I think the take-away of this video is : "You'll never be good enough, and it's fine. Always hone your skills further. But also, remember that there is someone out there, that needs your art. Yours specifically. Do it for them. Do it for you."
It's an interesting takeaway, however I might posit a slightly different one. "You're already good enough, you are a fantastical incredible being just being you But your potential is wasted in chasing something artificial, pursue your passion Because it's reward is everlasting, so share your gifts with the world Let your own light shine brilliantly so that others feel moved to do the same"
I would also add the fact that no matter how good you are someone else may prefer someone elses art because of something called taste. Art resonates with people differently based on our experiences and what speaks to your inner self.
Well hearing that from one of favorite art UA-camrs is about the highest praise I could wish for I’m gonna get your comment tattooed on my forehead Thank you for making my day
Ive found that i've been getting so much more better at drawing and learning the fundamentals while listening to these kinds of videos instead of music. Its like reassurance that no matter what i do, no matter how ugly or messy what ive drawn, that it's perfect. That every drawing that I make is only a step into the right direction.
These videos give me always the feeling I'm important and that I matter.... Even though I'm not very high with technical skills and too intimidated to post anything online. Thank you for such meaningful and encouraging words!
LittleLilyKitty post something online. Today. Trust me, it’ll feel good. Even go to a new website where no one knows you. Just post something. I know it’s hard but it’s a weight off your shoulders. And once you’ve done it, let the relief wash over you and enjoy that moment because it’s the start of your new life, as an artist. Good luck.
I did it and it is awesome. You literally can watch on my channel what a scrap I've did until now LOL but I like the way of documenting and sharing how I truly improve .. or not LoL. And I post on DevianArt. Sometimes I get very PRO tips as well. Try it out, I do it is awesome! :D
"I remember when I won my oscar, standing up on that stage looking at the statue and I thought, 'This is supposed to be the happiest moment of my life.' And I never felt more miserable. Because an oscar is meaningless, it's all meaningless." - Cuddly Whiskers, from Bojack Horseman
I needed this video. I almost failed my art school because of my insecurities and because all I was aiming for was crushing everybody else. Basically a consequence of my whole younger life being treated as a worthless piece of crap by schoolmates or even some members of my family. I felt that "drive" you mentionned one day. the strong belief that this is the life I was going for and there was nothing that could stop it, I feel it everyday since then, it truly resonated insinde me. I'm going to be an entertainment designer. But I used this drive the wrong way, hoping I would have payback for all the shit that was thrown at my face. Me VS the world. "When l'll be there, I'll spit on you from the top of my mountain. Also I'll steal your girlfriends (lol)". As the time passed, I knew this was wrong but still, I couldnt get rid of those shadows around me telling me to be good in no time to win some invisible war. Now I'm completely burnt out (at only 23 yo and without even getting my first job in the industry) and I havent drawn for more than a year (after barely getting my degree) one study here and then, nothing consistent. Your words almost made me cry, it was so inspiring. I'll play it back every time my dark thoughts get back, and I'll slowly get the engine running again, until I'm finally at full throttle, but for the true purpose of this journey, and free my emotions that I kept locked into an iron cage. I also found a second passion in scale modelling, to have some room for relief. So excited to start this new journey! Thank you Adam.
Dear Adam, I, as an artist, loose my way all the time. I set out on this journey to bring my stories to life, stories that plague my mind and demand to be created. I intend to make them into comics because I am a visual storyteller and I can't describe something with just words. This road that I've chosen is not an easy one, sometimes it seems it would be easier to just go to work in a studio and get paid regular money, but it wrings my soul whenever I do that. And here I am, sitting by my computer at 11:27 pm, drawing panel after panel, listening to your podcast and I find my way again. You reassure me, that what I do has merit, that I'm not crazy and selfish of wanting to create something new. You remind me of my original purpose. Thank you. Please, do not stop creating these talks. They calm me down and let me go into deep focus mode when I'm drawing. Love your voice and your thoughts. Keep on going and thank you, again.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm a fellow comic creator too, and I have my own dreams of making it eventually without the need to depend on a 9-5 job. That part where you talked about drawing panel after panel really got to me. I know how tiring, endless and frustrating it can be. To know that I am not alone brings my spirits up in this endeavour of mine. I hope that you will not forget why you chose art in the first place, the true essence of an artist. I hold on to it like nothing else, for I have things in which words are hard to describe but art gives a platform for. So many ideas, and thoughts and especially emotions. I just need time. So hang in there friend, you can do this. There will definitely be times where you don't know your purpose anymore but keep holding onto that pillar. The purest form of art.
@@nemolaventus Hello Nemo, thank you for the kind words. What got to me in return was 'I just need time'. Damn right. Making comics is hard, it's frustrating, it's demanding, you have to design every little thing - from the spoon to the entire world. It takes time. Sometimes I just draw something again and again and can't get it right and it's just infuriating. Sometimes I want to make one page a day, but got stuck in one panel. I doubt myself all the time - can I really draw? Is this story interesting? Will somebody even publish it? But it's fine, it's part of the process, art is supposed to be this way. My art teacher once told me that giving birth to something is always painful, being it a child or a painting. It is. This is just how it is. There's no better feeling than looking at the finished piece, where pictures just flow and characters are alive. It's a miracle. I'm sending you some warm, supportive vibes. Never give up. If you give up, you loose. If you never give up, you never loose. Stay safe, friend! You're not alone!
i also struggle with feelling selfish for making art all the time - because it is for me, and it is fun (even if frustrating at times). And I don't know if other people benefit from it, but I hope they do, because I don't want to just do things for only myself. I just don't want to do other kind of work.
@@andersmcnally3988 pandemic club, reporting. I'm in Peru, day 101st or 102nd of our quarantine. It doesn't seem like things are going to get any better anytime soon yet...
@@barbarianillust what Bong Dong said, and hey at least you can yell at your future kids about staying home because they have a cold, good luck though I hope you won't need it anytime soon
It’s... kind of difficult to express how much this talk touched me and how much it means to me. Let me just say that... I was sitting in my kitchen, alone, drawing, listening... and by the end, I had tears running down my cheeks, pencil forgotten. I don’t think I have ever come across another artist who so completely and precisely expressed what I was feeling in my heart, who I feel I am, intrinsically, as an artist, and what art is about for me... in some instances you used sentences almost verbatim to how I had attempted to describe it to people occasionally and it just.. it blew my mind. The sense of connection and understanding, the feeling that you were talking to me directly, reaching out to me over distance and time, touching my heart with yours as your love and passion seeped through every word you said and connected, quite soundly, in the depths of my soul. My, I got a bit melodramatic here, but I mean it. Truly. And I am, for once, thoroughly grateful that the UA-cam algorithms are as eerily accurate as they are and have led me to one of your talks which I’ve essentially been binge listening to since yesterday, which eventually led me to this one. There’s so much I wanted to say and write throughout this listen, but you ended up pretty much saying it all, and I have nothing left to add except: thank you. On behalf of not only myself, but every single person who needed to hear this. I said it before, but I’ll say it again: you sir, are a beautiful, beautiful human being. ♥️ I am sending this to a couple of friends who I think, need to hear this. Much love from a working animator, who incidentally, recently started to dream about teaching one day 😊
I just have to reply. I can't believe it, I just finished his video and I found out this comment. It blows my mind how what you said accurately described what I was feeling. It was like reading my own thoughts on the screen. So thank you, girl from the past, and thank you Adam, really. This is a thing I didn't think you could experience from a UA-cam video. We really are not alone.
@@Abdaado let the love spread 🥰♥️ hehe and thank YOU for replying. It’s always lovely to know someone, somewhere read and appreciated what you had to say. ♥️ also, thanks to you, I listened to this again, 2 Years down the line after my first comment, and it came at just the right Time. I needed to hear this again. So thank you for that too ♥️ Ps: I’m a part-time Animation teacher now. 😊🥰 I made it Happen. And it’s every bit as fulfilling as I thought it was going to be. ♥️
@@jillustration Not only I appreciated what you said, I profoundly related to it! I just couldn't leave this whitout commenting. I saved this video in my favourites, hoping it comes again at the right times for me too! I'm really happy that you succeded in doing what you love. I'm on my way too :)
But that is your beauty. The fact you find beauty within everything shows yourself that you can find something good, out of anything, which is an incredibly admirable trait to have. To find something positive in the negative, to find some meaning in things that would otherwise be meaningless to someone else. You look deeper than most do, you pay attention, you observe. That's beautiful.
