Boosting Productivity and Advice for Young Artists - Draftsmen S1E02

Stan gets a message on Instagram from a lazy artist. Stan and Marshall talk about the importance of focus, discipline, productivity, pushing past distractions, importance of environment, and mindful eating. Should you listen to music while you work? A young caller wants to know how get noticed as an artist.
“Draftsmen” is available in audio. Subscribe on these platforms to keep up to date:
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37:00 - Marshall's Manga G Pen Inkings of animals from photographs
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CREDITS:
Hosts - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com), Marshall Vandruff (www.marshallart.com/)
Production Assistance - Brandon Storer, Charlie Nicholson, Sean Ramsey (www.peoplewhodrawstuff.com), Katrina Collins (www.katrinacollins.com)
Editing - Charlie Nicholson, Katrina Collins
Audio Engineer - Brandon Storer
Intro Animation - Cody Shank (codyshank.com/)
Intro jingle- Tommy Micailin ( / tommyrush )
Music Used with Permission
Intro - The Freak Fandango Orchestra
Podcast Description
Stan Prokopenko and Marshall Vandruff are art instructors. If you love the arts, particularly the craft of drawing and painting and image-making… and you want to level up your skills or even make a living with your skills, we are here to answer your questions. We’re here to offer you advice, refer you to our resources, share your love of the craft and maybe inspire you! Learn to Draw - www.proko.com Marshall Vandruff. Subscribe to the podcast at bit.ly/DraftsmenPod

[@ProkoTV]

What helps you guys stay focused and disciplined?

[@varunsingh2052]

I needed this so much since I started my drawabox program as a beginner before going deep into your anatomy because there one can learn how things work in 3Dand how to get that perspective of things in 3D so that it will be easier for figure drawing when one has a knowledge of how things work in 3D space. I was losing focus on the texture part of it but now I'm certain after listening to your podcast I'm gonna go on my daily grind until I complete the drawabox program and start learning anatomy from your vids. I don't know if you read KZbin comments but I just want to say you and Marshall are an inspiration for so many of beginners and it's great to learn from professionals.

[@blackfire9750]

Hintai

[@chadpfister833]

I can't focus unless all my bills are paid, all my clothes and dishes are clean, I've eating something, I'm hydrated, and showered. Clearing your mind of stress is super helpful. Also coffee.

[@boohoo334]

Proko it's all about your own self discipline and state of mind. Good thing I'm 14 and don't have to worry about adult problems but spend 5 hours everyday drawing the human figure and doing anatomy studies. I don't know how but I just kind of power through it, and have fun with it as well even when I get tired. So I think the most fun way to improve is to make a little work schedule like for example 1 hour: quick sketch 2 hours:figure lay ins You can change it up day to day but one of the reasons why I don't want to draw sometimes Is because I don't know what to practice or what to start drawing on my own. So a training program really helps and you just follow your mentors instructions and it's entertaining. So to sum up how people stay focused- passion.

[@ammarhabash5319]

Music and nature

[@chocofro3]

This was 41 minutes of personally attacking me. Lol I love it.

[@postmodernerkindergartner960]

lmao, nice way putting it

[@acidset]

yeahh I can tell by the title alone this is exactly what I need, loving the podcast already

[@0ia]

B]

[@jixster1566]

"If you do what the culture says is normal, how will you ever be countercultural enough to succeed in something so odd as professional art?" This is... wow. This is huge

[@Dalpsyify]

Wow... what a pleasure. I watched Marshall's 1996 lectures on perspective and I rarely see teachers who are at this level of passion and drive. You can really see it behind his eyes. For what words cannot say, and only as a mere frame of reference, I put him in my legendary league with Robert Beverley Hale.

[@apeeatape]

There's a saying: Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Applies to art 200%

[@yuyurtrtrt2160]

So you're telling me success in art is 20% inspiration and 180% perspiration. Gotcha.

