It's Time For Our Beautiful Art Community To Steps Things Up A Notch

[@shraakx2]

Honestly I just wish I could find an online art community that actually TALKS ABOUT ART. I want to be able to geek out about things like light composition without hearing about the darkest parts of people's lives or their opinions on unrelated controversies. I understand that people's emotional states are very much intertwined with the artistic process but it feels like many people online aren't mature or eloquent enough to find the right way or time to discuss such things. Perhaps I'm just looking in the wrong places though. I appreciate the amount of thought and detail you go into while discussing topics like this, keep it up Adam.

[@mayoart2]

Yeah, there's something to it - I might not have seen/joined many art (and other) communities, but what I clearly see is that most people just kind of... float around, observe from afar, give a reaction/like and move on. I mean, I totally understand it as I also do it myself quite often BUT I don't think it's about eloquence nor maturity, although the latter depends on what you mean by it. I've realised that I only behave that way when there is too much content for me to be genuinely engaged with it. Once I catch myself on doing it and slow down - unfortunately the cost of that move is that I will certainly miss a lot of uploaded content - then I stop, take a longer look, make a comment that feels meaningful (how the content made me feel, what I appreciate about someone's technical skills etc.) So my theory is that we all would love to be a part of such community, be it online of in real life - after all, we are a herd species - but we often don't FEEL LIKE we have enough time for it and/or can't make it A PRIORITY to take time for such things. Engaging in any community means you must make an exchange: time you could spend on something else goes into that engagement. I mean, after all "It's just some people on the Internet, why bother", isn't it? I believe it's more of: people don't truly know how to "properly" communicate (I believe it's a skill that evolves throughout whole life) + lack of priority (be it by choice, subconscious or imposed)

[@redtwintails]

I feel this, I've been looking for a "home" for a while. One place is this youtube community, but I keep looking for a discord community that fits, but havent been able to find it yet. I'm thinking of creating my own discord community since I cant find my tribe. I like talking about deeper things behind art and the mentality behind it, philosophy, but at the same time just like goofing around not taking the art too serious but its hard to get both. Either I find a community with just memes and people dumbing themselves down or I find communities that take themselves and their art way too serious and are flat out a bore.

[@friendlyneighborhoodartist]

My discord community for my channel sort of has that? I try to keep my discord away from that shit for the most part, outside the vent channel.

[@RuanFourieStix]

I 100% agree. I don't know, maybe I'm looking in the wrong place? I just find that "art communities" for the most part are not about art and in many cases it even feels like other things are getting forced down my throat. So I leave. Politics, mental health, marketing/business of art, sexuality. Honestly, not trying to be mean, I don't care. That stuff is all over social media and the internet, and it's exhausting and tedious. Can we talk about inspiration, process, composition, mediums etc. You know, art stuff. I don't think that is much to ask.

[@friendlyneighborhoodartist]

@RuanFourieStix I feel u, I'm the same way. I try to keep activism out of the general chat and out of discord in general, lol. I try to stop that stuff, mostly cuz i just want fun and friends stuff. It might be normal to talk politics.

[@ExpelledMystery]

As a younger artist, I can say, it is beautiful to have people like you, Hardy Fowler, Trent Kaniuga and countable others here helping us learn and being our teachers, friends or parents, as we are still searching for our place in the community

[@nemo9540]

Very well said indeed 👏. All too often I've encountered so many people who have such a thin skin to the point if I offer a valid, constructive and respectful opinion I get instantly attacked. I get the "my opinion is the only one that matters and you're not entitled to have one" attitude and that just makes me shut down any potential civil conversation immediately and it's so damn frustrating.

[@Stickmanyisus]

I love your videos

[@Elfyja]

I like the quote by Alan watts: "You're under no obligation to be the same person you were 5 minutes ago." We all are growing and learning. Doesnt excuse shitty behaviour, but it explains it. I'm very against the toxic trends, mob mentality, and witch burning (I wonder if its an innate human thing?) that certain social media spaces foster on, and think we should be able to help each other grow and have this mentality that it's okay to mess up, and you are not responsible for other people's actions. At least not directly. By being a great example you inspire others to do the same, but not getting caught up in mistakes. We all do them.

[@chlorox01]

This video made me realize that all of the youtube artists I follow have a very "parental" aura, and I do kind of look to them for leadership. Thinking about the art world as a whole, things are heavily moving online and I feel it's much harder for young artists today to find mentors, in person, to lead and teach them in certain aspects of the art world (unless you're in art school, but as someone who went to art school its still not very easy). So it's nice to have people online who can fill that role for us. It really is so appreciated.

[@davin4811]

Adam, thank you for saying all of this! i always hate this "witch hunt" mob mentality, it's everywhere anywhere i go. It's always makes me feel sick, powerless, and losing hope in humanity day by day.

[@ricke4017]

Realizing that what we say has impacts on people is a great thing to know and I'm happy that you're talking about it, Adam. I still remember the moment I realized my younger brother would do something if I advised it and it made me up my game and changed how I talk and act. Thank you!

[@llynhunter]

I'm a experienced illustrator and storyboard artist who has had to reinvent myself over and over to make a living with my art. I'm in the middle of another re-creation or evolution as it were, and I always find your "dad" talks enriching. I appreciate your putting all of your emotions and reasoning out here; that takes a lot of courage and strength. Art is very singular profession, even when you are in a collaborative effort like animation or the games industry. Having someone else voice back the feelings and thoughts that you don't think anyone else considers, is a marvelous thing. Thank you.

[@tiagomateiro]

Accountability in life is fundamental for growth.

[@juliabazanska]

I appreciate this video, Adam. My main issue with your previous videos was exactly this - that you were talking like a leader from your throne atop a high castle and not as a leader that lives within the community and actually understands it. Respect.