Crazy that this shows up in my recommended at a moment in my life where I'm really wondering if I'm completely delusional or whether I should keep trudging blindly forward into the unknown. Especially when no one I know personally, no one around me, feels the strength of this inherent creative compulsion. Your video made me feel that my feelings are valid. I feel mentally drained sometimes, my motivation dwindles from time to time but the fire never completely goes out. I'm constantly holding onto that dim light and shielding it from the rain of the world. Hoping that one day the light will grow, illuminating my existence in a way where I can see my purpose clearer than ever before. For now, that epiphany eludes me - but your words make it tangible. Make it real. And on a day like today that's really all I needed
I spent the better part of 6 years working very hard jobs, finally hitting $80,000 a year. I looked around an saw i had a tiny hatchback, a twin bed, a sweet computer, a drawing tablet, art of books, and a massive library of games, and distraction. I spent every dime I had on distraction, I've never cared about owning the fastest car, or fancy clothes (though I think they're awesome). But the most impactful thing, was when an older woman saw me drawing people in a cafe while wearing my safety vest and boots. "I think you're in the wrong career" she said smiling, that comment meant so much to me, I spent so little time doing art, but I was more proud of that statement than most everything I've done. People will say things like "I'm proud of what you've accomplished". (But I'm not). I'm chronically lazy at most things as I've gotten older, I was about to apply to college for electrical engineering, because I needed a change, but I just couldn't do it. I resonate a lot with what you said to an almost scary degree. I've been giving art a real chance now, it feels like I'm trying to get it out of my system. I'm tired of swimming upstream. I've listened to your videos for what seems like forever, but I think now I might be actually hearing what you say. I appreciate the video Adam
I'm an a begginer, starting my jouney at 27 years of age. I dream on doing fantasy dark art, just like you do in these videos. You are such an inspiration and a great mind to liosten to. Thank you for all the great content! I'm soon starting my youtube channel and hope to be a fraction of how good yours is!
I randomly found you on my UA-cam recommendation and I gave it a shot. I really loved your inspiring words. I have to thank the UA-cam algorithms for getting this video to me and also want to thank you for speaking to your truth and wisdom. I hope to hear more videos like this in the future 🤗
You do what so many other craftsmen really miss out on - reaching out on an emotional level, discussing creative angst, fear of failure, how to cope with competition, etc. Creating is so much, much more than the latest brush-set and thats what draws me back to your channel while Im painting myself. Kepp it up Adam, your voice is sorely needed.
i wanted to become an artist since i have memory. i´ve been drawing since i was only two years old. I was just in primary school and i said all the time "i´m gonna study something obout art, i´m pretty sure". And here i am, 18 years old, seeing this video, studyng arts in hightschool and drawing and creating stories, characters and all thad kind of stuff, because here i am, beeing an artist. This video totally caugh me by surprise, but i really apreciate it. REALLY. Because i didnt know but i really wanted someone saying: yeah, you are an artist, this is your place, you are not wrong, and what you got its not called talent, its called belief. What i wanna say is thanks for this video, i REALLY REALLY APRECIATE IT. btw im spanish so im sorry if i wrote somethin wrong or senseless. i dunno, im an artist not an english teacher, this is not a writing exam so, again, sorry.
I just want to let you know, you have changed my life enormously. I don't know where I'd be right now without you. The quarantine has hit me pretty hard. I felt like I was really losing my passion, I was shaming myself for not working on technicalities, especially now that I actually have the time. I felt horrible. Then I watched your video on being hard on yourself. It completely changed my perspective. I don't know if you'll see this. I don't know if anyone will, but as cheesy as it might sound, you're my hero. You're probably the person I look up to the most, someone I want to become like someday. So thank you.
I can't even remember if it was this video, since I recently just autoplay-binged a bunch of your videos, but the time when you said it's better to just sit on your hands than to succumb to another session of avoiding work by playing games... is profound. Just this week, I've noticed, as I've relapsed back into League of Legends and Overwatch, that I have a clear pattern as to when I decide to start playing games (of course, to my detriment, not my benefit). It's either when I'm doing something productive and I get stuck on a difficult part, or when I can't think of a good idea to draw/create--in other words, just getting started. I recall that you had conquered your addiction to smoking, and have moved on since. Your wisdom on such an issue is life-altering for me. Thank you for sharing. After listening to you for about a month now, I think I have a new creative role model. I've actually been looking for one since Etika (Rest in Peace) left us in June, 2019. Thank you.
God its been a while since you posted a lengthy video. Please know that you have been missed. Looking forward for more contents. Love your stories and voice man!
Mr. Duff. I listen to and watch your videos many times a week. Listening to your sage advice and wisdom helps to quiet the demons I have in my head. The ones that preach slothfulness, laziness, and close-mindedness. The ones that drag me down so that I can't float outside my body in that euphoric state of creation. Just listening and acting on your words, it helps me in a way I couldn't have imagined. This video in particular helped me this week. My fiance' is in college to become a healthcare coder, and she enjoys it. We've talked about the idea of us working from home; me, as an artist, and her, as a coder. I'm unemployed. And I'm struggling to improve my art to the point where I feel better about selling them at a higher price than what I think it is. I am finishing a portrait of my fiance' today as I hear your words about feelings. While listening, I realized something horrible. 5+ years from working in retail and customer service has forced my feelings to do that which is most devastating to a human being: hide. My fiance' and my dog and I are a loving, close family. But I always feel a touch guilty about asking them to let me do art and draw and create without having to worry about money, about having a job. It's not for lack of trying.Within the span of the last thirty days, I have been let go, procured a new job, and that new job, that store, was then closed due to the pandemic. Something deep down, inside of me, made me think: what if this is it? The sign from some greater power that means I should dive headfirst into art and drawing and provide for my family with the God-given talent I was given. But I can't help but wonder, what am I doing in the meantime? How am I providing for my family outside of art? How can I? I don't know how to get good enough to get work consistently to the point where we don't have to worry about money, about subsistence. I'm not struggling for the top. I just want a good place around the upper-middle. I don't know why I started this ramble. I just wanted to say thank you for your videos, your wisdom, and your words. Sincerely, - An Artist.
I swear your vids/chats are freaking awesome. Like I struggled so hard with wanting but being too shy to share my art journey. And I had a friend talk me into it and I am eternally grateful to him for it. And your talk with us reminded me of that. I had stopped drawing for years and last year I started drawing and practicing again and everything clicked. It was like someone handed me a flashlight finally to find my way through this creative sinkhole I wandered into. I always look forward to your talks with us and the amount of love that you pour into us all. I love watching what is revealed to me on screen and I love hearing the honesty and love that flows through my speakers. Thank you so very much for all that you share.
When i felt like i was in an absolute deepest of ruts " art wise" you came and lifted me up with this video.I have no one to talk about my art insecurities ,yet you answered all the questions i was longing for an answer for. SO thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you Adam.
This video, and this channel saved me. Sometimes when im just sitting there, lost and confused about what im doing. When i feel that everything ive done up to this point has done nothing, and that ive wasted my time and its to far to go back. I listen to this video. When im lost in the endless dark and cold dessert that is my mind, this video gives me a blanket. When i wonder whether or not all the fights with my parents over whether art is doable were worth it, this video puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. And then i listen and i sink back into my chair, and breathe. Then i have a good cry, and i feel refreshed. Then i sit at my desk and keep going. Thank you
I've never had such a profound realization, for me it was more like a switch suddenly went off and I "remembered". I remembered I was always thinking visually and trying to express that, in words, for most of my life. Now that I switched to drawing, I am obsessed. It doesn't matter I don't know how to draw well yet. I am doing it anyway, because there is simply no other option for me when it comes to expression. At the same time I am struggling with this inner voice that keeps telling me that I shouldn't bother, I will never succeed (in learning), my ideas are shit anyways etc. It is hard to keep trying when you are so discouraging to yourself.
this is very relatable to me so much, I quit school because it was too much for me, the result of my quitting school to leads to my parents looking at me like a failure, that i'm lazy, not wanting to work hard. I was very depressed and I believed i was lazy, a failure and not wanting to work hard. I was devastated and desperate. I attempted twice, but failed of course, but you know. one day I was outside in the park, my mind was clouded in words my parents ushered. I saw a guy drawing some trees. I found myself watching him draw for about an hour, thinking to myself that this is it, this is what i want. i went to an art shop. bought supplies and drew like i was obsessed(it didn't look great) but i drew and drew. i felt so good like everything in my mind,my anxiety,thoughts of myself disappeared like the only reason for my life was to draw. My mind was lost in the canvas, not thinking about anything. maybe it's something that is similar to you but this is what i think it is. Sorry about blabbing on haha.
@AdamDuff, I'm listening to this while drawing and completely broke down, this was absolutely incredible thank you so much. Sending you my love from America, your voice has become my drawing muse.
I am not naturally talented at anything but have had many deep passions and often feel the struggle that you speak of and your words resonate with me soo much and it is as if I needed to hear your words at exactly the time I received them so thank you for being yourself.
