When I'm not motivated (like for instance this week....) I come and watch a Rafi Was Here video. 😁 You guys just make me smile and remember not to take it all so seriously. Thanks for the boost.
A heaped-up art studio is one of my most common creativity killers, so this is a good one for me, also. Once I start cleaning I tend to find inspirational stuff buried under there, so by the time I've got a clear area or two, I'm raring to go.
Ditto. Organising my art supplies and fabric supplies just seems to put things back in order and seeing all the paint colours or fabric patterns & textures seems to click the motivation back on. It hasn't failed me yet 😁
When I’m not motivated I spend time doing things I don’t wanna “waste” my motivation on. Organising art supplies, cutting my papers to size for print, packing, labelling products, accounting, update the web shop, organising Pinterest boards, counting stock. Basically everything that needs to be done every once in a while. I have lists in my house with these things divided in 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minute tasks. After all that I still have a feeling of accomplishment even tho I didn’t do art that day/moment.
I use my Roller Coaster Rule*--to wit: You can do *anything* for 2 minutes. I first came upon this rule as a young mother but have applied it in various situations since. People get on a roller coaster to be terrified out of their shorts for 112 seconds (average ride length of rollercoasters). I will go into the studio and putter for 2 minutes and that usually overrides all but the most massive case of resistance. (If that's the case, I get back into my jammies, get hot chocolate and a donut, and go to bed. Some days are just like that.) *my own personal non-copyright. 🎢
True story one time i was feeling crappy and i was in bed early feeling sorry for myself and unmotivated. I watched a Rafi and Klee video, and it left me thinking " sod this, art is meant to be fun not serious!' So i got up, went straight in the studio in my nightclothes and painted a big colourful canvas of a subject i love. The following morning i finished it, and sold it the same day . All through having fun, so thankyou! I use the ' sod this, art is meant to be fun" mantra a lot now.
I'm doing inktober and trying to think up ideas using the prompts. I was listening to this video while sketching and i stopped what i was doing and i drew "rodents in the brain jar". I posted it on Instagram and tagged you 😃 Thanks for the inspiration!
The hardest part of art for me is starting a new painting. When I don't feel like working, I tell myself if I start painting I can listen to Rafi and Klee. Motivates me every time. :)
I've found that the day I'm scheduled to do something I imagine getting all excited and pumped-up the day before just before bedtime. I may not be as pumped up as I had imagined but it's enough to get me started and often times that's enough to keep me going. Love your videos. Both of you:)
Yeah, I've noticed that if I push myself to finish a piece and I really really don't feel like it, the quality of my art tends to tank... bad. Only if I enjoy doing it and and am excited about it, I will create something that surprises me that I didn't think I could do.
I stopped believing in motivation and inspiration a long time ago, and started timing my projects everyday; making sure I meet a certain time-spent-on-my-art-quota
"Success in the Steps!" love that. I'm a burst of work type of person then burnout. I'm still trying to learn the steps. I once saw a program where a court judge was an awesome quilter. When asked how do you find time. She said she put in 15 minutes a day at the beginning of the day. I still can't manage to get that going. maybe now?!?!
Klee nailed it for me. When it stops being fun motivation goes out the window. I can generally get the juices flowing if I sneak up on a piece. Instead of jumping right into eyes and noses I fiddle with the cloths or background for awhile. Sometimes it helps sometimes I just have to walk away.
Do you guys know what Lightworkers are? Yeah, you guys are definitely that. This video covered everything i've been experiencing the last couple of days. Like the woman who asked the question, I just started taking jewelry making seriously and now that what was once my hobby is now a (*cringing*) "business", i feel kinda stuck. But you guys gave so many great suggestions for getting out of the funk so I'm starting very little projects right now and creating some momentum!
Thank you so much for this video ! I really haven’t been feeling motivated with art, but this video was perfect and on time and has me feeling better !! 🙌🏾
When I don't want to draw one day, I draw for an hour (or 3) a day, I have photos ready to work on. You have to be able to concentrate when you doing a drawing, there is no presure. These drawing are practice. It can get me moving again. If you're distracted by a problem or bills, anything you can't control, write it down, It can help relieve distractions.
Great stuff! I set up small rewards to help me grind through things that I need to do. Like enjoying a favorite beverage, watch a favorite movie/TV show episode or even get out and go for a walk out in the community. If it's a big project that will take a week or so to do, I break it down to incremental chunks and apply the same concept. I may have a bigger reward set up for those really big projects. I find that the more I work at it, the more my motivation grows to get it done and enjoy that little reward that I have set up. That has worked so well for me.
I have monstrous motivation problems. Often I find that I need to do other stuff first, but it's overwhelming me. But due to a feeling of guilt, I can't be creative as well. So, essentially, the most important step to overcoming these feelings is to get s*** that's clogging my brain out of the way first. And I don't mean to do all the important stuff first. I'm not a monster, lol. No, I write a spread sheet with step by step stuff that I need to do. Like, if I need to make a phone call (ugh) I write down researching the number, what I needto say/ask, information that I might need for them (like a customer ID or insurance number etc.). Or, if I need to get a room clean, I write down collecting trash or clothes, putting things back in their place, or any specific tasks I will have to do. This way I don't need to keep those in the back of my mind all the time. And I can easier get motivated to do part of a task. This gives me a feeling of having accomplished at least something. Then I can decide, if I feel up to do the rest of the 'must-do' stuff. And if I don't, I can at least say that I did part of it and go do something creative or just fun instead. I have ADHD, so my methods to get motivated may be a little over the board for people, who have neuro typical brains hahaha. But I still wanted to share.
For me, I stay motivated by drawing lots of things I enjoy, taking breaks, and doing other things such as going to Kings Island theme park and writing Fanfiction! I'm always like "I'm at least starting this tonight" and am pretty insistent on finishing art!
