You should be working this HARD

How hard do you have to work to find your own success? Years ago, I would tell people to avoid working overwhelmingly hard, but nowadays I give a totally different answer. Here, I have a discussion on working hard in general.
*also sorry about the sound quality, something happened during rendering.
00:00 - INTRO
04:16 - BIAS in examples of hard workers
06:36 - Levels of WORKING HARD
11:20 - Personal opinions and other dicussions
15:29 - FINAL
The Complete Introduction to 2D Animation
Buy the complete introduction to 2D animation tutorial/video package:
gum.co/Introto2DComplete
Main Website: www.tonikopantoja.com/
Twitter: / tonikopantoja
Instagram: / tonikopantoja
Online Store/Tutorials: gumroad.com/stringbing
Patreon Account: / stringbing
Equipment I use:
Drawing Tablet: Wacom Cintiq 22HD: www.wacom.com/en/products/pen...
Software I use:
Animation - TVPAINT
Animation - Adobe Flash/Animate CC, ToonBoom
Compositing - After Effects
Painting and Illustration - Photoshop
Video Editing - Premiere
3D - BLENDER

[@shadowstar1286]

For the example of Hayao Miyazaki if you watch the NHK Documentary "10 years with Hayao Miyazaki" you'll actually see that he knows when to take breaks. In the first episode he feels like he isn't getting any work done and decides to not force it and take a nap. I think hard work from an American perspective is kind of a simplified grind mentality. Being conscious enough to know when to step back is ironically the next step beyond work ethic.

[@jesterssketchbook]

what they didnt tell you is - he'd been up for 22 hours already before that nap lololol

[@FreakStyler]

@@TheThreatenedSwan What is that based on? People spending time at work getting nothing done happens everywhere at shitty jobs, lol. And even at like facebook or google.

[@halo.x.cutie.x.cortana.x.2001]

@@TheThreatenedSwan theres also death at work in japanese culture. i dont think all this applies to miyazaki. he is relatively efficient, and by that i mean extremely efficient. i agree with you about work. dont just show up at work, alot of ppl do that and theres so much lollygagging at work for no reason. people just get paid to show up.

[@otakumangastudios3617]

@@halo.x.cutie.x.cortana.x.2001 do you mind explaining to us where you get your information from? I just know that there are a lot of negative connotations about Japanese culture just to crap it, it started in world war ii. one of the stereotypes that came out of world war ii, was the belief that Japanese culture was more narrow-minded, less socially progressive than American culture, which is simply incorrect. If you try to study about Japanese culture separate from any Western news source, you would find some pretty interesting things. And by this I mean please stay away from BBC and other new stations from the west, as they all have negative ideas about Japanese culture. They're generally reputable for other things, but ever since world war ii, there's been a bad reputation regarding Japanese culture, and the hentai lovers on the internet definitely do not help From at least what I have gathered, Japanese cultures actually a lot more open-minded than American culture, on the contrary. For example, while we might find videos talking about how hard it is to be LGBT in japan, not because of actual cultural preferences, but because of work and school, if you think about it, the nitty gritty stuff is the same here too. In america, you need your hair to be a certain way, just a certain way, so on and so forth, and I don't think most corporate environments would accept anybody constantly asking for they/them pronouns, or a man choosing to wear makeup to work. Places like Google are actually pretty rare in terms of open-mindedness, so don't expect the same from other corporate jobs, especially from other countries. It's not a cultural thing in Japan so much as it is a culture thing amongst corporate office spaces. Yes, there definitely corporate office spaces there are more open-minded, but most still will keep a cisgender straight man to do work, even if he's harassing everyone else, especially the female employees, well if the female employees do anything out of line, they're more likely going to get kicked out or demoted. Again, remember I'm talking about corporate jobs in the US. I'm not specifically talking about corporate and japan, and you must understand, these are not cultural things of other countries, this is just called corporate. It's the same thing in japan, where corporate can be a bit skewed in its logic, and has nothing to do with Japanese culture, and in fact, around the 70s, was when corporate offices were really starting to become a thing in Japan, so therefore, corporate culture really truly did come from the West. Sure, there's some form of corporate in japan, but it wasn't exactly how it is in the Western world today. So again, please check your sources before assuming that anything about a certain culture is a certain way. Also, especially Japan seems to be a popular topic amongst those weird KZbin channels talking about "15 weird things from such and such" or whatever. By the way, I've watched the propaganda films, they echo so many of the stereotypes I've seen in American Media today about japan, it's a bit frightening honestly. By the way, I'd absolutely by no means recommend looking for it, as it's too awful to watch.

[@halo.x.cutie.x.cortana.x.2001]

@@otakumangastudios3617 bro this is really long. Im sorry I didnt read it but I am going to say what I have learned from my friend who went over to Japan and loves it there, as well as articles about the stats there about aging and suicide rate. In Japan, perfection is the ultimate goal, and perfectionism is the thing people want to attain. There is a phenomenon called death at work where people are overworked to death. But this is from them, they overwork themselves. The suicide rate is pretty high and people arent having as many kids. There are hotels that close their balconies because people jump off of them. Work culture is not about slave labor. Its just driven by a certain mindset. Nobita from Japan said that NEETS are looked down upon because of the phrase if you dont work you dont eat. Even freelancers and people who work from home are stigmatized. My friend loved it in Japan, but there are things that people dont talk about. Theres under aged girls who sell their bodies for extra money when they are younger and the issue is swept under the rug. My friend found one of the secret places that does this and he didnt know what it was at first. He was upset. Thats what I got for now, but I wont be replying again.

[@nawee6801]

From my personal experience.. I've realised that the more you chase something, the more you'll feel "not getting there". Learn to love the process, instead of always trying to get to the next level, take a step back and see how far you've come. Work smart, be consistent for your dreams shouldn't be taken for granted. Learn to rest and enjoy life for your dreams shouldn't be put on a pedestal.

