Welp, dammit, I felt this. I went to art school and haven’t created any art in the last 10 years. My partner asked if I wanted a sketch book for Christmas and I said emphatically NO! It wasn’t until I just watched this that I realized that I’m scared. Time to do some thinking.....thanks Lefie. Missed your videos. You always give me food for thought.
As somebody who gets deeply unhappy if i cannot art around, this sounds so deeply moving to me. (I have my own big ghost skeleton: I played violin since i was 4 and for 10 years now i have not touched it and every year it gets worse. My kid now wants to know how to play the violin and i cannot bring myself to even open the case.). But the art thing. Sometimes i get this before starting a big project or after weeks and months of barely any feedback or exhaustion... You do not ask for advice, so if you do not want any, please stop reading here : ) A blank sketchbook, a blank page is sometimes scary. If i was in that position, i filled the page first with noise. Digitally: I would put textures or textury brushes over the page. Physically: I barely use any white paper. In university we had an illustration class, that I haaated. I wanted to learn how to draw 'right'... that class was all about deconstruction, randomness, driving with a bicycle over the paper, peeling an orange on top of it and creating emotions, abstract stuff... I realized that the professor gave all the design students,w ho were afraid of drawing an outlet, a way to visually approach an idea and it worked wonders for them. Their illustrations were haptic, 3D and had a lot of life. While mine were boring and cheesy. I love my cheesy (but not boring anymore) illustrations and his way wasn't for me but it liberated a lot of people and it was a joy to see. Some of them work as professional illustrators. All the best to you. I will think about how to open that violin case.
If it scares you ... do very small things. Forget what you already know, as if you were a complete beginner. This is how I overcame a massive, several year long writer's block.
You and me both. You and three too? I don't know how to make that clever, but I'm the same way. I loved to draw as a kid, went off to art school and somewhere along the way the whole enterprise became stressful. I now have to draw at my job and I'm really not sure how I feel about it. I wish it wasn't something that was forced upon me, but I'm also not sure I'd actually put pencil to paper if it wasn't.
Happy new year Lefie! Thanks for being a positive inspiration! 10 months on keto and I got the same standing desk you have and I LOVE it! I look forward to your great content this year 😀
Happy new year!! You've described the feeling that I have with my violin making... I passed the point where I feel talented and can't get myself to work on my instruments at all! I will definitely give it a try with the 20 hours... Thanks for that ☺️
"embracing the feeling of failure" is such a good concept. i spent most of my days in art school wanting to be so much better at art than i was back then, insted af of leaning in and experimenting and learning. now i have a whole sketchbook dedicated to bad art! i try my best to paint the weirdest,most boring, or plain ugly paintings that i can. it gives me freedom to make bad art, i feel accomplished, and i am learning a lot about painting along the way. this book of abominations was such a helpful tool, maybe the idea helps someone else too :)
Wow, the timing! I literally cried to my therapist a few days ago, begging her to help me understand why I'm too scared to do programming. The sensation and fear of failure, seeing myself forget the same stuff over and over is so overwhelming. And I think a lot of it is the grit you mentioned. The basics are so easy but the second I do anything that feels even remotely challenging, I feel like a failure. And I don't know if there's a way to overcome it other than brute force (doing it everyday) combined with therapy for all the overwhelming self doubt. Thank you for sharing this video. I'm so glad I'm not alone with these feelings
I sympathize with you. I went to school for computer science, and now that I'm a professional programmer I'm honestly not sure how my colleagues who didn't go to school taught themselves everything. They are still so knowledgeable and talented though, so I know you can do it! School kind of forced me to have grit with programming, or else I would have failed all my exams. As a programmer, there are days at my job I feel like a complete failure, and that will never go away. But now I know if I fail, I can turn to my colleagues/internet for ways forward so I can fix my problem and feel a sense of pride at my wins.
At the end of past December I decided to finally start coding, which I did until one of the lessons that was a little bit harder throw me right back at the start, feeling insecure and incapable, like I was the only one struggling. Now seeing this video I know the only thing I truly need is commitment and patience. Thanks for sharing your story, I wish us both great success in the future and the willpower to overcome our fears and weaknesses!
@@osirusj275 thanks for asking! Absolute shit, but I am building a lot of Microsoft Flows and learning Power BI for work. Replaced a third party software entirely for my global department with O365 solutions. So even tho I feel dumb as shit and struggle to code, I am still doing things here and there that dabble in it. I picked up a Python learning app and did a test on it, looks like I haven't forgotten everything despite not using Python for a few years. Maybe it really is a confidence thing.
as a once gifted kid, i'm only 2 years post-grad and dont have a "career" yet and im already burnt out. i was burnt out before i even got to college, truthfully. but now is when i want to hustle! have a lot to explore to navigate this now, grateful for this video.
Omg hahaha yes i see far too many Skillshare & Squarespace ads. Its like constant with some RUclipsrs i forgive them though as some are RUclipsrs i really love 🤣
Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours theory has always struck me as slightly depressing. Life isn’t a computer game and you don’t level up after putting in a certain amount of effort. Life is a lot more exciting and random than that, thank god. Luckily for my ego, recent studies have debunked Gladwell’s theory - www.businessinsider.com/new-study-destroys-malcolm-gladwells-10000-rule-2014-7?r=US&IR=T . I’m sure many people do achieve great things through thousands of hours of practice and I equally hope people aren’t put off trying something new (or stopping something you’ve grown to hate) because that 10,000 hours number is hanging over their heads.
Gladwell's theory is based on research by psychologist K. Anders Ericsson. Funnily enough, Ericsson also didn't like Gladwell's "10,000 hours" rule (he even talks about it in his book, Peak). 10,000 is just a nice round number, and it was an average in a study on violinists, there's nothing special about it. One of the reasons Ericsson didn't like the rule is that it focuses on the number, it makes people say "10,000 hours? Why even bother!". The main point of his research is that you can improve a lot with the right kind of practice, even if you don't get close to 10,000 hours.
It's interesting how different people take the 10,000 hours rule theory. I guess it has something to do with personality types. For me, the 10,000 hours rule is actually quite inspiring. A lot of people feel that you're either born with a talent or you're not. They see successful artists and think, well I could never do that because I don't have that talent. I think what Malcolm Gladwell was trying to say was that these people that seem talented were not born with some natural gift but rather just put in a lot of time practicing and being obsessed with their art. And that's inspiring because that means that anyone can do it. Now I can see how 10,000 hours might feel like a lot and be discouraging to some but I'd say that believing that you don't have the talent is even more discouraging. At least with 10,000 hours you have some sort of hope.
@@adeadgirl13 that is super interesting! Are you someone who is quite driven by solid numerical goals? Working out X times a week for X minutes or eating X calories a day etc? I find anything with that sort of structure really restrictive and start pushing at the boundaries straight away. Gretchen Rubin has a fascinating theory about goals and personality types and I think we are seeing that in action right here :)
@@monomoyme exactly! 10,000 hours is so suspiciously nice and round. It doesn’t allow for the joy gradual improvement either - am I really going to be radically better after 10,000 hours than I was after 9,995? I find it quite exclusionary too, like if you don’t have the time or resources to invest 10,000 hours in something, why bother? Am I overthinking this? Absolutely!