I have been working on keeping myself motivated for about a year now. It has its ups and downs. But the one thing that helps me to stay motivated is that I have been through so much in my life already. And I SURVIVED! I have already taken the hardest step already (the first one). Now I just need to keep going, even if they are baby steps. You guys are amazing and I love your creativity
Thank you for your words of wisdom. Was catching you in my break time at work, and was motivated to write myself a list of the various creations I always get in my head while at my day job/desk job. I now have a plan written out and am excited to start executing it. I love how I now know that my demotivation habit is telling myself I don't have enough time and waiting for the right time to start. I tend to put hum drum daily needs as a must but they really aren't. Who cares if the dishes aren't done. Creating is way more important and I have put that off for half my life because I believed I wasn't good enough. Thank you so much for caring enough to create your video content and for being a beautiful soul, and ditto to Klee. Listening to you guys is fanning the wee creative fire in my heart that I didn't let go out. Bless you both. Much love and big hugs
This was incredibly helpful!!! Small steps, making some mark, some progress even looking at the “project”... having good fun-start by playing, do something horrible (yes! I can so relate to making “bad” art!) , get momentum as Klee said... thank you both for being you in the universe
Ok, I put this video in your top 10!!! Have saved it to watch several more times. I've been struggling with motivation for a few years but this past year I ran across a class that was nothing but playing with art! When you said to play that was exactly correct! If I can't get going on a painting then I might must work in my art journal. If that doesn't feel right then I get out my gel plates and do some printing. Or just update my bullet journal. Clean my space, organize (that is a constant thing). Playing is what feeds us. Thank you!
14:58 Just Do It. Someone said "the mind would eventually follow the body, if you just start". Also listen to the "War of Art" and going pro. A professional would have specific time for work as if it's a job.
**Rodents in the Brain Jar!** I am so stealing that phrase!!! It's when they mindlessly chatter when there is work to do.... ughhh... y'all cracked me up! Thanks for a shot of motivation!! Cheeeerzzz and beerz
I have this goal, to draw Something every day. Even if it's Literally Just One line. A heart, a smiley face, Anything. Because when I don't put pen to paper at all, I can go months without making a single thing. By doing this, and tracking my goal, I am able to motivate myself. Even on my busiest, hardest, and/or darkest days, I am able to achieve this simple goal. And because of that, I often draw more than one line. I like to start pieces, such as mandalas, where every line counts. That way, on those days I can really only muster One line, I did make progress toward a finished piece. Today is my 99th day of drawing something every single day. I've Never been this productive before! Set achievable goals and track them, it's a simple formula. And if you fail a day, just take note of it and keep going, no need to "restart".
When I hit a wall. I'll just doodle or just carve in wood or copper just to get my head clear. With no set image in my mind. I come up with new concepts and I that that time to learn from my self.
I needed this video. I have been drag’n ass the 2nd half of 2019 so far. I started off the year so well. I’m just an artist for my soul, state of mind. I’m by far not professional for whatever that means. Basically I couldn’t sell a painting to save my life 😂🙁. Oh well.. it’s all about the vibe right? Lol
Hi. I stay motivated by setting my clock on an hour. Afterwards I put everything away. I just get tired, because I have health issues. I have a lot of materials done. I also bought a lot of color pencils, and water color paints ahead of time to last me years. I also recycle mail paper as well. I use those letters that have blank sections on the back. I have a stack of paper, and office paper to last for years. This is what motivates me too. I won't run out of supplies ever. I usually purchased my paints, and pencils on sale on ebay. For regular pencils I buy them on ebay, or the local super markets like dollar tree, or family dollar. For the final detail I photograph my work fix any minor detail like brightness, or color, crop them then save them. They become digital, and ready to upload anywhere for sale. I also use my work as covers for my books too. They have multiple uses. My photography as well. My enthusiasm lasts an hour, or less. The wait to upload my music, and publishing it takes time too. I have learned to produce music in half hour, or less too. I just open my DAW, and begin putting sounds together. If I'm just using a virtual synth it takes me 3 minutes to create a song. This includes mixing the song. Afterwards I'm done. Sometimes I can make 3 songs one after the other. It depends. This is how I get by. I use Sony Acid Music Studio, and Magix Music Maker 2014 to create music. I stuck with them, because they were easy to understand. The flow is very quick. Enjoy your day.
When I am not motivated, I organize and sort unused images I've pulled for a piece that I didn't use back in the respecitve folders. I find that some of them strike me to be used in a different way (like flipped upside down or deconstructed). I set them in my "working box." Being tired is one of my biggest excuses ( I work full time day job). BUT I do make time at least 3 nights a work week to sit down and do SOMETHING at my desk. and then on the weekend when I have more slots of time I grab a Coke, some snacks, pop on the You Tubes and get inspired by others-like y'all and my art friends. TFS your wisdom and experiences!
Once, I decided to ride a bicycle across my country. It took about 8 days for me which takes about 6~7 days for most people. I am a slow turtle kinda person, who is the least efficient but the most engaged. Although I didn't think I learned anything from the experience(I wasn't a artist back then), looking back as an artist, artistic journey is basically same as cross country marathon or bicycle-ride. Why? 1. I had numerous times where I wanted to stop and go to the nearest train station to go back home. But I had persevere. 2. I fell down multiple times and my muscles sore like hell, but I became used to it. 3. You cannot see the destination on the road. You know it exists. 4. You will get to the destination as long as you don't give up. 5. In stormy days, I either pushed myself through the rain, or rode in-between the rain which had their respective goods and bads.
Thank you for the advise. I sometimes like to watch RUclips videos to get motivated, but more often than not I find myself wasting the day away on RUclips and get nothing else done so I have to set a limit for myself. Watch 2 videos and log off. I guess my best way to get motivated it to flip through my art journals and that really gets me motivated and in the mood to create something. I will also putter around in my art room organizing supplies, sometimes that helps.
My biggest fix for motivation problems happens to be my daughter. She's four and is learning so much that whenever I feel like not doing something, I look at her and think - is this really what I want to teach her? I believe in teaching by example, so sometimes I'll ask her if she wants to help and set it up so we can do the task together. Seeing her get excited about something that I find mundane is really the best way to push through those sluggish times because I get to see those boring things through her eyes. Children really are wonderful at reminding us that everything has beauty and excitement if you allow yourself to see it and be open to experiencing it no matter how many times you've done it before.
Real talk I have MS and right now I'm doing pretty okay but I know I could wake up one day and not be able to see or hold a paint brush or thread a needle. Some days it's all I can do to pick up a pen and doodle. But I tell myself: if I can do it today then I should do it today.
You're so right: mega stresses from external things we can't control wreak havoc on our creativity - I know coz I'm in midst of it, still. But doing my best to keep working - even if it's rubbish! But often at the moment I feel like I've totally lost the joy in creating (so sad) and it's hard to plod on with it when the other stuff is overwhelmingly awful and unsettling - that's what being an unwelcome immigrant (I live in France) often means I think. All the best to you 2 and thanks.
