Hi Adam, this video really helped me as an artist on social media. I've been bombarded by gurus trying to sell the best way to grow as an artist on social media, designing videos for people with short attention spans. I don't quite know why it only hit me now, but I make art videos for artists, and all that I've been taught as an artist centers around, becoming quiet, slowing down and allowing for your right mind to take over your perceptions. Its literally the secret to being successful as a creative. This encourages me to make the 1 hour long videos I want to make, that showcases me drawing, whilst I'm talking about something art related. Thanks Adam.
After a long break from art, I’ve finally decided to get back into it. Two years ago, I used to binge your videos and just draw-and I’ve truly missed that feeling. I just wanted to thank you for being there. You care so much about your audience, even choosing not to place ads on your talks, and that’s incredibly thoughtful. you are my favorite youtuber hands down.
I really like watching/listening to Bob Ross videos for same reason it isn't his art, it is his calming voice and approach. you give the same soothing, calming timbre. I always feel better after listening to you.
Something you said around 11:00 really resonated and is something every artist should seriously consider when deciding how to use these attention-driven platforms: "I'm not a UA-camr, I'm an artist." I came to the same realization a few years ago. My UA-cam channel was taking more and more time away from creating art, and I realized that every video I made was a comic page not drawn or an illustration not started. Maybe that’s a fair trade-off for some, but I decided I wanted to prioritize making art. Because I still want to share my thoughts without the extra time spent recording and editing, my newsletter has more or less replaced my channel. Now, I only post one or two videos a year, and for now, that feels right. That said, I really admire how consistent you’ve been here. It inspires me to consider being more active with uploads again. I love being part of the broader conversation about art, design, storytelling, and the endless pursuit of mastering your craft.
Thank you so much for this video Adam. You posted this at the best time I needed to watch/listen to this. I’ve noticed that I’ve been rushing my artwork, posting videos, posts , etc and it’s been overwhelming to be honest. Social media has been overwhelming and stressful. You reminded me that it’s ok to slow down and take my time with my artwork and it makes a huge difference and is so refreshing. I use to take my time with my work, but living in a world we are in now it’s easy to get stuck in the go go go mindset that everyone seems to be living in, it’s hard to take your time. I needed a reminder to slow down, thank you. 🙏🏻 Your videos always make my day and inspire me. Also, I love this piece. Beautiful work!
Richard Williams (Animator) once asked Milt Kahl (Considered by many to be the greatest animator of all time) if he listened to music while animating. Milt's response was sharp and straightforward: "I'm not smart enough to think of more than one thing at a time!" He required complete focus, and any distraction-like music-would interfere with the process of bringing characters to life.
Oh I’m well aware of that exchange - Richard also commented (Animator Survivor Kit), why he spent so much time on a single key frame when there were thousands of images to draw. Milt snaps back “because the key frame is holding the whole scene together”
I want to thank you so much for this video. Lately I've been having a hard time slowing down, I'm constantly watching content and it feels like I'm loosing my time and my mind because I'm not sleeping well. But this video showed up in the perfect moment, and I was able to simply listen to it with my lights off. I'm feeling way more relaxed now.
Thank you again Adam for another lovely video. You've always offered priceless insight for fellow creatives. I've largely given up on illustration specifically, but I still pursue art in other forms and you have helped me keep my head on straight about it along the way
This topic is by far one of the most important ones I've heard from you, Adam. It reminded me of an Art Talk by Chris Oatley, titled, "Why Artists need to slow the hell down". Definitely something I've lived by. Any piece that I've rushed with, either with the planning or the execution, is guaranteed to fail. But ever since I've started painting slowly & thoughtfully, I've seen my art improve. That's why, I've never been fond of the "Hustle Culture", even though I'm GenZ lol Thank you for your videos as always. Your Art Talks are in my Playlist & I listen to you always while doing my sketching & lineart ❤
Well Chris was incidentally one of the artist that helped pave my own path - his podcasts always hit me as being particularly deep and relatable I consider it very high praise being associated with him
@AdamDuffArt Definitely. And so are yours! His podcasts & your art talks are always a pleasure to listen to. Perhaps, a future collab with him could be possible? ;)
thanks for another nice talk. I really agree that when I slow down and actually work on my art it helps me concentrate better. Also I feel the social media feel is just meh for growing as an artist. Doesn't let you have time to work on what I am really good at. Art. I haven't posted videos on my channel often enough to be fed into the algorithm, which personally I don't mind cause I really hate having to rush my art just to post it. I am working on a comic I wanna physically make and well I only post very little on it cause I wanna have it as a surprise on how it comes out.
