You aren't a procrastinator, you're just going about it wrong

[@pathhk230]

I usually blame myself for not having enough discipline and getting a routine, I realized that the more I blame myself the more I feel unmotivated and depressed, the first thing in my opinion we have to learn about is about ourselves, what we can do in base of our circumstances and learn to heal little by little to build a routine that adheres to our needs, burn out is not something that goes away in a couple of days or a week, it can last for years so be patient with yourself and learn to know what is good for you and what is not

[@ban_ny]

❤️

[@ZarHakkar]

I've learned to be patient with myself, but I really wish others would do the same. All of my negative feelings are rooted in the pressure exerted on me by the expectations of others, and my continued inability to fulfill those expectations they exact way they want me to. It's hell.

[@sobreaver]

He learned rapidly because his first training was in how to learn. And the first lesson of all was the basic trust that he can learn. It's shocking to find how many people do not believe they can learn, and how many more believe learning to be difficult [ - but always test that knowledge and adapt it -] and 'we must keep a place in our awareness to perceive what we can't preconceive'. We will never be entirely right, but we must always look for it, somehow o0 adjust and hone the blade of our judgment to cut through to the heart of truth.

[@Altair4611]

that depression is what should be motivating you to get a routine; you aren't supposed to give up by letting yourself drown in it

[@philmehrart]

Yesss this is so true, I came to this conclusion myself recently. Blaming yourself for not doing more only intensifies bad feelings and takes away from passion and enjoyment of the craft. If you love art you will always come back to it as it's within your soul - I believe self confidence and believing you can actually do it plays a big part in your overall motivation as well.

[@sillybeanthing]

For me- I don't listen to music when I work. I actually cant, they all distract me. I listen to ramblings and topic videos, like this video. Soft, comforting, familiar voices.

[@HelloItsAllii]

I always found that sounds/music affects my mood and productivity. Can't live without my earphones... Assumed I'm just more sensitive than others, but hearing you talk about this makes me feel so validated. Thank you Adam for sharing your experience and sensible advice, as always

[@AdamDuffArt]

Well hey - you are an artist after all!! It makes perfect sense for you to be sensitive, your passion revolves around sensitivity

[@TheXrythmicXtongue]

Same thing for me! 👌🏽

[@breeze5459]

same thing for me

[@royalecrafts6252]

@@AdamDuffArt that's bad advice

[@halicusdiaarcan102]

@@royalecrafts6252 may you explain?

[@valroniclehre193]

"Break an artists mood and you break their art and/or their ability to produce it..." Yea.. yea I feel that one. Felt it for a while now. I know I'm not alone.

[@bonobojuice]

Every time I don't want to click someone's art video because the title feels like it's going to be an ear-bashing, your videos are always the most unexpectedly relatable, kindest guidance and always glad I listened.

[@Youmanoofficial]

You never asked to subscribe, ironically, that's the first thing I did when I finished watching, thank you!

[@TaTa-xd5yt]

"when you break an artist's mood you break their art." very true, this is why I as a mother am trying to get a separate house for myself, no more distractions ever, too bad people around me don't understand this, they want me to be always emotionally available to them. Always enjoy listening to your videos, it's like listening to an art friend you never had. I'm not much of an artist though btw.

[@GravityTrash]

the problem for me is that I have awful ADHD, but my parents don't "believe" in it, so I cant get the medication that I need. It gets incredibly bad to the point where I straight up forget to do most things and just sit and stare into space for hours. Im trying as best as I can to get into shape and spend more time focusing on what matters, but its just getting harder and harder and my mind keeps wandering However, youve really helped me figure out what kind of songs and sounds help me concentrate a little bit better, thank you

[@sampancisco4931]

Hey, if you haven't check out the channel how to ADHD here on KZbin. I grew up having untreated ADHD and now as a 30 yr old adult I have it and it helps but pills don't build skills. I went without medication until a few years ago. It helps but just know you can find ways to make your life easier and happier without medication. Stay strong and try to understand and work with your brain. You got this.

[@earthlyng_official4599]

You probably need to go to the gym dude. ADHD is a lack of activity and you have pent up energy: also your diet probably sucks. I’d be willing to bet you don’t take any omega 3 fatty acids which is crucial for your brain. Eggs are great too. You don’t need medication, you need to change your habits.

