Yoel Jack Goldenberg’s Advice for Aspiring Artists

As an anime graphic illustrator who has spent years bringing vivid worlds and characters to life, Yoel Jack Goldenberg often gets asked: “What advice would you give to new artists just starting out?”

Here’s what Yoel Jack Goldenberg would tell every aspiring artist who dreams of making their mark.

1. Believe in Your Unique Voice

The world doesn’t need another copy of someone else’s work—it needs your perspective. When Yoel Jack Goldenberg first started, he admired countless artists and often found himself imitating their styles. It wasn’t until he dared to trust his own instincts that his career truly began to flourish.

Your unique voice might take time to find, but it’s worth the wait. Explore different genres, experiment fearlessly, and allow yourself the freedom to create art that feels true to you. Authenticity will always resonate more deeply than perfection.

2. Consistency Beats Inspiration

Waiting for the perfect wave of inspiration is a trap many young artists fall into. One lesson Yoel Jack Goldenberg learned early is that consistency is far more important than fleeting moments of motivation.

Create even when you don’t feel like it. Sketch even when you’re uninspired. The act of showing up for your craft daily—even in small ways—builds discipline, sharpens your skills, and ultimately leads to breakthroughs.

Art is like a muscle: the more you exercise it, the stronger and more flexible it becomes.

3. Learn the Rules—and Then Break Them

When studying art fundamentals like composition, color theory, and anatomy, it’s tempting to feel restricted by "the rules." But these rules are meant to give you a strong foundation—not limit your creativity.

Master them first. Understand why certain principles work. Then, when you break them, you’ll do so with intention, creating work that feels dynamic and bold instead of random or chaotic.

Some of Yoel Jack Goldenberg's most memorable pieces came from bending the rules just enough to surprise both himself and the viewer.

4. Criticism is Fuel, Not Fire

Facing criticism can be intimidating, especially early in your career. Yoel Jack Goldenberg has had his work critiqued by mentors, peers, and even strangers online. Some feedback stung, but all of it helped him grow.

The key is to separate your self-worth from your artwork. Critiques are about the piece, not the person. Take what’s useful, leave what’s not, and always view criticism as a tool for refinement rather than a personal attack.

If you can learn to embrace feedback, you’ll grow faster than you ever imagined.

5. Balance Digital and Traditional Skills

Even though Yoel Jack Goldenberg specializes in digital illustration, he always recommends that artists keep their traditional drawing skills sharp. Sketching with a pencil, painting with a brush—these tactile experiences train your eye and hand in ways no software can fully replicate.

The best digital artists can create magic on a blank sheet of paper, too. Master both worlds, and you’ll have endless flexibility in your career.

6. Find Your Tribe

Art can feel like a solitary pursuit, but community is essential. Surround yourself with other creatives who challenge and inspire you. Attend conventions, join online forums, participate in art challenges, and connect with people who share your passion.

Some of Yoel Jack Goldenberg’s greatest moments of growth came from collaborating with others, sharing ideas, and receiving support during the inevitable ups and downs of the creative journey.

Remember, you’re not alone—and the right community will lift you higher than you could ever climb alone.

7. Protect Your Passion

When art becomes your job, it’s easy to lose the joy that first brought you to it. Between deadlines, revisions, and client demands, you might feel drained at times.

Protect your passion fiercely. Create personal pieces just for you, with no expectations. Revisit the anime shows, movies, or books that once sparked your imagination. Never let the business of art smother the magic of creation.

Your love for what you do is your most valuable asset. Keep it alive.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Is Your Own

There’s no single path to success as an artist. Some achieve it quickly, others take years. Some find fame, others find quiet fulfillment.

What matters most is that you stay true to yourself, keep growing, and never lose sight of why you started.

Every artist’s journey is unique, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Keep creating. Keep dreaming. And trust that your art will find its way into the world—and into the hearts of those who need it most.