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Health, nutrition, and stamina as an artist.

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ambelamba polycounter lvl 6
 As I get older my stamina is getting lower. 

I am just starting in 3D, and have done 2D drawings and sketches for many years. I am 41 and I have trouble sitting on my desk, drawing stuff for more than an hour at maximum. Yesterday I drew a school bus (with Mad Max twist) during a break time on the set. I couldn't finish it because it was so taxing to add all the details and stuff. So far I have rarely drawn cars, and I had to figure out how to draw wheels with prominent tractions with a brush marker and a flexible nib inking pen. (If I had a colored pencil it would have been easier...)

I keep reminding myself to "Draw for 45 minutes, take a 15 minutes break. Then repeat.". But it's difficult to stick with it. 

I guess many of you guys tend to sit in front of the monitor for hours. I guess many of you guys are in 20s and early 30s. Maybe some of you guys are feeling the age. Probably a few of you guys spend some money on supplements. I do. I often buy dried beet powder and moringa leaf powder since they are full of nutrients that vitalize you. And at this point I am thinking about buying...a bottle of ginseng paste.

To make matters worse, I am diabetic. Back in 2005 a VA doctor prescribed me Abilify and I started having near-coma every time I took it. Turns out that the med spiked my blood sugar and slowly destroyed my pancreas. But the doctor didn't do a thing to change it. And yes, at this point it's really difficult to concentrate for more than an hour at a single sitting.

So how do you guys maintain yourselves, nutrition wise? How do you maintain your mental endurance? 

P.S. Yes, I take Turmeric and ginger, too. 

Replies

  • Zack Maxwell
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    Zack Maxwell interpolator
    If you're having trouble sticking to the break times, just use a timer. There are a lot of simple phone apps you can use.
    As for the supplements you mentioned, that's just snake oil. An ordinary multivitamin would do more for you, and even then only if you have a bad diet you need to compensate for.

    I think regular exercise and stretching is extremely important, since the work has you sitting down all day. I have a stationary bike inside of my apartment.
  • Clark Coots
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    Clark Coots polycounter lvl 12
    Strength Train or HIIT (high intensity interval training), even just 20-30 minute sessions 3 times a week can do wonders for your overall health. This can help you build build muscle, increase your metabolism, and increase testosterone. Which all help with energy levels. It's good to get up every hour I agree with the setting a timer idea.
  • thomasp
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    thomasp hero character
    for me it's one of the reasons to freelance - to be able to work out during the day, go outside when i feel like it and have a proper meal once in a while. as opposed to be sat in an office all day then have some takeaway in the break.

  • seth.
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    seth. polycounter lvl 14
    Hey, I will second what Clark said, get yourself a decent exercise program and stick to it at least three times a week. I have been doing HIIT stuff (crossfit) for a while now and the changes in my mood and energy levels are noticeable, and for the better.

    I think  http://daily.barbellshrugged.com/shop/ is a decent place to start if you want to do something stupid and have that survival instinct kick in watch out though HIIT stuff generally makes your bloods spike, so take a shot, maybe 10 units after the warm up and before any strength and metcon portion of a workout. Make sure to eat within an hour afterward too cos they will drop like a stone once you have cooled down.

    I'm  41 and a diabetic, I ended up nearly dead a few years back when my pancreas decided it didnt want to work anymore. "I'm diabetic" is not an excuse for not knuckling down and getting shit done, "My age" is not and excuse for not knuckling down and getting shit done, telling yourself that the younger guys have an ability you dont, or that you cant focus cos diabetes is bollocks.  Before I posted I checked out your other threads to get a handle on where you were at and honestly I think you need to make some tough choices about whether or not you really want to do 3D. Your first thread was two years ago, that's hardly just starting in 3D, that's the time it took me between opening maya for the first time and landing my first character gig.

    Whats my special secret, how do I maintain my mental endurance? Its simple, there is no secret. You dont need a mentor, or a class, or a support network, you just need to get your head down and do it. People are more likely to answer a targeted question when you get stuck than explain a whole process. Get your hands dirty. Find ways to enable rather than excuse yourself from making stuff, or learning something etc...  Your 2d stuff shows that you have some skill, now apply that skill to 3d along with some determination. Stop making posts that have a list of excuses thinly veiled with a question about how other people manage what you seemingly cant, start making posts with some 3d art in them. They will probably get ignored but who cares, you will be progressing simply by doing something.

    I sincerely hope that you do make a change to your routine, add exercise, and some time to focus on study. Alternate on a daily basis if you are really pushed for time but most importantly set yourself a goal that you stick to, nothing worthwhile is easy, especially self improvement. Im still shit at it and I try to be better every day than the day before.