When I'm out of inspiring thoughts, I go back to the sketches and doodles I'd saved for over 50 years (I believe in posterity). Sifting through my ideas, I came across some good stuff. Sometimes a drawing, or painting wasn't meant to be finished at that particular time. Coming back to the initial Art, one may find what was needed to add to the project. You articulate this better than me!
I wanna see more of you painting and more of Klee! Sped up paint videos. Even if you just painted for like 10 minutes a day. I also wanna do what Klee does. I have checked your website I love your paintings and I love Klee's jewelry. Would so love to see a how to video or a "what does Rafi/Klee do all day?"
When I feel unmotivated. I have a few things I do. I make lists,organize my workspace , literally get in the car and go for a drive, I go to thrift stores, go to the bookstore and look at all the magazines and books that I draw inspiration from, sometimes I take a walk on the beach and collect shells while taking in the beauty of the water and nature, sometimes I listen to emotional music while painting or welding sculptures. If I want a piece to feel angry but I am in a happy mood. I will blast dark theatrical warrior type music. I know. Dramatic. But that usually does the trick.
Thank you for this video. the rats in my brain jar needed a good talking to! i just stumbled on your videos and im hooked, you two are so cute, candid, genuine and hooman, i love it and i couldnt have found you at a more opportune time in my art development! thank you for keeping it real
Yeah this has been a major issue as of late for me. Good discussion! I am finding being a full time artist and transitioning into making more of my own original conceptual "weird" art to be quite defeating in terms of sales coming from the days of high volume sales of more "popular" trendy stuff. Still I realized my motivation was being hacked by forcing myself to give into to doing what people wanted or expected rather than what I wanted. Also since I am a digital artist and do a lot of mixed media/collage work I find people will not take it very seriously as compared to traditional art (but that's a whole other topic lol). It's hard to be a full time artist and not end up hating art - people never understand that. Like you said it ebbs and flows so there is little prediction in that flow. But once you become full time you feel a CONSTANT pressure to produce and each time it has to be better than the last. That's the art life haha. Love your channel been watching a lot of these videos great stuff!
Among side gigs, I'm an "everything tech"... SO in those low-creative times, I open up something else that's not working (there are collections of the stuff here) and work on it. 90% of technical issues are "janitorial"... and a simple visual inspection will find why it's not working... It's exactly the kind of simple little goal that gets momentum to handle something bigger (more ambitious) and doesn't exactly sap the brain power or will to do it. AND sometimes, the negative emotions can get in the way... Those negative emotions are primitive "self preservation" systems... and can be "exercised" with reasonably controlled destruction... I tend toward "cavalier rocketry" myself... BUT the occasional "Big F Hammer" has been landed against some particular "technological nightmare" that I'm simply sick to death of looking at. It's liberating, and that can vent those negative emotions out (even given cleanup) which in turn lends to motivational and creative energies... Nothing brings me out of a funk like lots of noise and a large smoldering hole where a rocket was supposedly going to reach a new record altitude and the camera was supposed to get video... "oopsie-doodles" may end up on my grave marker... ;o)
2019 has been a year of non-motivation so far for me. The motivation thieves being bills, no money for new experiences and pain. Not that those are anything new but they're gotten to me more than usual this year
I like the idea of looking at my work and noticing that it’s successful, even before it’s finished. For a long time with Color pencil it will look bad, and that by itself can be discouraging. So I’m going to try your idea, thanks a lot.
Thank you for sharing! One way I have been motivating myself lately is by reminding myself that if what I am working on doesn't turn out how I want, that it is ok and it's all part of the process and to keep going. Also, by telling myself I'd rather create something I don't like than not creating at all and I can set it to the side and come back to it later and usually I end up liking it anyway! :)
I upcycled pieces of jewelry to a scene, a gift for my daughter and my family's response was awesome. Posted online and was shocked that most loved it but few :( it really makes me question????? Brown spots on the wall, ugggg.
How many times did u say motivated ? Just wondering! 😉. Need this I was on a roll then it just stopped. Been stuck in a funk for a week. I will try some of these suggestions for sure ! Thanks rafi!
Yo Rafi, I know this is a broad topic that is ultimately learned over a lifetime, but would you ever make a video on art that "matters"? Getting to the point when your own creative voice is clear and the work that comes out of it is valuable and on it's way to being fine art? Thanks so much :)
I appreciate the thought. If you get a second of free time you should look at my stuff @downtown_doodler on insta. Just finished my first solo exhibition!
One of the best parts of your videos is how you guys work together in front of the camera. I'll say it again " I find it totally hot & sexy how two people in love share each others passion....Wow!
Ah, In The Moment demotivation, for me, is usually a really unclear plan where I don't know how to start something. Other times, like you said, It's a need for rest. OR, even more annoying, a distraction! There's new stuff on youtube! There's a new game out! If there's time, I might allow a bit of distraction just to get it out of my system. For self esteem demotivation.. oh gee. I don't know. Last weekend I was inspired by you to book a table at a flea market. It was tough without a car, but we did it! Unfortunately, sales were spectacularly bad! Foot traffic was great, just no one took any interest in what I was doing. Pretty much any time I try in-person sales, I fail harder than most, and don't come anywhere near paying for the table cost. Not sure why. It really gets me down, but I have zero employment income at the moment and can't take the time for self pity. I will be back at the flea table this weekend, hoping for better luck! Outside of luck, I'm not sure how to fix this. But for the demotivation aspect, hard deadlines work best for me.
