ADHD friends: put the thing where you will be forced to interact with it. For example, if a book is on my bookshelf, I will forget it exists. If its on top of the tv remote or in front of my phone's charging station, I can open ot up and read one page as a "toll" to get to my screen time. Sometimes that one page is all I do, and that's fine. Other times, I get sucked into reading and realize I wasn't all that excited about scrolling through social media or binging netflix after all. Either choice is fine, but you are more likely to choose the options that are right there in front of you than the ones that are tucked away. Out of sight, out if mind, so think about which options you're putting at arms reach. Go grab one thing that you want/need to do today and put it where you will see it, and as close as possible to where you will avtually use it. 🙂
I have ADHD and to be honest, even with medication it's really hard to focus. It's something that people with ADHD have to struggle with for the rest of their life. I'm just learning how to draw myself and I maybe I'm just reaching into intermediate level but really I don't think I like working at all. I've only been working for like 4 to 5 years now. Even if it's something that I like, I just don't like working for companies to be honest. I'd rather just work at a grocery store part-time. Just do my own thing if I didn't need money at all. To be honest I wouldn't work at all. I just don't like drawing what people told me to draw so I don't think I could ever work as a professional artist. I would have to be an entrepreneur selling my paintings. Something like that? Or having my own website selling merch. I even hate doing commissions like I don't want to draw something. I don't want to draw even if you're paying me to do it. I guess certain commissions are okay. Well you do get to like choose what type of stuff you draw because you have a description on what you accept
Great video with very helpful advice. I instantly thought of all my art books that I need to sit down and read. Even if it’s just a couple pages a day. My positive action today will be starting my Schoolism assignment for the week. I will also finish a background art study this week.
I have ADHD so literally said yes to every question you asked. I am constantly having 'aha' moments and feeling suddenly motivated and sure that I've just stumbled on THE bit of information I needed to get me started properly and then I will forget about it completely like I wasn't just about to change my life forever.
I feel this in my bones, lol. First of all, there are lots of great channels with advice for dealing with ADHD that I'd be glad to recommend (if you haven't found them already, but you probably have, lol)... But more importantly, don't be afraid to change or discard advice that doesn't work for you, and start small! What seems to be working for me to actually put things into practice is arranging my space for how my brain works and to help build small habits toward my larger goals. So, for example, keeping things as close as possible to where I would actually use them, and keeping the most important things in my line of sight, as a visual reminder to do them. For example, I will never take my vitamins if they're in the cabinet, and I will never use my art supplies if they're tucked away in the spare room. So my sketchbook now has an assigned place out where I can see it, in a tray with a pencil, eraser and sharpener. My goal is literally just to touch it once a day. Some days I do a quick sketch/doodle, some days I spend an hour or more drawing in it, some days I literally just flip through it and put it back down, but even then, I'm learning what was successful and what wasn't and getting a little bit of inspiration for what might do next time. Basically, set your environment up to support the habits you want to build because our brains don't build new habits easily and are much more dependent on external stimuli. This and getting proper treatment/support for ADHD are the only things that have actually stuck long term for me. Again, start small. Don't try to reorganize your entire home right now, but maybe grab one thing that you keep forgetting to do and put it as near as possible to where you need to do it (for example, if I need to return something to the store or drop it at the post office, I put it underneath my purse and car keys, where I keep them by the front door). ...and maybe throw away or put away one thing that's already in that spot to make the important things easier to spot. 🙃 Sorry for the lengthy, unsolicited advice, lol. Feel free to disregard, but I hope it helps. 🙂
This is so interesting! I'm learning Notion at the moment and i've heard similar comments from people with ADHD who love it because they can set it up in exactly the way their brain works.
I have ADHD and I've noticed that I cannot focus on what audiobooks are saying. I'm listening to the words but I have to pause and Rewind it over and over just to get it into my head what they're saying. I can only really comprehend it when I actually read the words myself for some reason or if I'm not doing anything, but while I'm doing something else and listening to a book unless I'm really focusing on the words, they don't stick in my head and I have to keep rewinding it
I read your book in one sitting before I ever discovered that you had videos and were building a community. I did get interrupted after just beginning to put what I learned into practice. I am transitioning the type of work I do to earn a living and realized I needed to concentrate on those activities for a bit, then I can readjust my focus re: daily actions. Simply reality. But, I will soon reallocate my energy.
I had no idea it was on audible! I find that my best option is to use audio books and podcasts while I'm doing other things. I try to keep notepads around to jot down something I need to
I am going to start creating more structure to my time. I was laid off in May so I’ve had time but it hasn’t been intentional. I plan to spend 30-60 minutes creating time blocks for my day and I’ll try to stick to them. ADHD combined with the anxiety inducing thought of, “you can only make one first impression,” has kept me in paralysis too long and it has robbed growth/confidence for too long.
Nice! I'm not sure about the 'one first impression'. As an illustrator, many first introductions are ignored, which sucks obviously, but it does mean you have the chance to try again. The first impression counts when you are hired - then you have to do good work and make a good impression. The early emails don't count so much.