[@carpetcatco]

So very true! Love the process is something creatives often lose I feel, because they start to pressure themselves on how to get better and if they're doing it 'right.' We shouldn't have to lose the fun in the first place.

[@ljsebastian9432]

❤️❤️❤️

[@arachnidsLor]

im not an animator, im an illustrator. i dont make a lot of money. for me art is the only thing i enjoy and i tend to draw and paint all day long. people are sometimes worried for me, but i feel this is my favourite thing to do.. i think for some people it doesnt come as easy and they have other things they like too, i feel industries rely too often on people with my sort of motivation, where the work 'is' the free time, is the 'fun' essentially. but i dont think its healthy to demand that from everyone who wants to work in art..

[@RedGallardo]

I envy you. It's a bliss and a cruse - to enjoy the results, not the process. Then again, it's a bliss and a curse to enjoy the process more than the results. And it's a terrible torture to see that you must sacrifice one or another or both, can't get everything. Dive into creation and you have no idea what others create. Dive into enjoying the others' work and you're stuck in entertainment, know much but can't apply the knowledge. Balance and you're just another mediocre artist, not enough in everything. Life is... cruel.

[@roadtripwarrior]

I agree

[@guillaumemartel4999]

@@RedGallardo nail on the head 🙏

[@ultimateempress1739]

I’m the same. Goodness if only I could study as much as I draw. But I feel compelled to draw and I love it. I would never expect anyone to do as much art as I do if for them it was work rather than fun. Not everyone is obsessed, and some people have other aspects to their life that they enjoy more.

[@arachnidsLor]

@@ultimateempress1739 i think that people wrongly perceive people like us as being disciplined just because we draw a lot.. but for me its like playing videogames! a lot of important life things are sometimes neglected. i think overall regular people with a good work ethic are respectable for knowing how to balance their lives

[@VeryBlueBot]

Balance is always the key.. You need to sleep well, this will eventually let your output be better and improve you in the long run much faster (just an example for balance).. Sometimes "more is less"

[@zucchini3857]

I agree. I think taking care of yourself should be a priority. You can’t be creative if you’re dead.

[@flatfacedcat]

I experienced the farthest right 2 levels during college and didn't "get" anything out of it as far as a job/whatever. It really broke my mental health, on top of my body. Now almost 3 years later, I'm a bit healthier mentally and trying to get back to the second level from the left, dedicating 1-2 hours a day to art. Hard to go back to loving art when I felt so physically and spiritually broken by it.

[@minhaj_khan]

Yea, I feel you

[@nicetrayyy]

My mental health being on an all-time low, I feel just barely being functional is already hard enough. The point of the video is good, but it doesn't talk about mental health. I know it's not the same for everyone, but still, in my case, it's hard enough to get by a day without feeling like being hit by a bus. Imo, first improve your mental health (therapy, meds, drawing for fun, etc.), then work on what you like seriously even if it lowers your mental health. I know it's hard when you combine it with the daily struggle of not being on the pro level, of not getting anywhere, but you gotta try😥

[@NihongoWakannai]

@Lilramune Yup, I dislike Feng Zhu for that, I think he's being extremely irresponsible by advocating for such unhealthy practices and influencing young people into destroying themselves.

[@Alam_Gutz]

I think I'm going through the same right now, while I'm learning things that will definitely help me down the road I feel I'm getting stuck in a place I don't want to be for too long

[@flatfacedcat]

@@Alam_Gutz I definitely learned things about myself and "the industry"--good/realistic things about myself, and rather cynical/depressing things about the latter. I guess despite not getting a job, I still learned valuable skills and life lessons. I hope your down time is not long and that you can recover well! I think the best thing to take from this is 1) Always take time to heal your body, every day. Stretch and take care of inflammation, stress, tiredness. 2) Assess your goals and how to realistically achieve them.

[@jlin592]

My thoughts about crunch is this: I think people shouldn’t ever be forced to crunch just to keep their job. Crunch culture is dangerous and unfortunately a social norm atm. However, if you yourself want to crunch on a personal project or a job, you should be allowed to. Idk man, I don’t have a lot of experience in crunch so...

[@oharasvna]

Well. If there is a person that done work more than the other (crunch). That person is most likely being part of the next project aka. not getting kicked from the studio.

[@shroomer3867]

Crunch, if it’s by your own terms should be restricted to a specific amount of time. Motivation + Passion can boost you forward but they can also be detrimental to your health if not controlled properly.

[@halo.x.cutie.x.cortana.x.2001]

I see it that way as well. It applies to your own business too. You are supposed to be able to make a passive income in later years, but those early years will be very stressful. If they are you are on the right track.

[@NihongoWakannai]

@@oharasvna And that's exactly the issue. People shouldn't be forced to work well beyond the terms of their contract simply to be able to stay employed. There's also the issue that people who are forced to crunch for jobs often burn out and leave the industry anyway, only to be replaced by new naive young people who think they will somehow be any better, only for the cycle to continue.

[@otakumangastudios3617]

I absolutely agree with you on that. We're not machines, we're humans. Humans need patience, humans need time. our main function is not expertise and algorithms, rather we are a bunch of emotions and spirituality, which needs to be nurtured in order to either write good stories, make good music, make funny content or paint beautiful art pieces

[@_dmon_]

I saw the thumbnail of Miyazaki holding a gun, and thought to myself “yeah, that’s about right”. The man is scary.

[@Szczurzyslawa]

I'm only 25 and already have severe back/arms/wrists/palm issues and need to attend physiotherapy so like please take care of yourself. No art is worth it. I work as a graphic designer/animator 9-7 and then come back home and draw for fun/myself but can't do it to the extend I want to because of constant pain. I used to work all the time as a student, all nighters, no sleep etc, and now forcing myself to slow down so my body doesnt fall apart before I'm 30 is making me feel like I'm lazy.

