There's a Problem With Today's Art Industry That Nobody's Talking About

[@jakeparker44]

This was great, Adam. And something I continually need to be reminded of. I've always struggled with finding exactly where I fit as an artist. I've bounced around a lot in my 25 year career. With artists there's SO MUCH opportunity. Once you've gotten to a level of proficiency in your understanding of art fundamentals you can acquire the skillset needed to do any job with a few months of training for it. Which means you can kind of chase after any job you want that deals with image making. For me that meant learning to animate, then getting disenchanted with it. Then learning to do concept art, then getting disenchanted with it. Then learning to illustrate children's books, only to eventually get disenchanted with it. Also, learning to draw comics, only to struggle with how much it actually paid. Within each of these disciplines there's all kinds of variety in style, medium, and genre too. The options seem endless. (Should I make comics for kids??? or adults???) It dawned on me that what I was chasing wasn't creative fulfillment, it was the accolades and community that came with each of those disciplines. I liked saying I worked on a thing, more than I liked working on a thing. That's not a formula for success, it's a formula for constant discontent. What I've realized is this is the formula for happiness and success: - Pick a lane and stay in it. (You can do anything, but you can't do everything.) - You can be a fan of something and not need to be a creator of that thing. (It's ok to love video games, animation, or comics and NOT have to work in video games or comics) - The grass is greener where you water it. (Learn to love the process more than you love the end product) Thanks for bringing this up, and giving us a place to talk about it.

[@ShotgunSandwichENT]

Amazing post! I’m a big fan of your channel.

[@TheRougeRogue]

It's been 15 years since I started my career and I have just recently "picked a lane" and I couldn't be more happier. Like you I loved drawing, animation, video games and though I could do all of those things for a career. But like you I realized I liked the responses I got from people more than actually creating artwork for people. It put me in a creative slump until I accepted that I couldn't make my hobby a career. A warning I've heard over and over again, but denied it applied to me.

[@ShotgunSandwichENT]

@@TheRougeRogue what lane did you settle in?

[@TheRougeRogue]

@@ShotgunSandwichENTGraphic Design. It what I went to school to study and even though I liked designing print and digital assets and websites, I had terrible tunnel vision concerning drawing and art.

[@why.do.I.even.try.]

Art has always been the "same". If anything we have nore variety than ever. Artists used to be trained in one style, and participated very clearly in that, now everyone can choose what they like and have something a little bit unique about their style. Most are still participating in a bigger collective style, anime style, western cartoon, but a few ppl here and there will stand out regardless. It's the same situation since forever, because humans haven't changed, our access to information has, our tools have. I agree with your other points, the 2nd more than the first, I still think we could be efficient and not overwork everyone. I'm not writing this comment as some lecture, just continuing the conversation 🤗

[@Stressbreaker999]

Adam, you voiced all the internal struggle I’m currently going through. At 64, with a lifetime career as a commercial illustrator and gallery artist, I finally just want to create images and tell stories for graphic novels. (Like I’ve always secretly wanted to) My kids revealed my true artistic self in lock-downs by asking for all sorts of comic art which gave me such pleasure to create. Syd Mead, Roger Dean, John Buscema, Frazetta etc are all in the mix along with todays amazing graphic novel artists. I have no idea how I’m going to make it happen other than doing great work and keep showing up. Thank you for an inspiring video!

[@ultraozy4085]

Go for it you can do it

[@armyofplush]

You’ll be great at it! Follow your passion

[@margo_burnthewitch]

Adam, thank you so much for this entire channel. You are an incredible artist, human, teacher.. A true sage. Watching your videos I cry, smile, I have my "a-ha" moments. And I draw more, trying to understand myself better. Now I practice how to stay in a healthy perspective towards this modern world. I'm 36, and you help me greatly holding onto my childhood dreams. Thank you! 🤗❤ (and your Polish heritage hits my soft spot 😉)

[@AutumnRainTurkel]

I think one thing that artists need to keep in mind is, the consequence of style. I have spoken with many artist friends and my community about this. It's the fact that you can know yourself, know your style, and know your tempo; you can have that clarity and not fit within the system as it is today. You touched on this with the "food stamps" comment. You may have something that is out of lockstep with what people are looking for. I work in advertising illustration for movie posters and I can tell you 9 times out of 10 when we approach an artist that does something specific for a freelance project, they fall flat on the deadlines. So, while one can find their voice, they may find that they don't have an audience that is mainstream. They may be the counterculture, the punk rock, or metal of the artistic world. They will have an audience, but it will have limits. The question is, as an artist, can you live a life you want to live. Can you be monetarily rewarded enough to have that life and still maintain your frequency and your own well being. It's a huge question about what your expectations are, what your needs are, and where you fall on a spectrum of appeal to the masses. THAT is what those artists you mentioned are doing correctly. They have a frequency that resonates with many people. It's the pop music of art. And like you said, there's nothing wrong with pop music if that's your jam. But we can't all be that, some of us are experimental ambient, and some of us are drum and bass, and some of us are death metal; Limited in reach, with passionate fans. Thanks for a great talk Adam!

[@ultraozy4085]

This comment is gold ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HJima]

I've heard so often from elders in the design field that what separates good designers from other designers is that they show up, do the work on time, and deliver, sometimes, over the top, but not often. but at least deliver what was requested. Its curious to read the comment about illustrators meeting deadlines, and its something I didn't expect to hear actually. I've had the idea that illustrators are so often looking for work, and desperate for work, I never imaged some falling flat on delivery. Interesting!

[@TechHyped]

Not even an aspiring artist, but I honestly feel this is not only relatable, but completely applicable to almost everything else. It’s not an issue with art… It’s systemic, taking over every job in every industry. Even things that should for F*CK sure be done with the utmost patience, taking the time to get it done, we’re constantly being pushed/pressured to “get there faster”. Oh well, perhaps too deep for just a comment, but excellent topic, delivery and content, as always, Adam. Cheers, mate.

[@an_ordinary_goose]

One of my favourite comic strips from Calvin & Hobbes has Calvin's dad complaining about how his job had begun to transition into using more and more technology - computers, faxes, cellphones, etc. I've probably misremembered most of it, but the one thing that always stuck with me was one particular line: "Technology hasn't made work easier, it's only raised expectations." Your comment reminds me of this exact thought and I believe it be very true. It's suffocating, in a way.

[@randomdeliveryguy]

On the other hand, luxury items are cheaper and the comfort most people have are way higher than it was decades ago. My dad growing up wouldn't ever dream of having an A/C.

[@bluester7177]

@@randomdeliveryguy For a small portion of the world it is like that, most people in the world don't live in comfort and can't access technology easily, and many of them are suffering and dying for the comfortable techy lifestyle of others, 3 billion people in the world never had the internet, at all. There are a lot of people, like some 60% of all people, who don't have an A/C either, the world is better, mostly because of technology, mostly in a small part of the world, at the expense of the other, is cheaper to you, to me is 5 to 10 times your price.

[@randomdeliveryguy]

@@bluester7177 Life worldwide is better than it ever was, just google it. Even the poorest of countries have vacines and access to wonders humanity has created with technology. Of course there is a disparity in quality of life, but if you just google the quality of life worldwide you can find it increased everywhere.

