Why I fell off the face of the earth

In this video I outline my struggles with workaholism which is often rewarded in society even though it leads to very real negative consequences.
We're also celebrating our three years! Visit us at outgang.studio.

[@bonster101]

This esthetic you got going on is fire. It's like NEO and Trinity had a daughter.

[@Outgang]

That's high praise, I appreciate that :)

[@made.online2149]

As an ADHD multi-disciplinary perfectionist I'm all too familiar with this. My projects are ambitious, across a variety of fields, and hard to let go of. Best of luck on all your journeys!

[@cunvis]

You have completely spoken for me.I am also an ADHD, we are often influenced by social norms. I really feel sympathy and more motivation to believe in myself when meeting people like us .

[@Outgang]

@@cunvis @made.online2149 My doctor says I have a mild form of ADHD, it's great to see comments like yours, it helps to not feel alone.

[@claral.vegelgrady1156]

I can really relate too. I suffered for a lot of time in the beginning of my journey in 3D field. I started with a very complex and ambitious project and I found myself being stuck at some point because I didn't know how to continue it all by myself. So I had to pause it for a long time and get back in learning other essential stuff before to continue it for good, but I got also depressed becouse I thought that I wasn't going anywhere that slow. 😅 After 2 years then, small step by small step I was finally able to continue it and now I almost finished it.

[@electronicbagatelle]

same here.....and bit older than you lot it is never ending the older you get you find ways that work for you, sometimes even breaking it down to more tasks will make you feel less overwhelmed..

[@kshitijvarshney]

Happens with everyone in any industry that is even remotely creative, you start stacking up things to do along the way and a simple project gets a lot more complicated than what it started from. This either results in a much more improved result or no result at all. More often than not its somewhere in between where you just think to yourself its time to wrap this up and move on. Looking forward to your future videos!

[@ThraceKelsick]

I feel this 100%. There's many times in my artistic journey that I've literally felt myself being crushed under my own expectations

[@grayfox8904]

Glad you are back ❤ Very inspiring how much you worked on the project! Time for us to go back into working hard too! Thanks a lot for the offer too! 🎉

[@elizabethivy1337]

Hi Laura, Thank you for taking the time to share this! You are definitely not alone in battling workaholism and perfectionism. I recently realized that I had an addiction to self-improvement and it was pushing me to prioritize working and studying over everything else in my life. There was always this sense that if I could "just do that one thing better, or finish that one impressive project" that I had imagined, then I could finally take a break and life would somehow come together and get better. I now realize that I was struggling with self-worth and that no amount of skills or attempts to impress others with projects was the way to go about fixing how I felt. I'm still trying to figure out how to navigate and heal from that. However, I've started by re-prioritizing how I spend my time and re-framing how I approach my work. Before I start any project, I try to take a pause and ask myself why I am doing that thing and what elements of the project actually serve me and what I want out of life. Am I doing it to gain acceptance, or am I doing it because it's something I genuinely receive joy from? If that project doesn't move me towards my life goals, then maybe it's not a good fit for me. Additionally, I try to make projects an opportunity to connect with others. I still enjoy working on my own sometimes, but I no longer want 'work/study' to be an excuse to disconnect from everything else. I just started a weekly modelling night with one of my co-workers and it was great. We both struggle with procrastinating and over-inflating the scope of projects, so it was so helpful to be able to support each other and keep those proclivities in check. I wish we had decided to do that sooner.

[@Outgang]

It's a great idea to have someone to help keep yourself in check. Glad to know you've found some solutions to your issues.

[@gabocavallaro]

WOW! Thanks for doing this video! Feeling so identified, this video come in a moment where Im obsesed in doing a "perfect project" and Lost myself in such small details that I cant never accomplish and also feel frustrated because Ive got "thousand of ideas for other projects that I would like to jump on" thanks Laura, your videos, your content, all your free sharing is so valuable. Pls give also time to yourself and enjoy life, the process of creating etc. I know Iknow as workaholics we always tell the same to us and ended up doing the same, lost in the loop of "I can do it better". But... lets comeback to this video when that hapen. THANK YOU FOR ALL that you do. Amazing person

[@tranthanhat3060]

I was just getting inspired by you alot and cant tell how much i appreciated for what you've done for the 3D community

[@Outgang]

Thank you!!

