2 ways to be more productive

Often the problem isn’t having the potential to become a great artist, but instead it’s procrastination. Bobby Chiu gives his answer in this short video. Share it with the artists in your life.
For art education, visit www.schoolism.com

[@POPTARTGUAP]

All my distractions are on my computer-- I draw on my computer.

[@owos100]

Something that helps me is removing all the shortcuts, or even removing all the shortcuts, and then moving the files into some encrypted drive or bizarre folder where you have to go into the computer's settings and flip a few switches to even see the folder, like Users and Roaming

[@ButterflyBandit88]

BluCat I like this idea. Im gonna go do that.

[@owos100]

Just check what you're doing so you don't break the software :P Done that once or twice.

[@ButterflyBandit88]

Was thinking of putting all the shortcuts in a locked folder then deleting them from my desktop. It's a pain to find anything without shortcuts anyway, and half the time you forget anyway.

[@owos100]

Perfect! I think that'll work :3

[@C0zmo69]

ive suffered from ADD all my life, and chronic procrastination goes hand in hand with that. One of the things that's actually helped me in a big way, has been having some one talking in the background while I work/draw/paint. (listening to music doesn't work) I'm not entirely sure why, but hearing actual sentences and discussions helps my brain stay in this hyper focused mindset. I used to use Audio books, but the downside is the book never gets 100% attention, its more like I hear 60% while I paint. And even though it allows me to give painting 100% attention for hours and hours consistently, I'm left sad like "aww i didn't really get to enjoy that book". So, Bobby, your video interviews have been an awesome awesome tool for me to use while I work! (as well as schoolism feedback videos) So thank you!!!! Staying focused has been one of my biggest life challenges hands down!! I love the videos, I hope you keep making them! plus its so nice to hear something art related while working to keep my mind in that area. Stay awesome man!!!! -caleb

[@JamesMBristow]

i procrastinated from work by watching this video

[@Hamazan]

I procrastinated from work by answering your comments.

[@Marisu_Prada]

Damn, I'm in a void now

[@Quiscalus777]

3:49 made me think of the Emperor's New Groove. "I'll put that flea in a box, then I'll put that box in another box, then I'll maaailll that box to myself. And when it arrives, I'll smash it with a hammer!" Also, great tips! Thanks for constantly being a source of inspiration. :)

[@BobbyChiu]

Quiscalus777 lol. Forgot all about that.

[@ethanotoroculus1060]

*I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE*

[@jamminoutrexan5474]

Hehehe I was listening to this video as part of an "audio only" collection I made for exercising, and I was about to close down my laptop for the day, when I decided to browse the comments on this video that just started. Thanks for the fast link to some solid advice and a fun moment. :p Thumbs up.

[@DJ_BoomBear]

I like to use games and other activities as rewards for getting art done during the day.

[@lekhoavu1814]

Dance or Nintendo? -> Nintendo *wow* KZbin Bobby Chiu or Drawing? Hmmm~

[@BobbyChiu]

Le Khoa Vu lol

[@AlfredReinoldBaudisch]

I laughed so hard with your hack to lock the arcade machine. One time I was addicted to 2 MMORPGs: WoW and Tibia. I tried using blocking software, but then it was a matter of shutting down the software and opening the game. Then I blocked the games' hosts and IPs in the /etc/hosts file, but then it was a matter of always removing the entries from /etc/hosts and starting the games. Then I tried mixing Windows Regedit values for them, installing even additional blocking software, etc, but those games had so much control over me that I always unlocked everything and just played. Then in the end my solution was to delete my accounts: I had tons and tons of items, cash, characters, mounts, etc., and deleting them really made steer away from them. Since then I never touched MMORPGs anymore, it's been 4 years.

[@PropheticAnomaly]

I keep a numbered list of art ideas. Whenever I'm stumped I just pick a random number from the list and I'm ready to go with a new art idea.

[@sauceman2005]

OMG YOU MADE A VIDEO ABOUT NOT BEING DISTRACTED WHEN I PROCRASTINATED FOR 10 DAYS😨 how do you know?😅

[@BobbyChiu]

No.0 I must have sensed it! Haha

[@muffinman472]

Printing out your reference photos is a really really good idea. I stopped drawing for a few years but I kept saving referencing photos on my phone, so now I feel overwhelmed with what I want to do when I draw. So printing out a few will force me to work with just those, without feeling tempted to add more from my phone. Also, in high school, I printed out a couple references photos and took them to school with me. And in about 30 mins, I created one of my favorite characters to date. So I'll definitely be trying this again! Thanks!

