Getting Out Of That Horrible Art Slump

[@jakerose8928]

I was into the whole "no pain no gain" mentality, seeing all the people who "made it" saying if you dont work and draw for at least 16 hours a day you are not gonna last in this competitive business, it was foolish and it brought stress and anxieties, knowing already that I still have a long way to go and plus all these things reminding me that I'm not good enough, it dragged me into a hole. I'm just glad that I discovered your channel before things turn bad. Thank you, Adam, for telling me that art is never suppose to be like that. Love your content as always :)

[@fathomlessforge8700]

I’ve been there too. Trying to meet an arbitrary hour quota was terrible for guilt and anxiety. Instantly turning wander into dreadful work.

[@christinekoper2407]

It’s an exhausting way to work IMO. It might go okay for a v small number of people, but I think most people get burnt out on pushing themselves that hard before long.

[@fathomlessforge8700]

The healthiest thing for me personally was to just to be honest with how I felt. Being consistent day to day or week to week with time for my life, exercise, and getting inspired is more sustainable. Bring creative is a lifestyle, for me, and anything related to life (silently) demands balance. Figuring out that balance is a process, and that takes mistakes, wins, and then reflection. (;

[@jakerose8928]

@@fathomlessforge8700 absolutely agrees, i found later on that if you pick up that pen and felt like charging into war, nothing great comes out, you're just noodling, brains unable to function cuz you are sleeping less than 5 hours, the more you care the more you lose. i saw people who work 6 hr days and achieve much higher quality art/design, bragging about the hardwork dont prove anything, is about what you bring out.

[@jakerose8928]

@@christinekoper2407 yah, if people work that much and say i love it and it felt great, it works, but that's not for all people

[@tryarie1970]

"I feel the creative itch but I don't know how to scratch it-" just explains my problem so well. ✨

[@firos_kofi6608]

This touches me so much... I think I have had a rough week. I'm living for myself, I have a full time job 5 days a week. I also try to keep my body healthy and my mind clean, doing exercise. I try to keep my mind clean, doing some meditations and deep breathings. I also try to keep growing by reading some books too. And the most important thing, I keep my soul alive by doing art. But sometimes I feel I don't have enough time to do art :( Deep inside I know that If I keep pushing some day I'll be able to quit my daily job (that drains me 8 hours per day and lots of energy) and I'll have lots of real time to put into my craft. Being an artist is not easy but it's really worth it. We are lovely, sensitive individuals who wants to connect and express what we feel or think. I hope everyone is doing good and keep creating and taking care of yourselves. Good vibes for everyone who read this bible >

[@ericklucas9949]

Adam, I don't know if you are a very religious person, but I have an history to tell you. Just happened 30 mins ago, I was sending my girlfriend (we are givin each other a "time" right now...) a message literallying like this "let's go out? let's do something crazy and alone?" and right a moment later she response saying "yes". After about 15 minutes, I reach out your video part around 26:21 that you say samething like "you have to take the step, go out! reach your potential love... if it's true love she will take your heart"... Jesus, I instantaneously started to cry, I felt like it was God himself talking and conforting me in a way, you know... Well, I'm definetly not a religious person, but this moment got me a soul shake in a way... well, thank YOU for that! haha

[@edwardteach1992]

This relates to me so much. I just recently had the courage to post my commission rates on social media then after a few days, still no one has responded 😂. I guess no one is interested at my artworks right now but hey at least I did the first step.

[@AliasEliahus]

As someone who's been in a creative slump for maybe a little over two years at this point, this subject means a lot to me, while i do still draw and i know i have the capacity to make good art a large part of the struggle is thinking up ideas that actually excite me and by proxy having the motivation to carry it beyond a rough sketch. I think the most important advice here isn't just to explore what you were doing when you were at your most productive or happiest but specifically the mention to ignore our inner perfectionist. So often i've looked back at what i've made or what i know inspired me and avoided pursuing it because it wasn't "the most efficient use of my time" but when you constantly worry about practicality [hyper focusing on the how to make something instead of why] you lose sight of what matters to you. I still have to fight to find enjoyment even in things i know i love, an issue which i'm going to therapy and medication to help fight, but this definitely one of the videos that helps me find my center. I hope you know how much your work helps us adam, i wish you and your students all the best.

[@Nocturnalpainter]

I studied Graphic design back when i was 16 (partly because that was the only creative study i could pursue in the Netherlands with my highschool degree). my goal was to become better at drawing and being thought about that and certain programs like photoshop and illustrator. But because my art style and choices were far from mainstream i only got criticism and not the kind of criticism that sets you on a better path but the kind of criticism that feels like you don't belong there and you should turn 180 degrees just to have a chance. In short that study absolutely destroyed my love for art that i had as a kid. Now almost 15 years later i'm still not totally back at the level of how much i loved drawing back then. And now i'm struggling to get back into it. Having a a degree in healthcare (which wasn't my thing) And because of that working in a supermarket to make ends meet. But i wanna get back into art so badly. but everytime i see art classes or the likes of it i'm still scared they will tell me the same thing as back then and destroy my dreams once more. Thank you so much for your videos Adam. They help so much.

