I've always had the idea that people would only care about the silly pictures I draw and that's all I should strive to do. It's easy to forget we are all still people at the end of the day.
True, almost all my favorite artists are people who i don't even know their face or voices or even opinions, most speak languages i don't know, i just know their names, i thought that that's enough, but going to conventions, seems like people favor the outgoing and charismatic artists
Such a nice talk! Artists at cons bit was so true. Luckily I'm the HEY HEY one. :D A little related story: Recently, I've gathered some courage and went out to a café to draw, something I didn't do. No big expectations and mind-blowing artwork, just getting out, getting some mileage and being more social. I didn't realize how much that would mean to me. It's been a regular thing for a few months now, and I've met a few dozen people. Several other artists joined in a few times, there were young art students who showed me their art and asked for advice. All really nice people who now know who I am and what I do, AND the other way around. With all this, I also drew and sketched more than in a long time, getting slowly better at some things like traditional mixed media drawing. I may even have a few new actual friends. It felt good to not be invisible in this manner, even in this small local environment in a city in Serbia. Now when I come to the café to draw, I first have to say hello to everyone else I know in three languages, and then maybe sit and spread out my stuff. It's also nice to say goodbye to all using their names when wrapping up and leaving. Maybe a bit cheesy, but wanted to share. Online, my fav getting out there place is Twitch, I like livestreaming and interacting, but I've been in a slump, gotta get back into it. Maybe even get the camera back on, turned it off a while back to make it a bit easier to go live, no worries about looks and lighting. :D But gotta let people see me at least now and then! Putting a face and a voice to the art, quite important after all, seems like.
Nice to see you on here! I love your art and your short story really inspires me, I want to go and draw at a cafe now I just wanted to say that even if I did not have much time to come back to your streams I always enjoyed them a lot, you radiate a calm and kind energy and your art is gorgeous
There's a saying in spanish that goes: "El que no llora no mama" witch roughly translates to "Baby who doesn't cry doesn't get milk", meaning that if we don't draw attention to ourselves we won't be seen and our wants won't be met. Very in line with the message of the video!
i swear to god, the MORE i talk to potential customers, the better they feel about buying art pieces and commissions from me . i think inherently, no matter how shy you are as a person....art helps us connect as people...and so the more you practice making connections with people, through art and art discourse, the better your success. ive forced myself to get used to drawing and public...and the amount of people who stop and stare and end up buying something is amazing. the amount of people that stay and talk about art and related interests...it astounded me how many people are really interested...and all it took was a bit more courage from me to interact and connect with people art is a people centered job, because we want people to see, connect and experience art. i were not thinking about the people , you wont have an audience. great stuff rom adam duff again, as usual.
This video came at the perfect time. I'm a shy and reserved individual, like many artists. However, recently my father gave me some tough love by stating the following: "If you want the world to recognize you, you need to get out of your shell and open up. You need to get out there and show the world that you exist and of what you can do. Otherwise, no one will ever know that either you or your art ever existed." After many years, I finally choose to open up. Thank you, Adam, for really highlighting this.
Funny enough, felt like that when I was at art school. First week of classes I tried to engage and talk to people, but most of the time people wouldn't look up, talk, and just keep on working. They were good people, but they just never seemed to want to interact. I remember the first week of class everyone was pulling a late night in one of the classrooms, trying to get work done, and I decided to go out, get some snacks (like donuts I think, it's been a few years), and set them out for everyone. I was like, "hey guys, I got some snacks for you", trying to be friendly....and not a single person looked up, got up, or acknowledged, just kept to themselves. I felt so awkward. Lets just say I didn't make many friends in school. Only friends I could make were with people outside of my program. (Also seemed people were only interested in talking to you if you had amazing art or a large social media following. It was a very lonely experience. >_>)
I feel like I've heard this story before. Just curious, but did you post about this on Reddit somewhere? I dunno, just sounds really familiar. That really sucks no one even acknowledged the donuts btw; props to you for actually going out of your way to socialize! I hope you're doing well!
I don't know how it's for other small artist online, but I get really frustrated sometimes. Because I reach out A LOT. I know how hard it is to get friends (or comrades or whatever you could call it) in niche hobbys or in this fast paced world, where there is this "elbow-mentality" (which means: not helping each other, discussing stuff because someone could steal a business idea or where someone got their pins from etc). So I want to have people around me who are struggling the same (building their business or trying to get better at their art). I try not to be forceful, open minded and welcoming, but most of the time the people either start ghosting me or I'm not getting into "their circle" because everyone seems to have one already. When I try to talk to better artist because I think we can help each other out in some ways or even try to ask for mentorship (paid, whatever) I don't get answers. I am sometimes really tired, because for me, art isn't only my passion or something like that. I love art. I love creating, I love looking at it. I try so often, asking, reaching out to people but I always get left behind in some way. I don't know if it's just that these people aren't the right people for me but sometimes I am really tired of trying. But you are right: I can't stop and people should really start reaching out. It can be so lonely to be an artist.
