Failure isn't what destroys art careers, It's what follows directly afterwards

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

One of the things a very well known art school did not teach me is that professional art is not about art - It's about business and money. Designers are hired to make something because somebody needs a thing that will be a tool to facilitate their business. I take a lot of time in my classes to make it clear that a new artist that is hired means financial risk. They need to be more than talented. They have to work smart, work fast, manage budgets, have business savvy, and have everybody else's best interest in mind, and understand their ego can't be at the center of what they do. I make art on my own time, but when I am designing I solve problems for people that are trying to support themselves and their businesses.

[@Silencer796]

Please stop saying talent, you are making us beginners feel like we won’t reach that level because we have no “talent”

[@PixelRaccoon]

You are right, I hire artists and their work etiquette weights a lot in, they can be the most talented artist I've ever seen but if they have a big ego It would be risky to hire them, because they aren't willing to work with the specifics the company might need. There are also artists who make great art but they can't be trusted with deadlines or keep their files organised.

[@panasado7886]

@@Silencer796 It's not talent! It's how skilled you are, and not just on the art aspect. I've seen that studios hire "talented" artists with big egos, and they don't last that long. You've to be willing to grow, learn to work the smartest way for the business. As the comment says, have everybody else's best interest in mind. It's not just "making pretty pictures"

[@Aeiouaaaaaaaaa]

@@Silencer796Many beginners do have talent, and many professionals started out “untalented”. No one becomes a great artist through talent alone, as nebulous as that word is. I know a lot of people who have serious potential with art, but have no interest in putting in the work or energy to make it their full time job. I don’t say that to imply that their art is lesser in any way, in fact I think it’s valuable to know to draw that line for yourself and I think their works are beautiful. I just want to make the point that talent might be the thing that sparks your interest in the race, but it isn’t what will get you over the finish line. Keep practicing and you’ll get there

[@CountEstradivarius7]

Being an artist is probably the most brutal thing I've tried in my life. But art is my life, so the ride has been quite intense, and it's getting wilder.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Damn straight ❤

[@MikelKiriakos]

Hit the nail on the head! It's such a gift and a curse at the same time 😢

[@vampireantihero]

You always seem to put something out right when I need to hear it. Thank you.

[@Rhex154]

X2 exactly what i was about to writhe, right when i needed it!

[@jamielaseev1321]

Not only do you have to be patient, you also have to stand your ground because you might be patient but the people around you aren't patient and they just see you as a failure and a time waster. It's worse when you are a dependant under impatient people's roof tops.

[@alzamonart]

Adam - You've got a gift of telling people what they need to hear in one way or another. You mention "failure to launch" and can't help seeing that reflected in my own life and art career. Not because I haven't tried - simply, reality sets in and you need to do other things to pay the bills. But on the other hand, I'm roughly the same age as you, perhaps a bit older, and I already know I'm too stubborn and too dumb to quit at this point. I've started participating in several art peer groups, both on and offline, that have certainly motivated me to keep going and conquer small, but important, victories along the way. Now I hope to live enough to have at least my first graphic novel published, give or take a bunch of years. Peace brother. 🤙

[@AdamDuffArt]

And to you too - thank you much for sharing these thoughts :)

[@alvaromarqu3s]

I have a personal story of failure that started when I decided to study videogame design for three years, only to drop out. I then pursued an animation degree for one year, but felt lost and sad for the following year and did next to nothing. Now, I have finally decided to start from the beginning by becoming a digital artist. It is a tough journey, and I feel ashamed of wasting so many years and now having to relearn everything, but I know I have taken the right path. These videos have been a great help in keeping me going. Thank you, Adam.

