Questions Artists Never Get Answers To (Answering YOUR Art Career Questions)

[@PinkWytchBytch]

My husband broke me yesterday when I came to him excited I’d found a job opportunity. He said “I know you CAN do it but I don’t think you WILL” this ignorant man has sat there for 6 years watching me struggle and stress trying to build my skill and portfolio, he has seen my cry over feeling like I’ll never make it as an artist, then go cook and clean and run around til 3 a.m. and still get cussed like a dog when I tell him I want an evening at home to paint. And all this hurtful BS because he had a bad day at work, he decided he needed to let me know he doesn’t see me as capable of achieving anything. I can sit there and create an entire page filled with beauty and whimsy, I can bring characters to life that wouldn’t have existed if I hadn’t sat my pen to paper. My husband can’t draw a straight line. Who the hell is HE to tell me I’m not going to land this book cover illustrating job!?!?!? When my pay is higher than his he’ll be changing his sexist tune

[@AdamDuffArt]

There’s only one reason why someone might benefit from demeaning and belittling your potential - because they’re AFRAID you actually can Because if you DO - that means that you’ll realize they no longer have control over your feelings of self-worth or your ability to control your own life - hence, you’re free to walk out that door marked EXIT anytime you wish :) It’s like tying a horse to a thin branch - nothings stopping them from easily snapping the branch and walking away free - except of course for their BELIEF that they can’t

[@PinkWytchBytch]

@@AdamDuffArt That really hits home on a lot of levels, especially with just how long I’ve put up with this kind of ridiculousness. I am not an Angel but being treated like a devil is not warranted and I’ve given years worth of chances. This will be the fourth attempt I’ve made to find work and I’m going to make sure it’s successful even if it isn’t on this exact job offer. Here’s to hoping I hear back from the job offer soon 🙏 Thank you for caring about random strangers, it means a lot to hear kind words of encouragement from an artist I respect so greatly

[@TerraCorvusEntertainment]

@@PinkWytchBytch I wish you the best. May your payment be high enough to support yourself, so you can leaf this a-hole. I am not able to judge the situation, but it sounds like, you should get out of this, as soon as possible. Marriage should be filled with love and not with gaslighting and fighting about control. Stay strong. I dont know you or your art, yet, bur reading about your effort and your passion, is already enough for me, to believe in you.

[@Shadowkitty360]

Please get help if you can. This is strait up abuse.

[@GreyhoundGamer]

@@PinkWytchBytchHow did it go?

[@nephilim475]

Omg I wish I knew about this; I would have asked if you could show us your early work from when you were a child to now and how it changed over the years.

[@AdamDuffArt]

There are definitely more to come - this is just the beginning

[@Blackstardragon393]

Maybe not a proper question, but would appreciate your thoughts. Ever since I was a teen starting out the message I've gotten from my loved ones is the art industry is insanely cut throat. Only the strong, ruthless, and undeterable will survive (but sure give it a shot if that's what you want!) When I probably needed encouragement to keep at it, I got art critique. Now I'm older, and my skills have grown but making art can honestly be terrifying and stressful. Because there are stretches where I don't make art, the people who supported me doubt that I'm serious or even suited to be an artist and are nudging me away from it. Honestly I don't know what else I could become. I like learning about art, and making it brings me a deep sense of satisfaction, but its hard to fight the fear that I will make bad art and prove myself to be a bad artist, or that I might get a job in the industry and find it as soul crushing and paralyzing as the retail jobs that burn me out in a year or less. Sometimes I am too scared to move, but really what else can I do? To anyone who read this, thanks for lending an ear

[@Diego-Designs]

The way I see it, we only live once and life is short. So why live it doing something just to survive? Obviously make sure you're financially covered, but do art if that's something you enjoy.