[@One_Call_System]

What happened to me was when I was in art school I had real passion for art. I was in the studio every day for hours. As soon as I graduated however, I lost the social connection of other artists as school was over. It absolutely killed my passion for some reason, I was suddenly all alone and had to do art on my own. I don't know if this is ever talked about but I have never regained the passion for art like I did when I was in school. I am an extreme introvert so I don't connect with people often. This loss of connection really kind of screwed me over. I have to really make strides on making connections, but that is a whole other level of issues I have lol

[@LPCART]

One of my fave quotes; "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." - Pablo Picasso Thanks for the vid Adam! Always a great listen and helpful subject :)

[@zayndesign]

That's a really nice quote! thank you for sharing that :)

[@razhin1366]

This video just happened to appear in a perfect timing for me. It's been awhile since i draw cuz i can't have free time due to other priorities. Thanks as always for your useful tips Adam.

[@masonoreilly7512]

I'm in the same boat... this video dropped at the perfect time haha

[@metheiam5714]

Adam's videos always come at the right moment

[@wese6612]

This hits way close to home. I've been obsessed with creature art since I can remember. I used to draw traditionally almost every day and art was always something I thought I would end up doing in the future. Two years ago I graduated from art uni and ever since defending my thesis, my passion and inspiration had died completely almost as if that part of my life has never existed. At first I thought this was an art block that has started back at uni but now I know it was something way worse. Also, I feel like the values of meaning, growth and a deeper connection which I always held dear to my heart when creating had been killed by the industry. All of this is so disheartening because I can feel my skills fading away so trying to get back into it to reignite that spark is even harder, nothing has worked so far and I feel like letting it all go because holding on is so painful. It hurts knowing that after all that time and money spent I have nothing to show for it now and no passion or interest for all of it anymore.

[@wisonhendrik5855]

Oh boy, this so true about doing the passion what you love on your art is the most important part. I was once love to draw because in love with doing my own personal stuff. But after being hired for doing digital painting, I thought my path goes to become painter so I decided to leave behind my personal passion. Many years have passed, I paint for companies whether game or movie but sometimes like you said that I feel disconnect from my art become more and more distance. eventually I feel all my works are now all a chore rather than what I love doing in the first place. Till one day, I decided to quit most of my work and pursue what I love again. My passion actually love drawing animals and fantasy creature or character stuff. it is actually scary to say at least because shifting after all these years ain't easy. But eventually my feeling passion of art back again and feeling more happier than ever. I feel this was my real personality and I don't want to hide anymore. And I feel more productive and curiosity for learning than before

[@totallyaperson8069]

I just turned 13 and I have just gotten social media to start using the big grown up apps for posting. But everyone’s art is so amazing and that’s great but in comparison to my art, well my art is awful. I’ve been going though all these art style changes and I just can’t seem to choose, for months I had just procrastinated it and even when I try now my art skills are more awful than ever. This video helped a lot, thank you :>

[@FloodlightZhou]

It's funny, because I came to the same conclusion as you a few months ago. I was burned out and the idea of drawing was repulsive to me, but I also felt incredibly sad because this is what used to make me happy, and I felt like I had destroyed it. But then I just came across a childhood show of mine - Digimon Adventure -, and it just flipped back a switch right away. A few days before I didn't even want to look at my cintiq. Now I was jumping at my desk sketching fanarts crazily all day. And what's more? I was so happy. There was such a pure joy into drawing those characters I loved as a child. In the end, I drew all summer and hasn't stopped since then. Thing is, i've always been a "fanart" kind of person, and I felt a bit shameful because, you know how it is, Fanart is often seen as a lesser art for some reason. I'd hear people make fun of it all the time, and say it was a loss of time and energy. That people only did fanart to get followers and easy money. Real artist do original art bla bla bla. Frankly, I've now sent all these saying to the trashcan. I personally do fanart because i have an overwhelming amount of love that needs to be expressed, and part of this love is love for the show, yes, but it's also love for drawing. And that is so precious to me. My most favorites pieces are often fanarts. I feel like they are funnily my most genuine arts, as it's just a visual representation of the love I feel. What's more? The energy boost and motivation it gave me is like no other. I produced a lot of art and therefore improved in skills as well while having fun. I've been working professionaly for a month now and I can say that the fanarts i've made in Summer help me in my work, because there are color palette that I tested in those fanarts that are useful now to easily set up a mood, and so on. That's why I personally would tell a people who is struggling with art to take a step back and try to remember why they wanted to draw in the first place. It can be many things. For me, it was because i loved watching all these kid shows as a kid, and would sit in front of the TV and draw all day. It has always been that, but I had forgotten it in the madness of trying to get better at art.

