The school I went to did not focus on the fundementals, instead it focused on playing with rocks and drawing around them and making a bunch of abstract drawings, because the teacher and other students thought that was fun. Yes, this was a school that specifically tried to educate the students to become concept artists and illustrators within the gaming industry. Yet the teachers couldn't really draw that well, they had a bachelor in art, modern, abstract art..... But what saddens me the most is how the other students were affected by this. They really think that they'll get a job within this industry with that mindset, I looked at the portfolios of the students whom had finished their bachelor degree there and well, I mean not to be offensive, but I was really dissapointed. I remember the teacher once said that she would applaud you for "cheating" and working around the fundementals. This hit me the wrong way. She rather see the students copy and paste in elements rather than learning how to do it on your own. In utter frustration and dissapointment I quit the school after six month of nonsense and now I work on my own 7 - 12 hours a day. I don't need a teacher when I have you and other youtubers =) I don't know why I said this as it may not be that relevant to the subject here. I just needed to get it out because I've seen quite a bit of art schools that suffer from improper teaching, especially in my country.
Link well, you need good teachers - at least in the early stages of your growth I can definitely agree that not all schools hire competent teachers but there are many great options online if you’re struggling to find something locally
@@AdamDuffArt I've managed to find a way, it's mostly through youtube videos and sites like DrawaBox. I've bought some anatomy books and apps. Got an alarm on my phone which tells me what to study at what given moment. I also ask people on reddit for criticism. And funny enough, It seems more effective. I remember at the school, when we had to criticise each other, I could sense that we were a little cautious about it. But I'm interested in online courses aswell, such as yours, but I feel like I need to get a little better before I step into that =)
I'm glad you sought out what you deemed good for you and was willing to go the extra mile to get what you thought would have benefited you in the long run :D
I've struggled with what that artist went through but with my art too. My mom would scold me for drawing anything not happy... You can imagine how that affects me now as a professional artist. The world isn't all happy
It's 2AM here, definitely gonna give this a watch in the morning. Or perhaps I'll let it play next to my ear in bed. Nice to see more art philosophy content!
When it comes to art there's just one thing I'd love to be good at, one thing what would make me feel satisfied - I want to tell stories, stories that make a difference. I have no idea who I want to become in the future, but I'm sure I want to tell these kind of stories. No matter which medium I'll use.
I think this video is something every artist needs to see/hear. I feel like there are so many artists blaming themselves for "not being worth it or not being good enough" while they have so many wonderful insights. I feel like I started more of a technical artist, where I could study for hours and hours just wanting to make technical good drawings. But over time I saw a lot of people that might not be as technical good, make very emotional and stunning art work. They were having so much fun experimenting and instead of trying to get the result they thought out before, they were just discovering new images while they worked. I actually felt a bit paralyzed with my own work trying to make it too technically correct. I am now trying to switch in between pieces. I'll try to make studies technically correct but I try to let go in my sketchbook and my more finished works. Slowly I start to feel more comfortable with experimenting and not always knowing the end result and I see my work shifting to more a more interesting place (to me). These people inspired me so much and at the same time they often expressed how they felt like they weren't good enough. How their anatomy or perspective might lack and how they feel like maybe they can't do it... I hope they'll find the recognision they deserve and they'll get more confident in the future!
You are what a teacher should be. Gentle voice, encouraging attitude, determined to see the best in his students. Thank you for your knowledge and service.
For art i often think about what jordan peterson says: "compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not who somebody is today". I know im not a great aritst or anything like that, i just like drawing and the technique behind it, but when i was younger i would often demotivate myself when seeing other people being so much better than myself and just stop doing it, although i actually enjjoyed doing it in its core. But now i try to focus more on the progress that i make compared to yesterday, compared to last week, compared to last month. This often motivates me and shows me that i AM getting better. Maybe not in a way comparable to other people, but maybe certain aspects get more character or i can express myself more easily in art or word.
I'm not good at any of these skills, but I create art because I like getting ideas out of my head and onto something tangible that I can see. I want my primary focus to be on having good ideas, but I will still work on improving my technical skills. Thank you so much for making these videoes, they've been motivating me to practice with my art while quarantined.
I’ve found a way around artist’s block, finally, btw. Acrylic pouring is really helpful, because it gets you making art, and finishing art, but allows you to release control in a way that helps.
I love this kind of videos. It reminds me the old days when we only had radio and we're listening to it while I was having fun drawing at the middle of day.
This quote I wrote in my sketchbook presented a new Hope for me in the artistic future that I live by I am sure you know this quote "Great Art requires multiple things you are not only a technician you are not only someone who feels you are not someone who masters the technical side of art. You have to master 3 things Your mind Your Body Your Heart" This quote sticks out to me because it inspires me every day to draw.
Found your channel recently- I dub you my internet mentor for art. Being an artist is sometimes a lonely journey and I’ve never had anyone to guide or encourage me in the arts. So I’m very very thankful for you and the time and thought you put into your videos 🙏❤️
This came at just the right time for me. I've been a freelance illustrator for about a year now and clients really seem to like my work. I still feel like I lack fundementals - I'm great with perspective but struggle with rendering and my anatomy could be much better. I rely heavily on lineart and that makes me feel like I'm a fraud. I do studies and try new things constantly, but I get discouraged when I see how much I still have to learn and it feels so overwhelming. I'm going to cut myself some slack and continue to learn at my own pace. Thank you.
What I'm seeing in myself currently is that my point of view has completely shifted on pre-production and production process itself, I began letting myself experiment and letting myself be inspired by other things. Finally I feel like I started exploring art properly for the first time. Before I had this impossible picture in mind that said all art is an idea that is born out of nothing one day and by the next day it is finished and never changed again. I also started improving the little things in my life that I never before thought I could do because of my obsession with never using things like textures for example (because how could I the call it my own work?). Recently I made myself a small and simple spotify playlist cover, and I feel nice every time I play that playlist because I really like the picture I made for it
I think what I'd consider a 'number 4' would be a 'translator' Someone who can make 'translate' art between mediums to educate or to inform. Someone who understand both musicians and artists and engineers and are able to unite them or help them communicate. Someone who is naturally curious about artistic process in all sorts of different ways and mediums and is willing to study them and help bridge them all together in ways that connect people and their projects so we can better understand each other. I think that's a trait that's rare but extremely valuable for projects that I want to hone in myself too. I think I am naturally curious and have many different hobbies and things I put in the effort to get better at and I think if I develop this skill I can be someone who can cross the artificial divisions we put among ourselves as specialists. I think I can be very valuable as an artist if I can talk to a musician and an engineer and artists and completely understand the language they all are using in order to form one coherent picture everyone, even people outside that, can understand.
The way you end your talks is honestly amazing to me. I genuinely feel cared about and like you mean it. And the rest of your video always has such good advice and stories I'm always motivated to draw when I watch you. Thank you.
I've recently been watching this channel and in particular i've watched this video today. And I have to say, watching these videos makes me realize a lot when it comes to my creating art. With watching this one there was a thought that rang through my mind at the end: "The hell do I do?" Its nothing to do with the video, but more so my own artistic goals. I started drawing in the first place because I was too incompetent to communicate my ideas so I figured to just show them instead. For most of my time drawing, it's been less "drawing for fun" and more "drawing for utility". But since i've taken that approach I am always highly critical of every step way whenever i make a piece, a lot of the time to the point of "rage quitting". That being said, I don't hate drawing. I love seeing a completed piece and comparing pieces to see my progress, along with the communities that share this interest. But on the other hand I hate how seemingly incompetent I am when it comes to drawing/keeping up a schedule to practice, and on top of that I dont even see anything worth mentioning from myself to inject into my art, so I feel like it just blends in with everything else. I still want to create, however, so i'll try my damndest to push past and find worth mentioning so that my art can truly shine. Also if somebody is reading this, sorry for the rambling!
