Here's my take on this topic, and I'm gonna tell you what I think with a little story. Every year my husband's family does an xmas party with a gift exchange, and every year I wanted to buy gifts that people actually wanted. I couldn't figure out how to buy a good gift exchange gift, and I struggled with that for years. But then, the year before last I gave up on picking something I thought other people would like and started shopping for something myself and my husband would want. That year both the gifts I chose were highly sought after in the exchange, so I did it again last year with the same results. I think I got bogged down in thinking my needs and wants were so much different from other people, so when I finally thought about the problem from my own perspective I was able to buy gifts people want. I look at the things I make in my art career the same way. I make the things I like and figure there's gotta be someone out there who likes it as much as I do. I don't "serve others" with my art, I serve myself first and my art follows and is better as a result.

Slightly related, this makes me think of how Bob Ross hated his hairstyle, but it was his brand so he felt he had to keep it. It sound exhausting to face that in the mirror every day.

@googlethis313

4 жыл бұрын

Wow! I was not aware of that! Very interesting and thanks! I love fun facts😀🙏🏼✌🏼❤️

Great stuff as usual my peeps! As a digital artist (traditional photography combined with digital artistry), I have to sell my work in the form of prints, reproduced on canvas as well as on other mediums. The motivation behind making my artwork is for me rather than what I think will attract other people. With that said, I enjoy sharing my art with others to also enjoy. Those who resonate with our art will be naturally drawn to it and those are our true target audience. Those are the ones who will become our true fans! Several years ago, I sold a piece to a collector who credited it with “literally” saving her life. She was going through an oppressive period in her life and was on the verge of completely giving up on life. I watched her as she contemplated on the expression and the title that I gave to it for a few moments then purchased it on the spot. At the time, I did not know what her motivation for doing so was. Several years later, she shared with me the complete story of how my piece gave her the inspiration to take charge of her life and get out of the abusive relationship that was suppressing her. To say that floored me would be an understatement! That brought me to tears-still does! To hear that my artwork helped to save a woman’s life is the most rewarding thing that I could have asked! Its moments like that, that truly motivate me to keep making the type of art that is meaningfully to me as well as fuel my willingness to share it with others!

@paintingtheskykingdom9005

4 жыл бұрын

I wanna see your art! what's your instagram handle?

@fightthegoodfight52

4 жыл бұрын

Skybalancer My IG handle is @FineArtExpressions

@fightthegoodfight52

4 жыл бұрын

Adventure Seeking Artist Thanks for your kind words! I agree, it’s so rewarding to see the positive impact that art can have on the lives of people! My IG handle is @FineArtExpressions

I was a layout Artist for a catalog company many years ago. My main job was to make those products look more appealing. I saw this as a challenge. Directing the photographer how to angle the shot, lighting, etc. Having that job helped me to keep my imagination flowing. Plus I was supporting a family. Maybe sign painting is boring, but at least you're (maybe) selecting the right font/type face, for the product at hand. The fact that you were being paid for your work and seeing the satisfaction from your client's face, should have made you feel appreciated. In the meantime, after work, you can always create, in your studio, hoping your pieces sell. That's what I did. Now I'm an award winning Artist, whatever that means!

"Can I get me one of them Rafi hate-filled signs? I want it to say you are my sunshine." :-D

I really enjoy when you put up random videos while speaking. With this one it was interesting to see the work from the bare canvas beginning. When you added the black to the background I said "nooo" out loud. Then you wiped it off. Sigh of relief. When you splashed on the green and spread it all around I cringed. Thought you had ruined it. But you wiped it off in such a way that it worked. Awesome! Love it! Although I am not aiming for an art career I love all your commentaries. They can apply to many areas of life. Plus you two are so danged cute together. Who could resist? :-)