[@user-mk8tb6is9n]

Happy to see u again!! Thanks for all the knowledge you shared and going to share with us in the future. Happy three years anniversary!!🎂🎂🎂 Take care and keep safe.

[@caitsalmon6123]

Hey Laura thank you for all of the effort you put into your craft and sharing your knowledge with us. You are appreciated and valued, take the time you need to rest and recharge

[@Outgang]

Thanks Cait!

[@luclatinette]

Always appreciate an earnest conversation about mental health and stress. You can't logic your way out of anxiety but it's important to reflect on it to gain a deeper understanding. Just excited to see whatever comes next!

[@nicolem6399]

Hi outgang! I’m sorry for the struggle you are going through! Although I quite literally have the opposite problem I can definitely relate to the constant struggle to go against my own patterns of thinking. It makes me feel like I am my own enemy, that I can’t beat up or kill, but have to work to change by changing myself. What has helped me a lot is Cognitive Processing Therapy, mainly their challenging beliefs worksheets and identifying my stuck points. It has helped me take a more balanced view on my beliefs of how my self worth is attached to my productivity, relationships, trust, and sense of control. Although it is challenging any pattern can be changed! Rooting for you!

[@Outgang]

I'll look into that, cheers Nico!

[@xxxYouDontKnowMexx]

Hi Laura, I think it's a trap that's really easy to fall into. I'm glad you realized this and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! Health should always come first. Of course, I also have problems with it, there is a very fine line between personal development and workaholism, we have to be very careful.

[@pimwiphac.829]

Looking forward to see your new content. You are a beautiful person and I appreciate what you do. I wish your life will get better and better. Please take care of yourself! ❤

[@colinnitta5181]

Like many others, I can relate to this struggle and appreciate the candor. Your content is top notch - I've recommended Outgang to fellow character artists who've also found it highly beneficial. Best of luck in the journey ahead!

[@ian800]

Wow - thanks so much for this! It really clarifies the same loop I often find myself in. Putting words to it really helps!

[@plenty8223]

i can relate so much to this. wish you the best and thank you so much for all the value you have already brought to my artistic development.

[@StanleyKubick1]

this is probably the most interesting channel on the topic out there. I'll stay subbed for whatever you put out

[@MrSanson]

Happy 3 years Birthday 🎂, OutGang Studios 🎉🥳

[@sf4603]

Yaaaaay another free month?! Laura you are the best!! You're stronger than your workaholicism, you will overcome this!

[@wg_halvgoeden]

Thanks for the update Laura. Big scope can be discouraging, but you got this.

[@Tatanna_md]

Congrats🎂Happy to be with you all 3 years🥂Keep going🏅

[@modratchata4947]

Glad you are back Laura!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@deniselisboa1]

glad you're here. love your content

[@computerguillermo]

Thanks for this honest video. It s nice to found this content in between of a lot non-stopping content creators. I had facial paralisis the last year because of my workaholism and don't hear myself. I can read you in between lines, and yes: enjoy the life its a very huge release too, and need time and patience.

[@plasticghost9575]

Please take care, we will be here for you send you big hugs!

[@Villyko]

Fantastic video! Very personal! Thank you 🙏

[@jannawhiskers]

This is so inspiring and relatable. Congratulations on these three, and hopefully many more, successful years! ❤

[@Outgang]

Thanks Janna!

[@Francis4Angels]

Wow! You are an amazing person. Thanks ever so much for sharing. Seems your words and thoughts will resonate with many. And thanks for the freebies and access to the great content. Take Care.

[@Outgang]

Thanks Francis! Take care

[@dasaen]

haha was just thinking about you while trying to sculpt in blender. Glad to see the videos again 🎉 take care!

[@Outgang]

Thanks Dasaen!

[@Fran43CG]

Thanks for being real. Very relatable. Happy to hear you're going to be fine and find balance. (P.S: Love the video edit🍷)

[@marcocapellazzi]

Much much respect for this video my dear, I believe many of us are struggling with the same pattern and it's very important to talk about this once in a while! i wish you a great next period made of self awareness and balance

[@Cazaq]

Welcome back Laura! Missed your voice.