Thank you so much for these videos, I watch them while painting and they inspire me so much. I started drawing some years ago because it really inspired me, but lately I've been struggling A LOT with my art: I met a friend that is extremely better in art than me... Since I started drawing I always felt like I can do whatever I want and feel proud of it, but this has finished, I started comparing myself to that person so much I stopped drawing at school and hiding my art, and meanwhile by myself tryharding to get better, but I never was able to reach the same level and lead me to nowhere. That's why this video made me realize I'm in a toxic situation, where I am just thinking about being better and better, and not enjoying what I do and being positive about it. Thank you a lot
Passion is pain. It can be a daily struggle. I have been to art school for 4y, got kicked off for not being good enough. That hurt so much, it took me year to recover. I went into designing gardens. That didn't pan out. Now I'm a knitwear designer. This reopened my eyes. You said to connect with why you're doing what you do. That will be on my mind for the coming weeks. Even though I struggle so many times, fall into a black hole once a project is done... I Keep On Going. I thought it was because I'm stubborn. But you are right. I can't help myself: it's how I express myself and I can't stop. Thank you.
well... im one year and 3 months late but just wanted to thank you for this, it really helps to see the bigger picture and to carry on, wish you all the best Adam. much love.
I always thought that I had to know why I'm doing art. I've had other artists almost talk down to me because they knew exactly why they make art, as if I'm less of an artist because I don't. Thank you for saying that it's okay not to know, because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I always felt like it held me back as an artist, but you also talked about needing to develop your skills to a point where you *can* start expressing yourself, and not focus on expressing from the get go. It just gives me peace in my heart that, as an artist, I am okay. Thank you.
I don’t want to disappear, I want to help people also have this realization when they see my art or know me. “Being number one is a trap” that woke me up and helped me realize why I found art so important and why I have been perusing it. I’ve been watching myself go downhill for years now and haven’t been wanting to even try. Occasionally I would draw something that I’m proud of and tell myself ‘well, I did it’ only to shut my sketchbook. Thank you for this video and all your videos. You’re a major help for so many people. I want to become more than someone who draws and paints just for getting better. Of course experience will help improvement, but it won’t be my goal anymore.
This is the first time in my life that I cried of joy. You made me realize something that I wouldn't have if I hadn't watched this video. Thank you very much for your words and I hope to be an artist in the future that I can be proud of.
Thank you for the love, very much appreciated! These videos always give me the recharge needed to continue fighting the good fight and embracing the struggle. You truly are an amazing human being, thank you for being you!
Many many tearful thanks... Your channel just appeared today in my feed when I was trying to avoid the news..... and my heart has been listening ever since. Bless you for saying everything I needed to hear!
I've always seeked the advice of pros in lieu of supportive parents or anyone (which is a big mistake) and never got it. Not one spoke to me over the years. This is nice.
Thank you so much, man. I've been drawing forever, but I don't feel as skilled as anyone around me. I signed up for art, acting, and writing classes in my last semester of college for fun credits at the end of a long draining road. I started beating myself up over picking that, thinking I'll never be able to bring myself to draw, preform, and create for 17 weeks in a row. But your talks make me feel an old spark in my mind. Connecting who I really am to this world that hasn't seen me for a long time. I don't feel ashamed to be a part of this temporary time and one day a victorious and overjoyed scream echoing into a void one day with all of you beautiful souls.
Hi Adam, I have tears in my eyes listening to this. I’m a 51 year old woman who’s passion was art at school but who gave up because I wasn’t as good as other people. I’ve always struggled with feeling good enough. But I’ve had a kind of awakening this past year. I can’t draw, I have no perspective, I struggle to see light and shade but I am learning. I’m also beginning to use art as therapy for other people kind of organically! I’m finding my own voice and teaching others to find theirs even though I’m not very good myself 😂which I find hilarious! So thank you for this it really resonated with me, I appreciate this so much 🙏😊.
Thank you Adam. I don't have the words to express how much these videos mean to me, not only as an artist, but as a human, who struggles every day just to exist. Your words, your passion, and your love have touched me in ways I thought impossible. I'm eternally grateful.
Thank you. I heard you on the first day of 2021 and felt that I met a kindred spirit. ...and this is probably my first ever comment on You Tube despite watching generous and wonderful art teachers and sharers.
I have been binging your videos for the past week now both old and new ones. Your words have hit me in so many places that I’m honestly shocked, I’m 21 and throughout school I was never taught the fundamentals, I don't even know what the defiant list of fundamentals are because I have never been told. I love drawing dragons, landscapes, and fantasy maps, I feel like I am stuck and I don’t know how to step forward or where to even step forward to. I feel like everything I create is awful and just isn't what I want it to be, I feel like everyone else is far better than me. Listening to you both fills me with determination and absolute fear, I’m scared to step outside this bubble because I don't know what to work on to step outside of it, I am used to only ever being told what to do, I don't know how to make a decision for myself.
Thank you for this. For the longest time I’ve felt completely alone with these ideas. To hear someone else speak many of the same ones out loud…it’s hard to put into words how meaningful that is. Like a bubble of air in an underwater cavern that I’ve been stuck in. It gives hope.
I find myself coming back to this video everytime I feel lost and that I wont get anywhere, you remind me that the end goal should never be the reason of why you do something, apparently its been around two and a half years since I started drawing and just recently did I start to take it seriously, my art sucks and I struggle to do studies and be consistent, but for some reason I dont stop, I always let out a single tear when you say that there was this unbending belief that made you keep going, I dont think that I will make it and for a while that scared me to death, knowing that perhaps all of this time an effort would be a waste of my time, but now I finally realize that no matter what happens, every single stroke that I made will have never been a waste of time I truly believe that your channel should be listen by everyone that wants to become an artist. Thank you Adam
I listen to you cause you speak my thoughts, my doubts, and my hopes. I'm an architecture student and what you talk about on your channel relates to me on a high level.
I listened to this while I was doing 30 min gesture practice and I just love it. I still have a lot to learn to call myself an artist but all the peace that drawing had brought to my life it's totally beautiful. I definitely love this video
I am a 40 jaar old first near violinist and come to life every time I get my 15 minutes with my teacher. I just veel we “ just vibe” as you call it. I feel alive and not only a student but a kindred soul. He must feel it to because I of all people “ the lowly student” got dibs on his trusty violin. I come to life when in communication with other artists. I know I will never get professional or anything. I started way to late for that. Plus I am on disability. Now I know why I could not get by in te normal “money and prestige” world. You touched me so deeply that I was crying your whole video. We artist live on the fringe because we cannot get by in the real world. I miss my lessons so hard, but play every day because it is like breathing to me. Thank you for scholing me that we do matter. I can write a book in response to you, but the heart of it all is emotion, feeling, communication, inner growth and belonging; very basic human needs that do not matter to those who do are not us. I feel real anger now and deep sadness and about what is happening right now in the world and frustration that I can not express it in a constructive way because of lack of skills. Only thing I know now is that I am not alone.although it mostly feels that way to me. I see you as you see mee. Thank you
Brilliant talk. You've tapped directly into some things that I care for and enjoy deeply. The feeling of being understood is uplifting. Thank you. And I'm going to get back on my skateboard. It's been too long.
Thank you very much for this, it really hit my heart, I have 24 and im passing for a really bad moment with depression again, it help me a lot, i conectet so much with you, thank you for all the content.
Just found this channel and I am so grateful. Not only are Adam’s videos information, but the atmosphere and the mood he creates is so relaxing and soothing. I am truly happy to have found such a channel, and hope that you continue putting out more amazing content like this. Thanks so much Adam.
thanks for this, as someone whos mid way trough my art career, i've been lost for a while and this made me feel like theres no need to have all the answers, i apreciate ur work :)
I open my youtube everyday looking for your new video talks man and gosh! This one was like an arrow in my feelings, an arrow that spreads confort into it, you're such a humble guy with experience in life and lots of stories to share, your videos has been very very important to me because I've been struggling a lot with this kind of stuff, I never wanted to be famous but I always wanted to be a simple guy that inspires others like the ones that inspires me but I also never wanted to be an ghost too and its been years that I'm trying to do my best to grow my skills and putting all my heart on it but it seems that anything change. I'm looking forward to see a video talk that you bring this kind of stuff, I mean, how to not struggle in the professional life as an artist where you do everything but you still are a ghost, you do everything that people advices you to do and nothing changes, your art still in the deeps of oblivion, btw amazing video , thanks a lot Adam!
i just discovered your channel a couple days ago and im so thankful. for a half a year i have felt little passion towards art but your wisdom has revived me
sir I just found your channel today on the whim of the all-powerful algorithm in the effort to get drawing and work on my somewhat small but pretty much first real assignment that has been challenging me. your teaching is so immensely appreciated as it is so practical, enlightening, and soul inspiring. Your belief lights the fire of belief within me, and creates exactly what you described. Thank you, I will do all I can to inspire belief in others. its not all about us, that's such an important realization to be reminded of.
I defiantly needed this today! I'm a creative writer, recently new artist, and experienced programmer and I do have a lot of stress from my family and life and honestly I don't think I realized just how much that comes out in my best pieces for art and writing and funny enough those pieces are often the ones that people like. Here i've been sitting trying to figure out how to keep going and get better and become a true artists when I'm already an artist of many trades and I just need to respect my personal methods more through expression and the ways I communicate with others with my stories and my art. It's that communication and expression that I took away from this. Perhaps I missed another point from the vid but today's discover means a lot for me right now. Thanks for the awesome video.
