Is FUN Destructive to GOOD ART?

[@SpearRabbit]

To be fair I think this is the most I've seen Van smile and the most laughs I've had from a Van video. So to my mind, it's a successful experiment!

[@Kovalique]

success of an experiment isn't getting the result you wanted. The success of an experiment is determined by whether the experiment was conducted properly and whether the results obtained were consistent with the hypothesis being tested. The experiment should be designed in such a way that it can be replicated and the results should be statistically significant. The data obtained should be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine if there is a significant difference between the control group and the experimental group.

[@dmcentYT]

Same here

[@SpearRabbit]

Me: Haha Van funny @@Kovalique : lemme read from this textbook real quick

[@JustinMcCulloughOnline]

Yeah, it was great to see the smiles. I was smiling a good bit too just watching. Successful project if you ask me.

[@DavidDrury]

came here to say this. so true

[@nelsonw8848]

I think one of the big elements missing in our modern society is small group projects. whether it is making dinner together with friends or family or a small fix in the house, having another person there makes it a shared experience so it's no longer a solo project and a chore.

[@ameyakeni]

Wow great observation!

[@SpataWorks]

My productivity dropped below 50% when my friends stopped hanging around when I worked on projects. Made my best work then too getting some good recognition in my art. Been in a block ever since

[@carlosflores85]

It is criminal if Johnny isn't a voiceover artist!! What a unique voice...so cool! Good video!

[@calebhatcher5789]

He sounds very similar to Matty Matheson

[@internetsurfer3000]

lol I thought it was Matty Matheson. I thought it was going to be a reveal since he hadn't shown his face yet.@@calebhatcher5789

[@reesekury7579]

@@calebhatcher5789 and Steve-o

[@alinds1]

@@calebhatcher5789 and, no joke, Melissa McCarthy

[@shadyshin12]

​@@calebhatcher5789 and Will Neff imo

[@chrispowers5672]

This video is too real. My entire professional life has been a cycle of becoming obsessed with something, becoming competent at it, making it my job, growing to hate the thing I loved because doing it professionally destroys the fun. Some passions need to remain passions to fulfill the need for fun. Do things you enjoy *enough* for money.

[@Mad4400]

There have been times when I've started a new job or changed roles within a company, and I've been asked. "How are you enjoying it?". My reply every time is the same, regardless if it to a co-worker or the managing director. "I don't come to work to enjoy it, I have hobbies and pastimes for that. When I know I can pay my bills and keep the roof over my head, then I am free to enjoy doing the things that I love."

[@Eggs-n-Jakey]

I've heard this from a lot of friends. It usually ebbs and flows as long as the skill ceiling is high enough. Pick your poison, something you've never loved, or something you know has the potential for love. Even sex, drugs, and good music can get old. (don't do drugs....)

[@ArtAndPrevailing]

johnny's circle is the best circle. it wasn't perfect, and threw just enough chaos into the project to make it funny and not methodical. Adding: I love seeing people in your life in these videos too. Johnny seems like an amazing person to goof with. They'd make a great shop assistant! Reminds me a bit of 10 Hundred's crew (he's an artist in Michigan who does workshop builds and art videos).

[@npegg]

11:42 transition is amazing

[@Salmomlox]

"I'm built like a water buffallo" Thanks for sharing your process and including Johnny. He is really funny. Great job guys! Loved Johnny's circle ☺☺😂😂

[@N3rdyJam3sBond]

@11:40 was such a great transition, amazing work!

[@EmceeeMp4]

I just know Van was hyped when he made the cut/transition at 11:45 Shit even I was like: "Wait what!? That was smoooth!!" 😂 Even with the audio leaking into the other shot, amazing!!! Keep up the good work!! By the way, you should do this more often. It's nice to see two spirited individuals together and crack jokes at learning experiences. Much love and Peace!! 💜✌🏽

[@avgmaker]

I think the amount of focus necessary clouds our mind during the course of the project. However, it's when we look back to remind ourselves of the time spent on the project that we remember all of the fun moments that we likely missed in the chaos of the project happening. It's almost as though we don't notice the fun bits during the project, but they are always there and are waiting for the end of the project to be reminisced upon.