[@haraldthi]

ADHD is a syndrome, as far as I'm concerned. It means that it isn't fully understood, they just see something happen. And while some people think medication is the thing, others think it is due to us being made as hunter-gatherers not for sitting still. We may be able to adapt but not indefinitely, and it *hurts* in way that we can't recognize as our culture is blind to it. And as we are made to fill quite different functions in a tribe we are not make equal either, something those who "know better" tries to forget, again, as it destroys their simplified models of how our world works. So some may hurt more than others, and in different ways. So why not try to work your muscles more, and see if being worn out calms your mind. For my part I'm no fan of the walls in a gym, I need to get out and experience nature, but find out what works for you. And if that doesn't work for you, you can try something else.

[@varnageT]

funnily enough this is something i noticed for myself a few months back. the sounds that im listning to are what determine if im going to be productive that day or not. the sound changes. some days its ambient. other days its hard. some days its an audiobook, other days its a historical documentary. but there always needs to be a sound that matches the emotion of what im going for

[@AdamDuffArt]

That makes total sense - the need to have that white noise to keep you focused because otherwise, you might be OVER-focused on your ambient world. This also ties into my sleep - I NEED to listen to something calming to sleep, otherwise my brain goes into overdrive and I can’t relax.

[@mesolithicman164]

You're fooling yourself. You get up, get washed, eat, go to your drawing board and start. Warm ups first, get a bit of momentum. Once you're going you should be in your own zone, if that's not happening you need to think about the kind of work you're doing.

[@mesolithicman164]

@@AdamDuffArt You go to sleep when you're ready to sleep. If you're mind isn't ready for sleep you will not sleep, you shouldn't need 'white noise' to sleep. You don't need white noise to eat, you eat because you're hungry. After a long day's work your body is ready for rest, if you're mind is too active avoid using the Internet for an hour or so before bed, that's what over stimulates us.

[@safir2241]

@@mesolithicman164 honest, ur a bit harsh but i agree

[@mesolithicman164]

@@safir2241 There are some absolute no hopers in the comments section elsewhere. One of them said " I've never picked up a pencil but what's the point of learning to draw if it can be done by AI?" I said I first held a pencil at age 3. To get to the age where you are literate enough to type a coherent message and never been motivated to draw suggests you're not really that interested. An absolute idiot. And representative of some really namby pamby dilettantes who need to stop faffing and start working. The idea that music is the key to progress is just treating them like babies.

[@FranciscoCasarotti]

Adam, as a pianist/composer you have no idea how much your videos are helping me. I'm still a work in progress but i just want to say THANK YOU for everything that you do. Greeting from Montreal!

[@valentinam3224]

I felt so called out in the 2nd half, it's sooo hard for me to make a consistent routine/schedule, the fact that every day I have a different schedule doesn't help. Well, that and the sleep, exercise and food parts lol (I'm starting to work on it again). And the sound part is so true, I can't work without music, sometimes I bribe myself to work because then I can listen to music non-stop, best without lyrics.

[@somniatic]

Thank you for this. I’m not in your typical demographic, but I appreciate these words because I’ve allowed others to go before me because I’ve grown grown up with this sense of worthlessness. Graduation is finally around the corner for me, a woman in her mid 30s, and I’ll be damned if I continue to stay in this mentality. I want to shine in an area I know I have talent and skill for. Again: thank you

[@lindasnyder3961]

Muse with music, truly the universal language to human sensibilities. Thank you for such meaningful action to spur on creativity.

[@slinkydinky8018]

i gotta say it somewhere, i always had trouble regulating my emotions and its caused a lot of problems for me, i absolutely supress whatever it is i'm feeling but whenever i'm alone if i get stressed or frusturated my head can go to really dark places, and especially when i'm drawing, having a bad day and getting things wrong can send me spiraling in self doubt and then out of nowhere you always seem to have the perfect video for that specific scenario

[@CarrotMuncher]

I have Asperger's Syndrome and ADH. 3 other things too but they're less relevant to this. It's been such a struggle to push myself to do things I care about but that, while doing them, I'm miserable; or doing things I genuinely done care for but care about what those tasks bring into my life. It feels like I'm so fundamentally disadvantaged and underprepared for even basic tasks in life due these things that impact my mind constantly. I still can only blame myself for my failures; how those let-downs have impacted me and more importantly to me, the ones I love most. Especially my ex. I see people like you Adam, who learn about our struggles and pain, and go out of their way to help and provide help. You don't have to, but I'm so glad you do. I'm still listening to your words in this video right now, but I thought I'd share my thoughts. Thank you, you truly help so much, and it shows how bright your heart is.

