NO TIME TO PRACTICE ART?

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If you have a job, or you have kids, or school, it can be hard to find time to develop your art. You might find that you have NO TIME TO PRACTICE ART? Here are a few ideas on how you could increase the amount of time that you are able to create art, and also practice correctly. SO many artists will spin their wheels and not improve. Here are some tactics to work more efficiently and more effectively.
Games I've worked on -
CURRENTLY WORKING ON- Twilight Monk Metroidvania
Fortnite (Environment concept art)
Overwatch (Environment concept art + Sprays artwork)
League of Legends (Character design + Environment concept art, UI + Icons)
Diablo 3 (Character design + Environment concept art)
Hearthstone (Illustration)
Burning Crusade(Character design + Environment concept art)
Wrath of the Lich King (Character design + Environment concept art)
Indivisible (Environment concept art)
Final Fight Streetwise (Voice Acting + Character Design + World Design + Cutscene Direction + Co writer on script)
He Man GBA (Pixel Art)
Terminator 3 GBA (Art Direction + Pixel Art)
CannonBallers (Character + World design)
Ikeda: The Scrap Hunter (Programming + Art + Design)
Goblins and Gnomes (Concept Art)
Books available-
CreeD Re:Imaginary (2021) - 2 part Comic series
Twilight Monk - Return of the Ancients (2021) - Illustrated Novel
Twilight Monk Secrets of Kung Fulio (2020) - Illustrated Novel
Escape from Giants Crown (2019) - Illustrated Novella
World Of Twilight Monk Vol 1 (2019) Art Book
The Man and the Moonken (2019) - Illustrated Novella
The Beast of Tuksa (2018) - Illustrated Novella
Twilight Monk (2012) - 2 Graphic Novels
Nova Colony (2009) - 1 Graphic Novel
CreeD (1993-2007) - Comic Book Series
Ghost Rider (2000) - Comic Book Series
The Fuzz (1997) - Comic Book

[@Selwynn]

Just a tip from a day working dad. Grab an old fashioned sketch book! I have little time to sit down and get comfortable doing anything digitally, but it's easy to pick up your sketchbook in small windows of opportunity and work through some cool stuff to digitize when you get a longer break later! Edit*: I got halfway through the video and you mentioned the sketchbook lol. I'll save my comments until the end from now on >.

[@lunarfifthstudios]

Heck yes! I even brought the little one into it, and our crayon drawings made it into my mock-up game that I am using to work out the game mechanics in. I kinda forgot until this video that I am still using a lot of those basic crayon drawings... It's actually kinda deep when I think about it more.

[@valkorey]

Staying 30 min longer in the office after work hours OR 30 min longer at school (I know it might not be cool) can make a difference. It is usually quiet and people let you do your thing. It's a common habit of mine to work from 9 AM to 5 PM and stay in the office till 10 PM to focus on more drawing at least once a week. Sometimes the "work-like" environment gives you more peace to draw once the colleagues or students are gone. Just make sure you pack some dinner or else the hunger might push you to leave early.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Thats what I did in high school and got my first comic published before I was 16.

[@brandondelgado7731]

Yes. It’s my only time. If I get home from work right after, my partner and kids come at me with enough to want me to just turn around and run away. Can’t get anything done then. If I sleep only 4-6 hrs I can get up early but I’m physically beat by end of day and that is hard to do most days.

[@dacedebeer2697]

Man I started to draw because of the old Diablo 1 Manual. I worshipped the skills of guys like Metzen and Samwise. I remember drooling over the art in the Sons of the Storm website and I remember when they added a new gallery by an artist named Trent Kaniuga. Man your stuff exposed the flaws of my heroes and to be honest I resented that a little before I was able to appreciate it. It's awesome to see how your clean style from back then evolved into your current style. I've kept my art ambitions on the back burner for a long time now, and I'm about to make my big leap into it and you are one of the reasons I was able to muster up the courage of upending my carreer into a new phase. Thanks Trent!

[@Nogardtist]

time is not the biggest problem but a will to draw cause life is chaotic pretty much all the time and doubt and unstable future makes most artist hold back to the point most would put 30% effort at most

[@TrentKaniuga]

if that's true, then it's the same issue that's ALWAYS been holding artists back. I went through the same thing in the 90s when I got my start.