[@cinderblockstudios]

I recently was re-watching one of my own old videos and came across this nugget of wisdom which I'll share (I think it's especially relevant here). "Within our modern art communities creators and fans alike have a collective responsibility and obligation to foster a positive outcome for the culture that they're creating."

[@KatieLazo]

thanks for finally taking our “art dad” compliment haha! but seriously, this video made me reflect on my responsibility in the community too, thanks as always for sharing your thoughts

[@conchesodan]

it hit me very hard on the previous video when he said: "Young people, often overlook, the power of their words" Like... it still shocks me today and it´s reprograming everything in my life.

[@Jules_Pew]

This is why I miss forums. The old one I used to frequent and became an admin of allowed heated debate (a lot don't) and it wasn't taken personally. I remember some arguments I had with one hot head and we're still internet friends now. Everyone takes things too personally. They also take things exactly as written - how many times have people written a comment that didn't express exactly what they meant and it got taken the wrong way completely. And now we're not allowed to be wrong - ever. No one is perfect and I still get the wrong end of the stick and put my foot in it. I'm not important, so it doesn't matter, but those who are also shouldn't be held to such a high standard - clay feet and all that. I do think debate is important or you'll never learn to look at the whole picture, and we can all agree to disagree at times.

[@loni6473]

Thank you Adam. The loneliness is so true! Connecting with you and other people has been so healthy and great and I want to continue to connect with people.

[@osooso6027]

hey Adam if you're still checking new comments I would like to say i really love the analysis videos where you talk about either specific designs or artists you really like and what you can learn from them its nice to hear people be able to articulate for artists positive remarks and feelings and appreciate the things that might go unnoticed otherwise thanks

[@FlorianFranklinArt]

You're very much right. It's as if everyone is terrified that a mishap could destroy their little niche in the world, so they attack and kick out anything that threatens it. We're so insecure about our communities that in the proccess of protecting it, we're just chipping away at it.

[@Cataclysmika]

I find a lot of peace from your thoughts in your videos. In this world of social media, it can feel very overwhelming. Your videos feel like a "take a deep breath and think with me" moment in my day, and your perspective & experience in the art world is very valuable. thank you for sharing all that you do! ♥

[@atelierarenas]

I like this. You’re talking about a bigger problem that I, as an older person, who came of age before the internet, didn’t think through. 😊

[@Dakota.P.]

I really appreciate being able to see your thoughts as they develop like this. The level of honesty and openness you show has been a real breath of fresh air. I don't always agree 100% with everything you say (and in my opinion, that's also a good thing) but you always give me something meaningful to think about - so thank you.

[@nueiart1077]

Thank you so much for being reasonable in this toxic world, Adam! We need more people to lead and advocate for peace and understanding in the online communities! No shame in being an art dad either, we say this because we look up to you for knowledge and emotional guidance, you simply happened to be twice our age lol! But to some you're the art older brother haha! Maybe even younger brother!

[@naomihunter7749]

Thank you for talking about this Adam. I've felt a lot of this from interacting with online communities, art and otherwise. I'm sure most people have if they've spent enough time on social media. I've found a lot of relief in more positive, fun loving discord communities than places like X or Instagram. You can get to know people a bit better and it tends to be a lot less volatile (not always of course).

[@nitefly86]

I am pretty much nobody on this platform, i only have a few short videos that are, ill be honest, not that great, but im failing my way through it hahah 😅 but that said, i want to be a part of this community however i can. If anyone reading this is having art block, message me! Id love to help relight that creative fire in you. If you need a pair of eyes because youve been on a project for so long you cant see straight anymore, let me know! Id be happy to help you with it. Im not a professional anything, i just want to help keep those creative fires lit and give back to a community thats been so helpful to me. I am so glad to have a big art brother like you Adam, your talks are always well thought out. Dont ever stop making them 🤟😎🤟

[@tet-life]

People act like offline no longer exists. All that is still there. KZbin, Social media, none of it is necessary to being a full time artist. They're just the path of least resistance to getting started because you don't have to directly deal with convincing anyone that your work is marketable.

[@conchesodan]

well.... yeaaaaah but not really.... Based on my experience is much likely for any artist to join a small art convention than grow an audience online(ethically). You can win 20 bucks or way more in one day. But online... it takes yeaars and lot of work.

[@tet-life]

@@conchesodan Every career path in art takes years and lots of work. Unless you've really done your research, nobody goes to a convention and sells out their art on their first attempt. Artists get on KZbin and think they have to follow trends and make clickbait style videos that the algorithm will push but you don't need to do any of that. You also don't want to make videos that appeal to other artists - they're not your buyers. KZbin is a search engine, not a social media platform. Use it to get your art in front of buyers. People who are interested in what you create. Nobody is searching for 'Art studio update mid september | Vlog" but maybe people would be searching for videos on 'Diversity Explorations'.

[@tet-life]

@@conchesodan I don't know what happened to my first reply... but essentially I said it takes years and a lot of work no matter what path you take to being a successful artist. Then I noted, on your channel, none of your video titles are search engine friendly, which is part of the reason you're not getting the audience you want. None of your video titles mention the themes or the subject of the art you create. How is the algorithm going to share your art with your 'buying' audience if you don't tell it what is that your create?

[@lily6602]

and this is why it is so important to actually get out there and interact with your local art community. go to life drawing, go to exhibitions, etc. I've met some of my closest friends this way and have been able to learn so much and actually find more opportunities in my real life than online. i never really hear people online talk about it though..