@@kitm141 Yeah totally. I'm all about timetables, routines, plans, goals and even counting hours worked. I'm an INTJ on the Myers Briggs system. Do you know yours? Or perhaps the big 5? I have a strange combination of very high order and very low industriousness, the two sub types of trait conscientiousness. Which means I like making plans but I'm not very good at executing them!
You basically described my life...drawing was my passion up until I graduated high school (where I got the most praise for my talents) - then I went to art school, got horribly depressed, graduated hating my experience and not wanting to make art again for a long time (and definitely not be a professional fine artist/illustrator). But during quarantine I have gently re-introduced drawing back into my life, a little at a time, and I think I'm finally learning to love it again, just for myself. Yes, my skill level is still about where it was at eighth grade, due to lack of practice, but...I don't care that much anymore! And if I really want to learn the technical stuff again, it's not too late, and I can go at my own pace. It feels good!
My drawing teacher, a great animator, doesn't recommend starting these studies in so many hours a day. When I took a course with him, he said that anyone who isn't in the habit of daily drawing should start with 30 or 50 minutes. Always taking 10-minute breaks. Increase as you find comfortable. Drawing is a very difficult skill to acquire because it involves always thinking hard, making a lot of decisions, leaving our comfort zone at every moment. It's really uncomfortable, but it's very rewarding too. What motivates me most is to always look at my old drawings. Always compare myself with my previous self, instead of compare with so many incredible artists that exist. Good studies! And watch Glenn Vilppu videos - my teacher's teacher 😅
good vid bud! I've always liked drawing and have gotten pretty good at a couple physical art mediums over the years. It really is all about persistence. Every single time I make a drawing or a painting, let me repeat: EVERY SINGLE TIME I MAKE A DRAWING OR A PAINTING, I STILL get this voice in my head that tells me I suck or that I am an imposter. I think half the battle is sitting there with the page/canvas in front of you and sitting there until you finish it. Good luck with your art!
Thank you for this video! I really like the idea of developing or discovering new skills like this. As a drawer, each time someone asks me for advice I repeat what I was once told, the only thing that truly helped me, i.e. draw for half an hour every day and keep ALL drawings, dated. It's very encouraging to actually see the progress you make in just a few weeks. Funnily enough I never thought I could aply this method to something else, but it's the right time to test it!
omg that grit inversely related to talent thing explains so much about why i have attained a v difficult degree in the 2 areas i have never demonstrated natural talent.....
This was helpful to hear as I've been frustrated with myself and my apparent inability to start anything I'm not good at and practice until I improve... I was a kid that never had to work too hard to be decent at school and things, and I don't think I ever honed the ability to try, fail, and practice to improve.... I'll try to find something and do 20 hours!
While you were talking, I suddenly had the realization that your comments on talent have been my major roadblocks in why I haven't written anything in years. So, with that, I think I'm going to try to commit to writing for 20 hours this week. Great video as always.
You're right. It is about the process. I am easily distracted which sometimes affects my ability to focus on my current goal. Over the years I've acquired things for various hobbies I've not mastered and I should declutter. Perhaps it is a sign if I can't bear to commit 20 hours to a hobby then it is time to let go of the supplies I've kept for that hobby.
This makes me really miss being 14 and drawing constantly because it was so fun. It takes a lot of effort to discard perfectionism, but when you do, it's easier to risks and focus on the parts of drawing that are most fun-- for me, that's color. As long as you can keep the habit going, I say adapt your style and strategy to maximize fun.
I’ve been drawing ever since elementary and I never quite gave up on it (I’m 21 now). I’ve gotten good to the point other people commission me. But my advice to you is to not work so routinely on something that brings you joy, if it starts to feel like work you will eventually dread it. I tend to just keep a sketch pad in front of me/near me at times so whenever I feel like drawing I’ll draw. When art starts to feel like a job than it does an outlet, a lot of artists will tend to experience burn out and don’t draw for days or even weeks on end because they can no longer be in an imaginative state of mind to feel inspired by their work. Don’t get too frustrated with your drive, it’s common for artists to take long breaks and come back even better at art then they were before. Just thought I’d give some helpful words that other artists have told me and from my experiences. Good luck on your art journey!
I'm not that concerned about failing if it's something I'm doing on my own, and I don't mind practicing until I get better. But I really don't want to do things I'm not good at if it means that another person will see me do it poorly, especially if that person is good at the thing. It just feels too psychologically painful in some cases.
Woah. This is exactly what I needed to hear. This whole time I couldn't quite put my finger on what was going on, then you brought up the grit talent inversion theory and getting over the initial restart phase. Thank you. Sincerely.
I randomly stumbled across this and I’ve decided that you are the grown-up embodiment of the character Skye Penderwick from the children’s literature series The Penderwicks. Dunno if that means anything, but you’re really cool and I think I’ll try out the 20 hours practice in my own work - thanks for the inspiration!
I relate with this video incredibly much. I've been wanting to draw for years and had a very on and off relationship with it. My want to do it has always been there but I always stop, am always scared to start again, am never consistent with it because of that fear, always incredibly self-critical etc. Just seeing that someone like you is also trying to get better at it and also struggles with it is a big help, it's almost as if this video came at a time when I most needed it because I've been struggling with keeping up with drawing again lately. I'll def watch the TED talk and see if I can try this 20-hour thing out. Thanks Lefie. I hope one day both of us will get to a point where we're having fun with our art and will be comfortable enough to show it to others.
I needed this so badly. I bought a hobonichi cousin planner but don’t know how to use it. A daily drawing session - nothing fancy, pen or pencil - will make for an awesome flip through later on. Now...to get started 😉
Thanks Lefie, actually really useful and makes me want to go read all those property investment books Ive been piling up and actually do what's recommended.
Hi Lefie - as an artist myself I find this concept really fascinating, I can see how it might apply to other things in my life like playing the guitar, which I have a very off and on again relationship with. My first thoughts in applying this to art though, for someone who isn't a complete beginner, is to apply it to a specific skill or area of study. 'Improve at drawing' is too broad of a goal for someone who isn't starting at zero - I'd love to see you retry this challenge with a more specific focus, for example dedicate 20 hours to drawing hands, heads, painting landscapes, studying gesture, figure drawing or painting portraits. I suspect the reason you didn't find much success with this is because you lacked a clear goal other than a general desire to improve. Pick something you struggle with and hyper focus on it for 20 hours. Since you're not a complete beginner I think you need that extra layer of depth that wouldn't be too applicable to someone clocking in their first ever 20 hours at a new skill.
i can relate to this. if i'm understanding this talent vs grit thing.. when one of my very first (really bad) animation projects i uploaded quickly amassed over 1+ million views, it ended up derailing my desire to keep working hard and/or improving BIG TIME and so i struggled with every project going forward. I felt like.. "what's the point? im already transformers fan famous" lol. Ultimately i accomplished very little and when life took over i stopped animating altogether. lately though i've been working again and just recently uploaded some work for the first time in a few years. in my case, putting in a brand new 20 hours or so on a fresh project is working out great and im really excited about what im doing. This was a relaxing topic to watch & ponder. thank you and good luck to you with your path.