I think that one of the ways in which I shine, is building up people who have been hurt, or lost hope. Like you do. But I’m afraid of being judged, I suppose. Each time I’m about to type how, here, I have a good counter argument, though. So maybe it’s time I just do it.
I am totally with you there Adam. Uniqueness is sadly often overlooked. Most schools and also books look way to much on making “copy cats“, rather than reall unique artists :/ Of course, basics are important. But there is more than just one way to fullfill and overcome them.
Everyone has a unique voice and perspective. There is no duplicate of YOU with YOUR life or experiences. Even if your life is boring, no one sees life from your perspective. Cherish it and let it take you wherever it may go.
Wow, I just found this video. I have no context of your channel or videos but wow. I've never looked at my art like this before. As someone who's drawn since they were a kid I never learned the technical foundations. So now, me 16, planning on going to art school for 2d animation is trying to reverse, and learn everything. I've always felt terrible about that aspect of my art. And I have no idea if I land in any of the camps you talk about, but that view... that view that ever artists has some unique strength to each their own, and they just need that switch to flip in their heads, it helped me more than you understand.
This is so amazing and thank you very much! I am self-taught and I do get told several times that I should go back to fundamentals but now it is the first time someone professional says.. also don't forget to keep that spark that makes you unique :D .
As an artist I sometimes feel paralyzed by the idea of technical skill, I’ve had art blocks and low periods defined by thinking that my art wasn’t worth working on because I needed to improve in some way or another, and I get into traps where I think that there is somehow an objectively “perfect” way for whatever I’m working on to look. I think perfectionism can really hold back creativity and that’s why I’ve been trying to be more imaginative with my art this year rather than getting hung up on it looking perfect.
Well, You have gone and done it again, with each video you make I become more and more certain that you are secretly omnipotent and are reading my every thought guiding me with baby steps in the right direction. First it was “your procrastination has nothing to do with being lazy” making me see that I was wrong for beating myself up about painting and study and instead should analyze my feelings towards painting and studying. Then it was “What’s the point being an artist” which came right at a time when I was seriously doubting whether or not I had what it took and if it really was worth all the pain, feeling dishearten by constantly falling (specifically in regards to my constant failure to develop a solid study habit and actually just sit down and paint) and lamenting that my only real ability was getting back up. So when I heard you say that, that the point was to get back up. I straight up sobbed for a good few minutes, it felt like you had cracked the code, only it was under my nose the whole time And now with this excellent nugget of insight, I am finally able to piece together why I felt they way I did towards painting, because so many of the artists whose work I admire are technical artists, so I have been approaching my practice and work in the technical realm, yet I did not have the drive to sit and draw boxes in perspective for days on end so I doubted my very belonging in the art community. But now I see that I do not have to be a technical savant to succeed and I understand that the technical aspect is not what drives me (although I do still see and treasure it’s importance). And so yet again you have gently nudged me on my path. And I am sure there will be many more doubts and many more challenges ahead. Like finding out exactly kind of drive it is that I have, but never the less I feel more invigorated than I have in a long time. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. Thank you for making these wonderful videos and sharing you insights with us all, and thank you for your psychic guidance: I can’t count the number of times I have hit rock bottom, and your videos have been there to bring me back up. Thank you.
I would love to see those brushes that student created. I've been trying to find a photoshop brush to mimic the slightly waxy/slightly toothy feel of a colored pencil forever and I wonder if deconstructing his brushes would help me achieve that. Great video as always Adam!
That's so true, I'm so glad most artists stop the oversmooth rendering ( i know this is industry base) and jump and go to Tradigital ( Traditional oil feeling on digital ). I experiment this for more 6 years now and I love playing with brush/texture tools to find the best and most effective use of this, it's the future of digital peoples :) !
I was kind of scared to watch this the title kind of implied (to my mind) that it's gonna be this "you gotta have good technical skills etc." kind of list but I'm pleasantly suprised. Not that that kind of list isn't useful but I'm currently working on enjoying drawing not earning respect. This might sound strange but you've kind of given me permission to do my thing.
I’ve been focusing on enjoying drawing again, too. That joy got lost in all the technical skills and grading of art school. It’s what drove me in the beginning, though, and I will get it back. 💜
@@jackielearnsandteaches heck yeah you will! I managed to figure out what I like about drawing so much so now I'm focusing on those and it's pretty enjoyable. (mainly figuring out how to do something and observing (and enjoying) the way the lines, shapes, colours etc work together)
Krisztina Nagy thanks! 😄 I’m glad you’ve found your mojo, again! For me, I haven’t quite figured it out, yet. But I’m having a good time trying a medium/technique that I don’t associate with pressure: acrylic pouring.
@@jackielearnsandteaches I've discovered that the outcome of my drawings doesn't rely on talent (but it sure helps). It relies on how much I decide to work on my stuff. How much I realise what I have in mind on the paper. If it doesn't look right at first well I work on it untill it does. I realised that in fact I can do that and now I'm trying to practice it mostly with sketches but I'll probably get to finished pieces eventually.
This might sound weird, but I really love hearing you talk. It's so interesting to hear the way you thing and I really appreciate these videos where you just talk and draw.
I just wanted to thank you for making content. Your videos are so peaceful and inspiring. As a sort of amateur animator I was really crushed when despite getting accepted into the (many) art schools I applied to I simply could not afford the price tag of an 'art education' for animation. So I've turned to the internet, and have been trying to figure this out on my own. I don't really know what I'm doing but art has always been my passion. Videos like yours really help me to keep up my motivation and maintain a positive outlook on improving and progressing in my art.
Adam, because you mentioned James Gurney, I felt like I also have to mention that his book "Color and Light" is my absolute bible for, well, color and light. :) It's so comprehensive, you almost don't need any other learning material on those subjects. It has been my go-to guide for 6 years and I still learned something from it to this day. I highly recommend that book for every painters, traditionalists and digitalists, beginners and veterans alike.
I'm pretty young and I dont go to any art schools, I do have art classes that usually mix in with my regular school timetable from time to time but they don't do anything, it's just everyone for themselves and we should do whatever we want to get a grade, I don't have the guidance that I was hoping for or the inspiration that I desperately need, it's more of a self journey. I wouldn't say the art I make is trash but it has a long way to go before I can say it's good, that's where your videos come in, it's very soothing to listen to your voice as you give out good advice and it gives me that push I need to be better and try harder, I've recently found your channel and yet it's done so much for me already, so thank u
Wow i really like this painting of yours also i love that you always say what im thinking of I recently started to put myself on social media and everyone who i asked abaut my paintings liked them this gave me a great motivation to go forwards
Something about the calmness of this voice that is really comforting and comfortable to listen to. Sounds healthy, compassionate, adult and wise. Makes me trust, sympathise with and listen a bit more attentively. Would love to hear Adam read a novel or short stories.
Your images are always so incredible. Every time I watch one I always end up drawing my own stuff. You are part of the reason I started my own channel. Thank you for the inspiration. 😃👍
Thank you for making these videos. I was crying because of the art I had to submit for class just now, and you made me feel a lot better after this popped up on my recommendations. Thank you.
Good point about injecting personality into your art, I probably struggle more with the raw expressive kind of art because I'm just a more technical kind of person, the kid that was secretary of the chess club, played command and conquer, fighting and puzzle games. I approach cooking, baking and working out in the same manner where I seek to understand and master the technical aspects first.