[@SubbuJunior]

I decided to put this on and start drawing along with it. I must say, this worked wonders for me. My distraction level was almost none and it did help me learn as to why I was not focused enough and it had nothing to do with skills. So, thank you so much ❤

[@nephilim475]

I hope I can help someone with this topic. My whole school career was all procrastination up until I graduated from high school 3 years ago. I learned about study techniques such as "active recall" and "spaced repition" I also learned about pomodoro 25/5, which is 25 mins of studying and a 5 min break but i found out that it was too short because it disrupted my flow state, so I do 50/10 now. Lastly, I thought I had ADHD for a long time until I learned that I would attempt to be productive when my mind was already overstimulated. I think this is the reason it is recommended to get productive first thing in the morning when our minds are clear. Fast forward to now, these things have helped me structure my day and I look at productivity in a positive way! To those of you that never tried study techniques and struggle with procrastination, then I would 100% recommend you google about them and implement them to your life slowly because they changed my life for the better.

[@AdamDuffArt]

Wow, it’s amazing that you’re bringing up the subject of ADHD right now. And you aren’t the first either - several have already. It’s a topic I’ve been researching deeply lately, having a son (and now potentially a daughter) who have it. The balance of under and overstimulation are hallmarks of ADHD - how the ADHD mind tries to self-regulate itself The fact that you’re so hugely involved in figuring yourself out also suggests that you’re an intense learner of subjects that are important to you - how you handle the ones you DON’T particularly care for is equally important - that’s then the ADHD mind really struggles for a solution. Those many techniques that you’ve explored over the years just goes to show how much the struggles of life can serve as our greatest teachers - but for things that we didn’t realize mattered. A huge thank you for those recommendations, I’m sure anyone reading this will go on their own exploration.

[@nephilim475]

​@@AdamDuffArt Hello Adam, thank you for your deep analysis! You're an awesome dad for researching ADHD further for your kids. A pro for ADHD, I learned is that they have the ability to hyperfocus on tasks for long periods of time. It can be a con depending on the situation, but its still a super power! I felt sick to my stomach when I learned more on study techniques because I was never taught them in school ;(. If i were to suggest one to impliment right away it would be Spaced repetition, its amazing for students, especially artists, because we have to learn a large sum of things depending on our medium. I can remember almost everything I read from an art book or course, all because of it! Here's a vid teaching it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF7df3t-pb2ig68

[@birdywren5277]

Very excited for the upcoming video about productivity tools!! I used to be the type of artist who just strong headed everything. No references, no to do list, nothing lol I think things took a huge turn for me as an artist when I started opening myself up to using tools and programs for my productivity such as Trello for organizing and labeling my entire to do list and Pure Ref for holding my reference images off to the side

[@otenjouvanyaat3lier309]

I'm really lucky to have find your video. I'm in my 20's, still one year into being a full time artist, and I've been doing things wrong all this time. Thank you for all the new insights! I hope you only have nice days ahead.

[@KayleeBanjaGaHoole]

I think this is on me more than it’s on you, but I have big time anxiety that gets out of hand and catastrophises when I wish it wouldn’t. This is probably the second video I’ve ever been able to get through because the energy your videos create with your tone+melancholic music+heavy life topics cause my noggin to catastrophize thinking I’m “the worst”.

[@comicfan92]

I'm in my late 20s, wasted my college years into academic failure and have spent all this time wanting to do comics, concept art or illustration. Some job where I can draw. But I am chronically ill and so is my wife. In order to have medicine I have to hold down jobs that pull me away from it. I tried to give up art last year. It was impossible. I managed two months I think. I'm just so tired all the time, but this was wonderful to listen to. Thank you for sharing, always. 🙏 I've noticed over time there are specific songs that always put me into creative overdrive. ❤️

[@gorcshurut4934]

I absolutely needed this topic specifically, right now. Thanks again Adam.

[@PinkWytchBytch]

This is so true, the SOUNDSCAPE, that right there I’ve tried to explain to many people before but none have quite understood what I meant. There’s times where I use music for more than just art, I will listen to very high feminine energy music during times where I feel lesser or unbelievably self conscious about myself, and that sort of energy coming through the sound boosts me

[@polinam4571]

I needed those words so much! Now I know, to pay more attention to my routine. And not blaming myself. Thank you! Wish you all the best.

[@appealingnamegoeshere3566]

7:35 When it comes to videos or podcasts, I tend to go back to the same ones a lot while drawing, there's something about the familiarity that makes it easier to focus. But every now and then it's nice to listen to something new, which is good because otherwise I'd never get through my Watch Later list.