Dude, this is really hitting home for me. I’m a cartoonist who went to designerd school. Rounds of brutal crits, mean design professors, being buried under piles of thumbnail sketches, and years of photoshop fuckery sucked all of the joy and confidence out of making funny drawings. I’m haven’t drawn something I actually like in years. I don’t know if I can change that, but this makes me think I’d like to find out.
Thats the hardest part of art though!!!! First you have to master the basics, its a huge misunderstanding when people think you start out drawing whats in your head.
Had to rewrite this comment because I was about to respond with "same, but from the opposite direction" as if that would have made any kind of sense lol. I don't really see anything in my imagination most of the time, I'm operating on a catalogue of memories and googled reference pictures lol. Drawing helps me "imagine" things in a way, even though I'm so-so at it.
Same! If drawing isn’t your thing there are many other art forms that can allow you to express yourself. I love playing music myself, others might prefer photography or writing (or combine them and make film!). Either way you can do it!
I can't draw but I like 3D modelling/sculpting it, making scenes and images through computer graphics, specifically, blender. way easier than drawing, for me at least because you don't have to worry about perspecitve, i struggle with that particularly bc I have dyspraxia (No way am I saying one is superior or inferior btw i appreciate them both.)
This is so true for me, especially when it's about drawing or making art in any way. It's been ups and downs since I can remember, and maybe my greatest fear is to fail at something I really like.
I've seen that TedTalk before! 😃 Something I've already done 20 hours in 2021: I downloaded a language-exchange app to start using my German to communicate, And my German comprehension speed has gone up! 😄 It's been so much fun Getting to interact with the language directly instead of just watching RUclips videos. 😁 Plus my stellar English skills and helpful disposition have served to facilitate Making new friends beyond introductory conversations. 😊 I'm eager to see how this goes!
@@samposampo9432 Das ist eine gute Frage! Meine Antwort ist nicht perfekt, Aber es soll gut genug sein. :) (If I made mistakes, feel free to correct.) There are several language exchange apps out there. The one I've used Is called "HelloTalk", but "Tandem" also has some good user reviews. Basically what they do is function as a type of match-making platform, Where people create profiles in hopes they can find folks that conform To their preferred style of learning, whether through text, audio, or call. Each person can be vetted for interests or demographics, and, above all, The languages they know plus the languages they're learning, so an exchange Between two international strangers doesn't start quite so awkward or strange. You can look these apps up on RUclips or Google for reviews and analysis, And feel free to let me know if you have any further questions about this! 😃
I have the exact same problem and I started my new 2021 sketchbook 2 days ago. Suddenly I'm motivated again. And that's because just like u said I started drawing and overcame my fear. Now I try to manage something else, my perfectionism. P.S. As a child I used to draw a lot and went for 1 year to an art workshop which was amazing. But I never told anyone Iiked art and stoped when I was around 12. At 16 some anime made me inspired to start drawing again and I was suprized I was good at it, so I started drawing more, exploring new mediums and finding inspiration in literally everything. At that time I had to focus on my 2 year preparation for uni entrance exams and a thousand things going on so drawing wasn't my priority. So sadly I left it behind with most of my creations being thrown away bc I wasn't satisfied. Now in my 2nd year of university the only times I painted were for gifts for my friends (a bag, a tobacco case, a notebook, a camvas), where i pressured myself not only for the sake of my friends, but in order to overcome my block. I am really happy that I started again to cultivate this talent, without being overwhelmed and having unrealistic expectations. My drawings now are better that the ones I did in the past and the progress is what matters. Pefrection is an illusion at this moment. I hope everyone chases their dreams even if they are as "insignificant" as starting a sketch book. Have a nice day💠
I am SO intrigued. I used to love drawing so so much and everything you said in this video hits rly close to home for me. I might want to try the challenge you did too! But might do the 1.5 hrs in 2 weeks as you mentioned in your notes! 3 hrs per day seems a little too challenging for me haha
Yes! Inhave been feeling this way--scared to start something that makes me feel incompetent...even though each time I start it and go back I feel more accomplished that I did. Thank you!
Excellent video! I think that's a great approach to trying new things and what you said about sustained effort is also something that is super important.
This is really helpful. I used to draw all the time through middle and high school. I'm now in my early 30s and want to get back to it, actually learn it properly. My fiance even got me a tablet for Christmas. But I've yet to use it. There's a fear there about being terrible and a failure at it. And I know I'm going to have to work super hard to gain any skill again, and it seems really daunting.
I did nothing but draw from before I can remember up to my late teens. At some point I gradually quit but the reason for it I didn't figure out until many years later. It was too easy, and whenever I do something and I get results without much effort I feel it isn't worth anything. The thing I substituted it with as my main craft was music and while I surpasses the fabled 10000 hours many years ago this is still difficult enough for me to value my results higher.
It is the same with exercise. I have to stay motivated and keep with a daily schedule for exercise once I hit a plateau to change up and learn more in different exercises I can do to keep improving and losing weight. Thanks for the uplifting video. It helped me to realize I can use that in so many ways in my life!
Omg I feel like this about writing. I have a passion to write but I’ve had this weird aversion to it so I just stopped. I made a website thinking that paying fees would give me motivation but nope, basically was for naught and I never published what I finished. I think I’d like to try this experiment this week and see what shakes out. Thank you so much for this!
I have no idea why YT recommended me this, but after a conversation I had with my Dad today about not being able overcome my fear of failure, I really appreciate this video. Thank you for inspiring me 🙏
Yay. I feel the same about RUclips. Drawing I can manage. I've been forced to go to art school for 10 years 😂 You've got this! Everyone can learn to draw a straight line. And from there it's just more lines and less straight. 🎉
Hey Lefie! I really enjoyed watching your experiment. Lately I've had the issue with starting a task as well. Has your habit with drawing helped you in starting other tasks too? I've noticed that when it comes to any activity, cultivating the habit to simply start it is sooooo difficult, but being in the middle of it during a flow state is so much easier. It's kind of like the law of inertia. Things at rest tend to stay at rest, and things in motion tend to stay in motion. Wish there were some hack to just get me to "do the thing." Your video a while back about discipline was super insightful, about how you made it harder for yourself to NOT do the thing you want to do. Hoping I can hack my own life 😭
Personally making something a habit has always helped me! Especially when it comes to small tasks like making my bed every morning or flossing my teeth. After achieving small things everything else doesn't seem so hard!!
@@alexxtz4653 Hi Alex, thanks for replying 😊 I suppose I really do just need to practice forming habits so I don't have to think about starting them lol. I'm glad your system has been working for you!
