"We can learn anything in isolation, except for character" I've recently came across this quote, and I have no idea where It came from...but I think it's one of the most important quotes I've ever learned and comprehend. I think it speaks volumes to the artist because if we truly subtract ourselves from society, from our friends, our passions, our health, our loves, we no longer grow our character. We no longer let the world feed back into us and inspire us. If we close the door until we emerge with a masterpiece, that day will never come. It is only through interaction that we grow character, grow ourselves, and help grow other people...Never, ever discount the sort of encouragement and wisdom that others can give you in your art direction. Never learn in a bubble. Thanks so much for sharing this Adam, as someone showing their art for the first time in a gallery coming in January, this is exactly the sort of topic on my mind...
Nice talk man, I'm doing my best to present my art, but also I'm not expecting to be loved because sometimes we're on this rush to be accepted and receive too many likes, but we forget that the main reason is to enjoy and have fun producing art. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Thank you a lot man. I'm 19 right now and have been drawing for approaching a year. You perfectly described my though process around waiting to post until I reach a mythical/satisfactory level. Always drawing only for myself in my sketchbook and being wary of showing it to others because it wasn't good enough. When i think about it, doing that could see me doing the same process for decades without reaching my goals. So I guess now it's time to be more open with displaying my art and facing my fear of criticism. Should also join the art club at University. Thank you man, this video came at the right place at the right time for me.
Oh, man, I cried listening to this. These ART Talk videos are genuine, quality material that a lot of artists or hopefuls need, I feel - Lots of earnest people are walking around with heavy hearts. It's natural, I mean it's really hard, everything's really hard - we hope there's some light at the end of the tunnel. Today it was this video. Thanks, Adam. Sorry about the melodrama, I blame cello music. :))
Youll probably never see this but thank you for posting this. Its a very powerful message for those of us who needed it. You really made me feel inspired to commit to the art community and not hold back. Thank you for that. -Sincerely, One new subscriber!
Thank you very much for this discussion because I am 50+ and have always loved drawing and painting from graphic designs to illustrations and have decided to finally getting my work out there for 2019.
Hey Adam, I've only heard a couple of your talks and it's good stuff! Your art is fantastic as well and wanted to say thank you for this video. You really hit it on the head about "not posting and waiting for that one magic piece of art".. I held back for years thinking I would one day just produce something magically incredible which never happened. And it won't happen without posting, getting feedback, taking notes of what works and doesn't, and improve over time. Keep up the good work!
"Being on the brink is a good place to be" Thank u so much for the reminder to not get too comfortable with trappings of the comfort zone. It is one of the most easily and readily forgotten lessons of life, and no amount of reminder is ever enough.
Great great video! You’re one of my absolute favourite youtubers! My problem is that I’m so torn between two crafts. At heart, I’m a writer through and through. I’ve written my whole life and it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do all day every day. It was love at first sight, truly. Then shortly before I started my own business as a (swedish) writer/editor I got the chance to illustrate my own short story for a magazine and wound up drawing other people’s stories for this same magazine for little over a year. So as a brand new business owner I’m trying to do both, in addition to my freelance editing. The thing is, when it comes to drawing (while still fun at times) I am SO much less experienced in that field compared to writing which mostly makes it hella frustrating to produce art. I know exactly who I am as a writer - my strengths and weaknesses and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to improve and reach my goals. I love writing with such a fierce, never-dying passion. It’s like my very own bottomless well of joy. It’s not the same with art, not for me. I work to improve regularly, people say I have a talent and some are willing to pay for my work but the fact that I’m not even a tenth as passionate about it and willing to work my butt off as I am when it comes to writing makes me wonder if I should just put drawing on the shelf so to speak and pour all of my time and effort into the craft of writing and writing alone. What would you have done? Maybe you could make a video about the subject? About choosing a path for yourself in your business or entrepreneurship when you’re torn between several passions or interests. Should we just choose one or try and do all? And even if you don’t make that kind of video: thanks again for your wise thoughts and reflections that you share with us all. You’re a gem!
Pretty much the reason I subbed to the channel. Honest, real and down to earth chat with an audience. There are probably other youtubers who do that too worst/better, but this channel is the one I connect with the most. I’m very excited to have this opportunity to grow with you as a mentoree. J’ose parler pour les autres, mais je pense qu’on gravite autour de toi à cause de ça. Une transparence à travers des sujets qui font pas nécessairement le premier plan. La crème 👌🏾
I joined art station knowing damn well my work is bottom of the barrel. Didn’t care. I post regardless of who’s better than I am. Been hesitant all these years because some random artist in their teens is leagues ahead of me. At some point you got to stop caring and just dive in. Being insecure has been a pretty big weakness for me despite me not normally caring what others think of me.
Adam! Thanks for your knowledge and your vids truly have help me as an artist. I've been with an art block for aleast 8 months and now understanding that it doesn't matter if you can get to the top or not. But to enjoy the process even though you may or may not succeed and keep creating.
I'm so glad I found this video and this channel I've been wanting to start a RUclips channel for years now and i'm still pretty young but I just keep making excuses for myself hopefully I start sharing my work more often soon
Hi Adam! Thank you sincerely for the art talk advice! I started drawing about one year ago, and in retrospect I remember constantly thinking about 'getting good' before I can post something. Only now, when I was doing a drawing for my sister's birthday did I 'feel the pressure', and my self talk of pushing myself to do my best was something I only really noticed when you mentioned about 'being on the brink'. Now that I can see this, I'm gonna continue doing work that will make me commit, instead of doing mindless studies with hopes of being great one day. Love the advice of being able to live with the 'worst case scenario'. Its usually not that bad, but its a real psychological thing where our fear 'amps-up' in our minds. Its big mental loop that is difficult to break out of, if we don't take time to stop and realise. Sorry for the long comment, not used to commenting online, but just had to thank you for this channel. Wish you and your family the very best Adam.