[@nalliarts4945]

every time i feel lost in my art career your voice and guidence reignites a spark on my soul

[@mariescraeyen9896]

I'm in a bit of a dark spot in my art career so this is a good thing to hear

[@Jman1995100]

I needed to hear this video. While I have yet to reach that amount of success you described (I'm in my late 20s) I definitely resonated with a lot with what you've described. Last months I tried to finish a 24 page comic that I've been working on for months only for me to hit a roadblock which lead me to continuously miss self imposed deadlines, not get work done on other projects, and ultimately putting the comic on a indefinite pause as my confidence was shattered and put me in a paralyzing and directionless downward spiral in terms of how to go forward with my art career. Ultimately it has left me in such a bad case of self doubt I questioned if I was ever good at art in the first place. But your right. I need to go back and look what I was good at and enjoyed doing before so I can find my path forward into hopefully finally launching a successful career as an artist

[@SavMortem]

I'm still at beginner artist territory (at 32 😅 but we all start somewhere) but I will keep the advice for all the stages as I go on. I believe the advanced artist one you did last whole heartedly because I've learned that is how life is. It ebbs and flows, there are highs and lows, sometimes you feel like you have it all figured out and others you feel like you've hit rock bottom and the key is to not let it fool you and just keep going and waiting for the wind to catch your sails again 😊 Even knowing that I could see myself in the situation of an advanced artist someday and panicking when in that situation and mucking it up 😅 so thank you ❤️ I hope your stern but compassionate advice pops into my head whenever I think I need to jump ship.

[@cyberrock6248]

You are like the father and mother I never had. ❤ thank you so much for sharing your videos like this for us out here.

[@BomberGangGoma]

Hi Adam. I started my art journey at 28 in late 2020, and for a few years now I've listened to your videos as a source of motivation. Despite working a full-time job, I felt I made swift improvements thanks to resources from art major friends and gracious KZbinrs such as yourself. In early 2023, I gave up on art and thought I would never come back to art; but, at the beginning of this year I continued my journey and while I'm still firmly an inexperienced artist I still feel a lot of this video, so thank you for talking about this. I discovered a small community earlier this year, and on a whim I pulled my sketchbook out and started doing some doodles and participating in this community. Even though to me I still lacked so much experience I found that I had accumulated at least enough skill that I could begin translating simpler ideas into drawings, and for a community that otherwise only saw art when they commissioned a freelance artist this meant the world to them. I've clung to this community so hard and in the last two crazy months I've taken my art further than the years of practice before 2023, but I still struggle with that balance of ego. Where I am now, I feel like this community is the rug underneath me and it could so easily be pulled out from under me before I can find more solid ground. It's so crazy to me, I feel like I genuinely can't talk to anyone about my feelings with my art. If I even simply express that I want to push my skills further to this friendly community, I get told that my art is great as it is. I have never said anything that I meant negatively about my art, just that I desire MORE out of it. Meanwhile, I have closer friends with more time in their art journey and if I talk to them about my art, it's like talking to a stone wall, it's always just a matter of more practice and time. I KNOW that the answer is TIME, but what's really killing me is this constant ego fight. I have to allow myself enough room and praise to be confident in what I'm doing now, but I also have to be critical and analytical in ways that no one else seems to want to support me. This is what really destroyed me in 2023, and I don't know anyone else that will actually talk about and validate these kinds of feelings for those of us that are fighting more with the mentality in our journey than anything else. I really appreciate everything you've done. Much love.

[@AdamDuffArt]

If I’m validating your feelings, it’s because I’m coming across to you as sincere and aware of what you’ve been through - which inVERY much am Being an artist isn’t a switch you can simply turn off, nor should you Nobody every promised an artist that it was a rose garden (all the time) - but that never stopped anyone :)

[@spacecat85]

agreed, sometimes it can be nigh-impossible to get fellow artists to provide any other response than "practice and time", and I suspect that may partly be bc we all have a different approach, learning speed and method, etc., while those two things are the only we defo have in common. another possible reason is that we often see our own mistakes much clearer than those of others (at least in my xp, ymmv). combine that with folks being often reluctant to hurt friends' feelings and providing both honest and helpful critique can be challenging. unsolicited advice if you want it -- perhaps (if you don't do so already) if you ask about a particular thing, eg. perspective, anatomy, colors, etc., what feedback they can provide on that. make the question specific if you can, ask if they can explain how to improve a particular pose, choice of oclors, etc. that kind of focus often makes it easier. also agreed re: Adam's videos being very helpful with these matters.

[@austinfranco6920]

I don't comment often on videos, but man this one hit for me... I'm primarily a graphic designer but before I got into that field I loved doing illustration digitally & organically, like a few others here I formerly pursued a degree in game art development because I wanted to do character concept/design but dropped out as well. Although my graphic design career is taking off I intend to use my illustration skills for a dark fantasy graphic novel in the future. Watching this was cathartic, therapeutic and insightful... I just want to express my gratitude for people like you Adam. Art is the sole purpose of my life's work. You earned a sub for this one.