I like what you said. Fear kept holding me back for many years. A fear of nothing. It was all in my mind. Old comments, and put downs that kept me caged. Thank you for your words. They make a difference.
YOU CHANGE MY LIFE THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! T-T You're just the person I've needed to find for years, thank you so much!!! You help me have so much more hope for the future, it feels like I can finally breathe when I'm making my art.
A friend linked me this channel the other and I've been loving every moment of your videos. I used to draw traditionally as a hobby 10 years ago and recently decided to pick up digital 4 months ago, and this has been incredible inspiration after I burned myself out on Inktober. I love your quiet passion, I love your soothing voice. Thank you, and thank you for everything you do.
I just drew my best art yet listening to your videos. Not only do you give great advice, but you set the perfect mood to draw the things I like! Thank you so much :)
I am so thankfull for finding your yt chanel. Because us artists always want to be better and proves ourselves, all art youtube chanel are about how improving, art mistakes, 5 useful tips ect.. But in the end it's so stressful, It's not about create anymore, it feels like it's about managing social media and your chanel make me remember everyday what I like in art. It calms my heart, helps me breath and make the apathy disapear for a moment. I am so thankful you are this one artist that know how it is to be in our situation and has the courage to tell us it's normal and it's okay and we'll get through this. thank you Adam for your patience and your beautiful compassion.
Hey just wanted to leave a note to you and say thank you. Right now I am sitting here, crying like a baby, feeling like this is one of "aha" moments in my life. I am not sure where this feeling will lead me, but you woke up something inside me, you deeply touched me and somehow make me believe that my dreams, feelings are nothing wrong. They are valid, I am valid, there are other people out there like me. I am feeling like I was trying to convince myself for a years now that "art doesn't make sense", "you can't make living with it", "you should think about more serious stuff", "you are not good enough". I was always so scared to go after art career since I was afraid I will not make it financially, and I will be left alone, literally starving. I found myself well paid job in IT, I am making good money, but I also started to realize that my life is missing some essence, some purpose, the overall joy - like I started to become one of these lifeless adults who lost all hope and meaning, just drifting with the flow... I don't think well paid IT job was completely bad choice - I mean it lead me to a moment that even if I am from poor family I am financially stable now, I improved my English so I could listen to you, I learned to solve problems. I also somehow proofed myself I can learn stuff and if I spent enough time I could do everything. Now I sitting right here, few weeks ago I decided to start some easy after-work project - coloring books for children - just so I could work on something creative and maybe... maybe one day make full time graphic design/art job possible. I found myself really happy drawing, sharing it with people, really looking forward to continue my work and being excited to do it. I was looking for videos how to improve my art and I found you and I am so glad I did. Now I can recall all my dreams of being a good artists, the dream of drawing beautiful horses, elves, fantasy stuff... The dream of being a concept artists and creating games I love so much. When I was young I was so lost and defeated when I thought about art as a career. But now something changed, I am seeing possibilities. And you Sir gave me additional.... motivation? No motivation is not even a I good word for it. Dear Sir I am feeling like you retrieved a long lost piece of my soul that I pushed away for some many years. And I am feeling it will be so important on the journey that is ahead of me. Thank you so much!
I just found your videos. And they are helping me so much. I have struggled with anxiety all my life. But I know that I need art to stay sane. I’ve always dreamed of making a living from my art, but have developed such crazy levels of anxiety, it really inhibits me. I’m tired of it, and this year, I’m working on loving moments of failure instead of allowing it to grow my anxiety monster ever bigger. Your videos are helping me overcome. Thank you
These videos always feel like they're made exactly for me. You share so many of my views and core beliefs, and the amount of validation I get from hearing you articulate them, and explain what they mean and how it affects life gives me so much clarity and hope when I feel lost in the complexity of everything. Thank you :)
I found your channel a days ago, and I'm honestly so happy I did. I really appreciate what you do, what you teach. I have found the words that you say, in pretty much all the videos that I've watched so far, are the exact words I needed to hear. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I just found your channel through a reccomendation and listened to about a few videos throughout the day, and I've been teary-eyed, even through my workouts. I hope you continue living with love, compassion, and vitality. ❤❤❤
Adam, I dont know how to thank you enough for this video. You what you were talking about emotions, it was as if you were talking directly to me, as if you could understand my mind. I kind of have always struggled thinking of me as an artist but this helps me reasuing that I am.
man I really love you ! thank you ( a struggling architect that had to go from Greece all the way to shanghai to discover that he should have stuck to his childhood dream to be an illustrator )
I'm just discovering this video now, but man, I wish I'd had art teachers like you when I was in school. The culture at my art school was so toxic, mainly because of the faculty who ran it; to the point where it made me give up on art for years because I felt like I was worthless as an artist. The idea of an encouraging art teacher is damn near mythical to me. I still don't know why I gravitate to art exactly, but I'm slowly starting to find joy in it again. Much of what you said resonated with me and I appreciate your insights. There need to be more teachers like you out there. Thanks!
Thank you believe in me, thank you for words and inspiration, it's so awesome that you project your energy that way and help, so thank you I'll keep moving forward 💙
I found this a couple of years ago. In speaking to a couple of friends today this came to mind within the context of artists having a hard time lately or thinking of giving up. By coincidence I found you commenting on another channel and remembered your name and the video. This is just really a great how it is soul expanding and inspiring share. I sent it to two people today because I know it really struck a chord with me when I first heard it. I was defending that the internet still had real truths and real passionate people being transparent. A heartfelt thank you and you inspire me to get drawing again too, just to express dimensions that have no need of words and just adventure and exploration :)
Absolutely beautiful. I’v just turned 30 and only 2 years ago is when I started experienced this or at least aware of it. every time I prove to my self that I can take something unknown and make known . Not become the best ,just grow /learn and have a true understanding, I have this experience. Thank you so much for this talk .
Had a very melancholic day today, not getting much done and just laying about, before I came across your videos. They helped me work up the gumption to finally shave my shaggy facial hair after months of avoiding it. Thanks for helping me achieve such a small victory on a day where I didn't think I could get anything done. Anything worth doing, is worth doing wrong
I came across this video and it resonated with me so much. I've struggled so much with the idea of accepting art as true passion (because of my parents forcing the "do something that will actually help you make a living", and also because of my own fear of ultimately failing, not having enough belief that I can "get there", not the first place, not better than others, but being able to technically and independently portray the beauty I see in the outside world), and something I started to think while I struggled was that I'd rather die than not be able to "get there". I'd rather die than to spend my days doing something that is meaningless to me, even if it made loads of money, or even knowing I would never get where I wanted to be. It's such a real, tangible feeling and it's also very very scary, but I just cannot hold my passion in anymore, that's why this video resonated so much with me. Thank you so much for saying all of this.
I've been loving these art chat videos lately, it's a subject close to my heart. I'm a professional musician (and occasional amateur artist) and what you say totally transfers to my field. Thanks for the encouragement as I spend lockdown grappling with trying to make meaningful music alone on a computer when I should have been touring right now. It's so cool that you also dance too, I dance cuban salsa, bachata and kizomba.
Anyone else get teary-eyed whenever they're listening to something that really resonates with themselves? This talk rings true. Well done.
Yes. I did it in another video.
Yeah.... like all of this man video
100%. :)
yes, these past few months has been rough
I usualy listen to normal art topic but this channel is so good that i can't draw while listening to it 😭✨♥️♥️
I think the take-away of this video is :
"You'll never be good enough, and it's fine. Always hone your skills further.
But also, remember that there is someone out there, that needs your art. Yours specifically.
Do it for them. Do it for you."
It's an interesting takeaway, however I might posit a slightly different one.
"You're already good enough, you are a fantastical incredible being just being you
But your potential is wasted in chasing something artificial, pursue your passion
Because it's reward is everlasting, so share your gifts with the world
Let your own light shine brilliantly so that others feel moved to do the same"
I would also add the fact that no matter how good you are someone else may prefer someone elses art because of something called taste. Art resonates with people differently based on our experiences and what speaks to your inner self.
Not just the best art channel on UA-cam, but the best channel in my opinion. Thanks Adam
Well hearing that from one of favorite art UA-camrs is about the highest praise I could wish for
I’m gonna get your comment tattooed on my forehead
Thank you for making my day
@@AdamDuffArt that is pretty cool really, love this both channels s2
@@AdamDuffArt I think 'but the best' would fit more easily than the whole thing.
Ive found that i've been getting so much more better at drawing and learning the fundamentals while listening to these kinds of videos instead of music. Its like reassurance that no matter what i do, no matter how ugly or messy what ive drawn, that it's perfect. That every drawing that I make is only a step into the right direction.
These videos give me always the feeling I'm important and that I matter.... Even though I'm not very high with technical skills and too intimidated to post anything online.
Thank you for such meaningful and encouraging words!