[@Studiofaeltube]

I really struggled with focus last year, and focused entirely on improving it in the beginning of this one. First off, I quit videogames / drinking / partying almost entirely. I had a lot of problems with my neurotransmitters, to the point that I couldn't focus for more than 10 mins on anything. During this detox phase, I used Pomodoro techniques to focus on sprints of 25 mins with resting periods. Months later my concentration has really improved. Recently I've been waking up really early to try and start the day with making art before my day job, and ending the day with practicing.

[@enixanne8146]

Yup, I guess being really mindful about priorities really helps a lot. I never had problems with regards to focus but what you did sounds like a good thing I'd like to adapt myself :)

[@yasmiiineee]

I just wanna say good job! Reading your comment made me feel really happy for you! I'm glad you committed to getting your ability to focus for a long time back!!!!

[@dandykaufman2]

yep I can't produce anything the day after drinking a lot, sometimes the day after, so to get drunk I have to sacrifice at least a day of making stuff, not worth it.

[@inkartridge]

lmao the drinking carries like 95% of that. dont overstate the role of casual entertainment while conflating it with drug abuse please. "yeah man my productivity got so much better after i stopped playing Fortnite, it must ruin your 'neurotransmitters'... oh and i quit heroin too, so i guess that helps"

[@freckleheckler6311]

@@inkartridge you actually took offence to this because you yourself are attempting to justify your own addictions and distractions? Your comment is very irresponsible and pathetic.

[@DaemonicPossession]

I found this really interesting and it hits home. I've wanted to learn to draw and sculpt for years, buy all the equipment and then sit at my desk watching Netflix with all the equipment next to me. After watching the shows have this anger towards myself but it doesn't seem strong enough to change my habits. Saying that I have started sculpting in the past week and went back to watching your videos on drawing the Loomis' head, and instead of sitting watching my 2.5-year-old play and watch cartoons I got a piece of MDF, A4 paper and a red pencil. Within 10 minutes I'd drawn 20+ badly drawn heads with an overhand grip. That is 20 more than I've done in 2 years. Sometimes you don't have the tranquility to draw or work and just have to plow through it. It's going to be a long road, but here's to starting. P.S. Anyone want to play a drinking game next Podcast? The rules are you take a shot every time Marshall references a quote. Good Luck.

[@jeffgallardo3242]

DUDE, i feel the same thing man, it hit me as well. I wish you goodluck and for an amazing future for you man, work hard!!

[@MrMemeGaming]

I love listening to these while i animate!!!

[@Rmorton15]

MrMemeGaming oh hey you followed me on insta hello there I’m the cringy kid in the video

[@MrMemeGaming]

@@Rmorton15 you aren't cringy don't say that

[@jiraiyaapprentice5733]

Errrmagawshh samez, these videos are so relaxing

[@muhammedikbalyesiltas794]

Listening to marshall is like gaining countless of experiences within not even an hour. Great series 👍

[@0ia]

So much I rewatch it multiple times to absorb it :)

[@P4MI]

I listened to this while i was painting and was very productive until I stopped to make this comment

[@TheAardvark57]

I set timers each week on my phone for how much time I want to spend each week working, drawing, relaxing, etc. It has really helped me both be aware of and increase my productivity.

[@fogsmog9325]

Damn Roberts hustling already at this age 😭 I’m glad they brought up being a kids important too with trying out things and not only putting yourself out there, and also starting a following while you improve for fun

[@robertmorton8657]

Miss En thank you I’m the real Robert and if you would like to see my art my instagram username is robertmortonart on there there is also a link to my website on there if you would like to check it out I now also do commissions

[@cloverbun2574]

@@robertmorton8657 didn't you listen to what they told you? Just focus on making art, kid!

[@aliceduren6542]

I'm one of those artists that stay up 'till 3 am working on a piece. I draw so late at night is 'cause that's the only time I'm not distracted. I don't know why, but I just can't focus during the day. I feel like I have so much I need to do even when I don't just because it's the "productive" time of day.

[@tate4783]

Are you a mom? A wife? A full time employee? Lol I do the same thing and mainly bc it’s the only time someone or something isn’t begging for my attention.