Know exactly what you're talking about now that I have booked a table in Artist's Alley at Supa Nova Gold Coast Australia 2019! Shitting myself but suddenly the drive to do more art (and better art) has consumed my world. Nothing like bearing your soul to your peers to give you motivation!!!
I've been watching you for a few years and you've helped me get through so much artistically. I used to be too afraid to post my art, and I finally gained the confidence to post it about two years ago and gained attention for it. I have a problem now though and I haven't met anyone else thats experiencing what I'm going through. My art friends are either popular or seem to want the attention I was getting for my art, but I hated it. Receiving positive attention for my art destroyed any joy I had for art. I don't know why, and I can see why that sounds crazy to people, but I don't know what to do about it since whenever I start to feel like I love art again and I want to make some, as soon as I look back at how much my old art meant to some people I hate drawing again. I don't know how to find a way around this since it seems like I'm having the opposite experience as everyone else, and I don't know why people liking my art scares me and makes me feel worthless. I know I'm reacting weirdly since everyone around me craves that type of feedback, and I really wish I craved it too. I feel like that fear is the only thing holding me back from creating, I'm fine with people not liking my art because it means I'm free to improve and try new things and no one expects anything good out of me. I guess I'm just scared of looking back and seeing all the mistakes in my old art that may still mean a lot to someone else. If people are gonna love a piece of art I made or cherish it or find it personally touching, I would want it to be perfect.
Well you're tapping on to a topic that can hold back some of the most talented artists out there - the fear of SUCCESS. At least, that might play a part in what you're going through. With success comes expectation and standards that need to be met. With success comes commitment that you might be afraid to accept or tackle at this point. With negative feedback, you can comfort yourself in going back to your drawing den and locking yourself up for the next 5 years under the guise of "self improvement", when in fact, you might just be procrastinating I have spoken about this in earlier videos, but honestly, I can't remember which one. But one of the main topics that I feel might adhere to what you're going through is the misconception that "commitment" is a PERMANENT thing. You have to commit FOREVER. That adds an unreasonable amount of weight and uncertainty to the choice to commit. Instead, approach commitment as a short term but dedicated period in your life where you commit to a specific facet of art - master something - commit to a direction fully, for NOW. That's one little bit of food for thought that may or may not apply to your situation, hopefully it at least opens your eyes to what might be making you so anxious
@@AdamDuffArt Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me this. You're like the art teacher everyone hopes they have when they're figuring out how to navigate their artistic and creative abilities. Throughout high school and college I got used to hearing that we need to create constantly and behind everything we always need to have a profound meaning. One professor even sat me down to help me figure out what I was excited about, and when I told her she stared at me for a second and said "Well, digital art isn't ART, you know that right?" No shade on her, but artistic mentors are something I feel still holds some of the same significance as when someone would study with a master over a canvas. Its one of the things where our teachers really do shape the type of artist we are and whether someone goes forth with confidence or whether they never push past their own self doubt. Thanks again for writing this and for putting yourself out there to be that person every learning artist needs.
HI Adam! I've been watching your videos for a long time. This is one of the most helpful videos of yours I've watched. I got back into art again after a long hiatus about 2 years ago - and I understand the problem your talking about. I practice every day and put myself on various courses but whenever I do work on personal art I find myself talking myself down from posting it anywhere . I get that feeling that either no one will like it or I'll get laughed at by people I really respect (which i know is a completely made up scenario in my head), or if I ever do eventually get paid for my work, somewhere someone will find my old work and that will some how ruin my reputation (again, this sounds very silly now I type it out). This video has given me the push I needed i think. I'm going to draw and produce art with the idea of presenting it. Just wanted to say this video has answered a lot of questions I've had rolling around my head for bit, and thank you. You're a real inspiration.
I’m a self taught artist that is still working on my craft. I go from getting better to getting worse. I look around and see several amazing artists that are infinitely more advanced than myself. I’m not letting that stop me. I know I’m not on their level yet but I am reaching for it. I’m still putting in the work. I enjoy checking out artists here on RUclips because I take advantage of it as free art lessons. I’ve utilized tactics demonstrated for exercises and have positive improvement. I’ve had several flops when I was over ambitious taking on projects far beyond my ability. I’m still taking a crack at it.
I would say any art is good enough for the public, because art is an expression of yourself. But as for if your "work" is good enough to "market" is another story with many factors. I only recently started sharing any of my stuff online beyond just Facebook, because I have extreme social anxiety and fear the worst. But like you said, the worst is someone likes someone else instead which is fine. I'm not sure if it was planned that you are talking about branching out while drawing a character with literal branches coming off of them, and I'm less sure of if it being planned or not is more genius lol. I like the design of this type of character though, reminds me of old dark fantasy like Labyrinth or the Dark Crystal or Black Cauldron, as well as modernized stuff like Dark Souls.
Great message, Adam! Several great points made. I appreciate the background artwork in the video, as well. It has a Lothric pilgrim in the Ringed City feel.
The day I started teaching is the day I started major improvements as an artist because of the standard I wanted to hit and because of that, teaching has become my dream job.
