When Passion Turns Painful: The Emotional Battle of an Art Career
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- #artpodcast #artcareer #artcouncil #artadvice #breakingpoint
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PAINTING APPS USED IN THIS VIDEO:
ArtStudio Pro (iPad Pro)
Photoshop (Desktop)
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DRAWING EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO:
Wacom Cintiq 27QHD
M2 iPad Pro (2022 model)
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VIDEO RESOURCES
All video motion graphics, intros and transitions are produced by MotionVFX
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ART RESOURCES
all artwork is produced using Adobe Photoshop
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My drawing tablets of choice is the Wacom Cintiq
www.wacom.com/...
My portable tablet of choice is the iPad Pro 12.9"
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"You're seeing all these people who are really big social media celebrities that you're constantly aware of everything that you're not and you've completely lost sight of everything that you are."
that hit hard.
So true, for everything, not just art
yeah that really hit hard. I've been constantly thinking that. And now I keep seeing stuff about Ai and it's the same thing all over again
The problem with aspiring to others is that you're actively chasing everything you don't have or are not yet. And that can be very mentally damaging at times.
I am 44, still trying to become an artist
Do you like drawing ants that much?
😅😅 Just kidding, don't mind me 😅😅
@@Paopao621 😆😆😆😆😆
You ARE an artist!
As long as you enjoy drawing you are an artist my friend. It’s not just about skill or successes.
@@varckk Your reply made my day 💛 Thank you💛💛💛
I am 23 and a 3d artist. I dont get any jobs in art, but I expected this path to be difficult. I am an artist because I cant be anything else. As long as I can eat, have a home and can afford the time and materials to create, I am fine. But what hurts me a lot are the expectations from the outside. I went through artschool, I have a pretty good degree and whenever I get a portfolio review, people tell me, that I should be able to get a job. For people that are looking in from the outside it doesn't make sense. Even for me it doesn't really make any sense. I think it is mostly a measure of time until I will succeed. But my family keeps putting a lot of pressure on me. I am already doing everything I can. I can't do more. It is really difficult to try and keep standing straight with my integrity intact while weathering a storm of "you should"s. I don't think this will get any easier. I have a lot of respect for the people that are here with me, on the same path, weathering the same storms and kept going for however many years already. This is not easy. I still have things I want to try before "giving up" making art my career for now (not being an artist, I wouldn't be able to do that, even if I wanted to). And if I do, I will have "normal job" and just make games on my own. That's why I started. I just want to make games. I am already doing that, and I don't think it will stop. I might just not be able to do it all the time
You have to listen to yourself - just because you’re focused on succeeding as an artist doesn’t mean you must dismiss all other options when there’s a need to stabilize your life.
I have worked many non-art jobs to pay the bills and took many detours, but just like water and gravity, its destination is always towards one’s core - even if it needs to carve unexpected paths to get there
@@AdamDuffArt Thank you so much. This meant a lot to me. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings towards this whole topic that need expression. But that does not fit in here. It is too complex. Luckily we as artists are equipped with tools to express ourselves. Regardless it is always good to hear these things from someone who has experienced life more than I have. I know, you have shared a lot of it in your videos, but sometimes a comment is still different. So thank you
I can relate, im also 23 and I wanted to go to artschool but my mom told me i wouldnt be able to get jobs anywhere so i didnt go. and to this day i regret it because i thought just cuz i was 17 she knew better. and now i have this pressure on me as well, im not doing what im supposed to and its really hard. i dont have any other passion other than art and i dont wanna give up on myself either. but i really want to believe that no matter what art will find us even if we have to stop and do something else for a while
Wow. That’s something… how many years do you have studying? Or how much time do you have in the industry friend? I’d like to know. It’s intriguing
@@fern-cx3bfI went to artschool for 3 years. I started my bachelors in the middle of that so I basically studied two art related subjects at the same time. I got my bachelors degree in september of last year. So overall I have been studying for about 4 years.
I have been looking for jobs for over a year now, because the workload of my bachelors degree allowed me to do that. Apart from one job that I did when I was still studying and in artschool no success yet. I got that one because my teacher recommended me. I had to stop it because the workload was too much and the pay was incedibly bad.
I just couldn't keep doing 13h workdays for 7 days a week. (I distinctly remember the polys of my work having burned into my view, so I even saw the project when I got up from the desk to eat.) I did that job, until that project of the company was done and then left. It was only three months but it was long enough for me to understand my limits. I don't know, if you can count 3 months as "in the industry" though. Ever since I have participated in a lot of game jams, worked on my portfolio, and I am now working on getting my work on the unreal marketplace. There are a lot of ways for artists to earn money with their craft. The problem is, that they take a long time to get to a point, to be enough to pay for someones living
I'm 24, unemployed and autistic. I've been doing art since I was a kid. I continued art up until two years ago where I was in University. I was singled out by my tutors and discriminated against for being autistic and for being more skilled than the non-autistic class members. I was mocked and bullied by these tutors daily. I eventually gave up on my passion because they really wore me down. I've gone two years without drawing or creating because of them stifling my creativity with mockery. I want to be an artist so bad but every time I pick up the pen I remember the stuff they put me through.
