Role Models Who Can Shape You Into The Greatest Version Of Yourself (You’ll Be Surprised!)

[@BlameTheCake]

You know Adam, when I had to explain what the thoughts that inspired my scorpion piece, I was too afraid to admit it was about my experience with gender and social / cultural expectation. I was so moved when you mentioned Abigail, I began to tear up because I didn't know I was in a safe space to talk about those things. Thank you for being an ally. And the fact you like Victor??? P E A K taste, thumbs up.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I’m forever touched that you feel that way Arya - thank you :)

[@loreen909]

exactly my feelings

[@yorulo3280]

I love how you went from Canadian philosophers to a character from Yuri on Ice

[@evieyak]

hearing you describe abigail thorne post-transition as the “physical embodiment of integrity” was so powerful that it’s going to stick with me for a long time. i am a trans woman myself and it never occurred to me that transition really is the ultimate example of true integrity, because you have to put yourself in harm’s way simply to live as your authentic self. and yet, to be truly at peace, such a sacrifice is not only worthwhile, but necessary. thank you adam

[@Gunnarr_Bjornson]

I think that I speak for everyone here when I say you are definitely one of the best role models for me. A couple years ago, my life changed in a colossal way in that I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My dream of joining the U.S Military was shattered and I was in a deep dark pit I couldn’t escape. Then I found your channel and you changed my life forever. I found a new love of digital art when I was bedridden in the hospital. 6 years later, I’m more determined than ever to pursue an art career. Thank you for being here for all of us. You are a true hero.❤

[@loreen909]

Hello Adam, with the realese of this video i feel even more comfortable in these video, i feel safe when i listed to your videos even in the dangerous and scary enviroment that i live in, sincerely thank you for creating this space. A future student

[@naosouumpatopoha7861]

One of my greatest role models probably is Technoblade. I never saw someone with such balance between self deprecating humor and pure confidence. He definetely is a big source of inspiration. Technoblade never dies o7

[@soupmanimation]

technoblade never dies!!!! (ಥ﹏ಥ)7

[@anchovyanimations8930]

Adam, you are among my top 3 favorite artist, becuse you have showed me the kind of art I wish to create, and the countless invaluable lessons you've taught me, the tips of art, the tips of life, you are incredible and I appreciate you

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well, call me honoured

[@re_united]

When I was young I had a passion for creative works such as drawing or making origami. My father noticed it and was quite happy because he was a professional artist working in animation studios and other companies as an art director. so he would often teach me the fundamentals and tell me how important it is to master them until I was allowed to draw cartoonish things or anime and manga-style art. My father was a very competitive person and had an ego especially when it comes to his artistic skills. I myself have to admit that he is a very skilled artist in all the technical aspects one could imagine. his teaching is very strict and left almost no room for creativity or any fun which leads to me giving up on art completely. I cried so many times when I take my pencil and tried to just enjoy drawing something but then has to remember that when my father sees it he would just tell me how many technical errors I just made. at some point, I stopped working on my fundamentals and doing any art and he stopped teaching me. maybe he gave up too. it took me almost a decade to finally blaze up my passion and pick up my pencil. But that's when I didn't realize the damage that had been done to me. I was obsessed with technical perfection and always sees other people's art in a very negative way when I see any minor errors as if I'm an aggressive competitor. But when I do see artists who are much more advanced than me then I would think of myself as a piece of trash that no one would love or care about. I believe the reason why I felt that way is because of how my artistic education I think my father is a genius in art but not in teaching. But it all changed when I found your channel, Adam. you moved my heart with every single video of your wisdom. It overpainted my life canvas and opened my eyes. You are my biggest and most important role model you changed my Identity for the better. you don't have to answer me or anything I don't want to take your time. just knowing you will be reading it is enough for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. and happy painting.

[@gilumattb.s6477]

I usually get scared of sharing my inspirations because most are characters... and then you mentioned Viktor. Thank you so much for that Adam. Logan, Tony Stark, Sherlock Holmes, Batman... all are men whose intelligence is remarked in specific ways and sometimes are driven by anger and rage, creating a wall that pushes people away. But even with all their flaws and lack of emotional connection and trust, they find someone to connect with. Not necessarily romantic, but someone important. Someone whose bond they end up sometimes cherishing more than their logical mind can comprehend, and from where they learn to connect with their emotions again. As someone with anger and trust issues, seeing these characters move forward has helped me not to give up. To learn from my missteps, to not let my anger, ego or fear to blind me (And even if at some point they do, to recognize my mistake and do better).To love my art, understand it's importance and work hard for it because there's always something new to learn, but also understand that I can't live my life believing I can do everything alone. That emotions are not something I can run away from, and eventually have to let myself just feel them because if not, I'm only hurting myself by hurting others.