I just found the both of you a few days ago and I have been binge watching your videos. Both of your personalities make me say "MY PEOPLE!!" I have been drawing, seriously, since I was 3. I got really good around 10. I am now 39 (Fixing to be on the 'Top 40' list lol. There is a lot more to my story but I'll save that for another time. I loved this question. Most that know me or my work know to expect the unexpected. I get bored easily and I don't believe in limiting my potential. I feel that no matter your career field you should always be growing and learning. It never stops unless you stop yourself. I started with crayons, moved to pencil drawings, then to painting, then scratchboard, then pointillism, then Digital art, Then photography and now I am back to painting. I just recently tried acrylic pour painting. It was fun. Back to normal painting. The biggest issue I have noticed is people hear digital art and ask me to do logos. I can do logos. Logos pay well. I LOATHE doing logos. I loathe sign making and most basic graphic work. I love digital illustration. It seems the general population tends to heavily place their ideas and limitations onto the creatives. Just because they have trouble thinking outside the box doesn't mean you have to. I have a saying I say. "Art is the language of my soul." I have to feel it. I have to believe in it and there has to be a message to it. Otherwise, I mess it up. Thank you so much for sharing all your tips, tricks and advice. I just adore all of your videos. Also, Klee, I felt your stance on the video about you being in the blur zone. Thank you for also taking that strong stand. I have a good hubby too and ppl just like to assume. Enough of my jib jab. Have an awesome sauce day!

@seanarthur8392

4 жыл бұрын

Yaaaaah Baby! (Austin Powers...)

Sometimes the art you create which feels like a warm hug to you - feels like a warm hug to others too. ❤️ Following the art which *you're* passionate about is contagious. And worth it. On the flip side - ask John Mayer how much music he makes for himself vs his fans? He says "one for me, one for them." It's okay to balance so long as you keep the things you're passionate about on the table.

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

Yes!

Rafi and Klee! what an awesome video. I'm full of gratitude for both of you and what you do.

Great question and great answers. I am not in a place where I can make money with art and I make too much money in my "day job" to be able to give it up (with very little other income sources if I did). I can't work 2 more than full-time jobs and slogging through making only things I think might sell would be working 2 jobs with the lower-paying one taking the majority of the time. I create for my soul so I don't need that sucked out by the sameness.

I haven't really found a Thing that the Public Wants, but my "quick sale" for markets is a quick coloured pencil sketch done in person (like a caricature artist would do, but reproducing their favourite photos pretty much). My samples are intentionally of dogs because I am hoping to nudge people into the pet commission category, but so far every visitor that bites has requested human portraits! I... I feel really stressed when doing human portraits because there is so much pressure and it's so much harder to make people happy. I don't mind drawing faces in general, but every time someone asks if I can draw people, my stomach drops.

@ShawNshawN

4 жыл бұрын

YellowMelle just go to the dog jumping events. You can easily sell pet portraits only there

@YellowMelle

4 жыл бұрын

@@ShawNshawN Hmm thanks, I'll have to look into that :D

@tinacolbourneart1091

4 жыл бұрын

That's funny that I am a wildlife artist and I always get asked for paintings of people's pets. That is the thing that I feel like I am selling out. I have sold a bunch of pet portraits on Etsy, so you could try that route. Also advertise at pet stores and vet offices.

@ragdollrose2687

4 жыл бұрын

Maybe local pet shops and animal shelters would collab with you :) It could be a fun project to draw the animals to promote their adoption!

@YellowMelle

4 жыл бұрын

@@tinacolbourneart1091 That IS kinda funny! Makes sense though, they know you are into animals :D

I paint in lots of different mediums and my art styles are varied. I know it confuses buyers, but it's more a stress release for me. My main paintings are consistent, and I love painting them, but they take ages to do. Not going to change having fun.

I know I've said it before but I LOVE you guys! Authenticity that is lacking in the world today

This was great! My love for my art being my main motivation makes me resistant to the critics- won't care.

As a starving artist I have found my self doing prediction peaces to make money so I can afford to do the art I love doing. Problem I ran into is that it limited my art. Alot if people wanted me to stick to doing the same old thing. If I can't grow in my art than it's not art. Ps. It's good to know the truth. You do the pod cast to hear your self talk. Lol all jokes aside I love them and thank you for doing them.

Great rant guys.... thankyou

What you cover in this vlog so resonated with me. Thanks for articulating these thoughts that I suspect are common in any artistic community.

Great pod cast guys. I totally relate but had it sort of backfire on me. For the last 2 years I have been running a colouring in group in a local town. Each week I would produce these colouring in packs for them. I would between 5 and 7 new illustrations each week and edit and package them in a range of products for them. It became so painful by the end of last year. I would dread making them. I loved the break over Christmas. Here we have 6 weeks holiday for our summer. (Australia) and I didnt draw a single thing. When I had to start back with my group I told them I was no longer doing the packs but was happy to continue the tutorials (only 1 illustration). I felt a huge relief and freedom. Well....at first they accepted it but then I got calls begging for me to do the packs. It was all they had to do all week and the packs became a huge part of their lives. They were all so lost without them. I was so humbled by this. As an artist you create for you and very rarely you know of the impact you make on others. So I compromised and I do a small pack each week. I draw 3 illustrations each week now and they seem very grateful for these.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We were just discussing this very topic this afternoon... You guys are getting spooky... Love you! Keep it up! ❤️🤗

Heartfelt advice as always you two! Thank you! You are such an inspiration!

