When my art isn't selling or I'm in a creative slump, I vacuum ... everything ... everywhere ... no one, no thing, is safe from being sucked into my whirlwind of darkness!

@oldspiritart647

5 жыл бұрын

Karen Zaretski lol🙂

I like the saying “If it’s not selling it just means that the right person hasn’t seen it yet”.

@cordialgreetingsart

4 жыл бұрын

I finally sold something I made for almost 2 years ago. So excited to find it's home!

@Sharperthanu1

4 жыл бұрын

It just means that it isn't FAMOUS.

@Sharperthanu1

4 жыл бұрын

@Scadster No.It's important that your songs be POPULAR AND FAMOUS if you want them to sell.

@Sharperthanu1

4 жыл бұрын

@Scadster Hey,That's how they DO that!

If I am going threw a slump. I look threw my inventory for things i have noticed i do not bring out and re-work on older pieces that i feel my current art skills can improve or paint over.

I hate traditional beach scenes, but my rafi abstract "pier" scene makes me so happy every time I see it! It is front and center in my house! Since I no longer live in FL it reminds me of my one fave place there..and not the palmetto bugs LOL

Oh, I so get where you're coming from with the 'wooden sign guy' thing. I paint wildlife but I started making paper beads to help with income. Ten years later I have become the paper bead woman and struggle to get time to paint. It does not fill me with joy. So it's time to try and refocus on my art. Thanks for the video. It gave me some focus and encouragement today.

@lpalm5235

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, time to reprioritize.

This is coming at the best time ever😃🌸 I haven’t sold anything in months and my family thinks something is wrong with me or someone put a curse on my art! So I have been really depressed smh 🤦‍♀️ thanks guys 😊🌸🌸🌸✨✨✨❤️❤️

@ajafantasyart

10 ай бұрын

I feel the same. I feel like I'm cursed or something.

Whenever the art is selling slow for me, I almost always take the opportunity to practice my craft and getting better over time. I just love to look back 5 to 10 years ago to see how far I've come and it inspires me to keep on going! Keep on keeping on, fight the good fight, make some art, and stay awesome! ☺🤩😎

Wow. Exactly what I experienced today...lol I just got home from a little event where I didn't sell a thing. I was doing demonstrations tho, so I thought to myself that this was a perfect time to get more work done, since I also work a full time job. Lucky for me, this was a free event and I have been invited to the next one in 3 weeks.

I've absorbed, digested, sat on the edge of my seat fully taking in your tips, rants, etc. daily for nearly a month. I got started in my mixed media paintings, and found objects assemblages over a year ago. I am so tickled I came across your channel, Rafi and Klee! Thank you sooo much for mentoring me. Adore, adore. Jacqueline aka Jc

I love you guys, I am throwing a tantrum. You’re just so honest, I love it

Totally agree with you. -Having art in front of people so that they can really see it is the best experience. Thank you Rafi and Klee, adore you guys.💖

When I started, I challenged myself by trying to make the prettiest things out of the least expensive materials. As well as every color. Still enjoying the continuous journey.

Totally agree with the entire video. I’m so new to selling art. Last summer, 2022, was my first year of getting a tent and getting out there as a vendor. Way more productive than the online version. My shop online has become more like a gallery to check out but the locals want to see and meet you in person. I also have rented a display case in one of the main buildings in the local little town where I live. Do I make sales from there? Not so much, but I do make connections. When people see me at the market they comment, ‘hey, your the artist with the display in the hallway’. I also use the slow time to create more art and stock up on prints. Since this is my first go around, I really appreciate videos such as this. Thanks for your time and effort!

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

You Rock Digital Fine Art!

Having your mate in there is amazing! I enjoy your conversations my guy.

I only consign. I leave everything in the stores for 6 months at a time. I rotate my inventory from store to store every Spring and Fall. Keeping track of what sells in each store as well as overall, helps me to strategize what I'll make next.