Adam I love your video but you cant just describe how innovative and amazing someone's approach is without name dropping them. That tease is too much for me, id love to check out his digital-oil paint work
I usually focus but also get relaxed when i draw something. My mood affects my drawings, which i think its for all of us. My teacher in school says that i got too relaxed because of my talent, but she cant think that im a human too and cant draw so good all the time. At least i have private teacher who understands her students
Thanks for posting these videos, Adam. You`re becoming like my online therapist! The more your advice allays my insecurities, the more my art seems to flourish :)
It may be just the chilly night but I've had goosebumps throughout most of the video as I listened. And I zoned out while still listening to your stories and *imagined* a far future where where I'd finally find my own unique way of doing art and you gave me *hope* once again that it..isn't completely impossible to leave a mark, no matter how big or small.
Thank you for talking so much about so many topics that not many talk about in general, your videos are really helping me, for example, to understand, see or think about things that I can t talk with nobody, and most importantly, as an art student, this is basically a school to me. Well, I guess this is the point, but I still wanted to once again let u know that your work is amazing. One last thing tho...I know it isn't your type of video, but I can see that your digital drawing skills are impressive. I just got into digital art and tbh I am insecured, I feel that weight on my heart that my technical drawing isn't enough, and I try to learn digital drawing alone but it s very hard. My suggestion is to make a video with tips and advice for digital painting, it would help many students. With that being said, I am looking forward for the next video, stay safe!
Adam, I've never heard an artist with this perspective before. What a brilliant insight. Injecting some part of our personalities into the process of making our art. That seems to be the key to making artwork that is truly unique and not only relying on technical skill.
Beautiful video once again. I've been having a bit of an identity crisis recently which this has lifted me out of. I compare myself to others far too much.
I really loved this video ! Just wished that the people you named in the video could be found in the description with a link to their work because I couldn't find everyone. Thank for this very inspiring and motivating video !
I listen to your videos everyday whenever I'm just drawing. You have given me so much inspiration and I strive to get better, not only in art but just as a person. For some reason, this video got to me, I may not been as skilled as others but a lot of people do say that I put a lot of personality in each piece I do. (Even if it is fanart all the time lol) Thank you for making these vids :)
Such a great topic you got us today adam. And also a great artwork 💙 the deer god is probably my absolute favorite piece of yours thus far. I'm a self taught sculptor and costume designer myself. And i find great relief and inspiration in your talks. Mainly because my mediums tend to be around more technical approaches etc, and due to that, i almost always end up feeling like a bit of an impostor, because im self taught and mainly find inspiration in the technical side of things (like the enjoyment of building up something beautiful and intricate) Thankfully, through your teachings over here, I've came to grips of trying to learn and express my own version of beautiful and intricate 😊 and to that i thank you deeply my friend. 🙌🏻
I just have to say thank you. You’ve helped inspire me to start drawing again. I always told myself that it wouldn’t be possible for me to become a professional artist, but you’ve shown me that it is something achievable. I’m looking forward to your future content!
Its amazing like everyone says, You happen to make the right videos at the right times so accurately its honestly both astounding and scary. I personally felt the impatience of having watch several artists being respected and reaching the top extremely quickly. And ended up falling on my ass for trying to rush my art journey in order to reach them. But as always when down its great to remember that you shouldnt keep comparing on other's unique skills and focus on improving and working on your own stories and what you wish to contribute to this world. Thanks mr.duff for this video once again. TLDR: great video lol
Hey Adam I been watching you a long time now and thank you. You make my day a bit better every time I watch you and your drawing are amazing. I got a Wacom From cousin and I am trying out digital after used pencil and paper for 3 years. And I never used a Wacom or any type of digital thing for art. But I love your art. It’s makes me smile a lot. And I am not a person that smiles a lot. But I have a lot to say but. Thank you for being here Adam. You making my day so much better.
how much inspiration can one person give??? holy shit adam every time I'm down your uploading a calming and nice video that inspires me to be me and go do what I like! thank you for sharing your amazing personality with the internet happy painting to yall♥
Very interesting! But I don't understand the last part on innovation, can you tell me where to find examples for that, or maybe make a video on "how to be innovative"?
Yay for more art philosophy! Your videos always seem to have what I need to hear. I struggle a bit with being vulnerable in my art and I've felt a bit out of place because of it. Anything that you could share or some pointers maybe? I think it could definitely help a lot of others as well. Cheers!
this mightve gotten out of me the opposite reaction to what you were expecting from your comments, but after watching it made me feel like lately ive been tunnel visioned into more technical aspects of my art and havent really developed my storytelling skills as much. ive been mostly doing a bunch of sketches that look neat but dont really say much besides "heres this character doing this thing" with maybe some other ideas here and there, like a strong facial expression or reimagining a character in casual clothes. theyre mostly for me to practice working with references or studying anatomy at the moment. that doesnt mean that i dont have anything to say (believe me i do) nor does it mean that im not having fun with my art right now, but im not sure if im focusing on other aspects of art as o should be. it might stem from me being afraid of starting any "big" projects in fear that ill mess up or wont finish it quickly enough or something along those lines, as i feel like the last personal project ive worked on wasnt as good as id hoped and i stopped working on it because of that. sorry if this got really venty, but i just wanted to share that i guess. maybe im being down on myself too hard like you said lol
I want to thank you for another encouraging AdamTalk. The artwork is gorgeous, it's interesting to see the process of how the story is being told and the atmosphere grows, you can almost hear it :D
The process of art making is a whole genre of its own in the Gallery world too. If anyone's ever watched Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, it's very interesting to see what a large variety of artists do to approach their work. There are a few that their art IS the process, and that is shown in university as well. The process carries its own meaning and shouldn't be dismissed. Even if your art isn't about the process, the process adds story and context to that painting or art work. How did you piece together your concept? What did you do to make it happen? What obstacles did you over come, metaphorical or physical, or emotional? Some art carry a ritual or an epiphany that artist experienced that adds to its story (which may or may not show through final piece regardless), and that adds value. Everything involved adds value.
I really enjoyed this. Listened to it while finishing a painting that I was being hard on myself for, since it didn't look how I initially wanted it to. I saw it differently and finished it, feeling proud of my work. Thank you. ❤️
Im so happy I came across your channel, very inspirational and motivating. Your thoughts, your calming music and precious advice are what we truly need. Thank you !
This is such an amazing and eye opening video. I’m just at the very start of my art journey, so hearing about those stories is so inspirational. And the words you use really touched me to the core, thank you so much for this.
Very nice video, this is very usefull and well said but I can't help myself and be sad, because I have none of those qualities, and I'm trying to think about my strength and if I can put more of "me" in my art but I can't see anything. I'm not very creative, I'm not very good technically, I don't know. I hope you'll do an other videos like this. And I hope I'll find my way in the art journey. Thanks a lot for this video, It gave me an other way to see art and trying improve mine :)
I am glad I found this channel, one of the best about art! It is amazing to hear advice from a different perspective and in a calm and soothing voice. I really enjoy listening to you while working/drawing. Thank you
It was wonderfully well said, Adam. Everything depends on the artist's intentions. Not always the highest technical level is our priority. (Geez, I didn't even want to draw, but I'm a visual storyteller. I had to. I just wanted to tell stories using a visual medium. The highest technical level was not my priority and never will be).
@@AdamDuffArt You're always kind, Adam :) I make a living as a full-time artist, which is ironic because it was not my intention XD So I'm getting better and better because I'm always working and solving problems for clients/publishers (I'm still negotiating my first IP with a publisher and a game company. With this deal, I hope to pay for high-level artists to work on my IP).
I personally identify with specifically the Scott Roberson comparison. For quite a while I have been honing my 3d skills to a point where my 2d was falling behind, and trying to learn how to draw in a technical way like Scott does just discouraged me more and more because it took so long. I thought 3d is cheating for a while but still leaned on it heavily. At the end of the day I released that it doesn't matter, if I need to do a design and 3d will help me with the end goal then to hell with the 2d skills, I'll use whatever I need to use to achieve my end goal. So what I don't draw as well as scott but I can supplement that weakness with my 3d knowledge. Don't be discouraged if you can't do something to the standard of another artist, you probably are much better than that artist at something else that they have not tried so there is no reason to compare.
