Stay Productive as an Artist! Tips for Self-Taught Artists & Beginners

Learn how to stay motivated and focused on your studio practice despite life's constant interruptions and distractions, strategies for how to create a productive work flow, how to stay organized and what mental approaches can keep your drive and enthusiasm for your work constant. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu.
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Clara Lieu was an Adjunct Professor at the Rhode Island School of Design from 2007-2020. Her artwork has been exhibited at the International Print Center NY, the Currier Museum, Childs Gallery, the Davis Museum, and more. Lieu received an artist fellowship from the MA Cultural Council, has written for the NY Times, and lectured at Brown University, the NAEA conference, and in Vancouver & China. She has been profiled in Artsy, Hyperallergic, KPCC, & WBUR.
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[@artprof]

We have many more professional development resources for artists on our main site! artprof.org/professional-development/

[@jassedbaldemor638]

This is the single-most useful video I've ever seen in a long time. I'm 27, from the Philippines. I always dreamt of going to art school but I have a chronic illness so there's that. Also, managing studio time, I think, is way more challenging for me. I do Freelance Poetry Illustration when I feel strong. You guys have been my art school for a few months now(And perhaps for life! If I really can't pursue my dream). I watched three hour-long-videos already in the last couple of days during this lockdown and made notes-I wrote the most for this one. Hoping to be able to help, too in the near future (Probably after this corona crisis). Thank you!

[@artprof]

You support us, so we’re all here to support you and your dream! I can see that you’re working hard for it, and so the entire Art Prof family wishes you the absolute best of luck in the coming future, and we’ll continue doing the best we can for you and everyone alike as well ;) -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@mikimoi09]

Everything Prof Lieu said is true.. I think I am a budding artists😆😉😁

[@mayahika]

My tip on becoming more productive is using the Pomodoro Technique. It's a technique that you do a task for 25 minutes and take a 5 minute break and that's equal to 1 session. After 4 sessions, take a 15-30 minute break. It's been helping me a lot with not just art but other stuff as well like school since I don't go to art school haha. I hope you can do more gesture drawings in the future or more observational stuff. :"D

[@artprof]

That's such a great method! Thanks for sharing :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@svitlana-matus]

Oh, yes, pomodoro tecnique, thank you, very helpful

[@mae982]

Art prof itself already inspires me 😂💕

[@lesliesmith7312]

I have a huge room that used to be a two car garage, one half is my bedroom, and the other half is my studio. I leave my set up out. I made a rule for myself that I can't listen to audiobooks or watch crime shows unless I'm painting. Cause do the best work when I'm not trying too hard. I also find it's great to have two paintings going at the same time, like an abstract and a project with more structure, like a portrait or a landscape. When I get stuck on the more structured project I set it aside and work on the abstract. To "worm up" I work on the abstract, or do some experiments practicing a technique or a new medium.

[@cassielee1114]

This is so helpful, I wrote it down! 🙏

[@KateColors]

I have a home studio but haven't done art for a long time as I had to work both a full-time and part-time job. For one reason or another, occasionally, I'd find myself at the drafting table in my studio on Sunday nights doing something creative. I would be streaming MVY Radio at the same time. I found I was still there working till 3 in the morning and not wanting to leave! I think what kept me there was part, finally having the freedom and enjoyment of what I love and, the other part, I didn't want to stop listening to the programming on MVY. Sunday evenings into the next morning is mostly airing shows recorded earlier that week--mostly music, themed or genre programming and some interviews with recording industry folks. So, a Sunday night in the studio inadvertantly ends up being the portal to my art-making.

[@kaceysapphics]

"Hello! This is Professor Lieu" is now one of my fave yt intro

[@saffscribbles9261]

Re: focused distractions, I’ve been putting on these old live videos while I art. Been finding it very helpful to keep me motivated/going for basically the reasons you listed. Plus it’s always “on theme” about art. It’s actually helpful for me to focus on what your saying if I’m also doing art because if I’m just listening to these videos without drawing, my mind starts wandering and loses focus on what you’re saying 😅

[@artprof]

Awesome!! -Prof Lieu

[@leilaskye8143]

I have a home studio such as my large table. I live in London. I have my TV on with news. Great tip to put my previous work away as I tend to over think. Another great tip, leave my flat. I do tend to go out for coffee and meet up. Mmmm how interesting. Great I dint do chores before. Never, never. How great to hear that. Great vid. Thank you.