A Veteran who went through all the shit there's for sure a lot of good thought put into this and it's very inspiring for new artists but well I can tell different I used to be the closet guy and after a short but brutal period in public I am back at it again worst case you say people not liking my art was about the kindest response i got I was being threatened by murder, rape and having my loved ones skinned alive in front of my eyes for the blasphemy I comitted against god and nature and those weren't even the worst my ego was crushed back then but I continued non the less because at the end of the day it's up to me to continue my dream and decide if what I do is right or not don't get yourself beaten down by those trolls and continue your quest but always think twice about publishing your art great video btw.
Thanks Adam, It's very inspiring and straight to the point. Atm I'm getting out of my cocoon. Since I finally realized, why do I have return to moments over and over when I heard from close to me people (not anymore, I cut myself off from toxics) that i draw bad, I have no hope, - "LOOK how others draw, they're true artists, when you draw like them, you can call yourself artist". Sigh, harmful words that haunt me from teenager years. But you know? I work as "generalist artist" now in a small creative studio. , I'm nowhere signed personally. And I'm nowhere close to the awesome rendered artworks. But I'm happy, I'm getting really random things from boss to do, from coloring illustrations for kids, to the texturing models or designing stuff.. TLDR: I am happy and I'm happy listening to you at my work :) You drawing neat stuff, so even recording scetching is pretty interesting. Keep your stuff up! ^^
Thanks again for another lovely video. You always have the best of topics which discuss things that I usually ask/stress myself about. Keep up the great work!
I love this drawing. The whole time I thought it was a weird dude walking a big maggot until the very end when you started adding more detail and reworked the lantern in his hand. Then I finally figured out he's some sort of strange light bearing golem... but either way, I dig it. The art talk, as usual, was great. I tend to not post as often as I should because by the time I decide to post it, I realize I don't much care for it anymore and think I can do better based on what I've learned in the time it's taken me to finish. The old neverending artist cycle of "get an idea, make the thing, love the idea, hate the outcome, start a new thing." lol
Thanks for this video, great perspectives and will help me the coming time :) will definately be listening to this whenever i'm in that place of anxiety again. I'm finally taking the leap soon of starting for myself with my artwork so I need to put my stuff out there more. It iss terrifying with the usual thoughts "what if people dont care and dont like what i do?". But yea, you never know until you go for it, until you try and just go for it.
Thank you for this video. I am 29 and just now teaching myself to draw. I made an IG and have just been posting dailyish terrible sketches lol once I got past the first few posts I realized its not as scary as I thought and the positive feedback is what surprised the hell out of me. Get out there ppl and grab your corner of the internet!
I think the issue right now (or actually has been ongoing for almost a decade) is that the feedback loop for many of us is broken. I've been sharing online for almost 15 years and today I should call myself lucky if that 1 person who stumbles upon my work even leaves a 'like' ,things where extremely different 10 years ago. Granted, I'm not some awesome concept artist but its demoralizing to think back as you 'teenage past' as the height of my non existing art career because people back then had more than a 3 second attention span.
I never had this problem. One of the first things I learned to learn guitar is to keep playing to the beat of the song. Mistakes do not matter, but to learn it you have to keep playing. I guess that attitude transfered over to all sorts of other things later on.
I really like your videos lately. I just found you a few days ago and I keep seeing more of your stuff. You always have something interesting to say and you make me think about stuff. The artwork is awesome too. I don't think there is such a thing as art that isn't good enough for the public. Not really. some people do but I would advise others to not pay those types any attention.. I post art videos to torture myself later with.. that and sometimes my family and friends like to see what I do from time to time so it gives them something to see that i have done. I don't really have a set style or anything I just do what i like. I don't post very often even though I try to but I am almost never satisfied with things I do.. I draw quite a bit but almost nothing I do is acceptable.. I often DON'T record the sketch phase simply because I do so much adjustment and redrawing of things that i find it just takes up video time with uninteresting garbage. I have pretty low confidence in my art i guess.. I always admire those who can art and also commentary over the videos .. I can never do that. I am extremely introverted to the point where I get anxiety attacks every time i try to talk my self in to doing commentary. Even if i did though.. wth would i say? Nothing.. I just wing it most of the time. I don't ever really know what i am doing exactly besides trying to not make my eyes completely hate what i am doing.
A few years ago I set up an Instagram and other sites even though my art wasn't spectacular. I wasn't clear about what art I wanted to make yet, I just messed drawing whatever I wanted and mostly doing studies. But now I'm starting to reap the benefits of that foundation and it's been a few years so the uglier art has been pushed down by the better new art. So it doesn't matter if your art isn't masterpieces. If you're not phoning it in the worse art will eventually get muscled out by waves of the better art as time goes on.
I've drawn on and off for years without thinking much of it, but recently I got INTO it and am diving in hard and fast and throwing pieces onto social media. Yeah they're pretty subpar but some day they'll be GREAT and people can look back through my old garbage and think "Wow he used to suck too!" and maybe they'll be just a bit more motivated.
What communities do you favor as constructive dear heart? Deepest gratitude for your content. I immensely appreciate your content..... My go to as of recent.
I was frightened to post my work online but it wasn't until so many people started to say -' these are amazing, these are brilliant' the more i heard it the more i got tempted , but it was my daughter that opened a facebook page for me and i keep my page published every other day with a new painting. Within a month i reached 498 views and posts 😉. Now i cant stop. Btw im a landscape artist also the odd wild animal and i feel like im growing as an artist. I designed tattoo designs for the last 30 odd years and decided to teach myself to paint and im 52 and loving it. Ive sold 22 paintings already and have commissions coming in all the time. My advice is go for it and never give up
...some artists out there, almost 50 or 60, sketching in a small closet, waiting for that magic moment...OMG, Adam, how long have you been spying on me?! Just kidding! Loved your video, just what I needed to hear. And oh, I'm an introvert too! I've been drawing for years and could never figure out how to get myself out there. I'm tried posting on social media, but since I'm not one of the great artists, I just get a few likes and comments. So I've subscribed and I'm gonna watch the video about how good you have to be to get work. (I'm sure the answer for me is, not yet.) I think I'll try that Artstation you mentioned.