[@amievandzura4087]

I just got laid off my job yesterday and it felt like my whole world came crashing down but this video reminded me to never give up! Thank you Adam.

[@_ikious_]

Even though I'm only in my first year of uni as an illustration student, what you said towards the end of the video really hit home. I feel with the rise of AI and social media being in a bit of a bad state, especially for artists, I constantly feel like I'm not doing enough, not posting everywhere I should be, not working fast enough etc. But I know I have skills, yes I'm still young and have a lot to learn, but I didn't get an A in art A levels by accident. When I take the time to actually look at my achievements, like the book I made last year, or the big three illustrations I made for my A level exam, I'm genuinely proud of what I've done so far, and I know I have a bright future if I keep going. Thank you for reminding me to take that time to look back, to stop and reassure myself and have faith in my own ability.

[@mohamadashrafsazali7042]

Thank you so much for the last lesson. I used to have quite a lot of commission and was living quite freely. But now there;s barely even one. I'll have to start getting a job now, but I'll not stop drawing, until, like you said of the wave that wll come back

[@artders359]

That last part almost felt like it was made for me, like I'm in this exact position. Laid off from my job as a senior game artist and haven't been able to find anything new for a couple of months. I'm in that same situation of feeling left behind, in terms of skills, software expertise, etc, etc... Burning myself out trying to diversify because I see so many job ads asking for skill A or software B that I don't have in my skillset. You've made me feel better about myself man, I'm thankful.

[@zayaatelier452]

true, I worked hard for seven years until I got my first big clients that changed my game, I'm grateful for myself for never giving up, I know that, depending on me, it's just the beginning, I'm very proud of all my mistakes, because they brought me here. I love what I do, it's my mission, I will never abandon it

[@NikkiLotte]

I wish I had heard this earlier. It took me around 8 years to realize what I wanted when the answer was right in front of me. I always loved horror and storytelling through characters, but my fear of failure in art and not knowing how to draw horror ( instead of trying and learning ) led me to an inconsistent path, where my artist's name always changed. I struggled with success for years due to that thinking of "adaptatively." Now that I've overcome that fear, I regret not doing it earlier. But I'm happy to finally enjoy art completely.

[@kaicastle.]

23:43 this made me tear up… but still, thank you..

[@jimmydilley9138]

This art talk couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m literally in that mid career loll and have been wondering if I’ve done anything wrong or have gotten complacent. However, when I look at my portfolio and my work ethic I know that nothing is wrong with the work I’m producing. So I’m gonna keep toeing that line. Thanks Adam!

[@danjaworsky]

The trait that all artists we end up knowing and loving have in common is their refusal to give up. You're the best Adam🤘

[@AdamDuffArt]

Dan!! Well thank you my friend - I send that love back with interest

[@JonLauArt]

Adam it's astounding that you posted this video now (today) of all times. I had a couple of (pre covid) clients, and a handful of teachers, that made me feel and out right told me I was terrible. I was depressed, I threw out my back, crushed a few vertebrae, paralyzed my legs for a time, broke my hand, and suffered loss. I had given up on art. Sure I picked up the pen again from time to time but my depression and anxiety from past experiences always kept me from going further. Until recently, where all I want to do is do art. Is it the same fervor I once had? No. Do I still have hang ups? Yes. Will I ever be a professional that makes a living off of my art? I don't know. But as a I rediscover my passion for art I don't know how or why; but, you somehow always find a way to encapsulate what I need to hear at the exact time I need to hear it. Thank you.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well my dear friend Jon - you have my word that you have a great career ahead of you - you’ve been amazing since I’ve known you

[@quintinwatkins3146]

Hearing this just revs my creative engine that felt like it was struggling. I appreciate this very much and glad to have this dose of reality.

[@wanaise7906]

Your videos are like my comfort space for easing my stressful times, financially and personally through art. However, this year I'm now assigned to do a full character designs for a game, probably my first time recognizing my value, so I should say I will keep doing this to engage more bridges soon, your words were enough to brighten my passion fire so thank you Adam!

