Navigating ADHD as a Freelance Illustrator

[@JosephMelanconArt]

This is perhaps the most relatable video on the internet.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha 😆

[@pedrorecio4783]

0:44 😂 suicidal tendencies Easter egg. Love it.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha glad you appreciated that!

[@hokusai41]

I'm only three minutes in, and nodding my head furiously in agreement. I've found the physical timer/pomodoro method can work well for me. Usually 25 minutes on, 5 minute break works well. I've also found that wearing a FitBit has also helped, as the hourly reminders to get my steps in help snap me out of my time fog. And, whatever amount of time you think the job will take, double it just to be safe, lol.

[@chris-piascik]

I keep hearing about the 25min method but I worry I wouldn’t be able to get in the zone in that amount of time. Maybe I’m wrong. I’ll have to give it a shot! Glad you’re finding this relatable. Well I’m not sure if “glad” is right. But, I dunno, solidarity??

[@hokusai41]

@@chris-piascik I was told that shorter chunks of time are easier to train your brain with, but if you do get rolling, then skip the five minutes and set up another 25 minute block for working. Usually aim for a max of 50 minutes before a break. Good luck in 2023 for both of us.

[@KevCraven]

Hey! I was going to come in and suggest Pomodoro too! The idea is that if you do get into the “flow” you can skip the 5 min breaks and it will go off at the next interval. It’s like a break snooze button (not a snooze break!). However in my experience the 5 min breather away from the screen is a perfect boost and I usually force myself to take it. The more of your videos I watch, the more I realise that I have a LOT of ADHD traits!

[@chris-piascik]

Ah that makes a lot of sense. I’ll definitely have to try that out.

[@loujohns2060]

This is SO ME! I get so overwhelmed I just end up staring a spot on the floor for…..hours sometimes. All I want to do is draw and half the time I can’t do that. It’s so upsetting. I finally got diagnosed with ADHD at age 50! I’ve been all consumed by the *grief* I’ve felt since my diagnosis of what could have been if I’d know earlier. Thanks for your video Chris. I fully intend to get myself a little timer! 🙏

[@chris-piascik]

I definitely wish I knew before my 30’s, but at least we know now! Glad you liked the video :)

[@cameronisfail]

My biggest tip for time management is to wear a plain analog wristwatch. Instead of thinking about time as numbers, I found it helpful to think of it as space on the dial of a regular clock. The convenience of having it accessible all the time makes it really easy to “accidentally” see how much time has passed and how much left to go before something else needs to get done.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh cool, thanks that a good tip!

[@jophillipsillustration]

When I think of time I think of a yearly wall chart… then I think ‘gosh, I’m 48 now, I may only have 30-40 of these left! Then I visualise 30-40 charts in my lawn… that’s my life! 😅 so much I want to do, so little time! 🕰️

[@jophillipsillustration]

I’m Autistic too and I have a lot of sensitivities. I can’t wear a watch makes me feel chained or heavy… and all the time I am thinking ‘I am wearing something on my wrist! Eww eww’ Same with any jewellery on my fingers! I don’t even wear my wedding ring! 💍 😅 That came right off with my late diagnosis! 😊👏🏻

[@nickjames2521]

Hey Chris, I am diagnosed with adhd and work on music production and sketch for fun; this video was hugely helpful for me, as I’ve been struggling for so long on how to schedule my work week. Thanks so much for this! ❤

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful!

[@figueroapinky]

I struggle with my Adhd too, and my hobonichi planner and a timer are the only things that have helped me! ⭐️

[@chris-piascik]

I don’t know what that planner is, but I’ll have to look into it!

[@makingmonsterart]

Man, I identify so much in this! I've struggled with ADHD my whole life, I just never knew what it was. I began to suspect that the reason I felt like I "wasn't normal" my whole life was because I WASN'T normal only 2 years ago, and that's when I started to look into what the cause might be. Eventually I read about ADHD and it ALL fell into place. As a professional creative, almost entirely freelance my whole career, regaining some control via medication has been HUGE!

[@chris-piascik]

It’s crazy when you find out new things about yourself as an adult. I can also relate to medication being completely life changing for me as well.

[@JoshuaHolt-v1x]

Thank you for making these videos. I have ADHD as well and I’m currently in route to become an illustrator. Originally, I felt like this wasn’t it for me. How could I be an illustrator with my ADHA ass. Then I found your videos and they’ve given me so much hope. I appreciate you and what you do. Thank you!