[@moonimax]

Just a thought, What I realized working in the Animation industry for 5-6 years, I think you can be employed in the industry and get by without working "extremely hard". I've seen people who do not practice or do their own work after hours and continue to be employed for a very long time. Thats completely fine because animation/art isn't the biggest priority for them. However, anyone who become the celebrities or "Big Names" in the animation industry ALWAYS do a ton of extra work on their own time. They really sacrifice a lot of other things to gain that prestige. When I bump into other artists who say things like "Why am I not like Helen Chen or Marcos Mateu, I try my best at work." I'm like... you know that those people do 2-3 other personal projects or freelance on the side AND teach at the same time right? You can't really compare yourself to them and feel bad if you aren't working the same amount. My advice is, first figure out if being the best artist is a priority for you. The second advice would be, if you're doing extra work on the side, make sure you're doing something that you're passionate about and make it relate to your artistic growth.

[@frida5680]

I think the real question those people should be asking is not „how are those people more skillful than I am” and rather „how are those people able to work more hours than I am”. And the answer is simple: they are just different. People have different levels of capacity of work, not everyone can work for the same amount of time. Capitalism demands working until burnout, and rewards those who are willing to do that (which is not healthy) and shames those who can’t (which is, like, 90% of the society). We need to break the chain and stop this madness, we need to start working without sacrificing mental health and our wellbeing. And stop shaming ourselves if we can’t work as much as somebody else, it doesn’t make us less worthy as a human

[@darkestnights77]

@@frida5680 not to mention individuals like me who are neurodivergent and suffer from executive dysfunction. To others we seem lazy but everyday is a battle with our own head just to do the things we need/want to do.

[@frida5680]

@@darkestnights77 I totally get you, I was diagnosed with ADHD

[@lin3378]

I'm glad I don't wanna be a celebrity, I just wanna have my job/income/retirement plan, have my rest time and work on personal projects as part of the resting. I would rather have my art reach the right audience then have it became mainstream/reach wrong/opposite audiences that might hate or ruin it.

[@nilsqvis4337]

I'm so glad you brought up the point of survivorship bias. Obviously anyone who is highly successful has to be a hard worker, but that doesn't mean that everyone who works hard are gonna be successful.

[@ComicalRealm]

"Learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable"

[@anzolomyer4584]

-Uncomfortable, "Draw a Box"

[@roadtripwarrior]

Seems unhealthy

[@Vanyx1000]

*No, the actual answer is to just become more resilient/stronger to withstand it. That's all.* Getting used to suffering/pain is stupid, It's like smoking or drugs etc. Cigarettes taste like shit but people keep doing it because they got used to it. So over time they forget that there's more enjoyable things out there than what they're used to. And at some point they're unable to enjoy anything else other than what they're used to. Inescapable cycle. Sry that ain't it fam. Also if you are starting to get bored of something you've gotten comfortable with, that means you have gotten yourself comfortable to the wrong thing. Just a heads up. Like, you've gotten comfortable eating shit for example. Duh, of course it will get boring at some point. The shit you're eating doesn't provide your taste buds with actual sensory delight. It's not surprising.

[@marioiglasias4015]

​@@Vanyx1000 I agree. further this quote doesn't go with this topic. Doing art isn't uncomfortable.. but, u can get to it if u pressurize urself and that might make u start to hate doing it (being in that uncomfortable situation) which is dangerous. I think to bring out the best rather than doing crunch hours.. we should work on a daily basis. NOT setting any time limit cuz different people has different mental n physical strength. I think ONLY that can crunch out an artist within us. And if ur one of those who has to work 8 hrs a day u better make sure when to take breaks. But I think it's best if u dont want to pressurize urself dont pressurize urself.

[@minderleister9255]

cheesy line. Have fun being unhealthy. Its not worth the fame.

[@durratulaishah3703]

"if you started to bleed,just stop but it's my opinion" I think it should not become an opinion, but as a warning.

[@monkeydude2424]

Yeah a warning ur not working hard enough 😈

[@durratulaishah3703]

@@monkeydude2424 working too hard that I can literally die at my workplace? no thank you.

[@C_Raccoon23]

@@monkeydude2424 Working yourself to the bone 24/7 is not healthy or productive. Breaks are very important. If you don’t take breaks, you run the risk of burnout, among other things, and that will hurt you more in the long run than anything else. So yeah, everyone should work hard at what they do, but should also keep in mind their mind’s and body’s limitations and step away for a bit if they need to. We are all humans at the end of the day, not machines.

[@shroomer3867]

For me, I tend to sacrifice my free time, but I NEVER, NEVER trade sleep time, if you respect sleep you’ll be at a better place in the long run. But the drawback is that I need to be really efficient with the time I have, (i.e: doing a project day by day instead of at the last 2 weeks) which I am not that good at.

[@iAmAbsoluteFilth]

I love the way you close out your videos. Near the end of the conclusion, and then just "thats all I got, BYE" lol

[@IshikaShanai]

It really just boils down how much abuse your body can handle versus how badly you want the prestige your career title brings. For me being able to draw until my last breath is more important than being the best draftswoman in the world. As a person with a pretty weak body that easily gets sick if I overwork myself, I don't try to work too hard anymore. Nothing is worth the pain that being sick brings, but I will work up to my limit which is just one all nighter (per month, if that) and/or until my wrists hurt. (At which point I take a break to stretch them out and exercise). Of course the exception to this line of thinking is that if you rely on your art to put food on the table, then work your ass off to have a savings to rely upon for when you do get sick. Or get a day job. Both I feel like are equally necessary especially as a person who's just starting out.