[@no-hustle]

It's good to see you laugh and unwind a little. It's hard to switch off from "the process" at times, especially when you create something. It;s good to be serious. To have focus and be "on it". But it's also important to remind ourselves of why we do the things we do.

[@AZisk]

Johnny is awesome! A natural! More Johnny!

[@ajchaskar]

I had fun watching the boys have fun! Don't care if the swing was done or not, that you'd do it anyways! Johnny, how could you not get the circle right 😂

[@nicktufano4605]

This is one of the better videos you’ve uploaded in a while, imho. It was cool to see you smile more and attempt to hurdle a problem of self. Worthwhile to me, keep it up

[@grasje1]

This video might not feel as artsy as your other work, but it does feel way more human without losing any of the storytelling or cinematography. Nice to see you try you hand at fun :)

[@boo-ll1of]

Don't let these commentators lie to you! Most of your videos are 10/10, they have a point - you find a beautiful and meaningful problem and you go through that half engineering half artistic process to solve that problem the best you can conceive - through that mythological narative you are not only showing us the way of the hero but also The authenticity of individuated person who walked consciously through life. This video, I havent liked like the others, but it has a point and it is that for a meaningful work you gotta have a principle higher than yourself, the principle that you sacrifice to and it makes the proces NOT FUN but meaningful. I love how you feel that meaning you are creating/discovering even when you can't consciously put your finger on it (like in video: Why do details matter?). Lastly and sadly, I am a proponent of fun and I want you ti have fun, not to suffer involuntarily. So, Dear Spirited man, I love you dearly and many others do, so if the videos are not of necessary financial reasons just stop making them until you feel the need to undertake the suffering again. Sorry for butchering English language, Im Croatian

[@SethPetero]

THANK YOU. Been thinking about this exact issue/theory for months. Glad to see someone else's take on it.

[@ranplan]

Tim Dillon and Steve-O had a child named Johnny, and he is a great addition to Van’s channel (and to the KZbin world in general). Loved this video and gave me a bunch of ideas to think about!

[@auston911]

note to self : original title "Is FUN Destructive to GOOD ART?"

[@yashedpotatoes]

One of the great things about the internet is the parasocial bond that viewers form with creators. Even if a video doesn't appear to be in its final perfected state, as long as it's clear that the creator had fun during the process, I, as a viewer, feel a minor emotional connection to the unfolding events. It was disappointing that we didn't get to see the swing in action, but honestly, I didn't even mind whether it worked or not. Just witnessing the two of you having a good time making it, sharing moments of panic and nervous laughter, made me feel like my time spent watching was worthwhile.

[@TSGEnt]

3:50 Heck, I 'm the same way, but often while editing, I have to go grab a pickup shot 'cause the muse hits and I didn't think of it during the writing process. Or worse, I shot everything but I need a cover shot at the 11pm for finish the edit. You feel me? I must say though, I did have fun watching this. So there's that. Thank you. Everybody needs a "Johnny"

[@rcqsisler]

💜💜💜 1. Awesome video 2. Had fun watching you have fun 3. Data gathered for completion of the swing It looks like an overall great experiment and experience 💜💜💜

[@RhysAKARhys]

It’s videos like this that make me appreciate what you do to always deliver impactful art. Thank you.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

WINNEBAGO MAN!! I love the reference there. 🤣 Great video, as always!

[@rogerg.2686]

thanks.. was wracking my brain..WINNEBAGO MAN!! YES!

[@TedNemeth]

Van is one of the most talented fabricators on the planet, without exaggerating. And he couldn’t build a swing. He filmed & shared his failure with everyone. My man has spirit. This episode was pulled right from my life. Every damn day making damn youtube episodes. Its stressful.

[@pablokolb7194]

In Engineering this is a classic. Trying to succeed at the first try, giving everything and then fail. Don't focus on beeing successful but on learning and having fun! You can learn the most if you fail and have fun! Success will come automatically as you learn. (next time you will know how this the branch needs to be at min. and how important it is to buy an actually strong rope (climbing supplies?)... Great Video! Thanks!