Your art is cute and your energy is really sweet on your yt channel❤️maybe don't reach out to others instead let others come find you. The right mentor friendships and people will find their way to you in right time👍⭐
I totally get it - I tried to connect through social media but it all kinda falls flat - I have some online friends but it's not really going anywhere career-wise, if you know what I'm saying. But I've notice that talking to people irl really makes a difference - I see you run a YT channel ect (subscribed!) so obviously you record in English to attract more people, but maybe try working more locally? I used to run most of my social media in English, but now i switched back to Polish so I connect with my locals and I feel like it made a difference as well - since a lot of the time people didn't even know where I'm from and they didn't feel as connected I guess, idk? And as Adam said, go to convention (or any similar event) - you dont even need a booth tbh, I had people hand me stickers with their IG name ect that I follow and talk to to this day - and try to talk to people who seems to like similar stuff to you, and I'm sure you're gonna find your people sooner or later
This is exactly how I've felt! 😢 I've tried both reaching out to people, and just trying my own things across social media. But I've felt my drawings don't hit any points for conversation. The only person who I could talk about with these things, decided to delete his social media, and I don't have contact with him anymore. And I've always had a small presence despite how hard I try to progress. It feels like: am I a bother, or just boring?
"Sociability as a muscle" lit a light bulb for me. I have past experience as retail worker, as a teacher and as an indie art director, and yet, since I've returned to work from my maternity leave (first time mom here!), socializing has felt shockingly.... draining. I'm finding myself fumbling through social situations I would have usually breezed through. But yes, something I say to my students all the time: being a fantastic artist will only get you so far. You want to open doors, get opportunities and be remembered? That's people skills. Whether it's social media or actual mingling, that's how you get picked instead of someone else. It can be rough, but you have to try. And if you can't be bombastic, be kind, be curious, be receptive. There's more than one way to leave an impression. Great video as always, Adam! It's like you always know exactly what's been on my mind. And your painting process is always such a delight to watch!!
So true. Art Schools and Art Colleges ought to have salesmanship skills as part of their curriculum. Networking and connectivity even with other artists is fundamental. Communicating with others is key. This is important for those producing youtube channels etc. as well....Likewise, so important for those selling on-line to attract other people, especially buyers... This is a valuable podcast for all to listen and learn. Do not judge people by appearance....so right...Oh and by the way....I'm a good chess player.....lol....I so enjoyed your talk. Thank you. xx
I'm usually impressed by people who draw at cons. Just because it's very loud and highly demanding of attention. I think to myself "what a true artist, this is why they can be here and make it as artists". So this is pretty informative as to why I can't get people to look at my art online. I definitely struggle at selling things/me. I'm being shown this these days trying to sell my house as well. So the lesson I'm hearing is to be more memorable. But memorable from being kind to people. Yet I feel it won't be genuine because I'm typing this on the video that says to do the thing. I do appreciate the advice that you've been giving in the art talks of yours that I've watched.
Pretty sure many artists disappear into their work not to be terrified out their minds to be in that loud and chaotic place, to zone it out to survive it ^^. There are endless possibilities of getting criticized and compared and comparing yourself to others in a place like that. There is also the danger of strangers talking up to you and not being a dickhead sales person while also being a starving artist. Some make a considerable portion of their money at such conventions. It is also a stress to get set up and that stress stretches out to infinity in the planning stages. To drown in your work is to drown in something familiar and yours at a foreign loud place. Being social is a skill, not something you are born with. People get born mostly good at breathing and not much else. Some are just constantly working on their art, granted, but many pretty sure do that to escape reality of that loud commotion.
I think, for the most part, I can agree with the aspect of likeability when it comes to being seen and trying to sell your work, rather than hide away behind your tecnical art skills and let them do the work for you. But this still fails to acknowledge a big part of the problem in our society that has prevented a lot of different kinds of people to be able to participate in and be part of it, in the way that feels most natural to them. As someone who suspects very much to be on the spectrum, and comes from a rather difficult background, growing and developing my sociability and likeability were crucial skills for survival. Most people can learn these things through practice and intuition, while me and a lot of asd people are forced to manually and carefully learn the art of subtlety and code-switching and conversation to connect with you and, as result, feel drained and exausted by it. It's not sustainable for a lot of us and it can lead to many of us having to deal with a lifetime of mental illnesses and, most importantly, burnout. I do agree with you on a lot of different fronts and have watched many of your previous videos depicting different topics on mental health and finding your place in the art community. It's very clear that you put a lot of thought behind everything you share and are careful and kind enough to understand the struggles of shy or awkward individuals. I do still feel people forget that a lot of those art spaces are filled, by and large, by neurodivergent folk, as it's the only place where we get to fully express ourselves in a way that makes us feel seen and heard without having to rely on our words too much or be hyper aware of our body language. We get to be human and share something with others in a less judgemental space and finally connect with you. Sadly, when it comes to pursuing art as career, which is still one of the few and sometimes most viable option for a lot of us (who aren't into tech or mathematically gifted), we are still left behind and left out. The landscape on diversity and neurodiversity acceptance is gladly evolving, but it's a very slow progress, and it takes people like you to really make that change happen. I hope this doesn't come across as rude or critical in any way! Just an important note to keep in mind for future encounters and conventions. Most of us do want to connect with you, but just can't in the way that a lot of people expect us to. Once again, great video Adam! I'm very much looking forward to seeing more of your videos as they are a great comfort to me when I'm stuck or need a bit of a boost in my art ahaha You're doing a great job and helping a lot people finding their passion in art again, me being one of them! :) Thank you.