LittleLilyKitty post something online. Today. Trust me, it’ll feel good. Even go to a new website where no one knows you. Just post something. I know it’s hard but it’s a weight off your shoulders. And once you’ve done it, let the relief wash over you and enjoy that moment because it’s the start of your new life, as an artist. Good luck.
You are good enough
@@earllee9576 Thanks
Yeah you know what I realized, not only do you matter. You matter way more in ways that you will never begin to understand
I did it and it is awesome. You literally can watch on my channel what a scrap I've did until now LOL but I like the way of documenting and sharing how I truly improve .. or not LoL. And I post on DevianArt. Sometimes I get very PRO tips as well. Try it out, I do it is awesome! :D
"I remember when I won my oscar, standing up on that stage looking at the statue and I thought, 'This is supposed to be the happiest moment of my life.' And I never felt more miserable. Because an oscar is meaningless, it's all meaningless."
- Cuddly Whiskers, from Bojack Horseman
That's one of my shows
I needed this video. I almost failed my art school because of my insecurities and because all I was aiming for was crushing everybody else. Basically a consequence of my whole younger life being treated as a worthless piece of crap by schoolmates or even some members of my family. I felt that "drive" you mentionned one day. the strong belief that this is the life I was going for and there was nothing that could stop it, I feel it everyday since then, it truly resonated insinde me. I'm going to be an entertainment designer. But I used this drive the wrong way, hoping I would have payback for all the shit that was thrown at my face. Me VS the world. "When l'll be there, I'll spit on you from the top of my mountain. Also I'll steal your girlfriends (lol)".
As the time passed, I knew this was wrong but still, I couldnt get rid of those shadows around me telling me to be good in no time to win some invisible war.
Now I'm completely burnt out (at only 23 yo and without even getting my first job in the industry) and I havent drawn for more than a year (after barely getting my degree) one study here and then, nothing consistent.
Your words almost made me cry, it was so inspiring. I'll play it back every time my dark thoughts get back, and I'll slowly get the engine running again, until I'm finally at full throttle, but for the true purpose of this journey, and free my emotions that I kept locked into an iron cage. I also found a second passion in scale modelling, to have some room for relief. So excited to start this new journey!
Thank you Adam.
Dear Adam,
I, as an artist, loose my way all the time. I set out on this journey to bring my stories to life, stories that plague my mind and demand to be created. I intend to make them into comics because I am a visual storyteller and I can't describe something with just words. This road that I've chosen is not an easy one, sometimes it seems it would be easier to just go to work in a studio and get paid regular money, but it wrings my soul whenever I do that. And here I am, sitting by my computer at 11:27 pm, drawing panel after panel, listening to your podcast and I find my way again. You reassure me, that what I do has merit, that I'm not crazy and selfish of wanting to create something new. You remind me of my original purpose. Thank you. Please, do not stop creating these talks. They calm me down and let me go into deep focus mode when I'm drawing. Love your voice and your thoughts. Keep on going and thank you, again.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm a fellow comic creator too, and I have my own dreams of making it eventually without the need to depend on a 9-5 job.
That part where you talked about drawing panel after panel really got to me. I know how tiring, endless and frustrating it can be. To know that I am not alone brings my spirits up in this endeavour of mine.
I hope that you will not forget why you chose art in the first place, the true essence of an artist. I hold on to it like nothing else, for I have things in which words are hard to describe but art gives a platform for. So many ideas, and thoughts and especially emotions. I just need time.
So hang in there friend, you can do this. There will definitely be times where you don't know your purpose anymore but keep holding onto that pillar. The purest form of art.
@@nemolaventus Hello Nemo, thank you for the kind words. What got to me in return was 'I just need time'. Damn right. Making comics is hard, it's frustrating, it's demanding, you have to design every little thing - from the spoon to the entire world. It takes time. Sometimes I just draw something again and again and can't get it right and it's just infuriating. Sometimes I want to make one page a day, but got stuck in one panel. I doubt myself all the time - can I really draw? Is this story interesting? Will somebody even publish it?
But it's fine, it's part of the process, art is supposed to be this way. My art teacher once told me that giving birth to something is always painful, being it a child or a painting. It is. This is just how it is. There's no better feeling than looking at the finished piece, where pictures just flow and characters are alive. It's a miracle.
I'm sending you some warm, supportive vibes. Never give up. If you give up, you loose. If you never give up, you never loose. Stay safe, friend! You're not alone!
i also struggle with feelling selfish for making art all the time - because it is for me, and it is fun (even if frustrating at times). And I don't know if other people benefit from it, but I hope they do, because I don't want to just do things for only myself. I just don't want to do other kind of work.
when you are watching this during a plague and he says "through plague"
I was wondering if anyone commented this yet, pandemic club where you at?
@@andersmcnally3988 pandemic club, reporting. I'm in Peru, day 101st or 102nd of our quarantine. It doesn't seem like things are going to get any better anytime soon yet...
@@barbarianillust stay strong, you have an entire community here for you!
@@barbarianillust what Bong Dong said, and hey at least you can yell at your future kids about staying home because they have a cold, good luck though I hope you won't need it anytime soon
It’s... kind of difficult to express how much this talk touched me and how much it means to me. Let me just say that... I was sitting in my kitchen, alone, drawing, listening... and by the end, I had tears running down my cheeks, pencil forgotten. I don’t think I have ever come across another artist who so completely and precisely expressed what I was feeling in my heart, who I feel I am, intrinsically, as an artist, and what art is about for me... in some instances you used sentences almost verbatim to how I had attempted to describe it to people occasionally and it just.. it blew my mind. The sense of connection and understanding, the feeling that you were talking to me directly, reaching out to me over distance and time, touching my heart with yours as your love and passion seeped through every word you said and connected, quite soundly, in the depths of my soul. My, I got a bit melodramatic here, but I mean it. Truly. And I am, for once, thoroughly grateful that the UA-cam algorithms are as eerily accurate as they are and have led me to one of your talks which I’ve essentially been binge listening to since yesterday, which eventually led me to this one. There’s so much I wanted to say and write throughout this listen, but you ended up pretty much saying it all, and I have nothing left to add except: thank you. On behalf of not only myself, but every single person who needed to hear this.
I said it before, but I’ll say it again: you sir, are a beautiful, beautiful human being. ♥️
I am sending this to a couple of friends who I think, need to hear this.
Much love from a working animator, who incidentally, recently started to dream about teaching one day 😊
I just have to reply. I can't believe it, I just finished his video and I found out this comment. It blows my mind how what you said accurately described what I was feeling. It was like reading my own thoughts on the screen.
So thank you, girl from the past, and thank you Adam, really. This is a thing I didn't think you could experience from a UA-cam video.
We really are not alone.
@@Abdaado let the love spread 🥰♥️ hehe and thank YOU for replying. It’s always lovely to know someone, somewhere read and appreciated what you had to say. ♥️ also, thanks to you, I listened to this again, 2 Years down the line after my first comment, and it came at just the right Time. I needed to hear this again. So thank you for that too ♥️
Ps: I’m a part-time Animation teacher now. 😊🥰 I made it Happen. And it’s every bit as fulfilling as I thought it was going to be. ♥️
@@jillustration Not only I appreciated what you said, I profoundly related to it! I just couldn't leave this whitout commenting.
I saved this video in my favourites, hoping it comes again at the right times for me too!
I'm really happy that you succeded in doing what you love. I'm on my way too :)
Just wanted to chime in and say that I love your profile name and that I hear you. Hope all is well, peace
@@arknark why thank you ♥️ love and peace to you too Internet stranger ☺️
something happens in my chest...you are making me cry, Adam.
This is ASMR for the soul. Thank you. You are a wonderful human being.
The hardest thing to me is when your eyes are so equipped in seeing Beauty everywhere you look, but you can't find that Beauty in yourself. It sucks
Yep, i have a swerve problem of taking pictures of everything that I think looks pretty😁
I suppose I can later translate them into artworks..
But that is your beauty. The fact you find beauty within everything shows yourself that you can find something good, out of anything, which is an incredibly admirable trait to have. To find something positive in the negative, to find some meaning in things that would otherwise be meaningless to someone else. You look deeper than most do, you pay attention, you observe. That's beautiful.