    Now stop fucking about and get it done xxx


  • radiancef0rge
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    radiancef0rge ngon master
    Listen to seth, he got jacked. 
  • sacboi
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    sacboi high dynamic range

    "You're only as old as you want too feel..."    

    Anyway I've got no 'magic' formula to lay on the table other than dietary (...cut down on the junk), exercise (...go for walks outside in the fresh air, when the weather permits), read stuff (...comics, SciFi/Fantasy novel...whatever), take up a hobby (...non CG related) and/or just chill by maybe listening to your favourite tunes zoning out. I actually find helps off load a ton of garbage that tends to accumulate day to day, life's commitments invariably clutter the mind with. 

    For my age 56, well add another 6mths to be exact. I reckon a good state of health all told managing as best I'm able my fair share of incumbent issues both psychological and physical. Without sounding morbidly self indulgent, Hypotension, Heart Arrhythmia, Karpal Tunnel Syndrome affecting both wrists, life long chronic depressive and a recently diagnosed arthritic right knee. Now despite which holding down a private security role working 12hr night shifts five days a week for minimum wage keeping hard cover overhead, clothes on my back and food on the table...

    I guess experience maturity brings has kept me upright plus above ground, that I'll totally attribute too military service throughout the 80s. Coining a catch phrase ingrained since those day's:  

    "Proper, Prior, Planning, Prevents, Piss, Poor, Performance" approach has enabled me in pursuit of developing my artistic passion alongside coping with what life throws at you.

  • Alemja
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    Alemja quad damage
    I would double check with a doctor to see if those supplements are doing anything for you. What @Grimwolf pointed out is true, most are snake oil however some can be immensely helpful if you are deficient. For myself, I was having trouble focusing and very lethargic a couple of years ago, turns out I was anemic and iron supplements helped with that. Just recently I discovered I'm now living as a proper Seattle-ite and am deficient in Vitamin D, which explains some headaches and fatigue I've been having.

    I would also recommend checking your desk ergonomics, if sitting is not working for you, you might need to invest in a new chair, adjust the height/location of everything or try out a standing desk. Years of bad posture can really bite you in the butt and you sometimes don't realize just how much it affects you. Good chiropractors and/or posture specialists are worth going to, you'd be amazed how much better you can feel and how much more focused you are with proper care of your neck and spine. Don't skimp out on things like mice or keyboards either, your hands and wrists will thank you.

    Timers can be vital with helping to get work done, if you are having a hard time focusing for 45 minutes, try 20 or 30 instead and work up to 1 hour long sessions. No need to rush yourself.
  • Prime8
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    Prime8 interpolator
    Get a good spank from a nurse (costume is sufficient), helps with blood circulation ;)
    Or just stop thinking too much and do some art and whatever you like in your free time.
  • musashidan
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    musashidan high dynamic range
    So-called 'multi vitamins' are a pure scam. Just eat more healthy shit. Raw foods like oats, nuts, fruit, veg. Plenty  of fish and fish oil. Stay off the processed 'lazy man's' rubbish.

    My left wrist has been broken since 2002 (one of the bones is snapped clean) and arthritis has since developed. My right wrist has 50 stitches from an old knife attack that severed 4 tendons. I'm 39. I can sit engrossed in CG work for 20 hours straight, no problem. 

    All your posts seem to be your sub-conscious looking for any excuse avoid learning CG. There's no harm in that, mate. It's certainly not for everyone.

    You've received a lot of honest feedback in all your threads. So it's time to either act on it or find another creative outlet.
  • cptSwing
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    cptSwing polycounter lvl 11
    @musashidan used to be a sailor, it's true.
  • ambelamba
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    ambelamba polycounter lvl 6
     Thanks for the inputs guys.  Yes, two years is a long time to build up your skills as long as you concentrate real hard. I admit that I was constantly questioning myself whether I should stick with 2D or move onto 3D for years. In other thread, I complained that lack of mentoring can really delay the progress and...well, some people in and outside  Polycount seem to agree with me. 

     As for nutrition, I do my best to eat healthy. I work at retail almost full-time and now I work as a regular extra for a new TV show. I really need to be careful about the food because they serve really hearty foods on the set. And Moringa and Beet Root do help a lot. I definitely feel the increase in energy level. And a few weeks ago I started hitting the gym at least two times a week. 

     As for learning 3D, a local community college offers different levels of modeling classes (beggining, intermediate, and advanced), which is unusualy for a community college. I signed up for the beginning class but I am afraid that I need to drop out before the semester starts because of my commitment on the TV show. Sin ce the show will run for 13 episodes I will have to wait for Spring term next year. 