[@herbertscott9575]

Two books you should read..."On Writing" by Stephen King and "You Cant hurt Me" by David Goggins. Goggins has an epic interview with Joe Rogan, watch that. What you are describing is apathy and a lack of rote motivation, that's normal, you're not alone there. The cure for it is to WORK through it. If you want to be a high level PROFESSIONAL anything, you gotta create a schedule for yourself and have the discipline to do it every single day. That's what Stephen King does, he doesn't wait for inspiration, he sits down and starts writing every single day. His last professional job was as an English teacher, he wrote before, during and after work, on the weekends, holidays...EVERYDAY since a young teenager. The process is create/review/edit/create/review/edit and its ongoing across many projects. David Goggins essentially willed his way into the Navy Seals after ballooning up to 300 pounds after leaving the air force. He dropped 100 pounds in 3 months and went to buds training. Now he runs ultramarathons for charity and fun. But he stresses that we pursue endeavors that are hard because it will force HARD to become our new norm. The daily repetition is what creates greatness. Not inspiration, not a muse, not even having a career trajectory or plan...just get up and work HARD at what you want to do and the PLAN will make itself abundantly clear because you will no longer cut corners or seek shortcuts...you will be the most dangerous person in your field. The art version of all this...study everything and everyone. Carry sketchbooks/digital tablets everywhere you go. Schedule 2-12 hour blocks a day where you're doing nothing but art. You study professional portfolio's. You watch/listen to art instruction video's. You create a self directed curriculum. Study art history. You go to a live "life" drawing class twice a week. Study time management/organization/leadership. Don't do just one of these things, you got to do all of it. If you find yourself to scared to move...GREAT....MOVE anyways!

[@adamb7968]

I needed something to put on the headphones while I paint and this is a hit! 10/10 will listen again.

[@shintasei]

I'm so genuinely happy everytime Adam uploads a new video

[@zayaatelier452]

I wanted to say here from Brazil that since I discovered your channel my art has evolved a lot, because you brought me a clarity regarding the profession that I never found in any of my studies and research, in fact while I'm listening to you I'm drawing prints that were commissioned from me , thank you for everything

[@liamrodgers48]

Adam the video game thing is so true, I often fall back into comfort games that Ive already played plenty when I could be sitting down and falling into new experiences, venturing into the unknown and I think it applies with art too.

[@lexlazaruz]

Just had an amazing time watchng this while enoying my coffee and man, everytime I watch one of your videos, I am so inspired to sit down and be creative. Thank you for that! Exactly what I needed.

[@AdamDuffArt]

That’s the best compliment you could give me - my videos make you want to draw :)

[@TerraCorvusEntertainment]

Same XD

[@jamief.g]

Thanks so much Adam. I've loved your videos for years, you're the reason why I'm a professional artist now. I'll get your mentorship some day and tell you this in person. Thank you

[@AdamDuffArt]

I’m honoured that you’d show me any kind of credit for what appears to be an incredible accomplishment - you deserve a big congratulations for holding true to your passion all the way to this level, well done :)

[@jamief.g]

@@AdamDuffArt Thanks so much adam, and for replying. I went on huge walks for years through the pandemic listening to all your talks, even all the old ones without the new mics ( ;) NERD OUT AGH ). What I got is that I could be an artist and I could do it from an emotional way that takes care of myself too. I'm autistic and have ADHD so I find a lot of things hard and overwhelming. I give you so much credit to what I've managed. Thank you for the reply it means a lot to me. It's literally on my bucket list to come to some art event and shake your hand and tell you how much I appreciate what you're doing. Someday I will and I know this as fact. No need to reply I know you're busy, just thank you so much man. I've listened to everything and applied it. You do wonders to so many new young creative people in this this space. Big big thank you and keep doing whatever it is you like to do. You're awesome. Have a great day my friend :)

[@Levianeee]

My question didn't get into the video, but it was still really enjoyable and interesting to watch, thank you! The bit about burning out actually resonated with my question about attempting to work on a portfolio while still having an art job that doesn't contribute anything to it, and I realised that I related to a lot of points that you mention in your answer as I've started to feel like I don't develop enough and it stresses me out. And I remember experiencing an actual burnout on my previous job as well, where I was pushed to work on anything on the project but art. I catch myself wanting to quit just to work on my personal projects for my portfolio for half a year maybe, but I just happen to be in such unstable financial and living situation right now that I'm anxious I won't ever get a chance of such a job as I have right now due to circumstunces I can't control. I'm trying to manage my boundaries as a result and it's really hard, but I still feel better than on my previous job. Your answer gave me some more important thoughts to reflect on.