I'm 28 and have aspergers, same as you but never went to University. I've been drawing cartoons since 2008 and was having fun with it until I got stuck. I got stuck because I kept trying to find ways to impress everyone, but didn't realize that all I cared about during so is finding out how to manipulate everyone. That took away so much of my energy and passion that I just stopped drawing without realizing it.
The only thing that's holding you back is you, and that's okay. Because you're actually dealing with trauma that refuses to let you do anymore damage to yourself. But if you really want to go back into doing art again without letting those memories bother you, then all you need to do is confront them in private by using either of these methods.
1. Make art of the thing you're thinking of that's bringing you down. Haven't done it that much recently, but I think it works.
2. Grab a notepad (OR open up a note taking app) and write down your thoughts and the feeling you have with those thoughts. You have to be honest with yourself, so take about 10 minutes (or more) to write them down. I think this is how Diaries work?
I saw your comment and couldn't help but relate to it so much. I really hope these help with the issue, even though I haven't done the former that much.
After many years as a designer in publishing, I enrolled in Chris Oatley’s Oatley Academy at age 33 after a bereavement that rocked my world. I wanted and needed a change. It changed my outlook on what was possible and allowed me to create work that I never thought I would, and to explore artistic loves, childhood nostalgia, new styles and techniques all while learning the foundations. I quit my job and became freelance and gave this unpredictable life a shot.
I am now 45, and feeling lost again! This feeling of hopelessness comes in waves, and isn’t just for younger folk. Older people have experience, yes. But we also have the crippling feeling of thinking we are utterly irrelevant, over the hill, pointless. Navigating this in addition to life ‘stuff’ is mentally really challenging. So it’s more important than ever to find that thing or things that ignite passion and curiosity ❤
definitley resonate with this one im at a similar age dealing with not being succesful in the animation industry after 9 years in it.
Got laid off along with thousands of other game artists this year, looking for new jobs outside of art has been pretty soul crushing but your videos have really helped with feeling less alone and given hope that I can always keep creating, whether there's a job for me out there or not you described perfectly why artists need to create, thank you!
Same here! was affected by the video game industry shutdowns/layoffs and have been working a non art job to pay bills. we're all in this together, keep creating. Never give up!
Ok... where is the hidden camera?! How dare you spy on my life like this!
I always love your art talks, but this one in particular spoke directly to my heart. It's hands down (in my humble opinion) the best one you've ever made and exactly what I needed to hear. Sincerely, as a 39 year old artist, exactly in the spot you've predicted who's apparently lived the same childhood as you, thank you for this pep talk.
Big brother is always watching - Illuminati! :)
Just starting this path at almost 32, no art education in the bag. But I will keep on creating til the day i die
I'm 35 and just started a month ago. I wait for udemy courses to go on sale and buy every relevant course I can. If it takes me 2 years to have real skill, awesome. If it takes 4 years, cool. If it takes 6 years, so be it. I have a feeling I can accomplish marketable skill in 3 though. Just go my friend. Do your studies, every day. Even when you don't want to. Maybe especially when you don't want to.
Great analogy, Adam! This video came at the right time. I'm a 41 year old illustrator (and graphic designer by industry experience) and I've been stuck in the apparel for 15 years. I'm an art director now. I design for a major brand but It's just not illustration focused enough and I've been wasting my talent in this soul sucking role for too long. My own boss sees what I do outside of work for freelance and fun, and tells me I'm too good for this company.
It's frightening to think about resigning and not having something lined up, but I've been quietly quitting and trying to save a portion of my energy to focus on new portfolio pieces outside of work. I've been considering resigning altogether to fully focus on my own work for a while and break into a new industry. It's a daunting thought.
I think it's safe to say that we all focus on the 'what if's'.
"What if I fail. What if I don't make it and fall on hard times? What if I'm never hired again and if I am, I end up right back where I don't want to be?"
But recently I've been changing my mind set to "What if I succeed? What if I end up somewhere that makes me really happy? What if I land a job where I am drawing every single day? What if I get work that feeds my soul? What if I end up relocating to a place that inspires me?" It definitely serves me better and inspires me to manifest my outcome while I put in the work.
Thank you for your thoughts and philosophy on the subject, Adam.
We greatly appreciate it.
Enjoy this success - you’ve earned it. And don’t feel pressured to just “drop everything” until you feel completely safe.