[@Nogardtist]

@@TrentKaniuga well its complicated problem and depends on the traits and how big each project gets either way if i stopped holding back i would probably made a 100 time more a year instead of 0 some personal projects should been finished years ago but they havent and they are always personal project cause being unpopular means no one bothers you or demands anything from you i also see scenarios where popularity can also be a bad thing where you gonna be putting a lot of time micro manage notifications or messages instead of working on a project it can motivate people to keep going but its also a problem then youre capable of doing something but you just hold back and dont work on it equipment is also important cause with low end you have to triple your patient cause hardware or worse software cant keep up or too weak to keep up with the demand for best quality

[@ihcobob]

I used to have a huge problem with motivation too, and while it's hard to put the solution into a simple sentence that'll change everything, I just want to emphasize how important it is to have a concrete goal AND a plan for how to get there. It wasn't until I very concretely figured out what I wanted to do with my art that I started drawing daily for hours on end.

[@Nogardtist]

@@ihcobob to me its the maybe the opposite where i do know what i want to do but its just not worth to give even the smallest attention or reason to continue so that leads to holding back cause then i do get a spark i put the minimum effort until i lose interest and abandon it

[@ihcobob]

@@Nogardtist Ooh, is it about the AI-thing? To that I'm just going to say, screw it. I'm in the same boat as you and honestly I couldn't care less about AI. I think if anything, AI art will make people more appreciative of the work of human beings, so I would urge you not to give up and just go for your dreams.

[@RogueA007]

I needed this...after a period of about a year where I had zero time for art (bad job schedule and while you mention doing it in work lulls....my work watched their sales employees like a hawk on camera and eventually banned notebooks/cell phones on the sales floor)....I finally fell back into a more design oriented job where I have a *lot* of spare time waiting for tasks, and a 8-5 schedule instead of a night shift which screwed with my circadian rhythm too much to focus on outside hobbies. Been in a huge art block with my career for even longer, so I definitely am starting from some sort of ground zero/rock bottom and need to be patient with myself. Thanks for the words, Trent.

[@abdoulayelatifcisse1013]

For those who can afford it, I have an iPad mini that I can have everywhere I go (at the gym, when I wait in theater. The size of this device allows me to put it in my hoodies pocket, with the Apple Pencil, I can draw, write stuff and even record my ideas quite easily.

[@maven9723]

Man..I love u Trent lol. Been watching your vids for years and you stay dropping that knowledge.~

[@TrentKaniuga]

A 9 year subscriber! Thank you so much!

[@maven9723]

@@TrentKaniuga No, thank you~ I wouldn't be where I am today in my art journey if it wasn't for your videos.

[@Monkeykingx88]

Always enjoy listening to your insights Trent.

[@nsuarez]

When I'm my busiest, I find doodling to help. Doodling takes just a pen and paper and no erasing to me. I just go for it and see what happens. Doodling helps you exercise your imagination and learn to improvise.

[@ImaginArt24]

@6:00 going to work on the bus at 10 in the morning lol

[@sobreaver]

Time is ALWAYS limited ;) It is the best and only currency you have. Spend it wisely.

[@hollowedboi5937]

I think finding parts of the day at work to work is something that I try to implement, but yeah I do spend too much time reading up on my anatomy and design books than actually practicing, so drawing without reference (based on what a lot of other youtube artists instilled in me) feels very uncomfortable. The issues I have to figure out how to solve is fatigue from sitting at a desk for work, as well as chronic back problems and pain, that take out my motivation to draw. As well as figuring out a plan before each day of how to utilize those 15-30 minutes to draw in between the days. The quality of the drawing session can be hindered by discomfort, a lack of direction, and overall cognitive load fatigue from work, college, and everything weighing down on the brain. I will try to just simplify what I think I should do and try to set aside times to stretch and relax more to make those few minutes count a little better.

[@durnanironknuckles1617]

i am single and i spend a lot of time working on the basics and daily and weekly goal to sure up my weaknesses.