"...Ah hell naw son." - Adam Duff Great video as always! I was struggling last night with a lot of the topics you talked about. Stayed up till 5am trying to out paint my technical inability -__- Great news is I still made it to work at 8am on time ^_^
Interesting talk, as someone who started out in Induatrial Design myself (well over a decade now.) It was simply the method we were taught in school. Drafting, model making, CAD every project required you to do the drafting before building physical prototypes. I still remember the first project where I realized how important being able to draw technically accurate was. Patrick and I had gone through vigorous thumbnailing to find our final design after which we proceeded to drafting the elevation views. Now for each project you have prototype presentation boards and booklet. With just the drafting I drew up front and back 3/4 views of the bus shelter, seats and bins for presentation that exactly matched the scale prototype Patrick made. It was important because neither of us had seen what the other was doing till the morning of the presentation. All made possible through strong grasp of technical drawing.(This is all traditional media rendered in markers and nupastel no photoshop for editing.) It also made the transition to CAD in my second year easy because it was literally how we drew. I guess that's why I took to Vilppu all those years ago because its an extension of my approach to drawing. Only disadvantage is that it took me a while to learn how to break away from it sometimes and be looser in my approach.
My main source of frustration is that my technical skill just isn't where I desperately want it to be. My lack of knowledge of color theory, perspective, anatomy, composition, etc. is what's holding me back from fully expressing myself. I simply don't really like looking at my art because I feel it's technically not where I want it to be. And I know it's going to take me at least a few more years to get there. And my main problem is that I almost never enjoy things unless I feel like I'm good at them. It's been that way ever since I was a kid (and I'm 34 now). I simply don't know how NOT to put pressure on myself to get good fast. No matter how many times I tell myself that it's okay to be a beginner, and that I don't have to progress at whatever pace, that just being me is good enough... deep inside I just don't truly believe that I'm worth anything unless I'm at least reasonably proficient in the fundamentals. I tried taking extended breaks as well (as in several weeks or even months), but then I just end up feeling guilty for wasting precious time, not matter how much I tell myself it's okay. I'm so tired of always feeling this way. I think even my therapists are getting tired of me at this point. In my 20s I was too scared to pursue what was important to me, because I was so afraid I'd fail. And now that I'm finally working on it, I'm realizing that I just never learned how to struggle in a healthy manner. I feel like the poster child for gifted underachievers. Coasted through high school and even college without effort, and never learned to deal with setbacks. And now that I am struggling, now that I am hitting that wall, I just don't have the coping mechanisms I should have learned much, much earlier in life. My apologies. I needed to get that off my chest. I didn't mean to be so negative. Your channel has been an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise turbulent brain, and your advice has always meant the world to me. Time to tackle Noah Bradley's landscape art camp yet again. Maybe this time I'll actually finish it.
I am still confused about strength of my art leaning more towards substance (feel-exaggeration of idea) of it, while in the same time I feel like my technical skill is lacking, the point is that whenever drawing something, I always try hard to make it as realistic as Proko makes it, even tough that was not original idea, I always end up on some uncanny doorstep between realistic and cartoony style that just looks weird What should I do? Where is the end of necessary fundamentals, and beginning of technical art style? That could actually be a great idea for your next video to explore Thank you for these videos anyway, you are awesome!
Not Adam but wanted to just give some food for thought here: Five Nights at Freddy's style is way it is because the creator, Scott Cawthon, had that uncanny way of animating those characters. It was originally negative criticism on his previous works because the tone of that work and his animations didn't mesh well. He then decided to use what he had to his advantage to make Five Nights at Freddy's. By all means continue practising your fundamentals as it's the basis for art styles, but maybe consider practising a different genre?
@@SonicWolvelina99 Thank you! I agree with you, my technical fundamentals are okay but still there is a lot of room for improvement, and some different genre might suit my ways better! Example might be how I drew "plague slayer" (inspired by original Doom guy cover art and 1st degree protection hazmat suit) fighting overwhelming horde of giant demonic bats (corona), he actually looks and feels desperate, overwhelmed by a pile of blood-suckers yet he is still fighting like a drowning animal for breath, while drawing cheerful people they look more sinister and dishonest, calm people are usually looking worried or deep in thoughts
Maybe it helps if you take a break from your regular art, and try to make art for a specific person, draw something from your heart for them, maybe a piece of fanart for your favourite artist, or a gift for a friend. Maybe ask yourself, who do you make your art for? Imagine someone seeing it, and ask yourself what they'd expect, and maybe you can toy with that expectation, or at least motivate yourself to meet it. You could also try participating in contests or any art challenge, that usually gives you purpose, even if only for a while. Then you can return to your regular art, hopefully with a different perspective, and hopefully by then you have a slightly better idea on where you are headed. Hope this bit of rambling helps a little bit!
On the other side, I find that I struggle IF I make art for someone. And if I make it for a contest. Where I thrive, is posting my art in communities where I can get friendly feedback, called “critique.” It can include compliments about what specific parts or aspects of my art appeal to someone. Sometimes, it’s helpful suggestions on how to improve. But the positive feedback from a positive art community helps
Great as usual, was wondering if you would please let me know what your student's youtube account is if they do art there as well. Great content as always.
I have always had the problem of not knowing what kind of art I want to do, if any. But I've been making art for all my life, so I guess I do. Maybe. I keep being interested in exploration of art creation and mindsets, but not so much of the end result.
I hear you! And I can relate. That discovery you’re after isn’t a sudden aha moment from my experience It’s an evolution - a process - slowly that direction manifests into something more tangible and specific You’re already well on your way there - but just like any important growth, it moves so gently that it’s imperceptible
@@AdamDuffArt It definitely is a slow evolution, yes... Sometimes it branches off into a completely new direction, sometimes only to return to the original track again, but this time with new skills from the previous branch, mixing through time with completely unpredictable results and paths. On a different note however, your channel is one of the few most insightful ones I've come across in many years. You often have new take on issues I've been thinking about, and some I have not :) Good job!
The school I went to did not focus on the fundementals, instead it focused on playing with rocks and drawing around them and making a bunch of abstract drawings, because the teacher and other students thought that was fun. Yes, this was a school that specifically tried to educate the students to become concept artists and illustrators within the gaming industry. Yet the teachers couldn't really draw that well, they had a bachelor in art, modern, abstract art.....
But what saddens me the most is how the other students were affected by this. They really think that they'll get a job within this industry with that mindset, I looked at the portfolios of the students whom had finished their bachelor degree there and well, I mean not to be offensive, but I was really dissapointed.
I remember the teacher once said that she would applaud you for "cheating" and working around the fundementals. This hit me the wrong way. She rather see the students copy and paste in elements rather than learning how to do it on your own.
In utter frustration and dissapointment I quit the school after six month of nonsense and now I work on my own 7 - 12 hours a day. I don't need a teacher when I have you and other youtubers =)
I don't know why I said this as it may not be that relevant to the subject here. I just needed to get it out because I've seen quite a bit of art schools that suffer from improper teaching, especially in my country.
Link well, you need good teachers - at least in the early stages of your growth
I can definitely agree that not all schools hire competent teachers but there are many great options online if you’re struggling to find something locally
@@AdamDuffArt I've managed to find a way, it's mostly through youtube videos and sites like DrawaBox. I've bought some anatomy books and apps. Got an alarm on my phone which tells me what to study at what given moment.
I also ask people on reddit for criticism. And funny enough, It seems more effective. I remember at the school, when we had to criticise each other, I could sense that we were a little cautious about it.
