Make Motivation Stick

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Just my two cents on motivation, based on much trial and error as a freelancer (but few academic sources.) As with everything in life, take it with a grain of salt and see what works best for you personally.
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MUSIC
Speak Easy by Pyrosion
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Cat Nap by Pyrosion
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[@niatheelf]

I decided, in december of 2018, that I would start drawing daily if I can, and finish my first ever entire sketchbook. I managed to complete it and it was absolutely amazing. Ever since, I have been drawing daily and have filled up almost 5 sketchbooks! Starting this routine was super tough, and I missed quite a few days from either pure lack of energy or forgetfulness. I didn't let that stop me though, and I continued anyway ^^ Its absolutely great when you get into a rhythm, but the start is real tough so it can be discouraging. This is a super useful video, one with facts rather than just motivational quotes of "You can do it, just try hard!"

[@mitza420]

that's so inspiring!

[@Rays_K]

"If you do what is easy, you life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy." ~ Les Brown This quote always help me to go through hard times.

[@MrWTFgameplay]

In my experience if you do what is hard your life will switch it’s settings to medium difficulty. Life is never easy lol😂

[@grant8164]

except if you're living in poverty

[@NighttimeDaydreams]

@Grant man, I feel that- but, I mean, sTaTiStIcAlLy speaking, if you put more effort into something, it will be better. Not ALWAYS, but usually. Some things are just out of your control. YOUR job is to make the best of what IS in your control, plain and simple. ;]

[@Fs-zo8ws]

*This video fills you with motivation*

[@SophiejuDrawing]

True, it's in my anti art-block playlist now ^^

[@Randomperson-ke7xh]

The power of motivation shines within you

[@HydeKurogane]

Show me your motivation.

[@looniemoonie5955]

@@HydeKurogane Vergil, is that you?!

[@viniccius7229]

this give me my 2018 undertale-obssesed vibes and i thank you for that gonna watch some comics now :)

[@soIve_et_coagula]

"Motivation is the result of action, not the cause for it" thanks, definitely needed to hear that

[@RoboLamp]

Another thing to remember when looking at the graph is that you can move the line where work happens. Repetition can make us do things near subconsciously, like saying "Thanks, you too!" in any scenario, even when you shouldn't. The more you draw, the more you'll get used to it and normalize it. No drawing should have to be your last masterpiece, so constantly drawing, whether good or bad, will help you not think about drawing on a too conscious or overthinking level. The more you draw, the more comfortable and familiar it all gets.

[@aperson9847]

the ultimate callout: "if you lie in bed for two hours checking social media" + a picture of a girl in bed with her phone three inches of her face that is DEFINITELY NOT ME RIGHT NOW

[@sarapetrovic6570]

*You feel the importance of someone's advice. *You're filled with motivation! ❤ Save Return

[@mostritozuri7443]

Save

[@Jadoni_O]

Undertale reference??

[@NyxTheBlackCat]

@@Jadoni_O yes

[@Lady_of_Winds]

I love how much stronger and skilled your left hand gets as you are practicing it with those videos 😄❤

[@musicisamazing8349]

IKR!! I can't even tell it's drawn by her non-dominant hand!!

[@Strubey]

Great video! For me, i've stopped chasing motivation. It's never something I can count on to actually put pen to paper/tablet. That's all planning/scheduling & discipline to just get started and force myself to make terrible strokes for about 5 minutes until I start to remember how and what i'm actually doing.

[@domloveart]

I started taking my passion/dream career in making art seriously last year. Staying consistent I think has been the biggest struggle, especially seeing I get little to no engagement whenever I post my work on socials. However, I know it takes time and in the end I love what I do anyway, regardless if or if not it gets traction.

[@dogaakbulut9835]

i feel attacked

[@Mazena]

I wish I'd heard this message years ago. It's simple, but most of us just don't think about these things when going through the motions in our lives. Then again, had I heard this when I was younger, I might not have appreciated the wisdom in it quite as much. I grew up thinking some things were just beyond me and too difficult. As I grew up, I started to actually know the people who were in the industries I admired. I learned that they don't have anything special, they might not be blessed or insanely intelligent - I just gave up on my goals before I gave them a chance. So, I'm well over my thirties and reaching for those goals is harder now that I'm expected to work full-time. I think I can reach my goals, but it will just take longer and be a bit harder. If you're young, don't be like me. Of course, know realistically what's achievable, but don't hold other people on a god-like pedestal and give up your goals when life feels hard. Staying strong (like Astri here!) will reward you in the end.

