With all due respect, just because you're not witnessing it, doesn't mean it's not happening. I went from $50k last year to $17k this year because my main client started leaning more on AI than letting me do the work. It IS impacting some folks and a little respect there would be nice. We're not making shit up to be victims.
@@randomdeliveryguy Yeah, but sadly it's not a single client. I know way to many amazing professional artists seriously loosing work and clients so much that they had to either start another job or some even started using AI to speed up the process. And this is also happening even with 3D Art. Don't even get me started on graphic design and stuff like book/logo/albums covers.
@@julimibz Well, on that guy's case it was a single client. There will always be people losing work and there will always be people getting work, all I've heard is that commissions have decreased while commercial work is still going strong.
@@randomdeliveryguy Maybe, but in my comment I'm talking about many people I know loosing work. I'm actually talking about commercial work decreasing and people losing their jobs. Most of them are working for companies as graphic designers and graphic artists. Maybe it's just that you are in a better work bubble or maybe the people I know are in a bad work bubble (although most of them don't even know each other and some are from different countries)... Also, at least where I am, the salaries and demand for graphic artists/designers are significantly lower than a couple of years ago. I'm not saying you're wrong/right, but this is just what I've seen with many artists I know.
2024 is where many will rly start to Customize/Filter their experience on all the socials imo, especially in the art sphere. As great as a global community can be, there's just too much distractions/noise to truly refine (and therefore define) oneself.
Great advice Adam! As I’ve always noticed, no artist who’s better than you will ever put you down or make you feel discouraged because those who know the struggle empathize with it. Don’t they? Artists stand strong my friends! We’re not going anywhere 👍
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a couple tears listening to this. I find it so hard to gauge now days my own skill level. I’ve struggled with determining if I really am ready for the industry and if jobs are just tough to get, or if I’m fooling myself and I shouldn’t be focusing my time on finding work because I’m just too far away. It’s felt so disheartening and it truly has created a spiral effect where I second guess myself and my abilities as an artist. These were really kind words to hear, thank you Adam.
When you mention on over exposing yourself, it makes sense to avoid that because we can easily be distracted. It makes it difficult to be focused. Thank you for pointing that out.
Happy Holidays Adam. Thank you for the positive thoughts! I was recently let go form my studio job doing movie posters, so these thoughts really hit home. All the impacts emotionally of AI, self worth, and comparison have been in sharp relief recently. So this was nice to hear and internalize. It's good to know that I'm not the only artist out there struggling with this stuff daily. Here's to a creative, productive, positive new year!
I wanna know how your daughter gets those stickers, pins, keychains, christmas cards, and decorated mugs I think the fear of what I don't know despite knowing there's so much online that can teach me is why I am paralyzed- because there is so much online to watch that stops me from doing anything, the next video is queued up with another new thing of what to do. The internet has given us the library of information at our fingertips but it's up to me to regulate what and how much I watch and to actually take action with what I have instead of hoarding thousands of references and videos on how to do the same thing. I got so many videos in watch later about "composition" when I'm still learning anatomy. Its very easy to get overwhelmed. I think its anxiety of doing things wrong because there's so much telling you how to do things right. It becomes difficult to just enjoy the process and just be you. Or even if you are practicing to allow mistakes because mistakes mean you are learning, you'll just getting really harsh on yourself.
When i was a kid, my mom told me that artists cant get jobs. One day while looking for something to eat I noticed that the refrigerator was filled with art from top to bottom. So I asked her "who made all of the labels?" Of course, there was no ai to competet with so my point could be dead on arrival for anyone coming up in the field. But if you're good and have something to say with your art, you will find an audience...or an employer if thats what you want.
What you say about the growth of artist skill thanks to the internet truly cannot be overstated. While I'm relatively novice with illustration, I spent many years in a different artistic pursuit - miniatures painting, and I've taught plenty of newcomers to this hobby. What people have been painting for the last 5-7 years is simply leagues beyond to what they did just 10 years back, and floors everything what they were doing 20 years back. Certainly, the technology of modelling acryllics have improved, as has the quality of the models themselves - but the way people paint, the things they focus on, the knowledge and tips they share - the comparative growth I see everywhere is incredible. And that is because just like every other craft at large, art too benefits from the compounding effect of everyone being tighter knit, sharing information, sharing their techniques, growing frustrated at their own inadequacies and taking bold steps to try and push their skill even further. In fact, if someone completely new starts painting miniatures now, they're probably at the best time for their enjoyment and potential growth ever. It's so easy to achieve beautiful results with the newest paints and techniques, it feels so much more rewarding to see your beginner efforts, it's that much easier to paint up a large volume of models for a wargames army quickly. And it's also that much easier to get discouraged because you're STILL not as good, or don't get as much likes, or anything else. And that's where the older army books and learning guides help in their physical glory. It's enough to just break out a book from 2006 and show what was considered top tier then. They are a reminder to both the newcomers as well as myself that we have all gotten so much better. Just 15 years ago, -this- was "print a close-up of it in a commercial product" quality. Just 10 years ago, this was still great looking. Even 5 years ago, this is still a pretty darn good result when put in a beautiful mass shot! And today, this model that took tens of hours to paint individually back then now takes 30-60 minutes for comparable result, and a beginner with some simple guidance can achieve a result that I in my beginner years could only dream of. It's truly incredible! Ultimately, in wargames there's a very simple bottom line - what matters is that the models are painted and look great together as a force. It's hierarchy of detail in action, and it's something that helps in my illustration efforts as well. Sure, individually I may find plenty of flaws that I wish I could improve, but when taken together as a whole, it's a pretty darn good looking picture of good volume, good work and artistic growth clearly visible year after year. PS. And if you want to feel better at your digital art, go look up League of Legends splash art from 2011-2013. It doesn't even look in the same universe as the meticulously polished 200 hour splash art they produce today - but that was their start, that was how they established themselves and proudly kept working to become the giant company Riot is today. That's how much a decade can change!