[@Rombododecaedron]

This is so relatable that it's painful. 1,5 months ago I decided to build a leaf generator for a closed venation pattern. Thought that it would be quick and easy and I've really stuck. And again I get this awful feeling that I already did so much, so I don't want to give up. But the solution is still too far, so I no longer believe that it is possible to get it without over-sacrificing my working time. I wish you to be at peace with yourself. I believe you will get all the planned results no matter how ambitious they are. Your talent and ability to work a lot are undoubted. You are amazing.

[@Outgang]

Thank you and good luck with your leaf generator and your own struggles with overwork!

[@RatQueen3D]

❤ Thank You for telling this to us! I hope You'll feel better and find a work balance that suites You best.

[@Outgang]

Thanks!

[@stijnvangaal12]

Super powerful content Laura. I think many creatives can relate to this and it's not talked about enough. The drive and passion of all these amazing new ideas that could change the way you work, only to never do that 'work', creating the art. Working in environment art I'm experiencing many of these challenges myself. Making endless tools for Blender, Houdini, Substance etc while losing sight over what lies at the core of what we do. I feel like especially in games problem solving has taken such a central role that many including me are sometimes losing track over the artistry of things. Tools and pipelines get outdated. Playing endless catchup and spreading too thin is a recipe for burnout. Starting projects, especially ones related to workflow and pipeline feels easy and safe as an artist. Creating something meaningful, sticking to an idea and especially finishing it is the exposing and often humbling part, especially in the competitive creative industries.

[@pablogrande8971]

I love your mind! Thank you.

[@miguelcrespo5545]

I can relate so much with this video, perfectionism has always hinder my ability to completing my projects. I am leaning to accept the process and understand I can be great at something I just leaned how to do.

[@soldarko88]

So refreshing to hear and watch. Thank You!

[@noiryork101]

Hello, Laura: I discovered your channel recently and I really identify with what you say about work (and study) addiction. I think you are a great girl. Thanks for your videos. Greetings

[@retroeshop1681]

One of the best content creators and mentors on the platform ♥ That last part I wasn't expecting it, thank you so much Laura :')

[@Outgang]

You're welcome Retro!

[@laeianimation]

This feels so very, very, much too familiar to me. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and wisdom.

[@2faces508]

I'm very glad you're back.

[@Zylellrenfar]

The spiral you describe is exactly what I've struggled with for years. The most important thing I learned in grad school was how to ride the spiral -- without falling in. Thanks for the video!

[@redrayvisuals]

Oh wow, I can really relate to this. You actually describe my main struggle: I'm never really satisfied with the result of my work as usually my plans/ideas become too big and additionally I demand too high standards of me. It's good to see this video and your open words, thank you very much.

[@SamuelKellyStudio]

I've gone through this similar pattern all my life, and it has absolutely torn my personal life apart. How I still have an significant other, I have no idea. I think you are right that the answer is management (thank you mental health professionals). And I do not know the answer to the content anxiety. But I know I would love if you were to share your progress and work in an informal way. I know I always put time aside to study the fundamentals, so informally sharing fundamental sculpting skills or something might be a great way for you to enjoy making art, whilst people passively learning with you and hanging out. It is nice to see a video from you pop up, made my Saturday morning a little brighter!

[@resetXform]

I just started following you and your lack of content has not been noticed by me. Welcome back just the same! 🤩

[@user-rt3zh4bk7k]

I relate to this hard, being in university I def set a super high expectation for my projects where I just end up procrastinating them because I know the goal I set is really high. Goodluck. your work is always awesome

[@sajjadabouei6721]

Duck, I saw a version of myself in you, Figuring out this loop (in your conscience) is the main and best step to solve it, you are really smart and talented i just found you and your channel yesterday Hope you best💙

[@massimodeantonis7206]

Yesterday I was wondering if you were ok, glad to see you are. I can relate with your struggles. Enjoy you wine

[@EL_N0IR_2201]

holy smokes i can relate as an obsessive perfectionist its my curse and blessing, you're really talented and teaching suits you well outgang, take breaks and live life to its ok, its thanksgiving and im working up the courage to go to the family dinner hahah but we must live life! work isn't life.