[@apukiru]

Thank you Adam for being able to have this video help me relate to you and others. I went through many years of studies to get where I am today. However, I am still not where I want as I am having challenges with finances, trying to keep a living with a stable job. I am an Art Teacher myself in the traditional school and I could also see how it discourages students to pursue art. Before I became a teacher, I got a Diploma in Design Foundation, then Interior Design, then finally, Illustration. It took me all these years and hurdles to figure out what was passion was. Sadly, the education here does not cover Concept Art, VisDev, etc.. So now, I am working my way to earn at least to get some online training instead. It's been hard because, knowing how much you want something. But, cannot reach because of your limitation (location, financial, etc...) makes me feel sad. Then, that feeling becomes guilt or dread. Until, you start to feel lost or have no where to go. Left behind. And speaking of the creative slump, my job does take most of my energy so I am just left sleeping for the rest of the day. There maybe many underlying things that is making feel just so uninspired and exhausted. Maybe being an introvert, life stresses, the pandemic, etc... I am slowly getting myself out of that rut! Anyway, I still have 2 years to go until (I think) I can afford my education to pursue my dream to study and become an artist in the Entertainment Industry. It's a long way to go. But it feels comforting (in a good way) to know that I am not the only one.. It does make me feel less lonely. And maybe somewhere in this comment section, someone actually made it. And I hope it'll set a chain reaction that'll help lift artists like myself in the community. Will I make it?.. Who knows?.. But I do know how it makes me feel when I paint, create or when I see the awe-spiring worlds, designs, ... of my artistic idols.

[@codetriptych]

26:05 "you're not a fraud you're not an imposter" thank you for reminding me that I'm not what I always think about myself for many years when it comes to my credibility as an artist. I was taken aback when I heard it, feels like an encouraging pat on my shoulder

[@butwaittheresmoreayo]

This video saved my future art-career, I think. It's such a simple advice, to have fun and discover the joy in the process again, but one of the hardest to follow. I needed that reminder. Thank you so much.

[@thisismynamepal]

Needed this last week XD I went back to the department I graduated from 2 years ago to see if my school had a mentorship program, and the head of illustration eventually said, "don't bother. You will never get good enough to work in that field and why would you want to? Most people just think it's cool because they play video games so don't even do a job search or network online, be a local artist or do editorial." This is despite alumni from other years and other professionals telling me the opposite and saying me at the very harshest, "it's gonna be a ton of work but I'll never tell you it's impossible" and at the lightest, "if you just want to do mobile games you may not have as far to go as you think!". Like, no one from my class has done anything since graduation and apparently almost everyone else has given up. So morale has been low for a bit and I've been exhausted but you and Marc have very helpful videos to help keep everyone going, and I'm lucky to have a few supportive people professionally and personally. People like you are doing ArtGod's work.

[@xuanxh]

I'm right at the flip-flopping/too much diversifying part: trying to find something that I'll be really good at, while realizing there are too many things I want to do, too little time, while figuring out at the time time how to build an audience. I'm not even trying to do commissions yet because I don't feel ready (probably due to the flip-flopping: I don't have a good process set in stone) and have no fanbase. I'm getting worried that this art thing might not work out, but I'll continue searching and see if I find "my thing, my niche".

[@WotanSkyFather]

This is similar to how I have felt as a musician, devoting entire years of my life to an album only to have no one care at all. Then getting down on myself because I care that no one cared. I get into a vicious cycle of questioning why I'm doing it in the first place, because it makes me feel crass for even thinking about other people's opinions in connection to my art.

[@velvet_nova]

This video came at such a good time. I'm currently am in an art slum but it could be that I'm burnt out from my job. Its a night shift retail job and I just hate it. Usually after work I'm just tired because I already have a hard time sleeping and then I get depressed because I'm like damn why can't I get a job I'm passionate in? That is why next year I plan to quit my job and try to freelance and see how that goes. Hopefully it will spark my creativity again. But thanks Adam for your videos. I watched a bunch of them and they just help reminds me that art should be fun and about self expression ✨

[@Lixae]

I really enjoy these talks. I was in rough times for a few years and have found myself trying to play catch up recently, which has not been going well as you can imagine. Artists are so hard on ourselves.