This was very insightful and reassuring to hear. I remember speaking about a lot of this in our consultation earlier this month, death by comparison is definitely far too common in a lot of artists these days and thanks to you I'm getting a lot better at achieving growth by comparison. Every artist, young or old needs to hear someone genuinely compliment their work to help remind them that their hard work was not for nothing. great video as always Adam!
Excess of awareness of what's going on outside does paralyze the creative flow, I love the point you made about being mindful of one's creative bubble, in particular with how one gets influenced by other artists and if they speak to your process or derail it. This has been a common source of procrastination and creative blocks for me, as I get easily seduced by others' art and it's good to be aware of it to avoid that pitfall in the future! This retrospective view on the last three decades is a much needed reminder that this overwhelming sea of resources/information/disinformation/etc. didn't use to be there. The mention you made of (paraphrasing) going the extra mile for That One Niche Book difficult to find brought some memories :'D Can't thank you enough for the clarity and encouragement you bring with this video! Best of wishes for these holidays and the oncoming 2024!
Yet again, your language, mindset and thoughts helped me through my hard time as always. This years was really tough for me mentally. Burned out, doubting myself from my own work and potential to grow as an artist. Your video was one of a few things that kept me inspired, motivated to move on over the struggles that I had and still have. Every words of you was kind of a little pat on the back for me. I really needed that. Thank you is all I can say, I wish to meet you in a person one day to really say it. You are amazing Adam. 😇
Sometimes just hearing that you are ready is all you need. I have told that to students and the shock in their eyes says it all. As artist we can truly be hard on ourselves. BTW your artwork is amazing Adam.
I love your videos, and regarding about being afraid of art station and other artists, it's the contrary with me, I get highly motivated when I watch artists that I admire posting art, because I want to do all those beautiful drawings and I do my best, there has been some pieces that I have made while I was inspired that I actually like, I need more knowledge about the color theory and stuff because I have never attended an art school or something hehe. The only thing that really hurts me is the fact that the social media is drowned in ai "art".
Discovered your channel this year and am so grateful you take the time to thoughtfully explore and discuss what we as artists all mull over in our heads throughout our time on this journey. Having your library of videos has been a bright point of 2023 and I cant thank you enough for the time and consideration you put into each episode.
Thank you for all your Art Talks this year, Adam. I have an entire Playlist with all your talks that I listen to all the time while drawing. My Art skills have definitely improved a lot more thanks to your advice, especially on the matter of Know Thyself. It's very easy to compare one's Art to others & lose their own sense of purpose, but your words made me realize that I just need to be authentic & express something. Thank you. Happy holidays to you & your family too ☺️❤
Thank you for helping me remember that the snow glitters when sunlight hits the surface of the snow covered landscape outside my window. Thank you for reminding me of the lush sound of coffee being poured into my coffee cup. Thank you for reminding me that I too, can create, that it is okay to escape into the colorful world of art. That it is okay to rest when I am tired. That I can cry. Let myself drift through tears and come out on the other side, a bit lighter a bit calmer. Your voice, your message, your presence has made a difference in my life. Thank you for showing up as yourself. Thank you for helping me understand that I too, - belong. ❤
Thanks for this video man, i definitely feel ready enough to start working on a portfolio but at the same time having really high doubts. Ngl looking at other peoples art makes me feel like crap but it also lights a motivating fire. For some reason i have the feeling that im going to be a really amazing aritst someday but that time isnt now.
That Preston Blair book formed me as a human, let alone an animator! As as aging artist (just hit 40), I really appreciate your take on the state of things. I sometimes get “lost in the sauce” of the future of art, but to your point, I’m more creative than I’ve EVER been with the tools at our finger tips. It has ups and downs, but I’m optimistic as to where we can go and do with the available tools. Happy holidays and happy new year, Adam! Thank you for all you do! 🙏🥂
your last words Adam... made me cry. I am really pushing trough my art carrer, working my ass off, trying to pay bills and trying to make my dream of beign a digital artist come true.... You dont know how much this means, thank you so much, i dont know if you believe it or not, but God bless you man, i truly mean it....
Thanks for the vid. Just binged a few of your videos while I adjust into my first gig for 2024. 39 years old, freelance storyboard artist for TVC’s, film, games, and massively burnt out. Your vids do offer help, and hope. Keep it up.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Adam! I always see your process as pulling things from the dark to examine in the light. Both, in your process, and in the way you teach things. Thank you for being present with us, and heres to an awesome 2024.
Wow Adam I have never realized how much I’ve been losing my balance and kinda knocked myself out of the zone of art by just simply watching and seeing how fast and how good these other artists can produce artwork. Also I’ve been really doubting myself and questioning if I’m an artist or not because I hear wow your so talented almost all the time and never really feel like it’s true because people say shit sometimes just to make you feel good but don’t really mean it I feel like, but ever since I have found your channel Adam idk like a few years ago, you have seriously been a huge inspiration to me and I’ve realized that a lot of us artist go through same trials and hearing you talk about all the things you have gone through just shocked me because it’s so similar to the things I have gone through and you just are one of my biggest inspirations in art idk what I would do without you Adam your a huge blessing. Thx again Adam God gave you a gift man. (By the way say hi to your cats for me 😆) I love cats 😂 anyways God bless you man I’ll be praying for you and your family for peace and blessings 🙏(:
Thank you. Though I'm not an illustrator but an UI designer-this was very calm and refreshing to listen to. The main takeaway for me was that creative people like us are adaptable people ❤, we can handle any curve ball 🎾.