[@pikira2246]

"Wanna know what everyone should try and experiment with? See if you're more productive while listening to our podcast." YES!!! 100% YES!!! I tested it out and every time I just hear you guys talk about art, I wanna draw and get better. Without your podcast, I have no motivation to practice my drawing at all. Everything about this podcast makes me so focused and this is the first time that I can literally focus on two things at once.

[@groundnutmeg]

My tip for small spaces is to have some of your art supplies visible. It creates a constant reminder to create. For example, I have my most used drawing supplies in jars on my desk. I also have my paints in a cart. I noticed when I made my tools visible and easily accessible I was more productive.

[@sedarkaym3266]

these podcasts really help with motivating me, love em

[@blkfleece]

Thank you for these podcast! answering questions I didn't realize I needed the answers to :)

[@tlst9999]

Can confirm what Marshall said. Am 11 and have been 11 for the past 20 years. Still trying hard. Still improving.

[@whbi-senpai1085]

i hope u keep this series a life as long as u can. It is so informative and fun. Thank you guys

[@joefilmco]

I absolutely love the podcast so far, thanks for doing this!

[@itstommyrush]

I like this podcast, especially the voicemails part at 24:41 + great advice for the young artist. I do wish you answered Fyodor’s question but I know this will be covered in an upcoming tutorial.

[@levailnaik962]

Legend! Well done!

[@KiX-K4T13]

Uh oh...Stan's cousin is a good looking guy...and he's funny... Let me guess, you play guitar/drums in a band and have a love for animals too?

[@ammarhabash5319]

Proko i love your video's so much they helped me so much getting better at drawing thank you so much , I hope the best for you .

[@aeoligarlic4024]

This episode is so valuable and is a constant reminder for me, i really don't mind replaying this in repeat

[@wepepe7603]

I've been listening to this podcast series over and over again, I really love this podcast! I learn a lot, and makes wanted to learn more to be a better artist

[@Bsuvx]

Today I tried to go screenless the whole day. It was fine but at the second half of the day i failed. My dopamine was too low to do anything. I found this podcast and started working while listening, for some reason its great for me to listen to something while im working, because i can turn off my inner dialogue in my head but it does slow me down. Thank you for the podcast, the older guy ( so sorry to call u that ) really inspires me fir his genuinenity.

[@jackiecha1320]

Silence is my preferred way to stay focus. If I play music, when the music change it mess up my rhythm. I do like playing this podcast while I’m practicing lines because you guys (especially Marshall) give a teacher presence.

[@Frank79811]

Such a great podcast . Love listening to artists chatting

[@Gothikah]

I absolutely love these podcastas, I've been bingelistening since I found them yesterday!!

[@shaomeimei6813]

thanks for making these! i actually make it a point to listen to conversational art podcasts like yours when i'm doing my daily practice, because it's not overly technical and low-key enough to not distract me, while still delivering great holistic insights about the art life, which is really motivating to have in the background while i draw and paint!

[@jordwhitewolf3051]

This video had a huge impact on me. Really great discussion, eye opening and invigorating and motivational.

[@vadkline]

absolutely love this podcast! keep it up man! just dont forget the tutorials we really need those :)

[@lennoxboyce27]

Being motivated helps me to stay focused. Knowing that I want to become a better artist and improve my work tremendously! Great video!

[@rainar93]

This is awesome! Thanks for making the podcast. I was actually listening to it while working 😁 your voices help to boost my work flow!

[@piotrstaszkiewicz]

Love you guys!! Couldn't be happier than seeing you two in the new episode! :D

[@konstantinbazelyuk]

I enjoyed this interaction the most. I think what makes me focused and disciplined is seeing the result in my work.

[@shawndinhstephens]

Please keep these coming, this podcast is amazing

[@nado859]

Thank you for these podcasts, every time I feel like I lack motivation or energy I come back here and I instantly feel like "Yesssss let's draw!"