Thank you so much for writing this! These exact thoughts have lingered in the back of my mind for a while, but I hadn’t seen it articulated in such a way! This video was very insightful for tackling shyness and general anxiety. But I left it feeling that it was lacking in some intersectionality for those of us on the spectrum :’) When we have to work doubly as hard to speak, listen, make eye contact, etc., we’re going to have trouble with neurotypical communication despite our best efforts. And though there’s always room for us to improve and be challenged, it would sadden me for non-ASD folks to see these differences as a lack of awareness/attempt. We’re constantly aware and exerting effort to connect every day, and it goes unnoticed for the most part. I’m glad neurodivergent acceptance is growing in a direction where it doesn’t have to go unnoticed :)
this talk is super relevant to me. i took a big leap this year, just this last month. reached out to someone who is a big deal in the animation industry and i just happen to know them through the in-laws. for the longest time i thought it felt wrong to reach out for advice but when i finally just asked, they were delighted to have a chat with me, and we had a really great time. sometimes you just gotta take the leap. this is coming from someone who used to be super isolated and shy. im also socially awkward haha like severely so. but you just gotta own it. even if youre scared and nervous and think it's gonna be all bad! sometimes it's just about taking that single step!!!
Reminds me of that time at a con when I approached one of my fav illustrators during my break just to tell her I'm a big fan and asked for an autograph. I introduced myself as an artist, gave her my card and we had a nice but brief chat bc I had to return to my table. A year later she recommended me for a project, since the requirements suited my style and I'm still super thankful to this day that she remembered me from that short conversation we had. That's when I learned to be more open to both customers and fellow artists. It's hard sometimes, I'm still very introverted and can't get rid of the imposter syndrom yet but I was able to find joy and connection through more conversations. But it's still a learning process.
The part about 'being social is a muscle that needs training' is so true! I've been working part time in retail for the last 10 years and, being an introvert artist, I felt (and still feel) like being social and welcoming is something I need to consciously keep in mind and practice; I had a gap of 3 years from retail where I just focused on art, staying at home all day painting by myself, not talking to virtually anyone apart from family, and boy, was I awkward and stiff when I went back to the shop ahah But a smile and politeness go a long way 😉
This talk was an eye-opener. It's like the last puzzle piece that I was missing. I felt very lost about my journey as an artist particularly because of the lack of social connections with other artists. Most of the time, I feel like my art is being ignored online. But when someone does appreciate it through their comments, I thank them. There is a lack of physical face-to-face interactions with other artists in my case since i haven't been to any conventions either. It really helps to gain an insight into this topic & to overcome that fear of being judged by others, in order to become a better artist. Thank you for this. I truly mean it ❤
This video made me realize something. Last september I had my first experience tabling at a local event. I was almost not going, but my sister was going and she wanted to have a shared table, so I printed my silly little fanarts and some original work and I went. It was a blast! I thought it was because of how well the staff organized it all, but I realized it was also because despite being a shy person, I ended up talking a lot and connecting, mainly because a lot of friends showed up so there was almost always someone to chat with (my sister and my partner really helped too) but also because a lot of people wanted to talk about the art and it was so fun to talk about different elden ring bosses and our favourite moments etc (i had a couple of er fanarts). It was tiring sure but I met a lot of nice people that just the year before I probably would've not because it was difficult coming out of my shell. I can't wait to go back tbh. The girl next to us instead was one of those people that wasn't very comfortable talking and chatting and unfortunately did not so great. I met a lot of kind and nice artists that I can't wait to see again. I can't believe I didn't connect how well it went with how I tried to not be too closed off
I don't know how to feel after this talk, Adam. I've been trying and failing the social trials for 20 years at this point. I'm never rude, not even shy, in fact i like talking to people about art and projects and all you said is true and my efforts paid me back, but just a little compared to all the energies i put in it. So what happens is, i periodically end up kinda burned out and i feel the need to take breaks from socials especially lately. When i come back, half the social job is lost. Yeah, consistency is a very important factor in here and also the hardes imho. Especially having a full time art job, i'm left with no time and energy to also build up community value. This is so tiring and i feel like cripped and this video kinda confirms me that. Plus, i feel like i'm shadowbanned everywhere XDD which is impossible, just a personal feeling. Just a tiny grain in the desert i guess.
This feels like a love letter to the soul of whoever that artist that you’re trying to encourage is and damn I wish I had a friend like you! Beautiful :)
I was absolutely floored by this, moved almost to tears while making a digital painting. I came for casual listening, but i left moved to reach out to people - not to make sales, not to make myself known, but to make them feel seen. To really make it about the person i'm talking to, just as you have made this video not about yourself but about us. About me, an artist, struggling to grow like a bonsai tree, when really i'm the one not breaking out of this plant pot of uncertainty and doubt and fear. Thank you so much for this, best of wishes moving forward!
It's so helpful to hear this opinion on the subject. From so many artists I like, I heard that the only thing that matters is the quality of your work and if it's very good, all the people and clients will just come to you by themselves. And there was never need for them to reach out or look for clients. But I've seen so many artists with superb portfolio, that people don't know of and artists with obvious lack of skills, who are on the contrary very popular, so I assumed it can't be only about quality of art...So it's helpful to hear to what you've said, thank you❤
I use to have a cosplay wig and bodypainting shop that traveled the Florida cons. Yes, I'm an introvert and it took everything out of me working the store and doing panels. I loved it though! I could talk one-on-one and to groups to help them achieve what they were wanting. I would go by the artist alley and would be surprised how many had their staff interacting and they never looked up unless you were paying for their signature. I told my husband if I ever had the time to devote to drawing again and worked cons I would be front and center like at my shop. The door has been opened for this opportunity and I thank you for reminding me of this commitment. I have thoughts now with a local coffee shop now. Thank you for such amazing encouragement. It's too easy to stay safe in my introvert habits.