Man, I've been listening to you for three years. Your videos are one of my go to comforts when I was depressed during those pandemic and post-pandemic years. I just wanna say that your podcasts are one of the reasons I'm alive today and I'm so grateful. Tbh I don't really watch your videos as much as I used to, but whenever I watch some new ones it brings back those times when I'm just chilling, doing art and listening to you. Thanks a lot man and Happy New Year to you and your family.
I lost every single portfolio except the ones I already uploaded or fortunately backed up in my old external HDD due to malware attack in December. I'm so lost, and even today when I slowly working on my portfolios once more and hunting for jobs, until i listen to this video and start picking up my pen and draw again. I thank you so much for your encouragements through this video, and i cannot wait to finally finish this illustration I currently working on
I appreciate your words of advice so deeply sir, though you may do different art from myself, your words apply all round to all artistic forms. This one mmmm talk really hits close though as I (18yrs old) constantly am praised by my seniors and pro artists for my current abilities sometimes I don’t hear them clearly when they say I’m definitely beyond their skill level when they where my age. This video overall assists me in understanding my mindset and knowing I’m not alone, that I should celebrate just how much progress I make each year that passes and how incredible my passion and skill is in what I do, from my creativity to techniques and sensitivity in what I do as an artist. You have vocalised what I have been feeling for the longest while in my heart. It’s refreshing and makes me really excited for my continued future. Sometimes you just need to really hear clearly in your head: I’m going places and making things happen, I am skilled even if I don’t know everything or how to do everything. I continue to gain knowledge from you and understanding self as an artists Happy new year✨
Thank you so much for being you ❤ I dont have the words for what great inspiration you are 🙏 You are a truly positive force in this world, not only artistically but as a human being. 🤜🤛 One love ❤
I really enjoyed this. I totally agree with your comments on how incredibly skillful artists seem to be in our time. It's just mind boggling how beautiful and inspiring and even daunting a lap around Artstation or Pinterest can be - and access to learning definitely plays a roll in that. I think the greatest artists who ever lived might be alive right now - and that is just incredibly cool. I always feel like I'm blaspheming when I say this, but I have never found a ton of inspiration in Art History compared to what is available today. One half hour on Pinterest has me more gobsmacked than every museum I've ever visited 😬. Thanks for the great message to end the year Adam. Happy 2024 to you and good luck to Emily!
They really do say teaching is the greatest way to learn. You get to see a huge influx if people and their skills, it's like seeing a buffet of art and you get to pick some dishes maybe you haven't tried. (Bad analogy but you get what I'm saying lol.) I've been worried about AI but at the same time, I'm excited to see where we go as humans with art and creativity, it's only gotten more and more interesting as time as gone on. We will overcome the hurdle given a little bit of time. (But it's still hard to not think about it.)
During 2024, I’m going to make more speed drawing videos on my personal CZcams channel. I understand that such platforms like CZcams and social media can stifle creativity with such policies, and while I don’t condone posting hateful and harmful content on CZcams, next year, I’m going to make more beautiful speed drawing videos filled with beautiful art pieces for the people I care about and for myself.
"As long as artificial intelligence knows where its place is". I completely agree Adam! I don't think Ai is going to take over the art industry, because art is so personal and intricate. You can even tell the LOOK of Ai now and eventually when ppl overuse it, it'll lose its allure and ppl will eventually get tired of the overuse of Ai. But you know what won't lose its allure? Real artist expressing themselves. Ai and technology can never take ingenuity of art, its medium, or artist. That's something that is innate and deeply built throughout time. It like trying to replicate a human soul, not possible even its something has consciousness. It's just not the same.
i think there is one. (some [or most] of the music he used in his vids.) Adam Duff Arttalk music is the name of the playlist. it is really calming to listen to while drawing. Really helps me focus
Not far behind in age(40 next year) and just now taking the plunge finally to get into doing art and the plan to get my skills to a professional level. I between 2022 and 2023 lost both grandparents whom I was a caretaker of, work reduced hours so I've plenty of time even though I'm job searching. I'm hoping by this time in 2024 I'll either be doing some work in the field, or very close to being able to. I'm really still torn between traditional or digital still, but I'm really thinking now digital maybe the best way for speed and efficiency. Just got to learn/re-learn using the intuos of mine and figure out what program to use. I have Corel Painter, but also thinking on breaking down to subscribe for photoshop.
I personally reccomend to choose the medium you enjoy and not to choose a path based on what you think will be the easier option..(speed efficient) as there is no easy or fast option in any art career, all come with challenges and tasks which are time and financially consuming. Try out digital, but do it cause you love it and love learning and growing as an artist (which never stops) not cause you think it will be easier or more stable career option, a valid reason but should not be the main one.. (thats a sure way to a dissappointment and burn out.)
16:08 I've seen seen this a ton. I don't know how you haven't given you're so caught up. I do think artists will be around for a long time and AI is just an evolution, and we'll be okay. But let's not pretend these things aren't happening.
I...just can't agree with the imposter syndrome point. You make it sound as if almost every artist is not as bad as they think, but there definitely are many who just suck (I am one of them, never getting any kind of positive feedback on my art, only correct criticism). Not everyone is a diamond who just afraid of going out there. It hurts hearing this and thinking to myself:"Yeah, must be nice for THOSE people, but not loosers like me". Also, only having plenty of learning ressources online doesn't mean that you use them in the right way, find the best instantly or aunderstand them. I have watched some videos on fundamental topics repeatedly and had it often happen to me that all of the sudden it made "click" with me. Have some nice holidays and a happy new year.