[@Tj4ckinator]

Hi Adam, Loved this video, as well as the countless other Art Talks and videos that you have produced. I listen to your videos while I work as a mechanical designer/engineer, so not so much about art, but your pace/messages/mood keep me focused and also motivates me to learn how to draw and paint when I get home. Starting my art journey at the age of 29. Not to pursue a career, I feel both it a bit too late to do so and also I got to provide for my family, but to unfold my creativity and to be able to express myself visually and to at some point to be able to create pieces that I like and to be able to get lost in art again as I enjoyed so much growing up. I want something meaningful and emotional to zone out to since I'm struggeling to break an addiction and I feel like art is exactly what I want to get into. Since addictions always a amerge from bad feelings and thoughts I want to put those onto papir or a canvas instead of them rummaging in my mind. Sorry for the bit personal rant... I know I'm sharing this in a comment section, but your videos are just so personal and intimate I feel like it's so easy to do the same in your precense, in this case your channel. What I'm just trying to say, is just thank you for being you Adam and for making these videos. They mean a lot to me and to so many others. I didn't recognize this about sound before you mentioned it in this video. This will definitly help with my productivity from now on since I'm aware of it. So thanks for that as well. You mentioned how you are using Milanote and also that you wanted to make a video about how you do so. I would really like to watch how you use it. I can't seem to find it. Perhaps it's still on your to-do-list?

[@glennaschoeler]

As someone with ADHD, this might be some of the best advice I've ever heard. Thank you Adam, amazing video, as always!!

[@LordWhatever]

For the last 3 or 4 Sunday mornings you've become part of my sketching routine and yes; you're full of art knowhow, techniques and wisdom, but it all comes to the calm and soothing sound of your soundtrack and voice. Reminded me of an old saying from one my country first governor that's states: "Truth doesn't screams, it convince with a whisper" and you my friend have "clave" (groove). It's funny because I also love dancing and in Latin America that's a must and can relate to your experiences with how the rhythm and sound can easily fix or ruin "the mood". Totally relate. Thanks for helping me with my Sunday morning sketching and insightful content.

[@coreo6688]

If I listen to aggressive music I tend to go at it confidently like I know everything it's more suited for things I am good at (nothing but doodling from my mind) , if I listen to calmer music like Lo-Fi I can actually learn techniques and analyze poses for example, when I watch tutorials or want to learn something without any experience of it beforehand *absolute silence is the only answer* and of course besides music and the feeling of motivation we have to get into it, this is like sport, this will be part of your life for probably the rest of your life, I don't know why for many it's hard to accept, even for me , I can accept games and youtube and friends being the part of my everyday life since they were introduced but sometimes I can't accept art. It's probably because my expectations are raised to the maximum, schools don't teach math chapters over years, they teach it over weeks and if in those weeks you can't learn whole chapters in art just like you did with math(or any other subject), it's wrong and you suck, I live in Romania and I can't speak for other countries but I don't know if there is a primary school for drawing or for cooking or for music or for sport, there are high schools but even so you have that gymnasium and primary school learning pattern in your head that if you can't do it in 2 weeks at most, you suck, you are not fit to do it, this system...discourages the long game...it encourages fast approach over longer periods of time which is exactly the opposite of drawing , cooking and music Biology in 9th and 10th grade has over 30 chapters to learn in 2 years and that's only 9th and 10th grade, there are thousands of things to learn in biology, in drawing there is less, there are dozens of chapters to learn to be able to draw just about anything, the rest are just epilogues to put it that way, but they are spread out over years, not just a measly 1 year or 2 year on and off , YEARS of developing as a person, of developing your artist eye, of developing your hand , of fighting your demons and overcoming them, the artist to be able to produce good art needs to go through a journey first he can't just pick up the pencil and draw because in the end we are not JUST artists, most of us are humans, and as humans we have other responsibilities or pleasures and we can't always draw or cook or make music...we are complex as beings we have the power to learn everything but at the same time, that power makes us vulnerable to the hands of self inflicted guilt, of gaslighting of perfection and so on... this is based on what I've seen with myself I am a 6 month art baby and procrastinated for over 5 and a half months, 10 days ago I started my REAL journey and I hope that in a couple of years or even next year I'll come back to look at this comment and see how much I changed.

[@KukiolStuff]

Hey Adam! Your videos are the equivalent to me of what vaati videos are for you. I hope some day I'll be able to repay you for the amount of mojo you inspire me to have!

