Being Lazy Can Be A Superpower

[@M.2018-b3f]

"Lazy" is the new "Not-lazy". (Also people sometimes forget that we're Artists, not robots) 👍 ✨

[@Rafiwashere]

True!

[@zero5496]

It’s true, working smart is way more important than working hard

[@madeconomist]

They say necessity is the mother of invention. I say laziness is the father.

[@1tlb0k]

This could be a t-shirt quite too

[@nancie66612]

Is that a T-shirt yet? "Being Lazy is my Superpower" I love that😍

[@KoongYe]

Can't agree more. The particular art style I use for my drawings normally required me to take certain steps as a norm. I really didn't like the first few stages for how tedious they were, and was ever so lazy on doing it. Upon finishing those stages I grew tired of the drawing as a whole and the result suffered from it. So I came up with my own way of doing things by bypassing those "necessary" steps or shortening it. My way of doing things does have some flaws but it helps me keep my interest in the process and ultimately helped me create my own style.

[@MOONSUN4Life]

"I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it." This needs to be a t-shirt. It's pure brilliance. I've just found this channel, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites.

[@Rafiwashere]

Thank you ☺️

[@kevinnoel9024]

Rafi and Klee, in my country, the Twin Isle Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, Caribbean, we say in our twang,(broken English language),we'd say BIG UP ALLYUH SELF. Translated, it simply means, "GO FORTH" and don't take on detractors. Continue to produce creative content because I am a fan of you both plus look how far across the globe, your experience has reached me. If the is not a blessed testimony, I don't know what is.

[@Rafiwashere]

Thank you so much Kevin :)

[@kimslone5185]

Lazy is in our evolution. A hunter has to value simple processes that expend less energy...conserving energy...to get the reward, to get the food.

[@ArtByHazel]

Thank you. It’s okay to do nothing. It’s the lost art that we must return to practice. Burn out sucks! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@brendadrew834]

Interesting and some great tips! Every artist has a different story and comes from a uniquely different direction! I'm almost 74 and am a former retired NYC fashion illustrator/floral designer and had my own art business several years ago until my late husband passed away! He had been my traveling sales man and was very good at getting my work into many local stores , prints, greeting cards and postcards of my colorful illustrations! Since then I've gone back to doing art as a fine art painter using acrylics like I always have for over 50 years, landscapes, seascapes since I live near the sea and figurative paintings! I took two years of life drawing at fashion/art school in NYC, drawing nudes along with fashion sketching, color theory , the history of costume/fashion etc. Now, I have MS and am blind in one eye and also lost my two beloved cats and my beloved middle daughter at age 41 from this deadly Covid19! One of the major symptoms of MS is fatigue and depression as well as many other symptoms! Whenever I've blocked in the past I used to panic! Now I just go with the flo because now I understand that it's just me needing to recharge my creative batteries! I'm also a pianist and composer and have composed music for piano in a classical/folk type music as well as other influences and wrote a full length American folk opera which was performed locally around 30 years ago. Haven't gotten that back out in a long time, not easy! American composer Stephen Sondheim wrote, "Creating art is easy, financing it is hard"! That takes a lot of time and energy as well. Now my landlord just raised my rent $500 a month and I'm wondering how I can rake in that same amount while one SS, I have enough for the cake but need the extra moola for the frosting on the cake, my analogy! Hoping your videos and suggestions will help and am going to buy your books and read them and try again! The Phoenix rising from the ashes so to speak! Thanks for your great videos and love your artistic spirit, too! ❤🎨🖼🎼🎹🎵👗💗💗

[@samellows1865]

Minimum effort, maximum effect. (Or spinning in the middle of the wheel rather than at the outer edge.)

[@karenlucci2154]

Rafi, your videos for me, are much needed therapy sessions. You and Klee's advice, talent, laughter and fun times (and hard times), help me to get my head together and remind me that I was born an artist. And I think lazy is the new way to de-stress and rebuild your emotional and physical strengths.

[@susantreibs6593]

Yep. I was lazy a few days ago, went driving, exploring, took lunch, found a place to have lunch, by a waterfall, ie Cave Falls, south west end of Yellowstone Park. Did a watercolor sketch of the falls, and some flowers. Explored a road to a lake on the way to the falls. Find places to do this where you are.

[@Rafiwashere]

Good stuff!

[@Saffirance]

That's not lazy. That sounds like living. I bet you felt refreshed and fulfilled when you got home from "work". That sounds amazing. That sounds like a good life.

[@susantreibs6593]

@@Saffirance It was more a distress day from living in town. Kinda stressful because painting waterfalls in water colors is hard for me. I did it because I needed the practice.