[@mothtownpng]

I have just recently gotten a small space for my art, one of my favourite things is larger flower pots for storing stuff like tape, clothes, palettes, paints, and other things. I like it because you can put it against the wall and it doesn’t stick out like a box would. Idk it’s random but it’s something I noticed that I really liked using. Also make it place where you feel happy in. I think that’s important for me at least. I have serval small things that I can look at and it makes me feel more inspired, like small action figures, my comic books, my ukulele, my tiny spoons, etc. And then just keeping it clean and organized is a lot bigger of a deal than I thought. Otherwise I find my mind while working can start thinking about all the things on the floor. And when I do vacuum and tidy up I feel much more focused. Also make it a place for working from the start. If it is possible for you don’t let it become a place where you watch movies or play video games. I find that way when I enter that small room I know it’s time to work and I can focus better. Like you guys said less distractions the better. Hopefully that was some what helpful and made sense.

[@ProkoTV]

Thank you very much for the advice :) I'll try to put stuff in there that makes me happy.

[@mothtownpng]

Proko oh my gosh, never thought I would be giving you advice. But super glad if it gave you anything

[@davidhenry5671]

great video really helped me to understand what were my bad habits that kept stopping me from being productive and 24:42 this prank call ,i can't stop watching it over and over again .

[@MilanMovies95]

I actually just now drew while listening to your podcast! All the way through episode 5 and this one, there really was something soothing about this conversation, it was great!

[@RaynaLenskiCreations]

oh man, I miss being in Marshall's classes! Appreciate all the work you guys, looking forward to the next one

[@mcuz33]

yes as part of my drawing practice today I selected this podcast to stimulate me .. I like having podcasts in the background while I work ... bring on the zen .. just puts me in the zone of no mind ... but the themes and messages are being digested subconsciously while I create ... love it

[@jeremydelagarza8317]

Loving this podcast so far, thank you guys! I really enjoyed this episode and your suggestions are very helpful. I thought it was cool you suggested meditation, that in particular helps me a lot with focus and discipline. Before I sit down to do my art, I always try and align myself and visualize a creative force channeling through my hand. That and just doing some deep breathing and focusing on being present for about 5 minutes.

[@shawnwalker7027]

Great video! Definitely a much needed talk for young aspiring artist and anybody in general! This video applies almost everything in life!

[@kevin-lancheros]

I'm sure this podcast is being really useful for the artist's community !! so thanks!

[@TheCarlos368]

Listening to your podcast has actually given me more focus while drawing than music. Thank you, guys!

[@sylvainst-pierre8725]

I appreciate these videos so much. The urge to create and succeed in drawing something keeps me disciplined and focused. Some days are more difficult but i listen to one of these videos and BOOM ! i'm back.

[@Y0UT0PIA]

wow, what a great guest. this podcast in general has been one of the best things I've seen on your channel on the spiritual side.

[@macdog1]

Listening to music can certainly help beat stress and anxiety while creating, studying etc. It just depends on the style of music and how we absord it. This has been scientifically shown. It can also be distracting, of course... But with a mindful relationship, it can be a powerfully meditative tool to help us find a grounded flow state

[@rosstec6728]

21:49 don't stop doing this podcast. it gives me a clearer perspective on my creative journey. thank you

[@danieldowning6644]

This podcast was wonderful and yes it DID help me focus on painting since you were talking about progressing forward through focus with an entertaining conversation at the same time. I was able to background this while only focusing on my art. Surprisingly I got more done during this podcast than the previous 3 hours of painting this evening.

[@AmmarYaqoub1020]

The more you can delay your success the better! This is my life lesson right here. Thank you both for this great podcast.

[@pjlewisful]

important subject / enjoyed / I just like the feeling you 2 guys together make us viewers that we're there just hanging with you. The humor makes it all so interestingly intriguing.

[@ElianaLemosArt]

Your podcast helps me stay focused. You guys are just so uplifting!

[@pradeep_boy]

The Podcast is great way to get to know stuff and clear doubts , Also something i can watch while studying

[@teacherleo20245]

really enjoyed that as an artist and as an English teacher. Looking forward to more of theses. On to Spotify now to download the other episodes!! Thank you so much!

