DEAR ARTIST - RECLAIM WHAT'S YOURS

[@StarlightAkari]

I have a feeling this video came at the perfect moment...

[@ancientburner]

Agreed, Perfect timing.

[@AdamDuffArt]

@@ancientburner Well, that's wonderful to hear Starlight. I hope I can lead you to a good place :)

[@StarlightAkari]

@@AdamDuffArt I think so for sure. This year I want to start creating art tutorials with a fantasy angle, and keep getting lost on the idea of "why do we make art? What's the drive for this/for people to work so hard at it?" I think this video answered my question 💙

[@AEInYOU]

They're not ready for me to turn my swag on.

[@akieru9923]

Mr. Duff, this art journey I have decided to embark upon is going to change me in a lot of ways, and I would be lying if I said that AI has not shook me to my core. As someone younger trying to make it in the world, I do regularly feel despair about the situation, and I suppose this is a wakeup call for me. The thing I do love about AI is that it exposed this weakness within me: fear of judgement and fear of failure. Mr. Duff, you have inspired me to pursue something that I never would of thought I could or would, and I still do not know. Nobody has told me I could be something, and perhaps AI is merely an obstacle to teach me that I can, in fact, be something. I am forever in your debt, Mr. Duff.

[@juna8923]

This our year as artistic comunity. We've got this!. Thank you always Adam for the words.

[@cinderblockstudios]

Hats off to you Adam, for constantly challenging me (all of us really) to be better artists and people!

[@nitefly86]

Thanks Adam. Love this. To all of us, the world needs your story and your creativity now more than ever. especially with all the recycled crap coming out of the corporations. Free thinkers are dangerous. Be one. ❤️

[@AdamDuffArt]

I wouldn’t have it any other way :)

[@neutralbeige01]

thank you adam. as always, i get choked up and get a little teary eyed because you so strongly proclaim the things ive always known deep down, yet barely allow myself to fully embrace. this year i want to continue putting my health and wellness first, and to treat myself more gently. your philosophy and soul has stuck with me for a few years now, and i can attest to it becoming a part of my mission to always strive for me, fight for me, love me for me. here's to the goodness in our community and cheers to the new year.

[@NikoleMcDonaldJonesSpooni]

Geez Adam...we're the same age...same health issues that have NOW been resolved...same feelings on just about everything at current. But you've said it WAY better than i could. Thank you for saying this outloud...for all of us. We're fighting AWAKE now....and i don't think for these working generations that that will change for a long time. I think we'll stay awake for a good long while.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well Nikole, it’s very heartwarming to know that we’re officially on the same team, emotionally, physically and medically - knowing that you too have overcome these challenges only serves to reinforce my gratitude

[@ilovemetal1100]

Adam every time you speak, you are speaking from your soul. This resonates so deeply with me, heals me and picks me up. I have been drawing for 10+ years now as a hobby, it has become a part of me. It is who I am. Non of my family thinks to highly of my art and say it's a waste of time. But u are reminding me of the beauty of artistic expression. Thank U❤❤❤.

[@AdamDuffArt]

It’s not up to them to approve - it’s up to you to approve. You say with confidence “art is the greatest joy in my life” - but what does your family think of it? “They like other things, art is MY baby”

[@ilovemetal1100]

@@AdamDuffArt Absolutly. I will take this to heart.

[@ThePzrLdr]

I began 3D art in 2019. When I saw on the art sites the shift and I was alarmed. A year ago I believed AI would simply replace me but then I saw it's flaws. And then others saw them too. Soon followers and fellow artists began rejecting AI art outright. Next a beautiful thing happened, followers began sending my messages to KEEP posting. They told me I was a 5 star artist, I made beautiful stuff they loved. I really don't believe everything I make is good or very good though some scenes are out right stunning. There have been ups and downs to be sure but the message I got just 2 days ago asking me to keep making artwork, keep posting and if I stopped I would be missed was so refreshing. In the end I will stop, we all will one day. In the mean time even if I slow down I'll keep making scenes to be enjoyed, this will be my legacy.