Yeah! I did animal portraits for awhile as commissions- sold but HATED doing them. Decided to turn to painting the NW natural world that I love. People tell me that is boring but many also love it. What is important to me is the real delight of capturing some bit of wonder I see in mountains and skies and waterfalls and flowers, birds, lakes.

What amazing responses! Rafi and Klee you have struck a nerve!! The song is the same, tho each artistic form has its quirks. Steven Pressfield: “Technically, the pro plays for pay. But in the end, he does it for love.” This is the key. Like Klee says, you have to find enjoyment in it, to keep repeating yourself. The hard reality is that even with creative work you love (or any work you love) it's not a fantasy world all the time, full of rainbows and unicorns. Creative work is hard. Sometimes it flows and sometimes it's a b**ch. Sometimes you create from the heart and nobody wants it and sometimes you knock something off and people love it. You can't control that, but you can be professional about how you work.

Just what I needed to hear today! Thank you!

I love you both. I am at that stage now. Thank you for sharing .

❤ This particular video of yours really spoke to me and intrinsically helps. Thank you!!

@Rafiwashere

9 ай бұрын

@rdslagle YOU ARE AWESOME!

Really what you need to do in that situation is for every sign you create you get to make something YOU want to create.

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

Everything should be you!

Thank you! I needed this kick in the ass. Lol. 💗

Beautiful ♥️ 🌳

I just realized something. I've been spending most of my time making KZread videos on my channel that are soul sucking. I absolutely hate making them. I've been making them dutifully twice a week and now I want to go back to the beginning where I read my poetry and talked about my late brother. I came to the realization of this while I listen to your great podcast and watch you make art. I want to do reviews of our products but I want to show people what I can do as an artist and as a person. Thank you for letting me come to that conclusion today. Thank you and take care!

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

Brilliant!!

I love the colors of that artwork!

I’m a newcomer to your channel, and am so happy I’ve found you! I’ve been a maker since my teens. I loved all the different things I did, but as soon as I started doing made to order items my entire interest in that craft was lost to me. I see the same thing slowly happening with my parents in their quilting business. I am now an art history student and sat in on a zoom meeting where art students were presenting their capstone pieces to her for critique and discussion . Something she said to a student who’s style had suddenly and drastically changed from still lives to abstract has stuck in my mind ever since. “Just because you can make something in a certain style doesn’t mean you have to”. Love your channel, thanks for all you are sharing!

@Rafiwashere

11 ай бұрын

That is so true! Thank you for sharing! There is a fine line with made to order, and you can't see it as production... more of a limited time, while I enjoy creating this thing... it could be a week, months, or a day.

Definitely needed this. Been struggling a lot for about 3 or 4 years now. Trying to get out of this rut now. Thank you for this!

I enjoyed your discussion very much. Thank you.

I just found you folks about two weeks ago, and you've quickly become my artlife coaches. I love your videos sooooooo very much cause they help me find the courage to do whatever I feel artistically. Thank you!!!

I love watching your videos and appreciate the honesty. I have recently started my own business and it turns out there is a lot that goes into being a full time artist. I'm finally at a point in my life where I can just focus on creation, but I am worried that if I push production too hard I will begin to resent these things that I love. I'm going to try to go into this with a plan to minimize burnout. Set limitations, only have a certain amount of reproductions, choose a product line carefully, and make sure it's something enjoyable to spend time on. Thank you for sharing your story. It is inspiring to watch your videos. It makes it all feel more real.

I totally loved this!!.. you guys have given such wisdom and clarity.. I feel such a sense of relief and openess now like I can move forward and release what ever guilt was tethering me!!.. Plus I love your ramblings!..lol.. it's why I watch!.. such wisdom and experience!.. thanks so much for sharing your spirit with all of us... you two are a breath of fresh air.. blessings to you!