[@aarontataryn3623]

My number 1 obstacle to getting better.

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing! I liked the tip to do more inaccessible the things that aren't helping you. That's a nice way to lead you.

[@scotchtapeworm3755]

These are some good ideas! One thing that has helped me is that I propped my computer keyboard up at an angle to make room for simple printer paper and pens right in front of the keyboard, so I always have paper to draw on right in front of me. I also carry around a small sketchbook, or note pad with pen in my pocket when I go out.

[@BobbyChiu]

7Bryan77 great! Hopefully it's ergonomically correct as well

[@mmart829]

Hahaha, poor pinball machine :D It feels good to hear that other artist struggle so badly with procrastination as well. For me it's that coupled with constant lack of confidence. But obviously, when I don't draw, I don't get any better hence I feel like I can't draw at all and I get even more discouraged. For me the problem is mostly Witcher 3. I can't stop playing it even if I've already clocked in over 250 hours on it. But I try to observe the world of it and take screenshot which would in turn inspire me to do art.

[@paulashinn]

Gosh this is so true. When you make the distractions less accessible, you give yourself time to think "Is this really what I want to do?" For me, I also love videogames But I feel they are also a source of inspiration. So I choose times where I am allowed to play (usually only saturdays) and other than those times, I uninstall everything. This way it is so much harder to launch anything other than photoshop.

[@MysteriesofWriting]

As a writer I find this video helped as well. If I don't feel like writing and I just sit down and do it anyway - I usually find myself writing for a lot longer than intended lol. Awesome video! :D

[@pandaloverful13]

Thank you so much for the advice! It makes so much sense I feel foolish for not realizing it myself earlier. This will help me so much! Thanks for another great video!

[@fenixdorigami]

Loved all the steps needed to plat the pinball machine xD. Thanks for your videos!

[@lauramaue]

Great advice as usual! One tool I like to use to reduce online distractions is the Strict Workflow extension. It blocks a page for 25 minutes and gives you a five-minute break timer that lets you get up and stretch or briefly scroll through your social media outlet of choice. It's especially helpful when you want to get "in the zone" at the beginning of the day! Just a recommendation for anyone looking for productivity tools. :)

[@Funkermonsterco]

I've used Strict Workflow too, and it most certainly is great for getting that job done! It (and the Pomodoro method in general) have helped me be more productive than I've ever been with art or homework. Sadly, it seems as though my brain is too hesitant or forgetful to actually turn it on most of the time, probably because I'm scared of drawing something that's gonna be trash haha.

[@BobbyChiu]

Laura Maue yep. If it works for you, why not

[@StryderHeap]

I find it incredibly daunting when I'm working on 2D animation and I have literally HUNDREDS of drawings left until I'm done. The further I am from finishing, the less I want to work on it.

[@owos100]

Amen. Just keep swimming ;)

[@ananyamoses6952]

I have this problem with my homework lol

[@blaze595]

this should definitely help make some good habits... ....RIGHT after i finish Persona 5. :'D

[@tobias7999]

I never really thought about the second point, making my distractions less accessible. It have happened many times that I have started something, only to want to check out one small thing and then I'm gone for hours.

[@lydiemonrolin6507]

You make me laughed so hard with your box in a box thing, it was adorable. Thanks as always for the advices :)

[@watsak6840]

Love this!!! Thanks Bobby!!!!

[@jasonrafael5945]

Been a while since I caught your videos. Always great advice. I kinda miss feeling like you were digital painting as you were talking though.. that combination was very enjoyable to watch

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

really like the 2nd tip

[@artoutlaw3453]

Great advice & a very relatable story.

[@cattombsowo5665]

My favorite is listening to your videos while I doodle random things

[@lilywei864]

constantly falling in love with your videos!!! keep up the good work!!!

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

Thanks Bobby, that was helpful advice

[@BobbyChiu]

Nkanyiso Innocent Khwane you're welcome

[@miguelgallegos5879]

thanks! I need this to prepare an exposition!! or to draw too...