[@amberborum9926]

I'm still trying to figure myself out on how I get a good work flow, but so far I've found that any time I try to force something "perfect" and stress out about whatever I'm working on, I can't get very far without then having some sort of artist block and depression/burnout about it soon after. But when I take some time to just chill by listening to music or an artist related podcast while working on stuff without a sense of urgency or perfection behind it I tend to make more/better stuff and have better ideas. It also helps when I have something nearby to drink and snack on once in a while so that hunger/thirst doesn't disrupt what's going on, and that several small breaks in-between (usually 5-20 minutes long) are sometimes just absolutely necessary for me. It's also important to take into account your sleeping schedule, because I can't do a typical 8am or 9am to 5pm day without feeling both physically and mentally exhausted to the point of not being able to come up with much or any creative ideas and work on stuff for the first few hours of the day (so then half the day is wasted). So instead I wake up around 10-11, eat lunch, then work a few hours, have dinner, then work a couple to few more hours and relax afterwards before going to bed around 1-2am and so far it's working out much better for me. And even though I like some stability and simple scheduling, I also sometimes cannot handle doing the same exact thing day after day so I usually have to put some variety in my day and be able to relax and be lazy when I want to.

[@Saffirance]

I don't think artists are schedule people. I'm a go with the flow and seize opportunities as the arise kind of artist. That takes away a lot of stress. I get stressed and sometimes don't sleep when I know I have things scheduled for the next day.

[@ArteSana3]

In my case, I understood that when I don't really feel like doing something, it's not laziness; or it is a project that needs more time or simply, like the seasons of nature, my body has stages that I need to respect so as not to burn my emotions. Time is an invention that limits us! My creativity works seasonally 😁 Thanks for sharing, I identify a lot with you two.❤️

[@M.2018-b3f]

Well said! I totally agree with you. Thank you. ✨

[@JennfamousartBlogspot]

Lazy is the new production hustle! I had a brilliant lazy marketing idea about a year ago, and by the end of this year I hope to have a epic fantasy novel for marketing my landscape paintings and try to get a few portrait commissions. Lazy and earning income!

[@Rafiwashere]

You got this!

[@sketchypunkin8936]

Late reply to the video, but... For those dried up bits of acrylic paint: use a blade (like a curved blade used to make lino or rubber stamps) to peel up the paint in small strips, and use it as added texture to other projects. Paint bits like these also look awesome in clear resin (which Klee might make jewelry out of). Yes, I make art out of almost anything I can get my hands on. I'm currently on a kick making my own sketchbooks out of garbage (think junk journal, but with blank pages to draw on in the inside.)

[@babyblue61549]

I fight the Guilt every time I’m Not “doing something”. I tell my self how lazy I am. It’s ingrained and I try not to b so mean to myself. Ugh. I just want to let myself b lazy and Not beat myself up. So thank u for this vid. Love u guys.

[@Rafiwashere]

We love you Deb!

[@Lacroix999]

This is because we have it ingrained into us at a young age that if we’re not doing something productive-more than likely according to someone else’s wants/needs, then we are ‘lazy’. I honestly don’t think there IS anything such as being ‘lazy’, only unmotivated OR you’re doing/not doing what appears to be doing something that is unproductive or unimportant according to what someone else believes to be so. Remember that just because someone declares it to be true-doesn’t mean it is! And just because you’re doing something that is not according to someone else’s standards or on their priority list of things to do, does NOT make you a lazy person or being lazy! This is why the guilt sets in. It’s that nagging voice in your head that tells you if you’re not doing something worthy, then it’s stupid and not worth doing it and you should be doing something else instead. Just tell that voice to STFU because they’re not serving you any and they’re definitely not helping you be more productive!

[@christinelouiseonpaper]

LOOOOVE this quote! Please contact me for any difficult jobs! I will boil that project down to a ‘pithy’ little fifteen minutes! That is my superpower!

[@SnakingRiverWitchofSeaCliff]

Lazy is the new Laissez-faire in art. The “do nothing approach” that allows the clever thoughts to come in to this thing easily and even joyfully.

[@ErikaLancasterArt]

Great video! I can't remember what podcast or interview video I was listening to while working a while back, but something that was said stuck with me and helps me feel less overwhelmed when I have too much to do. She/he said: "Ask yourself: What would this look like if it were easy?" (As in, the process of getting whatever thing done) Lots of us tend to overcomplicate everything and put so much pressure on ourselves. I like reminding myself that things don't have to be that complicated and that simple is often best, not only for me, but for people I'm creating, too. And enjoying yourself along the way is key!