"Man, I gotta buy me some of that sad and desperate art!" Lol yeah, something like that. 😉

Ok Raffi! I have jump on this one :) This is a catch 22 for me.. As you know i have my Etsy shop where I sell my "functional art" my mailboxes.. This is what I created for myself as a bread n butter "back up plan" for those times when Art would be slow selling. My whole shop started with only 8 boxes of my original artwork.. since then 2 years ago.. I have been soo busy that I have not been able to create anything but these mailboxes.. and now I have over 100 listed but because the shop is made to order AND custom work.. I have been basically painting the same things over and over .. I am blessed ! and I am sooo grateful that I AM making a living from my art in any way shape or form but I really want to do my canvas works and set up another shop only for this purpose. How in the world am I gonna do that if I am painting from 7am to 8pm everyday with no energy left. lol sometimes I do feel trapped like you were with the signs, not wanting to be "That mailbox art lady" lol I dont know what my question really is here. I am now laughing at myself.. :P I can say one thing .. This has been a amazing platform for me to sell on, and although i agree with advice on "getting your art out there" in person, it's just not a fit for me.. not yet anyway.. I think kind of the opposite of go out "there" first and then go online..I think why not get online WHILE you are trying to fit somewhere 'out there" :D

@lisakirwan497

5 жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere I forgot I wanted to ask you about just that, since I opened 2 years ago.. I have raised my prices considerably... it too a while to find that "sweet spot" that was also very fair for me. At the beginning of the year I raised them again.. and I really don't want to price myself out.. where it effects my monthly revenue.. My question is..What does raising prices to "keep up with demand " really mean.. ? I never really understood it, and if it is to slow down sales... It's not working for me LOL ;)

@lisakirwan497

5 жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere THAT IS AWESOME!! " Thank you ! :)

@cordialgreetingsart

5 жыл бұрын

@@lisakirwan497 I was told it means to work SMARTER and not HARDER. Yes, I even customize my artwork on Etsy too. I became the "percussion drumstick lady" or the "wooden Easter egg lady". I can't compete with wooden signs on Etsy cause it's super saturated. I love the $$ it has brought in but I also had to raise my prices to keep up too. I work a full time job on top of my Etsy shop. I even branched out to some local home decor shop in hopes I can sell some functional home decor pieces. But it's hard. I want more time to play and see what I can put out there but the time is super limited. I work too much and have to sleep. My problem I have is finding balance.

@lisakirwan497

5 жыл бұрын

@@cordialgreetingsart Ha ! "Balance " Thee elusive Balance.. That is a huge problem for me ... and I want to do sooo many things in mind, the wheels are always turning... Well cheers to finding that balance, and by all means raise your prices.. I have been raising my prices since I opened.. slow and steady and I have found it to be, for ME and my customers, a good thing. I experimented a lot up and down slightly .. and even jacked up a couple to actually slow down the orders on a couple of designs,,, and guess what, it did not stop anyone from ordering , and neither does my 8-10 week turn around.. go figure. If someone wants something bad enough they will wait and they will pay for SHIPPING too .. lol

@cordialgreetingsart

5 жыл бұрын

Lisa Kirwan yes they will pay for shipping! Completely agree. 😊

Amen, Rafi. I’m painting on cardboard and wood, working out of my pickup truck in my 100+ degree garage/sauna studio. And gallery. And KZread channel. ✌️❤️☀️ ya’ll. Thanks for the advices and tipses.

thanks for this one ive been bummed and you two cheer me up

@Rafiwashere

Жыл бұрын

❤️❤️❤️

Just love your videos... They keep me going with my art and persever. And today's video just reminded me that I haven't done any shows since January! From a frenchman living in london

Over time, I found that simple designs sell best. Complicated designs took longer to sell. It may help just to keep it simple.

I have been binge watching your videos. They are hilarious and very informative. Thank you for helping me run my business as an artist. 🙌

All your advice is sound, and can apply to other genres too. Thank you, fun videos!

You two are adorable and I love having you in my daily KZread family.

Again guys great advice. Please keep it up love you two!!

You seriously have the best advice! I was starting to feel a little discouraged, but anytime I feel that way I always turn to getting more artwork done or looking for new places to show my work.

Couldn’t agree more! I have always found if I’m not selling much I have a split second of panic and then I make more art and then I start selling more again. Love your vids!

Someone once said "If you keep doing what your doing you'll keep getting what you're getting." If your arts not selling change something up. :-)

Absolutely brilliant advices .... thank you very much.

A great question I bet almost every artist wonders though it is a tough question to answer. You both answered it so well. I really like how you mentioned using down time as an opportunity to create. I will have remember this when I feel empty and burnt out. Slow sales are normal and it is time to experiment and tackle new things.