The grit part introduced an interesting new viewpoint for me. I was the smart kid of the class in elementary without putting any effort into it. The teachers liked me, I went to a lot of competitions. Got into a strong highschool and quickly I became average. Failed at uni completely. Main thoughtprocess was that I knew I can do it with lot of energy put into studying, but what is the point of that? Everyone can do it that way. Several years had to pass for me to slowly realize you need to have a fighting spirit / stamina and need to accept the thought of being bad at something and grinding towards becoming even just average if you really like to do the thing.
Well, shit Lefie. RUclips tossed your video on my feed and on a whim I clicked. Turns out, I'm literally working through this exact thing but instead of drawing, it's designing. The worst part for me is that it also happens to be my career. This video gave me some relatable insight! I may just subscribe to see what all you have going on in your noggin.
"Talent is inversely related to grit. If you are told that you are talented and you believe it too much, then you might start to think you don't have to work as hard. You then realize subconsciously that when you make it look natural and effortless you get rewarded, so when it no longer feels natural and effortless you think "I am not going to get rewarded" and oftentimes people stop wanting to work hard then, because they reached the top level of their ability and they can't get that same reward of feeling talented when you are spending all of this effort and energy trying to improve. So I never really matured past the level of skills that I had when I stopped." That earned you a [SUBSCRIBE]
I bought a cheap drawing tablet, thinking that it would help as i was investing money on a future hobby. This didn't help much so seeing this was a blessing can't wait to start.
As always Lefie swooping in here with stuff I needed to hear... I've been having trouble writing for a long time... Probably for the exact reasons you talked about. Thanks! Missed your videos and I hope you're doing well!
Hi Lefie, I'm new in your channel and I'm really enjoying your content. Consistency is key for me I guess everybody have different strategies to learn or master something 🤔. Keep the good work 💪🏼! Happy new year 😊 and best wishes from Mexico 🙌🏻
I was an art kid in high school. I got an art scholarship for university. I have an art degree. Now, I freelance... but I hardly ever create anything for my own enjoyment or straight from my brain unprovoked anymore. A sketchbook that would take me 4 months to fill now takes me over a year. Maybe I'll see about this 20 hour theory..
Interesting video. I'm overcoming my writer's block/procrastination by making script for RUclips videos that I can later adapt for a book. does that make sense? At the moment I'm enjoying making the videos more than the next book and it sure consumes more than a few hours.
I used to draw and paint. Sometimes giving personalized paintings as gifts. Then paintings became so inexpensive in the stores and way more beautiful than mine so I just did not see the use of doing it anymore.
Just some thoughts, I loved the video! Giving off some Matt D'avella vibes. I felt the flow of the video was great except there was a sudden halt when you didn't expand on your notes of the week into as much detail as I preferred. It would've been nice if you went through each day or each point of struggle/lesson/observation. This is definitely coming from a viewer of The Wheezywaiter though! I loved the title, I haven't visited your channel before and it was the titled that reeled me in!!! Thank youuuuu!
I highly recommend Lynda Barry's books, Picture This, and Making Comics. She is very interested in what makes people stop drawing and helping them start again.
Lefie I could really use some advice that I think you might have Class has just started up again and everything is online. The space that I'm used to being my own to sit quietly in and relax has now taken on the role of 1. Classroom full of people I need to speak with 2. A place to study, like the library was 3. My home, kitchen, etc. I'm a person that seriously appreciates "physical context". I feel so confused about how I'm meant to exist right now. If you have any advice as to how you've been able to compartmentalize things like this please let me know.
Interesting topic.... I started golf as an adult and loved it but cannot improve any further as my short game sucks. I’m too lazy and undisciplined to do anything about getting better. What about applying the 20 hours of practice to putting. Better putting is the quickest way to shave some strokes off the game.
I would start from fast figure drawing (nothing detail, just fast simple lines) for two weeks every morning. After that, would spent some time in figure drawing in more detail way with marking shadows and spending more time on the project. After that, color pencils :D. After that oil painting and so on.
Now every morning after coffee, I draw with color pencils (projects take 2-3 months to complete) on A3 size paper for about 1-2 hours. On weekends, oil painting for 2-3 hours. Time flies fast :D.
What helped me personally is the 20 min a day theory, basically every morning you draw for 20 mins no matter what and then obvio if you're able to stop there you do so, if you feel the urge to finish the work even better.
Welp, dammit, I felt this. I went to art school and haven’t created any art in the last 10 years. My partner asked if I wanted a sketch book for Christmas and I said emphatically NO! It wasn’t until I just watched this that I realized that I’m scared. Time to do some thinking.....thanks Lefie. Missed your videos. You always give me food for thought.
As somebody who gets deeply unhappy if i cannot art around, this sounds so deeply moving to me. (I have my own big ghost skeleton: I played violin since i was 4 and for 10 years now i have not touched it and every year it gets worse. My kid now wants to know how to play the violin and i cannot bring myself to even open the case.). But the art thing. Sometimes i get this before starting a big project or after weeks and months of barely any feedback or exhaustion... You do not ask for advice, so if you do not want any, please stop reading here : )
A blank sketchbook, a blank page is sometimes scary. If i was in that position, i filled the page first with noise. Digitally: I would put textures or textury brushes over the page. Physically: I barely use any white paper. In university we had an illustration class, that I haaated. I wanted to learn how to draw 'right'... that class was all about deconstruction, randomness, driving with a bicycle over the paper, peeling an orange on top of it and creating emotions, abstract stuff... I realized that the professor gave all the design students,w ho were afraid of drawing an outlet, a way to visually approach an idea and it worked wonders for them. Their illustrations were haptic, 3D and had a lot of life. While mine were boring and cheesy. I love my cheesy (but not boring anymore) illustrations and his way wasn't for me but it liberated a lot of people and it was a joy to see. Some of them work as professional illustrators.
All the best to you.
I will think about how to open that violin case.
If it scares you ... do very small things. Forget what you already know, as if you were a complete beginner. This is how I overcame a massive, several year long writer's block.
You and me both. You and three too? I don't know how to make that clever, but I'm the same way. I loved to draw as a kid, went off to art school and somewhere along the way the whole enterprise became stressful. I now have to draw at my job and I'm really not sure how I feel about it. I wish it wasn't something that was forced upon me, but I'm also not sure I'd actually put pencil to paper if it wasn't.
Hiiiiiiiii everybody. 😊I hope y'all are staying safe and healthy. Sending you my best wishes and happy new year!
Happy new year Lefie! Thanks for being a positive inspiration! 10 months on keto and I got the same standing desk you have and I LOVE it! I look forward to your great content this year 😀
Thanks for this message, it came at a really good time for me. Here's to your videos and keep on goin!
Hi Lefie! Thank you and Happy New Year to you too!:)
Hey, happy new year Lefie.