This has been on my mind so much this past week...I had more or less come to this conclusion too, that I had to stick to my passion. But it’s nice to hear that I am on the right path. Very timely podcast, thank you for sharing!

great timing...in a slump and have a show Friday

I've only sold a few pieces (2 years ago). They were experiments that visitors to my home spotted, wanted, bought and asked for more - exactly the same or in different colours. I was flattered and obliged but, almost immediately, resented wasting my time. When I handed them over to very happy purchasers I jumped in and told them "but no more". They were shocked, but I'm not comfortable repeating myself. I can't even do series. I've waited until early retirement (through ill health) before finally taking art up seriously and I haven't got the time, or the inclination, to stand still and keep producing the same thing over and over. My brain works way faster than my arthritic hands so, by the time I finish a piece, my thoughts have moved onto the thing after the next thing. I've had to accept I'm not in this to sell, I'm in this for my soul. Love you both heaps xx

I feel like you're my good friends speaking directly into my soul. Been so burned out I can't even function. Thank you for this.

Great subject! As an artist I tend to get bored with repetition and even though I can remake the same thing over and over, I’m limiting myself and I want to grow... so this was an excellent question.

Thanks for sharing your personal experiences, guys. Loved this video. 💯🎨❤️

Thank you for sharing your own journey. Art is subjective and personal. Personally, I wanted to be true to myself instead of trying to please everyone to make a buck. 💖

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

Yes!!

It's almost a relief to hear other people say this out loud... Should we create art just so someone will buy it? Or do we create to feed our soul or to satisfy that thing inside that drives us to create? Anytime I try to create something just to try to figure out what will sell, I don't feel satisfied and end up walking away disappointed. Anyway it was great to hear someone else say what I've been feeling for a long time. Thanks!

Thank you guys. Your ramblings here is completely answer all my doubts, fear, and question about "what's my truth?" Glad you answer the question, glad someone ask that, the video really spoke to me 🙏

Wow I’m amazed at how y’all always make a video on what I’m going through or thinking..🤔 are y’all in my head? Lol 😆 I have been painting celebrities for awhile, but it doesn’t bring me the fulfillment it once did. I’ve been wanting to create original works from my heart, but I’ve been feeling so lost. This definitely gave me confirmation to start to create as best as possible from my heart.. I’m nervous, but I’m hoping it goes well! (Sorry this was so long) Thanks for the video Rafi and Klee and much love and happiness to you both 🙌🏾❤️☺️!

I just downloaded all your podcast episodes, yaay! Much easier to be able to listen to you while doing my day job instead of sitting down and watching KZread while I would rather be writing or painting.

Awesome video. The two yoots. I’m at the same crossroads, I didn’t some stiff that involved me making something then taking photos at the right time some times 40 at a time, I had to weed through 49k pictures to find 200 good ones. Now I have to get them made because it only fills half my booth. And I’m sooooo sick of it. There’s so many things I want to create. I’m getting close. Perfect timing on this video. Gosh you guys are so inspiring. Thank you for all you do!

Thanks! This was a helpful reminder (for ANY creative - not just the ones that create things to sell.) All in all it comes down to having FAITH in yourself and what you’re doing. Sounds like some cheesy lifeadvice, but harder to actually keep as a guideline.

Hey Rafi you are full of some great info :)

Interesting to listen to this. I might listen to it again and think about where I am. I have been making custom invitations for over 13 years now. Kids were born in the meantime, I moved in and out 3 studios, struggled with having a creative business and raise a family etc. I no longer LOVE making invitations because I prefer painting with watercolors, growing my artistic skills and create what I want. However I fear this will not bring enough income for me to afford the studio rent and I have no room for my stuff in our little apartment. I am teaching a local workshop, but now with the Coronavirus outbreak I have to suspend it so I am glad I can do some design work to bring in the money and pay the rent. My husband can now pay for our food and housing so at least I don't have the stress of bread earning anymore. It's all a journey. Doing the best we can. 🤗

I definitely agree with the soul-sucking creation. I currently have an item in my etsy jewelry shop that's made to order and I almost dread doing them now, but nobody nowhere does them like I do, and I'm kinda proud of that. So what I'm gonna do is, as soon as I get my own domain site I will only list them occasionally after I've already done a few on my own time, and once I feel like doing them again then I will re-list when I feel like it, instead of feeling pressured by random orders. Really loved this video and love you both! Thanks for being you :)

Thank you for sharing your process, thoughts and artistic abilities. They are very inspiring. I fell into a huge hole and haven’t truly created Anything (musically or artistically) in over a year. Yes. You read that correctly. Now my studio can’t even be seen under all the accumulation of stuff in it. It became a catch all. I know how it started. And now? Thanks to your podcasts and videos, I’m ready to face it. My art isn’t for everyone. And just because a specific group of people didn’t exactly like it? Doesn’t mean that it’s bad. It just means it’s not for them. So thank you! I’m going to start the process of cleaning out My Studio because that’s what it is. MY STUDIO! Man it feels good to even just see those words! Thanks! ❤️, A Dorothy In Red Mary Janes

I love these videos sm! Great quarantine content to get caught up on 🙌🙌💕

I love the video of the tree. I made a painting of the tree of life using hot glue for the tree. I love it and it was so out of my wheelhouse.