[@KaosCreations]

I just try to give myself 'business hours' for working on my art, and don't allow myself to play games until a certain time of night. Usually right before or after dinner so its part of my 'wind down and relax' time

[@GemmaSampsonArt]

I find that I tend to be easily distracted by watching awesome youtube videos like yours for hours! 😂

[@myxsys]

I didn't know I was experiencing "jaded" until you mentioned it. Thanks for the tips that will help me push on working my project

[@cheerytomato841]

Great tips again Bobby, thank you! Taking classes definitely help me with art block. I've also just started avoiding games I know I'll get sucked into so I can preserve productivity...Although games can also be inspiring for some to create art as well. I guess it all comes down to knowing yourself and what will and won't work for you.

[@dougieladd]

Really great advice. I suffer from the same, but I always come back to art. Thanks Bobby.

[@BobbyChiu]

dougieladd thx Dougie

[@gadsdad]

I have the exact same issues:-/ Thanks for these thoughts, I appreciate it. God bless:-)

[@tinycat3782]

wow! what you did with the pinball machine was such a great idea! i'm gonna uninstall some games on my pc so if i wanna play i have to redownload them. love video games but they have really been a problem for me. thanks so much for the tip!

[@LaurenBasamot]

A motivating video . I love those characters so much . 😊🍁

[@PilferpupCartoons]

Hey Bobby Chiu, I have been drawing 2-6 hours a day for the last month (finally), and I am starting to feel like I no longer care about what I am working on. I'm not sure if I should take a few days break? But I swapped projects to a new work, one that I love in concept, but my heart doesn't feel anything like it normally would in current work. I am wondering at this point if I really want to be an artist, if when I turn it into a daily thing, I no longer feel the art I work on? Any insight from anyone into this, would be super helpful, thanks! :D

[@smiley_worth]

this helps me a lot so I go back again and again to this kind of vids. Thank you, Bobby Chiu

[@BobbyChiu]

So glad that these videos continue to be helpful and motivating for you!! Thanks so much for watching!😊 ~S

[@howtodrawcomicsnet]

Very helpful video! Great stuff Bobby. Any ideas for making social media websites harder to access?... I guess uninstalling your web browser might be a start. At least on the Work PC. -Clayton

[@gabriellebrickey]

This made me laugh a lot XD Loved the bit about the terminator game lol. Thank you for these great ideas and for this series! :)

[@dcorsetto]

This is daggone wonderful (as are the accompanying illustrations!!); thanks, Bobby!

[@BobbyChiu]

Danielle Corsetto thank u Danielle

[@WhitePillDave]

one thing I do, when I don't feel like drawing or painting I just make myself watch tutorial videos on art. Then usually it makes me want to try something or to work on something.

[@eylalu8476]

OMG this was the funniest chiu video ever ... lol .. that is a very good ideaaaa!!!! Let the art flow and temptations go... ok ok ...starting today :D YES MAN thank you so muchhhh

[@user-ic3gi5hc3e]

currently using this video to procrastinate 😅😅 time to get off my phone and start using these tips

[@alzamonart]

Nice advice as always Bobby. I'm definitely into having a clean, organized place where I know where everything I need is - and I try to keep it that way. I've also realized that the best ideas don't come to me while at the computer. Rather, when I am into "creative mode" I'd rather use good old pen and paper to capture the fleeting ideas, then refine on the computer. I have tried lots of distraction blockers and all of them have pros and cons, but in the end the ultimate productivity hack is to realize that getting where you want to be won't happen by accident - it will always take lots of elbow grease and hard work to get there, no shortcuts for that. Deadlines help a lot with focusing too. PS: I'd still want to afford a pinball machine.

[@saph100]

I want to have an office or study to do these things and keep a separate game room somewhere

[@anggadwipayana6050]

Just what is happening to me right now :) very helpful

[@Alex_Dul]

Extra helpful clever tips!

[@BobbyChiu]

Alejandro Dulché thank you

[@ko95]

Checkout 'tiny habits', it's a great mindset to start creating habits

[@heesung7x7]

This is very helpful ❤❤❤ thank u!!