[@TheSabuArt]

First of all, I love this podcast! I've been wanting something like this for years now! awesome job, you guys are great! As for productivity, only listen to podcast while you work if you're not trying to learn and just drawing for fun, at least that's how I do I do it. I do listen to music, but is usually something that complements what I'm working on, something that fits with the theme, usually instrumental stuff.

[@ymotle]

Im here to say you were right, listening to you really helps me being 100% more productive and enjoying it more

[@anammorar]

I'm grateful to just pay for internet and be able to watch incredible content like this one. I hope you can archive all your dreams Stan. To stay disciplined, I need a reward, so I can work harder to gain the main goal. To focus, I must go to an environment in which I can listen nature sounds, be quite for short amounts of times, and takes breaks, so my body will breath

[@JansLife]

I'm not a professional artist but I love sketching, art journaling, and am now trying my hand at acrylic painting. I have literally a corner of my bedroom where I set up a small studio, if you will, with a table and I store my supplies in my closet and a stand that's behind the table. What helps me staying focused and disciplined is taking a few moments a day and looking at other sketches and pieces of art and also watching others paint and it just invigorates me and then I'm just needle-sharp focused! Thanks for all of these podcasts, these are so helpful even for us amateurs!

[@Brandon.manga.]

I wouldn't change a thing! You guys are pillars of the youtube industry. Thank you

[@crowsketchcentral4469]

Video Games inspire me a lot especially the artworks/artstyle, the story plot, and the world itself. And whenever I've got the motivation and inspiration while playing, I'll stop and think all what i've seen and remember then apply it when I draw. And i'm so happy that i've created characters, sceneries.. that doesn't make me stop and wants me to continue more. Make more and share it to fellow artists to encourage them to continue it. And I will support them what i can.

[@eerielles]

Listening to your podcasts the whole day, I realized that I have done x3 of the amount I would usually do with my art fundamental grinding. I guess I am always going to listen to them while I'm doing the grinding stuff :D And thanks a lot for your podcasts!

[@cherylm1982]

So cool to see Marshall. I have his perspective lectures from the 80's? You're both such a great resource. Thanks. Also I love the pic of you two in the painting.

[@yahgodioclert.dasilveira4079]

after a long time I came back to this video, I really like that this videos always fits and helps indepent of how many times u have watched

[@annawolf8540]

I really love hearing your podcasts when I'm drawing!

[@kritikalgames]

It has been 8 months since I joined my new job as an associate artist, for a month I am working in a project that doesn't involve any drawing and I was just looking for ways to boost up my morale to start drawing and working on my portfolio. That's when I found you guys! I listen to your podcast while I work and it encouraged me to start drawing daily. Thanks!

[@ColoredMud]

I'm loving these podcasts! ❤

[@zacharyisaac8193]

I’m really enjoying this series so far

[@magichand72]

It comes down to "Do I want to observe someone's life Passively (watching actors perform their lives/art) or participate in my life Actively engaged in expressing myself through my art....Its our choice to get off the couch or not...and produce through our life experiences

[@MaAlGon3]

Hey Proko! I'm loving the podcast so far. I do suggest you pre-plan topics and segments a little bit beforehand. When both of you get into the rythm of a conversation, it's so great.

[@thedolphinboyo6866]

Yes, listening to the podcast actually does help me un being less anxious while drawing. Thank you

[@panpukinart]

Absolutely great video! Only two podcasts in and you've already flipped a couple of my methods and views around. The ''People that got really good really quickly get lazy'' hit me especially. I think you just motivatd me to go through a period of excessive Studying, actively Painting and learning to get back on track again. Thank you!

[@kcg1783]

It actually does help my motivation to hear you guys making this talk! I'm actually doing it now and can't help but find it funny lol Keep up the good work Proko! Ok back to focusing

[@thejakobistable]

Never thought I would say the word "vibe" but you two really vibe with each other.