i'm someone that has cronic depression, and before i was medicated, i could barely draw at all. i only had around half an hour of willpower to make something, and so, i kinda trained myself to speed through the process in order to get something done in such short amount of time, as not finishing anything was making my mental health worse. that's not the case anymore, but i can't seem to be able to slow now, racing through a picture is my default way of working. this video really inspired me to change this bad habit of mine, so i'll do my best, as i know this has been holding me back for a while now thank you for your thoughtful insights. they always cheer me up and inspire me
You’re more than welcome Blur - and it’s clear that your depression hasn’t even remotely hindered your ability to bring others joy - so I’m sending this love back at you
I can't help but relate your example of salsa dancing to my own physical health journey. I recently switched from doing weight lifting to pilates. Whereas the former is all about working the muscles to exhaustion, the latter is about a deeper, more thoughtful mind/body connection. Breathing and feeling through subtle movements and adjustments. Coupled with re-learning anatomy, it's been a game changer for me, both in terms of being physically active, and relating that to my art.
Afternoon Adam! Thank you for posting this. I consider it a blessing when you posts these videos, for they give me and a Lot others inspiration and motivation.
Adam, this an especially marvelous art piece; I love the mirroring effects you played with here. I used this video to destimulate myself after doing a lot of marketing online. Thank you.
Your videos are one of the things that I'd like to listen to when drawing (that's what I've been doing right now) and now that you mention it, those do make me focus more and draw more slowly, but also in more toughtful manner. That being said, I don't believe that I have any hidden potential or "great art in me" that is waiting to be unleashed - in my 30s, I rid myself of the notion that I can get remotely sucessful. At the same time, I still can get better and the advice to "slow down" sounds solid, coming from professional.
@@AdamDuffArt I think I should make my statement more clear - I was just appreciating your advice of slowing down as a solid advice, because you are a professional. My comment had nothing to do with whether I am professional or not.
Same as Marc on the other comment as someone who is excited to share my art and process and struggles with as many people as I can I've been constantly bombarded with the same "use this 5 AI tool to create hundreds of content in 1 click" videos. Luckily I have found your channel couple days ago and already listened so many of your conversations while working and they all made me ask myself important questions about why I make art and what's important in this journey. I think I would like to just be me and try to share my experiences for "me last year" and that's what I'm gonna keep doing! Also I am still having trouble talking confidently while recording even without the camera and feel insecure about my voice but I just try to block these thoughts and focus on the value I can give to the community. If you have any advice for it it's very much appreciated. Thank you already for every video you put out all these years your channel and your talks are real gold mines for people like me 🙏
I completely agree with everything you've said in the video, but I also don't know what to do about it. I don't use TikTok, but I still feel that as you said, I'm wired for speed now. How do I change that? How do I actually stop using social media? how do I slow down? nothing really seems to help, and I've been falling deeper into the hole for years now.
I deleted my social media accounts about 6 years ago, it's very simple once you realise social media isn't reality and absolutely nothing on there matters. I was 18 when Facebook first came out, I managed those 18 years without facebook and without social media. I didn't miss out on anything and you won't either.
@hershmergersh6733 I only have my art accounts. I don't log in to Twitter or Instagram at all other than posting my art every once in a while, I don't check likes and such. I don't have Facebook or TikTok at all. I do use UA-cam and Reddit a lot, though, along with WhatsApp/Telegram/Discord for messaging with friends. I know it's not reality, but I left my country over a year ago and I want to keep in contact with my friends. Maybe not 24/7, but still. And I still find myself on UA-cam/Reddit for much more time than I want to. I only use Reddit on browser, for example, no app, and I've tried multiple times just not using it at all but I always come back to it.
My advice is to pay attention to your entire ecosystem AROUND your art - pay close attention to practices that pull you in to your creative process and those that pull you out Your room, your music, your friends and family etc… remember art requires not only your intellectual focus, but your emotional and environmental focus as well
For some reason, my other account doesn't show itself. I just wanted to say that this video is really helpful and I listen to a lot of truecrime and MLP or audiobooks to pass the time. It's a good video, Adam!