"You get comfortable in your discomfort" 😱wow that's the phase I am crawling out of in transition towards my art. And the truth is it wasn't big money at all🤔. I guess self sabotage can be a rabbithole. Now that I am aware of it the revolution started😁. Thanks👍

Practically ALL you shared, Rafi and Klee, resonated in my heart and mind. These are my struggles: I feel authentic when I make OOAK and/or a 3 piece series of 3-4 different subjects. I feel authentic (and I actually dread it) when I think about having prints made from my paintings. Am I losing out on sales because I create OOAK, and 3-4 topics for my 3 piece series? (In essence, they’re OOAK.) Is my question the flip side to the one your sub brought up? Facts: my style is whimsy. I love bright colors. My art studio is located in my apartment. There are folks who drop by and see my paintings. They show interest and love my style. They don’t buy. Some family and friends also love my style. They do buy. Even so, regarding those who don’t buy, I love that I have so many options for my OOAK subjects, and 3-4 subjects I choose for my series. I’m comfortable with my style, not because of the sales, but because the pieces reflect my imagination, heart, and soul. Obviously, sales would be very helpful. I presently do my art on the side until I can get firmly established. Lastly...I might be an odd-ball here, but I sign my paintings on the back instead of the front for 2 reasons: I haven’t figured out a way to fancifully write my first name as it’s long (Jacqueline)...and more importantly, I feel like it’s a distraction to my subject matter. Your thoughts re: all? Thank you! You’re both the greatest!!!

I totally relate to this. I LOVE painting wildlife in realism but I find people don't really buy many paintings of wildlife. I fell into doing pet portrait commissions and made the most success at it but it felt like work, I felt like any fun for painting was being sucked out of me. I am also falling into flowers lately which I don't hate but it's not really what I want to do. I started feeling like I am only doing these things for others and just to sell and make money but I feel like I can see the difference in my work. Like I'm just trying to rush paintings to get them done fast and the quality isn't there as if I am painting something I enjoy.

Well thank gawd you no longer make wooden crate signs as it's soooo saturated. You can't go to any craft show without 1/4 of the vendors being people who sell those. May have been cool and unique when you did them but they have grown to be monotonous and tacky with their stupid flowery font lifted offline, lol. Some artists here are so sick of them they are not doing summer craft shows that allow more than a person or two in that sell them. Of course now mass manufacturers are on board (ha ha get it board) so now you can get them at Walmart, which means those making them will have to move on asap or they'll be put out of biz. I have crate sign burnout and never even made one, burnout from having to see so many of them, lol.

@googlethis313

4 жыл бұрын

I also noticed this at craft shows. But I think the signs that bother me the most are the ones where the person has hardly put Any effort into the actual painting of the board and then used an appliance like a Cricut for the wording. It’s just an applied sticker! And All of there ‘art’ is some simile based on that premise; by a cheap item, apply sticker message, and possibly paint or a bow might be involved. Frustrating!