But I'm interested in online courses aswell, such as yours, but I feel like I need to get a little better before I step into that =)
I'm glad you sought out what you deemed good for you and was willing to go the extra mile to get what you thought would have benefited you in the long run :D
@@halicusnguyen8864 Thanks! It was definetly a hard choice, but I don't regret it one bit c:
@@Thesamurai1999 wait do you watch istebrak ?
I am really curious of who was that girl in class who is great at animation now? :)
I've struggled with what that artist went through but with my art too. My mom would scold me for drawing anything not happy... You can imagine how that affects me now as a professional artist. The world isn't all happy
It's 2AM here, definitely gonna give this a watch in the morning. Or perhaps I'll let it play next to my ear in bed. Nice to see more art philosophy content!
Haha, I’m laying in bed and was gonna put this near the pillow to listen too. 😊✌️
@@Emiliapocalypse I listen to Adam's talks the same way 😁
Me too 😄
When it comes to art there's just one thing I'd love to be good at, one thing what would make me feel satisfied - I want to tell stories, stories that make a difference. I have no idea who I want to become in the future, but I'm sure I want to tell these kind of stories. No matter which medium I'll use.
me too
I think this video is something every artist needs to see/hear. I feel like there are so many artists blaming themselves for "not being worth it or not being good enough" while they have so many wonderful insights.
I feel like I started more of a technical artist, where I could study for hours and hours just wanting to make technical good drawings. But over time I saw a lot of people that might not be as technical good, make very emotional and stunning art work. They were having so much fun experimenting and instead of trying to get the result they thought out before, they were just discovering new images while they worked. I actually felt a bit paralyzed with my own work trying to make it too technically correct.
I am now trying to switch in between pieces. I'll try to make studies technically correct but I try to let go in my sketchbook and my more finished works. Slowly I start to feel more comfortable with experimenting and not always knowing the end result and I see my work shifting to more a more interesting place (to me).
These people inspired me so much and at the same time they often expressed how they felt like they weren't good enough. How their anatomy or perspective might lack and how they feel like maybe they can't do it... I hope they'll find the recognision they deserve and they'll get more confident in the future!
Really like that painting Adam. A beautiful weave of eerie & mystical atmosphere. And, more importantly, I love seeing the process.
You are what a teacher should be. Gentle voice, encouraging attitude, determined to see the best in his students. Thank you for your knowledge and service.
For art i often think about what jordan peterson says: "compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not who somebody is today".
I know im not a great aritst or anything like that, i just like drawing and the technique behind it, but when i was younger i would often demotivate myself when seeing other people being so much better than myself and just stop doing it, although i actually enjjoyed doing it in its core.
But now i try to focus more on the progress that i make compared to yesterday, compared to last week, compared to last month. This often motivates me and shows me that i AM getting better. Maybe not in a way comparable to other people, but maybe certain aspects get more character or i can express myself more easily in art or word.
I'm not good at any of these skills, but I create art because I like getting ideas out of my head and onto something tangible that I can see. I want my primary focus to be on having good ideas, but I will still work on improving my technical skills. Thank you so much for making these videoes, they've been motivating me to practice with my art while quarantined.
I’ve found a way around artist’s block, finally, btw. Acrylic pouring is really helpful, because it gets you making art, and finishing art, but allows you to release control in a way that helps.
I love this kind of videos. It reminds me the old days when we only had radio and we're listening to it while I was having fun drawing at the middle of day.
This quote I wrote in my sketchbook presented a new Hope for me in the artistic future that I live by I am sure you know this quote "Great Art requires multiple things you are not only a technician you are not only someone who feels you are not someone who masters the technical side of art. You have to master 3 things Your mind Your Body Your Heart" This quote sticks out to me because it inspires me every day to draw.
Found your channel recently- I dub you my internet mentor for art. Being an artist is sometimes a lonely journey and I’ve never had anyone to guide or encourage me in the arts. So I’m very very thankful for you and the time and thought you put into your videos 🙏❤️
Ninovach you’re very welcome :)
Thanks so much for talking about such themes 😌🙏🏼
This came at just the right time for me. I've been a freelance illustrator for about a year now and clients really seem to like my work. I still feel like I lack fundementals - I'm great with perspective but struggle with rendering and my anatomy could be much better. I rely heavily on lineart and that makes me feel like I'm a fraud. I do studies and try new things constantly, but I get discouraged when I see how much I still have to learn and it feels so overwhelming. I'm going to cut myself some slack and continue to learn at my own pace. Thank you.
What I'm seeing in myself currently is that my point of view has completely shifted on pre-production and production process itself, I began letting myself experiment and letting myself be inspired by other things. Finally I feel like I started exploring art properly for the first time. Before I had this impossible picture in mind that said all art is an idea that is born out of nothing one day and by the next day it is finished and never changed again.
I also started improving the little things in my life that I never before thought I could do because of my obsession with never using things like textures for example (because how could I the call it my own work?). Recently I made myself a small and simple spotify playlist cover, and I feel nice every time I play that playlist because I really like the picture I made for it
I think what I'd consider a 'number 4' would be a 'translator'
Someone who can make 'translate' art between mediums to educate or to inform. Someone who understand both musicians and artists and engineers and are able to unite them or help them communicate. Someone who is naturally curious about artistic process in all sorts of different ways and mediums and is willing to study them and help bridge them all together in ways that connect people and their projects so we can better understand each other.
I think that's a trait that's rare but extremely valuable for projects that I want to hone in myself too. I think I am naturally curious and have many different hobbies and things I put in the effort to get better at and I think if I develop this skill I can be someone who can cross the artificial divisions we put among ourselves as specialists. I think I can be very valuable as an artist if I can talk to a musician and an engineer and artists and completely understand the language they all are using in order to form one coherent picture everyone, even people outside that, can understand.
The way you end your talks is honestly amazing to me. I genuinely feel cared about and like you mean it. And the rest of your video always has such good advice and stories I'm always motivated to draw when I watch you. Thank you.
You’re very welcome Semta :)
I've recently been watching this channel and in particular i've watched this video today. And I have to say, watching these videos makes me realize a lot when it comes to my creating art. With watching this one there was a thought that rang through my mind at the end: "The hell do I do?"
Its nothing to do with the video, but more so my own artistic goals. I started drawing in the first place because I was too incompetent to communicate my ideas so I figured to just show them instead. For most of my time drawing, it's been less "drawing for fun" and more "drawing for utility". But since i've taken that approach I am always highly critical of every step way whenever i make a piece, a lot of the time to the point of "rage quitting".
That being said, I don't hate drawing. I love seeing a completed piece and comparing pieces to see my progress, along with the communities that share this interest. But on the other hand I hate how seemingly incompetent I am when it comes to drawing/keeping up a schedule to practice, and on top of that I dont even see anything worth mentioning from myself to inject into my art, so I feel like it just blends in with everything else.
I still want to create, however, so i'll try my damndest to push past and find worth mentioning so that my art can truly shine.
Also if somebody is reading this, sorry for the rambling!
Would love to see work similar to this in one of vaati's soul art competitions. Reminds me of some of the winners in the elden ring comp.
I think that one of the ways in which I shine, is building up people who have been hurt, or lost hope. Like you do. But I’m afraid of being judged, I suppose. Each time I’m about to type how, here, I have a good counter argument, though. So maybe it’s time I just do it.
Proko is an anatomy monster! That man has been a godsend for me learning anatomy.
I was taught in art school that anyone can create a pretty picture, but it's the concept that separates the greats from the many.
I am totally with you there Adam. Uniqueness is sadly often overlooked. Most schools and also books look way to much on making “copy cats“, rather than reall unique artists :/ Of course, basics are important. But there is more than just one way to fullfill and overcome them.
Everyone has a unique voice and perspective. There is no duplicate of YOU with YOUR life or experiences. Even if your life is boring, no one sees life from your perspective. Cherish it and let it take you wherever it may go.
Beatifull work .I can't understand English at all but , I am watching all the videos you have recently added.