[@remygallardo7364]

As someone with autism/adhd music is a huge part of how I regulate and manage existing in such a loud and chaotic modern world as it is so this video was a welcome acknowledgment of something many of us on the spectrum already know and practice regularly. A spotify subscription was probably the most valuable thing I ever signed up for. I have many playlists, each curated for a specific aural "feeling" which is so specific. You often won't find more than 2 or 3 songs from the same band on them because I'm not picking genres and hits but specific soundscapes that bring forth certain emotions and pacing which help me function on a daily basis.

[@polyweird]

I wish my adhd would let me be that organized lol. I am good at creating organization but actually keeping up with it when I get hit with depressive spirals and distractability can make it hard.

[@oliverspin8963]

It can be a gift! When do you shine? Follow your playfulness.

[@swimminginthestars_]

thank you for this video i feel like such a fake artist only being able to draw at night with another drawing video, an asmr video, and listening to music (right now exclusively chogakusei) and never anywhere else. it’s inconvenient for me to draw late at night becuase i need to be up at 5am but it’s the only time i *can* draw,,, like yes i’ll doodle and stuff in my lunch break and everything but the only time i truly do draw is then,,, i hope one day to have a room where i feel comfortable i can draw anytime but this video just made me feel really nice

[@secondlastdance1854]

Jesus, man. This was the smoothest 45 mins I've spent on KZbin.. Felt like you were talking directly to me, because finally someone been able to describe all that happens in my brain and why do I struggle so much with creative work. I used to have a strict morning routine, hitting a gym, notes with to do lists. But with the pandemic I slowly started to slip off... day by day it was worse and I had no idea what I was doing and what I was going to do. Whatever happened, I called it a day and went to sleep full of regrets and talking shit about myself. Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@adewirahman7692]

Thanks so much for this Adam, this video helps me create a routine to draw everyday. What I like the most about this is how you showed a way to help me focus on actually drawing or painting instead of spending time fighting against myself on a daily basis.

[@DecoyZ]

I'm struggling a lot... ive had the highest highs and the highest lows this past year. I found the love of my life, we're now engaged.. but I also lost a lot of my friends and someone i would consider my own daughter passed away a few months ago.. I love to create.. I want to make things, write shows, write screenplays, make a book, draw.. but my body has rejected it.. im too tired, everyday I struggle, it's gotten so bad I can't use my legs properly anymore... I'm bed bound, and everytime I try to start a project, big or small, my body physically rejects it, I get sick and have a mental break... its so irritating ive been through a lot in life, a lot of trauma, a lot of issues in my head and its been getting worse over the years i cant work anymore.. im basically useless I want to do stuff so much, but when I try.. I break. this video made me feel calm.. almost safe.. even if I cant work.. I can at least hope one day I'll recover

[@blue_rosa_art]

I usually watch your videos quite late at night, cause when you upload I'm well, in bed already, so I didn't get a chance last night to leave a comment, but honestly this video's topic really gave me moments of pause like "oh...oh no he's right" The soundscape was a big eye opener for me, a mind-blown moment, because I didn't realise on occasions I would tailor my music/movie playing in the background habits to fit what I'm drawing. Most of the time my music/movie/tv show choices are chaotic and all over the place when I draw (all the time unrelated to what I'm drawing/painting), anything to keep that part of my brain occupied like you would a little child, but your comments about it made me realise I have indeed taken times to tailor it to my drawing, and perhaps I need to revisit that more often and see where it goes, because the time/s that I have, the artwork has come out feeling...different, feeling like the emotion I wanted to express, so thank you, for opening my mind (and ears haha) to a new idea when it comes to creating my art :) I've been kind of a quite listener, but your words, your videos, the way you present everything has always been full of so much kindness and understanding towards artists, god knows I've cried a couple times from the words you've spoken, so thank you for always sharing these with us! I go around recommending your videos all the time to my artist mutuals!

[@HelenIorga]

Adam Thank you so much this is a point that I don't really see often brought up and kind of made me have an "ah-ha!" realization in my head and I got excited as an artist but also generally for productivity. I never thought about this before but now that I realize it, whenever I put on music to do my chores it feels less like a chore and much more fun to do! Also when I listen to it while doing my homework I focus a bit better if it's something repetitive or mind-numbing, I don't really do it for project-based work but I guess I'll have to experiment to find out what works. I don't comment on videos often but honestly thank you so much, it's something I have been struggling with lately.

[@philipphille5048]

What an angel! You save my broken head!