[@gargoylecleric]

I think I can confidently say this channel is what kept me from dropping out of college whenever I fell into these long, miserable, unproductive art slumps. I recently said f it and have been painting things that make me excited even though my professors don't care for it, but the spark came back almost immediately and I'm motivated to create and learn again. Thank you for the video

[@ArtByCelyne]

Thank you again for the wonderful messages! Just sharing something I heard on a podcast that really hit hard - this was told to a person on a non-artistic job - "You're an artist. You do everything with love." I guess keeping this in mind helps you remember and keep the sparks alive - regardless if your day job is unrelated to art with toxic and difficult co-workers, customers, etc.

[@calebpeyton4704]

I've been drawing/painting traditionally, but mostly digitally for about 12 years, and I've constantly struggled with discovering what it is that I truly like to do. I loved doing environments, but as the years went by, I started to really love character and creature design. I've always felt though that I need to pick one, either I stick with characters, or I stick with creatures, and even now, I still can't bring myself to commit to only one since I am in love with both. I love learning anatomy for both, and pushing myself with my designs. I think I can finally say that I'm okay with focusing on both now, it's what I love to do. Thanks Adam for another great video, in fact, listening to you is what is getting me out of my art slump right now, I used to listen to you a lot when I would work, and so it's interesting to watch this video at the time I am since I've been in an art slump for a few months now and really want to get back into it.

[@Rodutchi]

My god the timing. I wanna comment how thankful I am, but men you change life's I swear.. I had to hear this advice. Can't repay you enough.

[@G4M4YUN13L]

i'm currently in one of those long dry spells and i really appreciate your message in the end. it definitely makes me feel less like a lost cause.

[@zayndesign]

Among many others who were constantly told that we cant make a living doing our thing, and trying to prove them wrong on the journey. Finding a way is so rewarding, because it is hard to continue on this path when we're constantly challenged whether it is our skill or society and even our own realities. when I finally faced that maybe animation wasn't my strong suit atm I realized I pushed my own art away because I started to believe that I couldn't make it with just my art skills alone. I wish that back then I realized it took much more than just putting your work out there, but also being a good salesman and as well as most importantly believing in yourself and your work even when others may not. Awesome videos, love seeing/ sharing other artist's experience. I think this is a wonderful community.

[@metheiam5714]

The penumbra game series gets my creative ball rolling almost without a fail. I just love the atmosphere in those games. Dare i even say i'm obsessed with it.

[@MStudiosadp]

Great talk as always! For me the slump was fueled by the fact that in my youth art was not seen as a viable career option by the people arround me (mainly school). Now after 15 years I finally decided that I want to make a career out of it. Not sure how, but I guess I will figure that out along the way!

[@viniciusalexandre5174]

Dear Adam, I can't stress enough how important your videos have been to me. Thank you for every word you chose to share with the rest of us. It's priceless. It's meaningful.

[@hellodelightfulrando]

I know I’m on the right track when I’m already in the process of working through the advice you’ve given. I’m teaching myself Illustration after my awful college experience, it’s been hard and tbh learning all these technical skills threw me into months of art block that I thought I would never get out of. Now that I’m going back to drawing the things I use to love (mostly fan art) I’m starting to enjoy making art again

[@MrDuckyart]

I absolutely love how much your videos have always managed to snap me immediately into That Mindset™, your words are always amazing to hear, your voice is soothing and it feels like I'm just easing back into a hot, comfortable bath and my hands are free to explore whatever they want.

[@AB-ws4kt]

I’ve always been drawn to an illustrative art form but I found myself in graphic design and marketing. I was not happy and for a long time I couldn’t figure out why, until I quit my job. I’m much much happier for it. Now I can focus on what direction I want my actual art to go in, and I also have the experience from my old job to help in some ways.

[@Zalec_k]

Somehow you managed to get me to tears. This autumn been so hard that I almost forgot what it was to taste art and at those moments I did managed to draw something I felt no joy. I thought I been loosing my touch, that spark that you been talking about. But then, I opened my old drawings while listening to you talk. Recalling the feeling of excitement and sheer joy. Thanks for reminding me, that underneath it all I`m still an artist. And I create things.

[@lulledart]

Perfect timing, thank you! I've been in an art low for a couple days, not producing anything, and my work feeling really sub-par when I do. I try and remind myself that it's just my ability to see getting ahead of my hand, and my technical ability will 'level up' if I can push through it, but that's hard to remember sometimes.

[@Sharkhead123456]

Well, for me at least, as a 3D artist, its very tough. Sometimes i do a piece of art that cost me something like a month and a half - 2 months to finish it, and no one cares at all. I do learn a few stuff from the process itself, yes, but even so, it still hard. It feels like, you're going and gettin nowhere. Maybe, just maybe, i haven't found my style yet, what kind of art i want to do, if its cartoon, stylized, realistic, anime, etc. But i don't know, i feel kinda hopeless because digital art is the only thing that i want to do with my life. Its been 4 years, and nothing actually hapenned. I grew my artistc eye at least. I guess its the only positive income for now.