[@ribarjeva7270]

Love your videos. Greetings from Slovenia.♥

[@Lure_Music]

Greetings from a Slovenian living in Germany !

[@sonatama2420]

you really got me when you shared your biggest inspiration. when you said that we'd be shocked if you said it, I honestly didn't think I would and then I hear that it's Viktor!!! it felt like my worlds were becoming one you and your videos are always inspiration to me, and this just adds on to how much I look up to you ♥

[@anemonekollontai7108]

Love drawing along to your videos! Great video ❤

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks for prompting us to reflect on this. I loved your examples. There is so much bravery and beauty to be inspired by.

[@saullandiof5768]

Benjamin Zander is amazing! he had such a huge impact on the way I write music

[@liamsoldgmail3926]

As a non-binary art student how you spoke about Abagail in this was so heart-warming, it's nice to know that you're an ally Adam 💙

[@ego-pt7vt]

The animator gilded guy his art works amaze and motivates me to become an artist as skilled as him

[@itsmamind]

My ears immediately turned towards the screen after hearing that Adam watched an anime xD love that it inspired you

[@zack_feldman]

Thanks again Adam!

[@Shimamon27]

I have no role model actually. There are works of artists I liked, there are creators that did stuff I saw, but, I never looked deeper into anyone, at all, ever. Actually, it sort of made me keep being completely detached from the whole concept of "Role Model", I noticed most people around have it... Most people look at someone, and aspire to be them, or, are inspired directly by them. As a creator, I have no figure in mind that comes... I have no one I can think of as an actual role model. However, there are works that certainly sits in my mind... Yet, they aren't "A person", but, creations that I keep returning to, and having an artistic inspiration from, that I value and pretty much view as things I return to in many ways: Highly specific video games that felt "Fitting", and as a creator, I keep looking back at those creations, and they guide me with no words or figure... But rather, in odd sensations. Most specifically: Thief series. Might and magic series(Both series). Legacy of Kain. Deus Ex series. Planescape Torment. Doom/Heretic/Hexen. The Elder Scrolls. Neverhood. American Mcgee's Alice. Diablo 1-2. Starcraft 1 Gothic series. Pathologic. These are my version of "role models"... As a creator. I follow experiences, feelings, emotions... Imagination, creations... not actual people. Because that's where most of the interactions in my life have been, games.

[@DankaDoctor185]

Personally, I think roles models are there for people to look up to. But I find that point extremely limited. Whenever I've had people I've seen as impressive in some way, I've never seen them as a role model or something to aspire to be, but someone to be better than, to best them. Why would I limit myself through someone I respect and find impressive, when I could work towards being better than them?

[@Shimamon27]

​@@DankaDoctor185 I think that's a goal-setting perspective - You view a challenge, a hill to climb... I think it's really good as a self constructive initiative! You build yourself up to the standard you see, I wish I had that as a child. With the games I mentioned, it's more like a palette, something I sample certain sensations out of... Feelings and explorations of subjects that I can relate to. With my current animation project, I noticed that I began to actively apply those marks, they simply feel like colors of home as I combine them together with my personal experiences. The result is certainly weird and unique, and I continue at it.

[@Freeasacloud]

Yes this one! The concept of rolemodel's is kinda foreign to me While listening to Adam's very warm inspiring video, but when he said "Write down who you look up to" I have to admit that nothing came up, I'm just thankful that he mentioned a fictional rolemodel! I remember in school when I was 10 or so we had to write a small essay about who we look up to/want to be like. I just wrote as my tiny essay "Me, I dont want to be anyone but me" - Not meant as in I found myself inspiring, just didnt know anyone that was relateable and most in my class looked up to Ronaldo or other celebs. If there is something that move me and come back to, like how you mention games (Good taste btw!) would be manga. It's a strange to think to think about, and it's not specific characters or anything, it's rather the actions or words that moves me and make me reflect. I've read so many mangas' of different genres, and sometimes the actions or words of specific topics sticks to me, and honestly most of the time helps me irl to deal with certain thoughts or situations.

[@Shimamon27]

@@Freeasacloud A role model fits for people made for molds. Once someone isn't fitting into any pattern, we end up scavenging meanings through what we find relatable, meaningful and inspiring. Pretty much, we forge a role out of qualities we gathered through scattered pieces.

[@lugiavn797]

Glad to see you finally joined the weeb club! Welcome, welcome! For me it's this one little series called One Piece, a story about people following their dream no matter how impossible it is; in spite of the world laughing at them or how many times they failed, they still find strength to continue to the end. Everytime I feel lost or defeated, remembering their stories inspires me to keep going even if it's just one more small step.