How do you stay organized? I have deep set anxiety from not being able to keep my creative space organized. I have three separate rooms full of my stuff and I am finding it near impossible to bring it all in to one space. I need it in one space, I just don't know how to tackle it. Because I'm so overwhelmed with this aspect, I get terrible anxiety when I think about making something, then don't end up doing anything. :(
I’m not sure if this is related to what you are talking about, but for the artist that is doing this as a means to pay bills .. I believe one part of the picture is the struggle or balancing act that anyone has, who is self employed .. the “pressure “ or need to be productive ( whatever that might look like to them) they’re under has to be created from within .. when we work for someone else, we do the tasks no matter what .. there’s no choice in the matter .., But I believe many people romanticize the idea of being self employed and have not got a realistic vision, in the beginning stages, of how challenging it can be to motivate from within .. as artists, we are sort of in our own bubbles , and have to create and produce our art, creations , music, etc. not easy to do ... but if the will and desire is strong enough, we seem to find our way... I was self employed for almost thirty five years , as an artist ( I painted on clothing and silk) , and I can admit that most of the time , the bills needing to be paid was my largest motivator .. I had to find a way to compromise my art and paint on things that seemed to be easier to market, at that time ... now, for the first time in my life, I am in a position to just paint and learn and sell , but do not rely on my art alone for paying the bills ... is the first time I am in this kind of situation , and I am so frigging happy and just excited to keep growing in my art ( norakag on Instagram, btw) Thank you so so much for all your realistic advice and perspectives on all these things.. every time one other artist can talk to another , and learn and commiserate and empathize , it helps us all go on our paths ... thanks again .. Norakag
I find making art in a void horrible. And often just can't do it. I don't have commercial illustrator skills and I'm not a 'genre painter' (or abstractionist )who can always cook up some pastiche that sells somewhere. I've had to accept that the core of any work has to be, like you say, something that excites me personally. I am most energized doing commissions because I know who I'm creating for and they want my creation. And then another motivation is wanting to pull off something technically difficult and challenging. When I'm thin on ideas, I know I can always have fun trying to do something new and nailing it. Or close. Or not. It happens. The other thing is that sometimes I feel i play cat and mouse with my inspiration and creativity. I don't sketch a lot, do many studies, produce minor works. Instead, I do extensive, very detailed work inside my head, consciously and subconsciously, putting the piece together. So I know to let this play out, not worrying about how long its taking. (Can be quick and inspired, other times years.) Sometimes I have to trick myself into getting to work, (I don't want to paint today, I'll do chores. But first I should look at the canvas...and fix that one bit...and...) sometimes I have to make myself rest. But knowledge is power, and I know every piece no matter how minor, will have a moment or even a long stretch where I've lost faith, it looks like crap, I'm talentless and I'll never be able to pull it off. It can be torture but I know to keep slogging until I start to come out the other side. That comes from a fear of failure and a related desire to succeed.
This off subject but I am having a resin issue. I have been weighting my resin 1:1 and my pieces seem fine and the resin is hard. I am left with resin and out of hardener so I researched it and I was supposed to measure by volume not weight now my pieces are soft and flexible which I do not want. Will anything bad happen to my pieces that have more hardener? Is it really that bad to weigh the 2 parts? Thank you I just can't find any good info on this.
with your quality of content, you should have no problem getting more than a million subscribers here on your channel. If you dont use TubeBuddy ( a program to help with keywords on your channel) you should use it. 1 million subscribers should easily pay for Klees bills.. Love from Denmark.
My whole house is gutted. Right now I’m drywalling thanks to a rip-off-artist contractor. Right now my motivation is to finish this so we can have a house and I can paint again. I’m even making the counters so I can be creative. Haha, take that universe.
I often experience "motivation problems" I equally as often find the solution . . . "Pick up the Pencil and make lines.". And after a bad line or 2 I suddenly find myself an hour and an elbow deep into Working on somethin' (Y)
Hey Rafi & Klee, delete the comment if not appropriate. I wanted to share with you a book I read a few years back, called: the artist way by Julia Cameron. She talk about the morning pages, basically you write on paper, 3 pages each morning, getting everything out of your head, grocery, bills, anything that cross your mind and keep you from your creativity. Then, since everything is written, your mind won't fear to forget and you will be able to create.
I usually find myself in this weird cycle where I’ll work myself to death- lose motivation- try to push through that- lose more motivation-get mad/sad....usually this is a result of exhaustion. So that’s when the husband tells me “you need a nap” followed by me throwing a tantrum saying “I am not 5 I don’t need a nap!” And only then I cry as I fall asleep! 🤣 then I wake up refreshed and motivated to keep creating lol
only thing that is stifling my creativity now is me being pissed off at the fact that my $400 pure gold drop earring that I made with my own hand got stolen in a home break in. 😡🤬
I left a comment fairly lengthy comment on other video of yours rafi..it was older video of yours if it came thru. Ive watched so many now cant remember which one now. Hope to here back. Thanks for what you guys do.
When I'm not motivated (like for instance this week....) I come and watch a Rafi Was Here video. 😁 You guys just make me smile and remember not to take it all so seriously. Thanks for the boost.
Whenever I don’t feel motivated I tend to organise my studio, I found that I feel better after that and start being creative again.
A heaped-up art studio is one of my most common creativity killers, so this is a good one for me, also. Once I start cleaning I tend to find inspirational stuff buried under there, so by the time I've got a clear area or two, I'm raring to go.
Ditto. Organising my art supplies and fabric supplies just seems to put things back in order and seeing all the paint colours or fabric patterns & textures seems to click the motivation back on. It hasn't failed me yet 😁
When I’m not motivated I spend time doing things I don’t wanna “waste” my motivation on. Organising art supplies, cutting my papers to size for print, packing, labelling products, accounting, update the web shop, organising Pinterest boards, counting stock. Basically everything that needs to be done every once in a while. I have lists in my house with these things divided in 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minute tasks. After all that I still have a feeling of accomplishment even tho I didn’t do art that day/moment.
@Ali Lucce maybe one day! Ive been flirting with the idea of doing art on my channel
That's exactly what I do! LoL you're not wasting your day and not letting unmotivation turn into unproductivity 😄🙏
I use my Roller Coaster Rule*--to wit: You can do *anything* for 2 minutes. I first came upon this rule as a young mother but have applied it in various situations since. People get on a roller coaster to be terrified out of their shorts for 112 seconds (average ride length of rollercoasters). I will go into the studio and putter for 2 minutes and that usually overrides all but the most massive case of resistance. (If that's the case, I get back into my jammies, get hot chocolate and a donut, and go to bed. Some days are just like that.)
*my own personal non-copyright. 🎢
Great post! I think I will give it a shot and try it.
True story one time i was feeling crappy and i was in bed early feeling sorry for myself and unmotivated. I watched a Rafi and Klee video, and it left me thinking " sod this, art is meant to be fun not serious!' So i got up, went straight in the studio in my nightclothes and painted a big colourful canvas of a subject i love. The following morning i finished it, and sold it the same day . All through having fun, so thankyou! I use the ' sod this, art is meant to be fun" mantra a lot now.