[@om1ssion534]

Your videos are good to listen to as bg noise whilst drawing

[@yogeybogeybear3542]

I started doing sketches at work when I was at McDonald’s & Can confirm employers do not like u drawing at work lol

[@TrentKaniuga]

Probably not at THAT job. heh. But... I met a guy recently that worked the night shift at the gym, and he uses the time to draw.

[@yogeybogeybear3542]

@@TrentKaniuga haha yes, I hear security is also great for it. Almost all career artists I can think of found a way to chip in the mileage while doing their day job, honestly.

[@SuperFlyGhost]

Absolutely. Set goals, short, medium, and long-term. Then try to break down what you need to do to meet each one. Take it one step at a time.

[@STierLuck]

always appreciate listening to your wisdom, personally i goto school for graphic design and i always saw myself making digital art - concept art and miking in those skills with marketing products like posters and shirts, i dabbled with making characters and silhouettes of starwars characters using brushes and my skills at drawing with pencil arent really there. so i decided to go and sharpen my skills on drawing with pencil before returning to digital, am i thinking this right or should i be more focused on creating digital characters more ?

[@TrentKaniuga]

You can learn the fundamentals with pencil and paper, then everything you learned will carry over to digital. The important thing is that you are identifying and developing fundamentals.

[@STierLuck]

@@TrentKaniuga ohh I see, doing my observation drawing I doubt that I’m getting fundamentals training, I feel like I’m developing the quality of my lines so sometimes my drawing come out neat if I spent 3 hours compared to a quick sketch that’s 1 hour. I don’t exactly see what I’m training on considering that I’m doing an entire sketch of a character, the eyes the arms the chest the hair ect. I’m very interested in checking out what points you make in your courses over these topics.

[@datrussiandude]

Good video as always

[@markodjukic8165]

Dear Trent, can you comment on the use of AI in game graphics since it's been a while since the technology came out. I work as a developer in a game studio and I'm sure that many big companies are using AI to speed up their work process. Although I don't like AI, I think it speeds up the work, but the results are unpredictable. Should someone who isn't a very good artist and doesn't have much time for personal projects rely on AI? Do I need to practice my drawing speed, increase my visual library, or just learn enough to modify an AI generated image? I think the speed at which the AI works is much faster, and a skilled person can make good enough graphics. But that takes all the fun out of making a game. When AI appeared I almost gave up on my ideas, but after a couple of months I have the desire to start again. Is this comparable to our habit of using calculators instead of doing the math ourselves? I have been applying the things you talked about in the video for a long time, but the AI has discouraged me.

[@TrentKaniuga]

AI just isn’t that interesting or fun to me. It’s like watching robots play sports. I feel that all AI art should be credited to the AI that created it. Anything else is theft.

[@allanredhill8682]

This is def a classic case of "practice doesnt make you perfect, but perfect practice does". Having little time is definitely rough but if youre approaching it with a gameplan you can make a lot of mileage. Art isnt that magical skill you inherit through talent, its a skill you can learn if you approach it with logic, passion and a student mindset. Be consistant, always have a concrete goal when practicing and dont burn yourself out. Not everyone is gonna make it, just as in everything else in life but that shouldnt stop you giving it a fair shot

[@TrentKaniuga]

I couldn't have said it better myself!

[@brucenunn3268]

As a Long time Follower of the Channel, I want to thank you for all the Nuggets that you have shared over the years.! Solid Video.! 👊😎

[@TrentKaniuga]

You're too kind! Thank you!

[@GK-Bredbeddle]

I like the strategy you mentioned where, while you’re already working the job, you’ll try and challenge yourself for 20% of the piece. I’m already working freelance full time - carving out time to keep improving is hard to do. Great tip👍

[@stockpile2137]

27 year old single male, My job as a personal care assistant requires me to wash grown ppl’s butts and assist them with their personal needs. I do this job 5 days a week. It is not the most appealing job on the surface but it give me a lot of free time to practice. Every Single Day, I go home and refine my 2D and 3D portfolio. It has been 2 years since I began my studies in concept art with my mentor from South Korea 🇰🇷. Excuses is not going to help me get better at the craft, dedication will.

[@LewisCoxIII]

Good video. I've made a habit of going to a coffee shop early and drawing for about an hour before going to work. I have more creative energy in the morning so it's much better than trying to draw in the evening when I'm tired.