There is no need to think twice, just post it out there in public!!! I understand that it is scary to fail, not to be appreciated, ignored, etc. most specially if it is something that you love and passionate about, but if you do not come out of your comfort zone then you'll never get anywhere or improve. Anyway, I really LOVE your art talks adam! Happy New Year everyone! Keep on sharing damn it! haha
Nice talk my dude. Getting my art out in public has never been an issue for me. I need a way to store my stuff online because I like to have an extra copy. I don't go out of my way to promote myself since views/likes aren't the reason I post my art online. So if a few people happen to stumble upon it, well, that's okay with me. I don't think my art is good enough to sell though. Real talk, my digital art is garbage I practically lost any passion for digital art when I switched to Sai, but my paintings (which aren't online much because I laminate or sleeve the originals to protect them) aren't as bad, some of them I'm actually proud of. My roommates have been trying to convince me to go take my extra paintings to the local craft fairs and sell them, apparently they think they'd sell as long as I adjust to the target market out here in the country (aka get real good at painting deer and fish). I can't though. Something about physically seeing people walk away from my art gives me anxiety.
“Train and Cultivate your talent to Its highest degree. And I mean really strive to be the greatest, until no one else alive knows your trade better than you. Be the best at what you do no matter what it is.” - Michael Jackson
I'm honestly scared to start pushing my work. I don't want all my friends and family to think I'm trying to show off etc. How do I do it in a way that doesn't look like I'm trying to show off my drawing ability etc but rather creating a following that builds a carrier
I’m not sure whether this is arrogant or just naïve, but I’ve never had a problem putting my stuff out there. I want to create something FOR someone. Creating something to toss into the abyss is the most bereft existence I can imagine. And, sure, I’ve put up some real stinkers, but that is not out of disrespect for my viewer. If anything, it is part of the learning process. I depend upon others to tell me what they like and dislike about the image. Because I’m too close to it to see the good and the bad.
For sure - everyone has different levels of comfort being vulnerable in public. Not everyone has the nerve to get out there, sometimes to the point of debilitating their careers
I've come to the conclusion that my art just isn't interesting. Seems like a horrible place to start when you've been drawing and painting every single day for 2 years and been semi-active for 12 years. But it's where I'm at currently. I liked your video about using a "prop" of sorts, but I still feel like I need to do more.
Lol, you’ll ALWAYS need to do more (according to every artist who ever lived) Our standard keeps going up, and is never reached, but somehow we keep on going
You guys would be amazed by how easy ppl get impressed really... If you ever saw my 1st drawings and compare to wht I do now(lrdalucard@DA/Insta/etc), and ppl always seemed impressed whenever I showed them. Even though I knew it pretty well myself they weren't THAT GOOD... Now a days I'm actually in desperate need of finding ppl that actually don't get impressed and can point out flaws so I may improve further.
day the earth stood still.... real stuff try drawing and talking in a language not your own while recording. Been trying that... havent gotten it down yet. But yea after a while the pen just auto moves on me. Nice video
I can probably handle it well enough in French, but if I'm looking for a real challenge (and want to make an entire culture cringe), then I'll try Spanish
@@AdamDuffArt Im from the Netherlands... been practicing English. Realtime drawing plus english while being somewhat entertaining really is hard. French and Spanish would be impossible for me. Hilarious... and impossible.
"We can learn anything in isolation, except for character"
I've recently came across this quote, and I have no idea where It came from...but I think it's one of the most important quotes I've ever learned and comprehend. I think it speaks volumes to the artist because if we truly subtract ourselves from society, from our friends, our passions, our health, our loves, we no longer grow our character. We no longer let the world feed back into us and inspire us. If we close the door until we emerge with a masterpiece, that day will never come. It is only through interaction that we grow character, grow ourselves, and help grow other people...Never, ever discount the sort of encouragement and wisdom that others can give you in your art direction. Never learn in a bubble.
Thanks so much for sharing this Adam, as someone showing their art for the first time in a gallery coming in January, this is exactly the sort of topic on my mind...
Hey, how'd that gallery presentation go?
Nice talk man, I'm doing my best to present my art, but also I'm not expecting to be loved because sometimes we're on this rush to be accepted and receive too many likes, but we forget that the main reason is to enjoy and have fun producing art. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
You're very welcome Lucas :)
Thank you a lot man. I'm 19 right now and have been drawing for approaching a year. You perfectly described my though process around waiting to post until I reach a mythical/satisfactory level. Always drawing only for myself in my sketchbook and being wary of showing it to others because it wasn't good enough. When i think about it, doing that could see me doing the same process for decades without reaching my goals.
So I guess now it's time to be more open with displaying my art and facing my fear of criticism. Should also join the art club at University.
Thank you man, this video came at the right place at the right time for me.
Oh, man, I cried listening to this. These ART Talk videos are genuine, quality material that a lot of artists or hopefuls need, I feel - Lots of earnest people are walking around with heavy hearts. It's natural, I mean it's really hard, everything's really hard - we hope there's some light at the end of the tunnel. Today it was this video. Thanks, Adam.
Sorry about the melodrama, I blame cello music. :))
Youll probably never see this but thank you for posting this. Its a very powerful message for those of us who needed it. You really made me feel inspired to commit to the art community and not hold back. Thank you for that.