[@xRocketzFighterx]

I laughed at how you highlighted 8 hours of work time. I worked fucking 12 hours nearly every day and I'm glad I'm out of that. (no not cus of lockdown) I love taking time out of my schedule to draw and do some small animations. But I don't think everyone should work "Too" hard, it results in you being more hard on yourself and it can cause any kind of drama with you or others you love. I'm getting pretty old where I value my health and time alot more than ever. I do believe artist or animator should have a catching style that doesn't go too overboard with perfect details. As much as I love the god tier animators and their team, I really appreciate the lower tier animators alot more aslong as their stories, characters, motions, style is welldone and consistent. Rather than have the best animation ever with a massive budget/crunch or whatever. This also goes for video games which is why i still help out the little guys in the industry.

[@ayior]

Hm, honestly I disagree with discipline being in hours only. There's also quality of work. You can have an 8 hour work day and find ways to procastinate most of it, and then sit around for three more, or you can be disciplined and fast in front of the screen. On this one project I worked on I frequently finished in 6 hours what others needed 9 or 10 hours for but then I'm spent. I get more done in less time but then I need a longer rest - people who look at my output call me highly disciplined, people who look at my hours scold me. (And I can't work slower without boring myself)

[@NihongoWakannai]

And procrastination isn't just getting distracted by games or social media, you can have your art program open all day and still procrastinate. Sometimes I find myself doing sketches, and then I just start randomly cleaning up linework despite the fact that I am not supposed to be cleaning yet, and am supposed to still be working out thumbnails or poses before continuing. I am procrastinating the design phase by falling into unnecessary and brainless cleanup.

[@HelloOnepiece]

@@NihongoWakannai Thats even a worse form of procastination

[@321Tdog]

So true. Creating my own sense of urgency has always helped me get more done in less time

[@hgzmatt]

I have periods where I'm extremely productive and periods where I'm not. The biggest bottleneck however is always clear tasks and goals provided. I'm getting paid for time spent at work mostly and the rest of my free time I spend on personal stuff. You would be stupid to give it all to a company who might never reward it. Those are usually not the tasks that will advance you as an artist anyways.

[@baizhuwaitingroom7057]

the thumbnail: the title: me with my ADHD who is either able to work without eating and sleeping until I feel like dying or not able to work at all for weeks: hm

[@frida5680]

My ADHD only makes me play video games or watch tv shows for 10+ hours a day, or research random things I want to buy for hours on end without stopping. But work? Never, I can’t physically get to work on something sooner than 5 hours it’s due

[@baizhuwaitingroom7057]

@@frida5680 yeah, same! if it wasn't for time pressure and restlessness when my brain finally realises if don't do my shit, I'm gonna get in trouble, I would probably not be able to do that either, but since I really have no choice, I just force myself to do it. The results are always below my capabilities though... Unless I'm hyperfixating on something, then that's another case. But usually my hyperfixations aren't related to what I'm supposed to be doing lol

[@Wendy-yu3hg]

Thank you for this. This is such a great perspective. I have a full time job since I graduated (not in animation, a customer service job to pay the bills) and I've felt so guilty about not being able to work "hard enough". I just don't have that time or energy right now, though, and that's okay.

[@blakechildress944]

Never underestimate the importance of sleep. As someone with terrible sleep apnea I overworked myself on animation after my day job so many times and can tell you it's a bad idea to neglect sleep. You might think staying up all night will get you ahead on your project but trust me it will only set you back and ruin your health along the way.

[@MadDemon64]

I have the same problem with working and trying to find a good work/life balance. I kinda naturally just found myself falling into the "kinda disciplined" category with the occasional dip into "rather spend free time on projects and work".

[@octobox8371]

I have been having a rough day today dealing with this concept and reflecting on my future in animation as a career, and I really needed this. Thank you so much.

[@FrilledMayfly_AmberlyFerrule]

Animation and working on my own projects has become the only thing that makes me happy. Recently i had to go to a treehouse cabin in the woods for two nights with no electricity since it was a Christmas gift. Instead of being relaxing it stressed me out since i was away from my work. It's also one of the reasons i hate college, i feel like I'm wasting my time that i could be working and actually learning. Instead i have to waste so many hours taking during the week just for school, and then waste more hours with homework. I just wanna work and learn things!

[@DelEnd_Virtua]

Im not spending more then half my waking life working. Work ethic in the USA is wrong, nobody should be working over 30 hours a week for any reason. Every single person whos left my life of old age all share the same regret, they wish they didn't work so much. I refuse to end up that way and I wish the world would wake up on this matter.

[@dillon1012]

True. Still, for the people who enjoy their work as much as their hobbies, life is paradise.

[@DragoonBoom]

science backs this up completely as well. people have equal levels of productivity when they work 20-30 hours vs when they work 40-50 hour work weeks. There's also a dropoff point where productivity declines sharply at 60 hours I think due to mistakes, fatigue and burnout. basically yeah you're completely right here.

[@casualbughorse]

@@DragoonBoom I can back this

[@NihongoWakannai]

@@dillon1012 Unfortunately, that's often not really how these jobs work. Having to meet strict deadlines, follow very specific instructions from your clients, etc. is not the same as having the freedom to do whatever you want in your hobby. A job is a job, the idea that "make your hobby into your job and you wont have to work a day!" only leads to naive young people joining the industry under false pretenses and taking massively low wages because they think "well I'll be enjoying it anyway, so the money doesn't matter!" only to end up hating their life, losing the passion for their craft and having no money to show for it.

[@NihongoWakannai]

@@DragoonBoom Yup, I've done game jams where I stay up for 30+ hours programming. Then I go to sleep, wake up 8 hours later, look at the code, and realize I spent an hour creating some super messy solution to something that I can now solve in like 5 minutes. The worst part is that while you are tired, you aren't even self aware of how badly your brain is functioning, so people don't realize the significant effect it is having on them.