Best channel for my mental health
Crazy that this shows up in my recommended at a moment in my life where I'm really wondering if I'm completely delusional or whether I should keep trudging blindly forward into the unknown. Especially when no one I know personally, no one around me, feels the strength of this inherent creative compulsion. Your video made me feel that my feelings are valid. I feel mentally drained sometimes, my motivation dwindles from time to time but the fire never completely goes out. I'm constantly holding onto that dim light and shielding it from the rain of the world. Hoping that one day the light will grow, illuminating my existence in a way where I can see my purpose clearer than ever before. For now, that epiphany eludes me - but your words make it tangible. Make it real. And on a day like today that's really all I needed
I spent the better part of 6 years working very hard jobs, finally hitting $80,000 a year. I looked around an saw i had a tiny hatchback, a twin bed, a sweet computer, a drawing tablet, art of books, and a massive library of games, and distraction. I spent every dime I had on distraction, I've never cared about owning the fastest car, or fancy clothes (though I think they're awesome). But the most impactful thing, was when an older woman saw me drawing people in a cafe while wearing my safety vest and boots. "I think you're in the wrong career" she said smiling, that comment meant so much to me, I spent so little time doing art, but I was more proud of that statement than most everything I've done. People will say things like "I'm proud of what you've accomplished". (But I'm not). I'm chronically lazy at most things as I've gotten older, I was about to apply to college for electrical engineering, because I needed a change, but I just couldn't do it. I resonate a lot with what you said to an almost scary degree. I've been giving art a real chance now, it feels like I'm trying to get it out of my system. I'm tired of swimming upstream. I've listened to your videos for what seems like forever, but I think now I might be actually hearing what you say. I appreciate the video Adam
reading this gave me goosebumps. I can relate. Thanks for sharing your story.
I'm an a begginer, starting my jouney at 27 years of age. I dream on doing fantasy dark art, just like you do in these videos. You are such an inspiration and a great mind to liosten to.
Thank you for all the great content!
I'm soon starting my youtube channel and hope to be a fraction of how good yours is!
I randomly found you on my UA-cam recommendation and I gave it a shot. I really loved your inspiring words. I have to thank the UA-cam algorithms for getting this video to me and also want to thank you for speaking to your truth and wisdom. I hope to hear more videos like this in the future 🤗
I always plug in your videos when the artist in me wants to die. It really helps. Thank you
You do what so many other craftsmen really miss out on - reaching out on an emotional level, discussing creative angst, fear of failure, how to cope with competition, etc. Creating is so much, much more than the latest brush-set and thats what draws me back to your channel while Im painting myself. Kepp it up Adam, your voice is sorely needed.
i wanted to become an artist since i have memory. i´ve been drawing since i was only two years old. I was just in primary school and i said all the time "i´m gonna study something obout art, i´m pretty sure". And here i am, 18 years old, seeing this video, studyng arts in hightschool and drawing and creating stories, characters and all thad kind of stuff, because here i am, beeing an artist. This video totally caugh me by surprise, but i really apreciate it. REALLY. Because i didnt know but i really wanted someone saying: yeah, you are an artist, this is your place, you are not wrong, and what you got its not called talent, its called belief.
What i wanna say is thanks for this video, i REALLY REALLY APRECIATE IT.
btw im spanish so im sorry if i wrote somethin wrong or senseless. i dunno, im an artist not an english teacher, this is not a writing exam so, again, sorry.
I just want to let you know, you have changed my life enormously. I don't know where I'd be right now without you.
The quarantine has hit me pretty hard. I felt like I was really losing my passion, I was shaming myself for not working on technicalities, especially now that I actually have the time. I felt horrible.
Then I watched your video on being hard on yourself. It completely changed my perspective.
I don't know if you'll see this. I don't know if anyone will, but as cheesy as it might sound, you're my hero. You're probably the person I look up to the most, someone I want to become like someday.
So thank you.
I can't even remember if it was this video, since I recently just autoplay-binged a bunch of your videos, but the time when you said it's better to just sit on your hands than to succumb to another session of avoiding work by playing games... is profound. Just this week, I've noticed, as I've relapsed back into League of Legends and Overwatch, that I have a clear pattern as to when I decide to start playing games (of course, to my detriment, not my benefit). It's either when I'm doing something productive and I get stuck on a difficult part, or when I can't think of a good idea to draw/create--in other words, just getting started. I recall that you had conquered your addiction to smoking, and have moved on since. Your wisdom on such an issue is life-altering for me. Thank you for sharing. After listening to you for about a month now, I think I have a new creative role model. I've actually been looking for one since Etika (Rest in Peace) left us in June, 2019. Thank you.
God its been a while since you posted a lengthy video. Please know that you have been missed. Looking forward for more contents. Love your stories and voice man!
Mr. Duff.
I listen to and watch your videos many times a week. Listening to your sage advice and wisdom helps to quiet the demons I have in my head. The ones that preach slothfulness, laziness, and close-mindedness. The ones that drag me down so that I can't float outside my body in that euphoric state of creation.
Just listening and acting on your words, it helps me in a way I couldn't have imagined. This video in particular helped me this week.
My fiance' is in college to become a healthcare coder, and she enjoys it. We've talked about the idea of us working from home; me, as an artist, and her, as a coder.
I'm unemployed. And I'm struggling to improve my art to the point where I feel better about selling them at a higher price than what I think it is. I am finishing a portrait of my fiance' today as I hear your words about feelings. While listening, I realized something horrible. 5+ years from working in retail and customer service has forced my feelings to do that which is most devastating to a human being: hide.
My fiance' and my dog and I are a loving, close family. But I always feel a touch guilty about asking them to let me do art and draw and create without having to worry about money, about having a job. It's not for lack of trying.Within the span of the last thirty days, I have been let go, procured a new job, and that new job, that store, was then closed due to the pandemic.
Something deep down, inside of me, made me think: what if this is it? The sign from some greater power that means I should dive headfirst into art and drawing and provide for my family with the God-given talent I was given. But I can't help but wonder, what am I doing in the meantime? How am I providing for my family outside of art? How can I?
I don't know how to get good enough to get work consistently to the point where we don't have to worry about money, about subsistence.
I'm not struggling for the top. I just want a good place around the upper-middle.
I don't know why I started this ramble. I just wanted to say thank you for your videos, your wisdom, and your words.
Sincerely,
- An Artist.
I swear your vids/chats are freaking awesome. Like I struggled so hard with wanting but being too shy to share my art journey. And I had a friend talk me into it and I am eternally grateful to him for it. And your talk with us reminded me of that. I had stopped drawing for years and last year I started drawing and practicing again and everything clicked. It was like someone handed me a flashlight finally to find my way through this creative sinkhole I wandered into. I always look forward to your talks with us and the amount of love that you pour into us all. I love watching what is revealed to me on screen and I love hearing the honesty and love that flows through my speakers. Thank you so very much for all that you share.
One of these days I'll finish one if his videos with out crying
When i felt like i was in an absolute deepest of ruts " art wise" you came and lifted me up with this video.I have no one to talk about my art insecurities ,yet you answered all the questions i was longing for an answer for. SO thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you Adam.
This video, and this channel saved me. Sometimes when im just sitting there, lost and confused about what im doing. When i feel that everything ive done up to this point has done nothing, and that ive wasted my time and its to far to go back. I listen to this video. When im lost in the endless dark and cold dessert that is my mind, this video gives me a blanket. When i wonder whether or not all the fights with my parents over whether art is doable were worth it, this video puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. And then i listen and i sink back into my chair, and breathe. Then i have a good cry, and i feel refreshed. Then i sit at my desk and keep going. Thank you
"cats are better"
- Adam Duff 2019
A true master is an eternal student
I've never had such a profound realization, for me it was more like a switch suddenly went off and I "remembered". I remembered I was always thinking visually and trying to express that, in words, for most of my life. Now that I switched to drawing, I am obsessed. It doesn't matter I don't know how to draw well yet. I am doing it anyway, because there is simply no other option for me when it comes to expression.
At the same time I am struggling with this inner voice that keeps telling me that I shouldn't bother, I will never succeed (in learning), my ideas are shit anyways etc. It is hard to keep trying when you are so discouraging to yourself.
this is very relatable to me so much, I quit school because it was too much for me, the result of my quitting school to leads to my parents looking at me like a failure, that i'm lazy, not wanting to work hard. I was very depressed and I believed i was lazy, a failure and not wanting to work hard. I was devastated and desperate. I attempted twice, but failed of course, but you know. one day I was outside in the park, my mind was clouded in words my parents ushered. I saw a guy drawing some trees. I found myself watching him draw for about an hour, thinking to myself that this is it, this is what i want. i went to an art shop. bought supplies and drew like i was obsessed(it didn't look great) but i drew and drew. i felt so good like everything in my mind,my anxiety,thoughts of myself disappeared like the only reason for my life was to draw. My mind was lost in the canvas, not thinking about anything. maybe it's something that is similar to you but this is what i think it is. Sorry about blabbing on haha.
there is something in the way you texture and colour your work that I can't replicate, it's stunning and I can't wait to get there
I will listen to this talk for the rest of my life.
@AdamDuff, I'm listening to this while drawing and completely broke down, this was absolutely incredible thank you so much. Sending you my love from America, your voice has become my drawing muse.
I am not naturally talented at anything but have had many deep passions and often feel the struggle that you speak of and your words resonate with me soo much and it is as if I needed to hear your words at exactly the time I received them so thank you for being yourself.