[@jessiiii9000]

i think you might be right, i think people are quick to be agressive to defend their own opinions because the voice of the loud person can be very influential and if you genuinely think your stance is the only correct one, youll wanna defend it until you get it trough the persons head, so they dont keep spreading the "wrong" opinion or whatever, which is the energy ive brought into your comment sections sometimes so id like to apologize lol The way you worded this video spoke to me and this mindset is genuinely kinda refreshing to hear online and it would be nice if more people responded this way to online conversation!

[@lexlazaruz]

Every year, I teach a state philosophy class in 12th grade. And every time there is some kind of drama on social media, I think: Damn, welcome to "Lord of the Flies". Often times, it feels like the state of nature where "man is a wolf to man" as long as there is a lack of official authority. The online world still is in its child's shoes and needs some "caring parental guidance" to make it a safer place for everyone. Long way to go. But I have to say: When it comes to feeling less lonely in the art community, Discord is an amazing platform to connect and hang out, because you can text or join voice chats and share your screen while doing so, so it is a bit like co-working. Having an art date and draw in a cafe with someone someday is still on top of my art bucket list. KZbin is a bit less interactive or dynamic, cause it's not really a real-time exchange (when it comes to the classic video format, at least).

[@adrianavelazquez-ponton8703]

Thank you for making these. I appreciate your perspective, and I agree that you have age on your side when it comes to the other creator whose behavior you brought up in your other video. I don't think there was any imbalance in that dynamic. Actually, I think we need MORE of that (LOL I say this in the nicest way possible) elder wisdom. I'm about to turn 26 and I feel so lost nowadays. I find comfort in listening to older people, either close to me or online, who are where I want to be in life and can offer a life-lived perspective to help me navigate how INTENSE adulthood is. There's more value in listening to the advice of someone who has traveled to road ahead of you before over someone who hasn't. Fact is: you were both fair and RIGHT in that video talking offer the art community. We are way too quick to tear each other down nowadays because it's easy to fall into the mindset of "well...this person is competition, not my colleague". It's not helpful to the community or to ourselves as individuals.

[@ajboucher_art]

the death of the third place has hurt us all alot. it makes it hard to find the best way to make this a thing. whatever your plan is i want to do whatever i can to help make that a success.

[@BlazinBlack109]

Thank you Adam. Simply, thank you.

[@Karmacranes]

its coincidental that i said something along the vains of morgans video to adam almost 3 months ago (?) in light of the ai video. instead of being defeated by not getting the views I went a different way. I understand frustration of not getting the "views" and recently I felt I didn't belong in my art "scene" . Still don't probably never will but that's okay! but I feel people need to take that step back breathe and make the dumb choices in safe environments some of us learn by seeing mistakes other have to learn them. we don't always have to agree on everything but we have to coexist. we need in this day and age "collaborate not cannibalise". If it helps I don't mind if adam ever shares my email I sent to him .

[@ayoubazzakhmam38]

well damn steven zapata adam duff 2 dads that i didnt know I needed amen

[@KevinoftheCosmos]

The reflexive agression is latent within us, and is able to be displayed comfortably and safely on the internet. People would never say these things in such a manner face-to-face, and especially not in a gathering. It's a sign that many of us, myself included, are displaying a destructive foulness from our spirit. It's insecurity, hurt, cowardess, pride, spitefulness, arrogance, anger, and any other negative emotion bubbling to the surface, then quickly channeled to the immediate thing that we see and don't like. Some time around the quarantine-ish, a bitterness began fermenting in me because I started losing hope. Hope for my future, my future as an artist, and for the society I percieve to be in decline all around me. I see it in a lot of others too. I'm just so tired of being bitter and negative and lonely. I want to start loving people again. I want to form bonds, not burn bridges. But it's as though there has been no opportunity to form bonds beyond the superficial. That's the part I don't understand. I truly can't even remember what it's like to actually be a part of a family or a community. It seems like people are atomized, divided, closed off, and shut down. It's grim, at least from my perspective.

[@Benczik-Arts]

I think it's important to realize that KZbinrs often serve as a projection screen for ourselves. Both creators and viewers are ordinary people with thoughts and flaws. A differing opinion shouldn't lead us to question a person's entire body of work or them as an individual. Most people consume content without challenging it and can't tolerate opposing viewpoints without immediately condemning them. I'm not sure if creators should bear all the responsibility when viewers are unable to separate their opinions from the content. I think maintaining some distance from the community is essential for thoughtful and respectful engagement with different perspectives.

[@adnelvstad8656]

Also a good talk with good reflection for us who are more mature (me being 64, to me you are a youngster) and what role we all have.

[@KayKojiArts]

A new wave of talents is on the rise. As Gen z grapples with the workforce and how to make a name for themselves in the current climate of the internet. There will be a shift, and I believe it will be the shift that will pave the new path forward for those in the future. We can already see this shift happening within the indie scene and the MASSIVE success of Digital Circus. The fact that it's on Netflix now and they still have FULL creative control is MASSIVE. I believe the path forward for gen z is going to be that community aspect. People who can band together to make their own projects free from corporate intervention and still be successful. It's all due to the support of the community.

[@conchesodan]

let´s be part of the good change :D

[@KayKojiArts]

@@conchesodan 🔥

[@eselcukart6578]

We love you too Adam. Thank you!

[@kaedrys]

I also miss meeting up face to face. I was just starting to join groups when the pandemic started, and they all died out in the wake without any replacements. Every group near me went online. I would start my own but I am still pretty beginner in skills and I don’t know anyone else who makes art, since moving away. It’s pretty tough out there.

[@ArtbyPatrickPetruccello]

I am 55..you got to keep these videos under 15 minutes...anything over is a % of my remaining lifespan! LOL...great video- thanks for posting.

[@AdamDuffArt]

55? You’re an INFANT Patrick! I’m going to challenge your recommendation and now make my videos a minimum of 2 hours lol.