[@miariz]

Alanzoka????

[@LIZArdsFail]

I'm so glad, Adam, that I found your channel! I was about to end my career because I thought that I'm not good enough for awesome artist in industry. Though I was already working in animation industry sphere. But I most of the time I was burnt out very quickly and only I had to do is to survive to be good and getting no rest to get finally a new job. But your vids just made me rethink of my life in general and.. I felt more confident and relaxed. Thank you so much!

[@fowlerillus]

This is just excellent Adam. You are such a fantastic resource. Thanks for all that you give! BTW these paintings are beautiful! One of the most consistently valuable and enjoyable channels on KZbin.

[@AlexandoriaART]

You know what, this was so comforting. I've been struggling lately and it always makes me wonder if I'm just not in love with arting anymore. I am... And I needed this reminder.

[@saraastayna]

I stumbled upon your channel this week and I'm so happy I did (thank god for youtube recommendations!) I have to say you just got a new loyal viewer Adam. I'm a young designer and artist still studying aspiring to get to work on the games/animation industry, it's so inspiring to watch your videos, from the more refreshing ones like the reviews and artbook tours to the Art Talks, I've learnt so much from them. I'll keep watching the ones I haven't binged watched yet, I know they're going to help me a lot. What I mean to say it's thanks so much for the work and quality you put into the videos and sharing your knowledge, you're an incredible artist and teacher Adam! Much love and happy painting, Sara 😊

[@jessikakearns3506]

This, as is so often the case, reached right out and spoke to my bones and my soul. Thanks, Adam, for all of the insight and encouragement.

[@onokas]

Wise words. I love these sessions! Thank you, Adam.

[@juju_]

Hi Adam, it seems like you always make the right video in the right time! I've been feeling really disconnected to my art lately, and your words were everything I needed to listen. Thank you so much! I'll always remember you through my art journey.

[@leogeck7350]

so, i don't know if you read each and every comment, and if not, at least i did something for the algorithm, and maybe someone else who is curious reads it. i really appreciate your videos so, so much. i am severely depressed, and working an underpaid and exhausting (non-creative) job because of the pandemic. it's been over two years since i've actually drawn something and trying to get back into it was extremely exhausting and frustrating. where i live there is little to no work for illustrators that don't follow a certain style (either corporate or quirky-cutesy) and trying to broaden my portfolio probably added to my bitterness and sadness, as i don't enjoy these styles, and i'm not good at them anyway. Thank you for these tipps on getting back into it easier. I CAN feel myself longing to create and draw again, but there's just this huge room between me and my metaphorical crush. and i KNOW that just taking the first step is often the way to go, as i've paid enough money for my therapist to try and hammer it into me. but with returning to more naive creating times with music is a tipp worth more than anyone can ever imagine. thank you.

[@xXneoshadow]

Thank you, Duff. You’ve touched my heart.

[@boglarkahidvegi]

I just sit here and let your drawing mesmerize me with all the things you say. :D Your words encourage me all the time when I feel a bit lost, Adam. Thank you!

[@ultralight_expo2241]

Thank you so much Adam, for your work as a content creator, as an artist, and as a mentor. Your ability to correlate your own experiences alongside those from your community in order to help a variety of people relate is truly tremendous. I cannot count the amount of times I've heard you describe a struggle that I assumed almost no one felt, only to be assured I wasn't alone, with this video adding to the ever-growing list. I truly wish nothing but the best for you, thanks again!

[@ChronoJedi]

This came at good timing after ive deleted all my social media a while back so my brain could be free to think for once

[@kellyramirez7465]

This is exactly what I needed right now! Adam, you are incredible. Thank you so much for giving your time to strangers across the globe.

[@BlackSkysGamer]

Abandon that professional... huh... for the longest time I had nearly forgotten how fun art could be. I found myself at a fork in the road, when I lost my house and landed back with family, one of their conditions was that I went to a school for a degree of some sort, I watched them grimace at the idea of art school, defeated, I decided to go into IT, because I liked working with computers too. But now I feel this, gnawing, longing to draw and pursue this story I had brewing in my head for years. and not being able to pursue it... it's depressing. Every time I have spare time to put pen to pad I see the atrophy of my self-taught efforts. The long intervals of just doing work then school and then maintaining my relationships with others while trying to find some resemblance of privacy to draw or write, I look at my work in those times, and become frustrated, because to me, there is no improvement, no "Hey! I managed to pull that off!" There is just "This is not what I envisioned, and it never will be, because I don't have enough time"... And this depression has become a festering tumor that's made me bitter in all honesty.

[@BlazinBlack109]

Happy Sunday everyone! The timing... So thank you for sharing with us, and being so honest Adam.

