It doesn't seem sexy, but this is actually the stuff that will save marriages, friendships, dreams, and businesses. Thanks for the reminder to be present and take rest, I will take this to heart! 🙏
The most restful thing for me has been cutting down on social media by 99%. It frees up a lot of time, but even more importantly, not being hooked up to a constant stream of news and information makes it easier to be creative and productive. It has given me this peace I haven't really experienced since I was a kid (in the 90s), so I would really encourage everyone to spend more time with just their thoughts.
Been drawing every day for 2 years 8hours a day on a minimum basis. I burned out and stopped for 2 weeks. Now slowly getting back into it but I still struggle getting back the fun I had. I was overwhelmed by the pressure, competition, financial struggle. Its not worth it to pour so much hearth into ANY work. Especially if its for the entertainment industry. I started to get outside again. Playing games. I neglected my wife a lot. She understood it but it still hurt her. I see that now.
Trent , I am 60 , and have been drawing since I was 7. worked for 30 years as character designer . Today I work for myself making arts for people and not companies . I really Cant stop or got demotivated because I have bills to pay. But ,of course , I try to relax , and for that I have my model kits, mostly from Animes.
I actually got the idea to rent an Airbnb in Athens, Greece for a month last summer from one of your older videos where you mentioned working remotely in Hawaii simply because you liked the place and it's atmosphere. Best thing I ever did - it made mundane stuff like grocery shopping more interesting because I had to learn certain words and phrases and it shattered so many creative blocks I had. Went on so many bike rides and walks across the city (with cute airbnb host who asked me out on a date the night I got there) to the point of memorizing the major streets despite not being able to say the street names. The year and few months since then, I've made more progress on my game than in the first 3 years of development. I actually do a tiny task like draw a texture, concept out an enemy, etc first thing in the morning. The 2 hours before work is a grind project like a 3D model and rig of an enemy. At work, I actually have enough time during breaks to slowly animate on my iPad mini.
This is the first time that I have had a moment where it's like " oh... this video is exactly what I needed right now". Thank you Trent!! You somehow read my mind.
12:39 Definitely agree about the dieting analogy. Give yourself some slack and then get back to your goal. If you get a flat tire, you don’t get out of your car and slash the other three. Take a break and get back to it!
I'm learning more and more how important this is now that my career is picking up (freelance creature artist). It has been overwhelming, job juggling, meetings, paperwork--all of it-- but it's highlighted that taking time for myself to recharge is critical so I can show up and bring my A game. Sometimes I've had those bad days where I can't get anything out, and I've learned to listen to my body. And I end up coming back the following day energetic. I appreciate honest and down to Earth videos like these. Thanks Trent ^^
Thanks Trent, I was thinking about this lately. There have been a few times I almost gave up on my art, but kept working on it , then eventually I made huge improvements I started to notice my art was starting to actually look a lot better. I noticed that when I felt like giving up, but kept going I would make a break though shortly after. So if you are thinking about giving up on your creative work just give it some time.
The map looks really cool! Speaking of dragons, shouldn't Chutar be visible on the map? Maybe some sea monsters for decoration? EDIT: And a compass rose!
thanks for this Trent. I've been working on a rather big 3d game in Godot for years now and I know it will take years more to finish and I may never finish, but I love working on it. And you're point of "it does matter" but "it doesnt matter" I totally get and I feel the same. I dont want to give up on it because theres value in releasing creative energy on modeling, env design, music and of course the other side of your brain with problem solving via coding. but at the same time, its important for me to remember to enjoy life, play a game instead of coding until 2 am. Yes, all good points!