True crime just hit that mood doesn’t they - I’ve listened to many over the years - MrBallen, Kayleigh Elise, Coffeehouse Crime, Rob Dyke (Gaffigan), you name it
This is a good video about slowing down your process and taking the time to create your art. But as for me, I’m not sure about myself. My drawings seem to look fine since I tend to lean towards the cartooning side of things, and I am not sure if any of my pieces are rushed or not. While I do agree that slowing is important to the creation process, I still feel confused about whether or not any of my pieces look rushed. Sure I’m still learning and growing and still taking the time to refine my skills.
It sounds to me like you’re in a phase of your skill where you’ve become very efficient at your process through sheer time and experience This is where all artists want to find themselves - a fluid expression of art with little resistance or stress
I watch all Videos on 2x except Adam and Vaati (and a few others). I feel my heart rate go up when speed the videos up, but I just don't have time to watch it all.
Hi Adam, this video really helped me as an artist on social media. I've been bombarded by gurus trying to sell the best way to grow as an artist on social media, designing videos for people with short attention spans. I don't quite know why it only hit me now, but I make art videos for artists, and all that I've been taught as an artist centers around, becoming quiet, slowing down and allowing for your right mind to take over your perceptions. Its literally the secret to being successful as a creative. This encourages me to make the 1 hour long videos I want to make, that showcases me drawing, whilst I'm talking about something art related. Thanks Adam.
Where do you post your videos Marc - I’d love to subscibe and give you a shoutout
After a long break from art, I’ve finally decided to get back into it. Two years ago, I used to binge your videos and just draw-and I’ve truly missed that feeling. I just wanted to thank you for being there. You care so much about your audience, even choosing not to place ads on your talks, and that’s incredibly thoughtful. you are my favorite youtuber hands down.
I really like watching/listening to Bob Ross videos for same reason it isn't his art, it is his calming voice and approach. you give the same soothing, calming timbre. I always feel better after listening to you.
Well any friend of Bob’s is a friend of mine. - I was raised on his videos
Something you said around 11:00 really resonated and is something every artist should seriously consider when deciding how to use these attention-driven platforms:
"I'm not a UA-camr, I'm an artist."
I came to the same realization a few years ago. My UA-cam channel was taking more and more time away from creating art, and I realized that every video I made was a comic page not drawn or an illustration not started. Maybe that’s a fair trade-off for some, but I decided I wanted to prioritize making art.
Because I still want to share my thoughts without the extra time spent recording and editing, my newsletter has more or less replaced my channel. Now, I only post one or two videos a year, and for now, that feels right.
That said, I really admire how consistent you’ve been here. It inspires me to consider being more active with uploads again. I love being part of the broader conversation about art, design, storytelling, and the endless pursuit of mastering your craft.
Well Jake, a big thank you to
Thank you so much for this video Adam. You posted this at the best time I needed to watch/listen to this. I’ve noticed that I’ve been rushing my artwork, posting videos, posts , etc and it’s been overwhelming to be honest. Social media has been overwhelming and stressful. You reminded me that it’s ok to slow down and take my time with my artwork and it makes a huge difference and is so refreshing. I use to take my time with my work, but living in a world we are in now it’s easy to get stuck in the go go go mindset that everyone seems to be living in, it’s hard to take your time. I needed a reminder to slow down, thank you. 🙏🏻 Your videos always make my day and inspire me. Also, I love this piece. Beautiful work!
Richard Williams (Animator) once asked Milt Kahl (Considered by many to be the greatest animator of all time) if he listened to music while animating. Milt's response was sharp and straightforward:
"I'm not smart enough to think of more than one thing at a time!"
He required complete focus, and any distraction-like music-would interfere with the process of bringing characters to life.
Oh I love this exchange. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I’m well aware of that exchange - Richard also commented (Animator Survivor Kit), why he spent so much time on a single key frame when there were thousands of images to draw. Milt snaps back “because the key frame is holding the whole scene together”
@ Yup! Love that book.