[@FictionCautious]

Leave the nasty thoughts flow through you like a fast mountain river. All that matters is what you bring to the world. Is it joy, beauty, somethin interesting, something funny, romantic... If the audience tels you to go on, then go on. It meansy ou are doing something good. Perfection is a wall, nobody seeks nor wants perfection.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Wonderfully said - and I would add, I grew disinterested and bored of it almost immediately In fact, I don’t think I was ever truly impressed.

[@mariomills]

Sorry but you better learn AI nonetheless, bc the flaws are only temporary. AI is a tool son, artists with real skills can use AI to elevate their work

[@ywlumaris]

I agree with not giving up in spite of all the setbacks and closed doors ahead of us, but I do think that a lot of folk will be forced to work in soul crushing jobs (1-3 of them) to keep housed and fed that they may lose that drive to make art that, in better times, they otherwise wouldn't have. (but this is the POV of a USA citizen....which, ugh. I'm already rolling my eyes so far in my head cause of the new admin, but that's a tangent....) Each case is different, but overall 100% agree with the message to not give up art. Keep making art, even if it gets hard, and even if all the time you can afford is a few sketches and unfinished paintings. I went on 4 year hiatus making 1-5 arts a year....when I decided to get back to it seriously, I had to relearn EVERYTHING. And I took your course to help get me past the plateau I was in! I'm forever grateful for that opportunity, and proud that I funded it 100% off $5-$15 commissions on deviantart lol Love the video.

[@stealthiestboy]

I've actually felt the best I've ever felt in my art journey. I see the path ahead. I can see my progress. And somehow, I'm still keeping afloat. I've started drawing every day with the start of the new year. Also walking 8-10k steps. Never have I felt more creatively driven. It is quite cathartic.

[@stealthiestboy]

I've stopped caring about what I post on social media. I just draw and draw and draw. Doing what I love. Who cares if AI is prevalent now? I've found my community. As long as I have people that can appreciate my work, I'm satisfied.

[@DigitalArtcast]

My 2025 goal is to get on Adam's KZbinr list in his description box haha ! GOALS!

[@AdamDuffArt]

All you had to do is ask - done :)

[@tannermonney5531]

What a great way to start 2025. This is definitely something I (along with others presumably) needed to hear right now and this really lit a fire! Thank you!

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well thank you, I include myself on your list :)

[@caitsalmon6123]

Your words resonate deeply Adam. 2024 taught me: expect nothing and accept everything, life is transient and you must adapt. There is light in the darkest moments of our lives, the key is to keep moving forward. Wishing you a happy 2025, keep making great art

[@damortem]

This was a beautiful video, listening to it as I clean up my space and it has left me eying my pen and excited to create

[@AdamDuffArt]

That’s the best news I could get :)

[@fowlerillus]

Gold as always Adam. Inspiring and always exactly what we needed to hear. Thanks for this and happy 2025!

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well a big thanks you to you Hardy - seeing you pop up in the comments always puts a big smile on my face

[@artofcharmaine]

Putting into words the things I too had figured out in 2024. I agree, creating is also my own personal heaven. As for AI, being a person from both sides of the border an artist (hobby) and a programmer (my job), I see AI as an aid in helping to understand more complex forms and concepts in both art and coding; not the end of it all. Thanks Adam 😊

[@kellyramirez7465]

Wow, thank you Adam! A great reminder that no matter what, a person can have control over themself and the artist is also art 🖼️ ❤

[@progresque9738]

Man, that was powerful. Thank you so much!

[@digitalbrinjen3245]

I'm currently studying for a degree in concept art and some advice one of our mentors back in the first trimester has really stayed with me. It was, don't worry about trying to be the best, focus on being original. AI can't do that, you can.

[@suzume_artz]

Adam, you have no idea how much your videos have helped me throughout my artistic journey. Every time I sat to draw, I listened to your art talks & that only made my determination stronger to get better at art. Any time someone mentioned AI, I made it a point to FOCUS harder & create more vulnerable art. My feelings & my way of communication through art are all I have, so I won't ever let a soulless software take that away from me. Thank you for reminding us of our humanity. Happy 2025 to you as well ☺️💜

[@FictionCautious]

The unpredictable, uncertain times seem quite far from being over. Nice thoughts Adam.