I’ve experienced this exact thing. 12 hour days, can’t seem to get myself to recognize that I need to stop. I’ve been anxiety spiraling for about a year now. I was waking up with my heart racing, losing sleep. Just from the anxiety of being employed, but not knowing if I’ll be good enough for the next job so I feel like I need to be practicing, or in another course. But being. Professional artist and a recent dad now, I just don’t seem to produce portfolio work anymore despite all the time I’m dedicating to it. My mind isn’t there. It’s required a lot of talks, and long talks. I’m forcing myself to stop. Been a month now, I have not tried to think about whether I’m good enough anymore. If I get phased out of the industry, so be it. It’s too competitive to think that giving it your best shot still isn’t enough. I want to focus on making a comic or art book in my spare time. Constant freelance and full-time studio work is draining, to then go and fit in personal practice on top of it. But I’m just waiting for that ticking clock to strike, and my short time in this industry is up. Anyway. Focusing on my life has been what’s necessary. Spending time with my daughter. I realized it was bad, turning down family that had come to visit me because I felt anxious about working more. On nights off, I don’t know what to do with myself. I don’t know what my hobbies are anymore. Picking up my guitar for an hour feels pointless, ‘cause I’ll need to get back to it tomorrow anyway. What do you do to fill your time, when your entire waking day is dedicated to trying to make it? I used to work out, play sports. I haven’t played a video game in 6 years, since starting art. It doesn’t get talked enough, how much the race completely takes over your life. In some ways, I regret it. But I hope that this is a phase that just needs to be pushed through, and things will turn out okay on the other end.
So so helpful, when u said this could be the project that causes u to lose the things in your life that truly matter, it's so true that it can happen. Your loved ones don't want to see you give everything you have, just to show them your art success. They want to see you being happy and successful just being yourself
Thank you for this video Trent! I’ve been hitting a real wall with my art lately and feeling the stress of trying to get eyes on it, and lost focus on the rest of my life and family. Today I went for a walk through the forest and it helped cleanse my head and get things in perspective again, thank you dude!
when I am on computer I do the 20/2020 thing, every 20 minutes I look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. I set Win11 timer that way even if I am watching a video the timer alarm overrides the audio and I have to reset it. I go through to iterations and after the second one, I get up and go for a 15 minute walk, come back refreshed and start again.
I am shocked that I've reached a place where I require a video like this to give myself permission to take a day off. I'm grateful for it however slightly concerned, I will be back at it stronger having rested. Thanks for this Trent, time to play some games.
Trent! I bought your brushes and they in fact did not make me davinci , BUT you kicked me back into focus building my games. DUDE I would love to chat with you sometime about the universes I’m building and delve into yours as well!! Not for clout or for content, I just wanna dig in your brain man! I swear I think back to my first experience with photoshop watching the dvds for the master suite, you somehow Carry that style and I appreciate what you do my man! As a fellow game dev, keep on keepin on, but , I would love to lend a hand with some coding, assets or music! You inspire me my friend and I wish you all the more success in this world
I needed this video; I'm solo developing the next great tabletop game, the scope of which has been straining me greatly of late. Thank you for the timely advice, Trent. You're the man!
Hehe, wish someone had been there to me this kind of stuff 15+ years ago I ended up having to work every single day for well over 10 hrs each day, for a period of 7-ish years straight. No breaks. No weekends. No personal art. Didn't have the time to do anything except commissions, because I had bills to pay. Had to keep a roof over my head and that was my only means of doing so. And I did end up breaking.... I haven't picked up a pencil or tablet for 8 years now. I just don't have the will or the passion anymore. And to go from drawing every day ever since I was old enough to pick up a Crayon, to suddenly going cold-turkey and unable to even Look at my tablet without having a mild panic attack..... It extremely hurts. It's painful. And I know it's made me a less social and, quite frankly, likable person because my joy and passion are just. Gone.
You may be able to get that passion back. But you’ll have to change your expectations of what you will get out of it. Maybe try just drawing something for fun, for yourself again?