[@foxofwonders]

I don't think there's such a thing as 'too deep' for a comment. ;) I'll happily read a whole essay if it's passionately written and well-thought out. (But perhaps that's also a frequency thing.) But anyway, yeah, I feel you. All this 'speed' and 'efficiency' are so dangerous when they come at the cost of quality, attention, and satisfaction. Attention to what we do, what we want to do, and our ability to support each other. People are burning out everywhere. Trying to achieve someone else's goals while neglecting our own needs is just not sustainable. I wish more companies would respect that necessity for balance.

[@MakiNoAtorie]

Social media is also conditioning artists to be out of their zone, punishing not uploading frequently or everyday, so even hobbyist artists are pressured to be out of their frequency if they want to have any presence online. My zone is total silence, my zone is not listening to anything, but everything around me. The times the internet is out for some reason, I have no commissions to make, im well rested and its just me and the birds singing outside, its the best time of the world for me, but it's not a luxury I can have in the current world working as an artist. I dropped art as a career in the game/animation industry due to knowing how the industry actually is, especially nowadays where basically any semblance of stability is nonexistent, its not a life I want to live. And I realized social media is also forcing me to produce something at a rythm I'm not comfortable at all, im not enjoying art, im just mechanically moving my hand in a certain way so I finish a painting quickly since I only have 2 days to do something for myself since next monday I have to start doing comms. I don't want that, your video is probably the push I needed to drop from social media, im incredibly tempted to just close everything and rediscover why I started drawing in the first place.

[@BigTatasEnjoyerr]

I cut my time on social media even lesser than before and pretty much just post whenever I want and also taking more break while doing other non-fine art related creative works because time is too precious to be wasted on social media.

[@casecoded]

as someone who dropped all social media for very similar reasons over this past summer; do it. it is the most free you will ever feel, i promise. started drawing just for me, whatever i wanted to do, showed it to my friends who enjoy it with me. Found myself drawing CONSTANTLY with the daily pressure to post something out of the picture. Feels incredible you won't regret it

[@lynnkarel6627]

Did not expect this video to make me cry, but here we are. I have never heard anyone put this in words so perfectly before and I feel like this was exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my life. Thank you.

[@SlateBlueC4t]

31:55 This is a luxury that almost nobody has. Especially if you're a junior. Some cities don't even have a lot of companies to choose from to cherrypick.

[@GilleGill]

This is a good talk, not just for artists to hear, but for everyone. Our personal tempo and rythm is so important! I got chronic fatigue from a very young age and had to adjust to that. New tempo, new rythm. I had to watch a lot of people "pass" me in a sense, and I'm not just referring to art here. Feeling like someone is doing laps around you can be incredibly discouraging, because you feel there is something wrong with *you.* But it really isn't. Another aspect to this is how others perceive your tempo, I've been called lazy, unmotivated and a slacker, but at the end of the day, this is my tempo, this is my rythm, physically and mentally. It's not up to you to deal with others expectations, but rather for others to adjust their expectations. This is an area where it is completely fair, and I would go as far as to say, correct, to be selfish. I'm very happy to say I now have a job with kind and understanding people, who understand the importance of the individual, and of their personal tempo and rythm. It doesn't always feel like it, but they are out there!

[@IshikaShanai]

Totally can relate to this! As a person who also is chronically ill, the biggest change in my early adult life has been learning my own tempo and just rolling with it. It gets easier over time explaining why I cannot do certain things, especially during martial arts training, but ultimately being okay with just ignoring unhelpful advice or encouragement definitely made it a lot easier to achieve what I set out to do. I have a job I love and am able to spend my free time on projects and hobbies or with the company of great friends because I listen to my tempo and rest when I need to.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..]

Ive never met or heard of anyone else having chronic fatigue before too. I'm sure mine developed cuz I got depressed at a rlly early age but it's nice hearing someone have the exact same issue. Let's move on our own pace. When we get there we get there Edit :god I love the aprt where u said it's not up to u to change to what others want, others shld jus accept u r how u r essentially. Word for word experience man

[@GilleGill]

@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.. It can be a very isolating condition, but you are not alone out there, and that's good to remember! Glad to share something that resonates, hope you're well, and wish you the best :)

[@mintyfreshthoughts]

That's definitely one thing I hate about working as a freelance graphics artist...how clients expect so much in such a strict timeframe... without sacrificing quality. Granted, I've generally been able to keep up with the demand, but it puts me in a tremendous amount of unnecessary stress. I feel if I was given the proper amount of time, the work would be 5 times better and I would feel much more accomplished with the final results. Great video man! Keep up the awesome work

[@synhegola]

What stops you taking the time necessary? We all need to learn how to communicate that certain things need time.

[@Heisenburg17]

Clients or shops don't care about that. If you're trying to make money, you have to adapt. I do a lot of trash digital art and I find that my clients love it because they can't see the details as we do.@@synhegola 😅🌿

[@mintyfreshthoughts]

@@synhegola Absolutely. Lately I've been more strict with accepting deadlines for certain projects. In some cases however, I will get a project worth a couple grand and can't pass the opportunity up, so I'm having to churn out work much faster in an effort to pay the bills. (I ensure to accommodate timeframes into the overall budget) ..Looking for work is usually a different scenario though. Majority of clients want super quick designs at ungodly low prices. It's a bit insulting and I feel bad for any artist who has to deal with that

[@ENUFbyMNT]

I know you say you cringe when you say “Know Thy Self” but every time you say that it brings me back to center. Thank you! You are the best kind of teacher. You never push your way on people, you inspire artist to be more themselves. My favorite thing is going through the comments and finding other artist that have taken your advice and are actively working on expressing themselves so honestly. Makes me feel alive to see honest art like that.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well thank you. I appreciate not being interpreted as clichée or cheesy :)

[@FesRJoseph]

Thank you so much Adam. I think within the next few weeks I’m actually going to find my self as an artist. I’m feeling that epiphany, brain neutron activation, i’ve just never felt more like myself before, and I can’t appreciate what your videos have done for me enough. I was in college doing something I truly didn’t want to do, and it was the most exhausted i’ve ever been in my entire life. Everyday I woke up from 5-6am, ride the bus the college, be stuck there till 4pm, then go straight to work afterwards, and get home around 11pm. I was fed up, and hated everything, and I did it all with a smile because the amount of pressure on me to be there was unbearable. Then I discovered your art talks, and that really set a fire in me at the time. It was a small fire, but it was enough determination for me to drop out and really peruse what I wanted to do, and i’ve struggled along the way but now- I feel like a bomb right now. Like I am dangerous for the industry, I MIGHT just be overconfident but that’s how good I feel right now. I took a break from sketching, painting, designing and so on a year after I dropped out, and I got into photography, music, and writing. I actually want to write novels and screenwrite more than anything now, It’s not just your videos and art talks that got me here but they helped so much. Honestly since watching for around 2 years now, I realize, while I might not have drawn or painted much at all since, my style and sense of self and what I actually want to see have improved dramatically. And now that i’m getting back into painting seriously, the discovery and growth is different now, it’s not just ‘work hard, get better’ now, it’s fascinating and apart of something more fulfilling now. But I just wanted to say thank you a lot, i’m actually still in that intermediate/beginner range, but it feels better than ever to be there for me.

[@spaxxxc822]

I feel what you say, immensely inspirational!