[@ceasnov]

Animators are the guys that spent days working on something only for people do make a smile nod at and go on with their day

[@tr3yart679]

Most of the time hard work can be equated to a greater outcome/yield. But in art it's different. We have to take special care of our creative brain and make sure we don't burn out!

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I worked hard for a whole year on making my animated short, I really gave it my all, and it got me 200 subscribers and 500 views. If your story for an animated short sucks no matter how much work you add into it you will not get more out of it. It will only be a lot a work for little reward. Unless you have that "I don't care if no one likes it, I like it, that's all that counts" kinda person, then you are golden. I am gonna give it one last try then I will retire from animation.

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

I'm that kinda person! I art for myself...if someone else likes it cool...if not...cool...

[@SoulGuitarMetal]

It doesn't matter if it sucks. The only problem is releasing only that. 200 subscribers and 500 views? That more than I got in my first year releasing multiple drawing videos. Well, just like my skills, I'm well aware that if I keep the work someday it will catch. Every top artist on the internet, even the ones that draw worse than you, releases multiple works and are doing it for years too. In the end, the popular artists aren't the ones with top skills but the ones that didn't give up. The more you put in front of people, the more they will remember you.

[@NGXzol]

So true. I had an animation channel that I posted weekly, nonstop, for over a year and it never got more than 17 Subscribers. It made me realize that I enjoy drawing OCs way more than animating. So much less stress involved!

[@itzderpdoodle6937]

This is something Ive been wanting to get insight on for a while, I want to change, cuz I don't spend enough time doing projects that I want to do and because of that those projects never grow, thank you so much for this, It really helps gauge where I am and where I'd like to be. EVERY time I wanted to work on my projects I'd spend an entire day working on them, and then the next day I would be super burnt out, 2-3 hours a day sounds so much more efficient, and less straining than fighting through an entire day, and getting nothing done for the next 3 days!

[@holleey]

it's interesting how you place a full time job as a base line - as a given - and then suggest that someone can do 2-3 hours on top of that in their free time, working on a passion project. immediately tells you that you are living by yourself ^^ when you have a full time job and a family to take care of, there's NOT ONE MINUTE for a passion project.

[@MaryArts]

I need people to stop normalizing that one HAS to work as hard as those who break themselves everytimes. Yes they make the most beautiful animations, but they also are the ones who cry the most. My professor literally expects us to work 24/7, no sleep, because of those few excellent students who go out of their way for excellent animations. But it shouldn't be a norm. Also it CAN'T be a norm, because everyone lives different. My Animator Mentor sits nonstop on his chair. His girlfriend is feeding him. I also know people who broke up, because the Animator is ONLY animating. I have other hobbies and want my boyfriend to stay happy with me. And my best Co-Student is not sleeping for 3 days straight. I'd kill myself after 2 days. I also get the feeling, because people see it as normal, they don't see it as a problem. It is no problem, crying everyday, working 3 days straight, getting fed my family or friend. BUT IT IS. It is a problem and unhealthy.

[@shroomer3867]

Crunching is like practicing an instrument. If you feel like you are starting to make many mistakes or just can’t do anything right, then you should stop and take a break.

[@fizzydrink3717]

YOOO Inner circle of firsts to be graced with your vids!

[@fossilco.artrelateddocumen331]

You always seem to release your videos when I'm doing math homework

[@doridori7390]

lmao

[@fossilco.artrelateddocumen331]

@Nogame noname hey what can I say, gotta have my priorities straight

[@fossilco.artrelateddocumen331]

Cool fastest click in the West

[@nuclearburger8426]

Yeahhh

[@hologram_sam9487]

This really helped me validate my own workflow and goal-prioritizing strategies, thanks.

[@arjb1046]

Thanks for making this Toniko. Workflow is so important nowadays. Honestly I try and strive when I do get off from my day job, or just days off in general to spend about 3-4 hours worth on my animation reel pieces. Then once one of my projects is done I try and rest for a day or two and then get right back to it. Building your animation reel while working full time is definitely a challenge, but as long as i'm doing something to advance my craft and career will definitely help me when I do get a studio job.

[@xlrouge]

This was great advice and very well presented. Thanks man!

[@kirilldrozhzhin1499]

Man, keep going! That's great!!

[@crios8307]

I think that consistency is still the key to you achieving your goals, no matter the numerical amount of hours; if you feel uncomfortable to the point of pain, you will only hinder your future hours of work. Our body doesn't always have the right amount of energy/focus everyday, so be sure to have 1. Priorities 2. Breaks (especially if you are still a beginner) 3. Inspiration zone along side... your life. You will live much fully, and if a day you are so full of energy, allow yourself. But don't make it an habit, think ahead of the present regarding your health.

[@zou2960]

There is something magical with your video.. Every time I'm doubting myself on a subject about my work, one of your video about that subject magically appears in my recommandation.. Yes, we could call it "shared experiences" "that's pretty normal" BUT STILL it feels magic ~ Thank you for your videos ~

[@KamiShinigamiSama]

I work excessively for a personally reason, frankly I am dumb. I struggle with understanding and applying basic concepts so in order to achieve anything I do have to put in more hours than the rest to simply be able to keep up. Being able to withstand working hard for long hours then my peers is my only talent. So in the words of Hamilton, "Then the effort I have made is what people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought.”

[@Studiofaeltube]

You never let me down Toniko. Thx man

[@aarmsofsin959]

Working hard is how businessman cheats on creative people out of their wages on the time spent. Business people would ask you to work double time while they are the one being benefitted and you are robbed of your quality time for your life or the time for your family.. Working smart is the way to go being innovative and creating workflow to ease everything with the same outcome of working hard but not as too much of a grind on your mental being.. Working smart is how you achieve quality of work because you are working at your best condition..