I’ve always felt like the invisible man unless somebody saw my art that pretty much happened if they were looking over my shoulder because I wasn’t going out of my way to show it to anybody. I’m trying to get the nerve up to put some work together put myself out there in a serious way to convince myself that it’s not too late at 55 years old give it a go because I’m not getting any younger. I’d like to share. I guess that’s pretty relatable even if you aren’t as old as I am. It takes some courage to be vulnerable and have a face. I only ever did one tiny showing at my local game store, but it was one of the best moments of my life and I love interacting with the people that came by and looked at my work. I was able to encourage some young artists as well, and that was really the best part of the day, thank you Adam for doing what you do make a difference.
I think a good way to think about it is when you go to a restaurant and if you have someone who's very engaging to you and friendly you feel very welcome to the restaurant. But if someone greets you with a grumpy face or lack of eye contact you can immedietly have a negative impression. It applies to artists too in conventions. Artists can be very introvert and whilst we don't mean to come off as rude, however the awkwardness can be translated as such. I've been doing cons for 5 years now and I found engaging with people whilst can be tiring always has a lasting impression to other people. I think the main thing is to make a assessment if the person who comes to your table wants to chat or just peruse in silence ( Not everyone wants to be talked to in conventions as a lot of them can be socially awkward too). Most of the more successful conventions artists I know are very good at interacting with people. Its definately a skill and honestly it helps out with normal day to day interaction with life. Great video Adam always look forward to hearing the next one.
i like watching his content because he is real most videos on the internet feel fake and generic this channel reminds me of the the old you tube i grew up with when youtube was not so fake
I work a crappy day job that pays the bills. Sure I am very grateful to have anything at all, but I can't thank you enough for always having these videos up. Your empathetic approach to inviting discourse on these topics is something I find find myself always needing. I know as a person who has built up a thick shell that breaking it will be working against my own ego, but I think that is exactly what I have to do. Thanks again great video as always.
My issue is where I can be engaging in social situations but the energy isn’t reciprocated. I dealt with this at art schools or artist gatherings I’ve attended. I’m very fascinated by the stories of others but none seem to be interested in mine. Or just knowing the synopsis of my story seems to be enough. My apologies if this sounds like a rant.
I... kinda fail my interview because of this timid habit :'( My skill was accepted but in the interview, I fail to show my ambition and future plan etc.. as I was too nervous to express my thoughts. Big lesson.
That's a really cool take on the beholder, Adam! I do enjoy talking to fellow artists and clients a lot! I think my biggest issue is that I don't know how to make my art art into something that I could sell at a booth or auction. It's all digital, and mostly personal conceptual work thus far.
Adam, once again, thank you so much for the wonderful art talk! I know most of your videos are talking about drawing and I do, do that, but I apply most of what you say to my sewing craft. I design costumes and I make them. Lots of fanyasy gowns and some cosplay stuff based on movies and games. It's something I wanted to slowly turn into a business, but i've always been so scared too. Just like any other art niche, there is a lot of competition out there. And your talk today, inspires me to really try to push myself out of my shell and try to make a name for myself and stop hiding. This has been a passion of mine for the last 20 years. And i've honed my craft to the point where I feel like I could go professional if I tried! I'm in my early 40's and I need to stop hiding. I think I'm ready to start "working out" with my social skills and try and get my name out there somehow. ❤
No. You're living proof of loving kindness Adam! Thank you for everything that you do. And thank you for being your genuine self. Your love is felt and appreciated my friend.
Art sells on the character of the artist. You can be a genius and have spent your whole life perfecting your craft, but if you are a dick to your clientele, that will be all that you are. Being social is an acquired skill no less than being a craftsman in the arts, which some have a leg up in if they have supportive families and siblings, and others have to work on from baby steps. Being a genuine, good human being, is a character trait. If you have the latter, there is potential for greatness in the human world. There will be endless challenges to overcome and tremendous growth to go through, but if you have a good heart, seemingly a rare quality, and can avoid being walked all over at the same time, possibilities are pretty magical. If you are able to keep your heart alive in the madness and chaos of the scum filled world constantly teetering on the edge of oblivion. If you love your craft and work at it and still love people despite all the rot, people who are similarly tired of the same rot they deal with day in and day out, will notice you.
Honestly that helped a lot just now. I always felt like I'm not good enough, not talented enough, not enough in general but the one thing, the ONE thing I am proud of in my life at least a little bit, that is the fact that I always want people to feel understood and seen when they interact with me. But that never felt like something that'd help me to "get somewhere" if that makes sense. This is maybe the first time I hear that that's a skill that might benefit me for something. I'm shy as can be, but I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable around me. I know how horrible it feels to feel left out or awkward or just like your don't belong. I never want that for others. That's maybe the first time I think I actually have a skill down. Doesn't take much to be kind to others. Thanks Adam.
It's hard for me to socialze even as an adult I feel like I'm making excuses at 42. Some people that have come close to me always tell me they thought I was an asshole when in reality I was just terrified to meet them when they first met me.
I clicked, I listened, and this is me reaching out my hand in response! I’m just getting started on RU-vid and I’m looking for my people. Thanks for the encouragement!