Love your arts
Wow, I just found this video. I have no context of your channel or videos but wow. I've never looked at my art like this before. As someone who's drawn since they were a kid I never learned the technical foundations. So now, me 16, planning on going to art school for 2d animation is trying to reverse, and learn everything. I've always felt terrible about that aspect of my art. And I have no idea if I land in any of the camps you talk about, but that view... that view that ever artists has some unique strength to each their own, and they just need that switch to flip in their heads, it helped me more than you understand.
Very happy to hear that Nerdy :)
This is so amazing and thank you very much! I am self-taught and I do get told several times that I should go back to fundamentals but now it is the first time someone professional says.. also don't forget to keep that spark that makes you unique :D .
As an artist I sometimes feel paralyzed by the idea of technical skill, I’ve had art blocks and low periods defined by thinking that my art wasn’t worth working on because I needed to improve in some way or another, and I get into traps where I think that there is somehow an objectively “perfect” way for whatever I’m working on to look. I think perfectionism can really hold back creativity and that’s why I’ve been trying to be more imaginative with my art this year rather than getting hung up on it looking perfect.
The type of videos that I have to check 10 times and make sure that I liked.
Well, You have gone and done it again, with each video you make I become more and more certain that you are secretly omnipotent and are reading my every thought guiding me with baby steps in the right direction.
First it was “your procrastination has nothing to do with being lazy” making me see that I was wrong for beating myself up about painting and study and instead should analyze my feelings towards painting and studying.
Then it was “What’s the point being an artist” which came right at a time when I was seriously doubting whether or not I had what it took and if it really was worth all the pain, feeling dishearten by constantly falling (specifically in regards to my constant failure to develop a solid study habit and actually just sit down and paint) and lamenting that my only real ability was getting back up. So when I heard you say that, that the point was to get back up. I straight up sobbed for a good few minutes, it felt like you had cracked the code, only it was under my nose the whole time
And now with this excellent nugget of insight, I am finally able to piece together why I felt they way I did towards painting, because so many of the artists whose work I admire are technical artists, so I have been approaching my practice and work in the technical realm, yet I did not have the drive to sit and draw boxes in perspective for days on end so I doubted my very belonging in the art community. But now I see that I do not have to be a technical savant to succeed and I understand that the technical aspect is not what drives me (although I do still see and treasure it’s importance). And so yet again you have gently nudged me on my path. And I am sure there will be many more doubts and many more challenges ahead. Like finding out exactly kind of drive it is that I have, but never the less I feel more invigorated than I have in a long time.
So from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. Thank you for making these wonderful videos and sharing you insights with us all, and thank you for your psychic guidance: I can’t count the number of times I have hit rock bottom, and your videos have been there to bring me back up. Thank you.
I would love to see those brushes that student created. I've been trying to find a photoshop brush to mimic the slightly waxy/slightly toothy feel of a colored pencil forever and I wonder if deconstructing his brushes would help me achieve that.
Great video as always Adam!
That's so true, I'm so glad most artists stop the oversmooth rendering ( i know this is industry base) and jump and go to Tradigital ( Traditional oil feeling on digital ). I experiment this for more 6 years now and I love playing with brush/texture tools to find the best and most effective use of this, it's the future of digital peoples :) !
I was kind of scared to watch this the title kind of implied (to my mind) that it's gonna be this "you gotta have good technical skills etc." kind of list but I'm pleasantly suprised. Not that that kind of list isn't useful but I'm currently working on enjoying drawing not earning respect. This might sound strange but you've kind of given me permission to do my thing.
I’ve been focusing on enjoying drawing again, too. That joy got lost in all the technical skills and grading of art school. It’s what drove me in the beginning, though, and I will get it back. 💜
@@jackielearnsandteaches heck yeah you will!
I managed to figure out what I like about drawing so much so now I'm focusing on those and it's pretty enjoyable. (mainly figuring out how to do something and observing (and enjoying) the way the lines, shapes, colours etc work together)
Krisztina Nagy thanks! 😄 I’m glad you’ve found your mojo, again! For me, I haven’t quite figured it out, yet. But I’m having a good time trying a medium/technique that I don’t associate with pressure: acrylic pouring.
Krisztina Nagy what have you been drawing lately?
@@jackielearnsandteaches I've discovered that the outcome of my drawings doesn't rely on talent (but it sure helps). It relies on how much I decide to work on my stuff. How much I realise what I have in mind on the paper. If it doesn't look right at first well I work on it untill it does. I realised that in fact I can do that and now I'm trying to practice it mostly with sketches but I'll probably get to finished pieces eventually.
This might sound weird, but I really love hearing you talk. It's so interesting to hear the way you thing and I really appreciate these videos where you just talk and draw.
I just wanted to thank you for making content. Your videos are so peaceful and inspiring.
As a sort of amateur animator I was really crushed when despite getting accepted into the (many) art schools I applied to I simply could not afford the price tag of an 'art education' for animation. So I've turned to the internet, and have been trying to figure this out on my own. I don't really know what I'm doing but art has always been my passion. Videos like yours really help me to keep up my motivation and maintain a positive outlook on improving and progressing in my art.
Adam, because you mentioned James Gurney, I felt like I also have to mention that his book "Color and Light" is my absolute bible for, well, color and light. :)
It's so comprehensive, you almost don't need any other learning material on those subjects. It has been my go-to guide for 6 years and I still learned something from it to this day. I highly recommend that book for every painters, traditionalists and digitalists, beginners and veterans alike.
Adam makes me feel like my creativity matters. Thank you.
I'm pretty young and I dont go to any art schools, I do have art classes that usually mix in with my regular school timetable from time to time but they don't do anything, it's just everyone for themselves and we should do whatever we want to get a grade, I don't have the guidance that I was hoping for or the inspiration that I desperately need, it's more of a self journey. I wouldn't say the art I make is trash but it has a long way to go before I can say it's good, that's where your videos come in, it's very soothing to listen to your voice as you give out good advice and it gives me that push I need to be better and try harder, I've recently found your channel and yet it's done so much for me already, so thank u
I am forever grateful for your videos
Thank you for uploading this, it shall help me finally fall asleep. Literally perfect timing
Wow i really like this painting of yours also i love that you always say what im thinking of
I recently started to put myself on social media and everyone who i asked abaut my paintings liked them this gave me a great motivation to go forwards
Something about the calmness of this voice that is really comforting and comfortable to listen to. Sounds healthy, compassionate, adult and wise. Makes me trust, sympathise with and listen a bit more attentively. Would love to hear Adam read a novel or short stories.
Your images are always so incredible. Every time I watch one I always end up drawing my own stuff. You are part of the reason I started my own channel. Thank you for the inspiration. 😃👍
G.L Art I’m honored!
Thank you for making these videos. I was crying because of the art I had to submit for class just now, and you made me feel a lot better after this popped up on my recommendations. Thank you.
Your videos inspire me to keep going and keep creating art. Thanks for the nice video cant wait for the next one 🙏🏼
Good point about injecting personality into your art, I probably struggle more with the raw expressive kind of art because I'm just a more technical kind of person, the kid that was secretary of the chess club, played command and conquer, fighting and puzzle games. I approach cooking, baking and working out in the same manner where I seek to understand and master the technical aspects first.
Adam I love your video but you cant just describe how innovative and amazing someone's approach is without name dropping them. That tease is too much for me, id love to check out his digital-oil paint work
I know, I’m sorry about that - but I never name drop people who I haven’t spoken to and gotten permission to mention publicly
@@AdamDuffArt Oh thats fair, i love your vids, stay safe!
I usually focus but also get relaxed when i draw something. My mood affects my drawings, which i think its for all of us. My teacher in school says that i got too relaxed because of my talent, but she cant think that im a human too and cant draw so good all the time. At least i have private teacher who understands her students
I just started watching your vids today and damn... I feel so inspired!