[@dapperdog5264]

all of the points you made really hit the mark on things that stop me from creating. i'm really going to try your advice to make things easier for myself; sometimes the hardest part of drawing is just being able to start

[@wubwub6728]

Notes for self: 1. Get your mojo going, set the mood, get into the headspace (with a song, a youtube video, whatever floats your boats) 2. Have a plan before you start, streamline the process, set your workflow and tools up 3. Get your basics down (sleep, nutrition, rest, etc), have a schedule that primes your for creation

[@gsfs8208]

Usually listen to these to help focus while drawing, but feeling a bit emotional and your voice calms me down. Thank you

[@randomcasual001]

It's amazing how whenever I'm having issues with some aspect of creativity, you post something that helps me. Thank you for the work you do!

[@dankeykang4576]

This is all golden advice! Excellent video.

[@cnb_kevin]

This makes a lot of sense now. No wonder I hate living here, the loudness of the outside is always bringing me out of the zone. I had this thought recently that every time I get close to being focused, there's some annoyance coming from outside. It's constant enough to always pull me out, but not consistent enough that I can filter it out. Moving my drawing table downstairs helped a bit with it but I really have to get out of here. Also, different sounds will work for different work modes. I'm not sure yet what gets me in the best space for drawing yet, but for programming it's some progressive psy which is usually in the 150+ BPM so I can just dive in, think fast, and block out everything else.

[@FERNPretendsToDraw]

18 to 25 person here, Its utter chaos man. Thanks a lot for this video, I know you're busy but I'm really excited for that productivity video.

[@insideartist3374]

I been rather timid in what do draw and yes sound have something to do with it. I realize that music distracts me a lot. Stuff like this really helps putting something on the sheet lol. Thank you , Duff.

[@NaviGooseOfTheSmol]

Set the mood to draw or be productive. Breathe. I really do appreciate the moods you set and the talks you give.

[@skilldownloder3137]

I sometimes watch your old videos just to see that intro I loved it, the animations music and the chromatic aberration effect was just *chef kiss * ❤❤

[@dominicisidore]

You really have the rhythm and mood down to a T in your videos. They are very nice to listen to and watching while I'm painting myself! You also talk about things that matters to artists. Keep it up!

[@liz4133]

Last month I started noticing how much music impacts my workflow but it was very blurred. Now I understand it so clearly. Thank you! Have a lovely day 😊

[@zuzu_1]

Wow this was so on time for me 😭. I finally set up a designated art space in my room, and made my setup easily accessible and I’m hoping that + a schedule will help me be more disciplined. I kinda lost all my mojo & was depressed for two years and did barely anything except work.. So getting back into art and just life after years off feels so hard, but I will try these points and find out what’s my soundscape ☺️. Thanks so much Adam your videos bring me a lot of encouragement!

[@CelilasArt]

good luck!!! you can do it 💚

[@evagand]

Something about Will Wood really scratches my brain and gets me into the right mode for art. I didn’t really make that connection before watching this video so, thank you!

[@bitemyshinymetalass7393]

thank you Adam, your videos always helps quiet my mind and focus on art. Even helped me go through very dark times intact.

[@manuprasadgopinath]

absolutely loved this! Thank you!!!!!

[@zerobemix]

Listening to Adam and Vaati brings in serenity thats like a real life buff

[@TheArrieman]

Since I consider listening to music as a meditative state, I felt compelled to share this. I've gotten more and more into meditation over the years. And I sort of made a revelation. I'm unsure if this goes for everyone, but my thinking is an inner dialogue. Treat your inner dialogue like it's a teenager; Don't argue with them! You can welcome your thoughts, but don't argue, just let them be. An empty mind, acts! Unlike when procrastinating, I'm in constant dialogue with myself.

[@ld905]

Massive thank you. I'm listening to multiple of your videos as I'm painting, and I've been struggling lately with really giving time to my paintings. This one feels like a breakthrough in that department.

[@hades5436]

You are the most important type of artist: the one who shapes other artists minds.

[@yousef2105]

You have no idea how perfectly timed this video was for me Adam, I've listened to it twice since yesterday. Thank you, thank you a thousand times over for always producing such helpful and calming videos. My sleep schedule has all over the place for the past couple of months, so this is really the kick in the butt I needed to get me back into planning my days better. And as always, I love you with all of my heart!

[@tjwilliamson8637]

Thank you so much for this video, Adam. I recently got accepted into an art program in California, which is across the US from where I currently live in Ohio. I'm moving right after New Year's Day next year, and I've been struggling to get into the mindset to start applying to as many scholarships as possible as well as work on my art at a consistent pace without burning myself out. I'm going to start setting certain times to work on stuff to hopefully get into a better routine for myself. Again thank you so much, I'm excited about my art career and your videos have been a huge help for me to keep pressing on!