I do art classes, workshops, sell paintings, go to market days, take commissions lol, so basically everything I can do

@lallidutoit7720

5 жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere thank you so much, and thank you guys for your inspiration, lots of love from South Africa

Thanks for sharing your story. I’m realizing that I have to start putting myself out there to sell my work. Your videos are very inspiring. I normally do acrylic and watercolor and also illustration/graphic design.

This isn't Walmart. We don't dew clearance. You guys are so much fun thanks 🐾

Just keep track in your computer of what sells best. Never stop creating. Enjoy the slow times to experiment. Just keep looking for new venues. Chances are everything will eventually sell whether it's now or in the future.

This is great advice. I've been in a slump with art sales and I am going to do something out of my comfort zone. I'm going to participate in my first public art show in a couple of weeks. I have been preparing for it over the past couple of weeks and I'm really looking forward to it! 😊

@fightthegoodfight52

5 жыл бұрын

Rafi Was Here Studios I’m very thankful to you guys for all of the inspiring information that you so graciously share! 😁❤️

Rafi, you and Klee are really hitting the nail on the head with your advice to create what speaks to the artist doing the creating. I’ve been told many time that I need to make things that are trending, but that’s just not me. Also, I’ve always said that a whole lot of me goes into what I create, especially my paintings. However, I’ve never given up and I’m glad. I’m finally tarting to get pieces sold.

That was an awesome vid, I love it! 💖

This was great, easy to fall into the fear nothings selling, than the excitement of the work. So easy to have a potential buyer “but I could have done x y a better” then wonder why they disappeared. I like the in person events more but I don’t think my health would allow me to do it weekly and paint and and ….however it has inspired me to think around what I can manage and how to get work out in person more often :)

Some really interesting and positive stuff there Raif, thank you. I think Ive taken from that, that I really need to get my art in front of more people rather than hide behind instagram and Facebook. I just feel a little anxious doing that. I don't want to become that desperate artist :-D

I have so much self doubt i talk my self out of good ideas. Thanks i ned this

This is right on!!!

From a buyer's standpoint, I agree with you. I attended a summer art fair on Sunday. I look for certain artists because I'm acquainted with them from years past, or i attended college with them years ago, or I've made purchases from them. My son has started doing that too, looking for certain artists. Get out and "show your stuff". We want to see you more than once a year. Several of the artists I saw yesterday also show their pieces at local galleries, and marketplaces (handmade venues).

As someone who expresses himself through neckwear, your video is very encouraging.

I just started selling my art in a boutique. I'm 3 weeks in and no sales yet. I needed this video because I'm getting discouraged. I did use the down time to create a large piece.

Great video!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐VERY helpful! Thank you so much!

Great video, sir!!

wow, you guys are amazing! I put down my art 30 years ago out of frustration. Now i'm taking up byzantine christian iconography, because it inspires me... can you comment, when possible, in your videos on iconographers or religious artists in general and your practical experience? Thank you so much

Great advice as always...I know when I get done with an order I'm always excited to get back to creating my own work:) LOVE YOU GUYS...Glad you are better and back at it!!!!

This video has answered some of hard questions. ❤

Really glad I found y'all. Also, hello fellow Floridians. :D

I do not paint, and the world is very happy that I don't. But all craft is artwork and your videos give good advice for types of artwork. I really enjoy the information you share. Again, Thank you.

I love you guys you have helped me so much. Years ago I tried painting very structured paintings tried to make it look just like what I was painting and getting frustrated in the process so I stopped. I started finding myself as I got older and started abstract and mixed medium and love it. I think your art also has to do with your life and how you grow and change.

Awesome ,information great, slow selling, but out their, palm 🌴springs, calif

@kaystill8358

3 жыл бұрын

I'm in Palm Springs, Ca too.

I don't paint but I am doing a art form. Just getting started in pyrography so you know what I am doing. I think your information crosses over well to pyrography.

Just Thank you for sharing your experiences. Your advice is continuously very helpful in my professional art career. :)

Hey, you answered my question! Thanks!

Great advice. Thank you kindly

Sales depend upon the location of a large crowd. Try a gift shop in a tourist area or a restaurant across from a factory.