Thanks for posting these videos, Adam. You`re becoming like my online therapist! The more your advice allays my insecurities, the more my art seems to flourish :)
It may be just the chilly night but I've had goosebumps throughout most of the video as I listened. And I zoned out while still listening to your stories and *imagined* a far future where where I'd finally find my own unique way of doing art and you gave me *hope* once again that it..isn't completely impossible to leave a mark, no matter how big or small.
Thank you for talking so much about so many topics that not many talk about in general, your videos are really helping me, for example, to understand, see or think about things that I can t talk with nobody, and most importantly, as an art student, this is basically a school to me. Well, I guess this is the point, but I still wanted to once again let u know that your work is amazing. One last thing tho...I know it isn't your type of video, but I can see that your digital drawing skills are impressive. I just got into digital art and tbh I am insecured, I feel that weight on my heart that my technical drawing isn't enough, and I try to learn digital drawing alone but it s very hard. My suggestion is to make a video with tips and advice for digital painting, it would help many students. With that being said, I am looking forward for the next video, stay safe!
Adam, I've never heard an artist with this perspective before. What a brilliant insight. Injecting some part of our personalities into the process of making our art. That seems to be the key to making artwork that is truly unique and not only relying on technical skill.
Beautiful video once again. I've been having a bit of an identity crisis recently which this has lifted me out of. I compare myself to others far too much.
I really loved this video !
Just wished that the people you named in the video could be found in the description with a link to their work because I couldn't find everyone.
Thank for this very inspiring and motivating video !
I listen to your videos everyday whenever I'm just drawing. You have given me so much inspiration and I strive to get better, not only in art but just as a person. For some reason, this video got to me, I may not been as skilled as others but a lot of people do say that I put a lot of personality in each piece I do. (Even if it is fanart all the time lol)
Thank you for making these vids :)
Well you’re very welcome Akkee, and I encourage you to read the comments of other listeners
You’ll see just how much you’re among kindred spirits.
Such a great topic you got us today adam. And also a great artwork 💙 the deer god is probably my absolute favorite piece of yours thus far.
I'm a self taught sculptor and costume designer myself. And i find great relief and inspiration in your talks. Mainly because my mediums tend to be around more technical approaches etc, and due to that, i almost always end up feeling like a bit of an impostor, because im self taught and mainly find inspiration in the technical side of things (like the enjoyment of building up something beautiful and intricate)
Thankfully, through your teachings over here, I've came to grips of trying to learn and express my own version of beautiful and intricate 😊 and to that i thank you deeply my friend. 🙌🏻
Really enjoyed this chat :) You're a great teacher Adam, your students are very lucky!
I just have to say thank you. You’ve helped inspire me to start drawing again. I always told myself that it wouldn’t be possible for me to become a professional artist, but you’ve shown me that it is something achievable.
I’m looking forward to your future content!
Its amazing like everyone says,
You happen to make the right videos at the right times so accurately its honestly both astounding and scary.
I personally felt the impatience of having watch several artists being respected and reaching the top extremely quickly. And ended up falling on my ass for trying to rush my art journey in order to reach them.
But as always when down its great to remember that you shouldnt keep comparing on other's unique skills and focus on improving and working on your own stories and what you wish to contribute to this world.
Thanks mr.duff for this video once again.
TLDR: great video lol
Xaine Shi Xin Chng lol - doesn’t the tldr go at the beginning?
No worries though, thank you 😊
@@AdamDuffArt oh whoops, my bad
haha i've make sure to place it at the top next time, gotten used to writing tldr at the bottom.
Hey Adam I been watching you a long time now and thank you. You make my day a bit better every time I watch you and your drawing are amazing. I got a Wacom From cousin and I am trying out digital after used pencil and paper for 3 years. And I never used a Wacom or any type of digital thing for art. But I love your art. It’s makes me smile a lot. And I am not a person that smiles a lot. But I have a lot to say but. Thank you for being here Adam. You making my day so much better.
how much inspiration can one person give??? holy shit adam every time I'm down your uploading a calming and nice video that inspires me to be me and go do what I like! thank you for sharing your amazing personality with the internet happy painting to yall♥
Very interesting! But I don't understand the last part on innovation, can you tell me where to find examples for that, or maybe make a video on "how to be innovative"?
@L I am creative, but not innovative, that can't be it.
Adam I want you to know these art talks make my week.
I just found this and I’m glad I did while I’m still a beginner it actually helps a lot I’ll be sure to see your other videos
Yay for more art philosophy! Your videos always seem to have what I need to hear. I struggle a bit with being vulnerable in my art and I've felt a bit out of place because of it. Anything that you could share or some pointers maybe? I think it could definitely help a lot of others as well. Cheers!
this mightve gotten out of me the opposite reaction to what you were expecting from your comments, but after watching it made me feel like lately ive been tunnel visioned into more technical aspects of my art and havent really developed my storytelling skills as much. ive been mostly doing a bunch of sketches that look neat but dont really say much besides "heres this character doing this thing" with maybe some other ideas here and there, like a strong facial expression or reimagining a character in casual clothes. theyre mostly for me to practice working with references or studying anatomy at the moment. that doesnt mean that i dont have anything to say (believe me i do) nor does it mean that im not having fun with my art right now, but im not sure if im focusing on other aspects of art as o should be. it might stem from me being afraid of starting any "big" projects in fear that ill mess up or wont finish it quickly enough or something along those lines, as i feel like the last personal project ive worked on wasnt as good as id hoped and i stopped working on it because of that. sorry if this got really venty, but i just wanted to share that i guess.
maybe im being down on myself too hard like you said lol
I want to thank you for another encouraging AdamTalk. The artwork is gorgeous, it's interesting to see the process of how the story is being told and the atmosphere grows, you can almost hear it :D
Wonderful message and gosh, I got to say this is one of my favourite paintings you've done. The atmosphere and creature are gorgeous.
The process of art making is a whole genre of its own in the Gallery world too. If anyone's ever watched Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, it's very interesting to see what a large variety of artists do to approach their work. There are a few that their art IS the process, and that is shown in university as well. The process carries its own meaning and shouldn't be dismissed. Even if your art isn't about the process, the process adds story and context to that painting or art work. How did you piece together your concept? What did you do to make it happen? What obstacles did you over come, metaphorical or physical, or emotional? Some art carry a ritual or an epiphany that artist experienced that adds to its story (which may or may not show through final piece regardless), and that adds value. Everything involved adds value.
I really enjoyed this. Listened to it while finishing a painting that I was being hard on myself for, since it didn't look how I initially wanted it to. I saw it differently and finished it, feeling proud of my work. Thank you. ❤️
Im so happy I came across your channel, very inspirational and motivating. Your thoughts, your calming music and precious advice are what we truly need. Thank you !
This might be the best fatherly Asmr philosophy Channel ever!
Lol thank you :)
This is such an amazing and eye opening video. I’m just at the very start of my art journey, so hearing about those stories is so inspirational. And the words you use really touched me to the core, thank you so much for this.
Good talk and great painting! You took this a different direction than I was expecting. Kudos
Very nice video, this is very usefull and well said but I can't help myself and be sad, because I have none of those qualities, and I'm trying to think about my strength and if I can put more of "me" in my art but I can't see anything. I'm not very creative, I'm not very good technically, I don't know. I hope you'll do an other videos like this. And I hope I'll find my way in the art journey.
Thanks a lot for this video, It gave me an other way to see art and trying improve mine :)
I am glad I found this channel, one of the best about art! It is amazing to hear advice from a different perspective and in a calm and soothing voice. I really enjoy listening to you while working/drawing. Thank you
loved this painting
You paint so good without zooming in
It was wonderfully well said, Adam. Everything depends on the artist's intentions. Not always the highest technical level is our priority.