[@RachaelPadilla]

The video got done, and it does look like fun was had by all! Success!

[@easternbluebird9371]

It was fun and lot's of laughter on this project. A tip where to get good ropes: just connect with the spirited people of cavers and arborists and they will fix you some proper rope, and won't take any fun away 😅😊

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Johnny: "But it was fun" Van: "yeah....." Just for the record, it was fun to watch.

[@pentacleman1000]

I think all of your other problems stem from the first problem, which I would sum up with one word: deadlines. Deadlines suck the fun out of anything. And to hear you kind of groan about how this video has to be done to meet your weekly schedule, kind of proves that theory. Trying to film while working can certainly interrupt your focus too. But I don’t think that disruption detracts from the fun as much as the stress of worrying about meeting your schedule, especially when things go wrong. I hear this often among KZbinrs, talking about how blessed they are to do what they do for a living, while at the same time realizing that it has become a job, which, like a lot of jobs, includes expectations that lead to deadlines. It’s not just a fun thing to do any more. You’re taking money from people now, so you need to perform with regular output. Those expectations lead to deadlines, which suck the fun out of everything. Your success has trapped you into a world of deadlines. And if you weren’t already admittedly neurotic, a world of deadlines can certainly get you there. Not fun.

[@willperry9722]

Love your work Van, Jonny definitely added something special to the mix 😁

[@BattleMega]

I really enjoyed watching this! I think this sort of video would be nice to watch from you every now and then like one in every four or something like that. The fun ones aren't perfect but seeing you have fun gave me a sense of joy that was different from your other videos. Hope to see more of it in the future.

[@paulplett]

It was so great to see you having fun! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for showing us all this side of yourself. Make the art that you want to make, Van. We love you. But for my part, I truly enjoy seeing you explore a world that is a little less 'perfect' and a little more 'fun'.

[@edgeofhalo]

overcoming the frustrations and savoring your victory each time is always fun.

[@ianbrennan5762]

I had fun watching it! Thanks Van! I think your audience would happily welcome more fun into your videos if you'd be comfortable. Let em "suck becuase of fun" a little more. Life requires fun, work can hold a little more fun too!

[@BenjaminAlonso-d6l]

I gotta tell you - this was an entertaining video- like others have noted- it might've lacked aesthetic/ "perfectioness" that I'm used to seeing although, I appreciated the relatableness and sense of humor in the video- It reminded me of Casey's "friend" narrator approach in vlogs in contrast to a much more refined/ less connected to the narrator format which I'm used to seeing on your channel. :)

[@Ph3_n1x]

Fantastic Van, the balance of work and play is difficult. But friends are great for keeping us focused on the present and not getting lost in either side.

[@TheSmithomatic]

I definitely feel this. The videos I make where I have the most fun are my less successful videos, the ones where I apply myself do better but are so much less fun to make..

[@humaneconnection]

This is probably my most favorite video from Van.

[@stubbingmytoeproductions4837]

Hey Van, haven't seen a comment appreciating that seamless edit at 11:45 so thought id be the one to virtually tip my cap to it here on this comment board

[@multison8302]

if your process is fun and produces artifacts that can be used in further processes that are fun, then you can get away with just one unfun, scheduled, intensely focussed process at the end of a chain of fun processes.

[@thejoefowler]

I've been a professional video producer for 20 years, working for many, MANY companies and clients. I can whole-heartedly admit that "fun" isn't there as much as it used to be. It's a job. It's the best job I've ever had and I don't know what else I'd prefer to do, but don't let anyone fool you, this is work. And it's easy to feel burned out.

[@G.Photogirl]

I think the cracking is the tree, is there a way to get a drone up there to check the branch?

[@TheMrBrendo]

100% WORTH WHILE. It’s fun to watch you have fun failing THIS TIME at making a swing. Take another crack and keep having as much fun…because i dont watch for your project successes, I watch for the life lessons along the way

[@alexanderpro4630]

finger in the wood hole made my day lmao

[@TravisVsWorld]

This video was a success in itself, but it also provides interesting foreshadowing for a better swing on the horizon. Great, capturing, story telling I'd say!