-Sincerely,
One new subscriber!
Thank you very much for this discussion because I am 50+ and have always loved drawing and painting from graphic designs to illustrations and have decided to finally getting my work out there for 2019.
Hey Adam, I've only heard a couple of your talks and it's good stuff! Your art is fantastic as well and wanted to say thank you for this video. You really hit it on the head about "not posting and waiting for that one magic piece of art".. I held back for years thinking I would one day just produce something magically incredible which never happened. And it won't happen without posting, getting feedback, taking notes of what works and doesn't, and improve over time. Keep up the good work!
"Being on the brink is a good place to be"
Thank u so much for the reminder to not get too comfortable with trappings of the comfort zone. It is one of the most easily and readily forgotten lessons of life, and no amount of reminder is ever enough.
These videos are my Art Therapy, thank you!
When I need art motivation I listen to Adam talking about art 🙏🏻
Great great video! You’re one of my absolute favourite youtubers!
My problem is that I’m so torn between two crafts. At heart, I’m a writer through and through. I’ve written my whole life and it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do all day every day. It was love at first sight, truly.
Then shortly before I started my own business as a (swedish) writer/editor I got the chance to illustrate my own short story for a magazine and wound up drawing other people’s stories for this same magazine for little over a year. So as a brand new business owner I’m trying to do both, in addition to my freelance editing.
The thing is, when it comes to drawing (while still fun at times) I am SO much less experienced in that field compared to writing which mostly makes it hella frustrating to produce art. I know exactly who I am as a writer - my strengths and weaknesses and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to improve and reach my goals. I love writing with such a fierce, never-dying passion. It’s like my very own bottomless well of joy.
It’s not the same with art, not for me. I work to improve regularly, people say I have a talent and some are willing to pay for my work but the fact that I’m not even a tenth as passionate about it and willing to work my butt off as I am when it comes to writing makes me wonder if I should just put drawing on the shelf so to speak and pour all of my time and effort into the craft of writing and writing alone.
What would you have done? Maybe you could make a video about the subject? About choosing a path for yourself in your business or entrepreneurship when you’re torn between several passions or interests. Should we just choose one or try and do all?
And even if you don’t make that kind of video: thanks again for your wise thoughts and reflections that you share with us all. You’re a gem!
Pretty much the reason I subbed to the channel. Honest, real and down to earth chat with an audience. There are probably other youtubers who do that too worst/better, but this channel is the one I connect with the most. I’m very excited to have this opportunity to grow with you as a mentoree.
J’ose parler pour les autres, mais je pense qu’on gravite autour de toi à cause de ça. Une transparence à travers des sujets qui font pas nécessairement le premier plan.
La crème 👌🏾
I joined art station knowing damn well my work is bottom of the barrel. Didn’t care. I post regardless of who’s better than I am. Been hesitant all these years because some random artist in their teens is leagues ahead of me. At some point you got to stop caring and just dive in. Being insecure has been a pretty big weakness for me despite me not normally caring what others think of me.
Adam! Thanks for your knowledge and your vids truly have help me as an artist. I've been with an art block for aleast 8 months and now understanding that it doesn't matter if you can get to the top or not. But to enjoy the process even though you may or may not succeed and keep creating.
I'm so glad I found this video and this channel
I've been wanting to start a RUclips channel for years now and i'm still pretty young but I just keep making excuses for myself hopefully I start sharing my work more often soon
I was there for that show and the choreo and theme rocked
Hi Adam! Thank you sincerely for the art talk advice! I started drawing about one year ago, and in retrospect I remember constantly thinking about 'getting good' before I can post something. Only now, when I was doing a drawing for my sister's birthday did I 'feel the pressure', and my self talk of pushing myself to do my best was something I only really noticed when you mentioned about 'being on the brink'. Now that I can see this, I'm gonna continue doing work that will make me commit, instead of doing mindless studies with hopes of being great one day.
Love the advice of being able to live with the 'worst case scenario'. Its usually not that bad, but its a real psychological thing where our fear 'amps-up' in our minds. Its big mental loop that is difficult to break out of, if we don't take time to stop and realise.
Sorry for the long comment, not used to commenting online, but just had to thank you for this channel. Wish you and your family the very best Adam.
Know exactly what you're talking about now that I have booked a table in Artist's Alley at Supa Nova Gold Coast Australia 2019! Shitting myself but suddenly the drive to do more art (and better art) has consumed my world. Nothing like bearing your soul to your peers to give you motivation!!!
I've been watching you for a few years and you've helped me get through so much artistically. I used to be too afraid to post my art, and I finally gained the confidence to post it about two years ago and gained attention for it. I have a problem now though and I haven't met anyone else thats experiencing what I'm going through. My art friends are either popular or seem to want the attention I was getting for my art, but I hated it. Receiving positive attention for my art destroyed any joy I had for art. I don't know why, and I can see why that sounds crazy to people, but I don't know what to do about it since whenever I start to feel like I love art again and I want to make some, as soon as I look back at how much my old art meant to some people I hate drawing again.
I don't know how to find a way around this since it seems like I'm having the opposite experience as everyone else, and I don't know why people liking my art scares me and makes me feel worthless. I know I'm reacting weirdly since everyone around me craves that type of feedback, and I really wish I craved it too. I feel like that fear is the only thing holding me back from creating, I'm fine with people not liking my art because it means I'm free to improve and try new things and no one expects anything good out of me. I guess I'm just scared of looking back and seeing all the mistakes in my old art that may still mean a lot to someone else. If people are gonna love a piece of art I made or cherish it or find it personally touching, I would want it to be perfect.