[@AdamDuffArt]

As they should - the unpredictability keeps us alert, adaptable and growing. There’s nothing more mind numbingly deadly as stagnation and predictability

[@saden-8934]

Haven't watched it yet (on it) but I already know it's relatable

[@AdamDuffArt]

Oh, well let me know what you think - I hope it gives you pause for thought Saden.

[@saden-8934]

@@AdamDuffArt I wasn't wrong, it's those struggles I'm facing right now, same as countless amout of artist out there. Thank you for this morale boost. The fight is not easy, and hearing your voice as a professional and art mentor to believe in ourself and keep on with creating despite all the struggles is really needed. Good way to start a new year.

[@nomadic_scribbler]

Adam, Thank You for posting this.

[@creativejargons]

Well said Adam ❤ I needed all of these points today.

[@evanclement2026]

What a incredible video Adam! Your talk about self reliance reminded me of Carl Jung's philosophy that I personally think is a vital part of every artists path more than ever.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well I hold Jung’s teachings in very high regard, I feel deeply complimented Evan :)

[@danielcalencar]

Looking good with the beard!

[@Imhotep397]

Nightshade/Glaze

[@AdamDuffArt]

Mmhm!

[@lisaanneart]

Thank you, love this

[@SharkMochi]

Thank you, Adam

[@kikolektrique1737]

You give me hope

[@blackdoginmyhead]

This made me cry... thank you so much, Adam, for this video

[@ENTIAComics]

As someone who heavily relies on Gen. AI to illustrate my comics, at least once a day I want to roll on the floor and cry for not investing 3-4 years in drawing practice or for not having enough money to hire a skilled artist. Same thing with writing - every time I write a new story (9 graphic novels outlined and awaiting production!), my most frequent thought is... How the heck am I going to illustrate it? Because human-AI communication (Until Neuralink comes around? Not even then I'm afraid!) will never be as seamless as communication between human and their own hand holding a pen/stylus. And the fact that AI, unlike human, can not draw concepts it have never seen does not help this case either. So, I still have to manually draw/collage 90% of imagery and edit the rest before they can be upscaled with AI. Fact. Me as a human did not get replaced, but merely got help in areas where I was lacking. Still, I can clearly see that such tech will augment artists overboard and inflate the amount of job seekers by reducing staff requirements for studios and by removing entry level commission jobs from the market. So, working on one's skills and standing out from the crowd must be a really good therapy against anxiety for the "uncertain" and "unpredictable" future.

[@Julyhasfun]

thanks for this video I'm recovering from SI joint fusion on a walker for 6 weeks I'm in week 3 now I know the pain you were going through

[@AdamDuffArt]

That’s actually something I’ve considered as well - we’ll see in time, for now exercises are doing a good job

[@Julyhasfun]

@ that’s awesome brother I pray that you keep strengthening your body. Thanks again for the video 🔥🔥

[@ismailefendi1475]

😭 thank you Adam

[@lexlazaruz]

Your video reminded me of a heart-wrenchingly beautiful song I've been listening to a lot, lately, which is „On Our Own“ by Bruno Major ♥️

[@nyankrauss]

💪👨‍🎨💪

[@the1madspirit387]

Sometimes I listen to you and think if I shouldnt actually try becoming an artist (eventhough its just my hobby that Im not really good at and am studying something else that im only mildly interested in).

[@lemond2007]

I wouldn't recommend it. Instead, you could look for a deeply fulfilling job at a fast food establishment.

[@Zikepv]

Thank you ❤

[@Ypatia717]

AI hacked into my body. It took art away from me (my ability to do art), and has done so for nearly 3 years

[@dcb6113]

I think a artist who can actually paint is going to more effective using AI tools like krita has, layers transform tools ctrl z are already sick tools compared to traditional art, people like UG/Jiddu Krishnamurti already predicted this artist aren't creating anything new they just copy nature and each other "the observer is the observed" are we a body with consciousness or are we consciousness with a body.

[@AdamDuffArt]

As Richard Williams said “artists are like children in the sense that they never lose their ability to observe”