WHAT ARE WE THINKING at Rafi and Klee - Art, Jewelry, And Creations By Rafi Perez And Klee Angelie

Posted on January 14, 2024December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — 2 Comments

Rolling into 2024: Unleashing Awesomeness and Embracing Change!

As we kick off 2024 and wave a cheerful goodbye to 2023, I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on the wild ride that was last year. Boy, did we go on an adventure! We showcased our artwork at a virtual event, rocked a book fair, dropped some groovy music videos, laid down fresh tunes, hosted an epic workshop for artists, and even graced the stage with some live speaking events. Not too shabby, right?

But, hold up! Amidst all the glitter and glam, there’s a little something missing from that list—new artwork. Yup, I confess. Although I managed to sneak into the studio a few times, it wasn’t the art extravaganza I’d dreamed of for 2023. And let’s face it, having that studio time is like a therapeutic dance for the soul. I am missing it. I typically get in the studio about 4 to 5 days a week, however last year I was lucky to get in there for a day.

As an artist, I’ve come to realize that the studio is more than just a room with art supplies; it’s my haven, my escape. It’s where I unload the quirks of life and let my creativity run wild. Last year, however, the art vibes were a bit off, and I found myself craving more studio time than I got.

So, what’s the deal, you ask? I got in over my head with a website that turned into a glitchy rollercoaster, demanding my attention like a clingy friend. I found myself playing firefighter, putting out technical fires left and right. And guess what? The art studio, my personal paradise, got neglected. This also affected us financially since we do art for a living. No art, no making a living. More importantly, I was making things more difficult for myself by holding onto the idea that I NEEDED to do this.

So, we let the glitchy time-consuming project go.

Now, why am I laying it all out for you? Because, I want you to join me on the reflection train. Take a look at your 2023 – the highs, the lows, the sideways somersaults. Reevaluate, recalibrate, and make sure it feels good. Focus on the day-to-day dance of joy.

As creatives, we’re like wizards in our art studios, casting spells with every stroke of the brush. But if there’s anything messing with that magic, it’s time for a shake-up. Make getting into the studio a priority, not an afterthought.

If creating art isn’t your jam, no worries! Find that thing that sparks your excitement and lose yourself in it. Maybe it’s hitting the trails for a hike, diving into a gripping novel, or even mastering the art of staring at the clouds. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re into art creating, gardening, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, strumming a guitar, or even geeking out over the latest video games, the self-love things you do are the secret sauce that adds flavor to your life. In the hustle and bustle of everyday chaos, it’s easy to push these joys to the sidelines. But guess what? It’s high time to reclaim that precious time for the things that make your heart sing.

So, here’s your golden ticket to joy: make a date with your special things. Seriously, schedule it in your calendar, set a reminder, and treat it like a VIP appointment with your happiness. Just as I’m prioritizing my studio time, you should carve out those moments for your passions.

Whether you’re nurturing a green thumb in the garden or experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen, these activities are your personal playgrounds of joy. Remember, life is not just about the hustle; it’s about the dance, the laughter, and the pure enjoyment of doing what you love.

Last year, I got stuck in a loop, surrounded by projects I couldn’t touch because I was stuck behind a computer. Why? Fear of change, the dread of letting people down. I’ve shouted the mantra “persist through the suck,” but here’s the kicker—it doesn’t mean sticking with something you don’t want to do.

Motivations can be tricky devils, pushing us to greatness or chaining us to something that sucks the joy out of life. So, let’s be rogues! Rip that metaphorical band-aid off, reevaluate what’s holding you back, and dance into the year with joy in your heart.

I am happy to say that this year our Rogue membership and our awesome Rogues have moved back to Patreon. This has already given me more time to create and we are only two weeks into the new year. If you have been thinking about supporting the content that we put out there for artists, that will be the place to do it. Plus, you get all kinds of cool stuff weekly from us that is exclusive to our members. Join us on Patreon!

As for now, I am excited about some new art projects that are currently in the works. I have a series of sculptures, new paintings, and a new book that will be releasing in the next few months. I can;t wait to share them with you! Expect a tidal wave of awesomeness this year! Klee and I are buzzing with excitement to run our revamped Patreon, juggle some mind-blowing new art, new songs, and finally unleash those projects that have been chilling on the back burner. Get ready for a rollercoaster of creativity and joy!

Stay awesome, rockstars! See you soon with some fresh, mind-blowing awesomeness!

Posted on November 14, 2023December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

Overcoming Obstacles As An Artist

Welcome to the chaotic rollercoaster that is my life in the art studio. Seriously, it’s been like juggling flaming swords while trying to chew gum and create art—yeah, that kind of crazy!