[@boxtruckhouse]

I feel like pain is the best attribute of art. I like to look at paintings on my wall and imagine the elation of when the artist finished it. I like to think of the hours of toil and the frustrations. Then I think about how that person is gone now, and the whole soul is there on my wall. It's like if you could be in the room when The Beatles cut a record.

[@Kelly-td5uf]

I was listening while working and wasn't looking at the screen - all of a sudden I thought I was hearing Steve-O talking about fun. Johnny and him have a very similar voice!

[@andresbarriga5305]

I Think it would be a great introduction to the channel having someone young as an assistant. So Van could be mindful of teaching, to bounce ideas, to have help and as someone who could give perspective to his perspective. Mentoring would be great adition to the dinamics of the channel and Van's ideas. I really do think so.

[@Hiluxtaco]

Yes! A new Land Cruiser video (by Van) is on they way!

[@bobongler]

I watched this video this morning and have been thinking about it a lot. What if having fun while being creative is a skill that you work at and get better toward just like anything else? Thank you for sharing and for your efforts in making this video.

[@Eggs-n-Jakey]

Love this video Van. I think the noise from the rope was tightening of the knot. That rope doesn't grip that well (to itself in a knot) so it takes a while for it to be at load tension. (at least that's the problem I have when using that type of rope.) It's better for outdoors than climbing rope though, should last until your kid moves out, grand kids would be cool too!

[@urbexphotographer]

Tim Dillon is everywhere nowadays

[@Gabbro_1]

I think getting some rope rated for human body weight, like climbing rope, would have been a good idea.

[@maratortega8860]

I had a lot of fun!!! And even though the proyect wasn't finish, the procesa of trying (on my perspective) its the most important thing. I would love to watch more of these situations were you are not being perfect Van and the where the thing's didn't come the way they supposed to. I thing it makes everything more realistic and human.

[@yoyopg123]

I was going to give him sh!t, but that "Rope district, Ropes on Main" joke redeemed him.

[@mattslaboratory5996]

All the planning and dealing with details ARE the fun part for me. Not finding the right rope at Home Depot means I get to go to more hardware stores looking for stuff, Yay! But it's true that filming the process is a pain, it really changes it.

[@yesdonnaful]

When you were telescoping the ladder I said “this man is crazy now”

[@Nkanyiso_K]

Nothing better than a good circle of friends to help appreciate the process, I love making art even though it’s different sometimes… a lot of the time 😅it’s still can be fun

[@VelcorHF]

Anger and self hate are so much easier to feel and apply than other emotions. Negative feelings are resolved by overwork and overwork becomes a coping mechanism to survive. Long term, overwork just lead to burnout and missing the point of why I do creative work in the first place. Fun through the process, pleasure in little details and even feeling sad through work are way more difficult to feel.

[@zac9311]

Van is a master of constructing videos with concurrent plots and ideas

[@deannickname]

Chaos is good. Too much chaos is a mess. Too little can be suffocating.

[@daddygoat]

This is the funniest video. I was choking with laughter when the rope kept stretching and creaking.

[@deziomakes]

Well, *I* had fun. I really laughed! I'm an artist and you've given me a lot to think about. You always do that for me.

[@jimmyeatshoe]

Great video! Great circle! I loved that it didn’t get finished because my imagination filled in the blanks. I know what that looks like swinging out over that death drop without you having to do it. Enjoyed the stress testing of the rope 😂 So much suspense and tension (rope puns) ❤

[@robertasbalciunas1358]

This was a great video, Van!

[@seaneppig385]

This is an interesting point. I think that while good art may not be fun, it is rewarding when finished and therefore still enjoyable.

[@chrismellon127]

Loveeee the slide!!!

[@CanadiansInCarsGettingCocky]

The "fear scream" when testing the rope had me laughing so hard! 😂🤣

[@atomic_stories]

“Fun is not your forte” - brutally lovely burn 😂

[@AutismTwinsUs]

Brilliant video Van , Johnny was great/infectious

[@evanwalbridge6585]

This resonates with me so much! Love this video.