[@artprof]

I definitely need to step away when working! -Prof Lieu

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

The best advice is the simplest, but it also seems to be the hardest: "Just do it." We either allow things to be obstacles, or we create obstacles.

[@ernestvenn8291]

When I’m working I like to listen to podcasts as well.My favourite podcast StarTalk with Neil Degrasse Tyson. I am also from Canada

[@josepeka1189]

I really enjoy your informative videos. I am not a professional artist but I am retired now bad still I can spend my time with my first love….Painting .Thank you Clara, you are absolutely amazing. Jose from Melbourne Australia.

[@artprof]

You are so welcome! -Prof Lieu

[@raisavaz]

It's so valuable that you have experience of studying music and art. What you said about practicing music versus practicing art in the 'staying in schedule' chapter is something that only someone with experience in both will understand fully. And so although studying music is not necessary to studying art the knowledge of the other helps in the practice of the one.

[@rociorizo8451]

I started painting after a long time and just dedícate one or two hrs. Then I stop when i get tired or bored and cone back next day. I get my pallet ready and all my tools clean and organize. I also take pictures of the process so i can look at my work and make improvements. I have a home studio, very convenient

[@vishishsh]

You are completely right about how when you're out of school it can be even more challenging to have a consistent art practice. I'm in my gap year preparing for my bachelors next year and even though I am following the bfa portfolio track sometimes I can't help but stray away a little and other times I just find it so hard to sit and do art, I can go days without doing anything and it's so frustrating considering that I have to create a full blown portfolio. Being your own boss in that sense has been such a challenge. But I've been trying to come up with ways to make myself see through my projects now. For the first time since my gap year started, I have consistently worked on my art and made real progress. (I set up a still life on my work table so I would be forced to finish the still life before I can move onto the next project lol) My studio is my room so sometimes it's quite distracting but I try to have a corner of my room that is my "studio" and I don't move it until I'm done with the ongoing project, then I change the set up to suit the next one. I'm still not done watching the video but I hope to implement what you say into my own practice:)

[@artprof]

It’s so hard!! I struggle with it too. You might consider our BFA Premium Track, where you get access to voice sessions with staff and private discord channels, registration deadline is this Friday Nov 19 :artprof.org/pro-development/art-school-portfolios/art-school-portfolios-premium-course/ -Prof Lieu

[@robinj951]

i just discovered you and i am so inspired, Robin, Loveland, CO

[@fortnag]

Having a daily practice with specific short term and long term goals in mind helps. It sounds overly simplistic, but there are no silver bullets... it takes discipline and prioritization.

[@artprof]

Absolutely agree. Organization and goal setting helps make our precious supply of will power more efficient. -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@Marti_Lay]

I teach online in the same room I use as home studio. i hang up my most favorite pieces so I'm surrounded by works that remind me I "can do" this. I keep the space fairly clean but on one table or easel have the piece ready to work on. I'm semi-retired so I finally say- I have to now or never...warning- don't wait as long as I have to create the time- the studio is my favorite place to be and i regret the years i struggled with this struggle.

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for sharing, this is a wonderful message :) we're so happy you're able to be surrounded by pieces you've made, and we wish you luck in your creative process! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@kandifish8942]

The word you are looking for IS "RITUAL" Instead of "TRIGGER".😉👍 Thank you, Professor Lieu, for all your AWESOME, HELPFUL CLASSES!🙏💜

[@artprof]

Oooh thank you so much!! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@noorulniharmalik]

I am a graphic and textile designer, still I manage to get time for creating artwork with oil pastels, acrylics, watercolours, I love a lot! Your video sessions are very informative and inspirational

[@artprof]

That's great to hear! -Prof Lieu

[@ivolederer1237]

I do keep one or two artworks around (usually because I like the colours), but I also have prints from artists I admire + just random stuff I pin to my board, so I don’t focus too much on mine. It‘s just there to tell me „You did it before, you can do it again.“ or „That was fun, remember?“

[@artprof]

That's such a great way to view your artwork, as an example of what you've achieved in the past! Thank you so much for watching :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@anonofish576]

What Prof says resonates with me so much I almost can't believe it. Thank you!

[@artprof]

That's wonderful!! We are so happy :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@cherylerome-beatty4677]

Good idea about putting the work away and coming back with a fresh eye.