Great video I have trouble finishing things, especially because I started a lot of them (don't we all? ) and they all feel important, finishing your book (I'm halfway) doing a domestika class on packaging, completing a project for my portfolio, emailing art directors, and so on, ... I think my action now is to establish what the priority is ( even though everything seems urgent ) i have to organize the goals this week .. this is too overwhelming !
One thing that I remind myself of every day, since reading your book, is that it's a numbers game. I've also made a list with focus points, mainly to ignore the 5 million other things I want to be doing simultaneously. One silly but fun thing I added: I made a bingo card with a selection of goals I would like to cross off before October.
Simply put, I have too many forms of action with books, bought video courses, and youtube videos prompting what and where you should go with not just drawing - but also food, workout, sleep schedules, relationships, everything telling me what to do. And a great impatience and anxiety about the future - what will I do, when will it happen, will I even succeed cuz I don’t think I will but I’ve gone this far. I believe deliberate practice and reflection on your planned intentions is key, because you “thus act without the distraction of emotion,” but damn is it distracting. This war on attention and wavery on action because of all these paths and arrows telling me where to go is making me hyperventilate and scared honest.
Great tips, thank you! Just wondering, do agencies tend to prefer particular art styles? I really want to get into commercial illustrating, but I’m not sure if my style is a good fit. I’m still experimenting with it though. 🎨✨
I think they like to work with artists who have a wide range of styles. The more styles they have, the better chance they have of being able to provide what their clients want.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide I know I know 😭 but I’m almost done with a book! My schedule to create outside the book is finally opening! Hope to share new work with you soon. Thanks for all the knowledge you share!
ADHD friends: put the thing where you will be forced to interact with it. For example, if a book is on my bookshelf, I will forget it exists. If its on top of the tv remote or in front of my phone's charging station, I can open ot up and read one page as a "toll" to get to my screen time. Sometimes that one page is all I do, and that's fine. Other times, I get sucked into reading and realize I wasn't all that excited about scrolling through social media or binging netflix after all. Either choice is fine, but you are more likely to choose the options that are right there in front of you than the ones that are tucked away. Out of sight, out if mind, so think about which options you're putting at arms reach. Go grab one thing that you want/need to do today and put it where you will see it, and as close as possible to where you will avtually use it. 🙂
🙏🏼
I have ADHD and to be honest, even with medication it's really hard to focus. It's something that people with ADHD have to struggle with for the rest of their life. I'm just learning how to draw myself and I maybe I'm just reaching into intermediate level but really I don't think I like working at all. I've only been working for like 4 to 5 years now. Even if it's something that I like, I just don't like working for companies to be honest. I'd rather just work at a grocery store part-time. Just do my own thing if I didn't need money at all. To be honest I wouldn't work at all. I just don't like drawing what people told me to draw so I don't think I could ever work as a professional artist. I would have to be an entrepreneur selling my paintings. Something like that? Or having my own website selling merch. I even hate doing commissions like I don't want to draw something. I don't want to draw even if you're paying me to do it. I guess certain commissions are okay. Well you do get to like choose what type of stuff you draw because you have a description on what you accept
Thanks for the great videos! My big task today was to catch up on your videos, so my task is to watch more of your videos today and take notes. 😊
Sounds like a win win! ;-)
Great video with very helpful advice. I instantly thought of all my art books that I need to sit down and read. Even if it’s just a couple pages a day.
My positive action today will be starting my Schoolism assignment for the week. I will also finish a background art study this week.
nice! go for it.
I have ADHD so literally said yes to every question you asked. I am constantly having 'aha' moments and feeling suddenly motivated and sure that I've just stumbled on THE bit of information I needed to get me started properly and then I will forget about it completely like I wasn't just about to change my life forever.
Very relatable! The amount of website bookmarks i've got that i've never visited again...💁 ah well.
I feel this in my bones, lol. First of all, there are lots of great channels with advice for dealing with ADHD that I'd be glad to recommend (if you haven't found them already, but you probably have, lol)... But more importantly, don't be afraid to change or discard advice that doesn't work for you, and start small! What seems to be working for me to actually put things into practice is arranging my space for how my brain works and to help build small habits toward my larger goals. So, for example, keeping things as close as possible to where I would actually use them, and keeping the most important things in my line of sight, as a visual reminder to do them. For example, I will never take my vitamins if they're in the cabinet, and I will never use my art supplies if they're tucked away in the spare room. So my sketchbook now has an assigned place out where I can see it, in a tray with a pencil, eraser and sharpener. My goal is literally just to touch it once a day. Some days I do a quick sketch/doodle, some days I spend an hour or more drawing in it, some days I literally just flip through it and put it back down, but even then, I'm learning what was successful and what wasn't and getting a little bit of inspiration for what might do next time. Basically, set your environment up to support the habits you want to build because our brains don't build new habits easily and are much more dependent on external stimuli. This and getting proper treatment/support for ADHD are the only things that have actually stuck long term for me. Again, start small. Don't try to reorganize your entire home right now, but maybe grab one thing that you keep forgetting to do and put it as near as possible to where you need to do it (for example, if I need to return something to the store or drop it at the post office, I put it underneath my purse and car keys, where I keep them by the front door). ...and maybe throw away or put away one thing that's already in that spot to make the important things easier to spot. 🙃
Sorry for the lengthy, unsolicited advice, lol. Feel free to disregard, but I hope it helps. 🙂
This is so interesting! I'm learning Notion at the moment and i've heard similar comments from people with ADHD who love it because they can set it up in exactly the way their brain works.