[@luxinvictus9018]

Oh, how I yearn to be a young student living in a renaissance art guild, simply having my master mentor me and paying him for food and shelter by helping with commissions, while also developing my art skills and letting my craft adorn the walls of manors, palaces and places of worship for everyone to see. To produce something as a guild and as a community in the service of higher, societal ideals. You didn't have to be the best in the world, just be dedicated and willing and slowly become a good artist within your village, town and city. Instead I find myself desperately scanning the internet for tutorials and references so I can sit alone in my room and force myself to draw superficially pretty art that I will then throw into the void and hope that some people will see, competing directly with literal masters from all over the world, and constantly feeling I'm not good enough while having to trade my heart and soul for money and having to use social media, which I hate, to make consumer art. lol, why did it all go wrong. Sure, we would have died from the plague, but at least we would have been happy and not mentally ill c:

[@AdamDuffArt]

You know, there is a grey zone - I’m sure there’s an alternative between industrialized art and the plague lol

[@luxinvictus9018]

@@AdamDuffArt I would make a witty reply but the video has brought out many complicated emotions to work through first :| it's been a while since i've had complicated emotions.

[@fijaystudio]

Mate if you were a young apprentice in the renaissance, say Italy -as you couldn’t join a guild until after your apprenticeship- you’d have actually spent your time grinding pigments or working in a process line according to the year of training you were in. Don’t romanticise this sh*t - it was never romantic. Oh and you’d have got lead poisoning too.

[@ballyantonia]

Life drawing life drawing life drawing.

[@lkahgflahlfhalh]

I wish you could be my friend. We would have so much to discuss on this very subject. Answer this in case you would be inclined to dive into this subject further in a friendly chat, artist & art restorer here, both BA's.

[@TheCrossingDm]

I cried so hard to this. Especially when you said finding that thing that turns you on and levels up your art. As a kid I came from a poor background and dysfunctional family, and I was told as nauseum to stop pursuing art because they told me I was never going to make it and that it would be too difficult for me. I lost my “safe” job a month ago after working for 12 years moving from safe job to safe job. I threw myself into my art because it was something I really wanted more than anything and it’s almost like my brain was on fire. I guess whenever I made Art it was at a point of contention where I felt like everything and everyone is against me and that drive, that need to move towards an end goal for me and not at the whims of someone else, I makes my art skill develop rapidly. I had a thought almost like an epiphany “how much am I willing to sacrifice to have the thing I’ve wanted the most as a kid?”. I always envision myself as a great hero or main character that repeatedly gets thrown into huge adversarial challenges and gets beaten down, and works to overcome them. Overcoming critics, bias and self doubt, being your own superhero in a way helped me decide that the person I wanted to see myself as, was the people I looked up to as a kid that made all of the media I had consumed to cope with my shitty life.

[@ChowwuArt]

Really glad to see this episode here! I once was the guy who proud of making arts efficiently for the industry and never doubt on my desire of pursuing speed. Although efficiency is good, I sacrifice for it so much that I rare spent time to explore more posibilities of my art, then turn out to being productive of making tedious works. Now I realize why I feel crumble when I am not able to convey my own inspirations through my art, because I feel so scared to spend more time on trying error for nothing, and yes, this should not be considered as a normal enviroment for creativity. Thanks for shouting out this topic Adam, you are the great mentor who always remind me something really importent.

[@halfheartxi]

The timing of this video was perfect for me. I’ve been feeling really bad about my art lately because I don’t think I fit in with studio work. You helped me wrestle with those thoughts, and listening to you brought me back to my natural tempo and I was able to paint after struggling for the past couple days. I still don’t know where I’m going, but I have a better sense of direction now, so thanks art dad!

[@Nabs_Draws]

Thank you for this video, dear Adam! This was also a discovery I made this year. Last year I started a job in Advertisment where I filled the role of an Illustrator and Animator. The Job was fun but there was this something that got lost along the way. It was...well...the voice. Or how you descirbe it "the song" The Job was also incredibly fast paste. Technically the brief of today was due yesterday.... It was funny at the time because my superior noticed that right away and how that job was actually hurting me. While I was actually quite oblivious to it (given that I'm a natural people pleaser and have no real sense of myself. ...it's a long psychological story on why that is but that would be to lenghty for a youtube comment) Anyway. Got kicked out of the job and than I sit there. Back in the days I was able to pump out illustrations every 3 days as I was super confident with the voice I had. But again. I lost it. Now without a job, without anything actually I almost tried to force myself into something that was expected of me rather than truely rediscovering who I was as an artist. I was at this point where I fell not only into a massive artblock but also into kind of a depression because of it. My way out of it? Taking a deep breath. Taking my Sketchbook and just sketch. Just sketch to my hearts content and working with the limited motivation I had at the time. My biggest goal was to learn to "allow myself to make mistakes" and by learning that lesson, I slowly broke free from the chains of that artblock. During that time I made somewhat of a Social Media break as well, as every little pressure of constant delivering just kicked me back into the artblock. Now-a-days I have this mentality that Da Vinci has. It's done when it's done. And while learning that lesson it almost felt like relearning how to dance (even when I'm a terrible dancer myself.....But I like that analogy haha). Of course , the designer side in me can pump out ideas in no time. On the other hand I have a artist side that needs to be nourritured by taking some sweet long time for a project. I mean...I owe nothing to anyone but myself. So why do I put so much pressure on myself to please people? (in terms of social media, which almost punishes you if you aren't posting daily). By taking the time for myself (like Da vinci) I learned to make my most authentic art (even though there are some technical issues within my draftsmenship...But hey, I'm getting there! :) ) through that. By making art that truely feels like "me" with all the influences I had. Rather it be culture, or my love for cartoons and Anime.. Or even music! My love for movies and cinematography.... by taking time it almost felt like all these interests were marrying each other. And the feeling I get from this now, whenever I touch a personal piece, its....undescribeable! It's almost like I fell in love with creating again! In the end I think every artist should really take some time, grab a medium of their choice and at least have one project which is done, when it's done. No deadline. No anything. This experience is kind of freeing! You got this, fellow artist who is reading it! I believe in you :D!

[@MangerzArt]

Really good comment, i had a few drawings that i had started in 2021, and sometimes i feel like rushing to post it on Instagram, but i taking my time, yes... 2 years for a drawing, i dont care anymore, is going to be done when i feel like it . those are the project i like the most, cause i draw slowly , with patience and how i like to draw them. (with good line quality)

[@Moodboard39]

​@@MangerzArtmaybe stop doing what u not good at ..2 years? Kidding me

[@corrinebennett2693]

man this is SO real for me. i really want to be a fulltime artist. i hate my job and feel all i can do to be aligned and fulfilled in life is to be myself. its so hard to fit the corporate neurotypical mold ive been trying to fit in for all of my 20s. ive been trying to push out art and work hard and fast to get it going in hopes it will happen quicker. i actually dont think the fast pace is for me. i need to be slowing down to really notice my tempo and move at the frequency that creates my best art.

[@rapasdecoeur7017]

I thought I would be fulfilled be now, but the more I advance in my career, the more empty a part of me is feeling. I want to find myself again but I keep getting lost and following everything that shines. But thanks to you and your community, I feel understood and less alone on my art journey. Thank you so much, Adam !

[@SVI_graphics]

I'm a 3D artist working on the industry. I've been only two years on the industry but I feel what you say. Each time i'm entering through the door at the office I'm "okay, I'll not be attached to whatever I do here, if the client wants something i'll be a printer of what they want". And that's not who I am. I love the blockout part of a character couse I can have fun trying shapes and experimenting with what I like and what i don't like i feel like the artist. But sadly the blockouts in the outsorcing industry are a rush to a milestone, so i have to put barriers to what i want to do, to be able to achieve a milestone with a product I wont like but the client will. Thankfully there is an amazing team working with me that will push anything we do to at a very high level, but is more like a brute force push of quality more than good artists doing good work. Is like we take turns tu beat out the 3D asset till it's dead and sent to the clien.