[@seixasaa]

Love your videos, Clara and I'm so glad I found you and your videos. I've learned SO much! Jana, Toronto, ON

[@artprof]

That's so awesome to hear!! Thank you for being here :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@karenliu529]

For me, I find that I can be productive with subjects that I am really interested in, personally that's figures etc. For things that I need to work on but am always dragging my feet on, I need to go join other artists regularly. Like I am just not super into landscapes but I know I need to practice it, so I join a group of plein air artists and it's a regular outing. Once I'm out there I am productive, but if you ask me to sit in front of a photo of a mountain in the studio I can just sit there and never get it done.

[@artprof]

Surrounding yourself with other artists is sooooo incredibly helpful! Every time I talk to one of my artist friends I go away feeling refreshed and inspired. -Prof Lieu

[@emilyb9222]

I love your tips, explanations, and even your own self analysis! Thanks for these videos ☺️

[@artprof]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much for watching :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@SuzanneFurlan]

I loved rewatching this video! The suggestion I'm ready to try is that of listening to a pod cast to hold a time frame, like a stick of incense when sitting quietly!

[@artprof]

Awesome, let us know how it works out for you! :] -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@svitlana-matus]

Oh, Clara!! Thank you so much for your tips, so helpful. My studio is my tiny home and your tip to get out in the morning and then enter again I will put it on practice.

[@artprof]

You are so welcome! We are so happy you enjoyed it :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@snake4342001]

I just turned all the other paintings im not currently working on or are drying for the next layer towards the wall and WOW! It feels better not looking at so many pieces at once. Thank you💜💛

[@artprof]

Yes, it is so important to distance ourselves from our work to clear our minds😃 We’re so glad you found the video helpful, thanks for the support! - Hema Somaya, Art Prof Staff

[@leilaskye8143]

I'm going through this at the moment....great conversation

[@madalinab3665]

Watching you from Romania, you are an inspiration to me!! Thank you !

[@artprof]

Wow, thank you so much for watching Madalina!!!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@aquarius2284]

I'm so chaotic. Also suffering from generalized anxiety, which intensifies the whole thing. My headspace is a nightmare to try to arrange. Yet a perfectionist. I have no idea how that works. Sometimes I can be super diligent, and organize things and get almost OCD with plans and lists, then after a couple of days I return to chaos personified. I just had to accept that I am a messy person and just give myself the time and patience and love that I needed to keep going. Still, I find it so hard to just let loose. Grew up with a perfectionist and highly critical mother, and I either leave artwork unfinished out of fear of screwing it up, or overwork it to the point I'm sick of looking at it. About listening to one song on repeat, I'm the same! I start associating that song with whatever I'm working on, or the book I am reading, and whenever I go back to the song, it brings me back to the same exact mood I had while working on that project/reading that book. I have heartbreak songs, that carry painful memories, that I can never listen to again. Which is crazy.

[@tumblingrosesstudio]

Medication for anxiety could help

[@azalea1404]

Picasso said: "Inspiration does happen - but it has to find you working!" Eddison said: "Success comes from 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration." Paraphrases of what Clara said about real artists get to work daily, whereas amateurs just sit around waiting for inspiration to occur". HOW TO BE AN EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE ARTIST: 1. Have a home studio. Then you are more likely to get to work than if you have to commute to your remote studio - and your art supplies wont get stolen. 2. Just start. Get to work - every day ideally. Prioritize your art. 3. Have your art supplies out on your desk ready to grap - then it is easier to start. 4. Listen to podcasts while you work if you can and it works for you. 5. Focus. Remove distractions such as your phone. 6. Recycle your old art e.g. multiple print copies into collage, decoupage, or any other new type of art. 7. Leaving things half finished can be a very helpful way to get to work, as you just have to pick up where you left off. 8. Make a public statement on SoMe about what you intend to do e.g. making 50 portraits. That will hold you accountable. That is very motivating. 9. For beginners: get a sketchbook and keep a constant sketching practice. Make a little something everyday. Productivity is important. If you want to get good, you have to get a lot of work done. A huge amount. 10. Get inspiration from other artists, but don't compare your own art to their's. Don't let them make you feel bad about yourself and your work. There is a time and place for inspiration and likewise for focusing on your own art. 11. Plan ahead and set a schedule. 12. Take time to rest. Take breaks from your art, so you don't get fed up. Don't overwork yourself. 13. Switch art materials

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for the list!!! That's wonderful :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@anawieder5003]

Listening to only one song would bore me to tears. I need constant variety to keep it interesting. That's why I shuffle my playlists. I can only do really good painting if I'm working for at least 6 hours. For ceramic sculpture I can do a two or three hour session.