Another wonderful talk. Thank you! This subject has haunted me for a good few years. I think maybe fear of it is one of the (many) things that held me back from really launching my career for so long. One thing I wish I could never hear again is the word "brand" applied to artists. I am so tired of being told by business experts about how I have to develop a consistent brand identity and make sure everything I do fits with my brand. I'm not selling phones or shoes. I'm selling ideas. Thoughts. Experiences. Feelings. And I have lots of different kinds of those. Standardization is for nails, rulers, and trains, not the arts. The people who reward artists for being consistent are sellers, not makers. They are not in business to provide open venues for the arts, but to keep up a regular flow of money. They are risk-averse and eager to keep doing whatever they know works. So if produce-crate signs have sold for them for a while, they are going to tell you that produce-crate signs are your brand, and urge you to stick with that in order not to lose your customer base. They can't envision the possibility that there's a wider audience out there for other things you might want to do, or new trails you can blaze with experimental work. That kind of future-thinking has never put money in their pockets, so there is no way they won't discourage you from it. Even the experts who do say we should follow our own visions and change up our work if that's where it takes us, will also still give dire warnings about what might happen to an artist who somehow alienates their buyers. Even when you change, they say, you must stay consistent. It feels like a Catch-22. Don't get stale or stuck in a rut, but don't change, either. When it comes with a sense of obligation to serve the public as well, that's just unfair. That's like emotional blackmail, isn't it, even if we just do it to ourselves. As I listened today, I was doing something 100% not reflecting what others say they want. I was carefully wrapping delicate dried flowers in scraps of painted tissue and tea bag paper with paper mache paste that shrinks to the form as it dries. I gathered the flowers in the fall, after they had gone to seed, died, and dried naturally. I'm using the tissue paper to restore spring and summer colors to them. I colored the tissue and tea bag papers. I mixed the paste from my own recipe. The process is so slow and fussy, it makes me feel like a crazy person after about half an hour, but in the morning, when they're dry, they look so wonderful I can only be happy with how I'm spending my time. I have no idea what I will do with them. I have to make them and then see how they want to become a work of art. Maybe each one by itself will be a work of art. But I'm sure not going to mass produce these things - even if the world goes nuts for them - not with a 12 month turnaround from live plant to made object. I'm doing this because I had an idea. A couple of ideas. An aesthetic one and a technical one. I have to run this experiment to see if I can realize the vision in my head and figure out ways to solve certain technical problems which will have broader applications. I would not be able to do this if I worked solely to produce stuff for people to buy. I wouldn't be able to justify the time it's taking, and I wouldn't be able necessarily to show the finished things because they are not like the kinds of things I've made before. But if they work out, they'll be able to express a part of my vision as an artist. I figure it this way: Artists don't produce just artworks. We produce expression. All those ideas, etc. Intangible things. Religion, politics, emotion, memory, interpretation, questions, aesthetics. Those kinds of things are our brands. That's what sets art apart from decoration and craft. Literally anyone can paint. Anyone can write. Anyone can make a sign out of a produce-crate or make a dried flower arrangement. But art uses the work to express meaning and vision that is unique to each artist, so my dried flower arrangements are going to be different from anyone else's. They are going to mean something different from any other artist's dried flower arrangements, and the fact that they mean something will make them different from all non-artist dried flower arrangements. And even if they are different from any other work I've ever done, they'll still be "brand consistent" because they'll be expressing my vision, which is what all my work does. A Jen Fries artwork is not a collage or a book. It's a work by Jen Fries, and buyers should recognize it not by what it is but by what it says or how it makes them feel. As an artist, what I'm trying to tell people is what I'm selling. The form that takes is secondary. My service to the public must be to express my vision for them as clearly and truthfully as I can. Anyway, that's my point of view.

@kerravonsen2810

4 жыл бұрын

"One thing I wish I could never hear again is the word "brand" applied to artists." Absolutely. It makes me cringe, and wince, and flinch. I loathe it. Do Not Want. And you;'re right, the "brand consistent" for an artist is to Be Yourself. Because that is the most unique and outstanding "brand" of all. Nobody else in the entire universe is like oneself. So be that.

Hey, also planned Vacations, act like your an artist who needs new influence, space, new things to paint and more creative space time, you need to plan time out..that's how, being to available all the time is not good, every business closes it's doors sometimes. Take a Vacation. Go to the sea, go to the mountains, go home, go to the river, go to a favorite National Park, go to the state park, go camping, go fishing, go get some new air, Awesomeness!

Hummmm I believe I have made more than my share of Art pieces that were catering to the "In crowd" because I had to pay rent and I did not want to lose my home. I have come to a place now that I do not have to sell anything! I sympathize and wish you only the best of everything. Hang in there and just be yourself even if it is just making money for the month, just be sure to create for yourself too!

I'm a beginner to doing markets, have done 3 so far. I have one item in particular that sells well, it feels a little repetitive to produce since I make linocuts and print each one individually (this one has multiple colors) so I've been slowly pricing it higher and continue putting new works out there. Someone bought one of my unique one off pieces the other day which was really exciting, I feel it would take the joy out of my practice to produce more of the one of a kind piece for the sake of sales though.

I wanna hear more of your relationship advice!

This reminds me of when Bob Dylan went electric at the Newport Jazz Festival.