[@chamahdraws4720]

Needed to see this as I composite animations lol

[@majakawalio2631]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I like your balanced response. One thing missing for me in your message is - why? Why we should work hard or averagely hard. Is the only goal to thrive for is to be successful? I don't think so my friend!

[@kupeart3746]

You said it the best, there is time for every level. Its good to crunch and surpass your limits from time to time. But you also need some times to take a break, and do other things.

[@aimeekitty]

I think part of the problem I have with this is, let's assume 8 hour work day where you are giving your job a lot of good work. Then many of us in animation don't have great commutes on top of that. And then what if you have kids? If I get home then spend 2 hours making dinner and taking care of the kids... I only have maybe 40 minutes or so left to myself. Then wake up early, try to find a few minutes to work out, take the kids to school and then go to work? I usually have to give up weekend time if I want to do a personal project or take a new class.

[@cronchyskull]

The joy of watchibg this and realising... I'm on the right track! Thank you for your thoughts!

[@dontseemyprofilepic3157]

I think the point about Hayao having a "strong voice" is actually a highly important factor. When engaging with any philosophy of practical significance, from work ethic to technique, being drowned in confusing messages is probably the most paralysing and draining thing ever, especially when you have a heap of unexplored or chaotic opinions that are just kept inside and never shared or talked about, even with yourself. Just having a handful of controversial opinions I've ended up talking about with someone, even if it's like a harmless thing but also appears controversial (again, like an animation technique), has helped me build a bit of a voice and I've been a little more secure in some of my decisions, which I'll call progress. But more importantly, it helps for me to have those skills to better navigate what Toniko noted as the 'Distress Zone'. Sure, I occasionally suck at it... sometimes I get a few wins... but I end up learning that there were just a lot of things I simply was not thinking about in my own work. Just something I thought might be worth bringing up.

[@mei.lin_rose7397]

*Work and life balance is important.* After graduating I've been feeling the effects of overworking, very irregular sleep and stress from crunching (Especially from final exams and projects on top of the pandemic, moving and uncertain life situations). So much that my body is triggering a ton of pain and chronic headache... Slowly I'm recovering and establishing a much healthier sleep/life routine and work schedule, while freelancing and doing personal projects (+ taking on part time work) to kickstart my career. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable balance where I can work in the industry for as long as I wish, and at the same time live a full life with a healthy body. In my eyes, keeping up an intense amount of work and crunching a ton, in addition to forgetting the people around you is never sustainable. *At one point or other your mind or body will crash, and you will be forced to take a break or stop completely. Where's the joy in that? And when will you find the energy to come up with amazing ideas or solve tricky problems if you don't take time off?* It is up to you to know your limits and what your body and mind needs, and this can change depending on your circumstances and stage of life. *Take care, make the journey enjoyable and remember what's most important to you in art and life.*

[@minhaj_khan]

Always appreciate your tid bits of wisdom

[@Agelvik]

great video man. just wanted to share my experiences in case someone finds it useful. 1 month ago i had to switch things up from working around 10-14 hours a day down to 8. i was just procrastinating on my work hours, often didn't enjoy my time and anxious about the future of my crafts & financially. was at a point where i wasn't comfortable meeting friends, take time off, relax etc. to my surprise after changing my work hours down to 8, i learned that i'm way more efficient that i used to be compared to when i did 10-14. now i have way more fun & energy. if i work all day it kinda feels like the day never ends in a way. just drags on until it's night time. with 8 hours, time feels more limited and much easier to take serious & pay attention to. after 8 hours, that's it for today. however, if it wasnt for my unhealthy living conditions and worries, i'm not sure if i would feel this way. i think it all comes down to whether you have fun or not as well as feeling healthy.

[@AnglesSol]

I remember getting a nose bleed while doing a project for school for an art class due the next day. Got the work done and a high score, but man did I never want to draw in perspective with rulers for a while or ever.

[@UltimatePerfection]

I have found that a great way to get inspired is to allow yourself to get bored. Turn off your phone, tv, computer, other distractions and just sit or lay there and let your mind wander.

[@hollowedboi5937]

I know it was 3 years ago, though from my experience with school, I find that working really hard is a good jumpstart into figuring out how to do things when under pressure and with big deadlines, as well as pushing yourself to get into a habit in the profession or just a good practice that you would like. Although in the long term there are health issues and mental burnout and problems that can occur when you go "monk mode." And jump starting your car every time wouldn't be great for your car or you. So eventually once you've gotten the car to the destination you wanna get to, you gotta find the "key" to fundamentals, your techniques and practice, I think then you'll find that balance of what's best for you while still making progress. So maybe for like a month push yourself in that profession you want, then ask yourself what worked, what didn't, and how long you should have as a minimum to make progress and stay consistent without absolutely hating yourself.

[@delightfulsquirtle316]

can we just appreciate that cute ass dog in the intro animation?

[@spongebob03]

Every time I see it!

[@SiD19884]

"someone who does it for fame or money or an ulterior motive, simply cannot compete with someone that does it for the mere thrill of it"

[@SiD19884]

as i grew older.. i kinda lost that thrill. became too realistic.. and working hard or having to work hard become a thing XD

[@Sinistar1983]

Definitely not the same thing, but its definitely helpful in the world of game development, especially as a single developer.

[@AchHadda]

Well to be honest i think for me for example the weekend is where i spend most if my time working on a personal project , because in the week i barely have time to cook and take care of myself over work. Sometimes i get an hour or two out if the day but if i get into the hyper focus mode I'm already past my bed time

[@Herritt01001]

Tbh, from my experience working hard leads to explosive growth but every time you trade sth for it. I learnt hyperrealism in highschool under a great teacher in a single semester. The teacher himself was proficient in hyperrealism, most of the artworks he was pumping out were like that, they also had great composition and done in different mediums, from gauche, watercolours to graphite and pastels. He chose a few students from our class , that seemed to take interest and helped us grind, in the days where we had classes with him we would start at 8 in the morning and go back home at 8 in the evening.