To be honest I'm glad that I avoid other artists and exclusively fill my pinterest feed with photo reference. Though I ought to give myself a healthy dose of outside influences beyond that, both in inspiration and avoiding demoralizing myself. The internet destroys my soul even without the direct input of other artists that are inconceivably better than I am. I lose myself often, but I have not yet lost!
36:00 I get what you're saying, but there are absolutely way more artists now than in the past. Art is way more accessible, and there are way more outlets for people to be an artist that suits their niche.
What if you actually suck though? Like, I’m straight hot garbage, and it doesn’t feel like I ever improve. And man, I’m trying, but I feel like I’m climbing a mountain without any gear. It’s like I’m constantly fighting myself to improve.
Hey Adam, love your videos man theyre soo relaxing and educational. im trying to get back into art and do something real with it in my mid age lool but im planning on buying an ipad pro soon or wait for the 2024 one but i wanted to know have your used the samsung ultra tabs? i cant find info if their colours are true like ipads but just curious what you think about them,.
Does anyone know a good art discord or forum that I could join? I mostly work in traditional art but I've been missing an art community and would love to have other artists to talk to. If anyone knows a good one, please let me know!
I don't know, I put 20 years into art only to fail miserably every step of the way. I put my nose to the grindstone until I carved my face off. I showed up early, left late and just never struck oil. Frankly, what "the artists who make it" forget to tell starting artists is: While anyone can be an artist, not everybody should. If you lack the aptitude to grow into or simply lack the potential, you can fail as often and as long as you like and go absolutely nowhere. I think people should be more honest that, like the self help movement, if it were possible for everyone, why the hell aren't we drowning in billionaires, playboys, CEOs, Rembrandts and Monets? You know what I'd like to see? A video about when you can be sure you'll never be an artist. There's gotta be a metric out there somewhere ...
Really? So many beautiful words. It's sweet to listen to you. But then I return to reality: online galleries are full of the same type of art that digital artists produce on a conveyor belt. I'm not even talking about AI, that's just a cancer infecting Pinterest so instead of inspiration you get demotivation. If we're being serious, maybe there are prospects for artists who will go beyond the canvas, who will start to create more complex products like short movies, indie games, I don't know. But you mentioned that very casually. Honestly, as an artist, I just feel aborted, killed before even being born. Cannot imagine how shall feel the people who made it their profession.
This video will age like milk... have you seen how many people have been laid off? and wizards, wacom, ubisoft... even yt video thumbnail now they all used ai instead of hiring artists.
That’s a common beginner mistake - AI can’t replace learning, it can only serve as a tool to help you The same goes with photobashing, 3D assets etc.. Amateurness shines through when the artist wielding the technology lacks training
not everyone is interested in sketching+coloring, lots of people enjoy other methods, like you said. The results can be epic when people master those ways and should be appreciated. @@AdamDuffArt
Advanced painting isn't as important. Though having enough fundamentals still is super impactful when using AI. Drawing I'd say is far more important with how the tools work than painting and rendering.
There is no "career" with AI, think about it for a second the goal of these algorithms is automation ie to remove the human component from the task, the most you could hope to do would be to monitor the process and even then you wouldn't need many people for that.
I meaning 3d and photobashing methods, photo editing etc. The Ai of course doesn't need any efforts, so it's more like phone photography I guess. @@BombaJead
With all due respect, just because you're not witnessing it, doesn't mean it's not happening. I went from $50k last year to $17k this year because my main client started leaning more on AI than letting me do the work. It IS impacting some folks and a little respect there would be nice. We're not making shit up to be victims.
I'm sorry about that, but you shouldn't lean on a single client for anything, even more if it's comission based.
@@randomdeliveryguy Yeah, but sadly it's not a single client. I know way to many amazing professional artists seriously loosing work and clients so much that they had to either start another job or some even started using AI to speed up the process. And this is also happening even with 3D Art. Don't even get me started on graphic design and stuff like book/logo/albums covers.
@@julimibz Well, on that guy's case it was a single client. There will always be people losing work and there will always be people getting work, all I've heard is that commissions have decreased while commercial work is still going strong.
@@randomdeliveryguy Maybe, but in my comment I'm talking about many people I know loosing work. I'm actually talking about commercial work decreasing and people losing their jobs. Most of them are working for companies as graphic designers and graphic artists. Maybe it's just that you are in a better work bubble or maybe the people I know are in a bad work bubble (although most of them don't even know each other and some are from different countries)... Also, at least where I am, the salaries and demand for graphic artists/designers are significantly lower than a couple of years ago. I'm not saying you're wrong/right, but this is just what I've seen with many artists I know.
yup, and they're the only client in the world/ revenue stream you could generate...
I love that you merged the "me speaking to the camera" video format with the "speedpaint while I talk" video format 🖤
It’s my first time, I’m happy you liked it :)
Agreed!
i love that too. wow
its very good @@AdamDuffArt
2024 is where many will rly start to Customize/Filter their experience on all the socials imo, especially in the art sphere. As great as a global community can be, there's just too much distractions/noise to truly refine (and therefore define) oneself.
Great advice Adam! As I’ve always noticed, no artist who’s better than you will ever put you down or make you feel discouraged because those who know the struggle empathize with it. Don’t they? Artists stand strong my friends! We’re not going anywhere 👍
Omg that whole part about being derailed by other artists while painting was such a big thing for me. Took me a while to learn that and change it 💖
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a couple tears listening to this. I find it so hard to gauge now days my own skill level. I’ve struggled with determining if I really am ready for the industry and if jobs are just tough to get, or if I’m fooling myself and I shouldn’t be focusing my time on finding work because I’m just too far away. It’s felt so disheartening and it truly has created a spiral effect where I second guess myself and my abilities as an artist. These were really kind words to hear, thank you Adam.