[@themannydraws]

Thanks Adam! The next time you have a coffee I want you to imagine a cool dude with long hair that's wearing a Mastodon shirt (because they're awesome) sitting next to you also enjoying a coffee in silence. Nod with a hello. He will nod back and disappear. We have now nodded to eachother in our imagination. Whoa. I appreciate you and what you do for the art community. I hope to meet you at a lightbox expo in the utopian future and nod with a coffee in hand.

[@rolsonDotcom]

Adam Duff's art reminds me ALOT of 'Dark Souls' motif. Fantasy and dark fantasy is very intriguing to me. If you've played the "Dark Souls" series on Xbox or PC you'll know what I'm talking about. The worlds are very vivid, heavy with dread but there's a small sliver of hope as your character moves through. It's the ray of sunlight poking through that small hole in the wall of a deep dark dungeon. If you've ever been in a dark room where a small beam of light is beaming down and slowly moving through the space and you can see the ray only because of the dust and atmosphere in the room....that's what I'm talkin' about. This was a very encouraging video to watch as I've often questioned whether I'm a real artist based on the length of times between generating art. It's that ray of light that is calling me as an artist to pick up that pencil, pen or brush and make something shine. The world would be a very dark and boring place without artists.

[@EthanS1481]

Wow...Thank you for this...I needed to hear this now...

[@m0rbidm0nk3y]

Thanks for the advice, all of it really resonated with me. I've been put off for so long because I let other responsibilities weigh me down. I lost myself and recently started to fall in love with drawing and painting again. You hit alot of point of how I found myself slowly finding my passion for art again. I'm still looking for what makes me click but I'm excited to find it. Thank you again for being an amazing teacher

[@Cellardoor_]

Thanks Adam. Appreciate your videos. Seems like my road is longer and harder and riskier than most people trying to get to the same destination, but I'm hoping it pays off. Cheers.

[@caribbeanqueen44]

You're a good soul Adam. This message was for me, thank you so much. 💗

[@celcyyblue9033]

I've almost loved art, even as a young kid. But at a curtain point in time, when I was really productive, and had the most passion in my art, I discovered a different form of it. Map making, fantasy map making. And I really put my effort into that (for some reason I actually dont know why, because iw as still so in love with digital art and fantasy design), and I got pretty good at it. And then I started to put these maps up online, and I started getting commissions. And Im in that state where I these maps are really taking up all of my time, and I seem to have no time to draw and paint. But when I do, its for myself - to improve. And so my brain is automatically thinking "oh, I shouldn't be painting, I should be mapping, making money. Painting is just pointless!" and so im in this little awkward space at the moment. And I have really fallen out of love with this idea of mapping, but its quite a nice helpful side gig. And I would hate for mapping to be the thing that I do for the rest of my life, because its the only thing that ive done and found true success. and this has really helped Adam! Your an impact on artists around the world, and keep making the content that you do.

[@AdamDuffArt]

That is a totally respectable choice - and it’s a distinction that many artists need to make - professional vs passion hobby You need to be willing to endure the boring and technical as well

[@DjoLian]

I lost that spark the moment when I started to go professional with my art. I was so obsessed with the technique that I slowly started to get paralysed each time I had to do a painting. I always thought that people of the industry who would watch my artworks would instantly spot all the flaws of it. And I began to fear I wasn't enough. I've always been too hard on myself. It was to the point I was hospitalized after a burn out in 2015. Since then I couldn't touch a pencil. Even the mere thought of art scared the sh*t out of me. After some years of therapy , my inner artist nature slowly got back to me and I slowly began to paint again. I decided to drop all that technical stuff and even my tablet eventualy. I rediscovered the passion of handdrawing on a simple paper sheet with pencils and watercolor like when I was ten. And gosh...It felt soooooo liberating. I'm now drawing things that resonate with myself and i dont embarass myself with technique anymore. After that my art became way more organic and true to myself. Fun fact is that Miyazaki's work, Dark fantasy and Bekinski are also referecences that renewed my spark.

[@HoxtonGuitarist]

I recently decided to dedicate myself to learn illustration after spending 8 years making music. I have felt increasingly disconnected with music as a creative form in the past year, and Adam's videos helped me really pin-point what I want to do going forward. I dabbled in 3D animation, drawing characters, and writing video essays, but nothing had an immediate pull as drawing environments. I closed my eyes and thought about why I've been so lacking in inspiration and motivation to create (not just learn), and I realized that at the height of when I was making music I had been reading at least 2 books a month. Usually fiction, but sometimes history and the like. I'm so grateful for these videos, I don't know for certain that going back into reading is going to bring me back. But I have a gut feeling that it will.