[@tryarie1970]

This has been quite a problem for me, living in a house right on the side of a busy road with arrays of vehicles almost constantly passing, blasting noises, and sometimes shakes the ground a bit too. It's why I tend to avoid working with artworks during the day.

[@patbollin]

btwy I loved your conversation with Kelsey Rodriguez's channel.

[@Apu-L]

Damn same, music is what made me create universe and stories and some songs just brought me complete ideas for animations that i want more and more to do them as i'm listening to those songs (not yet started but I'm preparing ground for them). All my speedpaints in past and future are with background music that inspired me for those painting. Music Power!

[@joshstarr6400]

I'm a musician and I struggle with this a lot. Obviously putting on soundscapes might be a little counter-productive for me cus I need to hear what I'm doing. lol But the advice you gave is solid and I want to start working to apply it.

[@lasseel3724]

then maybe with your other senses, what you see affects you too.

[@RaphaelAvant]

I find classical music or this podcast helps with my pro activities. Thank you for shareing other ways to being productive.

[@StornCook]

I am drawing prelim sketch for a cyberpunk illustration going in RPG tabletop book. I find your voice to be very conducive to getting art done. So thank you! As for what to draw today, I've freelanced for 3 decades. I have rarely, like maybe under 10 times, in 3 decades, have I been stuck on what to draw. Ideas are easy. Execution is hard.

[@tukki649]

Thank you 😀

[@Life.Art.Knowledge2001]

When Adam post a video I instantly want to draw while listening to him, no matter if I am at work (matter of fact, right now :)) ), but in the secoun that I reach my desk home after a day, I start overthinking it like hell, I've overcame many times this feeling but it allways come back, beeing an artist it's really wierd and wonderful, it's not the skill that hold you back from creating, most of the time is your mind, in times like this you must remember that you draw for yourself.

[@PeteLankston]

Thank you, Adam so much for this, I'm learnign from all angles with this video! Using creativity to nurture people's understanding of what they hold important is such a powerful tool. Bless you for your wise words.

[@Monster-bx1mq]

I actually never realized just how much sound actually influences me until watching this but I look hut now and I can clearly recall instances that sound "flipped a switch" in my head (either on or off) I need to experiment with this with this on my own. Also, your videos are very pleasant to listen to. Almost like a nice, calm radio talk show or podcast. And I love your dark fantasy art style btw. 😄

[@tipsy.ninja_2211]

Thank you ❤️

[@orionlucas3272]

Adam, every video you post fuels a fire under me that gets me moving and motivated. Thank you and please continue to make this content, it speaks to my soul.

[@solenial]

Dang Adam! Nailed it again...being at odds with yourself. You leave me speechless sometimes. You finally illuminated the answer to a question I didn't know how to ask you years ago, though I did attempt to. Brought me to tears. I appreciate you so much!!!!!!

[@MonsieurGilbert]

Thank you Adam, I admire you.

[@sobreaver]

Now that's a title that got my curiosity in the right place

[@Zhuque_plays]

I blame myself for a lot of things but then I realized the more blaming that's happening the less productivity made. and scheduling does make a huge difference. Problem is I'm taking on too many things in life some is voluntary, some are not. I'm pretty sure if one of them is done for the rest of my life it'll be much easier to schedule myself. and about that sound and mojo I've been doing it wrong. I just play whatever my "Last Song Syndrome" tells me to. so you're saying the painting is like a boss fight that needs a certain theme song to go with!? 😮

[@Incantationem]

Thanks for the advice, fellow artist-man.

[@lidu6363]

You articulated perfectly why I love your channel. It is amazing that you are aware of your place in your viewers' creative process and you are consciously helping us this way. Really, the art community is blessed by your presence in it 💖

[@mathrak7591]

Thank you Adam, your art talks are really helping. More than what I could put into words. The world needs more people like you

[@latifx3944]

My art teacher in high school would play Beach Boys on repeat, all day, every day. Over half my senior year was spent in art class because it's what I love(d), but, my God, he about killed me 😅 I once painted Pin Head on canvas listening to a single song. I think I drove my husband nuts, but I refused to change it because I knew it would throw everything off lol. I'm convinced artists are a different breed XD

[@sinochopin]

Wow this is game changing

[@FesRJoseph]

This video is so enlightening, because I can't finish art pieces. It's been a long time since I've completed a piece, and now that I think about it, I am all over the place with the music I listen to. I have at least 7 comic book stories I initially started from the inspiration I get from music, and I would work on writing it for at least a week, but, eventually, and unconsciously, I stop working on it. I'm already on to the next thing because I'm listening to completely different music and being inspired all over again. It's almost like that song, "I fall In Love Too Easily." My spotify is filled with hundreds of songs/artist that inspire very different ideas from me, so I suppose I need to condense my daily listening into one general soundscape, and keep my ideas focused.