[@ms00kye]

I'm married and a dad with two young children and a 9-5 that pays the bills but is unrelated to art. As far as strategies go, I've learned to carve out time whenever I can. I carry a pocket sketchbook to work on the chance that I have a spare moment to sketch. I either get up early before the kids to focus on art or I'm up really late into the night when they go to sleep. When I'm sitting in front of the TV I'm always multitasking, half paying attention to what's on while I study art. When I have those moments, I also tend to focus on the things I know I'm weak at and try to practically apply whatever I'm learning. It's kind of funny, it feels like now that I have less free time, its become so much more important to squeeze as much out of the free time I find. Even watching this video, I pulled out my pocket sketchbook and drew the character you're working on in the video to not only exercise what I've learned (and continue to learn) about the figure but also to get a feel for the shape language you were using for the character.

[@IncognitoSprax]

Living out of a car has definitely made it harder to practice everything except street racing 😂

[@mertdinc5459]

Hey Trent i was a indie game dev artist in 2017-18. i have dropped Art to get my Bsc and Msc in chemistry. I was doing "concept" art sketches in notebooks and some photobashings, now i got my old tablet back i want to do arts from scratch and i need to study on painting different materials. Do you have any tutorials for them. I found your channel thanks to algo hahaha so far your channel is the most proffesional thing i have ever found on youtube in game dev area. i have clicked the ringbell too

[@officialgrimwaregamesllc]

Don't know if you've met Vitaly Bulgarov (cinematics team) in your Blizzard days, he talked about something similar to you when it comes to practice, 80% of what you're good at and 20% of what you're not. He says "One foot in Order and foot in Chaos, Order gives you the confidence as an artist, but if you stay in your comfort zone you never grow, if you have both feet in chaos the monsters will take you (monsters probably being depression and saying "I suck at this and go cry in a corner)"

[@SeekAndYeShallFindGod]

I definitely draw while doing Amzn customer service work from home lol. I have to since I have repeat collectors on Ebay and it make me a nice little side income.

[@ricardosobral5563]

You almost made me subscribe a second time!!!

[@ebonezra8073]

5:55 Boy, I was sitting here watching this video on my iPad Pro, Apple Pencil in hand, and just passively listening. In fact, for the previous five minutes, I was thinking to myself “I wish I could draw like that… and I still have that unfinished portrait I could be improving…” Then, Trent said, “If you’re not drawing right now, what are you doing?!” Woke me up! Trent talks about setting a curriculum for yourself so you don’t keep drawing in circles (literally), and if you need one, he has plenty. But, even though I went to art college, many people have told me “You could just learn everything you want to know from KZbin videos.” But, here’s the thing: if you don’t have a coach reminding you every so often to put your pencil on the paper, you just zone out. You forget. You start over-analyzing your current skill level compared to where you want to be. It’s much, MUCH harder to try to learn something all on your own, and it will pay out much sooner if you have an accountability partner (coach, instructor) to remind you simply to just draw!

[@TrentKaniuga]

Also, KZbinrs are incentivized to make click bait, not to make truly educational videos. My most valuable videos have the lowest views. Every KZbinr quickly learns this. And you either get millions of subs making BS, or you keep your channel small and actually help people. I’ve found the answer to be in the middle.

[@ArtofReeve]

I'm having a problem on arranging my routines. In my mind, I have to do warm up drawings, then, I also have to do some drawing studies, and set time aside for doing personal work as well for my own artistic growth. but most of the time, my studio work and freelance work drained my energy so much that I don't want to do all of those things. do you have any tips on arranging these routines? what's the best time to do drawing study and personal work in your opinion?

[@SlimeConsumer]

Thank you for your content. My major leaps in art was because of your videos and tutorials. I just love how free your style is and this is enspiring. And I've noticed that lately I'm started to watch your videos when I'm struggling with my own art to stay motivated and confident in my skills and it's works like a charm! And yes I'm drawing while listeting this video😬 Hi from Ukraine!