[@AlexCarby]

Excellent summation

[@glenn_desert_witch]

I was a dancer my whole childhood. Unfortunately, my body started giving out on me and making a career as a dancer impossible. I feel like my whole life I've been chasing the feeling of dancing. As an artist, it's about the dance. All the lessons are in the dance. So, this really spoke to me. I spent most of my life trying not to be an artist. Hiding. Pretending not to care. Trying to find a creative career. Anything but being an artist. Cause, let's be real, being an artist can be exhilarating, but also scary. There is no paycheck. You can't be an artist in a studio. You can't be an artist who writes 50K words a week. You can be a designer, you can be a writer. But being an artist comes with no safety net, and no guarantees other than a deep dive within yourself, diving for those pearls that hide in the deepest waters of emotion. I spent most of my life hiding. Trying not to be seen. Seeing others' work and feeling unworthy. And now, at age 47, I am finally giving in. I will be diving deep and pouring myself out, and showing my innermost secrets. I will never be as good or as insightful as those people I've shared my dance with. I can't be that for myself -- I can't be both the dance and the music. But I can tune into what I got, and bring out something special, something that may speak to that one person, or ten, or thousands, even. And, for them, I will touch something precious, make them feel seen, open a window of understanding... Who knows what I'll even do that I hadn't planned but that works because I didn't stop until I had pulled out the most precious parts of my humanity and shared it. Being an artist is inherently unsafe: it takes us to strange, often uncharted places. Being an artist is always revolutionary and incendiary and a little insane. And I am no longer trying to deny myself that urge to just go and visit all the weirdness that lives within me, and I am no longer denying that I will never come up with an original thought, but I will still try to go for whatever feels like it taps into that space where it all comes from, that space in between, the space where the rules are meant to be broken, and our love burns brightest, shedding light on our deepest fears. Thank you for this video. I'm taking it as a sign I'm on the right path.

[@emmablomskog3593]

Thank you Adam, this was a well-timed video for me. At animation school at the moment, initially because animation had a big influence on my art. The kind of 'know-thy-self' mentality you speak of I feel is severely lacking here, as everyone's busy fitting in with the mold they're presented by today's industry of being a 'good animation student' (especially through social media.....). It has made me feel lost, but my love for drawing has never ceased and you just reminded me to hold onto that.

[@allanredhill8682]

I needed to hear this today - I already understood the role tempo/rythm plays in drawings. But even then I sometimes feel guilty of not being fast enough, and thats even in my personal work. I think its so easy to get a skewed view on creation with the art industry and social media around... When I eventually have the time and money I think Ill give your mentorship a go. It sounds like exactly the type of guidance and advice im currently lacking.

[@emilesantos8001]

Oh my goodness adam, you've just spelled every single struggle I've been going through since I decided I wanted to become a professional, and now I'm speechless, I wanna cry. I had so much uncertainty about where my art could fit, because everyone kept saying the western industry doesn't use my style. Everyone kept saying the game art industry is so overbearingly packed. So I was kinda jumping between different art industries and studying different kinds of commercial art, until I noticed... Ever since the beginning, my roots were pointing me towards game art. I've always played cute silly 2d mobile games. I've always liked making fanart of 2d anime games. I've always made little silly animations of my illustrations, which now is widely used in the game industry. I've admired visual novel art. I've always admired storytelling and comics and I wanted to make mine, now its use is bigger and bigger in the industry also. Like, it's fucking EVERYWHERE and for some damn reason I was running away from what should've been so obvious from the beginning, just because people felt pessimistic about the industry. But now I kinda decided to throw all these projected worries away and focus on what I do and love best: game art. The problem is, though, that I'm extremely slow in my process and everywhere I go I'm met with this demand to be "more efficient", "faster". But honestly my style is just so detailed and intricate I highly doubt I'll ever achieve the same speed my peers do, and that's been a huge insecurity of mine, especially since I decided I'll be pursuing game art. However, once again you've struck exactly where I was at. Thank you for your words adam, really. I dare make the same argument as you, when the fuck did we start looking at art like a product, that needs to sell to millions and millions and be produced faster and faster? What about the human who's behind the work? How about care, how about detail, how about storytelling? When the fuck did profit become more important than such fundamental properties of art? I sell more than just pretty images, AI can take that away from me if it so wishes, to hell with it. I sell visual stories. I sell beautiful colors and tonal values. I sell emotional connection and fun. I sell my friendly and comprehensive professional demeanor. I sell feelings of wonder, of healing. No fucking one can take that away from me. And hearing you talk about that, gives me the confidence to make sure that does not happen, and stand my ground as I am, be proud of who I am. Thank you again Adam, really. All the best for you, you deserve the world really!!!

[@98ore]

drew all my life here and there, but got back into art in freshman year of college, and graduated in 2020 during pandemic with bfa in drawing. i spent all of college reading books and doing studies waiting to feel good enough to pursue my ideas, i was obsessed with what job i wanted to do and specializing in that, i would see concept artist, storyboard etc and would be like, okay i have to do that then. also kept feeling like i had to catch up to people on social media, especially when they were my age or younger, and seemed to know exactly what career they wanted to do etc my whole life was about weight loss and still strugle with it and i never even thought about things like future etc, and it felt like i had to have it all figured out by graduation, now 3 years later i was still reading and memorizing books and theories etc waitiing for that "im good now" moment, and i feel like in obsessing over career i slowly lost my passion and got depressed etc always felt like i didnt know how i passed my classes, maybe i got lucky, maybe the teachers missed something, even in high school with straight A's i always felt like it was a fluke. and now im trying to just forget about the future and just draw what i want today, and then the next day etc i know 100% with my whole soul that i want to be an artist and draw and paint, and i feel like i never let myself discover myself as an artist and whatever path is meant for me. trying to stop letting my thoughts and anxiety get out of control as it did earlier this year when i gave up on art for a little after just feeling like i just cant figure things out, which led to some self ... but anyway im finally trying to embracing the uncertainty of life. sorry for the rambling thats how my thoughts work, the harder i try to be organized and linear etc its like the more chaotic and erratic the thoughts get and deeper is sink into them lol

[@Byssian]

Thank you, Adam. Im someone thats been more collecting the theory of art rather than actually doing it for a long time. Ive had my bouts of being able to work and being able to mish mash various other pieces to make something I like, but making it from scratch has always terrified me. I have knowledge of color theory, contrast, silhoutte, composition, etc. but applying them all without a guide just... terrifies me. All the tools without the experience to use them. Hearing you remind about the artists of old that would spend who knows how long on a piece lit an ember in me. I could hear my heartbeat and blood rush. And I realized why. Ive been way too worried about if I would be able to make something I thought was good in a reasonable amount of time that I forgot that im still a beginner. Youre suppose to make mistakes. Youre suppose to take a long time. You need to fuck up to move forward. If the most world reknown artists of their time would take months on a single piece, what makes you think you should be able to in a few days when you havent even put in the effort yet? I was getting into my own head rather than letting myself feel what was right, what felt clicked with me and build off it. I never gave myself permission to take my time. You helped me see that. Thank you

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well you’re very welcome Byssian, I really appreciate you sharing this with me

[@Moodboard39]

U act like social media only option you have 😅. Create your own website! You have total control ..Instagram for influencer and attention seekers ..