[@Zenith1987]

Logout of social media and then install an add-on (Impulse Blocker in Firefox or Stayfocusd in Chrome) that blocks distracting websites. I also like the website RescueTime which runs on your desktop and in your browser to just track how much time you spend on websites and in programs (so, Photoshop or Warcraft) and then put those activities into categories. You get a weekly report of how much time you spent on being productive. Honestly, if you're constantly feeling demotivated to create, check what you're consuming! I unfollow pages that are really just selling a product, and I'm left with fellow artists who are creating and inspiring me. Does the news gets you down? Limit the news (and friends who share news) to certain times of day. I realized that my creative tank was just exhausted because all I had in my feed were products and bad news. I limited those and I felt a lot better after a few days.

[@kcravenfilms]

"Put that box inside another box, and inside another box" sounds like you got inspired from Yzma in Emporer's New Groove

[@BobbyChiu]

Hahaha! ~ Ashley

[@user-nu5br8yg4u]

What a wonderful idea. Thank you!

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for watching! ~S

[@Auxora]

It's hard not to be distracted when you have kids.. so from time to time, I end up sacrificing my sleep time just to draw.

[@Funkermonsterco]

If Bobby says he used to be obsessed with Street Fighter 2.... I suddenly wonder what fanart would look like if he were to make any for it. I'd imagine he could draw a mean Blanka!

[@david_peter]

How did you create the palette? The colors are relaxing for me.

[@HappyFeetBro100]

I will give a go because I'm struggling to do my art work for college :(

[@GameDevIS]

Great video Bobby! I always find it a bit odd making art lets say for a video game and on the other side we don't want to waste our time on playing them. I know that if you play all day long you will probably won't advance too much if you don't study\practice but then again when will you have the time to enjoy video games\movies etc as a professional or you don't enjoy it as much as you were a kid ? just me sharing my thoughts :)

It's funny that I came to youtube to procrastinate and the first vid started watching is this! :p

[@mike0rr]

This is great. Best video yet. For me at least.

[@gitasart]

What if the procrastination is because of new ideas and projects that come to mind... which results in unfinished sketches and works? Struggle with this the most. Thanks for the tips though, definitely will incorporate them.

[@alura_]

You can't make people stop doing what they love. Playing games, reading, swimming isn't a bad thing to do. I can't imagine that a person like you spoils other people's passions...

[@loeloele2768]

Alura This isnt the video or channel for you then, hun. This is for people whom want to work more towards their art career. Keyword "career", thats their passion, anyone who loves to play games, read, or swim wont be successful as an artist if they contiune to waste time on those other "passions". The fact that you're here on this art channel is troubling, if you are looking to take art further than a simple hobby you have some serious thinking and work to do.

[@TT-gl5im]

Alura Playing games, reading, swimming, etc. are good, but if they take up all your time and prevent you from doing certain other things that you want or need to do, then that becomes a problem. This video is about getting rid of temptations so that you can focus more on what you're trying to focus on. And sometimes what people are trying to focus on (making artwork) is something that they love, but there are other things that are tempting and distracting them.

[@DoodlingHitman]

*throws phone in water proof safe, drops the safe in a nearby lake, puts the key in a box and hangs it up the higest tree* My phone is the devil.

[@neilgooge]

Great video as always... Which zbrush courses are you doing as it's something I've been looking at doing? Are you doing ones on schoolism? Or are you doing some external ones as well? ;)

[@pickledshoe]

all of my thumbs up

[@BobbyChiu]

pickledshoe thank u for your two thumbs up! 😊

[@atanaspopovski7236]

And here I am, playing 20 games of overwatch instead of doing my assignments for Jason Seiler's class

[@BobbyChiu]

Atanas Popovski then this video must be meant for you 😉

[@viniciusiutubiu]

amazing tips Bobby! I lost the interest to use my sketchbook... maybe I miss the ctrl + Z on computer :D hahahaha My problem comes down to wasting time on the internet, especially seeing work from others :(

[@claudiarangel52]

Let’s say video games are the only way I can interact with faraway friends, but it’s also a temptation when I want to draw. I want play video games less but not cut off my interest of video games entirely.

[@claudiarangel52]

Nvm I figured it out

[@hampTC]

@@claudiarangel52 how'd you figure it out?

[@sinyantaylor6266]

Bobby i have a question on how to manage the material/ reference on a notebook. Sometimes i see like a lovely package of a snack and would like to keep it as reference but i dont know how to start. Any comment?