[@Rafiwashere]

We freakin adore you Erika! Brilliant!

[@InTheStudioWithMyrna]

One of the best pieces of advice I received from another artist about an impending deadline was to slow down in order to move faster.

[@Rafiwashere]

YES!!

[@blazewarriorwolf]

The title of this video reminds me of Shikamaru from Naruto. He used to be lazy he wanted to get whatever he had to do over with and thus got really amazing at strategizing

[@richardgroberto]

Laziness is one of Larry Wall’s three virtues 👍

[@1tlb0k]

Larry wall?

[@lisaowen6103]

There is no such thing as wasting art supplies. If it drys on the pallet. At least it was on the pallet. Not dryed out in it's tube. 🎨 Use them or loose them. As far as lazyness. Some times you need to think about how to (plan or) approach a task. In your own timeline. That can save you from horrible mistakes .

[@laprimanerda7333]

But also, you can repurpose it even after it’s dry! So, you were just creating different art supplies. Peel off those paint chunks to add texture to your next piece. Heck, even just film the peeling because the internet love satisfying videos.

[@mindyindy4628]

delegating anything definitely helps! i also "beat myself up" if i'm not productive at all times. gotta remind myself that i'm just one person.

[@calmthefrontdoor]

This is such good advice! I've been called 'lazy' and told i was 'wasting potential' growing up, but it turned out to be an undiagnosed learning disorder, surprise! Im going to try and stop thinking in a productivity mindset and adopt the "Be lazy about it and get stuff done!" And also "Half-assed is better than no-assed!" Subscribed!

[@Rafiwashere]

Half-assed is better than no-assed!!! YES I LOVE IT!

[@mikedelauter904]

"Laz on" Have a great day

[@zero5496]

This actually aligns with the ancient teaching of Taoism of the art of not trying

[@1tlb0k]

Love this! Just today i spike of "Lazy" people noting Lazy to be the opposite of a critical reference. I didn't learn this until 55yo. But now I have it down! You two are Awesomeness!

[@Rafiwashere]

Exactly!

[@BillllfulNostalgicInclination]

Rafi and Klee you guys just speak to me! John Lennon sang in “I'm Only Sleeping”: “People seem to think I’m lazy, I don’t mind, I think they’re crazy.”

[@Rafiwashere]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@shoshaka]

Simplification is a tool or rather mindset that can propel a creative person beyond any measure. Once overthinking takes over, what could be simplified essentially turns into a myriad of complexities and the aftermath - overheated mind and even worse - burnout... Anyway, excellent video guys!

[@SamuelKirkman]

I take naps 😴😴😴🥱

[@katrina5683]

This is me, I can’t stand unnecessary steps so if can cut steps out and get it done better and faster I’m going to do that.

[@Rafiwashere]

Agreed!

[@normapadro420]

I stop doing everything when my mind can't take it. I usually spend only less than an hour creating art. I do time management. I do other things as well. I write down the time that I begin anything. I set my time for an hour on any watch then when it rings it's time to stop. I may do more the following day, or not.

[@TheSirenandThePirate]

Awesome as always.

[@Rafiwashere]

You rock!

[@TheOrsencart]

Love this, and I totally get what you're saying. Also, you said "arse" instead of "ass", so I'm making you an honorary Brit 🤣Love you both❤xxx

[@Rafiwashere]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nannuartworks5812]

I try to keep my work que down to zero on my side gig (full time job) My Boss said you know you don't have clear things the second they come in. I said I got me stuff to do, your crap gets in the way if I let it pile up. ah working from home.

[@Shimamon27]

I think it's not "Lazy", it's being productive. And it's a common trait amount creators, because being efficient means you get to do more work and earn more money, let alone, having your time worth more, being a professional is about finding easy ways to make something great, hard work is a waste of time. Pure laziness is someone who won't even try, that won't bother with the work, and will end up with a poor quarter of work done. The only advantage of a true lazy person, is that "last minute rush", where they are forced to get creative and be hyper productive, else they'll get bombed. It's not a very healthy approach though. A productive person searches for the best way to do something that'll save him more time to do other works, it's the opposite of lazy. laziness is just not bothering. Still, the greatest lesson here - don't work hard, work smart. Hard work tends to breed poor rewards and making a person overly attached to what they done, making the whole process highly demoralizing. Hard work culture, is toxic. Still, the message is clear - Don't overwork yourself on something, don't be with the head against the wall don't do something to perfection - Do it in the manner that produces a result that gets something done quickly and gets the message across with minimal effort.