It always surprises me how easily I can forget simple things and emotions, while trying hard to make my starter portfolio work. Thank you Adam for every advice and thought
Glad to see you again Adam, thank you for another wonderful video. I don’t usually comment on videos, especially speaking directly to a creator. In this case I’ve been changing this shy awkwardness when it comes to making “first contact” and a lean to avoiding interactions with a preference for staying home when not having to travel for work. Yet I’m throwing that mentality out the window the best I can, still feels uncomfortable but I’m slowly embracing it. Still a bit daunting to reach outside my rather small circle of friends and always face a challenges trying to make new ones. Yet not as bad as trying to advertise myself online via social media, which less about competition and leans more thinking I’m rather uninteresting so avoided it…don’t want to annoy people. But regardless, I’m William Connolly, it’s a pleasure to enjoy and learn from your videos and I’m going to continue pushing myself!
Honestly I can't really say and probably evaluate how much I needed and appreciated this video. I'm currently struggled for around 5+ years to find something in me to keep drawing, well to post it at least. I still draw, i think my skill is okay-ish, but I had more recognition years back when I was drawing honestly really bad. I noticed that my page just got into a position of stagnation and just lost all will and want to keep putting my work out there since I thought no one appreciates it and i'm just full of myself.(I know this is a selfish point of view and a rather stupid one honestly) I just closed up, thinking that there is no reason for me to put myself out no more since people lost interest or maybe I'm just bad. This video not only affected how I view drawing, but honestly day to day life as well. And the thing about "social muscle" I would remember for a long time, i feel like. I'm very grateful for your message
Long time watcher, first time commenter. Watched this during my morning warmups and it along with what I was drawing really helped me get into the art mood this morning. Thank you! I hope you're well!
wonderful video, your kind words reaches all the way from canada to denmark! something i've done since I was a kid, is making a point of noticing things I like about people's outfits or something they're doing. Anything visible that I enjoy, I try to make a note of it. It used to just be a way to pass the time, but I realized, I'm thinking all these positive things about people, and they'll never know!? so now I sometimes use it as icebreakers when I'm tabling. People really appreciate it, and often have interesting stories that go along with the accessory/etc. They get to know what I like, and I get to learn something about them too. I thought maybe someone out there could use the tip, in case they're stumped on how to connect with people :-)
I am new to watching these videos and I am slowly making my way through them, but I just needed to say that, not only this video, but the others I have seen as well, are fantastic. You have a talent for saying what needs to be said in a way that sounds like you care. I often see people who confuse being blunt with being rude (to put it nicely). It's not often that someone can say blunt things from a place of caring and I thank you for that. Keep up the amazing work!
I remember when I booked Clint Cearley , it was so amazing talking with pro artist and talking 1 to 1 I not only couldn''t speak english good enough, but I didn't know how to communicate with him. Thankfully he was very opened and cool guy and it was incredible talk. Speaking as a guy who don't have artistic people in his circle, that's why I value those talks so fcking much! Awesome Video while I was drawing myself, thank you Adam.
It’s incredibly true. I’m pretty personable face to face/ in the moment but it’s rough for me finding opertunities online. I’ll figure it out. Also to anyone worried, take my personal anecdote. I was in an organization doing a fundraiser for my group. This organization recently had allowed girls to join fully, and being one myself the prospects of me getting lots of sales were not great. Add on I was older and it wasn’t looking any better. Many people still think poorly on the group and the girls for joining. Even still, I had almost zero negative interactions. This was me outside the supermarket with random people, in the heat. In the end I still didn’t get many sales but it was sorted out. Still it’s more than I could’ve had. Worst interaction was when an older man responded with a “oh, are you doing this for your brother?” Wile I was standing there in full uniform… even still he was personable, even when he made his thoughts known. In the end Nos were the worst of it. And that isn’t that bad. And ima be honest this is more specific. If you’re in a situation where people are more inclined to be interested anyhow, it seems less likely. Especially on the rude returns. Good luck out there!
Hi Adam, I was listening to someone speak about healthy masculinity and how it isn't about being forceful or dominating, instead healthy masculinity is like a kind father. Someone who is reliable, caring, and shows up for others when he says he's going to show up. If this is how masculinity is meant to be I think you're the perfect example. This world would be a much kinder place if more men were like you. Thank you for being you
A couple of years ago, I stumbled across your art talk videos. Your soothing voice and music choices are exactly hat helped me understand what I wanted to bring out in this world. Your talks changed the way I open up to my audience beyond the technical craft stuff. Somehow, I was hiding behind the curtains of tutorials instead of speaking about the obstacles and fun stuff around my craft, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you :)
You always come across to me as very loving, kind and friendly and you're right, that makes a difference! I remember you when I think of the artists i admire most not just because of their work, but their kindness. Istebrak is such a sweetheart and it made me smile to hear you give her a callout ☺️ I can be really shy which is why I don't comment much but I do try to muster up the courage to let people know how much I appreciate the difference they make to me and the art community. It has always stood out to me how willing you are to be vulnerable and show genuine love for your fellow artists. That genuine air about you makes watching your videos so comforting and it fills me with hope even when I'm having a hard time. In fact I gravitate to your channel when I feel I need someone who is willing to talk to "my soul" or however you want to phrase that. Thank you for being such a pillar to the art community! ❤️
Oh my goodness I am only half way through but you are hitting the nail on the head for the extreme social awkwardness I have been experiencing. Thank you!!! The power of kindness is so real! I do feel that from you 100% and I hope to learn how to spread that.