[@hgzmatt]

There is no way to know beforehand.. you have to start somewhere. Plus it's never too late for anything. I "made" it but I'm not happy either and want to change things up and live somewhere else..

[@zaffrephoenix4715]

I love how down to earth this is instead of the average "you can do it if you try hard enough! :D" videos which only help for like an hour. Instead, you have actual facts and realistic points that really do more than just boost me for a few minutes. Now, I have something to think about whenever I start to procrastinate that will help me get moving again. Thank You!!

[@iAnnie]

I really needed this. Thank you. I've been dying of motivation for so long. I'm just bored, have anxiety, and am so depressed over life. This was very well explained, thank you so much again. 💜

[@khronix4499]

Thats what it is... explosive motivation. That's what I've been running on all this time and thats why I barely have anything to show. This video has opened my eyes, thanks!

[@lawnmower16]

2:30 when your spikes of motivation are so powerful they can reverse time

[@aviomarin7]

" Getting job at Blizzard " is such a 2009 dream.

[@veganjotaro]

4:34 exactly, watching motivational videos can only do so much, we got to get working so that the inspiration comes from the pleasure of working on what we enjoy, like it's kind of ironic isn't it?, something so enjoyable as creativity and originality, being free to make something from our imagination, or a combination of things that exist in a fun way, (similar to music mashups for example) should not need motivation, doing that thing should be the motivator for us to it, or even do other things.

[@willemienbruwer5242]

I'm so glad you got the skillshare ad! I love your videos and seeing you getting paid for something I love watching is just great! Thanks!

[@musicisamazing8349]

This is honestly applicable for almost everything, not just drawing. This can be applicable for studying as well. Thank you so so much for this video, I really need someone to tell me to get to work. I forced myself to do digital art everyday, and though it was painful, it really helped me.

[@jakezepeda1267]

I'm not even motivated enough to be a properly functioning human.

[@jakezepeda1267]

@c I mean, I work in IT, but as far as a skill/hobby that i can be proud of, no. I have neither the motivation nor confidence, so even in the rare instances I am motivated and get something done I end up hating it.

[@edvinmilos7904]

Great video Astri, some really wonderful tips there

[@Astri_Lohne]

I agree! You can always change your goal if you feel the need :) When I was a kid all I wanted to be was a manga writer lol, but then I wanted to be a concept artist, then I wanted to be an illustrator etc... Our aspirations change as we discover new things, and that's ok! It's all fine as long as we're pursuing something we care about. If you legitimately stop caring about your thing, of course you should consider changing your course. As for the milestones thing - yes, exactly. You need to have a plan composed of smaller, achievable goals to ever make your big thing happen. I believe you should absolutely have an overarching goal though, a "10 year plan" if you will, so you always have something to look towards. That's what drives me the most personally at least! If something else works better for you, go for it.

[@Fixingtodraw]

Hope is the secret ingredient to motivate anyone.

[@StartArtSmart]

I really needed to hear that. As its Monday. And you know how hard it is, just to get Started, on Monday's! 🙂 "Thanks for sharing!"

[@SophiejuDrawing]

i really love these inspirational videos, keep it up

[@thompsonevergreen8006]

I was legit holding off on drawing for an entire year recently, and I decided I wanted to get back into it, I felt like I couldn't draw and didn't even want to thumbnail an idea I've had for a year let alone draw it, and I drew quite a bit for a week and then I had the confidence to draw a thumbnail for my idea and move onto bigger better things which is what I'm going to be doing in the coming weeks, drawing is about just pushing through and doing it and eventually all that worry and stress that might be attached to drawing or learning to draw legit does begin to fade, I think it's the side of your brain that deals more with shape, form, and how things are taking over the logical brain that tells you a drawing isn't good enough during the process of it

[@ThomasBreaker]

Thank you for this video! It's always helpful to hear your opinion on this kind of subjects.