[@annaharris2870]

Yep, totally agree. ADHD is rough. Especially when you are at work and trying to get stuff done. Love your work and your channel.

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you!

[@ChristineLund]

Shout out to this entire comments section! Thanks for sharing. Chris, this video is so relatable and I have similar strategies for 2023 (and I have that same timer!) I'm also in the camp of "adult diagnosis" and it's been a game changer in self-awareness. Realizing I'm not alone in these struggles has helped immensely with my ability to be patient with myself and to be open to learning new strategies by seeing what works for others. I will echo the comment recommending an accountability buddy, but with some caveats based on my experience: 1) make sure you pick someone with a similar temperament to yourself and who isn't toooo pushy... lest your ADHD brain may resent that person and try to escape the meetings, lol (I'm starting over with a new buddy this year, wish me luck!) 2) Be very selective about what deserves a spot on your goal/task lists because if the check-ins with your buddy become too frequent or too long, the value of keeping you on track vs. distracting you from other important things might get lost.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I need to recalibrate with these goals already. I’ve fallen off track. I think I need to find an accountability buddy.

[@PttPndlm]

Omg working on project until it's done I always want to do that, then I get overwhelmed when I realize it may take a few days or years. It's why I haven't picked up projects that take a long time.

[@chris-piascik]

Yeahhh, it makes big projects so difficult sometimes, unless you’re able to really break them up into smaller pieces.

[@_helmi]

These are all great, man. I mean I've had a similar conversation with myself. However, as someone with ADHD, I knew deep down that I was lying to myself in broad daylight about putting up with whatever wonderful plans, aspirations and goals I said I am going to do. That aside, I support you for wanting to achieve whatever that you wanted to achieve 💪🏻

[@chris-piascik]

Haha yeah, I’m definitely still struggling with this stuff! I need to reset and reassess…

[@jenEberg]

I'm working on hacking my time-blindness too! The key for me is keeping time as visible as possible. Paper planner, digital calendar, etc. I'm putting a time timer in my amazon cart right now.

[@chris-piascik]

Let me know if you have any breakthroughs! Hope you enjoy the time timer. I really like mine.

[@dplj4428]

I don’t know if I am ADHD or just disorganized or procrastinating by ghosting my daily obligations. I like the visual timer idea. Planners wind up being sketchbooks! I love your humor, Chris Piascik!

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! 😊

[@fluffypiranha77]

Thanks. Late diagnosed at 45. Hoping to get into illustration. Thanks for sharing.

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@jdfleblanc]

LOL. Dude you crack me up. My brain works the same. I think I have adhd now. I completely relate.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha thanks! Glad you found this relatable? 😂

[@bleupencil]

Something else that helps is having an accountability buddy. Kind of like a co-worker where you can talk about what you're doing and check in on each other. I've only heard about them but I feel like it would be a great idea, especially as a freelancer. Totally feel your frustrations, it feels like such an uphill battle a lot of the time.

[@chris-piascik]

I like the idea of an accountability buddy. Definitely could see how that could be helpful.

[@KBird204]

Thank you for giving us hope. All the best to you 👌

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you found it hopeful!

[@tannugupta3293]

Can relate so much! Recently diagnosed with adhd and trying to navigate things. I am also starting a web developer business and i am going to start a you tube channel which i am trying to not panic about every time i sit in front of camera. Gotta win my fears

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! You can do it! It’s definitely awkward in front of the camera at first, but gets easier the more you do it.

[@NickGioiaJoya]

Hey you are already doing better than me. I have ADHD too. i have a job and I don't know if I could even do freelance. So you are already doing great!

[@chris-piascik]

Hah thanks! I find freelance to be so much easier. The set schedule everyday makes me crazy.

[@NickGioiaJoya]

@@chris-piascik I do work better whenever the moments hit me and my job is flexible. So it works. I tried freelancing and clients just gave me to much anxiety. Anyway, I love your work and I love you share with us.

[@j.m.hunter6022]

An adobe fresco class esp with vectors on Skillshare would be helpful

[@chris-piascik]

I actually just posted a new class with fresco. I don’t do any vector stuff in it, but I’m thinking about doing a video here for that.

[@Steve_with_coffee]

One again, the best video about the adhd experience. Thank you so much.

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you 🙏

[@PttPndlm]

LMAO 🤣 you're definitely starting to hit your stride for KZbin! Educational and entertaining

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I really appreciate that! I was questioning things a lot when I was making this, so that feedback is very helpful.