[@TheVoiceOfChaos]

should have watched this before taking an animation course for real my life is a living hell

[@PaulCohen1834]

I have two toddlers and I wake up at 4am to get to work on my personal projects. I try to make sure I give work, my kids and my personal projects enough attention but Im always struggling to balance things. Sometimes things just suffer but I refuse to give up on achieving my career goals. Love seeing this videos Toniko! They've been helpful and encouraging when Ive been down

[@karakurie]

Last year my new years resolution was to draw 5 comics a year and not stress over it but have fun with it and experiment. I worked on it only on weekends and only for 6 hours. I relaxed and focused on having fun. And then just for funzies I went to my favorite manga magazine (oggle at some Berserk art..aghh) and the editor loved my comic. She even said she felt lucky that I came to their company first. It didn't work out in the end because I need to win the contest in order to debut and I haven't done that yet and I also don't feel comfortable writing what I want to write easily. I'm not that good at drawing comics but I really want to be and I am glad I am being treated on the same level as Japanese artists. In conclusion, I learned that I should relax and experiment and don't stress. Currently I've been working on a comic a month. The ones that I had fun with, just drawing what I want, I placed in. But the stuff I stressed about I got pretty bad reviews on. I have learned so much even from my failures and I hope to someday become the Kubrick of the manga industry (very high aspirations). But currently I'd say I'm just a beginner.

[@GreenFogg]

I thought i was about level 2 or 3 until you started explaining level 5 and yikes. I already have either 'carpal tunnel' or extrmely frequent 'repetitive stress injury' despite still working on a my degree. Hell i triggered it about 4 weeks ago and needed to take a whole week off, but since i imediatly started working as soon as it stoped burning ive been working the last 3 weeks with a sore but useable wrist, trying to keep the balance between 'i got to get work done, im behind, i need to do more' and 'if i do just 1 too many drawings or 1 more hour of modeling my hand is gonna trigger all over again.'

[@cyberanimealien]

I'm going to copy n past a post I saw on 4chan from the artwork critique board (censored so KZbin doesn't filter it) and I would like to know what your thoughts on it. ">Study...but not too much! Avoid burnout! if you don't feel like it, don't draw! Take things slowly! Just draw what you want! If you're just drawing, you're improving I see this said by every professional in an AMA. Then, they get asked about what their training regime was and go on to say how brutal it was (and then condemn it saying "it was unessisary"- this is obviously because if it wasn't necessary they wouldn't be doing the ama). This is either a conscious lie to keep training artists down to thin out the competition, or an unconscious lie to downplay their struggles making them look more humble in return The secret is that growth as an artist takes an intensely focused effort and the sacrifice of time, and potentially the sacrifice of your health and relationships. Everyone seems to want to ignore this ugly side but doing so is a denial of the mileage and concerted work necessary for growth. Everyone, whether other artists or normies want you to take things easy. This is how you end up in your 30's, poor as not doing anything with your life. Time keeps passing and more and more people are urging artists to remain complacent so they can retain their own jobs and positions any advice that isn't "work as much as possible, keep your head down, study, push yourself constantly and focus on improving your weaknesses and bolstering your strengths" is empty and negligent. The path to success is built on a mountain of hard work and lesser artists you have trampled through your efforts" Is there any truth in what this anon is saying?

[@morganfreedman2922]

I think its more that no one wants to be the bad guy and speak honestly about how much work you have to put in and that most don't have what it takes. If you sell art "tutorials" as well you limit your audience by speaking honestly. Anyone whos been self teaching art for a bit should observe their peers and how long they have been drawing and whether or not any of them have actually succeeded in any way.

[@Radgerayden-ist]

As someone that did the brutal thing and had my body fail, I relate more to the artist. If your head isn't in a good place, you aren't feeling good, practice is gonna be say only 30% as effective as if you actually had good rest, socialized and so on. It's a very diminishing returns kind of thing. Nowadays I wish I could go back and not fuck myself up considering the progress I made wasn't even that good. I can improve much faster by taking breaks and controlling well how much work I do.

[@mariadolores8468]

Thanks good plan

[@Rafael081296]

Thats just the reality of being an artist, being overworked is far too common in any field in the creative industry. If you have big goals, you have to make sacrifices for them. The late nights, hand/back pain, financial struggles, missing out on spending time with friends/family....its a part of the processes unfortunately. Making a living as an artist is difficult but its more doable than some of the ambitious goals we slave ourselves for. At the end of the day you must, ask yourself what am I slave to? Does this actually make me happy? The answers are closer than you think. Work life balance should be a priority, for your health and overall well-being. Work smart but still work hard, just don't overdo it. Not everyone is Hayao Miyazaki or Elon Musk. Take care of yourselves, and listen to your heart/body. You might be chasing the idea of something, rather than the reality of it. Note: I also want to add that these bigger goals outside of making a living as artist are still important, whether its your own comic ,animated short, videogame, etc...if this is your passion outside of work then you should make time for it. Just don't overwork yours self in the name of bringing these things to fruition, but I guess that depends on you and how bad you want it. Everyones definition of happiness is different, just take the time to consider whats really worthwhile to YOU.

[@roadtripwarrior]

I guess it just comes down to what we define as success and are you working do hard that you are damaging your emotional and mental health

[@elpretender1357]

"If anything starts bleeding, stop" Make me

[@artsveiman7776]

Ive gotten to the last level and developed health issues bcause of it. Im currently doing my best to get back to the third level, but being so long on levels 4 and 5 got me burned out and Ive had hard time getting my work ethic back. Not that Im lazy its just Ive been left disoriented and confused so a lot of my day is spent trying to push myself together.