     P.S. Actually I was thinking about the key differences in production-ready modeling and concept design modeling. I was told that concept designs are shifting toward using 3D, and that was the main reason I wanted to get into 3D. But it seems like there's some different expectations when dealing with two different subjects, technically or whatnot. Of course I believe that I need to nail down the foundation skills first. 

    @musashidan Maybe you are right about the subconscious fear. I constantly question myself "Can I do it? Will I turn out to be half way decent?".

     @Alemja At least I need Alpha Lipoic Acid and Gymnema to help controlling my blood sugar. They help a lot, immensely.

     @sacboi There are few things that I did not mention, which I want to keep it to myself. If things work out well I will have some breathing room to concentrate on things I want to pursue. I've been wrestling with the VA regarding some stuff...and that's all I can say.
  • Alemja
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    Alemja quad damage
    2 years is nothing in the grand scheme of things, college courses are anywhere from 2-4 years and very few college students get jobs right form the get-go. I graduated after 3 years of college and worked on my portfolio everyday for 3.5 years after that before I got a job. An artistic career is something you're in for the long haul, it's a marathon not a sprint.

    Since you really seem to continually bring up mentorship and are looking to speed things up, I think it's time for you to start investing in some courses or at least find something a little more structured you can follow. Here are a few:

    http://drawabox.com/
    https://www.gameartinstitute.com/
    https://www.schoolism.com/school.php
    http://www.scott-eaton.com/anatomy-for-artists-online-course
    https://www.ctrlpaint.com/
    https://www.uartsy.com/
    http://www.mold3dacademy.com/all-classes.html
    http://www.zbrushworkshops.com/
    https://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/
    https://www.learnsquared.com/
    http://cgmasteracademy.com/

    Some Youtube channels that have valuable stuff
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbdyjrrJAjDIACjCsjAGFAA
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClM2LuQ1q5WEc23462tQzBg

    This thread and your previous threads seem to be full of information to help you figure things out, but it really all comes down to posting art -> gets crits -> making improvements -> rinse -> repeat -> forever.
  • musashidan
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    musashidan high dynamic range
    cptSwing said:
    @musashidan used to be a sailor, it's true.
    A pirate, actually. Aaaaaarrrrr! Me old bones are f**ked.
  • Amsterdam Hilton Hotel
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    Amsterdam Hilton Hotel insane polycounter
    ambelamba said:
    In other thread, I complained that lack of mentoring can really delay the progress and...well, some people in and outside  Polycount seem to agree with me.
    I agree with you. Having quality mentors is a force multiplier for any practice you do. You still have to do the work, but mentors will multiply what you actually learn from each thing you make. They also divide the time that you spend trying to figure out technical stuff like baking or PBR values or whatever. Absolutely invaluable for getting good quickly. I had a few mentors in my teenage years, all online, who helped a lot with getting me employable by adulthood.

    Now that I'm (only slightly) older I find myself getting solicited for this kind of mentorship by other people, and seeing it from the other side of the fence, I think there's a few things you can do to increase your success building this type of relationship.

    First I would say, try to target specific people that do the kind of work you want to be able to do. See if they have any public contact info like discords or skypes or even emails or whatever. If not, they have PMs on whatever site they post on. Actively approach them.

    Second, never just message someone like "Hey :)" or "What's up?" People who post professional work get this kind of message from random people multiple times a day. Networking superhumans might respond to it all but frankly I just don't have the time and I suspect most others don't either. The best thing to do if you're soliciting feedback from someone is to have work ready to show and ready to get feedback on before you even initiate contact. One of the best lines you could use would be like, "Hey man, I like your stuff and I'd love to get some feedback on this if you have a minute" accompanied by pics of your work. Or have a specific question already in mind. It doesn't mean you can't be friendly or chit-chat with guys once the relationship is established but it's important to start by bringing value and not taking their time for granted. Experienced people don't necessarily dislike explaining things, it actually helps them solidify their own knowledge, but they don't usually need more small talk in their lives, so keep that in mind when opening.

    Third, if you do manage to get a mentor "hooked" so to speak, don't defend your work to them. Don't try and verbalize or intellectualize excuses for your work. If they crit you, never explain why they're wrong. Either go chew on it or ask them more questions that will help you better understand what they're trying to express. Nothing is more annoying than taking the time to crit someone's work in an attempt to help, only to have them basically make excuses or justifications for the things you pointed out. It feels like wasted effort. Remember that you're looking for a mentor and not a debate partner. The day may come when you're on equal footing but I wouldn't start off with that attitude.