You’d think it would be easier to have faith and take risks as an older person, but I have found it to be the opposite. It takes bravery to get out of comfort zones and to look positively on a future where you succeed in a new venture or pivot from your current situation. Good luck! ✌🏻
42 here. Two-time Art school dropout!
I am so glad that I didn't finish my formal education. I would've been sucked into finding work with a big studio, only to find myself laid off or going from place to place in order to pay off that debt. What I did have in debt (still a hefty amount) was paid off working as a retail manager for about 10 years.
I have two creative jobs right now and I absolutely love what I do. My primary job is graphic design, web development and some occasional illustration work for a company that runs several fandom conventions around the country. (Occasional illustration because my style isn't always what they're looking for.) The other work I do is artist alley at conventions. I do mostly original work, but only focus on fanart of stuff I really love (JRPGs, Magical girl stuff, D&D). It caters to my ADHD brain and allows me to go all over and do whatever the hell I want. I can draw absolute trashy hillarious stuff or do beautiful portrait work with traditional mediums. I do occasional art commissions at events, and pre-panini I would do pet art at a pet store chain in the area. I might get back to that and do some local events.
I have a lot of fun. I take a lot of pride in what I create. It's tough doing it myself, but it's worth every moment.
I hate the idea of being chained down and being told exactly what to do. I don't want to be marketable to some company that will sooner replace every human with AI in order to please the shareholders (long enough anyway, mindless generic dribble won't produce numbers for long). Indie studios, indie creators however? That's where the innovation, creativity, and future is.
My life feels like I have been going through an unending Dark Souls boss fight that I can’t beat. I don’t know how your brain comes up with these analogies but that was beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for the great advice, Adam.
When in self doubt, click on an Adam Duff video. But seriously, especially your example with being 35 years old and still not having a fully established career really rang some bells in me, because thats about 100% my situation. I'm kinda sure that I have the artistic and mostly technical know how as well, but I still dont know what kind of direction I want to take as an artist. Thank you for being you Adam❤ Really have to get one of your mentorships, hope rather sooner than later.
i've recently started playing a new RPG and I was shocked to see that 3 of the main characters (the game has many),including a couple of humanized creatures, were "copy" of my original character designs. Its like I sent the concepts to the studio and they modeled it. The game is now extremely sucessful and that made me feel so so so happy. OBVIOUSLY they didn't copy anything from me, I'm not well know at all, it's just a coincidence, but it made me feel like "wow, my ideas are things other people like to design too. and others like to play with these characters I thought no one would pay attention to". These designs were very true to what I like to draw, they werent things my company makes me design, you know? Idk, just felt like sharing .
Thanks Adam and hello fellow artists. I’m 52, been an artist since 14 and this topic is very present for me. I’m an analog oil painter and illustrator, always as a second job to something ‘more practical’ to pay the bills. Lots of small successes, shows and whatnot but only making a living purely from art for the past 4 years. I agree, the psychological hurdle is far greater than the skills and ability threshold. Having gratitude for our gifts and the impact our work and existence have on our fellow man helps us keep the faith in ourselves, regardless of current success level.
22 minute mark and I could not agree more
After years of art school and being told what to focus on, after graduation I've become a vtuber and gone back to anime and furry work. It's pure weeb stuff, and the happiest I've ever been making art.
Not me at work holding back tears the whole time listening to this
You’ll never know how endlessly grateful I am for these art talks. Thank you so much for making these and bringing me out of my anxious spiraling and back down to Earth time and time again.
Jeez Adam, I was having a breakdown due to my artschool and stress and everything yesterday, and you post this video ... Thank you so much
Coming from being a huge souls fan. I think you describing hardship in that terms was the best connection I have ever had with a video on RUclips. Thank you Adam! Tonight I'll apply to that Job and not give up
it took me nearly 2 weeks to prepare to watch this video... there's this bitterness deep inside that surfaces whenever the talks hit too close but the advice cannot be applied. it's hard when dealing with inevitable you cannot fix (in this case my mother's cancer and my own disability) and having no lifelines left yet for some silly reason you're still trying.
thank you for these. for a sense of deep sadness and allowing myself to grieve the life i could've had instead of pretending everything is alright, accepting the fact that some of us probably never will make it even if they try hard, because life is just so fucking random with curveballs it throws at us. we can just chip at it and appreciate what we have, and forget the idea of being someone other than ourselves.
Beautiful stuff Adam. The way you speak in one take is quite honestly one of your greatest talents. I'm 10 years your junior and feel the same things and share a lot of the same stories you've described... and today I still feel like I'm finding my voice artistically. Thank you for sharing.
Which is USUALLY when life tends to click into place btw - as it has been for so many greats before us - Einstein, JK Rowling, Disney etc…
You’re just getting started my friend :)
@@AdamDuffArt naming JKR as "one of the greats" stings bad. i dearly hope youre just unaware of the atrocities that woman spews into the world. big ouch.