[@NickHeaze]

I'm not in that art slump, I've clawed my way back from feeling that guilt etc. But I certainly know what it's like. Even hearing this sort of thing makes me realize I'm not alone in these thoughts and that's a good thing to know too. 🙏 Adam

[@PhillipRauschkolb]

Great video Adam, I was in this funk for quite some time over the past year and thankfully have been digging my way out since September. I joined up on Stephen Silvers site and gotten back to trying to just have fun with it again. Your videos have been a great source of inspiration and positivity for me for quite some time now. So, thank you very much for doing these.

[@lorenzodhernandes]

Thanks for talking about this. I'm struggling with this stand-by phase and I thought I was just being weak

[@normalitaendahsafitri2178]

Your content never fail to amaze and inspire me, sir. This video just came at the right time, when I'm conflicted with what I should do in pursuing art. I dunno the kind of style or specific work field in art that make me passionate, but I feel exhausted way too easily while I'm looking for the answer. That's why I've been hesitating to do anything now. When the topic of coming back to the stuff that makes you passionate again, I realize, I never trying to stand up and go out discovering myself. I've only been too focused on improving on one field, and it's been taxing on my mentality a lot. I thought it was the best course of action. But thxfully ur video here slap me back to reality. I really need that, that realization. To take the first step before anything else. Thx u, sir. U really made my day and everyone here ^^

[@SlayerOfAmista]

The way that I just SMILED when I saw the title of this video.

[@keidoesstuff6392]

Whenever I'm stressed on making assignments, I would doodle bloodborne-esque monster designs and characters from novellas such as The Metamorphosis as a means to clear my mind and then continue working. Doodling, mostly monster designs, keeps me remember what I love to do and why I chose to be an artist.

[@lulledart]

Highly recommend Marco Bucci's ebook "Creativity and the Campfire" for more insight into the advice in this,, I feel that the advice is somewhat similar, but presented in a stricter way tonally, which might be good for some ppl. :)

[@jinn2722]

Thank you!!! I saw your comment a couple of days ago and damn - bought his book, read it, out of art block. I would never have found it without this comment so thank you internet stranger

[@Gutsu_]

I missed these talks, glad to be back.

[@RukileinchenChan]

This "soothing place" for me is basically sketching only and anime stuff, drawing my own characters and, in general, drawing and not painting. I am better at digital painting than drawing but it often stresses me out due to the values not being correct, the colors feeling superficial and so on. I'm very mediocre so I somewhat hate drawing for fun because I know I won't improve at art when doing this. Still, sometimes my brain needs a break from studies all day long (I had a whole study month in october where I did nothing other than value studies from movie stils... boy was I burned out from that).

[@twopencilartacademy]

.Beautiful Very nice .. I watched the full video

[@6VJ9]

It's been a loooOOng Dayyy ... without you my friend 😌

[@Dmitriy108V]

Man thats valuable stuff. Haha why do we sometimes think and force ourselves that we must do that particular thing, when our true path in art lies in different genre/style? How is that happening and how to avoid it? May be you can talk in a video of your about this sometimes? I somehow got out of that loop I think by listening to myself more, but thats exhausting and people can continue it for no reason. Thats like shooting yourself in the foot constantly and dont know how to stop. Thank you for your videos Adam!

[@kevinmantao1357]

Hi Adam, I hope you can put these great talks on podcasts platforms someday. I know it's time consuming but it's really the perfect podcast material !

[@SoullusYT]

How is it that everytime you release a video, it's always about the exact thing I'm experiencing?

[@megforrestart2710]

You really are a breath of fresh air

[@erigush]

Thank you so much... your words touched my soul once again

[@Gboy5587]

One of your best talk, thank you so much

[@sajinkahnalt]

I've been in a slump for a bit over a year now i think. It's been so brutal. It's brought me down to a point where I wonder if I can recover from it

[@Truestratusx]

Found this at the right time. Needed to hear this.

[@Life.Art.Knowledge2001]

You did it again lol, are you in my brain or smth? Dear Adam, all jokes aside, I'm feeling burned and it's like nothing ia going well in my paintings...it is a video that I needed and somehow you post those every God damn time just when I feel like it, internet makes wonders or idk, maybe it's a matrix, anyway have a great time and thank you

[@GalidorDragon]

I needed this so much. Thank you :)

[@vicvicious5328]

Am happy am getting this advice,❤️✌️ thanks a million times

[@Spamkromite]

I got out my slump when I started to draw only for my projects. I stopped caring about what others wanted me to draw after my last gift art for someone many years ago. Really, one really needs to stop caring about what other wants to see and focus on what you yourself as author want to do. That's why I deleted all my galleries and taken down all my pictures. Surely there's more than one floating there being reused as t-shirt or mug graphics to enrich the pocket of someone else, but I stopped caring. The world is full of thieves and selfish people that only want to appropiate your art without caring about you, sucking your mental and emotional energy like insatiable funnels, be it from unknown people or "friends". Draw at your heart's content and when you are ready, dump it and monetize it. That's how you will get fed in the long run, not by doing small works for two-timer customers. At least it worked for me and once I publish my work, I'll be able to lay down and rest at last.