Hi, Adam Duff. It's so wonderful seeing this in my recommendations and listening to your sage knowledge. What you've said really resonated with me, and by the time you started talking about "this is me reaching out my hand and grabbing your arm," I knew I was obligated to write a comment and to be seen. As someone who was in online school for middle school and then again during covid which displaced absolutely everyone in highschool senior year, a lot of dust was thrown into the air and everyone experienced a deep haze of confusion. Eventually, in college, the drive to continue working for a degree I was unhappy with made me drop out and work on writing a book. The worst problem, having experienced all of the above, is I realized how alone I was and how isolating writing a book could be. That was when I started learning how to draw, to get out there, to connect. It's like learning to walk again, and falling down over and over but anything worth doing is worth doing badly. That works of art have the power to unite a community of people together to create something beautiful and something that has the power to make known the uniqueness of the sum of its parts. What I'm trying to say is thanks for making me feel seen--for reaching me and giving me the much needed encouragement to continue on in the hopes of reaching others as well. I hope to start an art account soon under a different name, to start over now that I'm older, and I hope to have the same energy as the man at the booth making others feel seen as well. This will be a video I'll continue to go back to, and your words have reached me. Wether you see this comment or not, you have my sincerest thanks.
This just got more and more heartwarming as it went 😢 thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. For being so vulnerable and showing your very human side 💕. Much love 🫶🏼
Thanks for your words Adam, it's always a joy! I'm super shy, overthinking potential interactions tends to mean they just don't happen. Just the reminder that taking a genuine interest in people, and trusting them to accept and reciprocate makes the whole process feel much simpler. Not easier, but certainly more approachable!
Throughout growing up, I have always been taught that people who get along extremely well with others were born that way. While that may be true to some degree, in my mindset I had separated social and antisocial into groups that couldn't cross. After hearing this video I believe my mindset has changed in that way. As someone who has always been isolated (sometimes by choice other times not), it is always tough to have conversations with other people. Thank you Adam for encouraging us to improve in every part of our life!
I've been telling myself many times, that in order to get into a good team, or a good career, I need to establish social connections and networking. Bonds matter to rack on soft skills (Yes, I took notice of this, and I'm practicing it online). I don't know what "selling yourself" means, because in my understanding, it is a double-edged sword. It can mean to stand out from the rest of the peers and earn their trust. Or it can mean "selling your soul" to the industry and end up soulless like the rest. I grew skeptical, and I stopped trusting anyone, even to my family. I just feel alone and disconnected, because there's no one else whom I can see or talk to, whether in person or online, or at work. Again, people cannot trust strangers out of paranoia that something bad will happen. I'm not immune to that paranoia. That's another flaw in being human. Normally, I am more loud and social than awkward. But maybe because I am surrounded by even more awkward people, I forced myself into isolation because of our differences. I'm the talkative type, and I always makes bonds with anyone, unless I have to respect others' boundaries... which I have understood that people have different perspectives, and sometimes people are rather best left alone to endure their own issues. Currently on a prowling for a part-time, and I'm trying to go back to my old habits of being that social little girl I once was. It's a shame that I was never exposed to an active and eager environment where we all learn from one another because, well, "you cannot trust anyone". But I don't trust family anymore... because I don't feel like I fit in anymore. I'm still eager and open to talk to anyone, however, even to artists like myself. 23:54 - *_Personally, I hear this type is one of the best methods of "Observational Drawing" - the skill of sketching/drawing based on observations of everyday life + real life objects/humans/landscapes._*
I honestly would have been successful as an artist if I wasn't just too lazy to draw most of the time XD And listening to someone simp over other people and tell me I'm loved empowers me to a weird and inspiring degree. Makes me realize that maybe this is the thing I actually needed to get my artistic flow going and I thank you! I love you and am not gonna be listening to all your videos moving forward. So if you see me comment on most of your videos it's just me simping over you.
I'm really not in the mood to think about money, business, getting noticed or anything that has to do with...making a product. The more I'm listening, the more I'm disgusted. The best way I can explain this feeling right now is that...whatever people talk about just doesn't mean anything to me. Every time people are concerned, I die inside. I've never been the type of person who would be looking for any kind of attention-I actually have a strong aversion to that, so much that I... I just don't see the point. _At all._ Now, with A.I., lots of folks just want to isolate themselves to make a product with less effort. Just why? What's even the point? All what people ever want from me is a product that means nothing to me and I'm so sick of it. I'm so sick of being told what I should do, that I need to engage with people. For what?... *_For what?_* It's just nothing. There's nothing at all meaningful about others. I would rather _die_ than live for them. ... Of course, I would not be disrespectful. However, I would avoid any opportunity to make myself known because it's too much of a hassle. *_Everyone would just control me until I suffocate and won't even hold a pencil. It's not just art, I'm talking about anything I do._*
I read your post. It sounded very desperate which worried me. I hope you are ok. Art is very personal. Make art to please yourself, often these personal and possibly stylised works are ones which later become very popular. Engaging with people is a human condition, so valuable for all of us. If human communication and art is causing you so much distress, change your career, work at something else and produce art purely for your own enjoyment. Stay safe xxx
After the pandemic I was terrified of even glancing at people. I've never been super extroverted but that just messed me up bad. My dad told me "go out and talk to the cashier, even if just a few words or how's the weather, flex that muscle" and that was key for me to restore myself to normalcy. You can extrapolate that to everything really, everyone is a person going about their life just like you are, and kind people are the ones we think fondly of at the end of the day