I'm 31, I've worked retail, been a community manager, worked at the museum's library, been a seller at conventions and art markers, last was a teacher. I gave up last year, until I realized "I don't really want to give up" and reestarted. Honestly sometimes I feel like steve buscemi in that picture saying "hello fellow youths!" But I've also noticed how many people around me are similar age, similar experiencies. Honestly, I am enjoying and truly loving art way more now than when I was in my 20's working my bones to pay for Uni and a living. I grew up around people who don't understand what it is to be an artist and they pushed me to go towards money before finding my place. Until I met someone who encouraged me, someone who's been in the field, and they keep encouraging me to be a better version of myself, still it took me 3 years to go towards trying again, since the key element was, I have to be the one encouraging myself too.
I’m 31 on my second year of learning art, it’s hard.. working a job not related with art, trying to squeeze as much free time in the day to practice, alot of up and downs but!
I can’t imagine a life not doing it ever since!
Amazing episode Adam! It’s incredible how much a game like souls or a Manga like Berserk could change your attitude in life or your craft, stay strong and vigilant friends!
I'm a 33 years old Animator, I graduated in 2018, and still have trouble to find a Job in this industry, so It's really relatable to me . I did find a job at some point, but was laid off after 6 month (True story) . I know the struggle lol I had bad days, I try to learn from these bad experiences and I try to get better everyday. And it's Freaking hard. So yeah, your video is really helping, because now, I know I'm not alone . So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this, Adam ! :)
Same Story. Lighting Artist. Hug
wow a very powerful message Adam. exactly everyone is on their own path. I heard from a monk who might have been on RUclips, but making an error is not a mistake. but making the same error and not learning from it is a mistake. I have just done a mentorship and wow has been very helpful.
Thanks for this talk Adam, the way you spoke about overcoming and celebrating a challenge in a game… it made me FEEL again. That’s what my world is missing… I used to be able to surmount overwhelming obstacles and now I realize that I have been bested, I need a hero’s journey to enliven me again, and get back in the struggle.
It's like I'm listening to what I'm going through right now...Literally.
Thank you, adam. Your words made me not afraid of my own craft... and myself. I feel more.. comfortable with the difficulty, and it makes me... want to go further, chasing back my dreams.
Thank you for giving me comfort in my hardships/self doubt Adam. I definitely feel like a late bloomer, just got into my first relationship at 27, moved out the house at 26, while my interest in art started around 22.
I often feel like i've already wasted most of my young adulthood because i compare it to the experiences of my friends or even people I dont know at all. I don't know how to stop these feelings of regret/fear of missing out but your videos help me remember that we're all given different cards, without a clue how to play them. Thank you again for the beautiful words, sometimes it's the only thing I need to keep me going 🙏
Yay, just woke up (in new zealand) and now I know what video I'll watch tonight after work!
Very emotional and inspiring art talk
I'm only practicing art seriously for more than 1 year, at the beginning I thought It was too late to learn it as a 24 years old (I start at 17 but I gave up because I thought that I wasn't able to grasp what was needed to learn it)
But with time I realized that this is what I want to do for living (hopefully, one day :D) and that I shouldn't care about my age that much, and with this talk you completely oblitere this intrusive thought and skyrocket my motivation
Thank you for your talks ❤🔥
Damn man .... tip my hat to you and this speech
I’ve been on and off of non art jobs trying to save money and make ends meet. Still living with my parents. Been in fast food jobs and Amazon warehouse jobs and in a couple of corporate jobs that I did poorly. Just recently I had my burnout and got laid off from my last corporate job and it sucks, and I felt like I could never work and keep a steady job to make ends meet. Despite that I’m good with digital art, I feel like my future looks bleak. It feels like I could never try to be independent from my parents even though we did set up some boundaries. Sometimes the future looks scary and I honestly don’t know what to do. I’ve dealt with mental health and emotional health issues on and off and life was a rough path for me that is.
That was a great talk, Adam, and it felt aimed directly at me. I'm 56 years old and concept design was an important part of my career for many years, but work and life pulled me in many different directions so I felt like I was losing myself and stopped drawing. I had a death experience a few years ago that threw me out of everything, but also opened my eyes in some ways. After a long period of recovery, I remembered that drawing with pen on paper (now the stylus on Wacom) was my greatest passion, and now I'm on the way back to where I lost it. I think I'm on the right track, even though I have many moments of doubt. Thank you for the inspiring and encouraging conversation!
