affiliate links. I'll get a small commission if you buy using these links but at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your help supporting my channel!

💚 R E F E R E N C E
First spread my own images from my art retreat in June
Second spread: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chateau-...

💛 L I N K S
Patreon: Patreon: katiemoody
Instagram: Instagram: katie_moody
Facebook: Facebook: KatieMoodyArt
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KatieMoo...
Newsletter: https://www.katiemoody.co.uk/newsletter
Blog: https://www.katiemoody.co.uk/blog

💙 M U S I C
YT Audio Library

20 Comments

@EdricHsu 1 month ago

“Supplies are tools, not ideas”. Well said! Watching other artists test out new interesting materials allow us to see how those items might help in our own work before actually purchasing them. But everyone will still have their own personal signature style and perspectives and subject matters that can’t be copied.

@kateop1819 1 month ago

Unfortunately the internet seems to bring out the worst in many people, it shows great strength of character to take that comment and use it to show the best of yourself. Today, I found that inspiring, thank you for sharing genuine warmth and compassion alongside great art, you have made my day better

@SpringismySeason 1 month ago (edited)

This week I was criticized by a comment I made asking an artist about what brushes she used. The person that commented assumed I wanted to know to copy the artists work. The truth is that I haven't like many of the brushes I've purchased. The artist kindly replied to me and to my surprise used brush brands I've never heard of before. And to your point, David Hockney said just like handwriting everyone has their own unique style. I appreciate all the supply videos it helps me find things I may not have tried on my own. Supplies are expensive and navigating the options can be overwhelming.

@kitschymagpie 1 month ago

Speaking of the algorithm, there is also the release cycle of new supplies from companies who regularly sponsor or send things to influencers and artists for advertisement. When something new comes out, you'll usually see a wave of people reviewing that thing within a short period of time. If you see that happen enough, it might look like everyone copying each other when it's really just that everyone in that community was given something new to try out at the same time.

@PaulaScardamalia 1 month ago

Brilliant, compassionate, wise...as always. Not everyone can hear/receive a comment like that and move it from personal to communal, and so successfully at that. Keep working your magic, Katie. It is uniquely you/yours. Hugs.

@stroodledoodles 1 month ago

That commenter gives off the impression of someone who is purely a consumer, someone who only sees art as a product rather than a creation. It's like they're saying 'um I'm getting bored, do something else to entertain me' which I have to say is very entitled. Hopefully with your eloquent response (which is far nicer than mine would have been haha) they'll think before they type.

@neviestix 2 weeks ago

I love "we all share the same language" in art terms. The stories are so varied.

@SuzanneJax 1 month ago

As someone who is absolutely and unapologetically inspired by you, all of your comments are absolutely spot-on. I would just add that the impression that everyone is using the same supplies is also an artifact of how the algorithm works. If you watch a video featuring Neocolor II, you are likely to be served another. If you comment on one with the word Neocolor more than once, you're probably going to get a bunch more videos with them, and pretty soon it will seem like everyone is using them. But in reality it might be literally be only 0.001% of art videos.

@devnagraham1006 1 month ago

I find reviews by artists of new supplies or the supplies they regularly use really useful. Not only does it give an idea of what a supply is capable of but it also helps to know whether it's something I would be interested in personally. Sometimes I can see that a certain supply wouldn't mesh with my style or how I like to work so that can help to avoid purchasing something that will just sit in a drawer not getting used.

@karenr7432 1 month ago

Thank you for this video. You have an eloquent way of saying ‘do your own thing’, ‘find joy’, ‘be kind’, ‘learn and support others’…….. You are a treasure.

@JenniferNicholsArt 1 month ago

Well said, Katie. You addressed this so thoughtfully and professionally and I hope the commenter sees this video. I don't know that I would have been able to respond in such a positive way since they ended their comment with "so sad." They didn't need to be insulting.

@RenBrennanArt 1 month ago (edited)

Spot on, Katie! I do wish some people would default to ask open questions with curiosity, instead of attaching the judgement. For example, maybe there are a bunch of specific reasons you used neo2 over neo1 that the commenter and then audience may have gleaned something from, if they had approached with curiosity instead of stirring things up.