[@PttPndlm]

@@chris-piascik oh yeah don't quit, I loved all the transitions and the effects and self referencing commentary. Pure gold!

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you so much!

[@chloejay8791]

Thank you for ALL the knowledge you share. I’ve learned so much & am super inspired by your channel 🎨

[@chris-piascik]

I'm so glad!

[@industryindustry]

great video chris! there's some red light flashing on that bottom shelf in the back, it kept distracting me out of the corner of my eye (also an adhd art person here 😆)

[@chris-piascik]

Oh no, I didn’t notice that somehow! Probably too distracted by my stupid face and me glancing over at my computer screen, lol. I’ll be sure to fix that before the next video!

[@judgeworks3687]

this was really helpful to hear. Good luck with your new year plans. The physical timer thing --I think I need to try that. Many years ago I was working an intense deadlined storyboard job. I knew i had to get so many drawings done an hour but when I used a timer it stressed me and I made bad drawings, making my workload bigger. At the time I was living in NYC and the Staten Island ferry was free and they didn't force everyone off the boat at each docking. It was the perfect length of time. SO I'd spend everyday for weeks on the boat, drawing. I lost track of which dock we were at (staten island or NYC), all I knew is everytime the boat docked I needed to have so many drawings done. I'd stand up when we docked, pretend I was leaving the ferry, and then sit back down. It was a ridiculous way to time manage my work but worked incredibly well for me. 😂

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you liked it! I love that ferry story-thanks for sharing!!

[@michalevy100]

This video, for me is like looking in the mirror. I can relate to everything you say. I will take some of your ideas and work with them. Thank you for talking openly about it. Where did you get that time-timer?

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for watching, and commenting! Hope my ideas help! I got the timer on Amazon, you can find it via the link in the description titled “Stuff I use…”

[@stormycatmink]

I definitely had the issue with the time-blindness thing, but I'd feel so bad that I couldn't estimate time or I'd lose track of time, that I started getting super paranoid about always checking the clock and measuring how much time has elapsed for everything. Getting dressed, going to the bathroom, driving somewhere.. even how long it takes to get into a store, how long to shop, then get back out. About a decade later, and I'm now actually pretty aware of time, finally. Better than my likewise ADHD siblings, at least. Even getting good at estimating tasks at work. Now, I find I have to see my schedule hour by hour so I can visualize the time and gaps for everything.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh that’s good to know that you can train yourself out of time blindness. I def need to work on that.

[@chrisfoley.design]

Yo Chris Thanks for your awesome tutorials and your transparency and Vunerability. It's very relatable and humbling! appreciate your work ethic and all that your put into your work and videos- CF

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that!

[@PttPndlm]

Sorry for all the comments ... But one app I really love is milanote I use it where you use Evernote. It's a great mind mapping tool too

[@chris-piascik]

No worries! I love comments! I’ll check that app out, thanks for the suggestion!

[@alexjustine33]

Love this topic ❤

[@chris-piascik]

ty!

[@marialaurare]

yoga/meditation

[@chris-piascik]

I want to make myself do it. It’s just so hard for me for some reason.

[@marialaurare]

@@chris-piascik It's easy. Check out Tara Stiles

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Patrickjwalsh1976]

I have before now sat down at 8 am worked then suddenly feel hungry and it’s suddenly 1pm. Crazy.

[@chris-piascik]

So relatable.

[@jean-pierrejoubert6140]

Just diagnosed earlier in the year, so this is super helpful; Honestly, really enjoying the channel in general. I was curious, seeing as we’re 6 months in, how’s this working for you? Anything not working? Any changes/additions/subtractions from what you’ve described that works better? Worse?

[@chris-piascik]

Glad this was helpful! And glad you've been enjoying the channel! To be honest things have not been going well in regard to following this stuff. The main reason is this channel-it's just a ton of work and learning-so I'm always behind on things and rushing. I'm hoping soon I can get to a point where I am not finishing videos just before they are supposed to go live so I can build in some breathing room!

[@Rita.Striga]

Thanks for the video! Do you also schedule you time to do your daily drawing project? There’s no deadline for that too right? For some reason it’s so hard for me to get myself to sit and draw every day. When I finally make myself to do it, I get into a flow quite quickly. But can’t keep it up on a regular basis.