[@bananabike279]

Great topic! Right now I think I'm in the "Sort of disciplined" category, but I really want to spend more free time on drawing / animating! My only problem is that my body and back are always so sore after drawing for only half a day... do you maybe have any advice on how to deal with this?

[@LaLiLuLeLoX]

It's actually quite plain and utterly simple. The point is, out off all experiences and advice our species can ever give, if you want something, go get it!! That's it!! That's all there is to it!! You'll learn a lot on your journey! But just GO GET IT!!

[@MoBitz69]

Your work is amazing i am very jealous!!!😄😄😄

[@Tatertot270]

Really thought Takahata was gonna be mentioned since he was in the thumbnail 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@RV-hx8cv]

About working hard and enjoying it, try filmmaking. I started filmmaking a couple years ago. I now have my own production company and apart from that I do freelance work doing commercials (banks, restaurants), events of all types. I work from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep. It’s very hard work. But I meet so many people all time. I create relationships and work in teams and on my own on certain projects. Everyday is different. I travel like never before and some travels are tough like in the high mountains or in the jungle mountains. ( I live in South America) no matter how much I do filmmaking and learn more, it’s always a very challenging experience because you always want to push yourself a little more than the last video. Money comes if you can diversify yourself. Start your own business, get some freelance, and find agencies to partner up. Do free stuff every once in a while to just prove your passion for it and of course more portfolio work. Choose what u want to do and stick with it. It could take a couple years but at some point you’ll just see yourself in the moment and be impressed. Save all the money you can because it’s hella expensive to buy gear. Stay broke. No need to study it just practice and watch a lot of movies and scripts.

[@ilikedrawing4371]

anyone if anyone knows tips for key frame animation

[@picnicsandstars]

Do you have any advice on the level students in the college portfolio-building stage should be at?

[@ivancabrera3289]

ive been practicing illustration for about 2 years and I have a condition with my motor skill so it is quite difficult to me not to draw with shaky lines I've been working on it though

[@hunbunn4308]

I like hard work and drawing. I have a hard labor job and get to tired/ lazy to actully work on drawing. When I actuly do draw its like in the last 10 minuts of my break and I focus on quanty of drawing then quality.

[@MaryArts]

These Eustress workers shouldn't expect people to work like them, because those people are Destress workers. The Eustress people just don't understand

[@Felix.Wingfield]

In a country with a UBI... Animation would ~bloom~.

[@MikeTooleK9S]

Socialized with too inspiring a croud not to throw my life away on this manhatten project.

[@danielwilliams7161]

"I already work around the clock" Harrison Ford said calmly.

[@SkronkPlonk]

Hiroshi Harada has spent decades working solo on his animations (Midori, Lullaby of Death, Horizon Blue), but his audience is tiny It's crushing to watch a great animation someone has worked 20 years on, only for it to fade into obscurity Luckily he hasn't lost his drive and is still working on releases he expects to finish in 10+ years

[@thesilverunicorn9384]

I love your wolf song animaton its my favoret one

[@lawrencetyrpa]

Hahaha, literally made me laugh. xD "If anything bleeds, stop. But remember, that's just my opinion!". :D Thank you for all your great videos! :)

[@amritpalhh9836]

Hey dude u ever get anxiety? Or overwhelmed how do you deal with it? Do you meditate?

[@Creepo_J]

hell yeah

[@skoshanimations6637]

Hard work is a balancing act

[@bart3639]

But what about ones eayes? What I mean is when I work in front of a computer for 8 hours my eayes are red and my head have enough of looking at the screen. I supposed to kill my eyes for an extra work I can do? What about your health?

[@hidekistudio1874]

I want to ask, what is the difference between working hard and overwork, I learned parkour roll so hard yesterday that my scapula hurts, is it overworked or working hard ?

[@0ia]

I don't see the point in pulling all-nighters if you just don't have unrealistic time constraints for your projects. Because it is objectively harmful for the project as Toniko said - he couldn't tell if the pacing was too fast or slow as a result of insomnia.

[@small-calvillo8583]

his speech pattern reminds me " how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?"

[@theworldofthestrangethings7599]

Great video فيديو جيد

[@Curryfishballa]

Don't want to crunch? Just don't be in any cinematic, animation, game or entertainment related industry.. i know the culture of working OT is bad especially if you can't claim the OT but as a vfx artist, any company in the industry WILL have crunch times and if they are bad, they could last for months of crunching to hit the deadlines.. its just in the blood in vfx. Dislike it? Choose a different career path, do vfx in your free time. To me, I'm a workaholic and I am addicted to working. No relationships and very less bills go pay (i live simple), i just strive to create

[@buddiosgaming8541]

Ask game dev music in the back-ground

[@kingmurder8245]

Happiness = success... you should always try to be positive... also just know it's impossible to be happy all the time cuz of life; sometimes pain and happiness stem from the same thing... I.E hard work, love, family etc... hope this help someone

[@mavericktheace]

When we say "work" we often think of employment, the "work world" and corporations etc. But real work - the grind of getting through each day, building a home, surviving hardships - that's just a part of life. And there comes a point in your life where the fruits of your prior labour are what you survive off of. There's a reason they call old age the "winter of your life." Work hard and harvest what you can. You'll need it.

[@yagsikir]

saw the thumbnail and laughed a bit because I literally got a nosebleed earlier this morning due to overworking myself

[@Noder]

The comments here are a gold mine. Please take the time to read through them. Thanks to all who've shared their stories, I've taken them onboard and I've decided to change my philosophy toward work and life.

[@mahaphoublue7644]

This is mostly how different from each country, as crunching is look in competitive and good way in Asia but in European and America seen this as bad and worst. But anything come to faith even people don’t believe it some born and die with success but some born and die horribly so 100 people work hard only small amounts 2 people succes