[@kevfang]

I needed this video! Thank you for sharing!

[@ellycolor]

I love this video! You get everything about motivation and bring only the best of the best. Also the little drawings are so lovely!

[@StarcrossedDeath]

Loved this! Knowing your reasoning behind your long term goals is definitely what will get you through the work on a daily basis.

[@JamesSsekamatte]

Loved your video Lohne, Your insights on motivation are really true... Never thought of some of them before... Also, those illustrations in the video were sooo cute hahahha I couldnt concentrate properly lol.. Anyway...Great work, keep it up

[@RubyDianArts]

"And the color of grass" ahaha

[@nicoletakeda8934]

This video was so inspiring and motivating 💜 Thankyou so much for sharing your perspective, and your wonderful knowledge!

[@adamburnett566]

Thank you so much for this video. I really now understand the difference between the short term and long term motivation. I thought they were the same thing. I was always stammered why I would watch a video or be rewarded for doing something and wondered why my motivation quickly faded. I rarely felt long term motivation (maybe some think of this as "flow"). I would wait til the last minute and would crank out pretty good work so I would continue that process stressing out over and over. I love the idea of using short term motivation to lead us to long term motivation. Again thank you for making this video, love your art, looking forward to the next one!

[@joshuabauschke168]

Your style, clarity and approach in this video is great :) Keep it up :D

[@jiniahaldar9339]

Thank you so much for this video! It's obvious that you've done research and put a lot of thought and time into this. Everything you've said here is universal and is advice that I think everybody needs to hear. Too few people take the time to reflect on what their raison d'être means for daily life, let alone how they'll get where they want to go. Your advice to not tell anybody what your innermost goal isn't something I've heard before, but I think it should become standard. So many people choose universities or careers that will make their parents proud, instead of what they truly want, and they become so unhappy there. Thank you again for another insightful video ❤

[@stevebruce1345]

Love your art. Looking at it just makes me happy

[@Isaarne]

thank you for your video ! I am right now in a reflective phase, I have the clarity and I just need to find the how ! all the best for you !

[@BUGHUNTER6]

This was really well thought out and to the point. Thank you!

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Pretty hard to make money doing a web comic though. That's part of the struggle. The vague dream of working for Blizzard is the bridge between making a living and doing reasonably interesting art. The older we get, the more we need to find a way to make a decent living...making it from 'art" kinda sucks in a lot of ways. However working some other 40 hour a week job kills our energy to produce art on our own. Tricky.

[@dpcdpc11]

I can really relate to this! I'm in my late 30s and after more than 10 years in the graphic design business I would like to take a few months brake and start working on my art skills but I'm not sure this will take me somewhere since all I can think of is how will I pay my rent and how will I survive doing this thing that I supposedly love. And is this like a childhood mirage dream or something achievable? Starting art as an adult is so much more complicated than when you're young and that old passion turns into "how do I make money from this?" not to mention if you have a family you have to take care of. Most advice giving artists don't talk about the financial aspect of the trade which can drive any responsible adult insane and will turn motivation into anxiety. So I think young people should be advised about how they can actually earn their living from art because no one will just give you money just because your a good artist. Just my 2.5 cents.

[@owelearn1026]

Very good speach My tear is run down right now!

[@datguy6745]

Thank you for this Video, you really nailed my Situation with shortburst motivation. Felt so bad when it faded and everything i produced just sucked. What Why and How down, and it helped remember. Much thanks!

[@Levendo]

Thank you. This was very illuminating

[@zacheryredden5417]

These talk-shop style videos are great!

[@NevetsTSmith]

This may have been the most opportune moment for me to have come across this video.

[@TimWu-fj1rz]

Great video! Some really good tips that few people mention, especially the one about reducing the resistance to start. I was wondering if you know Bobby at the middle of the video, until you quote him.

[@user-mn9se4hb7d]

It’s funny this is how i take care of my research job but I couldn’t relate it to art career development. Thanks for you video, it really helps.

[@P4MI]

This is with your left hand right? Your line quality is really improving with your left hand and it really speaks league about the effectiveness of keeping up with something regardless of short term results.

[@bohdandete8705]

thanks, Astri💜

[@agostemm]

I needed this

[@RobbieAllenArtist]

Excellent. In depth, inspiring and wonderfully illustrated.