[@lydiaschrufer1313]

In 1986;I built a 20x20 foot studio just off my dining room … (6 skylights…lots of windows..plants & way too many materials :) best investment ever. Some days I’ve gone in for a quick look , still in my PJs , & emerge 3 hours later still in PJs .😂 Having all my materials at my finger tips is essential . It’s also my teaching space ( never more then 4 people ) If I had to go to an away studio it wouldn’t work for me because it wouldn’t be spontaneous and unlike you, I do every once in a while , throw in a load of laundry or make a cup of tea etc etc. Come to think of it, my whole house has become a studio, especially the living room where I’ve st myself up with a cozy nook where I draw while I watch Art Prof 😂

[@therockinck]

I would say just keep at it even with the smallest things. Even when I'm tired I do about a page or two of sketching and you feel better and proud which signals to your brain that this is a fun activity. Dop is released and it can be a healthy addiction.

[@artprof]

Yes, every time I finish a page, I feel great! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@elishawimsatt3801]

Studio music playlist is a great idea! I also listen to NPR but usually it’s the tv with encore broadcast of Law and Order. I’ve seen them all and they’re fairly easy to follow.

[@j.b.291]

I have a home studio..sometimes I trick myself by cleaning and organizing my studio, cleaning brushes etc and then slowly work towards my current or new project. I also keep everything out while working in a piece until I finish it. Another trick is I pull a " unfinished or u satisfactory canvas " and start playing around on it to warm myself up..

[@artprof]

Thanks for sharing your tips! Love the idea of taking out an unsatisfactory canvas as a "warm up!"

[@sokkoart]

I'm from Spain, and I really appreciate these videos, as you say, I need to put on a podcast or a record over and over again so as not to be distracted by my own fears,doubts and frustration. The other day I saw the video of the comics and I am still laughing with the piranha who wanted to eat Jane Eyre. I admire your attitude!

[@artprof]

It's so easy to fall into a podcast or video while working! It makes the time fly, and you can learn tons of things. We have actually have a Podcast on Spotify if you want to check it out! Here's the link: open.spotify.com/show/69k5OT267xpXodcCh810fa?si=0gSxxM6PQUSOrWn9B1h2FA - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@pac2840]

Instead of relying on getting going in the morning, I prep for the next day as my wind down exercise while I'm already in motion. I tidy the studio space, and then I lay out what I need to do two quick exercise paintings the next day. I stretch and prime the paper. I pick the colors I want to play with and I know what I'm going to paint. It's just exercises. No biggie. No muse required. In the morning, after I've done all the personal maintenance work, all I have to do is get my tea, walk over to my work space, and sit down. No decisions. No prep. Just sit down and get to work. Doesn't take long for the Muse to show up. When I was young, I had a lot of trouble stopping painting. Sometimes days would go by when I'd be so focused I wouldn't eat or sleep. It scared me a bit. So the warm down helps me with that as well. I now have a beginning and end of a painting day which is much more workable--and more productive.

[@artprof]

That's incredible! I wish it was so easy for me to find inspiration. Most of the time I have the best ideas in the shower, or somewhere totally outside of the studio. If I enter my workspace without an idea, it's always hard to come up with one on the spot! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@lallidutoit7720]

I'm from South Africa, thank you for the good advise

[@donnadrialo3990]

I have a home studio. I turn on your KZbin channel, so I can listen to things like this as I paint. You make me work. :)

[@artprof]

Aw yay!! We're so glad to hear that, thanks for watching with us :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@ismetavresk1986]

Great KZbin video I've ever saw until today! My art studio is on my home on second floor!

[@artprof]

That must be so nice to have your studio so easy to access! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@aegoshina746045]

Here is my tip;”the best way to learn and practice is teaching. First, consume, then express and practice. Get beginner level students and teach them whatever you have expertises in and add things that you are experimenting with and learning. The accountability to your paying students will make you feel more responsible to research and explain the subject well. But more importantly, it will make you show up every time, warmup and get your creative juices flowing. :)

[@artprof]

As someone about to jump into the teaching world, this comment is so encouraging & helpful!! Thanks for taking the time to comment & watch with us :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@nickorange4881]

I wish we could see your playlist for studio time. It sounds good.