I want to thank you so much for this video. Lately I've been having a hard time slowing down, I'm constantly watching content and it feels like I'm loosing my time and my mind because I'm not sleeping well.
But this video showed up in the perfect moment, and I was able to simply listen to it with my lights off. I'm feeling way more relaxed now.
Well nothing could make me happier :)
Thank you again Adam for another lovely video. You've always offered priceless insight for fellow creatives. I've largely given up on illustration specifically, but I still pursue art in other forms and you have helped me keep my head on straight about it along the way
This topic is by far one of the most important ones I've heard from you, Adam. It reminded me of an Art Talk by Chris Oatley, titled, "Why Artists need to slow the hell down". Definitely something I've lived by. Any piece that I've rushed with, either with the planning or the execution, is guaranteed to fail. But ever since I've started painting slowly & thoughtfully, I've seen my art improve. That's why, I've never been fond of the "Hustle Culture", even though I'm GenZ lol
Thank you for your videos as always. Your Art Talks are in my Playlist & I listen to you always while doing my sketching & lineart ❤
Well Chris was incidentally one of the artist that helped pave my own path - his podcasts always hit me as being particularly deep and relatable
I consider it very high praise being associated with him
@AdamDuffArt Definitely. And so are yours! His podcasts & your art talks are always a pleasure to listen to.
Perhaps, a future collab with him could be possible? ;)
thanks for another nice talk. I really agree that when I slow down and actually work on my art it helps me concentrate better. Also I feel the social media feel is just meh for growing as an artist. Doesn't let you have time to work on what I am really good at. Art. I haven't posted videos on my channel often enough to be fed into the algorithm, which personally I don't mind cause I really hate having to rush my art just to post it. I am working on a comic I wanna physically make and well I only post very little on it cause I wanna have it as a surprise on how it comes out.
i'm someone that has cronic depression, and before i was medicated, i could barely draw at all. i only had around half an hour of willpower to make something, and so, i kinda trained myself to speed through the process in order to get something done in such short amount of time, as not finishing anything was making my mental health worse. that's not the case anymore, but i can't seem to be able to slow now, racing through a picture is my default way of working. this video really inspired me to change this bad habit of mine, so i'll do my best, as i know this has been holding me back for a while now
thank you for your thoughtful insights. they always cheer me up and inspire me
You’re more than welcome Blur - and it’s clear that your depression hasn’t even remotely hindered your ability to bring others joy - so I’m sending this love back at you
@@AdamDuffArt thank you!
I can't help but relate your example of salsa dancing to my own physical health journey. I recently switched from doing weight lifting to pilates. Whereas the former is all about working the muscles to exhaustion, the latter is about a deeper, more thoughtful mind/body connection. Breathing and feeling through subtle movements and adjustments.
Coupled with re-learning anatomy, it's been a game changer for me, both in terms of being physically active, and relating that to my art.
Great example - and take note how crazy fit Pilates pros are
@@AdamDuffArt absolutely, and I understand why! I used to lift pretty heavy (for my size) but I find pilates way more challenging
Afternoon Adam! Thank you for posting this. I consider it a blessing when you posts these videos, for they give me and a Lot others inspiration and motivation.
even more true in the future, the journey is more important than the destination. so slowing down only has upside.
Adam, this an especially marvelous art piece; I love the mirroring effects you played with here. I used this video to destimulate myself after doing a lot of marketing online. Thank you.
Well thank you Shallsoar :) it’s actually the first in a special collection - part of my 2025 project - more to come!
I wished I could express myself well enough in English to tell you how much your videos inspire and heal
Your videos are one of the things that I'd like to listen to when drawing (that's what I've been doing right now) and now that you mention it, those do make me focus more and draw more slowly, but also in more toughtful manner. That being said, I don't believe that I have any hidden potential or "great art in me" that is waiting to be unleashed - in my 30s, I rid myself of the notion that I can get remotely sucessful. At the same time, I still can get better and the advice to "slow down" sounds solid, coming from professional.
Professional is just a decision to produce art to serve someone else’s needs. That doesn’t make you less of an artist
@@AdamDuffArt I think I should make my statement more clear - I was just appreciating your advice of slowing down as a solid advice, because you are a professional. My comment had nothing to do with whether I am professional or not.