Thank you so much for these videos, I watch them while painting and they inspire me so much. I started drawing some years ago because it really inspired me, but lately I've been struggling A LOT with my art: I met a friend that is extremely better in art than me... Since I started drawing I always felt like I can do whatever I want and feel proud of it, but this has finished, I started comparing myself to that person so much I stopped drawing at school and hiding my art, and meanwhile by myself tryharding to get better, but I never was able to reach the same level and lead me to nowhere. That's why this video made me realize I'm in a toxic situation, where I am just thinking about being better and better, and not enjoying what I do and being positive about it. Thank you a lot
"It was...love" that actually made me cry, it's so beautiful
Passion is pain. It can be a daily struggle. I have been to art school for 4y, got kicked off for not being good enough. That hurt so much, it took me year to recover. I went into designing gardens. That didn't pan out. Now I'm a knitwear designer. This reopened my eyes. You said to connect with why you're doing what you do. That will be on my mind for the coming weeks. Even though I struggle so many times, fall into a black hole once a project is done...
I
Keep
On
Going.
I thought it was because I'm stubborn. But you are right.
I can't help myself: it's how I express myself and I can't stop.
Thank you.
well... im one year and 3 months late but just wanted to thank you for this, it really helps to see the bigger picture and to carry on, wish you all the best Adam. much love.
I always thought that I had to know why I'm doing art. I've had other artists almost talk down to me because they knew exactly why they make art, as if I'm less of an artist because I don't.
Thank you for saying that it's okay not to know, because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I always felt like it held me back as an artist, but you also talked about needing to develop your skills to a point where you *can* start expressing yourself, and not focus on expressing from the get go. It just gives me peace in my heart that, as an artist, I am okay. Thank you.
Adam Duff... the voice of my subconcious mind.
I don't think I've ever connected on such a level with someone throughout a whole series of videos.
I don’t want to disappear, I want to help people also have this realization when they see my art or know me. “Being number one is a trap” that woke me up and helped me realize why I found art so important and why I have been perusing it. I’ve been watching myself go downhill for years now and haven’t been wanting to even try. Occasionally I would draw something that I’m proud of and tell myself ‘well, I did it’ only to shut my sketchbook.
Thank you for this video and all your videos. You’re a major help for so many people.
I want to become more than someone who draws and paints just for getting better. Of course experience will help improvement, but it won’t be my goal anymore.
This is the first time in my life that I cried of joy. You made me realize something that I wouldn't have if I hadn't watched this video. Thank you very much for your words and I hope to be an artist in the future that I can be proud of.
Thank you Adam for your gifts, your passion, your love. You make the world a better place.
Thank you for the love, very much appreciated! These videos always give me the recharge needed to continue fighting the good fight and embracing the struggle. You truly are an amazing human being, thank you for being you!
Many many tearful thanks...
Your channel just appeared today in my feed when I was trying to avoid the news..... and my heart has been listening ever since. Bless you for saying everything I needed to hear!
I've always seeked the advice of pros in lieu of supportive parents or anyone (which is a big mistake) and never got it. Not one spoke to me over the years. This is nice.
Thank you so much, man. I've been drawing forever, but I don't feel as skilled as anyone around me. I signed up for art, acting, and writing classes in my last semester of college for fun credits at the end of a long draining road. I started beating myself up over picking that, thinking I'll never be able to bring myself to draw, preform, and create for 17 weeks in a row. But your talks make me feel an old spark in my mind. Connecting who I really am to this world that hasn't seen me for a long time. I don't feel ashamed to be a part of this temporary time and one day a victorious and overjoyed scream echoing into a void one day with all of you beautiful souls.
Also how could I have strayed from the teachings of Stacy Peralta XD
Hi Adam, I have tears in my eyes listening to this. I’m a 51 year old woman who’s passion was art at school but who gave up because I wasn’t as good as other people. I’ve always struggled with feeling good enough. But I’ve had a kind of awakening this past year. I can’t draw, I have no perspective, I struggle to see light and shade but I am learning. I’m also beginning to use art as therapy for other people kind of organically! I’m finding my own voice and teaching others to find theirs even though I’m not very good myself 😂which I find hilarious! So thank you for this it really resonated with me, I appreciate this so much 🙏😊.
Thank you Adam. I don't have the words to express how much these videos mean to me, not only as an artist, but as a human, who struggles every day just to exist. Your words, your passion, and your love have touched me in ways I thought impossible. I'm eternally grateful.
Thank you. I heard you on the first day of 2021 and felt that I met a kindred spirit. ...and this is probably my first ever comment on You Tube despite watching generous and wonderful art teachers and sharers.
This video introduced me to this channel and I'm so glad it did!
I have been binging your videos for the past week now both old and new ones.
Your words have hit me in so many places that I’m honestly shocked, I’m 21 and throughout school I was never taught the fundamentals, I don't even know what the defiant list of fundamentals are because I have never been told. I love drawing dragons, landscapes, and fantasy maps, I feel like I am stuck and I don’t know how to step forward or where to even step forward to. I feel like everything I create is awful and just isn't what I want it to be, I feel like everyone else is far better than me. Listening to you both fills me with determination and absolute fear, I’m scared to step outside this bubble because I don't know what to work on to step outside of it, I am used to only ever being told what to do, I don't know how to make a decision for myself.
Hey Adam! I've been waiting a long time for your next video to appear! I'm so glad you're back!
IM PUMPED! I’ve been replying you’re old videos while I draw so I’m excited for new content
Thank you for this. For the longest time I’ve felt completely alone with these ideas. To hear someone else speak many of the same ones out loud…it’s hard to put into words how meaningful that is. Like a bubble of air in an underwater cavern that I’ve been stuck in. It gives hope.
I find myself coming back to this video everytime I feel lost and that I wont get anywhere, you remind me that the end goal should never be the reason of why you do something, apparently its been around two and a half years since I started drawing and just recently did I start to take it seriously, my art sucks and I struggle to do studies and be consistent, but for some reason I dont stop, I always let out a single tear when you say that there was this unbending belief that made you keep going, I dont think that I will make it and for a while that scared me to death, knowing that perhaps all of this time an effort would be a waste of my time, but now I finally realize that no matter what happens, every single stroke that I made will have never been a waste of time
I truly believe that your channel should be listen by everyone that wants to become an artist.
Thank you Adam
I listen to you cause you speak my thoughts, my doubts, and my hopes. I'm an architecture student and what you talk about on your channel relates to me on a high level.
I listened to this while I was doing 30 min gesture practice and I just love it. I still have a lot to learn to call myself an artist but all the peace that drawing had brought to my life it's totally beautiful. I definitely love this video
I am a 40 jaar old first near violinist and come to life every time I get my 15 minutes with my teacher. I just veel we “ just vibe” as you call it. I feel alive and not only a student but a kindred soul. He must feel it to because I of all people “ the lowly student” got dibs on his trusty violin. I come to life when in communication with other artists. I know I will never get professional or anything. I started way to late for that. Plus I am on disability. Now I know why I could not get by in te normal “money and prestige” world. You touched me so deeply that I was crying your whole video. We artist live on the fringe because we cannot get by in the real world. I miss my lessons so hard, but play every day because it is like breathing to me. Thank you for scholing me that we do matter. I can write a book in response to you, but the heart of it all is emotion, feeling, communication, inner growth and belonging; very basic human needs that do not matter to those who do are not us. I feel real anger now and deep sadness and about what is happening right now in the world and frustration that I can not express it in a constructive way because of lack of skills. Only thing I know now is that I am not alone.although it mostly feels that way to me. I see you as you see mee. Thank you
Brilliant talk.
You've tapped directly into some things that I care for and enjoy deeply.
The feeling of being understood is uplifting.
Thank you.
And I'm going to get back on my skateboard. It's been too long.
Beautiful conclusion
Thank you very much for this, it really hit my heart, I have 24 and im passing for a really bad moment with depression again, it help me a lot, i conectet so much with you, thank you for all the content.
Just found this channel and I am so grateful. Not only are Adam’s videos information, but the atmosphere and the mood he creates is so relaxing and soothing. I am truly happy to have found such a channel, and hope that you continue putting out more amazing content like this. Thanks so much Adam.
thanks for this, as someone whos mid way trough my art career, i've been lost for a while and this made me feel like theres no need to have all the answers, i apreciate ur work :)
You put a smile on my face. You are so wise. We love you and thank you for the things that you share.
i never know whats more heart warming... Your messages, or how powerful they are to all the people in the comments section.
It never ceases to wind me reading the heartwarming messages James, and yours is no exception
I open my youtube everyday looking for your new video talks man and gosh! This one was like an arrow in my feelings, an arrow that spreads confort into it, you're such a humble guy with experience in life and lots of stories to share, your videos has been very very important to me because I've been struggling a lot with this kind of stuff, I never wanted to be famous but I always wanted to be a simple guy that inspires others like the ones that inspires me but I also never wanted to be an ghost too and its been years that I'm trying to do my best to grow my skills and putting all my heart on it but it seems that anything change. I'm looking forward to see a video talk that you bring this kind of stuff, I mean, how to not struggle in the professional life as an artist where you do everything but you still are a ghost, you do everything that people advices you to do and nothing changes, your art still in the deeps of oblivion, btw amazing video , thanks a lot Adam!
i just discovered your channel a couple days ago and im so thankful. for a half a year i have felt little passion towards art but your wisdom has revived me
sir I just found your channel today on the whim of the all-powerful algorithm in the effort to get drawing and work on my somewhat small but pretty much first real assignment that has been challenging me. your teaching is so immensely appreciated as it is so practical, enlightening, and soul inspiring. Your belief lights the fire of belief within me, and creates exactly what you described. Thank you, I will do all I can to inspire belief in others. its not all about us, that's such an important realization to be reminded of.