[@cfc1001001cfc]

The point at which any project becomes stressful is when a project goes from being a process of doing what you wish to do at a pace you fully control to being an *event*. Once you have an event that has to work in a certain place at a certain time with a certain set of technology successfully assembled and tested, and, oh, by the way, this thing just got added and maybe we should move it to the other side of the stage, etc. etc. etc. the joy gets sucked out of it, leaving only the grim determination to just get the job done.

[@developingtank]

Johnny has the best hilarious big dude vibes

[@latelier605]

I don't mind more ''FUN'' and ''INCOMPLETED'' project videos :)

[@Hippiespeedball]

Not being able to find fun and then shopping for a rope really had me expecting the worst

[@torben4339]

The cut at 11:43 caught me off guard

[@timstapleman]

Well done!!!

[@ezeqkr]

Beautiful video!

[@Fatbloooood]

"This was, fun!" in my best Van dramatic pause

[@Fatbloooood]

I guess the real question is, did you go back and play with it again?

[@franniewasheretoo]

I think having backup plans and execution make the proyect more fun! Or at least it makes the project more fun for me, since i have to problem solve to get a result in itself

[@dmcentYT]

Great video for such a typically simple project. It’s all about the journey not the destination

[@RobbieTilton]

It's fun to watch you having fun

[@davidheindryckx8692]

Everyone had fun, even us viewers. That's all that counts. And circles come in many forms. This circle served its purpose, thus it was perfect.

[@SteveHarperrippleon]

Loved this video. You had me at “built like a water buffalo”

[@ahzootube]

I love how your friend tried to cheer you up at the store 😂

[@EduSodap]

The worst part is when you HAVE fun doing a project that you would consider worthwile but when you finish it, you start feeling bad because it feels like you didn't even work precisely because you had fun and didn't endure any suffering along the way.

[@macpookbro]

I would also say you succeeded. And also, Johnnys voice is awesome!

[@Gumbercules001]

If you’re having fun, we’re having fun. I don’t think anyone will care if the swing isnt done. Then carry it over into the next video - the continuity may turn your content into more “slice of life”, but I think people would be interested in the more organic Van. I certainly am. I enjoy your videos for their honesty, not their perfection. Only you have your voice, and what you say with it will be authentic. If you do stuff you love, people will follow.

[@fefo.felipi]

Success for shure!!!!!! Love the video and the project

[@willy7369]

Your creative approach to each of your videos is so unique. Differing from your brother Casey. Both make amazing content and such great videos

[@tatesparks3310]

Anytime Johnny is not in frame, I hear Matty Matheson.

[@geocosmicvalentine]

Your theory about Fun while creating a project is extremely helpful for me. I’m a hyper-trained musician AND intensely studied astrologer and you’d think both of those would be result in tons of fun and I wholeheartedly assure you, they are not! However, at least with the music, weeks and months down the line after completing the projects, you can observe or hear the fun. So…yup. And this was fun. My favorite part, “I’m not gonna test it.” Split second edit: He’s sitting on the swing testing it. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Lexicito]

What is that camera setup at 2:40?

[@csgreenwooddp9083]

Lost and then found. VAN. Ten bullets in dreams, on bike rides, grouped tight in patterns…. All of a sudden garages appeared functional, small engines rose from the dead as new. Inspiration. Waking up at 4:30 am. Reading. New. Books. = Projects. New films. New shit everywhere. Gratitude. Real. HumanCar on road. Roll Out. This is The Man. Now. Is. The Time. That happened. TY Van

[@philipnixey436]

'What ARE those snapping sounds'. The same words were probably uttered in the Titan submersible .. 🤭

[@nopunksalive8902]

This so good. I think i gotta get back on the patreon.

[@ManasKocharekar]

That transition at 11:45

[@jerbear7952]

I'm constantly shocked by how similar we are. Really specific stuff.

[@mariaanmo]

Thank you for this video, I've been having the exact same dilemma lately and I still have no answers. I've TRIED having fun though...