You have such a compelling way of conversing with your audience. I was so drawn in that I forgot that 36 minutes had gone by. And as an artist inspired by the Souls franchise, I wholeheartedly approve your analogy of overcoming bosses to overcoming obstacles in life. Cheers Adam
Well, your gratitude very much hits home, thank you for that :)
Man, this hits home. I lost my passion for drawing when I got to college, seeing others work and seeing that they were so much better than me. Those weekly artwork critiques were soul crushing. I literally lost a little part of me each time I came out of class. Drawing became the scariest thing in my life, no longer my comfort. I was definitely caught up, I still am.
Your the best Adam, thank you.
1971! You’re one of the RUclips artists that has a place in saving my life. ❤
I have been drawing for 20 years, and I have always wanted to find a job related to drawing, but I failed maybe my skills level cannot be compared with the good ones. I almost give up and only doing art for hobby. When I was 30 I tried to learn 3D art and 4 years later I got a job as a 3D artist. Maybe it's not what I imagined I would be when I started learning to draw, but knowing how to draw, those skills have given me a lot of advantages as a 3D artist. Keep doing what you love and learn what you want that will combine and help you in life. Also after I know more about 3D, my drawing skill improve a lot. Finding ways to break though, learning and improve everyday, that I think what make people become artists.
7 minutes in and this is my favorite video you've made. You're always transparent but you hit really hard in this video. Thanks, Adam.
I almost cried while listening to you...
I really needed that
these days, I am having a very fu*king hard time, and I am confused depressed I don't know if I am good enough or not, trying to get a job... and just seconds before I watch this...I got rejected for a work as a comic artist...
But after listening to this
You just made me hold my sword again and go, but this time with love for hardships and challenges...
Thank you Adam.
Beautiful content! Very inspirational. Art is a life choice to be embraced with all its difficulties. As an artist I always find comfort in your videos, they always feel honest and familiar like a conversation with a good fried. I loved the analogies with the Souls Saga, I never played them but know I'm curious. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your wisdom.
I think Adam should apply for a dark soul character art position cause he is always praising them like a child going to a funfair park
You sir are reaching into my heart and nailing every single emotion :) Don't you dare stop making these art talks.You breathe hope and life and light into dark corners and hopeful but sad hearts
Love you with all my heart Adam and wish I could give you more than just the 1 like.
You are an inspiration as always. Not just to illustrators, but to any kind of person, creative or otherwise. Thank you Adam
Well, that video hit me hard...never imaged to see the art journey like a soulslike path.
Again: thank you, Adam.
Very touching! Thank you!
This has to be, your best video talk by far. Thank you for the video. ( The power/thrill of the "hunt" )
I always find that I have to emotionally prepare myself for a couple days before I watch one of your art talks, but they're always so very worth it. I'm 32 now and started the self taught journey when I was about 21 already feeling like I was too old and too far behind to make this a career. I've had a few modest successes since then with my name on a handful of board/card game projects (often playing second fiddle to other illustrators on the team), but not where I thought all that hard work would have got me. And even with the various board game illustration gigs I still need at least a part time job to help supplement the bills. But weirdly, even though I feel like I still haven't succeeded in what I wanted to do, my past self would have been stoked to know that I've worked on some board games that people can actually play at their dining room table. I get a bit exhilarated when I'm, playing one of those games and my friend pulls a card and excited asks if I really did that illustration. That being said I think I'll stick with it, even though it doesn't solely pay the bills yet.
Also, to you point on Dark Souls... I've never been able to get into the franchise but the video game that taught me the power of perseverance was Hollow Knight. I always thought I hated games that were punishingly difficult and I never saw the appeal, but Hollow Knight changed that for me. I certainly recommend it if you haven't checked it out already :)
Hi, I'm 19 and gave myself a "gap year" to decide what to do the "rest of my life" sort of thing. Your talks about your experience - love the Dark Souls analogy! - puts my age into perspective for me. Thank you for being so real
Finding a "normal" job here in Latin America is becoming more and more difficult and it is worse if you want to be a freelance illustrator, I identify with many things you say, I feel better when I listen to you, thank you for all these years of support Adam
Thank you Adam, your videos never fail to bring me to tears. I appreciate your content.
Thank you Adam for making this. For whatever reason I wasn't watching your videos and decided to click on this one. And like many things in life it appeared when I needed the most. Many of the things you said resonated with me and I'm sure that with a lot of people too. For sure the doubt and every bad felling will rise up again, but thanks to you at this moment it has lost power on me. I'll promise I'll be back when I beat my first art boss to thank you once again and your wonderfull healing talk skills.
Being an artist is such a tough career that people don’t consider to be tough and mentally destabilising. I’ve been a creative person my entire life. Can’t think of anything else that truly calls to me, every other job I’ve done is just to help me make ends meet to do what I truly love. I hope one day the world will appreciate art again. The time, blood sweat tears and hours upon hours of practice and work that goes into it.. to all my artist siblings STAY STRONG!!