Happy new year!! You've described the feeling that I have with my violin making... I passed the point where I feel talented and can't get myself to work on my instruments at all! I will definitely give it a try with the 20 hours... Thanks for that ☺️
"embracing the feeling of failure" is such a good concept. i spent most of my days in art school wanting to be so much better at art than i was back then, insted af of leaning in and experimenting and learning.
now i have a whole sketchbook dedicated to bad art!
i try my best to paint the weirdest,most boring, or plain ugly paintings that i can. it gives me freedom to make bad art, i feel accomplished, and i am learning a lot about painting along the way. this book of abominations was such a helpful tool, maybe the idea helps someone else too :)
I think Bob Ross put it brilliantly saying "Talent is pursued interest. In other words, anything you are willing to practice you can do."
Wow, the timing! I literally cried to my therapist a few days ago, begging her to help me understand why I'm too scared to do programming. The sensation and fear of failure, seeing myself forget the same stuff over and over is so overwhelming.
And I think a lot of it is the grit you mentioned. The basics are so easy but the second I do anything that feels even remotely challenging, I feel like a failure. And I don't know if there's a way to overcome it other than brute force (doing it everyday) combined with therapy for all the overwhelming self doubt.
Thank you for sharing this video. I'm so glad I'm not alone with these feelings
I sympathize with you. I went to school for computer science, and now that I'm a professional programmer I'm honestly not sure how my colleagues who didn't go to school taught themselves everything. They are still so knowledgeable and talented though, so I know you can do it! School kind of forced me to have grit with programming, or else I would have failed all my exams. As a programmer, there are days at my job I feel like a complete failure, and that will never go away. But now I know if I fail, I can turn to my colleagues/internet for ways forward so I can fix my problem and feel a sense of pride at my wins.
At the end of past December I decided to finally start coding, which I did until one of the lessons that was a little bit harder throw me right back at the start, feeling insecure and incapable, like I was the only one struggling. Now seeing this video I know the only thing I truly need is commitment and patience. Thanks for sharing your story, I wish us both great success in the future and the willpower to overcome our fears and weaknesses!
I'm struggling with this right along with you!
Hows ur progress so far?
@@osirusj275 thanks for asking! Absolute shit, but I am building a lot of Microsoft Flows and learning Power BI for work. Replaced a third party software entirely for my global department with O365 solutions.
So even tho I feel dumb as shit and struggle to code, I am still doing things here and there that dabble in it.
I picked up a Python learning app and did a test on it, looks like I haven't forgotten everything despite not using Python for a few years.
Maybe it really is a confidence thing.
"i didnt read the book i just watched the ted talk" that's honesty kids something REALLY hard to find these days
i feel like this is the basis of how i'm going to be able to get over 'gifted kid burnout', as the internet has been calling it, now that i'm in uni
same
as a once gifted kid, i'm only 2 years post-grad and dont have a "career" yet and im already burnt out. i was burnt out before i even got to college, truthfully. but now is when i want to hustle! have a lot to explore to navigate this now, grateful for this video.
I was almost convinced that this was going to turn out to be a drawn-out (no pun intended) Skillshare ad and I’m so relieved it wasn’t haha
Omg hahaha yes i see far too many Skillshare & Squarespace ads. Its like constant with some RUclipsrs i forgive them though as some are RUclipsrs i really love 🤣
Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours theory has always struck me as slightly depressing. Life isn’t a computer game and you don’t level up after putting in a certain amount of effort. Life is a lot more exciting and random than that, thank god. Luckily for my ego, recent studies have debunked Gladwell’s theory - www.businessinsider.com/new-study-destroys-malcolm-gladwells-10000-rule-2014-7?r=US&IR=T . I’m sure many people do achieve great things through thousands of hours of practice and I equally hope people aren’t put off trying something new (or stopping something you’ve grown to hate) because that 10,000 hours number is hanging over their heads.
Gladwell's theory is based on research by psychologist K. Anders Ericsson. Funnily enough, Ericsson also didn't like Gladwell's "10,000 hours" rule (he even talks about it in his book, Peak). 10,000 is just a nice round number, and it was an average in a study on violinists, there's nothing special about it. One of the reasons Ericsson didn't like the rule is that it focuses on the number, it makes people say "10,000 hours? Why even bother!". The main point of his research is that you can improve a lot with the right kind of practice, even if you don't get close to 10,000 hours.
It's interesting how different people take the 10,000 hours rule theory. I guess it has something to do with personality types. For me, the 10,000 hours rule is actually quite inspiring. A lot of people feel that you're either born with a talent or you're not. They see successful artists and think, well I could never do that because I don't have that talent. I think what Malcolm Gladwell was trying to say was that these people that seem talented were not born with some natural gift but rather just put in a lot of time practicing and being obsessed with their art. And that's inspiring because that means that anyone can do it. Now I can see how 10,000 hours might feel like a lot and be discouraging to some but I'd say that believing that you don't have the talent is even more discouraging. At least with 10,000 hours you have some sort of hope.
@@adeadgirl13 that is super interesting! Are you someone who is quite driven by solid numerical goals? Working out X times a week for X minutes or eating X calories a day etc? I find anything with that sort of structure really restrictive and start pushing at the boundaries straight away. Gretchen Rubin has a fascinating theory about goals and personality types and I think we are seeing that in action right here :)
@@monomoyme exactly! 10,000 hours is so suspiciously nice and round. It doesn’t allow for the joy gradual improvement either - am I really going to be radically better after 10,000 hours than I was after 9,995? I find it quite exclusionary too, like if you don’t have the time or resources to invest 10,000 hours in something, why bother? Am I overthinking this? Absolutely!
@@kitm141 Yeah totally. I'm all about timetables, routines, plans, goals and even counting hours worked. I'm an INTJ on the Myers Briggs system. Do you know yours? Or perhaps the big 5? I have a strange combination of very high order and very low industriousness, the two sub types of trait conscientiousness. Which means I like making plans but I'm not very good at executing them!
You basically described my life...drawing was my passion up until I graduated high school (where I got the most praise for my talents) - then I went to art school, got horribly depressed, graduated hating my experience and not wanting to make art again for a long time (and definitely not be a professional fine artist/illustrator). But during quarantine I have gently re-introduced drawing back into my life, a little at a time, and I think I'm finally learning to love it again, just for myself. Yes, my skill level is still about where it was at eighth grade, due to lack of practice, but...I don't care that much anymore! And if I really want to learn the technical stuff again, it's not too late, and I can go at my own pace. It feels good!
My drawing teacher, a great animator, doesn't recommend starting these studies in so many hours a day. When I took a course with him, he said that anyone who isn't in the habit of daily drawing should start with 30 or 50 minutes. Always taking 10-minute breaks. Increase as you find comfortable.
Drawing is a very difficult skill to acquire because it involves always thinking hard, making a lot of decisions, leaving our comfort zone at every moment. It's really uncomfortable, but it's very rewarding too. What motivates me most is to always look at my old drawings. Always compare myself with my previous self, instead of compare with so many incredible artists that exist.
Good studies!