When you mention on over exposing yourself, it makes sense to avoid that because we can easily be distracted. It makes it difficult to be focused. Thank you for pointing that out.
I started art because of your videos ! I love how you speak from experience And how you’re so realistically optimistic! Thank you for your art talks
Thanks Adam, for showing up in the camera more often.
and for being so lucid, in these very opaque times :)
Pun, intended, I imagine?
And thank you of course
Happy Holidays Adam. Thank you for the positive thoughts! I was recently let go form my studio job doing movie posters, so these thoughts really hit home. All the impacts emotionally of AI, self worth, and comparison have been in sharp relief recently. So this was nice to hear and internalize. It's good to know that I'm not the only artist out there struggling with this stuff daily. Here's to a creative, productive, positive new year!
I wanna know how your daughter gets those stickers, pins, keychains, christmas cards, and decorated mugs I think the fear of what I don't know despite knowing there's so much online that can teach me is why I am paralyzed- because there is so much online to watch that stops me from doing anything, the next video is queued up with another new thing of what to do. The internet has given us the library of information at our fingertips but it's up to me to regulate what and how much I watch and to actually take action with what I have instead of hoarding thousands of references and videos on how to do the same thing.
I got so many videos in watch later about "composition" when I'm still learning anatomy. Its very easy to get overwhelmed. I think its anxiety of doing things wrong because there's so much telling you how to do things right. It becomes difficult to just enjoy the process and just be you. Or even if you are practicing to allow mistakes because mistakes mean you are learning, you'll just getting really harsh on yourself.
When i was a kid, my mom told me that artists cant get jobs. One day while looking for something to eat I noticed that the refrigerator was filled with art from top to bottom. So I asked her "who made all of the labels?" Of course, there was no ai to competet with so my point could be dead on arrival for anyone coming up in the field. But if you're good and have something to say with your art, you will find an audience...or an employer if thats what you want.
What you say about the growth of artist skill thanks to the internet truly cannot be overstated. While I'm relatively novice with illustration, I spent many years in a different artistic pursuit - miniatures painting, and I've taught plenty of newcomers to this hobby.
What people have been painting for the last 5-7 years is simply leagues beyond to what they did just 10 years back, and floors everything what they were doing 20 years back. Certainly, the technology of modelling acryllics have improved, as has the quality of the models themselves - but the way people paint, the things they focus on, the knowledge and tips they share - the comparative growth I see everywhere is incredible. And that is because just like every other craft at large, art too benefits from the compounding effect of everyone being tighter knit, sharing information, sharing their techniques, growing frustrated at their own inadequacies and taking bold steps to try and push their skill even further.
In fact, if someone completely new starts painting miniatures now, they're probably at the best time for their enjoyment and potential growth ever. It's so easy to achieve beautiful results with the newest paints and techniques, it feels so much more rewarding to see your beginner efforts, it's that much easier to paint up a large volume of models for a wargames army quickly. And it's also that much easier to get discouraged because you're STILL not as good, or don't get as much likes, or anything else.
And that's where the older army books and learning guides help in their physical glory. It's enough to just break out a book from 2006 and show what was considered top tier then. They are a reminder to both the newcomers as well as myself that we have all gotten so much better. Just 15 years ago, -this- was "print a close-up of it in a commercial product" quality. Just 10 years ago, this was still great looking. Even 5 years ago, this is still a pretty darn good result when put in a beautiful mass shot! And today, this model that took tens of hours to paint individually back then now takes 30-60 minutes for comparable result, and a beginner with some simple guidance can achieve a result that I in my beginner years could only dream of. It's truly incredible!
Ultimately, in wargames there's a very simple bottom line - what matters is that the models are painted and look great together as a force. It's hierarchy of detail in action, and it's something that helps in my illustration efforts as well. Sure, individually I may find plenty of flaws that I wish I could improve, but when taken together as a whole, it's a pretty darn good looking picture of good volume, good work and artistic growth clearly visible year after year.
PS. And if you want to feel better at your digital art, go look up League of Legends splash art from 2011-2013. It doesn't even look in the same universe as the meticulously polished 200 hour splash art they produce today - but that was their start, that was how they established themselves and proudly kept working to become the giant company Riot is today. That's how much a decade can change!
Yup, been there, done that! I have learned so much in the past 5 years than I did in all of my Junior and High School years just on CZcams.
This was very insightful and reassuring to hear. I remember speaking about a lot of this in our consultation earlier this month, death by comparison is definitely far too common in a lot of artists these days and thanks to you I'm getting a lot better at achieving growth by comparison. Every artist, young or old needs to hear someone genuinely compliment their work to help remind them that their hard work was not for nothing. great video as always Adam!
Excess of awareness of what's going on outside does paralyze the creative flow, I love the point you made about being mindful of one's creative bubble, in particular with how one gets influenced by other artists and if they speak to your process or derail it. This has been a common source of procrastination and creative blocks for me, as I get easily seduced by others' art and it's good to be aware of it to avoid that pitfall in the future!
This retrospective view on the last three decades is a much needed reminder that this overwhelming sea of resources/information/disinformation/etc. didn't use to be there. The mention you made of (paraphrasing) going the extra mile for That One Niche Book difficult to find brought some memories :'D
Can't thank you enough for the clarity and encouragement you bring with this video! Best of wishes for these holidays and the oncoming 2024!