[@abbyfrancesparker8738]

YOI LET'S GOOOO! Seriously the writing and character portrayal in that anime is so nuanced and fantastic, and I feel a bit underrated. I might have bias since I once was a figure skater so there was a lot I could relate to, but it just captured the internal journey, and the ups and downs of the sport so well, while building a beautiful love story. I'm so glad you brought up a fictional character so much because honestly many of them are huge role models for me personally. I was on the edge of my seat hoping you were going to drop Prince Zuko from Avatar TLAB (one of the greatest written characters of all time in animation imo), but I'm just as happy for the YOI love. It seriously deserves it!

[@kanachiaki]

Very interesting that you mentioned Viktor, he's always been a bit of a puzzle for me but also quite fascinating. Btw the other twos are both called Yuri (Yuuri and Yuri to be precised) =)

[@AdamDuffArt]

Ah right! Thank you :)

[@starvethebeast6480]

What would you say to an artist who has neglected his art and essentialy stopped drawing for nearly 20 years, but now is finding a renewed passion for his art in his early 40s, but really doesn't know where to start or where he's even headed? I've just recently discovered your channel, and I'd really value your opinion if you're so inclined to share it.

[@bubblysqueek4690]

i am so glad i'm not the the only one who finds the character Victor in yuri on ice inspirational!!! damn i love your art talks 😊 also thank you for being such an inspiration, all the hugs! x

[@axelssantoso5667]

the most recent role model for me is kratos and my dad haha , they showed me that change is possible no matter how lost you think you are and in order to change you need to open your heart into the world and let others in and let them play a role in your life and that is the first step to make , though i still feel defeated ill always try to change and become better

[@jadeypup]

As a trans woman, my face absolutely lit up when I heard Abigail Thorn's name said by one of my favorite artists :')

[@silvxude]

The intro is so cool Adam 🥰

[@emberhydra]

I have a few idols. They have helped me immensely as I'm what I can say and see now, my darkest shadow of my path to greatness. I'm still in it, still getting darker as I see a deeper black for each step. Many of these idols are philosophers many I learned their ways and took a piece of that cake that I had found valuable that could help me. Not like others this last philosopher. This one was not something I could take one piece of. As everything has said servers directly and indirectly to aid to towards the darkness and how to deal with it. This man was Friedrich Nietzsche. Although his philosophy is diving in to the darkness and walking a thin line of ice where all you see on both sides are death. I had nothing to loss and no more despair could be made. So Nihilism was a gateway to enlightenment in nothingness. If everything is just a void, why not be the light you seek? If nothing matters why not give it meaning? Why stop if there's nothing? The other honorable mentioned are Marcus Aurelious, Dyonginess(I can't spell it, the man who lives in a barrel), Albert Camus, Carl Jung, Volatire "Agree to disagree " and the speech "I have a dream" by Martin Luther King Jr. And the greatest role model or idol I ever have stands before me in the mirror. To stand regardless of hardship, to stand regardless how unfair and badly you have been treated in life and yet still be a kind soul to everyone. To stand even what I have lost and see it all as achievement of the weight of this hard path that is the right path and fighting for what I love, care and feel is right and truth in this cruel world. Sometimes there is no hero in every story, sometimes you have to be your own rescuer, hero, saviour and most importantly the you that's inside of you, not what they tell you what you are, but what you truly are behind that strong exterior

[@askhatabdirazakh3577]

Awww. I love Adam's work, and now he also actively speaks about trans/nonbinary people treating them as human beings. That deserves respect

[@MinoSenpai]

Ok i can't believe this I'm gonna rewatch Yuri on ice right now😂😂😂

[@markartist7014]

Can you please share your wonderful voice (&or) your videos on Spotify?

[@TheMangoNeko]

Thank you so much for talking about Abigail, I'm a trans man and it means the world to have someone I admire be an open ally. 💙

[@genreartwithjb5095]

Captain Picard

[@lexxzhane]

Totally unrelated to the topic but I’m noticing that even though Im here for the artistic knowledge as far as audio… i realize that as im creating digital art on my ipad that im actually paying attention to the process without noticing it. ( I play this while i bake at work. Sometimes when im drawing ). That being said you are definitely one of the big influences of my art journey. 🤍

[@tukki649]

You may have run in to Alan Stewart (@ArtOfAlan) at Mercury. That man brought so much life and joy into my life. An amazing artist, and a great teacher & friend. One of the most inspiring people of my life.

[@AdamDuffArt]

The name definitely rings a bell - it’s hard finding pics of him online though so I can’t be sure I can see by his artwork that he worked on Wonder Over Yonder - and that he’s an amazing artist - like, amazing!