I defiantly needed this today! I'm a creative writer, recently new artist, and experienced programmer and I do have a lot of stress from my family and life and honestly I don't think I realized just how much that comes out in my best pieces for art and writing and funny enough those pieces are often the ones that people like. Here i've been sitting trying to figure out how to keep going and get better and become a true artists when I'm already an artist of many trades and I just need to respect my personal methods more through expression and the ways I communicate with others with my stories and my art. It's that communication and expression that I took away from this. Perhaps I missed another point from the vid but today's discover means a lot for me right now. Thanks for the awesome video.
I like what you said. Fear kept holding me back for many years. A fear of nothing. It was all in my mind. Old comments, and put downs that kept me caged. Thank you for your words. They make a difference.
YOU CHANGE MY LIFE THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! T-T You're just the person I've needed to find for years, thank you so much!!! You help me have so much more hope for the future, it feels like I can finally breathe when I'm making my art.
Hope im not the only one here who had to hear this a second time, so happy i listened to this, thank you
A friend linked me this channel the other and I've been loving every moment of your videos. I used to draw traditionally as a hobby 10 years ago and recently decided to pick up digital 4 months ago, and this has been incredible inspiration after I burned myself out on Inktober.
I love your quiet passion, I love your soothing voice. Thank you, and thank you for everything you do.
"Unless what you create, makes others less obsolete"
I cried...
I just drew my best art yet listening to your videos. Not only do you give great advice, but you set the perfect mood to draw the things I like! Thank you so much :)
I am so thankfull for finding your yt chanel. Because us artists always want to be better and proves ourselves, all art youtube chanel are about how improving, art mistakes, 5 useful tips ect.. But in the end it's so stressful, It's not about create anymore, it feels like it's about managing social media and your chanel make me remember everyday what I like in art. It calms my heart, helps me breath and make the apathy disapear for a moment. I am so thankful you are this one artist that know how it is to be in our situation and has the courage to tell us it's normal and it's okay and we'll get through this. thank you Adam for your patience and your beautiful compassion.
Hey just wanted to leave a note to you and say thank you. Right now I am sitting here, crying like a baby, feeling like this is one of "aha" moments in my life. I am not sure where this feeling will lead me, but you woke up something inside me, you deeply touched me and somehow make me believe that my dreams, feelings are nothing wrong. They are valid, I am valid, there are other people out there like me.
I am feeling like I was trying to convince myself for a years now that "art doesn't make sense", "you can't make living with it", "you should think about more serious stuff", "you are not good enough". I was always so scared to go after art career since I was afraid I will not make it financially, and I will be left alone, literally starving. I found myself well paid job in IT, I am making good money, but I also started to realize that my life is missing some essence, some purpose, the overall joy - like I started to become one of these lifeless adults who lost all hope and meaning, just drifting with the flow... I don't think well paid IT job was completely bad choice - I mean it lead me to a moment that even if I am from poor family I am financially stable now, I improved my English so I could listen to you, I learned to solve problems. I also somehow proofed myself I can learn stuff and if I spent enough time I could do everything.
Now I sitting right here, few weeks ago I decided to start some easy after-work project - coloring books for children - just so I could work on something creative and maybe... maybe one day make full time graphic design/art job possible. I found myself really happy drawing, sharing it with people, really looking forward to continue my work and being excited to do it. I was looking for videos how to improve my art and I found you and I am so glad I did. Now I can recall all my dreams of being a good artists, the dream of drawing beautiful horses, elves, fantasy stuff... The dream of being a concept artists and creating games I love so much. When I was young I was so lost and defeated when I thought about art as a career. But now something changed, I am seeing possibilities.
And you Sir gave me additional.... motivation? No motivation is not even a I good word for it. Dear Sir I am feeling like you retrieved a long lost piece of my soul that I pushed away for some many years. And I am feeling it will be so important on the journey that is ahead of me. Thank you so much!
I came here for a nice, relaxing talk but I ended up teary eyed. Love your videos and words, thank you
I just found your videos. And they are helping me so much. I have struggled with anxiety all my life. But I know that I need art to stay sane. I’ve always dreamed of making a living from my art, but have developed such crazy levels of anxiety, it really inhibits me. I’m tired of it, and this year, I’m working on loving moments of failure instead of allowing it to grow my anxiety monster ever bigger. Your videos are helping me overcome. Thank you
These videos always feel like they're made exactly for me. You share so many of my views and core beliefs, and the amount of validation I get from hearing you articulate them, and explain what they mean and how it affects life gives me so much clarity and hope when I feel lost in the complexity of everything. Thank you :)
I don't know why but I cried from the beginning and it feels so good. Thank you.
I found your channel a days ago, and I'm honestly so happy I did. I really appreciate what you do, what you teach. I have found the words that you say, in pretty much all the videos that I've watched so far, are the exact words I needed to hear. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I just found your channel through a reccomendation and listened to about a few videos throughout the day, and I've been teary-eyed, even through my workouts. I hope you continue living with love, compassion, and vitality. ❤❤❤
Adam, I dont know how to thank you enough for this video. You what you were talking about emotions, it was as if you were talking directly to me, as if you could understand my mind. I kind of have always struggled thinking of me as an artist but this helps me reasuing that I am.
Thank you for the inspiration Adam! And for all the love you share with the community
man I really love you ! thank you ( a struggling architect that had to go from Greece all the way to shanghai to discover that he should have stuck to his childhood dream to be an illustrator )
I'm just discovering this video now, but man, I wish I'd had art teachers like you when I was in school. The culture at my art school was so toxic, mainly because of the faculty who ran it; to the point where it made me give up on art for years because I felt like I was worthless as an artist. The idea of an encouraging art teacher is damn near mythical to me. I still don't know why I gravitate to art exactly, but I'm slowly starting to find joy in it again. Much of what you said resonated with me and I appreciate your insights. There need to be more teachers like you out there. Thanks!
Thank you believe in me, thank you for words and inspiration, it's so awesome that you project your energy that way and help, so thank you I'll keep moving forward 💙
This was the most beautiful conversaion in my entire life and I believe that everyone needs to hear this.
Thank You Adam. During these times of COVID 19, this is the kind of positivity that keeps people going.
I found this a couple of years ago. In speaking to a couple of friends today this came to mind within the context of artists having a hard time lately or thinking of giving up. By coincidence I found you commenting on another channel and remembered your name and the video. This is just really a great how it is soul expanding and inspiring share. I sent it to two people today because I know it really struck a chord with me when I first heard it. I was defending that the internet still had real truths and real passionate people being transparent. A heartfelt thank you and you inspire me to get drawing again too, just to express dimensions that have no need of words and just adventure and exploration :)
Absolutely beautiful. I’v just turned 30 and only 2 years ago is when I started experienced this or at least aware of it. every time I prove to my self that I can take something unknown and make known . Not become the best ,just grow /learn and have a true understanding, I have this experience. Thank you so much for this talk .
Got tears in my eyes, it felt like he was looking in my soul and directly talking to me. WOW
Had a very melancholic day today, not getting much done and just laying about, before I came across your videos. They helped me work up the gumption to finally shave my shaggy facial hair after months of avoiding it. Thanks for helping me achieve such a small victory on a day where I didn't think I could get anything done. Anything worth doing, is worth doing wrong
Was struggling in practice but put this on in the background and found focus immediatley. Thank you sir.
im literally tearing up listening to you, i really needed this. thank you so much
I came across this video and it resonated with me so much. I've struggled so much with the idea of accepting art as true passion (because of my parents forcing the "do something that will actually help you make a living", and also because of my own fear of ultimately failing, not having enough belief that I can "get there", not the first place, not better than others, but being able to technically and independently portray the beauty I see in the outside world), and something I started to think while I struggled was that I'd rather die than not be able to "get there". I'd rather die than to spend my days doing something that is meaningless to me, even if it made loads of money, or even knowing I would never get where I wanted to be. It's such a real, tangible feeling and it's also very very scary, but I just cannot hold my passion in anymore, that's why this video resonated so much with me. Thank you so much for saying all of this.
I've been loving these art chat videos lately, it's a subject close to my heart. I'm a professional musician (and occasional amateur artist) and what you say totally transfers to my field. Thanks for the encouragement as I spend lockdown grappling with trying to make meaningful music alone on a computer when I should have been touring right now. It's so cool that you also dance too, I dance cuban salsa, bachata and kizomba.