[@totidoki05]

as a workaholic, i can only tell you that you're definitely right to take your time, enjoy your life, go out and have fun, you'll always find time to work on something at 2 am anyway so why try that hard? i'm glad you made the right decision and i'm sure most of us viewers will be there when you'll upload even if it's in 5 years :D

[@claral.vegelgrady1156]

HAPPY 3 YEARS OF THE CHANNEL!!!! :D :D 🖤

[@WCCOMPUTERGRAPHICS]

Hi, great video. Very important topic to discuss with ourselves. Thanks!

[@Morraak]

All you can eat buffet time! Glad to hear you're doing okay, it's hard to take it easy when one has so many passions.

[@serenity8839]

Please be kind to yourself when you need the time to do thing, its the hardest part stepping back especially for that drive to learn as you say 100% spirals into a weird... burnout like state that you still want to work in. Its a bizarre loop indeed but happy to hear you're finding the time to balance it!

[@nickbrady9880]

I really appreciate you and other professionals coming forward about working in this industry/any industry where the work can really consume your life. Someone extremely close to me attempted suicide a while back, and has talked a lot about these issues and the spiral he went down and how much it consumed him. They're doing a lot better now and in my opinion they benefited the most from stepping back and revisiting other things they had passions for or developing other passions and devoting more of their time and energy into those, before making very measured steps into their work. Anyways, all of this to say I appreciate professionals like yourself being honest about your struggles very much

[@Outgang]

Thanks for sharing Nick! That's a serious situation your friend was in, I'm glad they're doing better!

[@JesusMejia-hf6li]

No way! I just became a member last week🤣. Good to see you again!

[@Outgang]

Haha! Well you still get the handouts that others won't have access to :p

[@mad616]

There is something off with character artist. I was fortunate enough to do concept art, 3d art, game programming, game design and tool programming. Honestly 3D Character art is by far the hardest to do. It is like a sport with a shitty salary outside the US. I recommend just doing programming and earn the quadruple amount with less effort.

[@Metacious]

It's been a while o: Work never ends, that is true. I've been working to give closure to all my studies (including what I studied in Outgang) and start making stuff, but no more ambitious projects. I'm focused to finish my last compromises and start small, work small and stay small. We can make infinite work, but we are still human, we have to take it easier. Do more with less, it is challenging but health and rest have never been more important.

[@OscarTorresWork]

You did fall off the face of the earth I assumed you were Coaching clients but rest is needed too. Rest up! Come back when you are refreshed.

[@Kim16_Art]

Take the time to take the time! and everything will be fine!

[@likesyrup_creative]

Cheers glad you took a break for your health

[@mikymuky1171]

I could write a thousand word story about how I relate to every last detail of having such an ingrained passion for learning. But yes. I second this entire video.

[@Outgang]

Thanks Miky!

[@wiladam]

I know what it feels like, although in my case it often comes from the other side of the scale of productivity. Procrastination, high standards that I set for myself and fail to meet, discouragement, the whole vicious cycle repeats. Nice to see you. Be kind to yourselves.

[@JulioCesarEspada]

A few years back when my first son was born I had this realization, Work is infinite. Since then I enjoy the time I spend working but I do not kill myself anymore, it is just an spiral that only leads to self destruction.

[@YaronElaouf]

I am admire you for being a so hard worker. I unfortunately kinda lost my apatite for work.

[@erikals]

"...To Enjoy Life" Yes, there is more to Life than work and obsession. Good Talk. ⭐

[@3dmutiny]

A lot of my students have sung your praises. You seem to be working on cool automations. :)

[@TylerGutierrez]

this is satisfyingly relatable.

[@Jeetpr]

love from India : waiting for blender tutorials . you are inspiring us take care & thank you

[@zevtabacznik3040]

Thanks!

[@Outgang]

I really appreciate that! Thank you friend!

[@imaginalex5850]

It's alright. I'm allways disappointed in myself too and i often take way too heavy tasks that end up burning me out. I love too many different things and i wish i would be good at every of them, this is not realistic, while progressing and climbing you still fall from a higher point on the mountain, the problem is the human psyche gets hurt, and falling from higher and higher points of ambition scars the soul permanently, and end up thinking only failures pave your way.

[@GiancarloArriola3D]

Aww Laura, its good to see you again

[@mh294m]

Feeling like I'm falling into the same mind trap as you described... Hope we all find our inner power to combat those destructive habits.

[@dandylion3d]

Great video~ !