[@artprof]

Link to our staff playlists on Spotify is in the KZbin video description! -Prof Lieu

[@ave_rie]

Idk how I got here. But this is better than the whole self-help/productivity section on KZbin! And I’m not even an artist lol 😄 Now I want to draw.

[@artprof]

Haha, welcome to artist KZbin! Maybe this is a sign to become an artist :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@mandyturner8703]

Thanks for your videos I appreciate them!😊I'm from Queensland Australia!!

[@artprof]

Hello!! Thank you so much for watching, we are honored! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@aea4016]

The one song loop does seem crazy, gonna try it!

[@artprof]

Ooh, have fun! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@jintonic924]

You know what, while I am drawing, and while I'm listening to your critique, lol.

[@anawieder5003]

I make oil paintings in my studio, encaustics and oil pastels in my home studio (my balcony outside so no fumes) and ceramics in a communal ceramics studio

[@moyke3]

It has to be a priority. Think of it as the most important thing in your life. You wouldn't neglect a child or a pet. This has to be that important.

[@artprof]

You must nurture your art & creativity, or else it will wilt like a flower! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@elishawimsatt3801]

Love these sessions. I have a home studio and I have to remind myself not to do little chores too. I’m from Louisville, Kentucky.

[@samantafloor]

Slightly Distracted YES YESSS YEESSS this is so true for me!! thank you, this was so nice. also, i'm brazilian and love this channel

[@samantafloor]

my signal to go to the studio is coffee, but sometimes I endup drinking too much hehe I like the tool idea, gonna try that!

[@artprof]

I'm so glad! -Prof Lieu

[@ACreativeEnvironment4All]

Watching from Belgium

[@matobakosempe7632]

I loooove NPR's How I built this - very cool hearing about the trials and tribulations of some of the best brands out there. Great Video.

[@robertelwilson]

The hardest part of finishing a piece for me is - making time to start it.

[@artprof]

Haha, I relate to this! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@art.i.schock.e9991]

My homestudio is the desk where I also do work for university and eat... And I don't like putting my work away, I prefer sticking it to my walls - it makes me feel accomplished :)

[@artprof]

There's no better feeling than hanging up finished pieces!!! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@timdanyo898]

As a video producer as my day job, I rent a studio space, but I am carving out areas to paint and to record music. So it's a multi purpose rental space. I would have a very hard time working from home. The distractions would be off the charts. Maybe after all the kids move out? My current space has 12 ft ceilings and is not crazy big, but it feels spacious and creative. The weird thing is there are no windows, but the high ceilings seem to help.

[@artprof]

High ceilings and windows make a perfect studio space (in my opinion) so I bet you could come up with something awesome!!! Maybe buying a lot of "natural light lamps" would help in replace of windows - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@anawieder5003]

My paintings tend to be quite large (like 5 by 6 feet) and I love how physical it is but it does take a toll on your body.

[@JakeBarraza1]

18 years old, i LOVE Cheers!

[@se7265]

I can only do about 2-3 hours max in the studio at one time as the level of concentration and focus to create art is very draining sometimes. What I do to try and break things up is to go for a walk after these 2-3 hours for about an hour. I come home and do the chores for a bit, maybe have something to eat and then I go back out and do another 2-3 hours. Having two studio sessions in a day with a bit of recreation in between can help take your mind away for a while making you re-energised and re-focused to do another session. If you get tired after the first and then just go and do nothing, you will do nothing and and not be productive. Keep the mind and body moving in different ways throughout the day to create a balanced flow. Not every day will be like this, but having this simple balance to work towards as much as possible keeps me going. If I have a lazy day, I don’t beat myself up. I just have a lazy day and then get back on it next time. We’re allowed to be imperfect!! 🙏❤️

[@artprof]

You have such a good point!!! I think that forcing creativity never works, everyone deserves some time off to rest and recharge :) I always find that after relaxing and taking a few days off I'm much more prepared to draw again. Thanks for watching!! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@Art_y_sonConTania]

I personally like to put a show series on that I’ve already watch so it’s not distracting. I don’t like putting music on because it affects my mood.