[@skettcherr_3072]

missed this guy so much

[@Riste.R]

Thank you ❤

[@JoshuaLlamaLlama]

I don't see how one can multi-task like that, drawing while on the phone or even in the sauna. The sauna example mean for me that would mean failing to take full advantage of the relaxation of the sauna and the benefits of it. 😅 Not sure how to do this and it feels like the only viable way to invest in these things is to "hustle". Which has become a dirty word. It seems like the question should be do we really want to be obsessed with this?

[@TrentKaniuga]

drawing should be relaxing. also, if "hustle" is a dirty word for you, youre going to have bigger problems in life than making good art.

[@SpinningShadowsFiberArts]

I'm more of an art as a hobby person, but I definitely subscribe to taking the sketchbook everywhere! Having a full time job definitely cuts into the time I get to spend learning, but it makes me appreciate it even more. I recently purchased the hearthstone card workshop and am just going through the first few videos. Coming from a 'clean line art first' perspective has me feeling like a noob, haha! Thank you for all you share in your videos. It's definitely inspiring!

[@joshrcroker]

How'd he know I wasn't drawing while I was watching his video >,> I probably spend as much time watching youtube tutorials as I do actually practicing, kinda sucks you in

[@roysalibi]

I used to think I never had the "time". Turns out I had plenty of time but after a long day of work and school I just wanna sit back and binge-watch some shows I like or do something else that doesn't require any thinking. I always look at my sketchbook out of guilt when I have free time and I'm not drawing and play around with it just to feel something. I tell myself I want to be a master illustrator but I barely put enough time to improve. Being demotivated and a perfectionist (like almost every other aspiring artist) really kills it for me. It's so ironic that I really am passionate about art and wanting to get better yet I do the complete opposite. I think for me personally, I would need a mentor. Lots of people are self-taught, but I need someone to push me because I don't even know how to get started. My brain tells me that there has to be a single formula that works for everyone, but I understand that everyone learns at the their own speed and has different learning methods. 😥

[@dplj4428]

Daily carry includes sketchbook: quick draw, capture ideas, de-stress, ignore craycray on bus, picto diagram a solurion, lay down comic panels and adlib my thought into them.

[@valtaoi1586]

Hey, trent i from india i m just dieheart fan of your art and you. I have been following you since 1 year. I want to improve grow become professional as a artist. I want to learn art from you, dont have enough guidence, i want to learn everything from you and only you. I don't care about the job, I don't even care about whether I will get a job in the game industry or not. i want to learn from you, i want to master my craft. I know you create very valuable content, both paid and free for artists. Paid ones will offer more value and the price you have kept is also worth it, And you all deserve it and you are the best concept artist I have ever seen. But i dont have enough money to give you but i want to learn from you. My parents are supportive but due to financial reasons i am not able to pay, i want to but can't. Please, if possible could bring some of those paid lessons and breakdowns for free. Thanks. Lots of love to you❤❤❤❤

[@WWGameZ]

I always enjoy listening to your videos, it's obvious you care about your audience and always give some cool advice. Thanks for everything man!

[@Houdini_Bob]

great words of advice about finding the time even if its only 15 minutes. I submitted and immediately went from 5'9"145 to 6'2" 180 pounds of solid muscle so it pays to subscribe

[@ronniethezombie]

My problem isn't that I dont have time... it's that I have ADHD so I can't schedule time... it just happens. Like I'd be at work and be dying to practice. But then I get home and it's impossible to pick up my stylus or a pencil

[@sadepennbrook]

I’m not going to beat around the bush. I don’t draw because I’m lazy. But wait! Let me reiterate that part again. It’s slowly dawning on me that I’m lazy because I’m extremely depressed.

[@MrGiraeff]

Hi, now I’m a student but I would like to be a concept artist, and now I’m studying industrial design and I don’t know where to start to reach my goal. I need a portfolio but I don’t know what work I put together and what art fields should I learn more for that. I need a digital portfolio and a sketchbook or just a digital? And how to spread my portfolio? Apply to riot games or another studios?

[@lrdalucardart]

19:00 guess we think alike... probably I should move out of this hobbit too..