[@nanth6480]

How did you know I haven't been working on my project for a few weeks? Thanks for the encouraging video!

[@danysercia]

Was not expecting marriage advice from Lucid Pixel.

[@AutoPotato]

i really need this these days, thank you adam, You are the best channel I met on my art journey

[@coins_png]

I missed you adam. Last year I was in so much negativity I decided to quit art. For context, I hit 18 years old and I was and am struggling with what to do with my life. And just thought that giving up on art was inevitable, and so I did so I could focus on working hard to get good grades. I aimed for perfection, worked super hard and was very depressed. one time I ended up deprived of sleep for 3 days straight so when I got to sleep, I slept for 20 hours and it took so much effort to wake up that I felt intense pain throughout me which made me afraid of sleeping for the next 24 hours until tiredness got the best of me. I got excellent grades on my semesters but I did horribly on my final exams because they lost my papers so they just gave me a passing grade where I'm from. And everything felt like it went down the drain. I've decided to go back to art and I bought a pen tablet. And reality just settled in when I plugged the thing. I'm not that great of an artist. I thought I could just let the magic happen or whatever. But I'm far from great. And so I've been unmotivated to draw lately and I just remembered that there was a channel that I used to watch which talked about the psychology behind art and topics aside from draftsmanship. And I've finally found your channel again. I don't know why I wrote this, but I just appreciate you Mr. Adam, that's all.

[@coins_png]

Just replying to myself here. I had unsubscribed from all art related channels when I stopped drawing, like a "letting go" kind of deal. Now that I'm seeing all the videos I've missed, I'm feeling actually excited to watch most of them. One of them is even ironically titled "I have no idea what to do with my life" so I'll make sure to check it and also check how others are feeling in the comments. Thanks for not only being the comforting and the open person you are but also for how your channel is a gateway for us artist to unite and feel more human. The amount of finished and amazing artworks posted online that we see everyday really makes everyone feel isolated and judge themselves harder than they should. I'll try being more nice to myself.

[@sami404.]

Listening to you talking only for half an hour is not enough, this video ended quickly. I lost the spark for a while now and I kept blaming myself for it, also thank you for reminding me that "the stupid designs" is what kept my spark alive one day.

[@hurstcifer7286]

Thanks for the save Adam I've really been trying to draw but been having mixed feelings about it,will really try to take your advice and stuff it's just so hard and frustrating sometimes when u want to draw and don't know where to start sometimes you know 🤤😅😔

[@cybershellrev7083]

This is what i struggle with sometimes, the idea that I love so many art styles and always try to reinvent my art just because I like someone else's art in the moment. It's like my brain tricks me into liking something, enough to want to make a whole project similar to their style, only to end up feeling like it doesn't resonate with me later on... The fear that I have is starting a project and not being able to pull through because of insufficient passion for the project scale. Perhaps I should down-scale the project for exploration sake but then the amount of time I'm using up to indulge in those style is heart wrenching, almost like, lost time = lost opportunity to push my main artstyle further to eventually make a success of it. If I combine both art styles to continue the project, how would I know if it's a decision I will regret later? it's all confusing. *To feel content with my artstyle entirely; To feel the constant full satisfaction of "Ah! Yes! This is my artstyle/theme that I love and will never abandon!"*

[@creativedoof]

First step to beating any kind of block: go do what you are currently avoiding. For me, I constantly have to stick to doing a thing. Otherwise, my procrastination (and the dry spell that follows) comes creeping back in, and I really hate that. It kills my mood.

[@AnthonyWade7]

They way you say momentum tickles me

[@aoiken5321]

This came out when i need it :”) becaue thats how i feel i have depression and i lost passion idk if it was depression or me and idk if i should force it or wait….

[@CamelliaFlingert]

i do not overwork myself, i almost don't draw, max. 1 time in 1-2 or even 3 months, i just can't do anything with myself, i just can't DO anything, every times when i trying to do at least something i'm instantly start suffering and becomes exhausted and falls back to depression.

[@captainbagels]

Truth is spoke here.

[@DPayTheGamer]

Bro I LOVE that song ♥

[@binedstudiostotalgame787]

Adam I never thought I would watch this video again but I am in an art slump and it’s affecting my art and my grades in college so this video and it doesn’t help that I lost my weekends because of getting a part time job I am just burnt out this video is the light at the end of the tunnel

[@francisgoodluck9941]

Thank you.

[@dawnmosy4538]

I'm trying to be self taught and I have not done any artwork for years, I have the passion but not the drive. Not the motivation, I really want to be a graphic novelist. But I'm not practicing and not consistently.