I'm doing inktober and trying to think up ideas using the prompts. I was listening to this video while sketching and i stopped what i was doing and i drew "rodents in the brain jar". I posted it on Instagram and tagged you 😃 Thanks for the inspiration!
I like Klee's wit, you should let her lead the videos more often....Thanks for all the tips anyway...
The hardest part of art for me is starting a new painting. When I don't feel like working, I tell myself if I start painting I can listen to Rafi and Klee. Motivates me every time. :)
I find watching other artists doing what they love as great motivation material. This channel has been great in that regard.
No pressure or anything but I get my daily motivation by watching a few of your videos and some relaxing abstract demos with my morning coffee ☕️
I have the "Total Awesomeness" jingle stuck in my head and have been walking around singing it at work. They don't get it. LOL Thanks Klee !!!
I've found that the day I'm scheduled to do something I imagine getting all excited and pumped-up the day before just before bedtime. I may not be as pumped up as I had imagined but it's enough to get me started and often times that's enough to keep me going.
Love your videos. Both of you:)
Yeah, I've noticed that if I push myself to finish a piece and I really really don't feel like it, the quality of my art tends to tank... bad. Only if I enjoy doing it and and am excited about it, I will create something that surprises me that I didn't think I could do.
I stopped believing in motivation and inspiration a long time ago, and started timing my projects everyday; making sure I meet a certain time-spent-on-my-art-quota
"Success in the Steps!" love that. I'm a burst of work type of person then burnout. I'm still trying to learn the steps. I once saw a program where a court judge was an awesome quilter. When asked how do you find time. She said she put in 15 minutes a day at the beginning of the day. I still can't manage to get that going. maybe now?!?!
Klee nailed it for me. When it stops being fun motivation goes out the window. I can generally get the juices flowing if I sneak up on a piece. Instead of jumping right into eyes and noses I fiddle with the cloths or background for awhile. Sometimes it helps sometimes I just have to walk away.
I used to keep a goal calendar, but this year I lost my motivation to keep it up. You have inspired me to get my goal journal back going!
Yes I find it helpful to write down all the jobs/crap that are putting me off, then I can forget the list and paint.🙂 thats a beautiful colour Klee
Do you guys know what Lightworkers are? Yeah, you guys are definitely that.
This video covered everything i've been experiencing the last couple of days. Like the woman who asked the question, I just started taking jewelry making seriously and now that what was once my hobby is now a (*cringing*) "business", i feel kinda stuck. But you guys gave so many great suggestions for getting out of the funk so I'm starting very little projects right now and creating some momentum!
Perfect timing! Thanks 👍
Thank you so much for this video ! I really haven’t been feeling motivated with art, but this video was perfect and on time and has me feeling better !! 🙌🏾
When I don't want to draw one day, I draw for an hour (or 3) a day, I have photos ready to work on.
You have to be able to concentrate when you doing a drawing, there is no presure.
These drawing are practice. It can get me moving again.
If you're distracted by a problem or bills, anything you can't control, write it down, It can help relieve distractions.
The Sun and the day job demotivates me. I usually get a shower or go swimming to get my brain back. Most days that works.
Great stuff! I set up small rewards to help me grind through things that I need to do. Like enjoying a favorite beverage, watch a favorite movie/TV show episode or even get out and go for a walk out in the community. If it's a big project that will take a week or so to do, I break it down to incremental chunks and apply the same concept. I may have a bigger reward set up for those really big projects. I find that the more I work at it, the more my motivation grows to get it done and enjoy that little reward that I have set up. That has worked so well for me.
I have monstrous motivation problems. Often I find that I need to do other stuff first, but it's overwhelming me. But due to a feeling of guilt, I can't be creative as well. So, essentially, the most important step to overcoming these feelings is to get s*** that's clogging my brain out of the way first. And I don't mean to do all the important stuff first. I'm not a monster, lol. No, I write a spread sheet with step by step stuff that I need to do. Like, if I need to make a phone call (ugh) I write down researching the number, what I needto say/ask, information that I might need for them (like a customer ID or insurance number etc.). Or, if I need to get a room clean, I write down collecting trash or clothes, putting things back in their place, or any specific tasks I will have to do.
This way I don't need to keep those in the back of my mind all the time. And I can easier get motivated to do part of a task. This gives me a feeling of having accomplished at least something. Then I can decide, if I feel up to do the rest of the 'must-do' stuff. And if I don't, I can at least say that I did part of it and go do something creative or just fun instead.
I have ADHD, so my methods to get motivated may be a little over the board for people, who have neuro typical brains hahaha. But I still wanted to share.
I use the same methods everyday. Lists for everything! And then that satisfying feeling of crossing it off
If I had to guess I would say other-than-neurotypical brains are probably typical for the creatively-inclined.
@@LZMAmzelle Oh yes. Crossing stuff off, no matter how minor, is so so satisfying xD
@@MrsShirotora Maybe! My brain doesn't really give me a choice here hahaha
For me, I stay motivated by drawing lots of things I enjoy, taking breaks, and doing other things such as going to Kings Island theme park and writing Fanfiction! I'm always like "I'm at least starting this tonight" and am pretty insistent on finishing art!
Soooo timely! Thank you!
Thank you for this video! It was very helpful! Have a great day!
Happy music! Music that makes you want to get up and dance!!
Yes, agreed, taking a nap, always helps me.
I have been working on keeping myself motivated for about a year now. It has its ups and downs. But the one thing that helps me to stay motivated is that I have been through so much in my life already. And I SURVIVED! I have already taken the hardest step already (the first one). Now I just need to keep going, even if they are baby steps.
You guys are amazing and I love your creativity
Thank you for your words of wisdom. Was catching you in my break time at work, and was motivated to write myself a list of the various creations I always get in my head while at my day job/desk job. I now have a plan written out and am excited to start executing it. I love how I now know that my demotivation habit is telling myself I don't have enough time and waiting for the right time to start. I tend to put hum drum daily needs as a must but they really aren't. Who cares if the dishes aren't done. Creating is way more important and I have put that off for half my life because I believed I wasn't good enough.
Thank you so much for caring enough to create your video content and for being a beautiful soul, and ditto to Klee. Listening to you guys is fanning the wee creative fire in my heart that I didn't let go out.