[@Fran43CG]

Hi Adam, I just found your channel... Just wanted to thank you for being so amazing. Such a bright, wonderful personality. Keep shining! Much love!

[@Kyattsu]

Your videos are always so soothing and encouraging to listen to. I've made them part of my routine for getting ready into art-mode for the day

[@AdamDuffArt]

You’re very welcome Kyattsu :)

[@shayaanahmed8573]

Hey Adam, thanks for the video man. I had to take a long break from the concept art scene because of hypothyroidism and some really bad burnout but I'm finally at a place where im getting back into it with a much better idea of what I want to create and your videos helped me realise that so just wanted to say thank you! While im rambling haha i was trying to be a character designer but realized it wasnt for me and that i actually wanted to tell stories through environments so now im redoing my portfolio and lets see how that goes but hoping for the best!

[@nh8444]

8:32 you said FIRE! In the way too Beavis says it and that made my day. I probably said “mmmhmmhmm heh, yeah, fire, FIRE!!” Many times after.

[@Triadx_]

Thank you so much Adam, you're one of my greatest inspirations and i was ecstatic when you answered my question. You're a gem and i promise, i won't be taking intoxicants when im older🤣🤣🤣🤣, thank you for everything you do

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well the pleasure was all mine and I really loved your question And don’t worry, I’m not judging your alcohol intake, although you know that I would always advocate on the side of health and long life :)

[@eddy4719]

Absolutely love every second of it!

[@martinaloscher5355]

Dear Adam, sincerely thank you once more for your passionate answer! ❤ Befor we had our consultation- meet-up i already knew you're a great teacher. But you made an even greater long term impact than i expected! Your answer really lets me hope i can get back to teaching soon ❤ I'm seriously honored to call you my mentor!

[@AdamDuffArt]

Which is why I felt embarrassed that I struggled to pronounce your name - but don’t take that personally for a second Martina, I return every kind word back at you with interest ❤️

[@martinaloscher5355]

@@AdamDuffArt please don't worry! I know how difficult "ö" is to speak for most of the world. On the contrary, I appreciate you trying!

[@TerraCorvusEntertainment]

This was awesome! Thank you so much. ^^ Also, I´m super hyped for this video about physical health, you mentioned. I´m currently recovering from a tendonitis in my wrist. Already a whole month of no drawing/animating, no video editing, writing scripts or even playing games. My personal hell. It is slowly getting better, so I will try drawing again for just a few minutes per day and see how that will feel like. The question I would have for that would be about the whole taking breaks thing. Like most artist, keeping track of how long I have been drawing already, is hard for me, and it is also somewhat important for an artist to actually zone out. But when you do that, you run into the danger of not taking enough breaks. What happened to me. How do I keep that balanced? Setting up an alarm clock all the time? Thanks to everyone who can give an answer to that. 🥰

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

Hi Adam. So I'm sure it goes without saying that a lot of artists come from traumatic backgrounds. It's how a lot of them cope with the horrors/abuses they've endured. Do you have any advice for those artists whose ideas are purely inspired by trauma/stress, and how would you recommend they detach the desire to draw from being stressed? In my case, I used to burn myself out desiring to leave every job I've ever had, and I was so emotional about wanting to do my art, that I spent my energy on the desire to do art, rather than actually doing it. I know I am not the only one that's been in this predicament.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I’ve definitely been through my own emotional adventures in my own time and I have gained wisdom to things that impact my life That said, you’re a unique person with unique experiences - everyone reacts to traumas differently and that’s why it’s important to spend time with a trained professional to work it out at your own pace - there are no general solutions to such issues

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

@@AdamDuffArt So more specifically I am not looking for an end-all, concrete solution to the trauma. More, I am asking how one would use art to help deal with it.

[@stephaniebelenets2666]

@@gabudaichamuda2545 Maybe look at Art Therapy.