@@TrentKaniuga Lately I have been thinking of how to get back into it. And yeah, I do agree drawing for myself again sounds like the best way + the most enjoyable atm. I just haven't been able to figure out what that something would be, that fun thing I can just zone out on...... Though watching your video here of making a world map did pique my interest. Perhaps that'd be a start...? -
Fantastic video Trent! I love your videos and art so much, and this video was a great reminder for taking breaks when needed! Thank you for your awesome work! ;))
I used to draw consistently and without hesitation, but then something happened (that I have yet to figure out) years ago and I am now pretty much afraid to draw. I can sometimes force myself to make a drawing and it seems my quality somehow hasn't dropped, but it's months between these concurrences and it annoys me. Also doesn't help my end goal was (and still is) game development and I can't even get the coding part figured out (I "know" code, but cannot execute upon the knowledge for some reason). Apologies for the complaints, but it sucks when you can't do something you want to. I'll figure out the problem eventually, hopefully sooner than later. This was a good vid.
@@TrentKaniuga I have lowered it to the point where I pretty much don't use any of my skills/talents and I found them all enjoyable. I just can't get myself to do them. As stated. I'm not sure what is stopping me, but I'll figure it out eventually. Thank you for the suggestion regardless.
Hey Trent ! Long time fan ! I'm 25 and I've been hearing you say things like "its not that serious, its just a game, its just a comic etc etc" Which i wish i could agree but do you have any advice for younger people or just people in general who've tied their worth as a human to their art and the success of it. Because I'm aware this is not the way to go but I dont know how to stop it.
It doesn't seem sexy, but this is actually the stuff that will save marriages, friendships, dreams, and businesses. Thanks for the reminder to be present and take rest, I will take this to heart! 🙏
The most restful thing for me has been cutting down on social media by 99%. It frees up a lot of time, but even more importantly, not being hooked up to a constant stream of news and information makes it easier to be creative and productive. It has given me this peace I haven't really experienced since I was a kid (in the 90s), so I would really encourage everyone to spend more time with just their thoughts.
Been drawing every day for 2 years 8hours a day on a minimum basis. I burned out and stopped for 2 weeks. Now slowly getting back into it but I still struggle getting back the fun I had. I was overwhelmed by the pressure, competition, financial struggle. Its not worth it to pour so much hearth into ANY work. Especially if its for the entertainment industry. I started to get outside again. Playing games. I neglected my wife a lot. She understood it but it still hurt her. I see that now.
i'm an architect, a different industry but this is so relatable!
Your timing is always so impeccable with these types of talks.
Trent , I am 60 , and have been drawing since I was 7.
worked for 30 years as character designer .
Today I work for myself making arts for people and not companies .
I really Cant stop or got demotivated because I have bills to pay.
But ,of course , I try to relax , and for that I have my model kits, mostly from Animes.
I actually got the idea to rent an Airbnb in Athens, Greece for a month last summer from one of your older videos where you mentioned working remotely in Hawaii simply because you liked the place and it's atmosphere. Best thing I ever did - it made mundane stuff like grocery shopping more interesting because I had to learn certain words and phrases and it shattered so many creative blocks I had. Went on so many bike rides and walks across the city (with cute airbnb host who asked me out on a date the night I got there) to the point of memorizing the major streets despite not being able to say the street names. The year and few months since then, I've made more progress on my game than in the first 3 years of development. I actually do a tiny task like draw a texture, concept out an enemy, etc first thing in the morning. The 2 hours before work is a grind project like a 3D model and rig of an enemy. At work, I actually have enough time during breaks to slowly animate on my iPad mini.
I just got back from a family trip to Mexico, and forced myself to not draw, came back wanting to draw a bunch.
This is the first time that I have had a moment where it's like " oh... this video is exactly what I needed right now". Thank you Trent!! You somehow read my mind.
12:39 Definitely agree about the dieting analogy. Give yourself some slack and then get back to your goal. If you get a flat tire, you don’t get out of your car and slash the other three. Take a break and get back to it!
Trent you’re not only a great artist but also you have a great personality, I needed to hear those words. Thank you.
I'm learning more and more how important this is now that my career is picking up (freelance creature artist).
It has been overwhelming, job juggling, meetings, paperwork--all of it-- but it's highlighted that taking time for myself to recharge is critical so I can show up and bring my A game. Sometimes I've had those bad days where I can't get anything out, and I've learned to listen to my body. And I end up coming back the following day energetic.