[@Shortround7]

I could listen to Marshall's voice all day long

[@LumaX9]

For me its nature. Being outside and being in an atmosphere of grass/trees/sky/wind/bird sounds and so on is just putting me in this really nice mindset to be really calm, happy and focused. It also boosts my creativity. Its much different from when i draw inside.

[@SpottedTigress]

Honestly, I desperately need talks like this to kick my ass and remind me that I need to turn things off. I think I try to justify having the 10 tabs open on my browser because "What if I a client has a question" or "I need to look up a bunch of references" but that isn't the only way to do things.

[@Abdaado]

Listening to this while drawing is really relaxing

[@jonphipps7438]

I was animating while I was listening to this and was pretty productive and in the zone until you started talking about it and decided to leave this comment! hahah and you were talking about animation too haha. Well back to work! This was a great video

[@dakidax86]

Listening to the podcast while I am drawing. To me it feels like we are all hanging out and I don't have the obligation to get in on the conversation.

[@khomaristyles]

Very helpful with perspective as well as having optimal focus

[@MrBilydon]

Recently just started to hear your podcast while writing (not native english speaker), I catch most but not all things you say, while drawing it gives me a hand to concentrate more, I guess there was once an study realted to listening to something you don't understand fully to get better while making a "principal" task, like in this case "drawing" Gotta thank you for making it, just gives me what I need to get out of procastination, depression and anxiety too and focus on getting better on drwaing.

[@rockkkkkification]

Wow It's been a long time since i've heard anyone who sounds so warm.I must thank Sir marshall for his insight.

[@Nathammer]

The thing that has helped me to stay focused is connecting with what I love. Im working on my very first personal project. By developing this project Ive been able to keep myself inspired, practicing, creating and sharing what I do with good energy and passion.

[@brown_gurl]

Just discovered draftsmen and I am obsessed 🤧❤❤

[@M3XYPZ]

No joke. I do like listening to some youtubers while doing studies and loose sketches. You guys, Rhystic Studies, Jacob Geller, all of which transmit very good vibes, yall do your videos with passion, you talk slowly, clearly but with a lot of energy and your conversations build up to very pleasing conclusions. So while warming up, I think its great.

[@juliamarija8343]

For me to be focused works through "getting into the mood" when I don't feel like drawing, I start watching Podcasts or Speed Paintings and get myself excited to try something new I just learned. I don't know if it is a good tactic but works somehow😅

[@patriceledec7828]

its a must...your show is great...robert crumb is amazing...you both amazing

[@Songfugel]

These prank calls are so amazing xD Thanks for running them

[@ChrisSkjrvik]

Having a journal and calendar has really helped me boost my productivity! Just having a to do list makes everything so... doable

[@killuazoldyck8953]

Elaborate about this please ;)

[@StackPH]

I just want you to know that watching your podcast DOES boost my productivity. I'm watching this in the background while doing a project. :D

[@samwizgamgie3rd828]

The topic of this video is always a slap in the face yet a friendly reminder. If I just make a habit of single eyed focus, I would become what I focus. I honestly have problems with being distracted like watching this video as I make comments about the video.

[@mdhebert]

These are thoughtful discussions that go in directions I don't expect. Thank you for that; pretty rare on the internet. :)

[@untitledmisou]

I listen to these in the background while drawing or when I'm just casually making my day go.

[@gregmeissner9960]

Actually listening to this podcast helps me focus on my painting. I guess it's the combination of humor interspersed with the really smart stuff you both say, and then back to humor. My left brain is distracted and my right brain just paints.

[@countnu4166]

Marshall is so entertaining to listen to.

[@razorback7828]

I have just discover your "show" today. It is such a pleasure to listen to you and your guests. Cheers from France.

[@newlinetattoo6394]

Your videos have been great for helping me focus and the podcasts are super great really enjoy Marshall's story's and of course you are always educational and comedic. I am am tattoo artist who is always trying to up my drawing and painting skill to the next level and you and your videos are helping me do that thank you !👍👍🤘

[@Vikifox_]

That "Consume one picture a day/ Make one picture a day" is something I will do right now. I am soo in love with the idea.