[@chris-piascik]

I always did my daily drawings at the end of the day, in most situations while sitting on the couch watching TV at night. Although the deadline for the dailies was just self imposed it felt very real to me. Also, the longer you do them the more the deadline feels important. For example, after doing like 23 you might think, I’ve done this 23 days in a row, not doing one today would ruin that streak! As you can imagine this feeling increases the higher you get. This is another little reason daily projects get easier over time. During my 14 year streak it would feel crazy to not do one in the later years. In addition to that motivation it just becomes part of your routine. Maintaining a daily drawing project is much easier than getting through a 30 day or 100 day challenge.

[@Rita.Striga]

@@chris-piascik yeah it seams the end of the day suites me the best too! However, I found that for me it’s better not to have a deadline everyday, because sometimes (often times) my ideas require more time, so it’s better when I spread the drawing process into several sittings. Maybe it’s because I’m still not so sure about the process and experiment a lot before I get something I like.

[@chris-piascik]

@@Rita.Striga that makes sense, for me, I found if I tried to give myself more than one day I'd just procrastinate.

[@Pixeliota]

❤❤🍀🍀

[@jasmine-renee]

First 2 minutes is my life

[@chris-piascik]

🤜🤛

[@patrickvon3215]

I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man. 😂

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you appreciated that! Lol

[@QuintonxThomas]

Classic Jay-z line 🔥

[@tylergibson7652]

up the ADHD PUNX

[@chris-piascik]

LOL glad someone appreciated that. While I was sitting here making that fake sticker I had to fight off my brain telling me I was just wasting time.

[@tylergibson7652]

@@chris-piascik lean into it! WE EXIST! haha

[@davidgordon7457]

All I wanted was a Pepsi and she wouldn’t give it to me!

[@chris-piascik]

😮

[@jophillipsillustration]

A hard relate! 😅 So many same thoughts about my illustration & design biz. I am realising that I love this ideas part, of it ALL, even planning or scheduling, but once that’s done, actually DOING it is a drag and I somehow feel it is too demanding and overwhelming and then it goes out the window eventually. I’m trying to be more compassionate with myself, my brain and try to not over schedule ALL the things, rather focus on 3 top things in the day and then see what else there is to do if I get those done. How did the timer go? I sometimes use mine, it’s not quite like yours, I bought one shaped like a strawberry 🍓 which is visually appealing and feels nice too 🤷🏻‍♀️. I am also trying to leverage out tasks I am just not going to sustain over the long term cos they are yawnful 🥱! I started a mailing list and it was going great, then overwhelming… 😅 so I dropped it. I need to leverage that out too I think 🤔. Anyway, it’s so great to hear you talk about these constant issues. I feel very seen and understood!! I think if the daily drawing and posting worked for you once, it could definitely work again! 👍🏼 Maybe THAT is enough for your ‘self promotion’! I might have to give that a try myself! 😅👏🏻👏🏻🫶🏼

[@Bea-q6v]

I can relate to this so much! If I make plans, first it feels good and helps, but then it feels like an obligation and I seem to hate obligations (not sure though). I took 3 weeks off around christmas to really start on my creative portfolio and it was great at first, but then it started to feel like an obligation too and I started to procrastinate it as my usual work, even though I didnt put too much pressure on myself to achieve something, but deeply inside I still want this art licensing portfolio be done by the end of the 3 weeks and having started my services portfolio as well. Then I realised, that I was may more satisfied with my creative work and the day, if I just dropped all plans and went with the flow. This way, instead of trying to achieve as much as possible, I went into more depth with the things I did. But don't know if that could work longterm with no plans at all? Also I didnt even start to post on social media, because I'm afraid I wont follow through or it would become a nasty obligation. Also it takes so much time, I don't know if would be able to do it, once it is really more important to build my portfolio right now. I try to record as much as possible, but then again it feels like the recording interferes with my creative flow. I really also would like to start a youtube channel, but know it would totally overwhelm me while simple creating a portfolio already overwhelms me and knowing I have to do less creative client work in January I'm already afraid I would forget about that portfolio for months! When I read this comment of mine, I can only laugh that I sometimes doubt my ADHD is true :D but it is so subtly and hard to see when you are not so hyperactive with the body. So... further on the search for ressources how planning could work for creatives - maybe this go with the flow thing needs its regular timeframe as well. I also think the daily drawing is a really good thing once you found a form of art that could be done quickly each day, as it produces daily results and is done in one sitting always. I used to be an artist and used to paint one painting in one day. I get so frustrated when I need to plan over a longer timeframe or even have to switch to another app or from the ipad to the computer, which I have to do constantly...