[@cathyshepard253]

Drawing is my distraction! XD

[@DavidinRL]

if only there was more time in the days for gaming. 😢

[@LeoTheGh0st]

when you procrastinate by watching these videos lmao

[@miguelmoura8199]

Nice video

[@888marcinb]

how did you make this animation ?

[@Nico-np9bh]

How do you hide the internet away! So often that you have to answer a message and 15 minutes later you find yourself lost on a social media!

[@Taubsen]

How is this Artstyle called?

[@extremewq]

cartoony

[@RedGallardo]

Choose between enjoying life and making something for the others to enjoy life. Don't read, don't watch movies, don't read comics, don't do sport... 16 hours of art a day to become #... well, #100, honestly. You still can't beat the best. They do 18 hours a day, they were imprisoned in some environment that forced them to either be successful or die, they come out of statistical existence of those who had a perfect art path. So to top them you need to give up everything. No more fun and in 60 years you'll make a somewhat nice character. One. I hate this meat-blender world where you have to pay with all you've got, all blood and bones and organs and just become a pot for something beautiful to grow up. A mighty tree that will grow up from your head by feeding from your body. For people who won't even understand, who go to cinema for $1 to say that the movie was so-so.

[@DASH596]

But... you know...it's a personal pinball machine! How can you say No to that?

[@lotopauankaz.4500]

this video made me want to play my nintendo :(

[@mariliamadeiradesanjuan2608]

Thank you T_T .. Really.. I do am procrastinating and I know it... I feel bad, but but but.. *hug* , now, I will go back to photoshop...

[@myamcguire5852]

You are my distraction🤣

[@margaritatabellini8806]

Plot twist: by watching your video I am procastinating my drawings. Ops.

[@hampTC]

I'm starting to feel conflicted.. I really want to become an artist for video games because I really like them! But I'm supposed to not play them anymore because they're a waste of time? If they're a waste of time why bother making them? I dunno...

[@nikkolascage9346]

2:57 hahahahaha

[@J_Kwan]

I had the vid playing in the background, and switched tabs to it at 1:58. SO SCARY. IT LOOKS LIKE MY GRANDMA CROSSED WITH A PUG :'D

[@pradeep2186]

game designer ... people ask me to play more games i do play them i wanna draw so i alternate it UwU

[@miao9193]

um...what if it's on the internet? And it's kinda also my reference...since I do anime and all that manga.... Help?

[@miao9193]

this probably won't be seen...since it's like months ago......;-(

[@loeloele2768]

Zkatty 婳 That takes pure willpower and determination . When you find your self being distracted or procrastinating pause for a moment and remember why are you drawing and what are you working towards. Make notes on the side of your monitor to remind you. Also some advice from personal experience: Anime and manga is too distracting as a beginner to use them as references to draw might not the best way to go about it learn how to draw figures from life you will always know what anime looks like in your head. You gotta know the rules to break em blzh blah blah

[@piplupcola]

my bed is my most distracting thing, how do i get rid of my bed?

[@federrr7]

trow aawy your bed or the matress

[@spaceforthesoul6286]

Sleep on the floor, people have done that for millenia. I tried it, just a thick blanket. Helped a lot.

[@NikhitaPrabhudesai]

Thanks Bobby!! :D

[@hamzahaytham3940]

These little plant people thing doesn’t help in art only, but in life in general too

[@brendon205]

Well, i guess i'll stop playing paladins xD

[@Nobody-uo2eo]

Brendon Sales Dude, same! xD

[@BobbyChiu]

Brendon Sales 😅

[@pradeep2186]

am playing it right now XD

[@MasalaMan]

why do you procrastinate bro?

[@leonartha03]

my problem that prevent me to being productive is youtube.... halp

[@_fabiolaborges]

i watched this 6 years ago and now i'm here, still being unproductive 🤡

[@berca76]

I have a problem here: I'm actually doing games for living (both 2D&3D art). So I guess I'm f**ked :-)

[@MegaBleedman]

Terminator pin ball machine for your birthday? Seriously? do you have any idea how much those things cost? Do you have a millionaire uncle/relative or somethin?

[@drenandtarb]

Wow, You had to do a lot to stop yourself from playing games. O_O