As you said, you prefer the versatility of being able to use them with water even if you don't always do that (yeah, why buy an additional set of neo1 if you're not looking for specific water resistance?). Neo2 also comes in way more colors. Or maybe that's just what was in proximity on your table that day. Either way, it's your time, your money, your sketchbook, and ultimately your joy that matter - and the same for each of us. Keep doing what makes you happy, and thank you for always leading by example and encouraging us to do the same ❤

I respect how thoughtfully you addressed the commenter, and then followed up in this video with a deeper reflection and conversation. I've not always handled judgey comments with the same grace on my channel. That is certainly not easy to do, so thank you for being you :)

@JenniferNicholsArt 1 month ago

I have a million clips but I added a clampy onto a Jet Pens order once and it is amazing! I am so glad I saw people using it as I had no idea they existed and they are so gentle on the sketchbooks!

@CC-3ejyl 1 month ago

Thank you for sharing such a mature and well-thought-out response to that comment. I think you are exactly right. Even if two artists had the exact same tools at their disposal, their art would always turn out differently - because art is made by humans and humans are inherently unique.

@Steph_Lovetheone 1 month ago

Very gracious response, Katie ❤

As someone who is only very recently gotten into art, the art world has often felt quite exclusive and out of reach. Being able to follow artists on YouTube and Patreon etc breaks that barrier down so that we can get more understanding and enter the art world too by being able to find some of the tools for ourselves that we have enjoyed seeing others use. You were the first I saw to use neo 2s and I love it! I use them very differently (because I am no artist 😅) but you inspired me to use them, to explore mixed media.

Seeing the same sponsored products shared over and over does get tiresome as it’s hard to believe it can be genuine when it’s on every channel. But when it’s you using and enjoying your favourite tools and we see it over and over and know that you do genuinely love it it’s a really powerful thing!

Love this artwork too, Katie ❤

@IvyGre 1 month ago

When I first started watching YouTube art videos I did want to buy things I saw. Now I like to watch people use things, but I know now the things that would just sit there. So I get to enjoy supplies that I’m not going to buy. Love your work and videos! Always excited to see them ❤

@LaurenWatkinsArt 1 month ago

I love the nuance you added to this conversation. The algorithm really can create an echo chamber effect and skew how we are perceiving things. Also as a creator it can be tricky to find the balance of playing the algorithm game so your videos get seen while also staying authentic. New products are a so fun to explore and play with and can inspire new ways of creating. It’s also easy to fall into the over consumption trap and think “I will be a better artist if I just get this new supply” over and over again.

@CarolineWilson-v9w 1 month ago

This is the trouble with social media. A minority of people use it as a window to be unkind and hurtful. That comment has upset me, but also made me quite annoyed. So for example, I love Neo 2s and have used them for ages. I enjoy watching artists demonstrate how they use them. If I don’t like what they are doing or I don’t much like the artist, I switch them off. No need to be rude or offensive. Keep doing what you do Katie, use the supplies you like and sometimes try other things to give us your thoughts. But never feel bullied into being someone you’re not. Keep on being kind and doing your own thing. It’s obviously working or we wouldn’t all be here following you! Xx

@Aaalllyyysssaaaaa 1 month ago

It's simple, I like copying supplies from artists who get good results and then painting similar subjects in similar ways because that way if I suck I know it's not because I'm misusing the supplies or trying to get a result that my supplies won't be able to give me, it makes it so I can see clearly how I need to develop the skills themselves because I took out the other variables.

@madelineholcombatx 3 weeks ago

I’m a newbie with any art form. I’m learning watercolor. YT has been so helpful in learning what supplies are people’s favorites and why. Also, learning about all the different supplies and how to use them has inspired me to try other mediums. I’m thankful for all of you that share what works and doesn’t and understand that’s a subjective opinion. I would have never known where to begin since I’m learning solely via YT.