And watch Glenn Vilppu videos - my teacher's teacher 😅
i'm a mastery field in youtube watching. or something
Love this. Starting is hard. I haven't quite figured out whether being consistent is harder, but starting is definitely hard.
good vid bud! I've always liked drawing and have gotten pretty good at a couple physical art mediums over the years. It really is all about persistence. Every single time I make a drawing or a painting, let me repeat: EVERY SINGLE TIME I MAKE A DRAWING OR A PAINTING, I STILL get this voice in my head that tells me I suck or that I am an imposter. I think half the battle is sitting there with the page/canvas in front of you and sitting there until you finish it. Good luck with your art!
Thanks, Scott! I agree, the naysayer in my head hasn't actually stopped - but now I yell back at it!
Thank you for this video! I really like the idea of developing or discovering new skills like this. As a drawer, each time someone asks me for advice I repeat what I was once told, the only thing that truly helped me, i.e. draw for half an hour every day and keep ALL drawings, dated. It's very encouraging to actually see the progress you make in just a few weeks. Funnily enough I never thought I could aply this method to something else, but it's the right time to test it!
omg that grit inversely related to talent thing explains so much about why i have attained a v difficult degree in the 2 areas i have never demonstrated natural talent.....
This was helpful to hear as I've been frustrated with myself and my apparent inability to start anything I'm not good at and practice until I improve... I was a kid that never had to work too hard to be decent at school and things, and I don't think I ever honed the ability to try, fail, and practice to improve.... I'll try to find something and do 20 hours!
you got this!! go through with your word, please. it'll make you feel so fulfilled :-) just know you're capable
Yes i feel you on that one! All my life i was kind of "If im not immediately good at it im gonna stay away from it and never even try".
While you were talking, I suddenly had the realization that your comments on talent have been my major roadblocks in why I haven't written anything in years. So, with that, I think I'm going to try to commit to writing for 20 hours this week. Great video as always.
Thanks for this. Very timely as I seriously consider yet another sudden career shift. I appreciate your 7 day breakdown and crisp video edits.
You're right. It is about the process. I am easily distracted which sometimes affects my ability to focus on my current goal. Over the years I've acquired things for various hobbies I've not mastered and I should declutter. Perhaps it is a sign if I can't bear to commit 20 hours to a hobby then it is time to let go of the supplies I've kept for that hobby.
This makes me really miss being 14 and drawing constantly because it was so fun. It takes a lot of effort to discard perfectionism, but when you do, it's easier to risks and focus on the parts of drawing that are most fun-- for me, that's color. As long as you can keep the habit going, I say adapt your style and strategy to maximize fun.
I’ve been drawing ever since elementary and I never quite gave up on it (I’m 21 now). I’ve gotten good to the point other people commission me. But my advice to you is to not work so routinely on something that brings you joy, if it starts to feel like work you will eventually dread it. I tend to just keep a sketch pad in front of me/near me at times so whenever I feel like drawing I’ll draw. When art starts to feel like a job than it does an outlet, a lot of artists will tend to experience burn out and don’t draw for days or even weeks on end because they can no longer be in an imaginative state of mind to feel inspired by their work. Don’t get too frustrated with your drive, it’s common for artists to take long breaks and come back even better at art then they were before. Just thought I’d give some helpful words that other artists have told me and from my experiences. Good luck on your art journey!
I'm not that concerned about failing if it's something I'm doing on my own, and I don't mind practicing until I get better. But I really don't want to do things I'm not good at if it means that another person will see me do it poorly, especially if that person is good at the thing. It just feels too psychologically painful in some cases.
Woah. This is exactly what I needed to hear. This whole time I couldn't quite put my finger on what was going on, then you brought up the grit talent inversion theory and getting over the initial restart phase. Thank you. Sincerely.
The editing on this one was extra gorgeous, and it was an inspiring watch. Thanks for putting it out here. :)
I randomly stumbled across this and I’ve decided that you are the grown-up embodiment of the character Skye Penderwick from the children’s literature series The Penderwicks. Dunno if that means anything, but you’re really cool and I think I’ll try out the 20 hours practice in my own work - thanks for the inspiration!
Totally see that
@@isaniart I'm glad you caught that! :D
I relate with this video incredibly much. I've been wanting to draw for years and had a very on and off relationship with it. My want to do it has always been there but I always stop, am always scared to start again, am never consistent with it because of that fear, always incredibly self-critical etc. Just seeing that someone like you is also trying to get better at it and also struggles with it is a big help, it's almost as if this video came at a time when I most needed it because I've been struggling with keeping up with drawing again lately. I'll def watch the TED talk and see if I can try this 20-hour thing out. Thanks Lefie. I hope one day both of us will get to a point where we're having fun with our art and will be comfortable enough to show it to others.
Glad to see a new video today...love how you express a topic.
I needed this so badly. I bought a hobonichi cousin planner but don’t know how to use it. A daily drawing session - nothing fancy, pen or pencil - will make for an awesome flip through later on. Now...to get started 😉
Thanks Lefie, actually really useful and makes me want to go read all those property investment books Ive been piling up and actually do what's recommended.
Thanks for watching, aikighost! Best of luck with the pile.
This is a fantastic video. Love it.
I have grit on my shelf and I guess I have to finish reading it now. Great video.
Hi Lefie - as an artist myself I find this concept really fascinating, I can see how it might apply to other things in my life like playing the guitar, which I have a very off and on again relationship with.
My first thoughts in applying this to art though, for someone who isn't a complete beginner, is to apply it to a specific skill or area of study.
'Improve at drawing' is too broad of a goal for someone who isn't starting at zero - I'd love to see you retry this challenge with a more specific focus, for example dedicate 20 hours to drawing hands, heads, painting landscapes, studying gesture, figure drawing or painting portraits.
I suspect the reason you didn't find much success with this is because you lacked a clear goal other than a general desire to improve. Pick something you struggle with and hyper focus on it for 20 hours. Since you're not a complete beginner I think you need that extra layer of depth that wouldn't be too applicable to someone clocking in their first ever 20 hours at a new skill.
I love learning about the everyday daily routines of ancient and historical people. It really gives you insight into their culture.
i can relate to this. if i'm understanding this talent vs grit thing.. when one of my very first (really bad) animation projects i uploaded quickly amassed over 1+ million views, it ended up derailing my desire to keep working hard and/or improving BIG TIME and so i struggled with every project going forward. I felt like.. "what's the point? im already transformers fan famous" lol. Ultimately i accomplished very little and when life took over i stopped animating altogether. lately though i've been working again and just recently uploaded some work for the first time in a few years. in my case, putting in a brand new 20 hours or so on a fresh project is working out great and im really excited about what im doing. This was a relaxing topic to watch & ponder. thank you and good luck to you with your path.
how can you make this video seems so effortless but at the same time so inspiring ? good content!