Well you're tapping on to a topic that can hold back some of the most talented artists out there - the fear of SUCCESS.
At least, that might play a part in what you're going through. With success comes expectation and standards that need to be met. With success comes commitment that you might be afraid to accept or tackle at this point.
With negative feedback, you can comfort yourself in going back to your drawing den and locking yourself up for the next 5 years under the guise of "self improvement", when in fact, you might just be procrastinating
I have spoken about this in earlier videos, but honestly, I can't remember which one. But one of the main topics that I feel might adhere to what you're going through is the misconception that "commitment" is a PERMANENT thing. You have to commit FOREVER. That adds an unreasonable amount of weight and uncertainty to the choice to commit.
Instead, approach commitment as a short term but dedicated period in your life where you commit to a specific facet of art - master something - commit to a direction fully, for NOW.
That's one little bit of food for thought that may or may not apply to your situation, hopefully it at least opens your eyes to what might be making you so anxious
@@AdamDuffArt Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me this. You're like the art teacher everyone hopes they have when they're figuring out how to navigate their artistic and creative abilities. Throughout high school and college I got used to hearing that we need to create constantly and behind everything we always need to have a profound meaning. One professor even sat me down to help me figure out what I was excited about, and when I told her she stared at me for a second and said "Well, digital art isn't ART, you know that right?" No shade on her, but artistic mentors are something I feel still holds some of the same significance as when someone would study with a master over a canvas. Its one of the things where our teachers really do shape the type of artist we are and whether someone goes forth with confidence or whether they never push past their own self doubt.
Thanks again for writing this and for putting yourself out there to be that person every learning artist needs.
Thanks for your realness. Totally can dig what you are saying!
HI Adam! I've been watching your videos for a long time. This is one of the most helpful videos of yours I've watched. I got back into art again after a long hiatus about 2 years ago - and I understand the problem your talking about. I practice every day and put myself on various courses but whenever I do work on personal art I find myself talking myself down from posting it anywhere . I get that feeling that either no one will like it or I'll get laughed at by people I really respect (which i know is a completely made up scenario in my head), or if I ever do eventually get paid for my work, somewhere someone will find my old work and that will some how ruin my reputation (again, this sounds very silly now I type it out).
This video has given me the push I needed i think. I'm going to draw and produce art with the idea of presenting it. Just wanted to say this video has answered a lot of questions I've had rolling around my head for bit, and thank you. You're a real inspiration.
I’m a self taught artist that is still working on my craft. I go from getting better to getting worse. I look around and see several amazing artists that are infinitely more advanced than myself. I’m not letting that stop me. I know I’m not on their level yet but I am reaching for it. I’m still putting in the work. I enjoy checking out artists here on RUclips because I take advantage of it as free art lessons. I’ve utilized tactics demonstrated for exercises and have positive improvement. I’ve had several flops when I was over ambitious taking on projects far beyond my ability. I’m still taking a crack at it.
I would say any art is good enough for the public, because art is an expression of yourself. But as for if your "work" is good enough to "market" is another story with many factors. I only recently started sharing any of my stuff online beyond just Facebook, because I have extreme social anxiety and fear the worst. But like you said, the worst is someone likes someone else instead which is fine. I'm not sure if it was planned that you are talking about branching out while drawing a character with literal branches coming off of them, and I'm less sure of if it being planned or not is more genius lol. I like the design of this type of character though, reminds me of old dark fantasy like Labyrinth or the Dark Crystal or Black Cauldron, as well as modernized stuff like Dark Souls.
Great message, Adam! Several great points made. I appreciate the background artwork in the video, as well. It has a Lothric pilgrim in the Ringed City feel.
Hi Adam, The Art talk was very enjoyable as always, loved the art and seeing the process!
Thanks! Today has become a bit nicer because of you
definitely gave me a kick to sit my ass down and face my art block:) awesome as always!
The day I started teaching is the day I started major improvements as an artist because of the standard I wanted to hit and because of that, teaching has become my dream job.
Thanx Adam for all yout work, this monday video is a pure motivation routine for the week now, keep inspire !
A Veteran who went through all the shit
there's for sure a lot of good thought put into this and it's very inspiring for new artists but well I can tell different I used to be the closet guy and after a short but brutal period in public I am back at it again
worst case you say
people not liking my art was about the kindest response i got I was being threatened by murder, rape and having my loved ones skinned alive in front of my eyes for the blasphemy I comitted against god and nature and those weren't even the worst
my ego was crushed back then but I continued non the less because at the end of the day it's up to me to continue my dream and decide if what I do is right or not
don't get yourself beaten down by those trolls and continue your quest but always think twice about publishing your art great video btw.
Thanks Adam, It's very inspiring and straight to the point. Atm I'm getting out of my cocoon. Since I finally realized, why do I have return to moments over and over when I heard from close to me people (not anymore, I cut myself off from toxics) that i draw bad, I have no hope,
- "LOOK how others draw, they're true artists, when you draw like them, you can call yourself artist".
Sigh, harmful words that haunt me from teenager years.
But you know? I work as "generalist artist" now in a small creative studio. , I'm nowhere signed personally. And I'm nowhere close to the awesome rendered artworks. But I'm happy, I'm getting really random things from boss to do, from coloring illustrations for kids, to the texturing models or designing stuff..
TLDR:
I am happy and I'm happy listening to you at my work :) You drawing neat stuff, so even recording scetching is pretty interesting. Keep your stuff up! ^^
Thanks, Adam. This video couldn't have come out at a better time for me. I trully apreciate your videos.