I appreciate honest and down to Earth videos like these. Thanks Trent ^^
Thanks Trent, I was thinking about this lately.
There have been a few times I almost gave up on my art, but kept working on it , then eventually I made huge improvements I started to notice my art was starting to actually look a lot better. I noticed that when I felt like giving up, but kept going I would make a break though shortly after. So if you are thinking about giving up on your creative work just give it some time.
The map looks really cool! Speaking of dragons, shouldn't Chutar be visible on the map? Maybe some sea monsters for decoration?
EDIT: And a compass rose!
thanks for this Trent. I've been working on a rather big 3d game in Godot for years now and I know it will take years more to finish and I may never finish, but I love working on it. And you're point of "it does matter" but "it doesnt matter" I totally get and I feel the same. I dont want to give up on it because theres value in releasing creative energy on modeling, env design, music and of course the other side of your brain with problem solving via coding. but at the same time, its important for me to remember to enjoy life, play a game instead of coding until 2 am. Yes, all good points!
I’ve experienced this exact thing. 12 hour days, can’t seem to get myself to recognize that I need to stop. I’ve been anxiety spiraling for about a year now. I was waking up with my heart racing, losing sleep.
Just from the anxiety of being employed, but not knowing if I’ll be good enough for the next job so I feel like I need to be practicing, or in another course. But being. Professional artist and a recent dad now, I just don’t seem to produce portfolio work anymore despite all the time I’m dedicating to it.
My mind isn’t there.
It’s required a lot of talks, and long talks.
I’m forcing myself to stop. Been a month now, I have not tried to think about whether I’m good enough anymore.
If I get phased out of the industry, so be it. It’s too competitive to think that giving it your best shot still isn’t enough.
I want to focus on making a comic or art book in my spare time.
Constant freelance and full-time studio work is draining, to then go and fit in personal practice on top of it.
But I’m just waiting for that ticking clock to strike, and my short time in this industry is up.
Anyway. Focusing on my life has been what’s necessary. Spending time with my daughter.
I realized it was bad, turning down family that had come to visit me because I felt anxious about working more.
On nights off, I don’t know what to do with myself. I don’t know what my hobbies are anymore.
Picking up my guitar for an hour feels pointless, ‘cause I’ll need to get back to it tomorrow anyway.
What do you do to fill your time, when your entire waking day is dedicated to trying to make it?
I used to work out, play sports. I haven’t played a video game in 6 years, since starting art.
It doesn’t get talked enough, how much the race completely takes over your life.
In some ways, I regret it.
But I hope that this is a phase that just needs to be pushed through, and things will turn out okay on the other end.
So so helpful, when u said this could be the project that causes u to lose the things in your life that truly matter, it's so true that it can happen. Your loved ones don't want to see you give everything you have, just to show them your art success. They want to see you being happy and successful just being yourself
for last few years ive been on and off... the thing that always messes me up is the fact i feel like im never improving.... dont know what to do
I really like how Twilight Monk looks like and I will surely play it ✌️
Thank you for this video Trent! I’ve been hitting a real wall with my art lately and feeling the stress of trying to get eyes on it, and lost focus on the rest of my life and family. Today I went for a walk through the forest and it helped cleanse my head and get things in perspective again, thank you dude!
when I am on computer I do the 20/2020 thing, every 20 minutes I look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. I set Win11 timer that way even if I am watching a video the timer alarm overrides the audio and I have to reset it. I go through to iterations and after the second one, I get up and go for a 15 minute walk, come back refreshed and start again.
I am shocked that I've reached a place where I require a video like this to give myself permission to take a day off. I'm grateful for it however slightly concerned, I will be back at it stronger having rested. Thanks for this Trent, time to play some games.
Professional fantasy cartography here. Loved this new vid!