[@alexlamiaart]

This was incredibly helpful, but the last ten minutes really resonated with me. It reminded me of my grandfather, who was an artist and passed away in 2017. From the moment I took an interest in art, he told me that the key to art and being a good, successful artist is patience and not giving up. I’ve been lost without him. And this was a much needed reminder and wonderful advice. Thank you so much for this video.

[@lucaspacheco7619]

Hi Adam, my name is Lucas, I'm mid lvl artist with a few years of experience...I'm months without drawing, working in a random Job away from Art...finances as a shit, and ready to give up on art, your vídeos is helping me SO MUCH to go back to art, get the motivation to re-build my portfólio and don't giving up Really thank you for your content 🙏 talking about the human side of being a artist is exactly what I need in the moment

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well I couldn’t possibly hear a more heartwarming message Lucas - and excellent name btw :) (that’s my sons name)

[@femkeroozendaal9767]

This doesn't only apply to big career changes or problems that occur. I applies to the smallest problems you come across as well. I recently had a group project with one of the best students in my class. We came across a problem in the software we were using that just kept on annoying us. And instead of walking away and taking a little break, he just kept working on it until after an hour or so we fixed it. Now I'm not saying to not take breaks. I'm saying that when you get in the habit of working through problems how small they might be. You'll be able to see the results in the long run. I mean there's a reason he's the best of the class.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Exactly - he’s demonstrating the true definition of “creativity” isn’t he - not only in his art, but his ability to adapt to challenge

[@blackhoundrise8431]

I almost quit listening because I thought this not for me. I’m learning art and don’t have an art career. Carried on listening, Then at 24:43, the message I needed to hear starts. I just gotta hang in there. Be Patient and do my best not to quit.

[@sr_bob]

I needed this. I hope more KZbinrs realize that we, your audience are aware that you are also trying to sell us something, but you also provide with so much more. I underestimated the power of passion, compassion and inspiration. I thought that the grind was all there was to it but dammit since all of you have been gone from this platform the grind feels like walkig through mud.

[@Nabs_Draws]

This was much needed! Thanks a lot Adam! At first I was a bit annoyed because again you talk about adabtability and I knew a sentence about AI will follow, even when AI is not really compareable to the introduction to 3D or Digital Art and I was already partially annoyed (but that's more a me problem I believe.). But then the second half really got me! It had a been there done that feeling. When I was layed off last year, I was in that exact same position. Layed off from my first Job, struggling to find a new job (I'm still stuck in that position btw). As the rejections filled my e-mail Inbox , the thought of "not being good enough" creeped into my head. No one defined what "good enough" even meant but I just set this stupidly high expectation on myself and then sprinted full force against a wall by doing everything all at once. Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration. I name this phase the "Headless chicken" period. Explainng this will be a bit gorey so I spare y'all from this but lets say at least that it didn't really end well. I had portfolio pieced together for a Graphic Design job but I was insanely unhappy and burned out. It wasn't something I was passionate about. My passion lays in Concept Art. In Illustration that leans more towards the visual Development you see in movies and not advertising the newest sugary smoothie, making the customer believe that it's super healthy when it's clearly not. I think this headless chicken phase might be a "beginner" mistake , but for me it was also an important time because it made me realize what I really want and where my place is located at. It also redefined my goals. Which is working in Film or in Art. Either as a Concept/Visual Development Artist or as a teacher (even though I wanna learn more about the industry first before I hop into the teaching role). And one good thing happened too. While I made my goals clear I also met new friends along the way who have a very similar goal. And I would say that friends like these are super important , if you're not noticing yourself you become a headless chicken again. I also want to say a huge thank you to you too, Adam. Your videos, alongside Bobby Chiu and Tyler Edlin have helped me a lot during this phase. A lot of other youtube artists too but it would be too much to mention them all! Your videos are a true Gem! Please continue to be such an inspiration for all the artists out there!