Same as Marc on the other comment as someone who is excited to share my art and process and struggles with as many people as I can I've been constantly bombarded with the same "use this 5 AI tool to create hundreds of content in 1 click" videos. Luckily I have found your channel couple days ago and already listened so many of your conversations while working and they all made me ask myself important questions about why I make art and what's important in this journey. I think I would like to just be me and try to share my experiences for "me last year" and that's what I'm gonna keep doing!
Also I am still having trouble talking confidently while recording even without the camera and feel insecure about my voice but I just try to block these thoughts and focus on the value I can give to the community. If you have any advice for it it's very much appreciated. Thank you already for every video you put out all these years your channel and your talks are real gold mines for people like me 🙏
Rest assured I’ll keep them coming for as long as I can. Thank you
I completely agree with everything you've said in the video, but I also don't know what to do about it. I don't use TikTok, but I still feel that as you said, I'm wired for speed now. How do I change that? How do I actually stop using social media? how do I slow down? nothing really seems to help, and I've been falling deeper into the hole for years now.
I deleted my social media accounts about 6 years ago, it's very simple once you realise social media isn't reality and absolutely nothing on there matters. I was 18 when Facebook first came out, I managed those 18 years without facebook and without social media. I didn't miss out on anything and you won't either.
@hershmergersh6733 I only have my art accounts. I don't log in to Twitter or Instagram at all other than posting my art every once in a while, I don't check likes and such. I don't have Facebook or TikTok at all. I do use UA-cam and Reddit a lot, though, along with WhatsApp/Telegram/Discord for messaging with friends. I know it's not reality, but I left my country over a year ago and I want to keep in contact with my friends. Maybe not 24/7, but still. And I still find myself on UA-cam/Reddit for much more time than I want to. I only use Reddit on browser, for example, no app, and I've tried multiple times just not using it at all but I always come back to it.
My advice is to pay attention to your entire ecosystem AROUND your art - pay close attention to practices that pull you in to your creative process and those that pull you out
Your room, your music, your friends and family etc… remember art requires not only your intellectual focus, but your emotional and environmental focus as well
@@AdamDuffArt Thank you so much for the reply, I appreciate it! That's a great advice
Adam, as always love to hear what is on your mind
Well that is a compliment to my intention Naldo - I’m here to create an ambience - the art is just a placeholder
Adam, thank you very much for your messages. Greetings from Chile
Well back at you from Canada :)
I Needed this so hard rn.
For some reason, my other account doesn't show itself. I just wanted to say that this video is really helpful and I listen to a lot of truecrime and MLP or audiobooks to pass the time. It's a good video, Adam!
True crime just hit that mood doesn’t they - I’ve listened to many over the years - MrBallen, Kayleigh Elise, Coffeehouse Crime, Rob Dyke (Gaffigan), you name it
Me, liking Heavy Metal: "...damn"
Thanks for making this, man!
This is a good video about slowing down your process and taking the time to create your art. But as for me, I’m not sure about myself. My drawings seem to look fine since I tend to lean towards the cartooning side of things, and I am not sure if any of my pieces are rushed or not. While I do agree that slowing is important to the creation process, I still feel confused about whether or not any of my pieces look rushed. Sure I’m still learning and growing and still taking the time to refine my skills.
It sounds to me like you’re in a phase of your skill where you’ve become very efficient at your process through sheer time and experience
This is where all artists want to find themselves - a fluid expression of art with little resistance or stress
Slowing down is good but the only type of music that calms me down is extreme vocals and metal 😆
If you find calm in the storm then who am I to stop you. This is your dance after all
@@AdamDuffArt Such wise words, thanks
Thank you
Yey! Larga vida a Celia Cruz!! Azucar!!
La Reina!!
And because you have a beautiful voice❤
Back at you brother
I watch all Videos on 2x except Adam and Vaati (and a few others). I feel my heart rate go up when speed the videos up, but I just don't have time to watch it all.
It also sounds funny (my son loves doing that). I watch 2X for instructional stuff generally
@@AdamDuffArt absolutely! I feel like speeding up tutorials and learning stuff is a cheat code. most people do it nowadays, but still
08:40 - wait wha... what? What wait, no wait what...?
Oh dear - my lie is unravelling fast
26!? Stop the cap 😭
lol
So just use ai till it shits something you can work with? Got it