I put off listening to this one because I was expecting a message of "making art that sells is BAD, you must be a Unique Snowflake and Starve in an Attic!" which I should have known better than to think you guys would say. Whereas what you're saying is "it doesn't matter what kind of art you do, SO LONG AS IT ISN"T SOUL-DESTROYING". Which, yes, agreed. I think... the topic hit a nerve with me because sometimes I feel as if I am a Bad Artist because I'm not creating things which are Deep And Dark And Meaningful. Because what I'm enjoying making are things which are Pretty and Cheerful. And part of that is because I'm prone to depression and I feel it is better for *me* as a person, to focus on positive and cheerful things, even if other people consider them to be Shallow. And as far as "service to others" goes, in that respect, I do feel like the world can always do with more pretty and cheerful things, especially if they are pretty-and-cheerful in a sincere way rather than a saccharine fake way.

Hey Rafi and Klee!

Yes! There are some things, like my Christmas ornaments which are almost "production only"level but I still enjoy making. And other "heArt projects" that I then find tedious after a week--but I blame THAT on good ol ADHD. It's tricky when a project I thought I loved turns into pulling teeth. If you have advice for the feeding and maintaining of the wild Focus, I'd love to hear it!

Painted over six thousand rocks with critters and creatures on them, before I couldn't do it anymore. My mother and my aunt thought it was a good way to make money with my art. I haven't made any for the last 20 years, but people still ask for them. I am thankful for the practice, but my heart was never in it. The best ones were when I was still smoking mj. Ha Ha.

I've been doing craft markets for a year now and losing money at every attempt. I enjoy making photos, printing them, framing them or making greeting cards from them and making photos of people and pets and catching personalities. I have just equipped my booth so I can take photos of people at the markets and print them on site. They come out well and my few customers like them enough to order multiples. But sales are low. I have trouble showing people what I do and approaching strangers to get them to stop and look and people don't tend to stop and see what I do unless I stop them and engage them. I am not sure how to continue but your videos keep me trying

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

Can you make your set up look like an artistic Photo Booth or signage (that gets attention) with a lot of examples?

@debbiephillips2013

Жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere thank you. My signage is not good and I didn't think about putting samples on the sign. I will work on making a good sign this week. Next week is a new location

@debbiephillips2013

Жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere my sign sold 10 ornaments.

Ah this was great to listen to at this very moment as I have been making baby steps to be my own artist. I have for years produced much art for the customer. I begin to feel like a prostitute. Breaking through to your authentic self as an artist is what the artist craves most. And it’s scary as hell finding that joy. Letting yourself be the joy. Love 😘

Love your tree. I'm working on my family tree with ancestry.com .That tree with my family names on it would be great.

Ya it’s an issue if you carefully track your art inventory. I know exactly what I sell and how current. So I can remake a similar series, style that works after checking my sales. It’s good and bad. You definitely need to produce your own style as well. As you get more sales on your personal art you can limit the more marketable art. Even Picasso sold other styles before cubism and other styles took off.

Get what you're saying but you have to be real. It's like; get a job or make signs. You have to make money. If you end up selling your true art you are very lucky. No matter how hard some of us try, our true art is a hard sell!!😕😊

I used to make blackboards combined with acrylic "paintings" that sold really well but after a while I just got tired of thinking about what "designs" would work with peoples' decor in their kitchens or kids rooms . Also people are weird . They say they love your art but then come to you with a picture that they want copied exactly like on the picture . It just came to a point where I started being bitchy about doing the things that people wanted me to do so I stoped and gave away all the inventory I had built up and told myself to never do that again.

I have a similar issue in the sense that the art that I like to see and consume is pretty different from the art that I produce when I listen to my ''art needs'', so I find it difficult to accept my creative direction, appreciate fully what I create because it is not ''pretty'' like the art I like to look at and I find difficult to believe there is a market for what I create (even if I know there's a market for basically anything). Then, I'm very often stuck between creating what is pleasing to my eyes and what is an actual expression of what I need to get out there...

I've turned down several offers to sell my artwork in local boutiques because I was asked to do just one particular thing, over and over and over again. Also, to make so many at a time and this is just not who I am. I paint when I choose, I draw when I choose, craft ( with wood, natural stone, string, paint or clay ) when I choose to and no two are alike, even within the same medium. I've only made a few thousand over the years but this is when I am sought out to do something that I think maybe an interesting project. If you like it, buy it and if not...don't. Thank God I've never had to make a living at something so personal to me. Art is an extension of someone's soul and how can a price be put on it? 🤔☺️

Because I'm do illustration, a lot of people ask me to make a logo for them. I've tried to appease too many times with this request (I'm a slow learner), but now I flat out refuse! Talk about a soul-sucking job!