[@timkongart]

As someone who's been trying to please everyone for almost 10 years I had to get complete professional help when I got to a point where I wasn't getting work, I didn't enjoy any art I created and I felt incredibly depressed. After getting through that period, I started to let myself explore what I like. It was very tough as I denied myself doing this for a very long time. After 3-4 years I'm happy to say its a lot more consistent now than before. I won't like I do falter in confidence here and there as its not easy to undo years of habitual thinking. I'd say I'm mildly more successful than before careerwise. However, I'll say that I much enjoy making art now that I did before where I felt closer to a factory worker churning out things mindlessly without passion. Appreciate you bringing this up Adam, I think its a problem a lot of artists face but kind of gets hidden from view as we only really see the stylistcally sucessful artist in the limelight.

[@kittykat9691]

thank you for that video. I really needed to hear that. I always thought it was mearly the fault of "not being skilled enough" but it is the things i do and how i think. You helped me with the videos of yours to see that chains so that i can thinking about how to break them. The videos helped me to get the help i needed and fix the problems that i could fix myself. Now i can fix my problem with the hate-love i have for art since childhood. you are a really good teacher for life advise besides art. Thank you for being you and making videos.

[@AdamDuffArt]

You’re very welcome Kitty :)

[@jessicaa2057]

you are such a treasure to the art community. Thank You for your wisdom.

[@NinkameEsculturas]

This resonated with me a lot. I tried to diversify when it wasn't appropriate, and, ultimately, I experienced rapid burnout

[@kanachiaki]

Oh this was super interesting!!! I realised I’ve been focusing on ‘being good enough’ (skill wise) that I never thought about building ‘my thing/world’; I keep thinking that I have to be good at everything (digital painting, traditional painting, animation, anime style, realistic style, prop design, character design, landscape….the list goes on and on and on) that I get so overwhelmed every time I sit down to do art. I think I’ll re- arrange my mindset and what I truly wanna do. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@MikelKiriakos]

I feel like this is very common with creatives because we have an interest in creating many things. And the very nature of our work is experimental and exploration.

[@thomlionsdale7590]

Amazing man. Thank you. Also, the amount of times I've rearranged my studio and put it back as was...

[@FlutterVR]

The end of this video really hit home for me. I feel like I'm constantly looking at the precipice of failure right now but I keep going because (after decades) I think I've found the perfect medium (VR) to express my artistic visions. Thank you for these talks! 🙏

[@danieljamiesonillustrates]

always amazing words. Yes, Bobbie Chiu's new channel is so cool. you always have great insights that have helped me in my artistic endeavors.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Hey Daniel! And thank you as always :)

[@danieljamiesonillustrates]

@@AdamDuffArt welcome. :D

[@magicalmofo]

As always on time and in sync with your art talks. Thank you Adam ❤. I'll just keep painting the shadows like a crazy person. Creating magical worlds 🥰

[@ypesie]

Wow! Just wow. You have no Idea how much I needed to hear this right now. Thank you Adam, you are a true inspiration!

[@lemaartist]

You always seems to get right what I need to hear... i've been an artist for 10+ years and since last year things have been soooooo slow, almost to a full stop. I tried to diversify obviously, and didn't do very well, so stop stressing out so much and started doing what i really love, and have been doing some soul searching. You are helping me to get into the right direction. Thanks for all your knowledge and wisdom.

[@destinedtodevinespiritualc119]

I have only just started my journey and i have managed to be able to get myself nearly a year to be able to focus on making it my full time, i have nearly completed a work and started over again because its not what I wanted the finished product to look like, I have also majorly messed up on a piece but i have used them in the art and its improved the final project so have learned to embrace them I have launched myself with several pieces while I work on other's, I'm never stuck for inspiration because I'm looking way in advance for my next 2,3 or 4th ideas i I love making up poetic descriptions for each there is alot involved in selling art because taking very good pictures of your works is also key, good luck to all you beautiful artie people we are needed in this world

[@Goowling]

I am so glad I took the time to watch this instead doing something else with my time. Thank you.

[@wkkleric]

You're a great communicator, Adam. I loved this.

[@littlebighead4482]

Okay, I totally agree with others, I needed to hear this. Thank you so much!

[@onearmedshinobi4154]

The right video in the right moment as always... thanks Adam with all my heart

[@retrospider88]

Thank you for the wisdom, keep it up Adam!

[@3dvortex001]

Thank you as always dear Adam .

[@FishBoyBlue]

Wow. I really needed that today. Thank's Adam.

