Many airbrush artists have turned to YouTube for advice, and a wealth of content is available. Anyone can create content on YouTube, but that's where the problem lies.
A beginner can post a how-to video just as easily as a seasoned veteran, and most new airbrush artists struggle to distinguish expert advice from misinformation. Even seasoned veterans can be duped by misinformation.
Content Control
One of the main issues with learning on YouTube is the lack of content control. Anyone can upload an airbrush video, regardless of their expertise or credentials. This often leads to misinformation being spread and viewers being misled.
Accuracy of Information
While there are many informative and accurate videos on YouTube, a significant amount of content is also misleading or incorrect. The number of airbrush channels containing misinformation is around 90%. It is impossible for most viewers to discern between reliable sources and unreliable ones without experience to rely upon.
Lack of vetted information
YouTube is designed to be a platform for entertainment, with no vetting for accurate content. The result is a huge amount of bad content, which spreads virally to other YouTube accounts.
No masters
YouTube has been around for over a decade but has yet to produce an airbrush master. Let that sink in for a moment. No master airbrusher can point to YouTube as the foundation for their success, despite the high number of participants.
One can only conclude that there is something about the platform that actually inhibits success. Besides promoting bad habits that limit growth, a YouTube instructor can't evaluate your progress or technique. You might be holding the airbrush completely wrong, and there is no one there to tell you any differently.
Lack of Structure
Unlike traditional educational settings, YouTube does not always provide a structured learning environment. Viewers may struggle to follow a logical progression of topics or may miss out on important foundational knowledge.
What is the alternative?
A survey of airbrush Masters revealed that while many are self-taught, a huge number acknowledge an airbrush artist who got them started on the right track.
If you are wanting to raise your airbrush game, consider taking some in person courses from an artist whose work you respect.
While YouTube can be a valuable resource for learning, it is essential to approach it with a critical eye and supplement it with other educational resources to ensure a well-rounded and accurate education.
When perusing all media, beware. Not everything you read is true.