Dude, this is really hitting home for me. I’m a cartoonist who went to designerd school. Rounds of brutal crits, mean design professors, being buried under piles of thumbnail sketches, and years of photoshop fuckery sucked all of the joy and confidence out of making funny drawings. I’m haven’t drawn something I actually like in years. I don’t know if I can change that, but this makes me think I’d like to find out.
The new year motivation I needed! Thank you lefie x
This one hit home! I am definitely looking into the book "Grit" in the following weeks.
Le me:
Wants to express myself through art.
Also me:
Not able to draw what I see in my imagination.
Thats the hardest part of art though!!!! First you have to master the basics, its a huge misunderstanding when people think you start out drawing whats in your head.
Had to rewrite this comment because I was about to respond with "same, but from the opposite direction" as if that would have made any kind of sense lol.
I don't really see anything in my imagination most of the time, I'm operating on a catalogue of memories and googled reference pictures lol. Drawing helps me "imagine" things in a way, even though I'm so-so at it.
Same! If drawing isn’t your thing there are many other art forms that can allow you to express yourself. I love playing music myself, others might prefer photography or writing (or combine them and make film!). Either way you can do it!
I can't draw but I like 3D modelling/sculpting it, making scenes and images through computer graphics, specifically, blender. way easier than drawing, for me at least because you don't have to worry about perspecitve, i struggle with that particularly bc I have dyspraxia (No way am I saying one is superior or inferior btw i appreciate them both.)
Super helpful! Definitely explains my relationship to drawing as well but I wasn’t sure how to pinpoint the reason I stopped. Something to explore.
This is so true for me, especially when it's about drawing or making art in any way. It's been ups and downs since I can remember, and maybe my greatest fear is to fail at something I really like.
I've seen that TedTalk before! 😃 Something I've already done 20 hours in 2021:
I downloaded a language-exchange app to start using my German to communicate,
And my German comprehension speed has gone up! 😄 It's been so much fun
Getting to interact with the language directly instead of just watching RUclips videos. 😁
Plus my stellar English skills and helpful disposition have served to facilitate
Making new friends beyond introductory conversations. 😊 I'm eager to see how this goes!
Ja!!! 👋😁
@@Lefie *waves back in German* 👋🙂
Das klingt spannend. Wie funktioniert so eine App? Sind das echte Gesprächspartner?
@@samposampo9432 Das ist eine gute Frage! Meine Antwort ist nicht perfekt,
Aber es soll gut genug sein. :) (If I made mistakes, feel free to correct.)
There are several language exchange apps out there. The one I've used
Is called "HelloTalk", but "Tandem" also has some good user reviews.
Basically what they do is function as a type of match-making platform,
Where people create profiles in hopes they can find folks that conform
To their preferred style of learning, whether through text, audio, or call.
Each person can be vetted for interests or demographics, and, above all,
The languages they know plus the languages they're learning, so an exchange
Between two international strangers doesn't start quite so awkward or strange.
You can look these apps up on RUclips or Google for reviews and analysis,
And feel free to let me know if you have any further questions about this! 😃
@@Jaichbinhier Super! Vielen Dank, das klingt sehr interessant.👍
I have the exact same problem and I started my new 2021 sketchbook 2 days ago. Suddenly I'm motivated again. And that's because just like u said I started drawing and overcame my fear.
Now I try to manage something else, my perfectionism.
P.S. As a child I used to draw a lot and went for 1 year to an art workshop which was amazing. But I never told anyone Iiked art and stoped when I was around 12. At 16 some anime made me inspired to start drawing again and I was suprized I was good at it, so I started drawing more, exploring new mediums and finding inspiration in literally everything. At that time I had to focus on my 2 year preparation for uni entrance exams and a thousand things going on so drawing wasn't my priority. So sadly I left it behind with most of my creations being thrown away bc I wasn't satisfied. Now in my 2nd year of university the only times I painted were for gifts for my friends (a bag, a tobacco case, a notebook, a camvas), where i pressured myself not only for the sake of my friends, but in order to overcome my block. I am really happy that I started again to cultivate this talent, without being overwhelmed and having unrealistic expectations. My drawings now are better that the ones I did in the past and the progress is what matters. Pefrection is an illusion at this moment.
I hope everyone chases their dreams even if they are as "insignificant" as starting a sketch book.
Have a nice day💠
I am SO intrigued. I used to love drawing so so much and everything you said in this video hits rly close to home for me. I might want to try the challenge you did too! But might do the 1.5 hrs in 2 weeks as you mentioned in your notes! 3 hrs per day seems a little too challenging for me haha
I just stumbled across this video. Very interesting, thanks! I'm going to apply some of the ideas. The fear is definitely something I have.
Yes! Inhave been feeling this way--scared to start something that makes me feel incompetent...even though each time I start it and go back I feel more accomplished that I did. Thank you!
Excellent video! I think that's a great approach to trying new things and what you said about sustained effort is also something that is super important.
T H A N K S for making this - i really enjoyed watching it.
(checking out with a smile and some eagerness to experiment)
Good luck with your art! Think il apply the principles in this to getting back to writing.....
Another awesome video!! I can’t wait to try this myself :) Hopefully at the end, my guitar won’t seem like a big scary monster...
Yes! Let me know if it works for you!
For some reason, I'm liking this page, content and this girl.
I really love your channel.
Hi Lefie! I just wanted to say that I found your channel yesterday and enjoying your content a lot! Greetings from Sweden.
This is as really good! Thanks!
This is really helpful. I used to draw all the time through middle and high school. I'm now in my early 30s and want to get back to it, actually learn it properly. My fiance even got me a tablet for Christmas. But I've yet to use it. There's a fear there about being terrible and a failure at it. And I know I'm going to have to work super hard to gain any skill again, and it seems really daunting.
This one goes in the motivation Playlist!
I did nothing but draw from before I can remember up to my late teens. At some point I gradually quit but the reason for it I didn't figure out until many years later. It was too easy, and whenever I do something and I get results without much effort I feel it isn't worth anything. The thing I substituted it with as my main craft was music and while I surpasses the fabled 10000 hours many years ago this is still difficult enough for me to value my results higher.
It is the same with exercise. I have to stay motivated and keep with a daily schedule for exercise once I hit a plateau to change up and learn more in different exercises I can do to keep improving and losing weight. Thanks for the uplifting video. It helped me to realize I can use that in so many ways in my life!
If you space out the twenty hours over the course of say 30 days, you get more bank for your buck. Did this with guitar, worked well.
Space repetition hence increased efficiency?
Omg I feel like this about writing. I have a passion to write but I’ve had this weird aversion to it so I just stopped. I made a website thinking that paying fees would give me motivation but nope, basically was for naught and I never published what I finished. I think I’d like to try this experiment this week and see what shakes out. Thank you so much for this!
I have no idea why YT recommended me this, but after a conversation I had with my Dad today about not being able overcome my fear of failure, I really appreciate this video. Thank you for inspiring me 🙏
Wow! watched the Ted Talk by Josh and it was awesome!! Thanks for the suggestion!