[@remygallardo7364]

Its funny, I knew of Frazetta's art but didn't know who painted them, or anything about their life. I, too, have Graves disease and went untreated for longer than I should have. I really do think I need to look into his life and works more deeply now because I have always loved his works and recognize a lot of my own preferences in his work. It makes me wonder how much impact the memory, focus, and metabolism swings impacted his approach to art. I can understand entirely why he felt nothing he produced while he was suffering from it lived up to his standards, I suffered a lot of short term memory loss during the worst of it and what I did draw or write during that time in my life was like tiktoks compared to movies I make now.

[@annanas.arts1404]

Thank you adam for training my brain to be like "oh a new vid from adam! time to draw!" I love watching your videos, but i cant watch them without having a pencil in my hand and drawing while im at it. I have a question for you though. I just finished my first semester of art school and i goddamn love it here, i could spend every second of my life in this school, improving and hanging out with other creatives, but something has been bothering me. Im studying visual communications, which is more of a design subject than an art subject, but at the same time ive been calling myself an artist all my life, not a designer. Now i would like to know how exactly you differentiate art from design and where you would draw the line if at all. For example illustration here is more design, but in my eyes illustration is art. Does it make a difference which kind of illustration it is? Where it came from, what the motivation was? The goal of the illustration? How you felt while creating? Would love to hear your opinion! Love your stuff! Much love!

[@Soco_oh]

I LOVE the wendigos lore

[@billy120745]

Thumbnail says “art diector” FYI

[@AdamDuffArt]

Nice lol! I’ll fix that :)

[@ahgremlin7869]

Do you have a discord server?

[@ch_boki]

How do people find art Jobs... So far that is my biggest challenge. I'm willing to move to any country and work for less just to learn and grow but it's really hard. Great content like always thanks for sharing!

[@speakersr-lyefaudio6830]

I tried doing commission, and it was really difficult to me. It felt like being put on the spot and suddenly your mind goes blank. I think teaching might be a better fit for me, I never seem to be at a loss when doing that and it's always exciting trying to help others solve their puzzles. How would you recommend I try and get into teaching art?

[@Shadowkitty360]

My ADHD says I now need to go learn the entire history of calligraphy 😅 great video!

[@Germania9]

I have one question I need to ask like: Is it possible for an over 40 rookie to break into the art industry?

[@AdamDuffArt]

People dont hire for age - they hire for abilities :)

[@kipz]

Some advice I heard regarding this question: if you feel the need to ask the answer is no

[@Germania9]

​@@AdamDuffArtThanks for your reply! I'm more concerned about the ageism in the illustration scene. Does ageism actually exist?

[@ulyssesk7325]

grief is a linear wave motion with a spike wave how can you not see this as visual artist?

[@ulyssesk7325]

fear and hate have the same wave pattern just other frequencies, how come that we respect the one but not the other?

[@ulyssesk7325]

wrath and free will have the same wave pattern how come we respect one but not the other?

[@dourbonsonpovic4838]

what are IPs???

[@monkeyabout1297]

Hey hey

[@ulyssesk7325]

grief and pride have the same wave pattern just one is a sphere the other linear how come that we respect one more as the other?

[@JokeswithMitochondria]

So you’re saying I can’t become an artist just by buying the most fancy gadgets???????????

[@StarfloxStudios]

:)

[@zajuice17]

Awesome video! Struthless here on KZbin❤ Absolutely amazing teacher in my opinion 🫶🏾🫶🏾

[@AdamDuffArt]

Say what?! Are you recommending him or telling me that you ARE him - because if you are Struthless then you just made my damn day - one of my favourite channels on KZbin If you’re recommending him then I’m already a passionate subscriber

[@zajuice17]

@@AdamDuffArt a recommendation, really jope you guys collab or something someday. He's great, you already know of him, thats lit!!! 🔥He really makes my day, motovates me, always👍🏾 Lolno, I'm not, just some nobody on here that likes Cam's work and yours 😊😅💪🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@importantie]

Adam, this is right on time! I just handed in my last school assignment yesterday. I’m so excited to re-enter the field and continue to develop my skills, finally graduating! I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of the wisdom you have shared with us. It truly has helped me tremendously, and It cannot emphasised enough. 🫂

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well thank you very much :)