[@Astri_Lohne]

thanks robbie!

[@k.s.artstudio6579]

Thank you for this motivational advice and tips, I am happy that even a professional artist like you can feel the same way, and by knowing this makes me feel inspired, and that gives me chance to realize that it is normal to feel this way, but to not forget the inner passion inside of me, and to not let myself give in by this negative feelings. I just started my KZbin Channel a couple of months ago, and I am enjoying it, but somehow after a long day, many hours of working for my next post here in KZbin it makes me feel tired to do something the next day, not only because of that, but as well working on a different field which I work 12 hours a day for 36 hours per week, I know it is just 36 hours and it is tiring as hell, and I get to only work with my art 2 times a week, sometimes I am trying to push myself to make 2 art in a week, but my body just cannot take it. Do you think that creating an art a week because of a busy schedule which I work on for 2 days is enough or I should try to push myself more? By the way your art is very awesome and beautiful! I am also a fan of medieval and mystical characters.

[@miridicalart]

Cleaned my space while listening. Thank chu

[@1dailycreativity]

Very creative motivational vid ! *RESPECT*

[@cmondya4919]

Thanks !

[@mizubiart6230]

tip. start this early. at 1O, i kinda decided id simply draw everyday, with the goal that i can draw a wolf realistically, which because i had a very malleable child brain i managed to do that within a year. 17, i find it weird not to draw. this maybe only happens in case of an emergency.

[@Lady_of_Winds]

I am currently supposed to be learning for my highschool graduation exams so aaahhh thank you! Right in time 😅👌

[@typingcat]

I think there are two types of motivation, but not short/long. The two are (1)getting pleasure and (2)avoiding pain. For example, type (1) motivation can be that someone will pay a lot of money if you do something, and type (2) motivation can be that someone will kill you if you don't do something.

[@Dux_Sux]

thank you for the video!

[@SuperDadsBaby]

This.video.is.great! Thank you

[@AuburnnSkies]

Man, I know what I want, and I think I know why, but the how is just so lost on me. I can hardly focus on even the things I used to genuinely love doing, much less learning the skills that I desperately want to learn, so sitting down and just properly improving is impossible for me. I was drawing every day for a month a little while ago, and that was great, but I'm just not internalizing or learning things properly, even through structured guides and content. My brain has just felt fuzzy for the last three or four years, and it's really stressing me out on this stuff, haha.

[@mayuritathe8158]

You should write a book on this

[@kairon156]

hum... My why in terms of drawing is that I tend to be super lazy and I don't have anything to show for it. So I figure learning to draw will give me something to show for my time spent. A long term goal is I would like to make my own short comic, Just to be able to go through the process of creating a story in my world and sharing it through art. I don't care if this comic/manga makes money but that would be a nice bonus.

[@jassykat]

*Thanks* 😄

[@suburito5370]

whatching thi video made me motivated

[@ohogati]

after watching this video i'm feeling weirdly motivated now??

[@somefox6557]

I mostly watch your videos for motivation to draw something

[@YandereKnows]

thhanks

[@simply_earth._.5317]

I’m drawing in procreate while listening to you

[@monkthemaster5238]

Nice and inspirational. .thanks.. But please mention in which app or software you did this video.?

[@andrii21]

7:49 as a guy who has a long hair, I can relate to this xD

[@JUNIsLuke]

My minds so clear it’s actually just a void.... and how annoying is that, you need motivation to get motivation XD

[@Yue4me]

which kind of artist are you ? selling prints at convention or just sitting in your office to draw and paint?

[@TerkanTyr]

I've come to learn that I probably don't have the underlying motivation to even live this life. Much less fight it.

[@nicolesuarez5469]

My brain read the title as "make motivation your bitch", no regrets honestly

[@robertlopez2346]

So I have a serious question! (Anyone can answer or throw in their 2 cents) I always wanted to be a story board artist, but I don't even really know what that entails... 13:00 minutes in this video you said to decide carefully. How do we even know what we are deciding on when it comes to careers or artistic paths? How can I find out? any tips are greatly appreciated!