Honestly the smiles of my patrons at the end of the day are what keep me moving forward with my business even though i still haven't found my niche yet. I love being able to reach out and connect with people at shows and let them take home something unique. Honestly besides the fundamentals of art i think art teachers need to collaborate with the teachers who teach humanities to get a full scope of how much impact artists can have, artists are the slow movers and shakers in society and being able to utilize and capitalize on it we can shift the perspectives of so many. Honestly I wish i had the mons to take your classes but its not in my budget atm. Thanks for sharing this awesome message with us
Per usual, you've been more than helpful. Although, as someone whose taken their shots at self-promotion, what can be said for the number of times in which, even when the artist does all that they can to not be invisible, the world still doesn't take notice -- like the antithesis of "if you build it, they will come?" The balance struck between being a competent artist, a good person, and a presence in the industry is of course a fine one, and, no differently than all of the cold letters sent, the portfolios curated, and the jobs hunted for, I suppose my case is something of an anomaly when the act of promotion's become so exhausting and fruitless that I've seen nothing for those pains any differently than what was never the alternative. This isn't to say that a life so private's preferred, but when there's precious little difference felt between the two even the act of promotion's felt, in my experience, like an act of shouting into a wall of noise -- one made up of every other artist fighting to do the same thing. Competition can of course be expected, either from peers or when one struggles the algorithm, but my chief question would be, how does one fight invisibility when they find the very act one of futility even after connections have been made (meaningful or duplicitous) , word spread (but never heard), and the cultivation of their congeniality (what many take for granted, but no actual notice)? If you've made it to the end of this very lengthy question, then I thank you for your time and patience. I only ask because you do carry significant wisdom and in my 10 years since graduating from film school, I feel disoriented when every time I heed words such as these the efforts made land at my feet regardless. - take care, slainte chugat
Thank you adam. I really really been feeling like an alien around my family and i really needed to hear that message. Thank you for this wholesome critical artist wisdom 👑❤
Great talk usual! I'm glad that someone as articulate and experienced as Adam is touching on probably the biggest problem us artists have. Finding an environment, online or (even better) phisical where we can connect with other creatives or just curious people is essential to keep us thriving. And Montréal is da place to be for that!
This is my first time coming across your channel. This video warms my heart and is what I needed since January - since this creative slump... Thanks Adam. And I couldn't tell you how much I agree with what you said here. I'm shy and awkward and I always feel an overwhelming imposter syndrome since I'm wasn't a graphic design graduate. But by just really listening and talking to people, I've gotten opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I were just sitting in my own room and ruminating over everything that I've said. I hope creative people around me could be a little bit more courageous and care a little less about what people think of ourselves. After all, we can only live so long and our connection with people (sounds cheesy I know) is one of the precious things that we'll remember at our death's bed. Cheers.
Sincerely, it was great to hear this. I was doing something while listening but at a certain point just sat and listened. Probably your best talk in a while. The parts about being nice and polite really hit home. Thank you, Adam.
As always- loved your talk. I think knowing when to really put yourself out there is one of the hardest things ana artist can know when to do. Especially when we're talking about not just doing that, but maybe even moving from smaller projects to more serious ones.
Talent, or skill means very little for popularity. If you have people skills you're basically more than 50% of the way there. It's *more* important than your skill, definitely. And this is really no surprise, people don't want to interact with a jerk, no matter how good you are lol. That also mean that a-social people are kind of doomed, because it's a very hard skill to train. Reaching out isn't enough most of the time, if you still don't give a crap or are a very bad talker. Then... you're done. I mean look at my comment I've got very little human warmth in me lol.
This is EXACTLY what I struggled with when I first moved out of my small town to go to art school. I never had a big friend group growing up, I had virtually no experience talking to people in a social or professional setting. I’ve gotten much better, but there were many times I failed to make a future connection or business deal 😬
I'm not even sure why I got that in my recommendation, I am an artist who is being invisible on purpose, I don't want to work for someone else, I don't want to sell pieces, I don't go at convention, I don't even share more than 1% of what I do. I could, I'm introvert and shy. But my feeling aren't the ones of someone that want to be known or seen and I think that, this path is still valid unless I wanted to make art as a career wich I'm not. Don't know if you or anyone else will read that, but hi , that was my point or half a question.
Under normal circumstances I don't have problems interacting with people amicably, but the second the conversation comes to my art I clam up. I have a tough time taking compliments and I seriously don't know what to to say back to a person who compliments my art. Also just my ability to reach out needs improving. It's so easy to just hole up and draw, but sharing those drawings online is tough.
I personally struggle with being friendly sometimes. Socializing can come with risks that scare me and I have experiences that have discouraged me from reaching out. I'm also not the most stable person. This video is a good reminder that the risks are worth it if it means I at least make connections.
Wonderful video as always Adam! I feel this is more important as ever to be putting faces to artists work! Even as quite an extroverted artist who enjoys convosation I feel that I definatly dont do enough work in terms of putting myself out there with my artwork. I realise I am good in social situations in general but I am actually terrible with talking about myself as an artist, I usually freeze up when asked anything other than basic questions about my work/mediums I enjoy/inspiriations, yet anything un related to myself, I can converse for hours! Thank you for this video which has allowed me to think about more things to improve upon this year, its been enlightening! Mel
Talking of oneself is seemingly a necessary evil. For one you could picture yourself doing an elevator pitch. There is also the danger of people asking things from a flirting perspective...