[@ArtbyPatrickPetruccello]

@@AdamDuffArt LOL....and I thought only my wife called me an infant!

[@dylansearcy3966]

I also recommend sketchbook skool

[@vulpeculafae]

I am sorry for ever making you uncomfortable by calling you an art dad. But also thanks for taking the time to grasp why many of us call you and think of you as such. Especially for us who have not had great real fathers. You are a bright spot in the art community, in the online world. Someone who gives great advice art and life related. You speak about subjects more people need to. You take the time to best phrase things and educate us. You show us how we should act. But also I am mature enough to know you're only human and have flaws and will fumble and I despise piling on. It feels like no one can make a mistake without having a mob after them. We need to call out people with more concrete evidence and RESPECT, consideration. And mindfulness, think on people's mistakes and how best not to do them ourselves. Take chances to observe and learn. There is so much to discuss. I won't go on, my comment is already a mess! Thank you again for sharing with us another insightful and thoughtful video and I hope more people learn to sit and listen and think before acting. I hope more people with influence acknowledge that and don't abuse that power.

[@vulpeculafae]

@@solarydays @solarydays Perhaps but I know not demand from him, he shares with us what he wants and has no obligation. I don't know him personally, obviously. And if I am attached then it's why everyone comes back to a KZbin channel they like, it gave them something to come back to.

[@besknighter]

I have a personal theory for why people online are so aggressive with everything that is not perfectly aligned with their view. I believe that is due to the following things: - We do not see the other person as a human being, with thoughts, feelings, desire, deserving of love, patience and respect. If our best friend says something that we disagree, do we plot to mob them? Or do we just talk to them, with empathy, trying to understand and help? Why can't we treat everyone around us as if they were our best friends? Or at least friends? - We do not want to hear nuance. We want black on white. It's simpler to think about and we don't need to spent a lot of time thinking through to have our own opinion. Which is understandable. However, in this existence, there's rarely, *if ever*, anything like that. Everything has layers upon layers of nuance. - IMHO, anger and love are the most strong and powerful feelings a human can feel. Anger, sadly, induces a more reactive action, which is much easier to act upon. While love requires a more proactive action, which is the hardest of them all to act upon. - In the internet, it's extremely easy to create, find and join multiple micro-subniches and each of them having thousands of completely different people. This, coupled with the previous points, makes it trivial to insert ourselves in numerous of the most echoey chamber of all echo-chambers, were everyone thinks almost perfectly like us in that particular topic (without realizing they'd most likely disagree in others topics), indulging in a never-ending ideological circlejrkng, demonizing outsiders. Exactly like a cult but the unquestionable idol is our own ego and opinions. In real life, if someone disagrees with you, it isn't user325342 that you'll see once, maybe twice, in your entire life. It's John from maths class that helped pick your stuff up when you tripped outside, lives across the street of one of your friends, and you see him almost every single day.

[@AdamDuffArt]

You’re spot on Knight - it’s hard to derive humanity from a username. That’s something that our current and future generations of people in this “online world” will need to master in order to lead a healthy online life. Leaders will be expected to see beyond usernames and recognize the humans behind those words - hold them to a high standard of compassion. It’s SO much easier to just say “screw that asshole, who cares!”. But it’s that very apathy that gives the rest of us permission to be vile and cruel without the fear of consequence. I see celebrities (KZbinrs or other) who are so insanely dehumanized. That doesn’t gel with me. They’re people with talent that deserve compassion period - they aren’t deities, they’re people. And their fans are also people.

[@NoVIcE_Source]

the online world is all I've known.. I guess that's why I'm so anxious and scared all the time..

[@fabmediastudios3512]

Brilliant Adam!

[@matin5052]

Happy birth day

[@AdamDuffArt]

Thank you!

[@nemo9540]

I am so sick and tired of the drama and toxicity of social media, so often instead of engaging in a respectful debate or conversation people are so quick these days to go on the attack and use insults to make their point the only opinion that matters and you have no right to yours. There is nowhere to share your work for constructive criticism and share inspiration and support anymore and that's extremely 😔.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I really feel that we’re ALL at that point Nemo - we’re ALL sick of the current state of social media. It’s just not worth the nonsense anymore. That’s why I feel that we’re at the cusp of big change - people are starting to demand more.

[@nemo9540]

@AdamDuffArt let's hope so.

[@kaedrys]

I watched your video. You were wise and fair. I see where you’re coming from with dynamics, but the older members of a community have a certain responsibility to call out problematic attitudes from younger people so they, too, can learn.

[@EyalDegabli]

Speaking of community, I really haven't found an online place to discuss art and art adjacent things. Where is "the community"? Are there some discord servers for experienced artists? where do all these discussions happen? Or is it only in youtube comment sections (which seems to be hard to follow) Thanks!

[@hershmergersh6733]

this is generally the issue I have with the word "community" these days - all it means is "a number of people I share an interest/trait/feature with". I am an artist, I don't count myself as part of the "art community" because there isn't actually an art community. There's just thousands upon thousands of profile pictures and avatars shouting into the void of social media and all you get back are echoes from other profile pictures. No one knows anybody - that isn't a community in my eyes. And god forbid anyone finds out you voted anything other than whatever your local left party is or that you have a nuanced opinion about whatever the hot button topic is.

[@bb1886]

About the art dad thing, I call the artist who first sparked my love and interest in art my art dad, mostly as a joking thing. I am part of an artist community on discord, and sometimes being in the community is kind of painful for me. I post my artwork there and often I feel like nobody ever even looks at it and it makes me feel, like I'm not good enough to be there.