[@ivanouedraogo]

Thank you Rafi! You just helped me realize that I do get triggered by words like "lazy" and "procrastinator" and that I just need to think of them in a whole different light. As always LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! They're actually better than therapy lol! You're AWESOME!

[@saintjamesmodernart]

👍👍 James 😁

[@Chazzvc]

There's 2 definitions of lazy in this context. There's finishing something off in a cut corners kind of way which is lazy and there's simply not doing anything for weeks because you are lazy. Deadlines are the #1 way of being lazy yet not lazy at the same time.

[@Rafiwashere]

Removing the stress is key

[@cvece777]

Yasayah! ☀️☀️☀️

[@NickLMears]

Stan Winston talked about cutting corners. That's the first time I heard a professional talk about that in a good way. (Stan Winston who created FX for Terminator, Aliens, Jurassic Park....)

[@Rafiwashere]

Yes!!!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Fabulous 🥳

[@danecory1236]

Brilliant perspective. Lazy gets a bad wrap (rap?). Fu@$ the hustle!!!! Also, thank you for being so vulnerable and not pretending you’re perfect. It helps us realize we can do it too! Sometimes I feel guilty for finding the easiest way to do something. Thanks you two!

[@Rafiwashere]

Exactly!!

[@Rafiwashere]

Honestly, that is the goal, anyone that says the opposite is full of sh...

[@danecory1236]

@@Rafiwashere Agreed. Currently reading your books and it all really is coming at a perfect time in my life. Thank you so much. I feel like everything you’re saying are things I’ve always silently thought to myself but was made to feel wrong about by the world. Thank you for being a supportive presence in all of our lives.

[@HakuhoVento]

a lovely pivot to the subject, guys! =D Thanks for sharing!

[@creationsbyvalerie]

Hi Rafi and Klee 👋 I haven't watched you'll in quite some time until recently (dealing with life 🙄) but now I'm back 😄. I totally agree with the new definition of being Lazy...it makes perfect sense, don't over think things, let it overwhelm you, stress you out... complete the tasks with less effort as possible as you said.... I've done that in the past as for as creating my artwork and I had no ideal it had a name to it. 'Just Do It' is my new model , Thanks 😊🥰🎨 P.S And thanks again for answering my question on your Live Q&A a while back: 'Why Do You Art' 😚👍✌

[@Rafiwashere]

Hi Valerie!

[@theencouragingartistaiyann7002]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@fuzzydragons]

being lazy does actually mean i get more art done, and if a person doesnt like the mess they see in the house, the can clean it lol

[@Rafiwashere]

Lol!

[@kimberlymarie9512]

💜

[@debralee8439]

At the beginning of your video, were you talking to Evelyn Wheeler at the Transit Gallery?

[@Rafiwashere]

I was

[@staciecampbell5078]

Lazy can go both ways. I consider myself pretty lazy because I am always looking for the easiest way to do something. Still, I’ve managed to accomplish quite a lot and all my friends think I’m very industrious and always working on something. At the same time, I know another lazy person who is always enthusiastically talking about doing this or that be NEVER takes even the smallest step toward doing it. Now THAT is lazy,,,, or perhaps fear. Either way, it is sad to watch.

[@Rafiwashere]

I know people like that too

[@dawnmrodgers]

I created a new method for my art, because I was too lazy and didn’t like the usual methods. :)

[@Rafiwashere]

That's great!

[@stampinturtles]

I can get more done in two hours with a deadline than I can in a week.

[@Rafiwashere]

Lol, me too

[@judymiller975]

I say that !

[@Rafiwashere]

Great minds!

[@ImaginaryTerrie3]

If lazy is a superpower then I am Goku.

[@Rafiwashere]

That’s awesome! I want Goku powers!

[@conniemcconnell8347]

Lazy....as in what is the most important thing that needs attention. The K.I.S.S. principle. Keep it simple silly!

[@naodmulu1080]

I get the point.. but this generally doesn't work when you're in a learning phase, isn't discipline what leads to habits and then to success ? 🤔

[@Rafiwashere]

In my experience, having fun is what leads to persistence and persistence is what leads to success.

[@sharongillesp]

The HUSTLE mentality is overrated and has created more conflict than opportunities. We need more introverts because the extroverts are nothing but burnout with ADHD.

[@robot7759]

True, I'm an extremely lazy person, which has let me to become extremely practical. A half hours worth of thinking about the easiest way to do something may very well save you half a days of work. I don't agree with your definition of procrastination. To me, and many others, procrastination is starting early and proceed until the last second. True fact, this is what led to "I have a dream." Google it for yourself. Doing nothing in between being productive is an art in itself. Recharge.