[@seanziethen1032]

That was less controversial than you introduced it at the beginning :D I am fully with you in every point you make. I gotta say: I produce tons of stuff digitally but I used to draw in my sketchbooks every single day. I loved getting them out when I used to go to University or on my way to work and from work sitting in the train between Cologne and Düsseldorf. The book spine would always fall apart because I had them in my backpack or shoulder bag ALL THE TIME and take them out whenever I could. And if the book was "full" I went back to other pages to find some space to make sure it was really full :D . But since I started Freelancing I barely touched them. It was always kinda sad when friends would just browse through my books and see that one book I had now for quite some time wouldn´t be filled, yet. Only when I was traveling I had my adventure book with me I got from China that has that leather cover. Just recently I got my books back out, looked through them and realized how much more I like the drawings I did in there. To me these drawings are way better than the stuff I do digitally even though some of them are "old" in a sense of my personal progression. I bought myself a new set of mechanical pencils, started drawing in them again and it felt so good. I don´t know these big format books with that thick paper- I love how smooth it feels with a fine pencil. Every sketch also tells a story of where I was during that time, what I did and what I thought of that only I can tell. Thanks for the video!

[@adamparsons9507]

Thank you for getting so raw and naked. I feel such connection to your statement. I’m about to start an art school here in Ladd Landing Tennessee and a huge part of it will be around teaching kids and adults to learn, express and not just default in two minutes to the “ you should do this for a living” narrative.

[@suzume_artz]

I'm late, but I wanted to say that this topic really made me feel good and said YES, I FEEL THAT! Artists aren't meant to be like machines who keep working 24×7 with maximum productivity. In the age of social media, all I see are people bragging "I've made this painting in 1 hr" & people feeling like they're lacking skill because they can't make an artwork in such a less amount of time, saying "I'm not efficient enough". It makes it sound like as though the person is working in an IT company Keeping up with one's tempo is so important, irrespective of the amount of time you take. The process of making art itself is so beautiful. Thank you for this reminder. It made me feel less alone as an artist ❤

[@md9569]

Great video Adam! This is stuff is why I'm happy with my desk job. When I work on my art I can take as long as I want and let it all unfold naturally instead of worrying about speed or efficiency.

[@fowlerillus]

Really great, Adam. I always enjoy these and save them for when I can really listen and think. Thanks for this and I hope you're doing well :)

[@fredrambaud1289]

Great Talk Adam. This has been my challenge for the past 3-4 years. The closer I get at being true to myself and my art, the worse I become at providing my services as a concept designer for hire.

[@Karrdeh]

Thank you.

[@hitomihutzell]

Thanks!

[@AdamDuffArt]

wow thank you very much, that was very kind of you :)

[@StuCheeks]

This is exactly the kind of talk I needed, so I'm glad this video popped up in my feed today. Thank you for truly appreciating what it means to be an artist!

[@CP-vq3cz]

Never did I think that I needed a video like this until now. I've never been to art school, never worked in a studio, so I can never relate to those experiences. I just posted a couple of pieces on Facebook and then started to get messages from friends, family and their friends for commissions. Then, I had people further outside of my 'circle' wanting commissions and what was an amazing feeling making people happy and enjoying actually being 'recognised' enough to produce that kind of art and the privilege and the drive that I felt soon turned to anxiety and depression. It's gotten so bad that even the thought of sitting at the canvas sends me into a mini panick attack. Now, watching this video I finally understand why I feel this way and I now feel that I have a new perspective from which to view what I do. I must now be honest with myself about things, if not my limitations then at least my speed, my tempo and to remind myself that I AM in control and that I can overcome that negative voice within... the imposter syndrome that I've struggled with for years. Thank you so much for posting this and sharing your experience 🙏🏻

[@ypesie]

What a lovely video! I am only 21 but recently I have been feeling really lost artistically and personally. This helped me a lot, just hearing this. Thank you!!!

[@WaddleArt]

This video spoke to me on such a deep, personal and gut-gripping level that I had to hold myself back from crying at my office desk. It's only been very recently that I had started to find my path towards my art; not my art voice itself, but the path towards it. For the longest time, it wasn't even on my map. It was still hidden, shrouded in the mists and swimming dragons and mermaids on the vast outskirts of so many maps. But it has very much gotten that much tighter and closer to find, and I recently had another step in finding it. I'm a traditional artist and while I do dabble into digital, I learned something about myself regarding digital drawing. When I am making my lineart and coloring on a tablet or Wacom, I begin to hate what I see when I go from the pencil sketch/lineart to the digital transition. It makes me so unhappy and disgusted what what I'm looking at, almost as if it isn't my work that I see. So I started realizing that just because my medium has changed, that doesn't mean that my lines, my coloring, my expression of my voice on the page/screen/etc. has to as well. So I have only recently started to understand that with experimentation and playing am I able to begin to see just how I can allow my traditional strengths to transition to digital learning and grasping of myself. I will always be a traditional artist, without question, and I want to ensure that through practice, exploration of self, and not being afraid to fail will I be able to have my digital and my traditional art, together, work as an extension of me. Thank you for a wonderful video. It really strikes hard and true and it's beautiful.

[@dmtr_art]

Thank you for your wisdom. It was very important for me to hear that. 10 years ago I was dreaming to become an artist, fast-forward I'm a ''lead'' character artist now working in game studio and have forgotten when last time I created art. Drowning in never ending production cycles, plannings, fcking priorities, documentations and meaningless team meetings. I'm very grateful to you for a reminder on what is important, time for a change :)

[@implozia-rewind]

Thank you so much for making this video! You just skillfully fished out my concerns and used your wisdom to make an amazing video about it. This is exactly why I am supposed to start applying to studios and yet... I just couldn't because I know if I get in there, I will do none of my ideas and only do others, with no real influence over it. And the time crunches! So scared of losing my finite health in any of those! I had to crunch hard for arts uni and the results where shit and I do not want that again.

[@Sheikher]

You're like our art big brother on youtube, and this video felt cozy and comforting. Thank you for your words of encouragement

[@sakislaspas6176]

Adam...I know what I want to do and who I want to be but...how can I not be afraid as you said, when I struggle to pay rent? And when someone has to rely on those studios to make a living? Everytime I find myself feeling down though those videos of yours help A TON! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

[@kaishido6698]

It's fascinating how all of what Adam's just said can also be applied in human relationships. Proves how valuable and genuine all of what was said is. Much respect, sir. Thank you for being you.

[@lilythewhitemoth]

Working on my artist website right now while listening to you. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@NaiChanify]

This might be my favourite video on the internet right now. This is everything I worry about in the pursuit of ‘success’ in the modern age. We’re being trained out of our sensitivity and into technical rendering machines. Sensitives are important.

[@Cabbywabbytabby]

How can one man provide so much clarity in 30 minutes I could cry.

[@eddosart]

Thank you for this video. External pressures from whether I am doing this piece of art fast enough or not were getting the best of me throughout this week; I am a very slow person in terms of speed as I am trying to make it as an artist but have a disability that I can't really do anything about. It has been very hard to feel good or efficient enough when we live in a world were everything needs to be fast but also perfect. This is very kind, heartwarming, and puts tears to my eyes to see that there are people that understand this whole situation of whether you are efficient or not, or whether it makes you a good enough artist or not.