Bless you both. Much love and big hugs
This was incredibly helpful!!! Small steps, making some mark, some progress even looking at the “project”... having good fun-start by playing, do something horrible (yes! I can so relate to making “bad” art!) , get momentum as Klee said... thank you both for being you in the universe
Great motivational speech and I think you guys covered all of it. Makes sense!!!
Ok, I put this video in your top 10!!! Have saved it to watch several more times. I've been struggling with motivation for a few years but this past year I ran across a class that was nothing but playing with art! When you said to play that was exactly correct! If I can't get going on a painting then I might must work in my art journal. If that doesn't feel right then I get out my gel plates and do some printing. Or just update my bullet journal. Clean my space, organize (that is a constant thing). Playing is what feeds us. Thank you!
When I feel unmotivated I watch or read something that inspires me. Like watching a Miyazaki film which usually stirs up this itch to create 😄
14:58 Just Do It. Someone said "the mind would eventually follow the body, if you just start".
Also listen to the "War of Art" and going pro. A professional would have specific time for work as if it's a job.
**Rodents in the Brain Jar!** I am so stealing that phrase!!! It's when they mindlessly chatter when there is work to do.... ughhh... y'all cracked me up! Thanks for a shot of motivation!! Cheeeerzzz and beerz
yeah the melding of analogies between a jar of nice and a water hose were hilarious 😂
I have this goal, to draw Something every day. Even if it's Literally Just One line. A heart, a smiley face, Anything. Because when I don't put pen to paper at all, I can go months without making a single thing. By doing this, and tracking my goal, I am able to motivate myself. Even on my busiest, hardest, and/or darkest days, I am able to achieve this simple goal. And because of that, I often draw more than one line. I like to start pieces, such as mandalas, where every line counts. That way, on those days I can really only muster One line, I did make progress toward a finished piece. Today is my 99th day of drawing something every single day. I've Never been this productive before! Set achievable goals and track them, it's a simple formula. And if you fail a day, just take note of it and keep going, no need to "restart".
So agree with this! I feel stresses and then not motivated when I stress about money! Am super motivated atm participating in inktober! 🙌
Great video, thanks I really needed this video this week. Having trouble staying motivated this week.
When I hit a wall. I'll just doodle or just carve in wood or copper just to get my head clear. With no set image in my mind. I come up with new concepts and I that that time to learn from my self.
I needed this video. I have been drag’n ass the 2nd half of 2019 so far. I started off the year so well. I’m just an artist for my soul, state of mind. I’m by far not professional for whatever that means. Basically I couldn’t sell a painting to save my life 😂🙁. Oh well.. it’s all about the vibe right? Lol
Good video I hope your doing well and that you had a good time at your show !
Hi. I stay motivated by setting my clock on an hour. Afterwards I put everything away. I just get tired, because I have health issues. I have a lot of materials done. I also bought a lot of color pencils, and water color paints ahead of time to last me years. I also recycle mail paper as well. I use those letters that have blank sections on the back. I have a stack of paper, and office paper to last for years. This is what motivates me too. I won't run out of supplies ever. I usually purchased my paints, and pencils on sale on ebay. For regular pencils I buy them on ebay, or the local super markets like dollar tree, or family dollar. For the final detail I photograph my work fix any minor detail like brightness, or color, crop them then save them. They become digital, and ready to upload anywhere for sale. I also use my work as covers for my books too. They have multiple uses. My photography as well. My enthusiasm lasts an hour, or less. The wait to upload my music, and publishing it takes time too. I have learned to produce music in half hour, or less too. I just open my DAW, and begin putting sounds together. If I'm just using a virtual synth it takes me 3 minutes to create a song. This includes mixing the song. Afterwards I'm done. Sometimes I can make 3 songs one after the other. It depends. This is how I get by. I use Sony Acid Music Studio, and Magix Music Maker 2014 to create music. I stuck with them, because they were easy to understand. The flow is very quick. Enjoy your day.
When I am not motivated, I organize and sort unused images I've pulled for a piece that I didn't use back in the respecitve folders. I find that some of them strike me to be used in a different way (like flipped upside down or deconstructed). I set them in my "working box." Being tired is one of my biggest excuses ( I work full time day job). BUT I do make time at least 3 nights a work week to sit down and do SOMETHING at my desk. and then on the weekend when I have more slots of time I grab a Coke, some snacks, pop on the You Tubes and get inspired by others-like y'all and my art friends. TFS your wisdom and experiences!
Once, I decided to ride a bicycle across my country. It took about 8 days for me which takes about 6~7 days for most people. I am a slow turtle kinda person, who is the least efficient but the most engaged. Although I didn't think I learned anything from the experience(I wasn't a artist back then), looking back as an artist, artistic journey is basically same as cross country marathon or bicycle-ride.
Why?
1. I had numerous times where I wanted to stop and go to the nearest train station to go back home. But I had persevere.
2. I fell down multiple times and my muscles sore like hell, but I became used to it.
3. You cannot see the destination on the road. You know it exists.
4. You will get to the destination as long as you don't give up.
5. In stormy days, I either pushed myself through the rain, or rode in-between the rain which had their respective goods and bads.
I've realized there's a reason they call it PAIN-ting
LOL oh noo 😂
Thank you for the advise. I sometimes like to watch RUclips videos to get motivated, but more often than not I find myself wasting the day away on RUclips and get nothing else done so I have to set a limit for myself. Watch 2 videos and log off. I guess my best way to get motivated it to flip through my art journals and that really gets me motivated and in the mood to create something. I will also putter around in my art room organizing supplies, sometimes that helps.
My biggest fix for motivation problems happens to be my daughter. She's four and is learning so much that whenever I feel like not doing something, I look at her and think - is this really what I want to teach her? I believe in teaching by example, so sometimes I'll ask her if she wants to help and set it up so we can do the task together. Seeing her get excited about something that I find mundane is really the best way to push through those sluggish times because I get to see those boring things through her eyes. Children really are wonderful at reminding us that everything has beauty and excitement if you allow yourself to see it and be open to experiencing it no matter how many times you've done it before.
Dance breaks are great motivators for me :) Jogging & dancing give me lots of ideas for my stories for some reason!
Real talk I have MS and right now I'm doing pretty okay but I know I could wake up one day and not be able to see or hold a paint brush or thread a needle. Some days it's all I can do to pick up a pen and doodle. But I tell myself: if I can do it today then I should do it today.