Yet again, your language, mindset and thoughts helped me through my hard time as always. This years was really tough for me mentally. Burned out, doubting myself from my own work and potential to grow as an artist. Your video was one of a few things that kept me inspired, motivated to move on over the struggles that I had and still have. Every words of you was kind of a little pat on the back for me. I really needed that. Thank you is all I can say, I wish to meet you in a person one day to really say it. You are amazing Adam. 😇
Sometimes just hearing that you are ready is all you need. I have told that to students and the shock in their eyes says it all. As artist we can truly be hard on ourselves. BTW your artwork is amazing Adam.
I love your videos, and regarding about being afraid of art station and other artists, it's the contrary with me, I get highly motivated when I watch artists that I admire posting art, because I want to do all those beautiful drawings and I do my best, there has been some pieces that I have made while I was inspired that I actually like, I need more knowledge about the color theory and stuff because I have never attended an art school or something hehe. The only thing that really hurts me is the fact that the social media is drowned in ai "art".
Discovered your channel this year and am so grateful you take the time to thoughtfully explore and discuss what we as artists all mull over in our heads throughout our time on this journey. Having your library of videos has been a bright point of 2023 and I cant thank you enough for the time and consideration you put into each episode.
Thank you for all your Art Talks this year, Adam. I have an entire Playlist with all your talks that I listen to all the time while drawing. My Art skills have definitely improved a lot more thanks to your advice, especially on the matter of Know Thyself. It's very easy to compare one's Art to others & lose their own sense of purpose, but your words made me realize that I just need to be authentic & express something. Thank you. Happy holidays to you & your family too ☺️❤
this made me cry, thank you for your words of courage and spirit
Thank you for helping me remember that the snow glitters when sunlight hits the surface of the snow covered landscape outside my window. Thank you for reminding me of the lush sound of coffee being poured into my coffee cup.
Thank you for reminding me that I too, can create, that it is okay to escape into the colorful world of art. That it is okay to rest when I am tired. That I can cry. Let myself drift through tears and come out on the other side, a bit lighter a bit calmer.
Your voice, your message, your presence has made a difference in my life. Thank you for showing up as yourself. Thank you for helping me understand that I too, - belong.
❤
Your videos are always very uplifting and reassuring. Thanks for what you do!
Thanks for this video man, i definitely feel ready enough to start working on a portfolio but at the same time having really high doubts. Ngl looking at other peoples art makes me feel like crap but it also lights a motivating fire. For some reason i have the feeling that im going to be a really amazing aritst someday but that time isnt now.
Thanks will never be enough for what you do. Wish you the best of holidays and 2024 begginings Adam!
To you too Nando :)
That Preston Blair book formed me as a human, let alone an animator! As as aging artist (just hit 40), I really appreciate your take on the state of things. I sometimes get “lost in the sauce” of the future of art, but to your point, I’m more creative than I’ve EVER been with the tools at our finger tips. It has ups and downs, but I’m optimistic as to where we can go and do with the available tools. Happy holidays and happy new year, Adam! Thank you for all you do! 🙏🥂
your last words Adam... made me cry. I am really pushing trough my art carrer, working my ass off, trying to pay bills and trying to make my dream of beign a digital artist come true.... You dont know how much this means, thank you so much, i dont know if you believe it or not, but God bless you man, i truly mean it....
Im saving this for the day i leave home and i can send this to certain pple for downplaying the little progress ive had
Thanks for the vid. Just binged a few of your videos while I adjust into my first gig for 2024. 39 years old, freelance storyboard artist for TVC’s, film, games, and massively burnt out. Your vids do offer help, and hope. Keep it up.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Adam! I always see your process as pulling things from the dark to examine in the light. Both, in your process, and in the way you teach things. Thank you for being present with us, and heres to an awesome 2024.
Wow Adam I have never realized how much I’ve been losing my balance and kinda knocked myself out of the zone of art by just simply watching and seeing how fast and how good these other artists can produce artwork. Also I’ve been really doubting myself and questioning if I’m an artist or not because I hear wow your so talented almost all the time and never really feel like it’s true because people say shit sometimes just to make you feel good but don’t really mean it I feel like, but ever since I have found your channel Adam idk like a few years ago, you have seriously been a huge inspiration to me and I’ve realized that a lot of us artist go through same trials and hearing you talk about all the things you have gone through just shocked me because it’s so similar to the things I have gone through and you just are one of my biggest inspirations in art idk what I would do without you Adam your a huge blessing. Thx again Adam God gave you a gift man. (By the way say hi to your cats for me 😆) I love cats 😂 anyways God bless you man I’ll be praying for you and your family for peace and blessings 🙏(:
Thank you.
Though I'm not an illustrator but an UI designer-this was very calm and refreshing to listen to. The main takeaway for me was that creative people like us are adaptable people ❤, we can handle any curve ball 🎾.
CZcams has been essential for my growth as an artist. Grateful for this channel and others like this🥰
Man, I've been listening to you for three years. Your videos are one of my go to comforts when I was depressed during those pandemic and post-pandemic years. I just wanna say that your podcasts are one of the reasons I'm alive today and I'm so grateful. Tbh I don't really watch your videos as much as I used to, but whenever I watch some new ones it brings back those times when I'm just chilling, doing art and listening to you. Thanks a lot man and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Wishing you a great new year 2024 Adam, been your subscriber since 2017, kind regards from the Netherlands.