[@Siegfried5846]

The move away from fine art to illustration is the biggest problem, I think. That ties into the move away from craftsmanship to IKEA. If you want a new renaissance, you need new buyers.

[@luxinvictus9018]

If you think about it, video games, comics and animation ARE art forms. They just haven't been fully developed yet. They're still stuck in corporate sludge. Some shining examples of indie games made by a few individuals have become cultural icons. Maybe there is a way. Besides, AI is going to push most of us illustrators back into fine art. I remember waking up one morning, reading what AI was going to do, and feeling like I'd just found the best excuse to stop forcing myself to be Instagram illustrator and pick up painting again. Maybe it's time to make new kinds of art. Art which is cheaper to make, and will appeal to a larger consumer base. Like, at some point some guys must have basically gotten tired of medieval tapestries and 'invented' renaissance canvas painting. Maybe modern artists can invent something like that too. How much more superficial fantasy/sci-fi anime style art do people even want? I'm certainly burnt out, and I don't even like making it. You know: the whole making a sketch of a pretty character with big head and eyes, do the line art, add base colour, then render. It's just a niche japanese art style which, by the time I started working in the industry, was THE norm which we were all basically forced into. Now things are changing.

[@Siegfried5846]

@@luxinvictus9018 The renaissance happened since merchants had gotten wealthier and could therefore buy better looking things. Now, everything is mass made, so very few buy fine art. Beauty is also gone from our society thanks to greedy, selfish individualists and ideological haters of Western civilization (antiwhites).

[@moonflow5133]

Could you clarify on what you mean a little more? It implies that illustrations is somehow less valuable than fine art, but I'm sure that's not what you mean.

[@Thesamurai1999]

@@luxinvictus9018AI is still going to be run by artist.

[@peterlof]

Years ago I was at a work related event where I spoke two musicians who'd gone pro and were now making music for series and commercials etc. They both said they'd done away with all of their instruments at home, because merely touching them now felt like work. Their hobby had become their profession, but in doing so it was no longer a hobby. Your video reminds me of this moment and the horror that I felt that something you can be so passionate about, something that really gets your heart going, can be "consumed" by turning it into a profession. I'm happy that I personally never pursued either music or art professionally, and I will continue to not do so because I'm too passionate about either to lose that feeling. My tempo and rhythm in art are very incompatible with work/studio requirements. But like you say, for someone else it could be the exact environment they thrive in! Fortunately I found my rhythm and tempo in my profession long ago (not art related at all) and I've been very happy with what I do for a living for over 20 years now.

[@Moodboard39]

Is work not a hobby ! Everything is work . Passion or not ..if a hobby for personal fun, that's different, u wouldn't be getting paid . Unless you have another job or career .. People gotta eat , pay bills . Is common sense

[@NeriRubeedo]

It's always a pleasure to see your videos, especially because of the way you delve into more than one area in order to explain certain patterns in people's artistic development. My LATAM background appreciated the analogy to dancing salsa, as well, and in general the comparison to how we all relate to music. It's interesting how this issue of finding your own rhythm has played out in my life, one of the things I lament the most is having been an art student with fine arts education during one of my most identity-masked stages of my life. I'm autistic, for further background, people like me (alongside other walks of life) are often discouraged from tuning into our bodies and have to perform sameness in order to survive. Not everyone masks, but I definitely did, and that had influenced my "will I get a good grade in being the correct kind of creative?" kind of mindset while I was a student. After coming to terms with this part of my life and getting the support I needed, that's when I started to create original things that speak more to myself. It was cathartic to get into that zone of originality, without the pressure to show it to a whole platform, as I wasn't used to a life without performing for others. Great commentary on the state of the art industry as we know it, and the reminder of how new it is. It's also a reason why I ended up changing careers and creating for myself and a few weirdos (affectionately meant) :D

[@kuppikahvikeisari9120]

This message needs to be hear. Our algorythmic consumption addictions are ruining our creativity and creative work flow. Thank you for talking about this

[@sarahjanser]

I can relate to that feeling as a salsa dancer and an artist. From my own experience working on commercial illustrations is different from doing self initiated work or a client project I am very interested working on. My solution is that I keep trying to find paid client work that is „the right DJ“.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well hello fellow Salsera :)

[@7_Spirit13]

Your brief discussion on “Time and Tempo” really drives home the heart of what I’ve been reading and meditating over with the Book of the Five Rings. I’m by no means a martialist but, the lessons taught about the “Way” and the “Spirit of the Thing” really hit home and there’s plenty to glean about headspace and moral clarity that can be applied to any and all forms of practice and daily life. Good video Adam.

[@ArtinProgress-nc1gr]

Hey Adam, I have recently started to find my own song and now I am slowly learning to dance on it. I was almost crying while watching your video, because it describes exactly how I feel, and my goals for who I want to be. I wanted to say thank you for sharing your thoughts and time to make this video. Your words have helped me get through a lot of things in life. Also, what you said reminded me of a book I read some time ago. It’s called Momo by Michael Ende. Maybe you already know the story, but I wanted to share it anyways. Thank you again for making these videos and sharing your thoughts and see ya in the next one:)

[@thispapercloud]

The fact you are a salsa dancer too...! :D I love it

[@withlovepersephone8796]

Hi Adam, I needed to hear this today. I’ve been feeling lost because I haven’t had much time to create lately. Your insightful art talks always help me to get back on track. Great video! 💜

[@betzyberumen6910]

Thank you for reminding me about true art! I'm 29 so I've been more immersed in the new art forms much longer but this was such an amazing reminder about how art is just about expressing perspective in every form and important it is to truely tap into your own perspective and own it and play with it! Thank you!!!! I feel like I found myself again. For the record this applies to all art I do film, write, dance and paint. This applies for all art all art industries have been hijacked by this quanty over quality, money over meaning, monetized perfection over expression and seeking. Industrialized Art. Its all artificial.

[@Blo0by_X]

As a teenager who was lost, thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. I've been struggling with that feeling of emptiness, apathy, and uncertainty about my future as an artist. Something that has been a life goal and what I was working on until I fell into a rut of doubts that even made me consider going into a different field, but the thought of that felt so not like myself, and the thought of being cornered into a whole different world because my passions gone was simply put horrifying. Today (ironically before this was recommended to me) I realized that I didn't really accept into my mind that being different is good. Logically, of course, it is, but over time i subconsciously believed that wasn't the case and it killed off my creativity. In reality, should indulge myself and dance with that unique frequency, that vibe that no one else can recreate and expand upon but me instead of ignoring it and being apathetic. Hearing your words, I felt that artistic spark inside me ignite again, it was dimmed for so long with doubts and fear of not being seen in the industry, and having it back again and most importantly a reason WHY it was not there makes sure it will be protected. You made me realize what i was missing - myself and my own song. Thank you again for speaking out on this Mr. Duff, you have yet again helped me and others with your wisdom. Wishing you and all the creatives here the absolute best

[@RowCat]

Thank you for this video. Can’t describe how helpful it is. I was feeling something is missing in the industry and in my art career for at least 2 years now. In that amount, that I no longer had the drive to do art at all, even when I missed doing it. The whole rhythm thing makes total sense and many artists lose themself in todays speedy industry. I was never a technical artist, more someone who counts on my feelings, mood, atmosphere, storytelling. I definitely know that I need to go back and see who I really are to find joy in art again. Thanks again Adam. Bless you and your mind.