[@AdamDuffArt]

You’re touching on a very real topic bb - just posting your images can feel like a very futile means to get attention - when your image is one of a billion littering the internet. At a certain point, audiences just get “content fatigue”. This is why I personally have zero use for Instagram, ArtStation etc.. It’s too much - too cluttered, too flashy - that’s an awful place for artists to be seen. Traditionally, artists will be one of only a few, if not the only exclusive artist being presented in a gallery. Or, the artist will host a vernisage when their collection is ready for the public, where everyone can come down to see the latest work, support their community and maybe buy a few pieces. More and more, it’s not about your art, it’s about YOU. People don’t want to see “more” art, they want to see “your” art - as in, they need to know you first. That’s where you need to focus your energy.

[@bb1886]

@AdamDuffArt I'm in a discord where each month one of the active people are chosen to get their characters drawn by the people in the server. Of course there is a lot of other art that gets posted there. Part of it is that I'm really a very new artist, still trying to figure out what my voice is and how best to express it.

[@friendlyneighborhoodartist]

As a person who started YT last year, I find myself figuring out that unless you have that special sakimi-chan looking art thats hyper-realistic it's very hard to get people invested in your actual art. I've tried so many different types of getting my actual art out there in in a way that could bring people to maybe finding my stories or ideas interesting. People need something they can connect to to become invested. A lot of artists choose fanart for this reason and lead away to their own work, some of us(like me) show my art on all my videos to get people invested and some have so many OCs/Ideas with crazy skills to get people invested, lol. However, sometimes, it's easier to shakes the ants around to get people to look at you. I also agree that toxic behaviour doesn't mean they need to be outted from YT or their spaces, only under extreme circumstances. I also try to foster that a little, maybe I can't be art dad but i can be art friend :D! to me you are art brotherrrrrrrrr

[@kellyishikawa]

I think it’s a bummer that you have to exhaust so much of your time trying to craft incredibly precise wording/explaining yourself. I’ve always enjoyed your videos and found them very helpful. I hope you don’t restrict yourself too much in fear of being misunderstood.

[@jen3566]

Adam, this is one of the most encouraging and hopeful videos/chats I’ve seen in a long time. As someone planning a family, and constantly thinking about the future of bringing up the next generations, this is EXACTLY the nuance, insight, and thoughtful articulations of the artistic (and every) community. We need to enter a new age (not an “era” as the kids these days say, because *those end*) of grace and forgiveness. Show humility and offer the olive branch. But also *constructively* shut down bad behavior like Morgan’s hit piece. I’ve said before, I want nothing to do with Morgan’s content if they are going to keep up profiting off of bullying and belittling people (PEOPLE WHO TAKE THE TIME TO HELP OTHERS AT THE EXPENSE OF BEING VERY VULNERABLE AND AUTHENTIC LOL wow I’m just, STILL months later so amazed). So keep their blood money away if they don’t want to grow and learn. But what if Morgan proved people wrong? What if something good comes out of this? This, as a leader in a community, could easily be one of the most important videos you’ve ever put out Adam. Thanks for taking the time to get this discussion going. Thanks for actually having thoughtful responses to this drama fiasco, and *caring* to model behavior that just uplifts people. I’m personally praying for the people involved, but it makes me happy to see someone take the metaphorical torch to actually instill wisdom into a community that (I seriously mean this in the most loving way possible, I’ve been in the trenches just like everyone else) has lacked it the most.

[@Jackie_Staar]

Hello Adam, thank you for creating this video and for sharing your thoughts. I was listening to it while I was at work and have been thinking about it ever since. There were a couple of big points that you brought up that i think are super important for people to hear - in order to foster a more positive art community. Would it be okay to mention your opinions in my own video?

[@ronswansons_mustache]

Long comment. The part where you mention how you realized how much weight your words hold now as our mentor is exactly my realization when I saw ergojosh's vid on ai on top of the comments it was getting. Personally, as much as i disagreed with his pov on how he was using ai, I still stayed with him until i saw how he responded to the community with the latest video he made (now deleted) and unsuscribed. I just wonder how we as a community couldve given more grace to ergojosh. i have a huge feeling he didnt realize how much influence he has had either until that ai video came out. But we definitely "casted him out" on youtube. At this point I assume just giving it time is the route, and go back and see if hes come with any new stuff i may resonate with. As shitty as this all was with morgue and the like, it definitely made me more optimistic with social media allowing me to select mentors I resonate like yourself even if we may never meet irl, and how grateful i am to witness transparency and growth from artists like ergojosh.

[@hershmergersh6733]

If you want to go down the whole father figure route, then I think it's incredibly important for you to play devil's advocate or (devil's dadvocate). Constantly coddling and being overly sensitive about not hurting feelings or making people feel even a modicum of discomfort for hearing something they don't want to hear, or having to think about or consider something they don't want to just leads to the fragile and entitled mindset that Morgan has. Showing that there are other sides to arguments, potential benefits that no one wanted to hear and/or even knew existed is incredibly important. The inability for anyone to consider two (or more) positions on something is the reason we have only toxic positivity or toxic negativity. We need more people teaching young people HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I understand where you’re coming from - but i would make a distinction between being mindful and considerate vs coddling I’m not condoning toxic behaviour but I’m also not crucifying someone for a careless action - that’s called cancel culture

[@marrokwolf1600]

can i just say, with all sincerity. Your ability to recognize how people view you and your opinions and remain so humble is staggering and inspirational. That is all. thank you.