My pleasure Joao :)
Thank you so much for your hard work
Each and every single on of your video inspires me ^-^
I really love your style of videos and drawing with them on they are really fun
Best art talks on the internet!
Thanks❤️👍👍👍
Thanks again for another lovely video. You always have the best of topics which discuss things that I usually ask/stress myself about. Keep up the great work!
Thank you very kindly :)
Thanks Adam, great message, I personally needed to hear this.. Love your videos, so solid!!
I love this drawing. The whole time I thought it was a weird dude walking a big maggot until the very end when you started adding more detail and reworked the lantern in his hand. Then I finally figured out he's some sort of strange light bearing golem... but either way, I dig it. The art talk, as usual, was great. I tend to not post as often as I should because by the time I decide to post it, I realize I don't much care for it anymore and think I can do better based on what I've learned in the time it's taken me to finish. The old neverending artist cycle of "get an idea, make the thing, love the idea, hate the outcome, start a new thing." lol
This video needs much more attention.
Thanks for this video, great perspectives and will help me the coming time :) will definately be listening to this whenever i'm in that place of anxiety again. I'm finally taking the leap soon of starting for myself with my artwork so I need to put my stuff out there more. It iss terrifying with the usual thoughts "what if people dont care and dont like what i do?". But yea, you never know until you go for it, until you try and just go for it.
Thank you Adam. You are awesome sir!
ah man this helps so much, thank you!
Thank you for this video. I am 29 and just now teaching myself to draw. I made an IG and have just been posting dailyish terrible sketches lol once I got past the first few posts I realized its not as scary as I thought and the positive feedback is what surprised the hell out of me. Get out there ppl and grab your corner of the internet!
I think the issue right now (or actually has been ongoing for almost a decade) is that the feedback loop for many of us is broken. I've been sharing online for almost 15 years and today I should call myself lucky if that 1 person who stumbles upon my work even leaves a 'like' ,things where extremely different 10 years ago.
Granted, I'm not some awesome concept artist but its demoralizing to think back as you 'teenage past' as the height of my non existing art career because people back then had more than a 3 second attention span.
Thank you, Adam.
Wow this was very inspirational!! Thank you!
Thanks, I am starting to draw and my art sucks, but I must accept that I am in the start and that costs a lot, but it is the process =)
I never had this problem. One of the first things I learned to learn guitar is to keep playing to the beat of the song. Mistakes do not matter, but to learn it you have to keep playing. I guess that attitude transfered over to all sorts of other things later on.
I really like your videos lately. I just found you a few days ago and I keep seeing more of your stuff. You always have something interesting to say and you make me think about stuff. The artwork is awesome too.
I don't think there is such a thing as art that isn't good enough for the public. Not really. some people do but I would advise others to not pay those types any attention..
I post art videos to torture myself later with.. that and sometimes my family and friends like to see what I do from time to time so it gives them something to see that i have done. I don't really have a set style or anything I just do what i like. I don't post very often even though I try to but I am almost never satisfied with things I do.. I draw quite a bit but almost nothing I do is acceptable.. I often DON'T record the sketch phase simply because I do so much adjustment and redrawing of things that i find it just takes up video time with uninteresting garbage. I have pretty low confidence in my art i guess.. I always admire those who can art and also commentary over the videos .. I can never do that. I am extremely introverted to the point where I get anxiety attacks every time i try to talk my self in to doing commentary. Even if i did though.. wth would i say? Nothing.. I just wing it most of the time. I don't ever really know what i am doing exactly besides trying to not make my eyes completely hate what i am doing.
Wise words. Subscribed.
A few years ago I set up an Instagram and other sites even though my art wasn't spectacular. I wasn't clear about what art I wanted to make yet, I just messed drawing whatever I wanted and mostly doing studies. But now I'm starting to reap the benefits of that foundation and it's been a few years so the uglier art has been pushed down by the better new art. So it doesn't matter if your art isn't masterpieces. If you're not phoning it in the worse art will eventually get muscled out by waves of the better art as time goes on.
darn adam, this vid was suggested to me at the absolute best moment
This video was great.
I've drawn on and off for years without thinking much of it, but recently I got INTO it and am diving in hard and fast and throwing pieces onto social media. Yeah they're pretty subpar but some day they'll be GREAT and people can look back through my old garbage and think "Wow he used to suck too!" and maybe they'll be just a bit more motivated.
your videos help me so much
What communities do you favor as constructive dear heart? Deepest gratitude for your content. I immensely appreciate your content..... My go to as of recent.
I was frightened to post my work online but it wasn't until so many people started to say -' these are amazing, these are brilliant' the more i heard it the more i got tempted , but it was my daughter that opened a facebook page for me and i keep my page published every other day with a new painting. Within a month i reached 498 views and posts 😉. Now i cant stop. Btw im a landscape artist also the odd wild animal and i feel like im growing as an artist.
I designed tattoo designs for the last 30 odd years and decided to teach myself to paint and im 52 and loving it.
Ive sold 22 paintings already and have commissions coming in all the time.
My advice is go for it and never give up
Thank you.
What a man !
Ok, your intro is definitely the best intro I ever seen, do you have any video on how you did it?
Also, very nice video.
Thank you ❤️
...some artists out there, almost 50 or 60, sketching in a small closet, waiting for that magic moment...OMG, Adam, how long have you been spying on me?! Just kidding! Loved your video, just what I needed to hear. And oh, I'm an introvert too! I've been drawing for years and could never figure out how to get myself out there. I'm tried posting on social media, but since I'm not one of the great artists, I just get a few likes and comments. So I've subscribed and I'm gonna watch the video about how good you have to be to get work. (I'm sure the answer for me is, not yet.) I think I'll try that Artstation you mentioned.