[@artprof]

Me too! I always rewatch sitcoms & casual viewing shows so I don't get too invested :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@nadjaforster6893]

To be honest I'm not even as unproductive as i always claim - i just never finish anything xD For me it has become a natural progression to leave things hanging in the air for extensive amounts of time. Finishing something "in one go" would probably help my artistic development but it does not bring me joy at all. I start something, abandon it and then return to it whenever I feel i have aquired a helpful skill or simply am in the mood for it again. My ratio of finished/unfinished things at this point is easily at 20/80 and it doesn't bother me in the least. I have simple drawings and paintings I've been working on for 3+ years simply because I can and it is exciting to see how i can actively improve the painting woth a wider set of skill over time. ....i guess things are a lot easier when you are just a hobbyist and not dependent on making money xD

[@artprof]

Haha, I think you're right! As soon as it becomes a matter of money I always feel "forced" into making things. That's never the mindset you want to have when you create! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@sujaywalture2681]

you are such a inspiration and i livei india and i didt find motivation here and you are giving me the best motivation

[@artprof]

That's amazing, we love inspiring artists! If you liked this video, feel free to also check out this one about finding an art style: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYiYi6Cwo56Hj7s - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@marydennis5965]

Hi, you mentioned just start. For me it's just finish!

[@artprof]

Haha-- it can be hard to pull it all together! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@zingingcutie2364]

The way i use sketchbook would probably drive tons of people crazy. I sketch in there, take notes, paint, and i work randomly through it and rip the pages out that i like, then throw it away when I'm done with it.

[@artprof]

Have you seen Dieter Roth's sketchbooks? I think you'd relate! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@nunyabusiness3582]

idk if everybody can do this but i put myself on auto pilot to do the things i dont want to do. so basically using disassociation to my advantage. so when i feel myself disassociating or feel like im not in my body kinda i try to take that time to just get up and do the thing since my body is on auto pilot mode and it feels almost as if im not the one doing it. the only thing is that its very erratic and not very consistent bc i dont always know when im going to disassociate (hopefully thats the right term). anyway, hopefully that made sense lol its probably not useful to most but hopefully to somebody

[@artprof]

That makes complete sense! I relate. - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@jintonic924]

I am from Montreal, Quebec,Canada

[@d12kiem7]

lol! I didn't realize this was an hour long video but love it

[@artprof]

Glad you liked it!!

[@lesliesmith7312]

I've read some pretty disappointing "artist in the spotlight" articles from people titled something like "my life as a full time artist" and the chick says something like " My Husband really encouraged me to quit my 9-5 job" And I'm like yeah, I'd quit my job to if I had someone willing to pay most of my bills. I've noticed a lot of articles where the person claims to be a full time artist, yet you get the impression they're not fully funded by their art career. It's discouraging when you're looking for advice and all you can find are people who aren't actually there yet. I'd really love to find some solid advice from people who are actual full time artists. How do you get from that space between having a job and doing art on the side, to art is all you do?

[@artprof]

There are very, very few full time artists, I can probably count on my hand the # of people I know who do. Even very established artists often times have a teaching position. To be 100% making a living on your art is rare, and the people who do that are often quite famous and not exactly easy to book! -Prof Lieu

[@ismetavresk1986]

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

[@cchemmes9082]

I just started listening... but with the opening statements about just 'working' without concern about inspiration is that I have seen artists just 'plow ahead' with their art, but seem stuck on one idea... or not making anything noteworthy. I have seen my best work come with taking time for 'inspiration,' & feel I could waste a lot of time & art supplies if I have a 'plow ahead' mentality. Yet, I have lost time with 'artist block' before, & find the point made is valid/ good/ important--- to keep working/ no excuses. I'm not sure how to resolve this conflict.

[@cchemmes9082]

OMG, as I continued to listen, I realized a solution--- 'just start.' I also realize my ideas unfold with work in progress... so it is actually a bad idea to want the full idea first. I come up with work I never dreamed would be ahead of me this way. I need to make a poster of this for my art studio.

[@cchemmes9082]

I'm a geek with my music--- nothing unwholesome... praise worship... classical guitar... positive podcasts... but I might add one song to my lineup after this video--- Let's Get it Started, Black Eyed Peas :)

[@artprof]

"Just start" was one of my former colleague's mantras, it works! -Prof Lieu

[@jazw4649]

Why is most of the screen a stationary photo of somebody else while you are showing your collage work in such a tiny window? Terminal Passage youtube channel has out there albums that are great for arting to.

[@d12kiem7]

I love her

[@themovingdance2744]

I get a coffee, get my books out, colour in my abstracts, scribble, follow along on line, block out time and just start.....I do something everyday

[@themovingdance2744]

That is exactly what I said today - I need the steps to get to the doing....not talking but starting ....