[@ladyjoy5828]

Adam, a few weeks ago I watched Morgan's videos and was impressed with his presentations. I was surprised at the assessment he delivered regarding deceptive practices within the art community. However, I couldn't help but to focus on the things he was saying about one particular artist who will remain nameless. I too am surprised at the lack in art content. But I refuse to judge whether she's an artist or not. And that's not even the issue. In fairness I waited to see if she would give a response. Well she finally did. I believe she would have been better off not responding. I am confused by it. After watching it twice she did nothing but prove Morgan's case. She did a lot of spinning and rambled on about everything but the main thing. Pyramid scheme or not. These days meanings of words changes constantly. Bottomline, from all the videos showcasing her means of income, is highly suspect. She said nothing to defend it. I appreciate the things you are doing by way of helping the community with your words of wisdom, but I have to question, does the word "community" mean anything anymore? Bottomline I believe Morgan's assessment is more believable.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Of course Joy, you’re welcome to hold an opinion that feels more right to you - I would never argue for the sake of it. I’ve known Kelsey for years now, I’ve followed her career and her actions, her art, her role in this community and feel - she’s a good player. She’s business savvy, artistically talented and diplomatic - she’s supportive and kind. I have nothing but good things to say about her. As for her artistic “output”, like she clarified in her video (as is the same for me), she’s not just an artist, she runs a business. I run a school. Morgan can draw 10 drawings a month because they have ample time to do so. It’s not a fair comparison at all in my opinion. I think that the quality of her paintings alone should serve as testament to her practice and dedication - if she never paints, how the hell did she get so good?

[@ladyjoy5828]

@@AdamDuffArt I too am an artist, with over 20 years of experience, and I have concerns. I work on art to some degree on a daily basis. For more than 10 years, I've been running an art business selling my original paintings, and I also manage an online store where countless paintings of mine are printed on a variety of products. I am more convinced than ever, Morgan is spot on! At this point, it’s ok to agree to disagree. Should we not approach deceptive practices and false promises in the art community with the same ethical concerns we apply to AI-generated art?

[@conchesodan]

So can we call you "Art Daddy" now? xD Sorry... it´s very amusing

[@AdamDuffArt]

I’ll have to let that one pass won’t I - of course, you can always opt for “dad” instead of “daddy” - maybe a little less cringy. But yeah, go for it :)

[@akieru9923]

Mr. Duff, I personally felt that your video was very important to the art community as a whole. As someone younger myself, I sympathize a lot with the loneliness epidemic, and I think you have an incredible ability to empathize with the problems of the younger generation of artists (I would like to add that I merely sketch in my free time. I am not a professional by any means). On another note, I think your point about being a leadership figure in the art community is true partly because of your life experiences, maturity, age (not in a bad way of course!), and artistic skill. I think the art community, and any community for that matter, lacks leadership because the internet, in my honest opinion, is quite the "wild west." People can say things without major repercussions and that is why I almost always view online communities as "lesser" or "prone to toxicity" compared to real-life communities. In addition, I absolutely detest the ability for another to destroy careers based on mere word alone (I imagine this kind of thing is typically handled better in-person). The power is incredibly dangerous, and I notice it utilized in bad ways too often for my liking. As always, I appreciate that you took the time out of your day to post this video. Take care!

[@michelangelo_6933]

Honestly Adam, a healthy community probably needs a few wise elders to highlight the irresponsible behaviour & hold foolish behaviour accountable, otherwise it’ll continue and get worse. Your response video to Morgue was respectful, mature & enlightening. I think some of the youngsters might need that, regardless of whether they take it on board at the time or 5-10 years later. We all did stupid shit in our teens & 20s, and you better believe I got called out & punished for it. Maybe that doesn’t happen as much anymore in this current era? Regardless, you did a good healthy thing with your response video, I’d say it was necessary.

[@bernadett.gurdon]

I definitely need to listen to this video more than just once. Not because I don't agree with you, but rather because I dunno where I am standing with this one just now. This is my opinion only, but wanting to build a community, without wanting the responsibility that comes with it, I find that a bit controversial. Of course you don't wanna be everyone's art dad, because as you also saw that very early on as you mentioned it in this video, that means you are suddenly responsible over many-many artists. You have your own kids, your own family to be responsible of. Totally understandable. But when you keep building up your own platform, your own brand and your own art school, when you make your living - or part of your living - based on how well-known you are, then suddenly everything you say matters. Because people know you. Because they feel like they have a connection to you. You are not suddenly just a random guy on KZbin, you are The Adam, the lovely, nice guy who talks about things artists are not really talking about, because either way we are ashamed of it, too painful to talk about or just we think we are alone with these problems. And when you have your own community where your word matters and then you make a personal decision to make not one but two videos defending your friends - totally understandable, basic human thing, we defend people that are close to us - and then facing with other opinions and then you realize how much your words matter to this community and making 2 kind of apologising videos, well, personally I dunno where to put that. On one hand we are all humans. But on another I simply cannot understand how anyone in your status does not consider the outcome of their videos. You have your opinion? Great, now own it! You cannot please everyone. Personally I cannot understand any artist who deliberately makes "art" videos about topics that they know they will earn them view numbers by probably raging people and deliberately gives these videos titles that are click-baity and the content creator knows these titles will shake the cage and hell gets loose, then try to play the victim in any way and try to explain to the angry community their "intentions". Or giving advice to artists how to sell their stuff online, when the content creator themselves did not even sell their stuff at that point yet. Or even showed their art yet. Probably, I am not alone, seeing the reactions to the past events. And well, if they happen to be your friends, well, you have to accept, not everyone will agree with your friends either. How they are putting their disagreement in words is yeah, totally something we can talk about, we can be civilised about not agreeing with someone or something. But with making these extra explanatory/apoligisng vids, you just put the drama back in the spotlight, right at the time when things started to go back normal. I really hope this is just a learning curve of you meeting with online art drama just now, but all in all what I am trying to say is: it is okay to have your opinion. But if you stated your opinion, don't try to make it softer at the edges, because of reactions. Idk about others, but it does give me the vibes of fear of loosing your audience and to avoid that you just try to mold your opinion to fit us better. And if you make these opinion videos, let them brew before making them - then you don't need to correct them later. Because at 220K subs, yes, your words do matter. Even if they were said in the past. The internet is not forgetful. I love your personality that comes trough your videos, I love your content and just never change, because we need you the way you are.

