Tear Down That Illusion

The Collapse Is Here—Now What?

Saludos from San Miguel de Allende, where the massive upheavals and destruction are affecting my thinking, my actions, my outlook, and my goals. Like so many others, I feel the weight of this moment—the uncertainty, the upheaval, the exhaustion. But I don’t want to let it paralyze me. If anything, it’s pushing me to see more clearly what I must change.

And in addition to everything, the art world is broken.

Traditional institutions still teach like it’s the 19th century. Workshops churn out competent copies but fail to encourage original voices. Artists are told, “do what I do” in a system that prioritizes status over substance. Meanwhile, AI and technology are rewriting the rules—whether we like it or not.

I’m done waiting for permission from institutions and organizations.

I’m creating something different. Scary? YEP. Worth it? I hope. Surreal? Absolutely.

The System is Failing Artists

I’ve spent years immersed in the world of art education—teaching, taking workshops, refining my own approach. Here’s what I see:

• Art schools are expensive and outdated. They teach rigid techniques but don’t train artists to think independently or adapt to a rapidly shifting world.

• Workshops focus on imitation, not innovation. Students leave with nice drawings, but no real confidence in their own voice.

• Social media rewards clout, not skill. A brilliant sketcher with 200 followers is ignored, while an influencer with average work gets all the attention and invitations.

• AI is here—and most artists are pretending it’s not happening. That’s not a strategy. That’s denial.

Trusting Your Own

I’m not just teaching people how to draw—I’m teaching them how to trust themselves.

Continuous Line Drawing isn’t just a technique—it’s a way of seeing, thinking, and creating from within, breaking free from rules.

• In a world obsessed with perfection, continuous line drawing forces you to trust yourself.

• In an industry dominated by archaic hierarchy, it gives you the power to break the rules.

• In a time when AI is reshaping creativity, it reminds us that energy and intuition still matter.

My drawing abilities have skyrocketed since committing to continuous line drawing, and there’s no greater joy for me than sharing this practice—not just as a drawing tool, but as a way to strengthen intuition, break through fear, and connect with creative energy in real time.

Call it woo-woo, call it magic—or call it the key to artistic freedom.

Save Yourself

No one is coming to save us, so that means we have to find the strength to save ourselves. The gatekeepers are losing their grip. The degenerates are in charge. The industrious landscapes are being rebuilt right now. Scary! Keep breathing. 

So what do you do?

• Stop waiting for permission. The old world is gone. Build something new and don’t hold back.

• Don’t wallow, don’t propel negative talk. Think The Four Agreements.

• Expand your skill set. Learn AI, digital tools, and new creative techniques.

• Find your own voice. Trust your instincts, not someone else’s.

• Find new voices. Old models are collapsing, look for new ideas from new voices

Grand Illusion

I used to think I was too fringe to be a top-tier banana. I thought I needed approval and or an invitation. Don’t forget the bigger numbers scam ugggg.

"You can’t draw with us until you have more followers."
"We won’t work with you unless you have bigger numbers."
"You can’t teach with us because you don’t fit the mold."

Rejection caused me to look elsewhere and create my own path. And now, there’s no turning back.

The future of creativity won’t be defined by institutions, gatekeepers, or algorithms. It will be defined by those who dare to do something different. This, I want to believe. <3

When the old way collapses, create something new.

Let’s draw whewwww.

Go Easy on Yourself, Go Easy on Others,
Meagan Burns