Talking about yourself as an artist is hard, and you'll make a lot of mistakes, at least in my experience, people will have weird reactions to what I say, but at least at a show, you get to practice on a ton of people and figure out what people respond to, and then build on that. One thing I try to remember to pay attention to, is what words and phrases people use to tell me what they like about my work, or what associations it has for them (these are unprompted words, I don't ask for these responses) and then use those words to describe my work if it feels right, because it can take the pressure off of feeling like I have to come up with words to describe my work when sometimes it's just so difficult to know what to even say about something you made
@@nicholash1278 it's a meme but actually true here. most who draw are not "artists", they copy what they see, they draw characters they like, usually anime or video games. for some reason, every art form has a massive "artist" to "uninspired copycat" ratio, and all those uninspired copycats think they deserve a fat paycheck because their skills are just okay. I see it a lot within film as well. as someone who appreciates the artistic expression possible with film and hopes to one day make something good, I like looking at small and invisible filmmakers, and their films suck. the images look great, their lighting is good, the color is usually tolerable, but they're just doing a generic love story or some other uninspired slop just to get them into a film festival. if you'd like to know how to spot a non-artist, it's quite simple: look for someone who is constantly trying to rake in money despite only putting out uninspired crap.
@@dordly A very, very small percentage of artists gain a large following. An even smaller percentage of the artists with a large following make a lot of money. That's how it has always been. No "artist" is entitled to success. You have to put in the work and earn it, + you need to be doing something people find interesting and care about. Even if you work hard, if you do something people have already seen before, or something that people don't even like, why should they care? No one owes you anything in this world.
@@dordly and you are correct, there are plenty of business men disguised as filmmakers, video game devs, musicians etc. that are just out to churn a quick buck and don't really care about what they are making. I don't consider these people to be artists.
This was a great talk, thanks for sharing. Just discovered your channel! Kindness is king in this diverse and miraculous human experience we are all sharing.
This si so true, each time I go to cons I have so much fun because I chat with anyone coming to my table and I always meet awesome people. I don't draw a single thing, I'm always up, it's great! And I'm an introvert the rest of the year, haha! I've had people buy my stuff just because I chat with them, and have a great time.
Truer words were rarely spoken Adam ❤ thanks for the beautiful reminder. Connection is all that matters in life really. Art is such an amazing way to connect as well as it comes from such a deep and pure place within us. But yes it’s not easy to step out of our comfort zone! Hope to meet you at some art event one day 😊
man, i feel like i want to cry, every time i click on your videos i feel like i am a bit wiser, and hearing this really makes me feel warmth and want to be kind with the people around me, i guess i have a lot of homework.
And I really love how you always leave the video with a soft music on, for people need time to think a little bit more about what you just shared. It's really nice.
I was always told, since I was young that I can't make art as a living. That art was not something to persuade in life. If anything, only look at it as a hobby. Thus, all my dreams of any career of artistic endeavors were squashed. I only did art because I don't know I would live without being creative. I felt like I was in a cage with creativity as only a last need. Until my parents said later in my life that, yes you can possibly do art as a side hustle. I poured all my energy and life path into a good paying career that isn't bad in of it self. But I wished I push for a more creative way instead. Now I'm playing catch up and try to get my name out there.
One of the reasons I decided to not being a professional was this social thing. I'm a lone wolf but I love it. However, even as a loner and hobbyist artist, I believe that skill and passion should always be shared with people in order to offer something useful to other humans. So I paint and used to post my stuff even if it only got 1-3 likes, I believe that it would reach the people that needs to see it. Socializing drains my energy too much, too quickly, unless is about a topic I really love, but not everybody will like the same stuff as me (so I'm not shy, it's just that my energy drains too fast). Sometimes is tough, 'cuz I'd like to find my tribe, but it's just so exhausting to go out there and look for it. Lately, this AI thing totally annihilated my motivation to keep posting my art, so right now I'm just sharing it with my brother, mom, and best friend. Thank you for this video, I think I might try reaching out in a "introverted" way, like posting videos so I can control the socializing periods of time while sharing tips that I consider valuable.
I always feel so shy to even show my drawings to people, I'm a very closed person to the point that I find really hard to show my emotion and hide them. I hope to become a more open person and not feel ashamed of myself
This is such timeless advice that hits close to home. I've got a staggering case of social anxiety and am a lot like those folks at cons with their noses in their sketchbook.
I love watching your videos and always appreciate your insights and the kindness you project. You are my favorite RU-vid art content creator because of how kind and open and loving you are. I tend to shy away from posting online, but I wanted to let you know how impactful you have been over the years for me. Thank you for being you!
This one is my favorite art talk by far. A fair portion of the time, I just imagined myself at an art convention greeting people warmly and making small talk, even though I hardly talk to people. Thank you for inspiring me to put the effort in to reach out and let people know they're seen and loved :>
Every time. I know this videos are pointed at a general audience, and I know that you don't know me, yet, every time one of this videos come out, the message sounds so genuine, it always takes a little tear out of me...
Thank you for sharing this. I think this is something that I needed to hear because I'm at a point where I've been paralyzed with over analysis of starting a RU-vid or streaming my work because of where I'm at in my career. Do I have enough knowledge, discipline, charisma, personality etc to actually be a consistent content creator. I still have these thoughts but at some point I need to just start getting myself out there and not worry as much and I think this talk helped me at least shake some of these things off. So I want to just thank you for that.
One of my favorite things is going to shows and selling my art, tbh. I know a lot of artists are introverted, but I look forward just to getting to chat to people. My biggest fear at shows is for them to be so slow I'll be bored and have no one to talk to
18:22 the fact that none of those names rang a bell to me just proves your point of how distanced I am from the society of art while actually being an artist with several returning clients. I got lucky there.