[@AdamDuffArt]

You make some great points - rest assured everyone has a right to their opinions and views. I believe that it’s my responsibility to voice mine because this community expects it of me. What I DON’T want is for people to expect me to stay silent - that I need to express a view. I do take the responsibility that comes with sharing my opinion publicly and I need to be honest about it. If my opinion changes, I need to express that too. That said, I’ve followed Kelsey for years and she’s always been transparent and supportive. I feel it’s my duty to defend her and not let her carry the weight of feeling like all of her actions and contributions have been for an apathetic audience. I DO care about what happens to her, she DOES matter. And I also care about Morgan - that’s also why I’m sharing my opinions. I want to see Morgan thrive, but feel it’s necessary to open Morgan’s eyes up to the long game - their future - not their present. I don’t want to tell Morgan what to think and feel - I want Morgan to take that extra moment to think before reacting - word their concerns in a way that encourages growth rather than damage.

[@bernadett.gurdon]

@@AdamDuffArt This I can totally understand and support. Every artist matter (considering our community) and we don't have to be perfect. We cannot even be perfect. I always say the important part is to learn from our mistakes - be about us as a person or an artist.

[@meandidraws]

Very well said. I've been myself a big Jordan Peterson fan years ago and only for past 2 years I've started realizing how toxic some of his advice is. I see soo many young guys fall into the same trap I've fallen before and it's really frustrating. We need people like you to be an antidote to this, we need a safe place of healing. And we need a sense of community. That being said, I don't think KZbin comment section is a community really. It's just people reaching out to you, not really interacting with each other, which would be more of a community. Maybe creating a discord server for people who lack the sense of community would be a good idea.

[@elylioney6390]

21:52 Heh, Jordan Peterson never intended to rattle the cage

[@AdamDuffArt]

I don’t think it’s his intention, but I also don’t think he gives a shit. My issue with him is that he assumes a dominant role, a teachers role, a role model’s role - and his opinions are fraught with ignorance and short-sightedness. I’m very bothered by how he appeals to younger male audiences due to his impressive sounding vocabulary, but doesn’t care who understands him - he doesn’t’ talk to people, he talks at them. He doesn’t inform, he shows off. So people interpret his IQ with his quality as an individual - when you manage to filter through his ramblings, much of what he shares is fundamentally bigoted. If he used that whit to spread inclusive and emotionally intelligent lessons, I’d be all for him - but sadly he’s just a well spoken asshole. As for Morgan, I use the pronoun “they” because Morgan hasn’t openly expressed their gender and identifies as a member of the Queer community. I feel it’s only respectable to leave the identity to the individual and not impose my own on to them.

[@ValyxBassSlap]

are you going to make a discord? :D

[@nitefly86]

If he does I'll definitely be there! 😂

[@RuanFourieStix]

I don't think encouraging toxic behaviour to get attention is the right way to parent artists on KZbin or anywhere else. Morgan's video is, like you said, targeted at gullible children. Morgan himself is a gullible child in his early 20s. He might be of the age where society expects him to behave like an adult but as we see more and more children raised by the internet remain childish for far longer than the generations before them. This childish behaviour manifests in multiple ways: framing themselves as victims, signalling virtue, positioning themselves as a minority and ultimately, toxicity. Your responsibility as an adult is to call out bad behaviour and give consequences for these bad behaviours. If you don't your child will never grow up to be an adult that doesn't use bad behaviours to get their way and they will get stuck in online echo chambers thinking that what they are doing is the righteous thing to do. Calling Morgan out on his bad behaviour was the right thing to do. Doing the right thing as a parent isn't always fun and oftentimes feels cruel. But it's the right thing to do.

[@ScalpelAS]

who's Morgan anyway?.. D:

[@michelangelo_6933]

All of this is correct. Younger people especially people like Morgue, seem to be childish for longer into their early 20s and beyond. Morgue’s video was an insight into the thinking & attitude of an immature adult-child.

[@abstractinvert]

As usual that was beautiful

[@dylansearcy3966]

I turned 24 a couple weeks ago

[@conchesodan]

Well... In my humble opinion. The video you made felt like a fair correction and defending another artist against bullying. More than you being arbrit of anything. Honestly, if I ever were to slip off like he did, I would wish the gentle heads up you gave to him, rather than a full blown out cancelation on twitter. We have to be clear about something: He had the chance to speak of actual important topics(such as, how hard it is to grow on social media, how difficult it is to make a living as an artist, etc.), but he decided to bully another member of the community.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Ah yes, Twitter. To date, I think I’ve used twitter a total of 10 times since its inception. It’s the oubliette of humanity in my opinion. As for Morgan, maybe this is the perfect time to become a voice of just such a reality for young artists - the challenge of making a name for yourself. I have a very strong feeling that Morgan can offer everyone an insight into the reality of younger artists that I can’t access in my daily life.

[@Stickmanyisus]

Jordán petterson?

[@AdamDuffArt]

Yarrr!

[@SamArco132]

Adam Duff, with all due respect, you are continuing the drama cycle. This is a response video as was your last one on this artist. I'm sure you see yourself as starting a deeper conversation about our place in this media ecosphere, but athestics are everything. You should know this. If I was the artist you reacted to and I wanted to start a drama cycle with you, well you just gave me a full invitation to go as far as I could. I might guess they were a bad faith actor, and in that guess, exclude direct references to them and instead talk about our place in the media ecosphere. I hope you are not turning into a drama channel.