I find there is a very fine balance. I make paint pour pendants because it pays for my booth fees so that people can see my art. In doing that, I have sold several big pieces of art and a couple of commissions. That being said, I was also making coasters and I HATE making them so I am stopping.

Do what makes you happy. :)

Hi guys. I always thought that ART is about originality and uniqueness to the individual in our case the Artist?...

Hi Raffi, Im new to you on Utube so forgive me asking, the work you are doing here and others Ive seen looks like you do a similar scraffito technique to me- I mix paint and texture gel together but you look like your using Gesso ? does that work for you ? many thanks Trudi

I love that painting ur doing how much u sell it for?

It's interesting how people try to turn you into an employee even when you're working for yourself. I once had a photographer tell me that a painting I'd done of a frog in a swamp was something that would never sell. This was a person who I'd hired to photograph that painting. Of course I fired him.

I think Thomas Kinkade’ story of massive success turning into artist slavery to licensed mass markets seems tragic in just the way you are discussing. I understand that he was unhappy later in his career doing art for these massive markets.

I feel that way about my day job. But this week I found watercolors and people seem to really like them. I can feel in bones soon I will be painting and designing as apposed to the 9 to 5. My painting I like to keep for me. I jumped on the Fan Art wagon for 30 seconds because those are more popular because of the recognizable IP. As I was painting I thought to myself that I would end up just doing this and be miserable. I have a FB friend that does celebrity portraits. Very amazing portraits. But I look at his non art post and he is always lashing out at people, drunk and mean spirited. So I paint what I want for the most part. I dont want to be like that.

Omg I'm the farmer market sign maker! Lol

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

LOL!

Ramble on

Panful to look at, so spaced down & listened. There are many females who either Talk to high & or fast that adds to Stress or Flighty shallowness of there Hearts youth. As for your hearty urgent firm forcefulness makes me think you should be out there doing carpentry work, that's is Looking as to compare my ragged straight cuts by a electric Hand saw to your Visual Work is Damaging when to rushed or the blade needed changing. I've never used intoxicating beverages at either one though a Art Professor once suggested it once to loosen up, (I Got that Point) though my secrete practiced by Better Artists is not any - that is going with Theta.

re. doing stuff you don't really want to do... Yah, not a big fan of commissions of peoples pets. The animals I've painted I've had a personal connection to. I took the photo myself, it was a friend's pet. So I have to dwell on the work for a while, and feel some connection, even if imaginary. Otherwise I just can't finish it.

Hello!😁✌

me, 2 years later: "Let's mass produce some heart art!"

I really don't want to do my UNI assignments haha

"And most of all - having a good time." Yes. 😐 Or I'm gonna go crazy.

I think I heard a unicorn fart in the mist of this video....😜

Another comment was I knew this artist that was great at birds but I never knew if she really liked them. Seemed like she got sucked into a theme that sold vs other stuff she did that I thought was more original to her personality vs a bird any great realist painter could do. Always wondered and felt sorry for her

I'm so happy that you all are posting here more frequently again, although I am also happy you took a break that you needed) You mentioned near the beginning of this video that your Etsy would be petering out, especially now due to the "newest thing that is going on with Etsy". Are you referring to something different than the free shipping thing? I only have prints via printful on my Etsy right now, but was hoping to start framing some of my art at home and selling it through Etsy (or through Insta or Facebook, etc.) I am a fairly new patron of you guys is this something I need to go there to ask about? ( I keep forgetting to go there, there wasn't' too much going on anyway over the holidays when I joined and I have not gotten into the habit yet) (etsy.com/shop/PaintTheSkyKingdom; @paintingtheskykingdom - insta.; arteyelove.blogspot.com/

@joannaosborne4547

4 жыл бұрын

I think they are referring to the new adds policy. I dont know much about it. I think its aimed at people who make over $10k per year. 😁

If you want to serve others, do volunteer work. Otherwise, I expect an artist to bring him/herself to the canvas.

Musicians have this problem. The audience wants the same songs over and over. Even in theater. A theater could do Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, le Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera over and over for years and pack the house every night. Artists want to change and explore but the public wants the same things over and over. Aquarius is supposed to be unpredictable!

i enjoy making what the people like to buy but i prefer to make ooak pieces but you know