[@CoolSmek]

Maybe this is just me, but not posting a video for a few months is not something I would consider falling of the face of the Earth. I know your always up to something amazing, and I don't mind waiting for it. Or smaller update videos are cool too! Whatever you want to post I'm here for it.

[@amineroula]

I have the same problem, i created some fantasy original characters, then started making back stories for each one, then i found my self writing about their worlds, weapons, powers… i started watching game creation tutorial with unreal engine because the story was made like a game hhh😅😅 But i catch my self now, and it is becoming easier for me to stop my self, glade to see that we artist have the same struggles, it means i am not the only one

[@adamgoldberg3]

thanks for sharing

[@3d-illusions]

Plan, do, adapt, don’t rush, don’t worry

[@mastjappa]

OMG why do I relate to this so much...?

[@noiryork101]

Hello everyone: you know? I don't even remember what it feels like to have a day off, I have never been to a pub or gone to dance at a nightclub: day and night, while I sleep, I only think about how I can improve and be able to work in some 3D studio. The story is long but in 2026 I will reach 30 years doing something that has to do with art or science, studying self-taught (creative writing, illustration, playing the violin, learning languages and right now, 3D sculpting). Oh my God, it has been a very long, very long journey and I'm very tired!

[@janvollgod7221]

Wish you the best. I know how hard it is, to break out of the chain loop. The first step is to understand and realize that you are sitting in a prison that you have created for yourself.

[@Outgang]

Yup. It's all self-inflicted.

[@AshkPunk]

I am the same way, but I get overwhelmed with all the new things, and I give up doing anything at all. (I was actually watching your Marvelous Designer tutorial, but I didn't finish) But I've been doing better, I just finished a model that could use more work but I said enough.

[@bryanharrison3889]

I have an IRON CLAD way of fixing this problem and it will NEVER be a problem for you ever again.

[@ItsBaffledd]

Hope you are doing well :)

[@r3dm4il]

"ill never create content as fast as my driver" 👌 it hits .

[@spittingame4241]

*I can relate 100%*

[@jiyanayubi3001]

still waiting for the multi cam setup for sculpting in Blender, you made a long time ago. you promised you will share it but u never did unfortunately. love you and your content anyways sweetheart:) don´t stress yourself for nothing really:) stay safe❤🙂

[@nicksavoon]

Take care. The harder you work the funnier it will be to break it.

[@collectiveunconscious3d]

Dang I'm like you, overestimate, too many projects, wanting to understand everything, trying to do everything myself, burning out by just laying in bed thinking, doing a zillion projects at once... But more lazy and procastenating lol. The only way I survive is to have people ask me what I'm doing, setting clear goals and them keeping me accountable. Otherwise I go from building a 3D model to building a whole new universe I wont even spend time in

[@Outgang]

Good to know I'm not alone like this :)

[@DarkMatterVisible]

Damn I feel this.

[@lalunafate]

You're own mental health is utmost priority, be kind to yourself.

[@MondyTS]

We've missed you ❤

[@Outgang]

Haha I missed all of you too :)

[@AM_3DARTIST]

❤ LOVE ❤ LOVE ❤ LOVE ❤ LOVE ❤

[@ultraozy4085]

You've just described me and my relationship with 3d animation in 9 minutes 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I'm not alone

[@imaginalex5850]

Also, the registration form just doesn't work for me on your website, it resets and never succeed or present a valid request at the end, it just resets and empty all the form's data

[@ebb0]

Tells the whole video, that your content doesn't have to be perfect, rather focus on process Meanwhile all this in the perfect highest quality video

[@Outgang]

The video was honestly not that long to put together. It had been brewing in my mind for some time and I have the benefit of experience.

[@mongreldesigns9195]

Scope creep... I feel this pain on a deep level.

[@tataportal]

Finally u back!! I cant sign up to ur site tho :/

[@Outgang]

email me at the email on the registration screen and I'll make an account for you. Most users have registered fine but some can't for a reason I haven't figured out yet.

[@tataportal]

@@Outgang prop region or smt 🤔

[@Outgang]

@@tataportal Yeah it might be the reCaptcha not liking users from certain regions. Not sure as of now but I'll know more in a few days when I get useful logs.

[@tataportal]

@@Outgang most likely. I didn't saw a captcha at all