Artists and ADHD: A Journey of Discovery, Creativity, and Unfinished Projects

When I was finally diagnosed with ADHD in my 50s, a lifetime of struggle suddenly made sense. I’d often wondered why I could thrive in complex, creative pursuits like 3D art and animation but somehow stumbled in more straightforward jobs. It’s as if ADHD allows me to engage deeply with intricate projects but balks at the simple tasks society expects us to master with ease. For those of us who find our path later in life, the diagnosis brings a bittersweet clarity.

My journey with ADHD led me to start a documentary project to share the insights of top ADHD experts from New York City and Los Angeles. I wanted to shed light on the impact of late diagnosis and the unique challenges and strengths ADHD can bring, especially to creatives. Funding eventually ran dry, but I had the satisfaction of handing the project over to a friend with greater reach, allowing the footage to reach and help many others who, like me, spent years searching for answers.

But the reality of ADHD often shows up in the form of incomplete projects—abandoned ideas, half-finished dreams that haunt both my hard drive and my mind. My music "career" is one of those stories. At 19, I moved to Washington state to pursue music, playing in clubs and local venues, but focus issues meant it never took off. Instead, I threw myself into work, taking whatever job I could find. Those years taught me to work hard, but they also left little time for music or art. Still, I found moments of magic—like the time I joined an early virtual band with members of Londonbeat, which led to clips on MTV and even UK news. Here’s a very ‘90s video that still brings a smile.

Then, not long after my ADHD diagnosis, I faced another health challenge—a stroke, which meant I couldn’t take the medications often prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms. In place of medication, I focused on diet and exercise, and I’ve been amazed at how much they’ve improved my life. It’s hard not to wonder why this approach wasn’t emphasized more by my medical team, given how effective it’s been.

Now, I’m left reflecting on what ADHD means for me as an artist. Maybe it isn’t entirely a “disorder,” but rather a different way of seeing and interacting with the world. That ever-present urge to chase the next idea or project isn’t always a bad thing—it’s often the start of something creative, even transformative. Sometimes, that “next squirrel” is a world-changing idea or the inspiration for a painting I’d never have attempted otherwise.

What about you? If you’re also navigating creativity with ADHD or simply feeling that pull to explore everything at once, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is ADHD a hurdle, or is it part of what makes us who we are as artists?