You're so right: mega stresses from external things we can't control wreak havoc on our creativity - I know coz I'm in midst of it, still. But doing my best to keep working - even if it's rubbish! But often at the moment I feel like I've totally lost the joy in creating (so sad) and it's hard to plod on with it when the other stuff is overwhelmingly awful and unsettling - that's what being an unwelcome immigrant (I live in France) often means I think. All the best to you 2 and thanks.
When I'm out of inspiring thoughts, I go back to the sketches and doodles I'd saved for over 50 years (I believe in posterity).
Sifting through my ideas, I came across some good stuff. Sometimes a drawing, or painting wasn't meant to be finished at that particular time. Coming back to the initial Art, one may find what was needed to add to the project.
You articulate this better than me!
"Whadayagot whadayagot whadayagot" LOL
Thanks for the motivation guys :)
Absolutely, "make a line" sometimes that first line is all it takes to get started (y) Great video, good day :)
Yes! Thank you!
I wanna see more of you painting and more of Klee! Sped up paint videos. Even if you just painted for like 10 minutes a day. I also wanna do what Klee does. I have checked your website I love your paintings and I love Klee's jewelry. Would so love to see a how to video or a "what does Rafi/Klee do all day?"
@@Rafiwashere Can't wait to see it.
When I feel unmotivated. I have a few things I do. I make lists,organize my workspace , literally get in the car and go for a drive, I go to thrift stores, go to the bookstore and look at all the magazines and books that I draw inspiration from, sometimes I take a walk on the beach and collect shells while taking in the beauty of the water and nature, sometimes I listen to emotional music while painting or welding sculptures. If I want a piece to feel angry but I am in a happy mood. I will blast dark theatrical warrior type music. I know. Dramatic. But that usually does the trick.
Thank you for this video. the rats in my brain jar needed a good talking to! i just stumbled on your videos and im hooked, you two are so cute, candid, genuine and hooman, i love it and i couldnt have found you at a more opportune time in my art development! thank you for keeping it real
Thank you so much for answering my question!! :D That whas really helpfull!! Greetings from the Netherlands!
Thank you so much for this video! Really helpful to me!
"rodents in da brain jar" 😂
Freaking awesome Klee 😂😂😂
Yeah this has been a major issue as of late for me. Good discussion! I am finding being a full time artist and transitioning into making more of my own original conceptual "weird" art to be quite defeating in terms of sales coming from the days of high volume sales of more "popular" trendy stuff. Still I realized my motivation was being hacked by forcing myself to give into to doing what people wanted or expected rather than what I wanted. Also since I am a digital artist and do a lot of mixed media/collage work I find people will not take it very seriously as compared to traditional art (but that's a whole other topic lol). It's hard to be a full time artist and not end up hating art - people never understand that. Like you said it ebbs and flows so there is little prediction in that flow. But once you become full time you feel a CONSTANT pressure to produce and each time it has to be better than the last. That's the art life haha. Love your channel been watching a lot of these videos great stuff!
Among side gigs, I'm an "everything tech"... SO in those low-creative times, I open up something else that's not working (there are collections of the stuff here) and work on it. 90% of technical issues are "janitorial"... and a simple visual inspection will find why it's not working... It's exactly the kind of simple little goal that gets momentum to handle something bigger (more ambitious) and doesn't exactly sap the brain power or will to do it.
AND sometimes, the negative emotions can get in the way... Those negative emotions are primitive "self preservation" systems... and can be "exercised" with reasonably controlled destruction... I tend toward "cavalier rocketry" myself... BUT the occasional "Big F Hammer" has been landed against some particular "technological nightmare" that I'm simply sick to death of looking at. It's liberating, and that can vent those negative emotions out (even given cleanup) which in turn lends to motivational and creative energies... Nothing brings me out of a funk like lots of noise and a large smoldering hole where a rocket was supposedly going to reach a new record altitude and the camera was supposed to get video...
"oopsie-doodles" may end up on my grave marker... ;o)
2019 has been a year of non-motivation so far for me. The motivation thieves being bills, no money for new experiences and pain. Not that those are anything new but they're gotten to me more than usual this year
Linda, I hear you. Same for me too this year. Makes me sad.
@@karenlucci2154 Here's to better end to the year
@@LindaUrsin Absolutely! Cheers!
I like the idea of looking at my work and noticing that it’s successful, even before it’s finished. For a long time with Color pencil it will look bad, and that by itself can be discouraging. So I’m going to try your idea, thanks a lot.
Thanks. I needed that!
Great video. I really needed that.
"Rodents in the brain jar ". 😂😂😂 I'm using that...
⚠️🧠🏺🐿🐁🐀
Thank you for sharing! One way I have been motivating myself lately is by reminding myself that if what I am working on doesn't turn out how I want, that it is ok and it's all part of the process and to keep going. Also, by telling myself I'd rather create something I don't like than not creating at all and I can set it to the side and come back to it later and usually I end up liking it anyway! :)
I upcycled pieces of jewelry to a scene, a gift for my daughter and my family's response was awesome. Posted online and was shocked that most loved it but few :( it really makes me question????? Brown spots on the wall, ugggg.
'How We Stay Motivated To Keep Going In Our Art"
by remembering what it was like working for someone else again!
Sometimes I just need to take a break
You guys are awesome, "keep it turned on" (Y)
How many times did u say motivated ? Just wondering! 😉. Need this I was on a roll then it just stopped. Been stuck in a funk for a week. I will try some of these suggestions for sure ! Thanks rafi!
Yo Rafi, I know this is a broad topic that is ultimately learned over a lifetime, but would you ever make a video on art that "matters"? Getting to the point when your own creative voice is clear and the work that comes out of it is valuable and on it's way to being fine art? Thanks so much :)
I appreciate the thought. If you get a second of free time you should look at my stuff @downtown_doodler on insta. Just finished my first solo exhibition!
One of the best parts of your videos is how you guys work together in front of the camera. I'll say it again " I find it totally hot & sexy how two people in love share each others passion....Wow!
Do you have any tips on how to draw your feelings? I'm overwhelmed after going through a very sad time and art has always helped me.
The Artist is automatic. No motivation required.
I put on one of your videos. Excuse me while I go paint now :-)
I do the same!!!