Trent! I bought your brushes and they in fact did not make me davinci , BUT you kicked me back into focus building my games. DUDE I would love to chat with you sometime about the universes I’m building and delve into yours as well!! Not for clout or for content, I just wanna dig in your brain man! I swear I think back to my first experience with photoshop watching the dvds for the master suite, you somehow Carry that style and I appreciate what you do my man! As a fellow game dev, keep on keepin on, but , I would love to lend a hand with some coding, assets or music! You inspire me my friend and I wish you all the more success in this world
thank you Trent you have no idea how much I needed this video
Thanks TH-cam to recommended this channel
Your game looks awesome. Love the map. Also thanks for the good talks, Trent. Your videos are worth more than you realize.
I needed this video; I'm solo developing the next great tabletop game, the scope of which has been straining me greatly of late. Thank you for the timely advice, Trent. You're the man!
You have such a good voice man
ART GRAMPS coming in clutch again!
Geez. When did I become a gramps? Is it the gray hair? I'm only 40 something. heh.
Trent always bringing the good vibes!💯
Hehe, wish someone had been there to me this kind of stuff 15+ years ago
I ended up having to work every single day for well over 10 hrs each day, for a period of 7-ish years straight. No breaks. No weekends. No personal art. Didn't have the time to do anything except commissions, because I had bills to pay. Had to keep a roof over my head and that was my only means of doing so.
And I did end up breaking.... I haven't picked up a pencil or tablet for 8 years now.
I just don't have the will or the passion anymore.
And to go from drawing every day ever since I was old enough to pick up a Crayon, to suddenly going cold-turkey and unable to even Look at my tablet without having a mild panic attack..... It extremely hurts. It's painful. And I know it's made me a less social and, quite frankly, likable person because my joy and passion are just. Gone.
You may be able to get that passion back. But you’ll have to change your expectations of what you will get out of it. Maybe try just drawing something for fun, for yourself again?
@@TrentKaniuga Lately I have been thinking of how to get back into it. And yeah, I do agree drawing for myself again sounds like the best way + the most enjoyable atm. I just haven't been able to figure out what that something would be, that fun thing I can just zone out on......
Though watching your video here of making a world map did pique my interest. Perhaps that'd be a start...? -
Thank you trent..I very much needed to hear this
Thanks Trent, you always motivate me.
Thank you for all you do Trent!!!
I needed this. Thank you ❤
Fantastic video Trent! I love your videos and art so much, and this video was a great reminder for taking breaks when needed! Thank you for your awesome work! ;))
I used to draw consistently and without hesitation, but then something happened (that I have yet to figure out) years ago and I am now pretty much afraid to draw.
I can sometimes force myself to make a drawing and it seems my quality somehow hasn't dropped, but it's months between these concurrences and it annoys me.
Also doesn't help my end goal was (and still is) game development and I can't even get the coding part figured out (I "know" code, but cannot execute upon the knowledge for some reason).
Apologies for the complaints, but it sucks when you can't do something you want to. I'll figure out the problem eventually, hopefully sooner than later. This was a good vid.
You may have set your goalpost too high. Try doing something simple, and enjoyable.
@@TrentKaniuga I have lowered it to the point where I pretty much don't use any of my skills/talents and I found them all enjoyable. I just can't get myself to do them.
As stated. I'm not sure what is stopping me, but I'll figure it out eventually. Thank you for the suggestion regardless.
Thank you sir, Trent for teaching us❤.
Happy teacher's day po❤️.
Great video, awesome
Hey Trent ! Long time fan ! I'm 25 and I've been hearing you say things like "its not that serious, its just a game, its just a comic etc etc" Which i wish i could agree but do you have any advice for younger people or just people in general who've tied their worth as a human to their art and the success of it. Because I'm aware this is not the way to go but I dont know how to stop it.
Could you make a video on advice you would have for someone looking to START doing what you do at the age of 40?
Which part? I run a weekly TH-cam channel, direct a video game, write novels and make art.
@@TrentKaniuga Brother, thanks for the reply. Mostly about art in general, is there realistic hope to make it anything but a hobby late in life?
❤
I'm so broken as developer 😢