''I'm gonna stand my ground with my opinion''
I lost every single portfolio except the ones I already uploaded or fortunately backed up in my old external HDD due to malware attack in December. I'm so lost, and even today when I slowly working on my portfolios once more and hunting for jobs, until i listen to this video and start picking up my pen and draw again. I thank you so much for your encouragements through this video, and i cannot wait to finally finish this illustration I currently working on
I appreciate your words of advice so deeply sir, though you may do different art from myself, your words apply all round to all artistic forms. This one mmmm talk really hits close though as I (18yrs old) constantly am praised by my seniors and pro artists for my current abilities sometimes I don’t hear them clearly when they say I’m definitely beyond their skill level when they where my age. This video overall assists me in understanding my mindset and knowing I’m not alone, that I should celebrate just how much progress I make each year that passes and how incredible my passion and skill is in what I do, from my creativity to techniques and sensitivity in what I do as an artist. You have vocalised what I have been feeling for the longest while in my heart. It’s refreshing and makes me really excited for my continued future. Sometimes you just need to really hear clearly in your head: I’m going places and making things happen, I am skilled even if I don’t know everything or how to do everything.
I continue to gain knowledge from you and understanding self as an artists
Happy new year✨
Thank you for a hopeful and positive message. So very valuable and appreciated among all the doom and gloom.
Thank you.
Not because I think I'm a great artist but because encouraging me (us) not to give up.
Thank you so much for being you ❤ I dont have the words for what great inspiration you are 🙏 You are a truly positive force in this world, not only artistically but as a human being. 🤜🤛 One love ❤
I really enjoyed this. I totally agree with your comments on how incredibly skillful artists seem to be in our time. It's just mind boggling how beautiful and inspiring and even daunting a lap around Artstation or Pinterest can be - and access to learning definitely plays a roll in that. I think the greatest artists who ever lived might be alive right now - and that is just incredibly cool. I always feel like I'm blaspheming when I say this, but I have never found a ton of inspiration in Art History compared to what is available today. One half hour on Pinterest has me more gobsmacked than every museum I've ever visited 😬. Thanks for the great message to end the year Adam. Happy 2024 to you and good luck to Emily!
I have avoided getting into Pinterest because of my fear of not being able to get back out.
Love you adam! Wish all the best in everything and in health.
Thank you very much for this. It really helps.
They really do say teaching is the greatest way to learn. You get to see a huge influx if people and their skills, it's like seeing a buffet of art and you get to pick some dishes maybe you haven't tried. (Bad analogy but you get what I'm saying lol.) I've been worried about AI but at the same time, I'm excited to see where we go as humans with art and creativity, it's only gotten more and more interesting as time as gone on. We will overcome the hurdle given a little bit of time. (But it's still hard to not think about it.)
Such a strong video to close to year, thanks for sharing these thoughts and truths, and happy new year (soon)
Thanks for the kind words for artists Adam!
Thank you for your videos. It has always helped me learn and realise there is so much more for me to experience in life as a whole and not just art!
Thanks! It was really useful for me! Yep, social media sometimes shuts down the voice of creativity
I missed you so much last month D: Im happy to see a new video of you and I love the combination with the camera
Thanks for all the warming thought you provide to everyone!
Take care of you and all my Best Wishes for 2024!! We can do it!
I love watching your videos while I work!
Tq for always sharing advice and comfort to all of us. Happy holiday!
During 2024, I’m going to make more speed drawing videos on my personal CZcams channel. I understand that such platforms like CZcams and social media can stifle creativity with such policies, and while I don’t condone posting hateful and harmful content on CZcams, next year, I’m going to make more beautiful speed drawing videos filled with beautiful art pieces for the people I care about and for myself.
Thanks for the video as always, Adam! Happy Holidays and a great 2024 :)
happy holidays Adam!!
so many fantastic tips, lovely work 😊😊
Thoughts on the new istebrak video exposing sycra? She mentioned you as the only positive creator collab experience she had.
"As long as artificial intelligence knows where its place is". I completely agree Adam! I don't think Ai is going to take over the art industry, because art is so personal and intricate. You can even tell the LOOK of Ai now and eventually when ppl overuse it, it'll lose its allure and ppl will eventually get tired of the overuse of Ai. But you know what won't lose its allure? Real artist expressing themselves. Ai and technology can never take ingenuity of art, its medium, or artist. That's something that is innate and deeply built throughout time. It like trying to replicate a human soul, not possible even its something has consciousness. It's just not the same.
Do you have a sportify playlist, maybe with the kind of music you put in your videos or a relaxing one for deep work/drawing session?
I personally use Tidal for music and don’t upload my own videos anywhere else yet - but if the demand is there I’ll make a note of it
i think there is one. (some [or most] of the music he used in his vids.) Adam Duff Arttalk music is the name of the playlist.
it is really calming to listen to while drawing. Really helps me focus
Well reasoned, balanced. Agree. ✨😎
This is what i needed this was the perfect time, thanks
Thanks for posting the. Feels good.
Not far behind in age(40 next year) and just now taking the plunge finally to get into doing art and the plan to get my skills to a professional level. I between 2022 and 2023 lost both grandparents whom I was a caretaker of, work reduced hours so I've plenty of time even though I'm job searching. I'm hoping by this time in 2024 I'll either be doing some work in the field, or very close to being able to. I'm really still torn between traditional or digital still, but I'm really thinking now digital maybe the best way for speed and efficiency. Just got to learn/re-learn using the intuos of mine and figure out what program to use. I have Corel Painter, but also thinking on breaking down to subscribe for photoshop.
I personally reccomend to choose the medium you enjoy and not to choose a path based on what you think will be the easier option..(speed efficient) as there is no easy or fast option in any art career, all come with challenges and tasks which are time and financially consuming. Try out digital, but do it cause you love it and love learning and growing as an artist (which never stops) not cause you think it will be easier or more stable career option, a valid reason but should not be the main one.. (thats a sure way to a dissappointment and burn out.)