[@mesolithicman164]

You're doing what a lot of amateurs do. Failing to finish. The professional mindset is that "this will be done by Friday", a project has several stages that all need completion by a set date. If you never finish, you will never be hired because the people who hire want reliable artists, not dilettantes who work on 6 projects but never complete one of them. The problem isn't music, it's your amateurish attitude. I'm saying this not to be nasty but also not to pander to your folly. Start completing things. Even if it's one drawing. One painting. For better or worse you'll see where you are, people often don't complete work because deep down there's a fear it won't be good enough. All professionals felt like that, but completion allows you to see your weaknesses work on them and get better, which is what you want.

[@dopaminecloud]

if you keep restarting you're still getting a ton of draft/sketch/constructing work done so honestly it's not that big of a deal, just remember the GOLDEN RULE of improving: you only get better at what you do meaning if your goal is a certain profiency in late polish or coloring, then only doing early stages will NEVER get you there, however if you're also still trying to reach a profiency in those initial stages then nothing is lost by only doing that stuff for a while

[@FesRJoseph]

@@dopaminecloud I appreciate your advise, thank you. I've been able to change a lot in 2 months, the gears are turning with passion now.

[@NivexGameplays]

Your videos always catches me at the right time! 💪😁 Thank you!

[@joehole1975]

Thank you.

[@TheDreamerS4599]

thank you 🦋

[@TheClarity101]

I work as a pt to keep the lights on and feed myself snd the dog I inherited from my mother after she died and my family scattered to the wind. I animate and draw when I can in the day. One day I’ll be there it just takes time

[@RialuCaos]

Your videos are always full of valuable insight. Thanks for what you do.

[@ASIRA89]

downloading this so i can listen to it on the train tomorrow

[@victora.c5341]

Good to have a youtube channel that matches my thoughts and vibes. That make reminds me of certain things.

[@victora.c5341]

I was constantly forcing myself to do art in silence, but what I needed was just a good dark/melancholy ambient music playlist.

[@jeanpierrepolnareff9919]

Funny thing, I use your videos to get in that groove you talk bout. You always motivate me to push trough art blocks, or when I am lazy and don't practice the fundamentals enough. I'm starting a game arts degree soon, and I'm sure your chanel will be a frequent stop haha. Keep it up Adam, you're doing god's work.

[@bendikSolbakken]

Ok really looking forward to seeing your video on milanote, started using it after this video, and I'm actually surprised how intuitive and easy to use it is. While also just letting me brainstorm like crazy. For so to put it into order. I can really see myself using it a lot. And already noticing it helping me with the "what to draw today" question. Now I can just open one of my idea boards and pick something. This ended up sounding like a ad but man. As someone who likes to take notes this blew me away.

[@kalisera31]

powerful stuff

[@Lucas-tg6jz]

Right in time Adam ! Thanks a lot, wonderful podcast as always

[@audiodanger3279]

Thank you

[@kanachiaki]

This makes so much sense!! Although knowing how important sound is to me (for my tempo specifically) I've never thought about consistency, keeping the same mood etc. No wonder some paintings went completely down the drain half way thru after changing the music/sounds. Thank you for shining a light on this topic, it's really helpful!! =)

[@Ferodra]

I've literally never even thought about this before 😭

[@goldenyak629]

I love those things.

[@Galinn_Arts]

This video was super good, will definitely re-listen to many more times. I've been trying to get get into a better rhythm lately, so this was both re affirming to the things I'm already doing as well as adding to what I can do to stay on track / improve. Thank you, and enjoy cat time 🍪

[@esbeng.s.a9761]

yeah this is how I feel just from the titel alone. I create so many characters, but I never have a story to place them in. They just collect dust while I creat another one

[@MythicAcademyalt]

have you ever though of creating a world to put your characters in? or even just come up with a slice of life thing that connects them all? that would be cool

[@nursebee-vomit5058]

It doesn't have to be a full fledged story. It can be a drawing of a facet of a character's life. How do they live? Where they get food, what they do from day to day, who they are around.

[@markojankovic7217]

Omg thanks very much ! ✨