[@themovingdance2744]

I had an awful lesson today=y as the tutor made it so complicated I decided not to got at way. I m an abstract artist work with gesture and all kinds of creative practice. I need that time to let lose...and explore

[@artprof]

Haha, I totally feel you! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@janemaarietemamaeroajane9576]

New Zealand

[@anawieder5003]

I like to desaturate my pictures of my paintings to check the values.

[@artprof]

That's a great tip! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@kathleenshaw932]

Mobile, Alabama

[@lallidutoit7720]

I have a home studio, but I dont have a living room anymore 😂. I dont care about a living room actually because I dont have time to socialize, all I want to do is my art

[@artprof]

Haha I feel the same way!!! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@kristiemaloy4099]

Jackson Mississippi

[@ayandasheila5038]

I spend my time researching on the projects that I need to get started on but I struggle to be productive, I also have a hard time getting my work finished, most of my works are unfinished is there anyone else who struggles with completing their work before jumping to the next.

[@artprof]

We actually have an entire stream about unfinished art that you might enjoy-- feel free to check it out here! artprof.org/pro-development/artistic-process/do-i-have-too-much-unfinished-art/ - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@Slepnir123]

Put down some limits and see what you can do with it - like your 3 colors challenge. It can help focus you eliminate the distractions.

[@Slepnir123]

Also write a list of what you want to do.

[@artprof]

Fantastic idea! I always end up surprising myself when I see how much is possible with limited supplies, time, space, etc. -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@hellishdee]

The need to listen to something while doing art is a way to distract myself from my inner thoughts, if I let them I will not do art...

[@artprof]

I agree, I need constant noise!!!- Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@ALiJ4LIFE]

44:00

[@lallidutoit7720]

The longest time I painted was from 10 am in the morning till 12 at night lol

[@artprof]

Wow, that is a long time!!! Thank you so much for watching :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@lallidutoit7720]

@@artprof I just get swept away and then I don't notice the time lol

[@neilagangitlog]

I did as series of ten charcoal drawings last year. Technique-wise, they're okay, but the concepts and compositions are so cringey. I decided to try to make a collage out of the drawings. I still don't like the collage, but atleast I did something with my old work 😅

[@lynnrussell467]

So grateful to hear others' feelings, approaches, behaviors etc as a new painter thanks to covidiot seclusion - gift in disguise! for this 70+ beginner and lover of painting, pushing colors around...learning my habits quirks avoidances are normal part of human life exploring art expressions 🕊️🌏

[@jukeboxlia]

Tell me you have ADHD without telling me you have ADHD 😂 (just had to say that! I have it and I relate to so much of what you said it's crazy haha!). Thank you so much for these amazing videos ♥️

[@alexiscarte5044]

I have a home studio.

[@Monique-pe3zf]

For me is Healing. I learned that for me is trauma healing through art.

[@artprof]

That is such a powerful way to create, how special that you found that for yourself! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@anonofish576]

Okay I'm 3 years late to this but I'm from South Africa............

[@jintonic924]

Dear Professor Lieu, I don't if my opinion sounds like way too subjective for you or the rest of viewers. I actually prefer or enjoying to see you talk ALONE rather than inviting anyone in the video. I feel that they are less professional and sharp than you do. I feel that listening to others inside of your video is just wasting time. I found in terms of quality speaking, by yourself is really perfect for me. Again, this is my critique on your youtube videos. lol

[@kathleenshaw932]

You print 25 to get 5 perfect ones? How reassuring!

[@artprof]

Absolutley! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@donnadrialo3990]

I listen to you. No offense, but it gives me the feeling that I'm doodling in the back of the classroom, and that helps me draw, paint, or whatever, looser, because it doesn't "count" it's just back of the classroom doodling.

[@artprof]

I always find that those kinds of drawings turn out better & more natural, because there's less pressure! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@anawieder5003]

I'm the opposite of you Clara. I can only listen to music while I'm painting. The words of the podcast are way too distracting and the verbal part of my brain fights with the visual part. With music I can get lost in the rhythm and really focus. Music is the only option. I have energy playlist for my studio.

[@artprof]

That's great! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@zingingcutie2364]

Listen to classical music.

[@davidthurston3346]

lie to your brain until you are in the studio, then keep lying until the materials take over. it's hard to start, but hard to leave. bs yourself until you become involved.