16:08 I've seen seen this a ton. I don't know how you haven't given you're so caught up. I do think artists will be around for a long time and AI is just an evolution, and we'll be okay. But let's not pretend these things aren't happening.
❤🎉🎉 Happy New Year, Teach!
I...just can't agree with the imposter syndrome point. You make it sound as if almost every artist is not as bad as they think, but there definitely are many who just suck (I am one of them, never getting any kind of positive feedback on my art, only correct criticism). Not everyone is a diamond who just afraid of going out there. It hurts hearing this and thinking to myself:"Yeah, must be nice for THOSE people, but not loosers like me". Also, only having plenty of learning ressources online doesn't mean that you use them in the right way, find the best instantly or aunderstand them. I have watched some videos on fundamental topics repeatedly and had it often happen to me that all of the sudden it made "click" with me.
Have some nice holidays and a happy new year.
At least you got criticism as feedback. That's better than not getting anything, trust me.
Happy Holidays.
I have not received any order in over 6 months because AI can do what I do lol
37:03 You're goddamn right
To be honest I'm glad that I avoid other artists and exclusively fill my pinterest feed with photo reference. Though I ought to give myself a healthy dose of outside influences beyond that, both in inspiration and avoiding demoralizing myself. The internet destroys my soul even without the direct input of other artists that are inconceivably better than I am. I lose myself often, but I have not yet lost!
Thank you Adam.
Thank you
36:00 I get what you're saying, but there are absolutely way more artists now than in the past. Art is way more accessible, and there are way more outlets for people to be an artist that suits their niche.
Commercial Art is fundamentally different from Fine Art. ❤
What if you actually suck though? Like, I’m straight hot garbage, and it doesn’t feel like I ever improve. And man, I’m trying, but I feel like I’m climbing a mountain without any gear. It’s like I’m constantly fighting myself to improve.
I love this man
Hey Adam, love your videos man theyre soo relaxing and educational. im trying to get back into art and do something real with it in my mid age lool but im planning on buying an ipad pro soon or wait for the 2024 one but i wanted to know have your used the samsung ultra tabs? i cant find info if their colours are true like ipads but just curious what you think about them,.
How far are you booked, Adam?
Hey Carnogoth, you’re welcome to email me directly if you need more info - there’s a link in the description :)
We're both horse riders, and the car gets invented. Are you going to grab the pitchforks?
I'm learning to drive!
Who's cutting onions in this video 😭😭😭😭😭
I am!
Does anyone know a good art discord or forum that I could join? I mostly work in traditional art but I've been missing an art community and would love to have other artists to talk to. If anyone knows a good one, please let me know!
I don't know, I put 20 years into art only to fail miserably every step of the way. I put my nose to the grindstone until I carved my face off. I showed up early, left late and just never struck oil. Frankly, what "the artists who make it" forget to tell starting artists is: While anyone can be an artist, not everybody should. If you lack the aptitude to grow into or simply lack the potential, you can fail as often and as long as you like and go absolutely nowhere. I think people should be more honest that, like the self help movement, if it were possible for everyone, why the hell aren't we drowning in billionaires, playboys, CEOs, Rembrandts and Monets?
You know what I'd like to see? A video about when you can be sure you'll never be an artist. There's gotta be a metric out there somewhere ...
Don't forget that thé absence if metrics for you are going to make it or not feeds a market for people who sell online courses. .
know thyself
Really? So many beautiful words. It's sweet to listen to you. But then I return to reality: online galleries are full of the same type of art that digital artists produce on a conveyor belt. I'm not even talking about AI, that's just a cancer infecting Pinterest so instead of inspiration you get demotivation. If we're being serious, maybe there are prospects for artists who will go beyond the canvas, who will start to create more complex products like short movies, indie games, I don't know. But you mentioned that very casually. Honestly, as an artist, I just feel aborted, killed before even being born. Cannot imagine how shall feel the people who made it their profession.
This video will age like milk...
have you seen how many people have been laid off?
and wizards, wacom, ubisoft... even yt video thumbnail
now they all used ai instead of hiring artists.
Not sure if this gives me hope or makes me feel like an absolute fraud 😅. I guess that's for me to meditate on.
Regardless of that... Great video!
I love you
"Welcome to my last art talk." Oh no, what?! "...of 2023." Oh thank goodness :)
I definitely wouldn’t announce it so casually :)
Less than a month and this video already aged like milk lmfao
This aged like milk
AI Won..adapt and move on.
"techgum"
Learn to use AI to help your career, a lot of the basic drawing and painting practice are not as important these days
That’s a common beginner mistake - AI can’t replace learning, it can only serve as a tool to help you
The same goes with photobashing, 3D assets etc..
Amateurness shines through when the artist wielding the technology lacks training
not everyone is interested in sketching+coloring, lots of people enjoy other methods, like you said. The results can be epic when people master those ways and should be appreciated. @@AdamDuffArt
Advanced painting isn't as important. Though having enough fundamentals still is super impactful when using AI. Drawing I'd say is far more important with how the tools work than painting and rendering.
There is no "career" with AI, think about it for a second the goal of these algorithms is automation ie to remove the human component from the task, the most you could hope to do would be to monitor the process and even then you wouldn't need many people for that.
I meaning 3d and photobashing methods, photo editing etc. The Ai of course doesn't need any efforts, so it's more like phone photography I guess. @@BombaJead
Every time I am slipping from my art and begin to procrastinate, one of your videos finds its way to my recommended, thanks for the vids!
yeah