I'm turning 27 in december and I just started learning how to draw a few months ago. From years of commissioning artworks to now learning how to draw, being a freelance artist is something I want to be in the future. I do realize it won't be easy and there will be many hurdles and challenges to overcome. But I will be ready for it and will adapt to whatever comes my way. Good luck to other artists out there, don't you dare go hollow!
Your videos are always so relaxing. They help immensely in times of doubt. I know I'm only 23 but I don't say only confidently as I see great tallent growing up from below me already. I should remind myself to keep looking forward, not back.
Crying. Thanks. Needed a little boost this morning.
Wow. I should have been more prepared to watch this video. This felt directed at me personally. I appreciate you sharing this
I did not expect to cry today but here i am. thank you for the words, myself and many others needed to hear this
In school for art right now and am having all of these thoughts that you just went over, this could not have been more perfectly timed. As always, this was an amazing video. Keep up the amazing work, it really does make a difference.
Dear Adam, this is a very wise and kind-hearted video (again). I do think, however, you left out a fundamental thing: luck. Or more precisely, the lack of it. Yes, I know my shit. Yes, I'm confident in my abilities. And yes, I've had some success in my life. But luck never favoured me, in any aspect of my life. And today, here I am, nearly 51, living on benefits, given up on relationships, in severe depression with no funds for therapy, on the brink of self-destruction. I'm doing my best to believe that I simply have to have faith, but I don't think that's enough. Not in my experience. I hope everyone here will be lucky, and find their way, and go forward. Me, I have persevered hardship so far. I came out of severe depression twice, I restarted my life from scratch multiple times, but this time, I don't think there's anything else waiting, but more hardship, and no relief. And I can of course, live another few decades this way; I just don't know how to make peace with the idea of some nightmares, there is no waking up from.
I felt your words so much! 🙂↕️✨After I started therapy, I am (I think) on the way to find myself and my artist way. Whatever it will look like, I’m looking forward to it 😌✨
I didn't realize how much I needed this reminder as an artist or simply just as a human.. Thank you for taking the time to make this video having a voice when some of us might feel like we were lost for words being trapped in our thoughts. I'm healing, I'm failing, but I'm also learning and discovering what's next. I want more. 💪 @AdamDuffArt
The timing of this video is truly impeccable. Powerful words. Both you and AJ share such a strong message and give me the hope to carry on. I also freaking love Dark Souls and the comparison is real. Dang!
Your art talks usually hit home, Adam, but this one hit me a little harder than usual. Thanks for the comfort, and for telling us we're not alone.
I think there is always a time to make a change! Just be consistent and persistent with it!
I too was born in 1975 and being born in Portugal, a country that just toppled fascism and there was nothing art-related that I should run toward. Art was considered a niche profession (sometimes not even that...) and only really talented people could try to be successful at. I always loved to draw and my big brother was really talented and as a young brother, I always looked up to him. I participated in a contest where we had to create a mask but because the other kid from class was more popular than me I got second place. "Maybe" I had a little help from my brother and in 1985 monsters weren´t valued the same way they are today so I probably deserved to lose... Years gone by and I never considered art as a viable profession or that it could give me a "future". I could always return to art as a hobby but I would have to get a real job because that was my reality. In 2005 I saw an illustration of Goro Fujita on the web and he painted it on his computer. That was the moment I realized that art could be created digitally and that it could be something I could do. From that point on I was hooked and never looked back. As you say in the video I had to brute force my way back into art but because I was working, I couldn´t just say to my mom that I was going to pursue an art education and even if I could, there weren´t any schools that could teach me. Art in Portugal was until recently not prepared to teach students art in the entertainment fields. So, I just had to do it on my own and in my free time. It was painful (it still is honestly) but regardless of what´s going on in our lives, we can make a push to get better and improve. I remember at some point thinking that if for whatever reason I was put in jail, I had the perfect environment to dedicate my time to improve. After many years of learning, failing, and many hours in the day and sleepless nights (this is absolutely true) I was given a job as a 3d prop modeler in 2017. At this time I had turned to 3d, not because I was trying to find any way to get in the industry, but because I "found myself" liking sculpture and 3d modeling more, I guess in the past I was trying to be like my brother instead of trying to be me... Today I´m a character artist and still striving to improve every task I get. When we are older our endurance isn´t the same but we can make better choices and pace ourselves when everything seems too overwhelming. If you´re in that situation, pause, breathe, get away from art and after that, get back into it. Don´t force yourself into other careers because things aren´t working. If you really like to draw, sculpt, create, keep pounding that hammer. You will improve and there will be a moment where you will make a difference and people/companies will recognize that. When we are young we feel that everything has to be perfect and if stuff doesn´t happen in a short period, it almost seems that it wasn´t supposed to happen in the first place. Forget that. Focus on your development, and when you battle and conquer the demons you will own it. That is success. 🙂. Thx for the video man 👍
Thank you! This couldn't have come at a better moment, felt like it was made for me.