[@FlatcapHobbit]

Thank you so much for this! I currently work in a job where I have to crank out as many sketches of characters as I can in an eight hour shift. There are days that by the end of it my head is mush and non of those sketches are pieces I feel good about, and yet I still have an hour so I got to push out another one. And then my personal work never gets done …because how could it with a mind so exhausted. Anyway, thank you, another video that is hits the emotions!

[@Killicon93]

I recently realized that a big part of why big game studios splurge a lot of money on photorealistic graphics is that with the mass production of art and the revolving doors of quarterly strategic layoffs realism cuts down a lot of overhead for communication and direction when the studio can just tell people to try make stuff as realistic as possible.

[@montalvomachado]

Adam, what you say resonates so deeply within me that listening to your videos feels like I´m having the best ever therapy sessions in my life. Thank you doctor. I´m already feeling so much better now.

[@lynnxe]

I’m also a seasoned professional Adam, and I don’t disagree at all - I think this is BEAUTIFUL. I taught at an art school for years (Covid burned me out so badly I had to stop!) and I constantly was pushing students towards their heart. Their parents would demand they go into game art or graphic design or something “practical” - but you could see what excited them and where they poured their love. I had an assignment I gave my seniors the first day of their professional practices class: I would ask them to write their obituary. Believe me when I say it broke them! But it would help them focus on what they wanted to have done, and what they hoped to be remembered for. So many changed course. It’s the perfect advice. You have to balance it with surviving, so get comfortable with a day job for awhile that maybe isn’t in the arts while you build skills and connections. But if you’ve gone as far as being an artist in the first place, why stop short of the full dream?

[@VincentGordon]

As an artist that also loves Salsa and Bachata, you have me hooked! I love the energy you bring to this video! I want to have it playing on my second display while drawing on Photoshop

[@brunomelo792]

This one came to me, I needed to hear this, because I think I'm very slow and I often delete everything I was doing and start over because I didn't like it. I don't need to be fast, it's a pleasure to deliver something that I think looks good.

[@momcc7882]

Wow! Your channel is what exactly I was looking for! Thank you for this. I’m new here I just want say hi.🤓

[@CAZZIEK321]

Art is a journey, a growth, an emotional connection, something you feel. Creating art to make a room pretty is very different. It has a value but it’s not got the same energy as creating from the heart.

[@jerryhunter1114]

This took me all day to get through between tasks at my very non-art job. It was worth the covert listening breaks to hear.

[@roaringscot]

Loved this, especially the 'speed painting' section. I work mainly in ZBrush for character work, and will begin to label my work 'slow sculpts' for exactly the same reasoning you described. Part of being an artist, for me, is enjoying the process (even the bits that aren't that enjoyable).

[@VeraGolosovaArt]

As much as I loved listening to you talking about these very important things, it was very special and private joy for me to hear that our sons share name, and this reference to Cuban music hit home too, because my partner is Cuban :D it just adds up a bit of personal touch for me.

[@judgementkazzy1750]

I remember when I was in middle school. There was this ”friend” who was also drawing. One day she also looked over at what I was drawing and straight up told me that I'm too slow. I've never realized it before, but I think it sticked with me one way or another. Or maybe it was reinforced by the people around me and by the internet. I still feel like I'm too slow. I'm behind everyone. Everybody makes masterpieces in a matter of minutes or a few hours. It makes me wonder if I'm that bad. I also hate how I'm just an average artist at best. I know it's my fault, because I didn't dedicate as much time to this as I did to other things, but nontheless, it still sucks. However I always find myself going back to drawing. Trying to improve again. It's strange. But yeah, your video reminded me of all of this. It's comforting to have someone say it's ok to not be the fastest or the most effcient artist.

[@GabsGee]

I listened to this and immediately looked at my mountain of Copic markers and I thought. "Its time for me to stop being afraid and actually be an art supply influencer"

[@jorgejaviergarciaruiz6732]

Thank you so much Adam, as a Cuban artist who follows and admire you was a big surprise to hear you reference Los Van Van. Your videos inspire for real and help me grow as an artist. Honestly thanks

[@Troygdesign]

This is a really well crafted video with a good message. I applaud you for touching on subjects that many instructors I’ve had , have barely approached. Your genuine interest in peoples development as artists has really resonated with me.

[@LewisCoxIII]

Wow! Great talk! And very heartfelt. I've been feeling a bit lost and this clears a path forward for me and I'm sure many other artists as well!

[@Kyattsu]

Thank you Art Dad! Often times, to get myself into Art Mode, I'll put on one of your videos, because your calm, compassionate voice and the eloquent wisdom and motivation in your words helps urge me into the rhythm I need to create. Thank you again and I look forward to listening to you again

[@Weasel_oo]

Your studio and even fit is STUPID nice. It's visually mesmerizing.

[@alexlamiaart]

I’ve been doing this and didn’t realize that other artists do it too. I just put on music that I enjoy and start painting. It’s like nothing else matters at that moment but painting. I don’t have to really think about what I’m doing. It makes me feel so good and happy, and I’ve been calling it an “artist high”. I paint almost every day, and it feels good. The ending of this video made me tear up a little. I know what I want to do with my art and where I want to take it. I am afraid. But my problem is mainly that I don’t know where to start.

[@Moodboard39]

Art start with creativity .

[@paolaboh1179]

I have been this artist that you are describing, the one that pretends to be liking the music in the club, for so many years. Let me tell you: it showed. All my past portfolios had so little of me artistically it almost hurt, so this year it's going to be dedicated to me, and getting back my tempo, the one that I shut down and pushed away years ago. I wonder what will happen, but s many people are successful while being themself, so why shouldn't I be.

[@filkearney]

19:53 - lol ya. I'm at about 540 hours stream time illustrationg my current book. I talk often about false expectations from speed painting, timelapse, and how shortened attention spans create obstacles to the amount of Grind needed to craft illustrations. Glad to hear similar from other artists. :)

[@bobbiemeri7245]

I haven’t really known who i am as an artist for many years. I know I'm more skilled than the average person, but I'm honestly not a fantastic artist and part of that is that I'm not even a little in tune to what makes me heart sing here. It's been so long since i made something that i felt proud of. I don’t know anymore. But i think that play is the key to finding that good feeling again

[@NGFreya]

I`m literally crying... I haven't felt this thrive for so long already.. maybe that's why I'm hesitant and postponing getting a new job... crunches and investors who don't care about good art, want only fast money, throw 2 pieces of crap, put some sticks, good enough, what else do you need?? This is exhausting

[@Dreamforge.Atelier]

I gave up my dream of drawing and painting early because I thought I had to be ready eary...and that I have to go to art school and go into the industry straight away. Today I think I might even have an advantage. Because today so many people try to finance their lives through their art. And since they have to build this up first, they increasingly feel like they are relying on social media. Therefore they are also dependent on what and how they produce and therefore.....in the long or short....creativity dies and uniformity is created....

[@eb_gameart]

I'm just listening to this awesome video and got so impressed about your taste of cuban music! I really feel very identified about what you are saying, being a cuban artist struggling with the game industry in the US. Thank you for your great motivational content.

[@gordiart]

I really wish I'd have such friend like you in real life. I agree with all you say on the very deep level. And it is something that I need to hear from time to time to believe in myself. I appreciate your Art Talks very much, thank you.

[@zack_feldman]

Thanks as always, Adam. Love the long form, free form discussions.