I needed to hear this. thank you
Thank you
best video i watch in my artits life
thanks you so mutch
True posting one art piece for me is the equivalent of trying to run a marathon while not being a runner, but I’m trying to get over it
I didn't expect it. This video make me realise it's all on me. I'm the only one responsible of my futur. Thank you so much :-)
The Day the Earth Stood Still
The film u were talking about ist "The Day the Earth Stood Still" from 2008 isn't it?
I wish you can be my art teacher ;-;
There is no need to think twice, just post it out there in public!!! I understand that it is scary to fail, not to be appreciated, ignored, etc. most specially if it is something that you love and passionate about, but if you do not come out of your comfort zone then you'll never get anywhere or improve. Anyway, I really LOVE your art talks adam! Happy New Year everyone! Keep on sharing damn it! haha
Great video, thanks. A huge introvert here AND perfectionist who wants to make a career as an artist in her 30s. :)
Mandatory Video to any artist
The movie's called 'The Day the Earth Stood Still'
Nice talk my dude. Getting my art out in public has never been an issue for me. I need a way to store my stuff online because I like to have an extra copy. I don't go out of my way to promote myself since views/likes aren't the reason I post my art online. So if a few people happen to stumble upon it, well, that's okay with me.
I don't think my art is good enough to sell though. Real talk, my digital art is garbage I practically lost any passion for digital art when I switched to Sai, but my paintings (which aren't online much because I laminate or sleeve the originals to protect them) aren't as bad, some of them I'm actually proud of. My roommates have been trying to convince me to go take my extra paintings to the local craft fairs and sell them, apparently they think they'd sell as long as I adjust to the target market out here in the country (aka get real good at painting deer and fish). I can't though. Something about physically seeing people walk away from my art gives me anxiety.
“Train and Cultivate your talent to Its highest degree. And I mean really strive to be the greatest, until no one else alive knows your trade better than you. Be the best at what you do no matter what it is.” - Michael Jackson
It's so much easier to listen with x2 speed :-)
PS: Thanks for sharing Adam
Does anyone know what movie he's talking about?
I love this channel! Are your videos sped up? Or is that your actual speed?
I'm honestly scared to start pushing my work. I don't want all my friends and family to think I'm trying to show off etc.
How do I do it in a way that doesn't look like I'm trying to show off my drawing ability etc but rather creating a following that builds a carrier
Do we make art to please others?
Is performance art different from studio art?
Imagine you in salsa mode made me gonna watch silver linning books again : D
the above process is around 1hr 30 mins in real time 4:11 am to 5:30 am
I believe the movie is the remake of the scifi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still"
pls someone tell me the name of the intro music.
Send me an email asking me that same question - I’ll track it down for you - my email is in the description
I was scared of making bad videos and I am more scared now.
I cannot do the absolute best I can.
Book : Perfectionism (tal ben shahar)
Ok, WHAT IS THAT SONG IN THE VERY BEGINNING!,!!!!!!!!!!
OddVision - It Is Hip Hop
Now: "is your art good enough to sell?"
true
eveytime I make something, I post it anyways, and if it's bad, I say "well .-." XDD
I’m not sure whether this is arrogant or just naïve, but I’ve never had a problem putting my stuff out there. I want to create something FOR someone. Creating something to toss into the abyss is the most bereft existence I can imagine.
And, sure, I’ve put up some real stinkers, but that is not out of disrespect for my viewer. If anything, it is part of the learning process. I depend upon others to tell me what they like and dislike about the image. Because I’m too close to it to see the good and the bad.
For sure - everyone has different levels of comfort being vulnerable in public. Not everyone has the nerve to get out there, sometimes to the point of debilitating their careers
@@AdamDuffArt That makes sense. It would be a painful version of the dream.
Lmao.
I came to this realisation recently.
I've come to the conclusion that my art just isn't interesting. Seems like a horrible place to start when you've been drawing and painting every single day for 2 years and been semi-active for 12 years. But it's where I'm at currently. I liked your video about using a "prop" of sorts, but I still feel like I need to do more.
Lol, you’ll ALWAYS need to do more (according to every artist who ever lived)
Our standard keeps going up, and is never reached, but somehow we keep on going
You guys would be amazed by how easy ppl get impressed really...
If you ever saw my 1st drawings and compare to wht I do now(lrdalucard@DA/Insta/etc), and ppl always seemed impressed whenever I showed them. Even though I knew it pretty well myself they weren't THAT GOOD...
Now a days I'm actually in desperate need of finding ppl that actually don't get impressed and can point out flaws so I may improve further.
i stay in my own little hovel.
Good work!! But ... Pls don't overwork yourself 🙏 take care of health (too)
day the earth stood still.... real stuff try drawing and talking in a language not your own while recording. Been trying that... havent gotten it down yet. But yea after a while the pen just auto moves on me. Nice video
I can probably handle it well enough in French, but if I'm looking for a real challenge (and want to make an entire culture cringe), then I'll try Spanish
@@AdamDuffArt Im from the Netherlands... been practicing English. Realtime drawing plus english while being somewhat entertaining really is hard. French and Spanish would be impossible for me. Hilarious... and impossible.
Jeez people are writing essays here xD
47 ronin i think
elyas sakaw just looked it up - it’s “the day the earth stood still”
What about no feedback. 0. Nada Nothing??
Me really don't care of it's bad or good, I just post.