I’ve been so lazy in producing anything to sell lately. I have tons of excuses, but just boils down to my personal laziness. Great advice as usual.

Dope vid man!

Great advice Rafi! ⚘

I found the more I know how to market and influence people I could really sell anything. Some markets are hard to figure out but there is something out there for everyone. You need to know how to market people to come check it out in person, in a store or online.

If it's not selling, reconsider the price. If I ask for one dollar more, it doesn't sell. If I ask for one dollar less, I sell out. Even five dollars may make a big difference.

In my old life (pre-accident, when I was a self-employed graphic designer) if I had no work coming in I'd start painting rooms in the house and oh - in the middle of it I'd get a call with a job - it always seemed to work! But people need designers/print (did then, now most people do their own) but nobody actually NEEDS an art work and there aren't many people who have spare money for luxuries. I'm doing a little group show in 2 weeks, I don't expect to sell much but have to try, get out there, you never know... But I hate how much time & energy I spend preparing for exhibitions (weeks of trying to find, framing, attaching fixings etc.) = time away from creating! Thank you for your vids and encouragement.

@jennyhughes4474

5 жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere thanks for reply & true what you say: people often just think they/we need stuff! Yup for the little show... All the best to you from France.

@cordialgreetingsart

5 жыл бұрын

people tell me I just need to find my target market on who will find certain artwork. That's what it comes down to. Some people have sold amazing pieces after they network with interior designers etc. They know the network that will spend the $$.

@jennyhughes4474

5 жыл бұрын

@@cordialgreetingsart yes, I think you're right, trouble is I don't get out much and can't network as I used to but I try to when I can. And a lot of my art is a bit odd too, doesn't quite fit in any box and probably mostly not suitable for interior designers!

You all's videos are great. Very fun and awesome advise. You guys make me feel like I have friends..... oh no I just made myself said.... Theres my coffee sadness gone. Jk. Great work.

I have a question about this. What I've started noticing when I go to art shows is that some people will linger around my booth for a good while, flipping through the prints. They'll pick up one that they like but then put it back. I'm unsure why they do this because it looks as though they want to buy something but then end up not buying anything, and move on. I try to "pounce" on the chance when they linger for about 3 or 5 minutes at my booth to try and get the sale. I tried to give my back story on my artwork, sometimes I switch it up a little, but it's not really getting me to the sale. So what do I do in this moment?

that's it !! that's why I can't believe and accept selling art because it's like a part of you ; like selling yourself !

Thanks you guys. Needed this today

@davemampel

5 жыл бұрын

Just signed up for a table at this art collective on Sat. because I watched this. Thanks for lighting a fire under my butt

I used the slow time to start a jewelry line. Now, I can't keep up.

My issue is how expensive it gets to showcase and sell your artwork. Some shows charge 200 on up and you are then sweating to break even at least.

Good video. Helpful.

Y'all...if I won the lottery you best bet I would stock up on some rafi and klee pieces and buy more local art. I totes needed this though because my new page and my new stuff doesn't seem to be reaching as many people and though I've sold some stuff, not as much as I thought I would. I'm not even on what I've put in yet.

@ChronicCraftyLife

5 жыл бұрын

Love you too!!

Thanks guys!

My mother told my 9 year old niece that I would do a portrait painting of her pet cat ! I usually do abstract art so you can imagine that I was not amused. Nonetheless, I have completed it and framed it and it is pretty good even if i do say so myself. I would not have tried to paint a cat portrait if I wasn't 'forced' into it.

What do you do when you're housebound due to medical issues but you're still trying to sell your artistic creations? Going face-to-face is not an option for now.

@gnarthdarkanen7464

4 жыл бұрын

There is still Ebay and YT... YT can market your face, name, philosophy, and craft/art style... Ebay platforms specifically for sales... You may still need help with transport to shipping, but there are some companies (at least in the US) that offer "call in for front door pick up" services... I'm stuck in the "only competent adult available" taking care of my mother and step-dad... So I'm still fleshing out the particulars of the business model, but "on paper" it seems do-able. ;o)

@dianer8881

4 жыл бұрын

I'm disabled and fairly bedridden with a chronic muscle injury in my legs. I crochet purses and jewelry while laying on my back in bed. My boyfriend takes everything to local gift shops, consignment shops, convenience stores, etc. If I don't feel well, I don't consign, but can always return at a later time. No deadlines.