Lefie: * Draws a self-portrait *
* Gets mistaken for Adora fan art *
Yay. I feel the same about RUclips. Drawing I can manage. I've been forced to go to art school for 10 years 😂 You've got this! Everyone can learn to draw a straight line. And from there it's just more lines and less straight. 🎉
I love the last sentence 😂
Also instructions unclear I tried this and I’m gay now
@@lauraxyz5388 Instructions very unlcear. I became a gay cokehead!
@@lauraxyz5388 Hehehe, gay lines are the best anyway! 👍🏻
Great vid💕Thank You . Been looking forward to video from you it’s a great pick me up to my week.😊
Hey Lefie! I really enjoyed watching your experiment. Lately I've had the issue with starting a task as well. Has your habit with drawing helped you in starting other tasks too? I've noticed that when it comes to any activity, cultivating the habit to simply start it is sooooo difficult, but being in the middle of it during a flow state is so much easier. It's kind of like the law of inertia. Things at rest tend to stay at rest, and things in motion tend to stay in motion. Wish there were some hack to just get me to "do the thing." Your video a while back about discipline was super insightful, about how you made it harder for yourself to NOT do the thing you want to do. Hoping I can hack my own life 😭
Personally making something a habit has always helped me! Especially when it comes to small tasks like making my bed every morning or flossing my teeth. After achieving small things everything else doesn't seem so hard!!
@@alexxtz4653 Hi Alex, thanks for replying 😊 I suppose I really do just need to practice forming habits so I don't have to think about starting them lol. I'm glad your system has been working for you!
Put some salt, pepper and oil to that lettuce wrap!!
The grit part introduced an interesting new viewpoint for me. I was the smart kid of the class in elementary without putting any effort into it. The teachers liked me, I went to a lot of competitions. Got into a strong highschool and quickly I became average. Failed at uni completely.
Main thoughtprocess was that I knew I can do it with lot of energy put into studying, but what is the point of that? Everyone can do it that way. Several years had to pass for me to slowly realize you need to have a fighting spirit / stamina and need to accept the thought of being bad at something and grinding towards becoming even just average if you really like to do the thing.
I just saw that Ted talk yesterday and was so intrigued!
Great video. I used to love drawing, but somehow feel stopped now. You have given me hope,...and a project!
Hey Lefie. Have you heard of the concept of no zero days? Or the book/tedtalk of tiny habits by B.J. Fogg? Enjoyed the video bytheway.
Well, shit Lefie. RUclips tossed your video on my feed and on a whim I clicked. Turns out, I'm literally working through this exact thing but instead of drawing, it's designing. The worst part for me is that it also happens to be my career. This video gave me some relatable insight! I may just subscribe to see what all you have going on in your noggin.
"Talent is inversely related to grit. If you are told that you are talented and you believe it too much, then you might start to think you don't have to work as hard. You then realize subconsciously that when you make it look natural and effortless you get rewarded, so when it no longer feels natural and effortless you think "I am not going to get rewarded" and oftentimes people stop wanting to work hard then, because they reached the top level of their ability and they can't get that same reward of feeling talented when you are spending all of this effort and energy trying to improve. So I never really matured past the level of skills that I had when I stopped."
That earned you a [SUBSCRIBE]
I bought a cheap drawing tablet, thinking that it would help as i was investing money on a future hobby. This didn't help much so seeing this was a blessing can't wait to start.
You got me interested! I have to try this out, but not with drawing. :-)
As always Lefie swooping in here with stuff I needed to hear... I've been having trouble writing for a long time... Probably for the exact reasons you talked about. Thanks! Missed your videos and I hope you're doing well!
Yayyy I was so excited you uploaded AND that RUclips let me know. I hope one day we can see some of your drawings.
♥️
i just started drawing with some tutorials because of this vid. thanks for this inspiration
I needed that
Hi Lefie, I'm new in your channel and I'm really enjoying your content. Consistency is key for me I guess everybody have different strategies to learn or master something 🤔. Keep the good work 💪🏼!
Happy new year 😊 and best wishes from Mexico 🙌🏻
I was an art kid in high school. I got an art scholarship for university. I have an art degree. Now, I freelance... but I hardly ever create anything for my own enjoyment or straight from my brain unprovoked anymore. A sketchbook that would take me 4 months to fill now takes me over a year. Maybe I'll see about this 20 hour theory..
thanks for this
Interesting video. I'm overcoming my writer's block/procrastination by making script for RUclips videos that I can later adapt for a book. does that make sense? At the moment I'm enjoying making the videos more than the next book and it sure consumes more than a few hours.
thank you for sharing - getting some hope as well :)
I used to draw and paint. Sometimes giving personalized paintings as gifts. Then paintings became so inexpensive in the stores and way more beautiful than mine so I just did not see the use of doing it anymore.
Now I have hope
this video got way more relatable because i watched that proko tutorial this week
Just some thoughts, I loved the video! Giving off some Matt D'avella vibes. I felt the flow of the video was great except there was a sudden halt when you didn't expand on your notes of the week into as much detail as I preferred. It would've been nice if you went through each day or each point of struggle/lesson/observation. This is definitely coming from a viewer of The Wheezywaiter though! I loved the title, I haven't visited your channel before and it was the titled that reeled me in!!! Thank youuuuu!
You losing your fear of starting is an interesting takeaway. Maybe a brief writing session each day will do the same for me 🤔 Thanks for this 👍
*Me when you explained grit/stamina*
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH me
I highly recommend Lynda Barry's books, Picture This, and Making Comics. She is very interested in what makes people stop drawing and helping them start again.
Lefie I could really use some advice that I think you might have
Class has just started up again and everything is online. The space that I'm used to being my own to sit quietly in and relax has now taken on the role of 1. Classroom full of people I need to speak with 2. A place to study, like the library was 3. My home, kitchen, etc.
I'm a person that seriously appreciates "physical context". I feel so confused about how I'm meant to exist right now.
If you have any advice as to how you've been able to compartmentalize things like this please let me know.
I hold the pen just like you!
Interesting topic.... I started golf as an adult and loved it but cannot improve any further as my short game sucks. I’m too lazy and undisciplined to do anything about getting better. What about applying the 20 hours of practice to putting. Better putting is the quickest way to shave some strokes off the game.
Does this work for video games,too?
I would start from fast figure drawing (nothing detail, just fast simple lines) for two weeks every morning. After that, would spent some time in figure drawing in more detail way with marking shadows and spending more time on the project. After that, color pencils :D. After that oil painting and so on.
Now every morning after coffee, I draw with color pencils (projects take 2-3 months to complete) on A3 size paper for about 1-2 hours. On weekends, oil painting for 2-3 hours. Time flies fast :D.
Hope is powerful outcome and definitely worth it in the long run. If that is one potential outcome of giving 20 hours a shot, I’m there!
What helped me personally is the 20 min a day theory, basically every morning you draw for 20 mins no matter what and then obvio if you're able to stop there you do so, if you feel the urge to finish the work even better.
Hi Lefie ! amazing video as always :)))))