Ah, In The Moment demotivation, for me, is usually a really unclear plan where I don't know how to start something. Other times, like you said, It's a need for rest. OR, even more annoying, a distraction! There's new stuff on youtube! There's a new game out! If there's time, I might allow a bit of distraction just to get it out of my system.
For self esteem demotivation.. oh gee. I don't know. Last weekend I was inspired by you to book a table at a flea market. It was tough without a car, but we did it! Unfortunately, sales were spectacularly bad! Foot traffic was great, just no one took any interest in what I was doing. Pretty much any time I try in-person sales, I fail harder than most, and don't come anywhere near paying for the table cost. Not sure why.
It really gets me down, but I have zero employment income at the moment and can't take the time for self pity. I will be back at the flea table this weekend, hoping for better luck! Outside of luck, I'm not sure how to fix this. But for the demotivation aspect, hard deadlines work best for me.
You two are hilarious!!! 💯👍💚
Question: Once you sell an original piece of art,...who owns the rights?
It was a strange coincidence that I was drawing rats during this video. I'll do my best to keep them out of my brain jar. ;)
How do you stay organized? I have deep set anxiety from not being able to keep my creative space organized. I have three separate rooms full of my stuff and I am finding it near impossible to bring it all in to one space. I need it in one space, I just don't know how to tackle it. Because I'm so overwhelmed with this aspect, I get terrible anxiety when I think about making something, then don't end up doing anything. :(
I’m not sure if this is related to what you are talking about, but for the artist that is doing this as a means to pay bills .. I believe one part of the picture is the struggle or balancing act that anyone has, who is self employed .. the “pressure “ or need to be productive ( whatever that might look like to them) they’re under has to be created from within .. when we work for someone else, we do the tasks no matter what .. there’s no choice in the matter ..,
But I believe many people romanticize the idea of being self employed and have not got a realistic vision, in the beginning stages, of how challenging it can be to motivate from within .. as artists, we are sort of in our own bubbles , and have to create and produce our art, creations , music, etc.
not easy to do ... but if the will and desire is strong enough, we seem to find our way...
I was self employed for almost thirty five years , as an artist ( I painted on clothing and silk) , and I can admit that most of the time , the bills needing to be paid was my largest motivator .. I had to find a way to compromise my art and paint on things that seemed to be easier to market, at that time ... now, for the first time in my life, I am in a position to just paint and learn and sell , but do not rely on my art alone for paying the bills ... is the first time I am in this kind of situation , and I am so frigging happy and just excited to keep growing in my art ( norakag on Instagram, btw) Thank you so so much for all your realistic advice and perspectives on all these things.. every time one other artist can talk to another , and learn and commiserate and empathize , it helps us all go on our paths ... thanks again ..
Norakag
I find making art in a void horrible. And often just can't do it. I don't have commercial illustrator skills and I'm not a 'genre painter' (or abstractionist )who can always cook up some pastiche that sells somewhere. I've had to accept that the core of any work has to be, like you say, something that excites me personally. I am most energized doing commissions because I know who I'm creating for and they want my creation. And then another motivation is wanting to pull off something technically difficult and challenging. When I'm thin on ideas, I know I can always have fun trying to do something new and nailing it. Or close. Or not. It happens. The other thing is that sometimes I feel i play cat and mouse with my inspiration and creativity. I don't sketch a lot, do many studies, produce minor works. Instead, I do extensive, very detailed work inside my head, consciously and subconsciously, putting the piece together. So I know to let this play out, not worrying about how long its taking. (Can be quick and inspired, other times years.) Sometimes I have to trick myself into getting to work, (I don't want to paint today, I'll do chores. But first I should look at the canvas...and fix that one bit...and...) sometimes I have to make myself rest. But knowledge is power, and I know every piece no matter how minor, will have a moment or even a long stretch where I've lost faith, it looks like crap, I'm talentless and I'll never be able to pull it off. It can be torture but I know to keep slogging until I start to come out the other side. That comes from a fear of failure and a related desire to succeed.
This off subject but I am having a resin issue. I have been weighting my resin 1:1 and my pieces seem fine and the resin is hard. I am left with resin and out of hardener so I researched it and I was supposed to measure by volume not weight now my pieces are soft and flexible which I do not want. Will anything bad happen to my pieces that have more hardener? Is it really that bad to weigh the 2 parts? Thank you I just can't find any good info on this.
Thank you
with your quality of content, you should have no problem getting more than a million subscribers here on your channel. If you dont use TubeBuddy ( a program to help with keywords on your channel) you should use it. 1 million subscribers should easily pay for Klees bills.. Love from Denmark.
Luv you
I take photos on my phone...then may play with them...even an ordinary item can be tweaked into something and that fires me up again
My whole house is gutted. Right now I’m drywalling thanks to a rip-off-artist contractor. Right now my motivation is to finish this so we can have a house and I can paint again. I’m even making the counters so I can be creative. Haha, take that universe.
A flame thrower is probably a better analogy.
I often experience "motivation problems" I equally as often find the solution . . . "Pick up the Pencil and make lines.". And after a bad line or 2 I suddenly find myself an hour and an elbow deep into Working on somethin' (Y)
🙏
Hey Rafi & Klee, delete the comment if not appropriate. I wanted to share with you a book I read a few years back, called: the artist way by Julia Cameron. She talk about the morning pages, basically you write on paper, 3 pages each morning, getting everything out of your head, grocery, bills, anything that cross your mind and keep you from your creativity. Then, since everything is written, your mind won't fear to forget and you will be able to create.
I think goals are great! 😊
Yeah, esp. when you’re not making money while only doing Instagram. I here and see, “oh yeah companies reach out to me.” 🙄 Ugh 🤷🏻♀️
I usually find myself in this weird cycle where I’ll work myself to death- lose motivation- try to push through that- lose more motivation-get mad/sad....usually this is a result of exhaustion. So that’s when the husband tells me “you need a nap” followed by me throwing a tantrum saying “I am not 5 I don’t need a nap!” And only then I cry as I fall asleep! 🤣 then I wake up refreshed and motivated to keep creating lol
only thing that is stifling my creativity now is me being pissed off at the fact that my $400 pure gold drop earring that I made with my own hand got stolen in a home break in.
😡🤬
Doing lil bit of something is better than whole lotta nothing.
I left a comment fairly lengthy comment on other video of yours rafi..it was older video of yours if it came thru. Ive watched so many now cant remember which one now. Hope to here back. Thanks for what you guys do.