[@DavidKohout]

Thanks so much! You’re one of the reasons I didn’t stop and now 2D/3D graphics is my main source of income! I hope you realize how much you do for us! ❤

[@LARADEKA]

Improving thanks to a nice community I found out of nowhere in a KZbin ad... (It was an ARPG run by a community, with an official Patreon, and all artists beginner and professional flock there to put themselves to the test + Self-paced development, and it motivates artists.) The "crunch" thing people speak of is hurting every single industry and its workers. Whether you go for anything innovative, creative, or logical, it's always there. The "hustle culture", the "crunch" overtime thing you notice in school, college, and universities. The dopamine we have is, according to those under burnout, "exploited". Speaking of the "What makes you click" statement, I get hyper when I listen to strong music. I couldn't help but feel alive inside, especially as a composer myself. The problem is the standards that are expected of me, especially when my identity as a creator, artist, and musician conflicts with the ideals of the background I hail from. This is a struggle I have to endure until I finally enter college... because I am always seen as "not good enough", even if I do "better" with my current style via experimenting multiple approaches to anime art. Cel Shading was more comforting that certain airbrushes, and it saves me the stress. But many people deserve those who support and aid them to finding their true selves. It's a scary road, but it's worth the reward in the end - being yourself.

[@veganandatheist]

I don't know how to compliment someone who's this eloquent. So I'll just say thank you Adam.

[@giugiu3447]

I understand how your mindset works. The only thing is finding the right way or person to get you stepping that way, encouraging you to step forward... You've got to think that you're life can take 2 steps forward 2 steps back, then 2 forward 1 step back. Like a rocking chair, it takes a few rocks to get comfortable I've learned that through boxing, martial arts to dancing Cuba salsa to On 2, and a little bit of On 2... You lose yourself into it like a mist... If it makes sense.. You become part of it.. The hardest thing for me is I've had a few ups and downs, mostly downs, as I'm recovering over brain injury illness of some sort and surtain amount of memory loss and some shit through it. But know I'm trying to fight against my worst enemy I've ever had. Which is myself.. I'm not working right now, dew to the brain illness injury and the effects it has on you. But I'm trying to get back into drawing again and I'm trying to learn painting. Which I've never been that good at it, because I was never taught it, and I made a few colour mistakes.

[@TheToastyTiger]

Your videos have such incredible storytelling and tempo that always inspires me so deeply as an artist. It’s like sitting down with a wise, older friend in a cozy tavern (that plays soft piano music instead of lutes and fiddles lol) who just always says the things you most need to hear, when you need to hear it. Thankyou.

[@ElPalomo]

I’m working on the videogame industry as a 2D artist in Canada I come from a Latin background and I totally get what you said about salsa music. It’s cool that I can relate to your experiences in more ways than visual arts. I wish I could share with you some of my playlists. My musical taste is a pendulum that swings between punk rock and salsa. Great content as always, I enjoy your reflexions on the current state of the industry

[@bocolewish]

After art college I struggled for decades with on staff illustration and graphic design. Finally I was gifted with the freedom of returning only to fine art and I am back to who I am.

[@pepijnschermer5002]

Growing up I've actually always wanted to have a 9-5 drawing job. I've always pursued living off my art but it just didn't go that way. I never stopped trying to improve though, and things are looking promising at this moment after a period of personal growth. Thanks for your video, good food for thought.

[@rodrigofoggiato]

Man, I absolutely love your channel and content! I never pursuit traditional art even tho I used to draw every single day since I can remember. I am a designer tho, and after almost 10 years working in different areas of design, I can safely say that whoever told you that designers don't connect with their work was absurdly wrong. To be honest, I think it is fair to assume that every area has different types of professionals, some more 'utilitarian', and some more 'passionate'. Don't get me wrong, I didn't get offended by what you said nor I think ill of you for saying it, I just felt I needed to make that distinction. Ideally there should be space in all industries for all different kinds of professionals, it just feels like in a 'rushed' and 'greedy' world, man, utilitarian professionals are viewed as being more 'productive' and thus more valuable (to some extent), which I think is a shame and a loss. In any case, I find it really great when I see professionals like you, with your power of influence, pushing back against that type of thought. Thank you for your content!

[@klausd.6285]

As someone who had been doing traditional art and getting into digital for the first time. It really shocked me to see so many people go off about doing everything quick, fast, and you HAVE to do it like this. You use the blender tool to blend, you're doing it wrong. You aren't shading like this, you're doing it worng. You aren't starting a layer with a solid color before painting, you're doing it wrong. You are just painting with the noise and light without using the filters, you're doing it wrong. So many people so quick to tell you the only correct way to make a piece of art. I never had anyone tell me how I did something traditionally was wrong because I didn't do it their way. Same with the speed at which you have to make art. It sounded and felt like it was dead. And I got a feeling most people aren't really putting a lot of emotion or feeling into their art. Just pumping it out because they have to or they feel they have to in regarding to social media. It's really sad to see that.

[@albertstickle75]

Thank you, for this I really needed this. I've been lost trying to find my next career step.

[@sabrepilot]

Damn, felt this probably way too hard I always get too ahead of myself and focus on things that are way off in the later end of the process and just skip around, makes my art process a living nightmare. It's a wonder I ever finish anything! But 100% agree with the speed paint stuff. Even with knowing "they just edited it so it isn't boring" it still brings that idea of speed to the table and I think it just ended up completely messing my rhythm up, and im not exactly the most patient guy to begin with. This really is a call to slow down and I hope I actually can get myself to listen.

[@dameanvil]

03:28 🎨 Today's art industry has significantly shaped the priorities and career choices of younger artists, reflecting a newer attitude toward art compared to traditional approaches. 09:54 🖌 Discovering your unique creative frequency, tempo, and rhythm is crucial for artistic flow; finding what clicks for you mentally, physically, and creatively is key. 16:04 🌟 Artists experience a particular high when in a state of flow while creating, akin to being on a dance floor feeling the music and moving harmoniously. 18:07 🕰 The artistic process historically wasn't about efficiency but about personal ownership, time, and unique expression, differing significantly from today's industrialized artistic expectations. 21:51 💃 Not every artist thrives in a high-paced, technically demanding studio environment; understanding individual preferences and energies is crucial for artistic fulfillment. 23:51 🎨 The modern art industry demands high output and efficiency, unlike the traditional collaborative approach in earlier times. 25:25 🌟 Many talented artists lack direction due to the emphasis on high-output design work, favoring technical skills over personal artistic discovery. 26:47 🎶 Celebrated artists discovered their unique style by embracing their personal tempo, theme, and subject, leading to artistic growth and productivity. 28:11 🎨 Understanding yourself as an artist, including your frequency, preferences, and style, fuels artistic mastery and growth. 30:20 💡 Recognizing and accepting who you are as an artist is crucial for artistic development andfinding your path in the industry. 31:00 🛠 Learning techniques is secondary to discovering your artistic identity and vision; career success comes from understanding your uniqueness as an artist. 32:24 🤝 Finding a studio that aligns with your artistic vision is more crucial than proving technical skills in an interview; shared artistic values are key to success.

[@TheArtMentor]

Well said Adam. I have the same conversations with my own students where they complain about the time they take, and I just tell them that’s not something you can force. That intuition and proficiency comes with time and introspection, doesn’t it? Too much industry pressure over personal motivation

[@Moodboard39]

Thank to capitalism