[@goldenxmarksman]

I don't tend to comment on youtube videos, but F*ck I needed to hear that, thank you!

[@TheClarity101]

I had an extremely rough few years where after university I had to nurse a dying relative, then Covid, moving into a flat and having to work to survive rather than make art. I’m deciding to single out animation as my thing and grind until I make it. Adhd be damned

[@AdamDuffArt]

Amen to that :)

[@CYBERDELICRELICS]

Shrugs shoulders. Dust shoulders off. Keeps on truckin.

[@arknark]

Thank you for your videos. You're the man.

[@captainbagels]

Not to put words in your mouth, but this resilience also applies towards weathering AI art train. Keep being you. Keep drawing and painting. If you have to take financial detours, do what you have to do, but don't stop dedicating time to your artistic journey.

[@Devin_Laugherin]

Oof, yeah. Sometimes being fresh beginner artist is kinda easier. When you are 5-10+ years in - things come more and more complicated. Lifestyle established, income and expences **kinda** predictable, ego formed, some form of competency acquired, and then something requires change - man... sh!t is hard.

[@matty_devlog8065]

Thank you for the content, Adam. Great talk!

[@BiancaUrbanowicz]

You have, I'm so grateful you randomly popped up on my home page. Thank you. Have been feeling really lost, am in the building bridges stage as you described, and it's overwhelming. But you keep on keeping on right? lol Thank you sir, your content is wonderful, and I've been binging it for the past two days. Keep on keeping on and thank you!

[@cloudsofsunset7323]

Always speaking to my heart and my soul in all the right ways

[@ILLORYS]

Thank you so much i needed this perspective very much!!! If you have more knowledge in this topic (being the senior and how you have to see things and act accordingly) please make more of this! Me and im sure others are in a need to know what lies behind those decisions when you have to choose someone for a specific role! Oh my god it was a GEM i saved this video! Keep going love your content!

[@ChantelleArts]

Such an important lesson, thank you for sharing ☺☺☺

[@ArtByHazel]

Thank you Adam for this reminder. Shout out from a fella Montrealer.

[@nyanya86457]

it's very hard for me to find myself and my style because I feel like I have a lot to show, I'm a lot, I switch moods way too often and I love all these moods but I only have two arms and I can't draw everything, and that's where I'm stuck I get so many ideas that I get mentally constipated, it's impossible to work

[@robertfranke6798]

Great video, I needed to hear that.

[@igor-ld8qm]

Thank you for the video Adam

[@bobongler]

Thank you, Adam

[@audiodanger3279]

Thank you

[@renny_est]

Thank you!!!!!

[@kaizen2222]

Thank you sir!

[@midnightopera]

Great talk Adam. Thank you.

[@ksdaiprai]

Oh man! Thank you for this one

[@WilliamHeng-di5cx]

yus! another video from Adam!

[@piusdoe8984]

Nice talk man. Cant say im more hopeful but it was still nice to hear

[@pastelmoon9118]

I wish to make my own comics.. create the stories, characters, worlds... I used to do that when I was a kid.. I loved to see characters become alive and see them grow with me... they had journey with me! want to create that feel of happiness used to have.. that used to be my voice in art doing art courses from concept artists Erak Note love his work! been improving a lot but not quite there yet where I want to be just love the feeling of joy I have.. really missed it its so calming to listen to you while I draw thank you for encouragement!

[@Tomy_Yon]

I'm taking notes. 😊

[@ibrahimshaoor8430]

I’m 24, I’ve many interests but for some reason I can’t seem to figure out how to focus on one at a time. I paint, write, shoot video and edit, I’m very passionate about storytelling, cinema and 2d animation. When I focus on one thing I get distracted by the others very quickly… it’s a pain in the ass

[@littlejoker2569]