(Geez, I didn't even want to draw, but I'm a visual storyteller. I had to. I just wanted to tell stories using a visual medium. The highest technical level was not my priority and never will be).
Those stories are your key - the art will catch up :)
@@AdamDuffArt You're always kind, Adam :)
I make a living as a full-time artist, which is ironic because it was not my intention XD So I'm getting better and better because I'm always working and solving problems for clients/publishers (I'm still negotiating my first IP with a publisher and a game company. With this deal, I hope to pay for high-level artists to work on my IP).
I personally identify with specifically the Scott Roberson comparison. For quite a while I have been honing my 3d skills to a point where my 2d was falling behind, and trying to learn how to draw in a technical way like Scott does just discouraged me more and more because it took so long. I thought 3d is cheating for a while but still leaned on it heavily. At the end of the day I released that it doesn't matter, if I need to do a design and 3d will help me with the end goal then to hell with the 2d skills, I'll use whatever I need to use to achieve my end goal. So what I don't draw as well as scott but I can supplement that weakness with my 3d knowledge.
Don't be discouraged if you can't do something to the standard of another artist, you probably are much better than that artist at something else that they have not tried so there is no reason to compare.
Really needed to hear this today, Adam. Thank you for all the amazing content and inspiration!
"...Ah hell naw son." - Adam Duff
Great video as always! I was struggling last night with a lot of the topics you talked about. Stayed up till 5am trying to out paint my technical inability -__- Great news is I still made it to work at 8am on time ^_^
thank you for the insight, and new way of looking at things!
Interesting talk, as someone who started out in Induatrial Design myself (well over a decade now.) It was simply the method we were taught in school. Drafting, model making, CAD every project required you to do the drafting before building physical prototypes. I still remember the first project where I realized how important being able to draw technically accurate was. Patrick and I had gone through vigorous thumbnailing to find our final design after which we proceeded to drafting the elevation views. Now for each project you have prototype presentation boards and booklet. With just the drafting I drew up front and back 3/4 views of the bus shelter, seats and bins for presentation that exactly matched the scale prototype Patrick made. It was important because neither of us had seen what the other was doing till the morning of the presentation. All made possible through strong grasp of technical drawing.(This is all traditional media rendered in markers and nupastel no photoshop for editing.) It also made the transition to CAD in my second year easy because it was literally how we drew. I guess that's why I took to Vilppu all those years ago because its an extension of my approach to drawing. Only disadvantage is that it took me a while to learn how to break away from it sometimes and be looser in my approach.
Love listening to this guy speak
My main source of frustration is that my technical skill just isn't where I desperately want it to be. My lack of knowledge of color theory, perspective, anatomy, composition, etc. is what's holding me back from fully expressing myself. I simply don't really like looking at my art because I feel it's technically not where I want it to be. And I know it's going to take me at least a few more years to get there.
And my main problem is that I almost never enjoy things unless I feel like I'm good at them. It's been that way ever since I was a kid (and I'm 34 now). I simply don't know how NOT to put pressure on myself to get good fast. No matter how many times I tell myself that it's okay to be a beginner, and that I don't have to progress at whatever pace, that just being me is good enough... deep inside I just don't truly believe that I'm worth anything unless I'm at least reasonably proficient in the fundamentals.
I tried taking extended breaks as well (as in several weeks or even months), but then I just end up feeling guilty for wasting precious time, not matter how much I tell myself it's okay. I'm so tired of always feeling this way. I think even my therapists are getting tired of me at this point. In my 20s I was too scared to pursue what was important to me, because I was so afraid I'd fail. And now that I'm finally working on it, I'm realizing that I just never learned how to struggle in a healthy manner. I feel like the poster child for gifted underachievers. Coasted through high school and even college without effort, and never learned to deal with setbacks. And now that I am struggling, now that I am hitting that wall, I just don't have the coping mechanisms I should have learned much, much earlier in life.
My apologies. I needed to get that off my chest. I didn't mean to be so negative. Your channel has been an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise turbulent brain, and your advice has always meant the world to me. Time to tackle Noah Bradley's landscape art camp yet again. Maybe this time I'll actually finish it.
I am still confused about strength of my art leaning more towards substance (feel-exaggeration of idea) of it, while in the same time I feel like my technical skill is lacking, the point is that whenever drawing something, I always try hard to make it as realistic as Proko makes it, even tough that was not original idea, I always end up on some uncanny doorstep between realistic and cartoony style that just looks weird
What should I do? Where is the end of necessary fundamentals, and beginning of technical art style? That could actually be a great idea for your next video to explore
Thank you for these videos anyway, you are awesome!
Not Adam but wanted to just give some food for thought here: Five Nights at Freddy's style is way it is because the creator, Scott Cawthon, had that uncanny way of animating those characters. It was originally negative criticism on his previous works because the tone of that work and his animations didn't mesh well. He then decided to use what he had to his advantage to make Five Nights at Freddy's. By all means continue practising your fundamentals as it's the basis for art styles, but maybe consider practising a different genre?
@@SonicWolvelina99 Thank you! I agree with you, my technical fundamentals are okay but still there is a lot of room for improvement, and some different genre might suit my ways better! Example might be how I drew "plague slayer" (inspired by original Doom guy cover art and 1st degree protection hazmat suit) fighting overwhelming horde of giant demonic bats (corona), he actually looks and feels desperate, overwhelmed by a pile of blood-suckers yet he is still fighting like a drowning animal for breath, while drawing cheerful people they look more sinister and dishonest, calm people are usually looking worried or deep in thoughts
Listening to you makes me draw better, talk about words for the soul.
I'm in awe. I very much enjoyed that.
What do I do when I feel my art is a waste of time and effort? I'm struggling here..
Maybe it helps if you take a break from your regular art, and try to make art for a specific person, draw something from your heart for them, maybe a piece of fanart for your favourite artist, or a gift for a friend. Maybe ask yourself, who do you make your art for? Imagine someone seeing it, and ask yourself what they'd expect, and maybe you can toy with that expectation, or at least motivate yourself to meet it. You could also try participating in contests or any art challenge, that usually gives you purpose, even if only for a while. Then you can return to your regular art, hopefully with a different perspective, and hopefully by then you have a slightly better idea on where you are headed. Hope this bit of rambling helps a little bit!
On the other side, I find that I struggle IF I make art for someone. And if I make it for a contest. Where I thrive, is posting my art in communities where I can get friendly feedback, called “critique.” It can include compliments about what specific parts or aspects of my art appeal to someone. Sometimes, it’s helpful suggestions on how to improve. But the positive feedback from a positive art community helps
So inspiring ! Thank you !
very powerful words, thank you
That story hit me right in the feels ... dang.
Thanks. I think I needed this
dude, do more. part II !!!
Great as usual, was wondering if you would please let me know what your student's youtube account is if they do art there as well. Great content as always.
I have always had the problem of not knowing what kind of art I want to do, if any.
But I've been making art for all my life, so I guess I do. Maybe.
I keep being interested in exploration of art creation and mindsets, but not so much of the end result.
I hear you! And I can relate. That discovery you’re after isn’t a sudden aha moment from my experience
It’s an evolution - a process - slowly that direction manifests into something more tangible and specific
You’re already well on your way there - but just like any important growth, it moves so gently that it’s imperceptible
@@AdamDuffArt It definitely is a slow evolution, yes...
Sometimes it branches off into a completely new direction, sometimes only to return to the original track again, but this time with new skills from the previous branch, mixing through time with completely unpredictable results and paths.
On a different note however, your channel is one of the few most insightful ones I've come across in many years. You often have new take on issues I've been thinking about, and some I have not :)
Good job!
Holy shit dude this level of villainy is fucking cartoony lol
really awesome painting adam! really enjoyed this one :P