[@tonaxysam]

I believe that you can't ever be fully confident about a decision, just mostly certain with some doubts. That said, I would highly encourage you to look around! Search for popular storyboard artists or proyects, practice with the concepts that you find (don't beat yourself much, mistakes are the key to learning), look at storyboards for things that you actually enjoy and most important of it all: Enjoy the process!

[@MMOStein]

Yep. You need to be driven/obsessed, not motivated or inspired. If you only want to draw for surface level reasons, then you will put in a surface level of work and be a surface level artist. Most people can't learn to draw because honestly, they don't actually want it. They are shocked by how much work, failure, and millage it requires to get good (and stay good) at this craft, and their drive is too weak to push through the everyday hardship.

[@hgzmatt]

I do actually want it and I keep coming back to it and try to commit myself fully but I'm still disappointed by how irregularly I manage to get actual work done. I wish I could do hours every day to finally get somewhere but I'm stuck at a couple times a week. Am I expecting too much? It's really hard to get that much time in when you are working full time.

[@TiffanyRay]

most people dont draw because they think they cant draw when you keep telling yourself these things you'll start to believe it

[@oceanwall5422]

“You can’t just watch motivational videos on KZbin” ... Wait a second

[@SiggEye]

Watching this at 5 am

[@veganjotaro]

I was looking for a motivational video yesterday, what is it that all KZbin channels I like make videos that seem to be perfect for me just in time?, it's getting weird man!

[@IHaTi]

clear dekstop pc from steam game shortcut xD

[@hgzmatt]

done that.. deleted social media.. cancelled netflix.. got a workspace setup that allows me to jump in quickly.. still struggling

[@Dante-ot8xg]

What happened to her right hand?

[@faidou9954]

But what if you want to do cartoon art but everyone just like anime nowadays?

[@jems3732]

then do cartoon art, it's much better doing what you like.

[@faidou9954]

@@jems3732 I'm not trying to bad mouth anime or anime art (in fact, some of my favorite shows are in the anime depertment), to me, there's more freedom with what you can do with cartoony art. When you look at artists like Gary Basemen and Frank Forte, the line between what's considered art and what's considered cartoony are definitely blurred to the point where you can't even see it. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what style you make your art in, hard work and dedication are 2 of the very things that will carry you very far in the art world, just like with any other profession.

[@jems3732]

Fido Kitsune Fox just reread what I said, i didn't mean to sound sassy haha. i agree with you to some extent. art can be widely explored and that's partly why i do it. anyways im really sorry.

[@faidou9954]

@@jems3732 That's alright, I just wanted to get something off my chest.

[@faidou9954]

@c I'd rather create what I love and find a way to make a living doing just that. So I guess I'm in favor of doing cartoon art.

[@crowofcainhurst]

I wish this will work for me but honestly no. Whenever I forced myself to draw when I'm totally unmotivated, it'll be disaster and will caused me prolonged unnecessary anxiety and irritability.

[@tahunuva4254]

Same, this video is bull. Long term motivations are the pointless dreams of nearsighted idiots.

[@ericbruunk9120]

[@madisonc.4082]

Me: *watching the vid* •-• "I want to draw, but I'm just not motivated" Me: •-• "I should be writing, but I'm not feeling inspired." Me: 0-0 Brother: *watching this over my shoulder* o-o Brother: *Looks at me* O-O "This was made specifically for you." Me: O~O" "I know." OK, I'm gonna finish watching the vid now. 😂😂

[@simply_earth._.5317]

Yeah I have imposter syndrome

[@insertname4984]

I don’t know why I draw, I just always have

[@milovanovicdrago]

Do you look like the that cartoon girl?

[@jovanadamcevska]

Oh wow, I'm so early

[@LeoTheGh0st]

No

[@void3793]

I didnt come here to rethink my life

[@georgex231]

Astri sorry telling this.. but i think the reason to make these videos these months is because you are aout of inspiration this moment.. maybe you are in an artblock...?? if this is the reason is ok...tell us we will understand

[@tyaap1681]

no from what I have heard her wrist injuries have gotten really bad again so she can't work right now and shes doing these videos instead

[@aperson9847]

@@tyaap1681 yeah she said she's teaching herself how to draw with her left hand because of her injuries. it's cool to watch because these drawings have already gotten so much better.