I've been thinking about the concept of "diversifying too much too soon." I keep hearing it but I don't know if it's actually a problem or if I should just let it go. I have tried many things (3d modeling, digital and traditional sculpting, game programming, vfx.) but I always come back to drawing and always particular subjects. But I've yet to cuff myself to just one, as seems to be encouraged. I know I love energetic drawings with action and violence, and I've always played around with creatures, monsters, robots and the occasional apocalyptic character. Can these not fall under one banner that is me? Am I failing to focus because I have not declared my allegiance to one genre? I also admit my preferred method/style is inconsistent and a work in progress. Am I "inefficient" just because I'm enjoying color pencils and markers and watercolor this month and last month I was mostly digital? As far as I can tell everything I've ever done feeds into the next thing, No experience or interest is isolated. I'm feeling confused and defensive because I feel like the world is indirectly pressuring me to cut off an arm. Maybe I'll just take forever to "get good" or "solidify a brand" but at least I can enjoy the ride.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well, I t sounds like you’ve dedicated a lot of your time towards diversity and adaptation Maybe it’s time to reclaim your arm this time around and focus on your particular passion and desires - be a little selfish and indulge in what you love most Of course, I’m making a grand assumption in a small comment - but it sounds like you’ve exhausted your options for some time already - time to focus now

[@FATALERROR3]

I feel this a lot, there’s just too many things I like and it’s so hard to let go of them and focus on one. And just picking one thing to focus and get really good on is daunting and feels very stressful (more risky?) I know that doing too many things can lead to being good at nothing, but it’s so hard to find out what you like the most when you try your best at everything you do and have no idea what you are really good at /where the “true interests” lies? I like diversity and switching between different things keeps me from losing interest, and having many skills kinda of give me a back up plan if I failed to make it in one aspect. But it surely does prevent me from having a good solid personal brand /style. So I am not sure what to do.

[@littlejoker2569]

Relatable indeed. Sometimes it’s mixing things up that keeps me creating at all. Far as I can tell I’ve been quite true to myself. Putting things in perspective this advice is biased towards the value of getting a job/career and soon as possible. It’s logical that specializing will do that. It also seems to be about having a curated and focused portfolio that proves to someone else that you can deliver consistently. Nonetheless I think an underlying importance is that finding a process that takes you from start to finish and delivers a solution, plus strengthening fundamentals. In the end they help you make what you want to make, and what others are asking you to make. Either way, I see diversity and evolution in many artists, for some there’s less. Both seem to be doing fine.

[@ArtofWEZ]

This was very relevant as I am trying to force diversify myself but I am stull getting work based on my 7 year old stuff when i do

[@ToonX]

Damn you answered all my questions

[@japz13th17]

Thnks for this ❤️

[@Haruyuki_Art]

Thank you very much 🥰🥰🥰

[@sifzapata93]

Uuuuf Thaks a loot!! gave me perspective about my carrer

[@MichaelBoring-st9uz]

You know what artists who can’t cut it as a real artist they become art teachers. I have seen your dark videos of gaming art and you are a lot younger than me but because I did not believe in myself I was a sign artist and the only way I knew what I like is because of the books I bought I didn’t have the opportunity to go to school to become an artist I had to go to work just to Eat. 😮. But I get it. Beginner shoes is a good thing right. Your strength is earned from your weakness and overcoming it. I’m not one to talk I have failed at everything at least once and I’m not even considering that I am an artist. I love watercolor and impressionistic art I have always hated abstract art I love a chance to make art for someone but I don’t believe they have my best interests at heart. I’m not judging what you do I love your channel but I want to be a fine artist and I still don’t know how. 😌

[@richardforero]

Not art related, but I do always like the T-shirts you have, may I know the brand or where I can get them please?

[@AdamDuffArt]

Thank you! They’re a very affordable brand that you can find on Amazon called “coofandy” I have many products from them, from long and short sleeve shorts, knee long shirts, capris etc… it’s a generally great brand (also for tall guys)

[@corneliuskoehler7684]

Hey, at 15:55 you list a number of Things that wouldnt exist. One Thing i cant really hear, its Something with "washed". What is it? Also, big fan of your Videos and really Glad that they are there so i can learn. Thank you :)

[@AdamDuffArt]

Ah ok - I mentioned: oil painting, GOUACHE (as in gouache paint), digital painting, photography, videography - I was just listing out different types of image creation

[@corneliuskoehler7684]

@@AdamDuffArt ah, okay! thanks :)

[@MichaelBoring-st9uz]

That should say I have not I love 😮

[@FATALERROR3]

Hi I was wondering if over diversifying is always a bad thing? I am unsure of what I want to do in the future and I am interested in many fields such as animation, illustration, 3d and design. Does that mean that I should only choose one ? I am afraid of not being able to find a job in entertainment and also the instability of the industry, hence I thought having other skills might be helpful if in the circumstance that I need another kind of job such as working in advertising/ marketing. I am also interested in other fields other than entertainment and a lot artists I have seen online doesn't seem to have a boundary drawn in which where their art can be used. So I wanted to ask if there's any way I can go about my situation as I am really lost. Thank you!