Needed that. thanks man.
Thank you for this Adam, this vid came along at a perfect time for me. I have just started playing Elden Ring (second Souls game after Bloodborne) and it has done something to my soul. I am going through a difficult personal time with getting divorced and losing a lot of relationships with people who never really supported my creativity and very much saw it as just a hobby (not that there is anything inherently wrong with that.)
I have jumped into the game as a new challenge which I am relishing, and it has infused itself into my work so far. Much like I have trouble deciding where to explore next on my map, I often find it hard to choose between my many ideas that buzz around my head. I think the best path to take in the game for me so far is to follow my instincts and tackle challenges that will teach me new things or gather XP before I make the leap into an entirely new area or break down a boss.
Looking at the horizon there are so many places I can't wait to go, but I know that I should make the best of what learning opportunities lie before me first. If i am correct, the main path will always be there, but it is important to gather XP/tools from other unexpected places first and not charge ahead, because so much will be missed out on.
Damn, you really have enlightened me on this idea, feel much better about things now.
THANK YOU!!
thank you Adam
I'm not even an artist. Just doodling for fun on my off time. I clicked for a lession but stayed for the passionate Souls speech. Praise the sun... \[ T ]/
Praise the sun :) \o/
As a lover of souls games I fully understood what you meant. And you had reminded me the philosophy mizaki incorporated with it. And I will keep in mind that sometimes your time to shine is not here yet but be prepared when it comes. Thanks for the video. 🎉
thank you
WE'RE AWAKENING THE INDOMITABLE HUMAN SPIRIT WITH THIS ONE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
WHAT THE HELL IS A BOAT, I'M PUTTING MY POINTS INTO VIGOR
Released at the right time just when I need this video. Thank you Adam!
Thank you, Adam. For every single art talk.
You are most welcome :)
This is such a personally resonating video. Thank you. I wish I could talk to you one on one XD
I’m 26 almost 27 OTL. I went to art school, but I neglected things that made me happy for classes and social media. I see my peers stopped posting art and they have industry careers and I feel like a failure.
But also, I don’t seek an industry job anymore. I’ve chosen to become my own boss and become an artist on social media and I know the road I’ve chosen is hard. I’m still grappling with whether it’s going to sustain me or not, but I miss drawing and enjoying it.
While I grind to make myself a platform, I struggle with personal life/work life balance. I’m obsessed with working and it’s unhealthy. It doesn’t feel worth it, working so hard. It doesn’t feel like we live in an age where people respect art or want to see self expression. I feel the need to stick to what pleases the masses to make my financial situation easier.
But I want to be happy one day. Either to have enough money to survive, or to enjoy what I do. It’s a work in progress. Your video really spoke to me. I think I’ll try dark souls again, as much of a non gamer I am♥️
This is so good, thank you for the honesty ☺☺
This comes at the right time Adam, thank you for you art talks, always great to listen to while working
Thank you so much for this, I’ve been watching your videos for years and they’ve always been like a breath of fresh air to me. This one is such a work of art, your whole style of video production is so candid and relaxing and I absolutely love it. It really helps me focus on my work and I always appreciate your perspective on things.
Really appreciate the insight
Thank you Adam I truly needed to hear this!! You're an amazing, beautiful soul!
This has been the toughest year of my life (so far). My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer last September and went through surgery. Someone very close to me also got into a tough financial situation coupled with mental health struggles. All the while, I work a job that takes a lot of my mental and physical energy, while also being there for others going through things. Whenever I get home and want to draw, something prevents me from doing so. It feels like the day "isn't over", and so I can't put my burdens aside.
I've been working hard the past 4 years to increase my artistic skills, but I can't break into anything. My passion took a pause this year with all these on-goings, and I think that affected my creative outlook. My works feel stale and static, and I want to get out of that monotony.
I can't offer any help, but know that you are not alone in those types of struggles.
Adam, I've been having a really tough week, doubting every choice I've ever made and now you post this, I was laid off not long ago and that added fuel to the fire
Now, I'm 25 and you just hit the nail on the head with the "Am I too late" question haha
I can't thank you enough for these videos, specially for this one, this helps keep the head straight, thank you for everything again
I can tell you this - the fact that you’re so deeply emotionally invested in your art career at 25, tells me all I need to hear - you’re the real deal and you will succeed.
51 here and just now feeling that my work is good, even though I've been living off it for a while now. :D
I loved this Adam - such a nice time out and reflect moment for me and, as always, super pleasant to spend a while with your voice and perspectives. Thank you for this.
Thanks to you, I discovered that I resonate with Andrew Huberman's approach and identify myself as a Designer. I have a preference for structure and organization, even when it comes to creating art. Prior to watching your video where you discussed the characteristics of designers, I spent years trying to force myself to be an artist... but I never truly saw myself as a designer.