I have ADHD and I've noticed that I cannot focus on what audiobooks are saying. I'm listening to the words but I have to pause and Rewind it over and over just to get it into my head what they're saying. I can only really comprehend it when I actually read the words myself for some reason or if I'm not doing anything, but while I'm doing something else and listening to a book unless I'm really focusing on the words, they don't stick in my head and I have to keep rewinding it
Yeah, makes sense! The good thing about listening to podcasts a lot is the same information tends to come up over and over so eventually it sinks in
Thanks for the push! I'm going to finish the art I worked on over the weekend to add to my portfolio (and IG!) tonight!
I read your book in one sitting before I ever discovered that you had videos and were building a community. I did get interrupted after just beginning to put what I learned into practice. I am transitioning the type of work I do to earn a living and realized I needed to concentrate on those activities for a bit, then I can readjust my focus re: daily actions. Simply reality. But, I will soon reallocate my energy.
Sounds like a great plan! I hope you can find time to leave me an Amazon review 😀
Your comment inspired me to read it myself. Didn’t know it‘s on audible too. ❤
Recording that was maybe the most difficult thing about the whole process!
I had no idea it was on audible! I find that my best option is to use audio books and podcasts while I'm doing other things. I try to keep notepads around to jot down something I need to
I'm going to make one more illustration for inktober, until I have all 31 done!
I am going to start creating more structure to my time. I was laid off in May so I’ve had time but it hasn’t been intentional.
I plan to spend 30-60 minutes creating time blocks for my day and I’ll try to stick to them. ADHD combined with the anxiety inducing thought of, “you can only make one first impression,” has kept me in paralysis too long and it has robbed growth/confidence for too long.
Nice! I'm not sure about the 'one first impression'. As an illustrator, many first introductions are ignored, which sucks obviously, but it does mean you have the chance to try again. The first impression counts when you are hired - then you have to do good work and make a good impression. The early emails don't count so much.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide good to know! Thank you very much!
Great video I have trouble finishing things, especially because I started a lot of them (don't we all? ) and they all feel important, finishing your book (I'm halfway) doing a domestika class on packaging, completing a project for my portfolio, emailing art directors, and so on, ... I think my action now is to establish what the priority is ( even though everything seems urgent ) i have to organize the goals this week .. this is too overwhelming !
I feel you! so many things i want to do, and no good system for prioritising them. Always looking for the next shiny object!
One thing that I remind myself of every day, since reading your book, is that it's a numbers game. I've also made a list with focus points, mainly to ignore the 5 million other things I want to be doing simultaneously. One silly but fun thing I added: I made a bingo card with a selection of goals I would like to cross off before October.
I love that idea! I’ll try that
I have just bought your book on Audible, excited to listen to it 😁
Nice! Hope you like it.
Simply put, I have too many forms of action with books, bought video courses, and youtube videos prompting what and where you should go with not just drawing - but also food, workout, sleep schedules, relationships, everything telling me what to do.
And a great impatience and anxiety about the future - what will I do, when will it happen, will I even succeed cuz I don’t think I will but I’ve gone this far.
I believe deliberate practice and reflection on your planned intentions is key, because you “thus act without the distraction of emotion,” but damn is it distracting.
This war on attention and wavery on action because of all these paths and arrows telling me where to go is making me hyperventilate and scared honest.
Great tips, thank you!
Just wondering, do agencies tend to prefer particular art styles? I really want to get into commercial illustrating, but I’m not sure if my style is a good fit. I’m still experimenting with it though. 🎨✨
I think they like to work with artists who have a wide range of styles. The more styles they have, the better chance they have of being able to provide what their clients want.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide I understand, thank you!
30 minutes drawing a day. That seems doable. Pausing now and setting an alarm for every day.
Get back to me in 30 days and let me know how it's going
i'm serious!
What email should we send it to? I received a similar response but didn't have the information to follow up.
Create a new illustration starting 28th of August,hope to finished in two days
Todays action step- work on a piece that implements the advice you gave me during a portfolio review 🥳
That was so long ago!
@@TheIllustratorsGuide I know I know 😭 but I’m almost done with a book! My schedule to create outside the book is finally opening! Hope to share new work with you soon. Thanks for all the knowledge you share!