[@agathalynx]

i'm in the same situation as you are, i'm interested in so many art related things and techniques so i always get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing :D

[@marianoel5605]

Ok, so how long can one person be stuck at the beginner's stage? When can you consider yourself a non-beginner any more? I read people saying "I've been in this art thing as a beginner for 3 years so far" and I wonder... I guess that links to what you said about "fear to launch" and stay a "beginner" (not really) all your life.

[@thevisionary5699]

Do you have any advice an artist who is turning 30 and feels like he missed the boat? I see a lot of younger fresher folks who are already famous on Twitter at a young age and am beginning to wonder about myself 😅

[@AdamDuffArt]

I’ve spoken about this in many talks - and I know artists approaching their 50s who are still kicking it - you’re very young at 30 and have many years ahead of you- you haven’t missed any boats

[@thevisionary5699]

@@AdamDuffArt thanks I'll see if I can find some of your videos in that topic ❤️

[@johnathanharris4366]

even at 30 is it too late to accomplish your childhood passion in art?

[@LilPale]

You can try it as a hobby (sketch, draw but not let it take majority of your time)

[@AdamDuffArt]

Absolutely - just remember that the expectations of employers of you to produce professional art still applies - we all have to put in the work :) But hell yeah, you can get good very quickly and build an amazing career in mid-life - I mean, I only became a serious KZbinr 10 years ago (at 38) and look where I’ve come since then - 10 years is a LONG time to get good

[@johnathanharris4366]

@@AdamDuffArt Thank you 🙏 sir

[@MichaelBoring-st9uz]

I’m 64 years old 😮

[@Shaun.is.typing]

🙏🙏🙏

[@pervysage5465]

I never was good or successful at any point of my life, so unfortunately your advice doesn't apply to me. Hopefully other people will find it useful

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well then that first point probably applies to you best - making sure your portfolio evokes a feeling of safety and confidence in your potential employer

[@whitesnake.]

Motivate yourself and your self-esteem. Try different things and learn what works. There's many many people out there who are trying to succeed probably in anything but only when you stick to it, you can achieve it. Don't be one of those who gave up and just keep going. Observe and learn.

[@pervysage5465]

@@whitesnake.I appreciate the intentions, but do tell me, can you build your self esteem on 30 years of being a failure? Because I don't think I can.

[@whitesnake.]

@@pervysage5465 Yes. You have your life in your hands but you have to change the way you look at yourself.. My self-esteem was broken so much I actually stopped doing what I loved for maybe three years. But I felt even worse without my passion. You can actually achieve what you truly love and want but you need to keep going and trying many ways.. It's hard. It takes a long time. And it hurts as hell.. And you may make people sad or angry. You'll maybe need to let some things go. But in the end it's worth it. Not only for your dreams but also for your health and peace..

[@omaralkhawaja2065]

Hey Adam , I'm curious to know whats your opinion about the war on gaza

[@AdamDuffArt]

I appreciate your question but this obviously isn’t the place for this type of discussion

[@omaralkhawaja2065]

@@AdamDuffArt fine , I'll dm you on Instagram to discuss it there

[@bluemusic039]

Well... Guess I'm fucked. Your analogy doesn't work for me, because i don't look for a genre in music. I listen to all kinds of music. 😅😭 And i hate doing just one thing.

[@ELTABULLO]

Like DJ Khaled once said: Life is Roblox

[@JuanFarineliFumis]

"succeed" and "career" 🤣 what a fun words that you "clean people" love to use

[@sorubro2193]

AI

[@orarie.7cool]

first bro

[@riccia888]

His talking about the scammer bobby chiu again 😂

[@door.8]

Scammer? How so?

[@riccia888]

@@door.8 I followed Bobby Chiu since the beginning of Schoolism. That means im a veteran. People can tell because of experience.