    Anyway sorry if this isn't 100% on the main topic of the thread but I just drank like 2 cups of coffee and hopefully someone finds it helpful.


  • Thane-
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    Thane- polycounter lvl 3
    Having just learned digital game art over the past three year while trying to learn to draw, which was a massive, MASSIVE pain in the ass for me, i would like to say please don't spend money on schooling unless you want the social interaction or don't like learning things from the net or youtube. Everything you need to know is available 20 times over on the net. That critical little tid-bit of info about getting whatever program to not give some error might be on some obscure forum thread and hard to find, but its all out there. Youtube in particular, video actually, i learned was an excellent way to learn, because its video and audio, at the same time. I didn't have polycount when i was learning and i would say the great thread on normal mapping and other technical threads by Earthquake would have made everything so much easier and there is more good info from other parties too. I needed to know what all the normal mapping and details of other technical concepts before i could feel good about moving on and just building my art and following the program directions, that was hard for me and my particular learning style. Just having Earthquake's sticky threads in the technical section would have saved me from a ton of depression over not knowing what the hell was going on with my normal maps. I did got to an 8 month digital game art course and i learned basically nothing i couldn't learn in a one hour youtube video. I wish i were joking...... My teacher did not know how to fill in a hole in the mesh and some other basic functions of 3DS Max. I remember following a 20 minute video tutorial i found on the web, that was part 1 of 20, and i remember i being blown away how fast the rate of learning was compared to the class i took. In that one 20 minute video i was learning tons of basic, staple Max features such as "cap", "collapse", "bridge", that were never even taught in the class. My school was a complete waste of money and even time towards the goal of learning digital art. It was however, sorta fun, nice to be around others doing something i had always been interested in learning, the teacher was energetic and a nice guy, but a lower accomplished artist who was probably not a digital art enthusiast. I sat next to this wonderful, lovely sweetheart of a girl and the class acted as an outside source of motivation, good if you need it.

    But, for example, Arrimus is a youtube guy who does free modelling tutorials (one of im guessing thousands of people doing this btw for free) who is also a professional in the industry, who i would say is 95% of all you need to learn modelling, not texturing or normal mapping, just creating the raw model itself. I'd recommend one of the Eat 3D texturing tutorials for getting a great start learning texturing in photoshop, then go straight to Substance Painter and quixel tutorials.

    As far as whether you should do this to begin with, i don't feel knowledgeable to answer that, but for me i am still learning if the last 3 years were worth it. It hammered home the fact that i like playing games much more than making them and it can i think a reduce some of the mystique about games, knowing so intimately how the magic trick works, but i will say since getting my gaming setup back after 3 years dedicated to study, i'm enjoying the hell out of Mad Max so, i don't know....  I will say that while taking photos of Seattle's industrial areas for reference over the course of many weeks, I have a new reverence for all those hidden workers doing their thing in those massive industrial facilities and i sort of wonder if the importance i put on art and game development is somewhat too high and that i did not respect the work of societies basic needs, such as concrete and metal production, or whatever. Honestly, all that stuff is so interesting to me now, taking a job in an industrial plant sound very interesting. But thats all just to say that i hope you don't limit yourself to art.

    As far as health goes. I currently adhere to this thinking:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drv3BP0Fdi8

  • Justo
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    Justo polycounter
    cptSwing said:
    @musashidan used to be a sailor, it's true.
    Were you a sailor too with Danny? I must know this to fuel personal fanfiction I'll create on you guys.
  • sacboi
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    sacboi high dynamic range

    ambelamba said:

    @sacboi There are few things that I did not mention, which I want to keep it to myself. If things work out well I will have some breathing room to concentrate on things I want to pursue. I've been wrestling with the VA regarding some stuff...and that's all I can say.

    A tad late in the day however I hope everything works out OK for you.

  • ambelamba
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    ambelamba polycounter lvl 6
    Now I have some financial breathing room. And...I am getting stingy. :smiley:

    I was advised to lay low for a while by all the different people. And I guess I am reverting to a hobbyist. Nothing wrong, I guess.  Actually, I wasn't really aspiring to be a game artist. I always wanted to be a concept artist and apply the game art techniques to concept design pipeline. But...it seems that I can be generous with polygon counts and the end products don't have to be game engine-friendly. So...I just decided to concentrate on fundamental subD modeling techniques instead, You know, edge control and meshflow and all the good stuff....instead of making the models lowpoly and things. 

    Anyway, I am learng quite a bit from here.
  • Bletzkarn
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    Bletzkarn polycounter lvl 6
    Modafinil is pretty amazing stuff. Very safe.
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