[@Haruyuki_Art]

[@AdamDuffArt]

✋

[@whatyousaydere]

Youre a good man Adam, If it makes you feel any less old, Ive always seen you as my KZbin Uncle hahaha I love my Uncles, They teach different to the father model, and it seems to be internalized more because.. well ya know what parents can be like haha no hate on them.. You specifically remind me of the uncle that taught me guitar when I was like 8, and payed attention until i startedd to learn on my own while the rest of the family talke dshit about the music i likedd because it wasnt like theirs... Forever Grateful for that. 20 years later he rocked up while I was thrashing a Metallica solo and was like WHAT.. I told him this is a direct result of you paying proper attention to people and being a good role model.. He started tearing up. Men have it tough as it is, but when they undderstand dthe butterfly effect they can potentially cause they make it just that much less tough for the next generation.. Youre appreciated Adam, thanks for keeping it real.

[@dylansearcy3966]

Dont forget jakodar either

[@Sulcuryalt_Inone]

🤙

[@clairestanfield-ui1fg]

hey you changed the title?

[@AdamDuffArt]

About 6 times lol - call me indecisive

[@clairestanfield-ui1fg]

@@AdamDuffArt 🤣🤣🤪🤪

[@oredaze]

Overreacting on the internet needs to go away, yes. Also not everything is super serious all the time, Adam. Chill out a bit. Calling out that youtuber was fine, also not a big deal.

[@Phoenix.Sparkles]

Careful to not project your own feelings/perspective on the situation. What may not be a big deal to you could be a very big deal to someone else. We all experience the world in different ways.

[@DiegoZuniga-wf9sk]

Adam, I don't know, man. You've been seeming sus lately. It's almost like we have an cult leader/fake guru among us. I saw that you wanted- don't lie to me, Adam! You sussy baka.

[@Daemonpool65]

So whens the election again? I'm voting Adam for president. xD

[@e_n_hand]

I just want to add something. Not to "call out" but to bring attention to an impulse that I believe Morgan displayed that is potentially very dangerous. And that is the conspiratorial nature of their tone, particularly in the second video they uploaded responding to their pyramid scheme video. They treat their opinion in the first video as a given and even start to talk as though they, and their viewers are now in on a secret. That "we" know the truth even if the world at large doesn't want to say admit it. And I do not trust that attidute. While I am all for asking questions and poking holes in other peoples logic, you also need to be able to do the same to your own views and biases. Additionally there are some subtle, but very important, logical falices at play in some of what they are presenting. Though they never say it out right, they boiled down version of their frustration is: I am a good artist, good artist get engament, I am not getting engament, therefore something is wrong in the system. Now setting aside the fact that art is subjective and whether or not Morgan is a good artist or not is entirely a matter of opinion. The second statement is objectively and observably false. Not all good artist get engament, in fact I would wager most don't. Most die in obscurity. Luck plays a much larger role in success then a lot of people would like to believe (and no, that is not an excuse to not hold successful people accountable for the decision they made/make) and that is unfortunately outside of anyone control. In which case the logic would go: I am a good artist, a select few good artist get engagement, I am not getting engagement, therefore I am not part of the select few -at least not yet. And that is where it would end. The reason a select few artist on the platform are getting more engagement is not because they are scamming people, but because they got lucky. But that isn't satisfying. Becuase it means that other peoples success on this platform is not only outside of Morgan's control but also outside of the control of the people who have found success. And I am not trying to diminish the effort or time that these people have put into their channels. Luck is useless if you don't put in the work to take advantage of it when it comes you way. But to pretend that hard work alone will bring you success is a road to madness. And that is where conspicary theories can start to sound reasonably. Becuase there has to be an explanation for things it can't just be a coincidence, someone has to be pulling stings to make things turn out the way they have. And that attitude, couple with the little bit of mental-elitism that came through at certain points in the video makes me a little worried that this person is worrying. And I think it is something that needs to be called out because there are too many people primed to think the same way and someone getting validation (in this case enough views and subscribers to become monetized) for displaying that sort of behavior is sending a very dangerous message to anyone who might be watching. Edit: I wanted add something else. That being aggressive toward's people who display these behaviors, that isolating them is, I believe, one of the worst responses the rest of us can have. But driving them out of a space that might have taught them better you are leaving them vulnerable to then be pulled into far worse communities that will feed their worse impulses and confirm instead of question their logical falices. I am in no way saying that Morgan should be attacked or thrown out of the art community, but that I felt that this element of behavior was not being addressed and is something that I think often goes undressed in these types of circumstances. Being wrong is okay, but seeking out a world view in which you then become right, is not. And I am genuinely worried for Morgan and how this all might end if they feel they cannot return to the art community.

[@Pinguiny13]

Morgan is one person why they? that is just stupid

[@AdamDuffArt]

It’s stupid if you don’t stop to ask yourself - “has Morgan expressed their gender even once on any of their social media?” I looked long and hard and saw nothing that confirms it. What I DO know is that Morgan identifies as a member of the Queer community - meaning that their gender might be fluid. And if that’s the case and I go out and call them “him” or “her” then I’m consciously being a dick If I was trans or gender fluid and someone called me “him” or “her” , that would really sting. So until Morgan feels like opening up about that, then “their” gender is none of my business.

[@Pinguiny13]

@@AdamDuffArt oh wow. I thouht you are normal but you are populist and woke ill.

[@mathrak7591]

Can I call you dad ? 🥺

[@riccia888]

Adam protecting her friend Kelsey. So who will protect those people who bought a scamy course then?

[@RLennoxx]

Can you tell me why you feel it was a scam course?