Now, as I manage my own online business, I find it effortless to design my website, products, and even my own artwork.
Fucking Andrew Huberman ahahah love him, thanks Adam!
I have a cintiq 24 for about 2 years now and ever since AI came out i've been in this vicious cycle where i just keep trying to draw but stop after a few bad lines ("ur really not good enough to own this piece of machinery, look at those garbage drawings" - i didn't buy it i got it as a gift btw so that plays a role too in feeling inadequate). No inspiration. No motivation. Complete discouragement. Don't really know what to do. I feel like i love the idea of drawing/painting. I feel like that'd be something worth pursuing and would be something that'd make me happy. The more my life keeps developing the more i feel that happiness of drawing i had seems to be slipping away. And the more that happens the worse and worse and worse i feel. Honestly, at this point. I don't really know what to do.
Dedication. Persistance. Motivation. Inspiration. Desire. - All of these slowly seem to be slipping away from me. I don't want them to. But they are. And the world is turning gray.
If anyone reads this, and i know they wont cause im yelling at the ether of nothingness of the internet...please...leave me advice. Tell me what you think i should do. At this point i'd try anything.
I have an advice, but it's pretty radical : avoid social media and focus on learning new things, and try to let go of your worries . Do your best and enjoy the process . You are not alone. Believe in yourself, you can do it, even if it's really hard :)
Here's one thing Steven Zaspata (I think?) pointed out: if everything AI ever had were images of Renaissance pictures, and artists stopped making art, would AI ever make Berserk?
AI we have has an image of human digital art of the begginning of 21 century. Yet it will never be able to come up with ideas we haven't thought about yet, and will not be able to create styles we haven't created yet. And no matter what everyone says, the art we do have is pretty similar. Think about artstation featured page. Think about anime. There are obviously so many patterns and similarities in contemporary art. I mean, there must be a reason why we usually can feel when the art is AI, even if it's great, there's simply no intelligent thought behind it. So how the hell it would make "Berserk" of the future? The answer is, it will not.
If you want to not be afraid of AI, you have to actually focus on yourself. You don't have to share your art. You don't have to compare it to anything. You don't even have to take inspirations from anything you see on the internet - take inspirations from personal experiences, things and feelings that cannot be dublicated. Be like a child drawing a little smiley sun, or other things without any goal or pressure or purpose. Kinda like drawing on a napkin in class if you're bored. A child will not care if their art is objectively "bad", because it's theirs and it's the only reason why it's the best. And children have shown to be ten times more inventive, too, because they're not so worried about common sense and logic and what others will think. You don't have to be anything, good or bad, art is about creating something with your hands, creating images that speak to you personally. Draw outlandish stuff. Ridicullous stuff. Bad quality stuff. Develop your skills just so you can express yourself better. You don't even have to follow a rulebook, just develop your own way of making art. Because art is about being free.
I saved this video in my “Soul” playlist. That’s how deep this hit. This is such a damn good vid Adam. Thank you.
Готов был заплакать в конце. открыл в себе художника довольно поздно и теперь надеюсь, что под тоннами технических знаний моему внутреннему ребенку всё-таки получится заниматься тем, что он когда-то хотел но даже не мечтал и подумать, что он на это способен. Большое спасибо, Адам ♥
*btw, i remember how it felt to beat that Amygdala on the third level of Defiled Chalice, which I went to three days even after i run out of vials - i literally screamed*
And thanks again for your heartwarming words.
Man this was great.
Thank you Adam. Sincerely.
And to everyone who is reading this:
Go on friend. The path to your inner strength may lay beyond the wall you’re facing at the moment. Lets fight together and … don’t you dare go hollow!
From me to you
-sam
Looking forward to watchin this 🖤
I just graduated and got rejected by first company and I feel like a peace of s- with no useable education because my school didn't teach me things companies want. So now I haven't expirience in things I should have. I don't know what I'm going to do and I feel like I'm not good enough and anything I wanna do and I'm loosing hope and motivation to try. Like I'm paralyzed. Today's talk hit the right note sort of. I hope you're doing well Adam. We love you
This one hits pretty figurativity wide and deep. 👍
thank you so much for what you are doing, Adam🙏
Thank you for the video, Adam. It’s been rough lately for me and my friends, we are aspiring artists aiming to work in the industry just like almost everyone here. We often feel lost we are constantly meet with phrase "good enough" and it hurts. We’re still working on our portfolios, but other responsibilities sometimes make it difficult to nurture our artistic side just like every other person. Despite these challenges, we are still working on our porffolios and am sure that one day will reach our goal. Our progress might not be ideal, but we’re still moving forward. Thank you again for your insights, wisdom and videos.
Adam, you're awesome, man!
Thank you Adam, really needed to hear that