[@oscarchavezart]

I read in a book, a job called "coat hanger." It is that, hanging the coats of guests, and sitting there waiting. That job gave the person a lot of free time to think about their career, but can also help in drawing. Waking up earlier to draw and locking yourself in a room helps me get work done before distractions happen. Sketching on your phone using an app is another alternative if you want digital sketching. Going to art events like sketch meet ups and local galleries are great for socialising. And if you are very extreme, get rid of no-good people who are supposedly friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife or fiancee, who take your time, attention, and demand you invest, all of you into them and no one else. This also goes for that s####y job, don't stress, there are millions of jobs out there, and billions of people to make friends with and date and get re-married. Just don't get rid of your pet, trust me, they are more loving and human, and can teach you a lot.

[@حمید-و9ز4ظ]

Hello, please help me I'm a beginner and I want to follow the line weight in my work, how should I do it?

[@blackpanthro]

That thumbnail goes crazy!!!

[@freakx198]

your advice is genuine , thankyou

[@StoicSelf]

4:05 uuu Pareto principle right there

[@wootarts53]

Day Dream Johnnys ☠☠ oh my goodness lol

[@SuomiGameHUB]

Wow, listening to this... I don't know if it's an American thing or something, but to be constantly thinking of work every single instant of your whole life just sounds completely insane to me. I would burn out in a month. I've been thinking of ways to get to 30-hour work week. Maybe 20-hour work week. Work isn't everything.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Maybe you need to find work that is more enjoyable? Or don’t get into a competitive Industry.

[@Zinlor]

Now I know why I am attractive successful and charming. I subscribed a long long while back. lol What I get out out this video though is be obsessive to learn. Which is an excellent message for those who have little time. If your dream is to be an artist and make great art. Go for it!

[@TrentKaniuga]

I could tell instantly by your glowing comment that you are at LEAST a 3 year subscriber.

[@jwalexart9426]

Awesome work

[@MikeSiegert]

I know it’s not a great excuse but I listen to your videos when I work sometimes, and I work 10hours each day and then by the time I am home and take care of the dog and cook for my gf before she gets home I’m purely exhausted. How can I overcome this? I want to get better at drawing but I’m finding myself to have around an hour each day to actually draw or relax. I wake up at 8am and am pretty much non-stop until midnight which is when my gf gets home from her job.

[@TrentKaniuga]

No weekends? No lunch hour? Jeez. It sounds like you literally have no time. Something else has to give. I don't have a lot of info about your situation, but if you want to develop a new skill, you can't afford it with your current time budget. a few options (off the top of my head) 1- find a different type of job. 2- cut out the social obligations (no relationships till you reach your career goal. 3- move to someplace cheaper/lower cost of living, reduce work hours and commit time to study.

[@MikeSiegert]

@@TrentKaniugaI have 1 day off each week and live with my girlfriend. She is currently working part time at nights to help cover bills and attending nursing school during the day so I have been working overtime to help cover our expenses. But you’re right I will need to find a way to reshape my time tables to make room for more practice. I’m able to sketch a bit at work when I’m waiting between jobs (I run a CNC machine in a woodshop) There’s a clear difference between doodling between jobs and sitting down to practice with a goal in mind, When I do have actual freetime it’s difficult to sit down to practice when I’m exhausted but I will have to figure that out on my own. Thank you Trent, your videos are always extremely inspiring.

[@robertcarey45]

Awesome video. I have a question to ask Mr. Kaniuga, are you going to have an Easy Art Lesson tutorial on hands & feet?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Yes, soon

[@robertcarey45]

Awesome! Thank you,.😃

[@ernestziegenfelder9962]

real question. Did your notebook get soggy in the sauna? I want to try it lol

[@TrentKaniuga]

yes! But... I immediately transfer the script notes to a text document the next morning. if you're doing art... you should scan the pages the next day. It only gets soggy if your hand sweats on it.

[@lttrickster5643]

I’m 14 and I want to do some work experience at a games studio in London, on character/ environment design. Ive been making a portfolio and I’ve really been copying Marc brunet’s art style, but it’s really nit my thing, and the artwork in the video has pushed me to scrap what I have and use multiple different elements of styles that I actually really love, rather than something that feels sickeningly not me.

[@ulus2109]

definetly agree, cutting out distractions you notice that important things in life like improving your art and not just that but being more human as well by not being stuck to your smartphone screen

[@dezzdinn]

Yah know man it might not show up financially, immediately but your words go a long way, Trent. Good vid man