Omgosh!!! Yes!!!!

I've got a question for you, do you offer derived product from your painting? like cards, poster, etc?

...but i got more questions.... how do you make prints? Can u show us? And... your turtle painting is sooo beautifull. 😎🐢🐢🐢

Man you got a nice beard goin there 👍🏻🎅🏻👍🏻

Thank you, that was very helpful. Do you have ideas of how to source new venues?

@ShoshanahShear

5 жыл бұрын

@@Rafiwashere Thanks

I love your wife's voice of reason, or unsrearson, whatever is needed

When things don't sell, don't panic. Prepare a good financial plan ahead of time.

A Major issue for artist including myself is that people advise on continuing to make lots of work for people to see. This is all fine and well but canvases and paint etc cost money and buying them when nothing is selling just to keep making work is nonsensical to me. Also storage of hundreds of pieces is not practical. It is so frustrating and absolute catch 22 really. Making art is a luxury really.

Ok done watching. Awesome inspiration AGAIN you guys should just do a daily inspiration channel. Get up snackbar and go sell your art lol. So question I’m am trying to sell show on fb an Instagram but no one is buying. Is it just like you said. Do people really not buy art on line? Thanks for another great video da two yoots .movie quote ! Can u name it ?

@pennykent5687

5 жыл бұрын

Melissa Tormain (spelling) was in it right? I know the movie,.... forgot the title.🤦Great movie! I could look it up, but don't want to cheat.

@kidrockn4vr

5 жыл бұрын

Lol yup.

@pennykent5687

5 жыл бұрын

@@kidrockn4vr I just remembered 😁. Do I dare say.....?

@kidrockn4vr

5 жыл бұрын

Lol

@kidrockn4vr

5 жыл бұрын

Robin Lindberg my cousin ?

💞💞💞💞💞💞

i can barely sell one piece of art a year. Should I stop painting?

@emmetlarrissy8228

5 жыл бұрын

Improve your painting or social status or viewability.

That sad and desperate Scream painting sold for a good price.

So I have this art dude that designs my logo who brought up something interesting. He thinks an artist will generate little or no money unless it's fan art they create to post for sell. Just think of how many local broke artists out there that would be making a killing off of fan art? Even though he's aware of the regulations of selling fan art, the main reason it may seem illegal is because they want it to be harder for an artist to make it. Regardless if its done in their own style. So they realize that fan art would be the only way of gaining exposure and profit.

@cordialgreetingsart

5 жыл бұрын

That's all that "logo designer" probably thinks because that is all he might know. There are other genres and you need to research and have an open mind. Create something original instead of copying something already made. "fan art". It's not for everyone.

Try to produce useful items. For example, storage items and jewelry are things that people use every day.

Funny you upload this video the same day I have my first solo show...no one came 😔

I dont have any marketing, in my small town my mom sets up with her friends at a monthly yard sale. It's all ive got right now, hick town doesnt care about art. There is interest in my scrap metal stuff. But there is no money for it in a tiny broke town in the Midwest. I was offered 20 dollars for a metal sculpture I spent days coming back to it over and over.(I wanted 80 which is still half of what I think it should be, chinese dragon made out of engine timing chain, other miscellaneous engine parts, and nails) It felt like a kick in the teeth. I dont even put a price on it because when I do, people dont even ask. I was exited about my latest dragon piece because ive been told by many people its the best work ive ever done. But I'm about to have to give up and go back to a square job, I'm getting hungry. I fake it as best I can, try to be enthusiastic , but I know people can smell the desperation all over me.

*throws a tantrum*

Hate to sound pessimistic but being an artist for 15 years, I've come to realize that you'll have better luck making more money with a regular 9-5 job than work on art projects that you'll be making chump change with. No matter how much original ideas you create, It seems like the only thing people will be interested in is fan art type content..

I'm doomed

I've been told art is really a hobby that doesn't benefit society like business, medical, etc..smh

Ohhh brotatochip I didn’t even have to watch the video yet to see the frustration on your face. Ok back to video

When my art isn't selling or I'm in a creative slump, I vacuum ... everything ... everywhere ... no one, no thing, is safe from being sucked into my whirlwind of darkness!