My daughter just joined the circus—uh, I mean, moved in. Adjusting to the new family dynamic is a whole wild ride, albeit a wonderful one. But hey, in the midst of this chaos, I thought, why not sit down and have a little art party with you guys? Because who doesn’t love a good art party?

Now, let’s talk about overcoming obstacles. I am in the midst of dealing with some and I wanted to share my insight on how I deal with them. Let’s get right into it.

I KEEP A POSITIVE MINDSET.

I know, I know, positive mindset sounds like something you’d find on a unicorn’s wishlist, but bear with me. Picture this: you’re spiraling down into the abyss of a problem, and all you see are roadblocks. That’s when you need to whip out the positivity like it’s confetti at a celebration. Shift your focus from the problem to the things that you can control. It’s like a magic trick, but better.

And positive vibes don’t mean slapping a happy face sticker on everything. Oh no, we’re diving into the deep end of emotions, facing them head-on. It’s like emotional weightlifting—acknowledge, don’t bury.

I BLAME NO ONE.

Blame game, anyone? Nope, we’re not playing. Blaming others is like handing over your superhero cape; you lose your personal power. So, be an astronaut with a ballpoint pen—get creative, find solutions, and for the love of art, just do your thing.

I FA-CHUNKING DO IT.

Now, let’s talk strategy. Ever heard of fa-chunking? It’s not a new dance move; it’s a game-changer. Break down your tasks into bite-sized chunks, and chip away at that obstacle like a ninja sculptor in 5, 15, or 50 minutes. Chip away at the obstacle gradually. It’s all about avoiding burnout and staying on the path without overwhelming yourself. And if one day you’re not feeling it, well, give yourself permission to Netflix and chill. Pick it up tomorrow; it’s not going anywhere.

Distractions, distractions. We’re all guilty of trying to be multitasking wizards, thinking about everything at once. Spoiler alert: it’s a procrastination party. Stay focused, stay the course, and save the mental breakdowns for your one-person fa-chunking dance-off in the studio.

I STAY ADAPTABLE.

Adaptability is the name of the game. Life’s not black and white; it’s a freaking rainbow. Be crazy, be unpredictable, change things up. It’s like being a mad scientist, but without the explosions (hopefully).

I ALLOW MYSELF TO HAVE A TANTRUM.

Tantrums, because why not? We all have them, and it’s perfectly okay. Release those emotions in your own way, just avoid causing chaos by directing it at anyone else. It’s not about them, it’s about you. It’s like a solo rock concert in your living room—let it out, and then move on.

I STAY RESOURCEFUL.

Resourcefulness time. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Reach out, face your fears, ask for help. But seriously, skip asking Steve and Uncle Charles. They don’t get it. Seek advice from the cool cats who understand your artistic journey.

PERSIST THROUGH THE BULLSHIT

Last but not least, let’s talk persistence and determination. Focus on what you can control, not just the big, scary end goal. Grit is your secret weapon. Even a smidge of grit can turn that turd into a shiny ball of success. And yes, I still don’t know how to feel about sanding a turd, but it’s a party in the analogy department.

And there you have it! These are the mindsets I keep in mind when I have an obstacle in my way! You can watch the video where I discuss this and get some more insight.

Posted on October 7, 2023December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — 1 Comment

The Art World’s Biggest Lies: A Rant from an Unapologetic Artist

Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that’s been on my mind lately – the dubious advice artists often encounter when seeking mentorship and guidance. I had a recent encounter with someone who claimed to be an expert in the art world, and their advice left me utterly flabbergasted.

So, let me set the stage for you. A fellow artist, let’s call her Dana, reached out to me with a burning question. She was about to have a Zoom call with an artist mentor, and something just didn’t sit right. She had come across some material from this mentor that felt out of sync with her values and artistic beliefs. Dana was concerned about whether she should heed their advice or not.

This got me thinking. Many of you, like Dana, seek guidance and mentorship from professionals or invest in art programs. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it’s crucial to be discerning about who you choose to learn from. Your values and artistic principles should align with those of your mentor, especially when it comes to the subjective world of art.

Let me make something crystal clear: My views and experiences are unique to me, just as yours are to you. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success in the art world. That’s why I always advise taking my thoughts with a grain of salt. It’s all about finding your individual path and style, not blindly following someone else’s.

Now, let’s dissect some of the baffling advice Dana received:

Art Shouldn’t Be Just About Self-Expression: The mentor claimed that focusing solely on self-expression is narcissistic and unhelpful to the world. Well, I vehemently disagree. Art has always been about self-expression, and there are countless artists like Frida Kahlo who used their work as a form of personal expression. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Gallery Representation Is a Must: This mentor insisted that you won’t have a successful art career without proper gallery representation. But this idea is outdated. Many artists thrive without galleries, and some, like me, prefer to sell directly to their audience. The mentor’s switch from being an artist to running a gallery is suspiciously convenient, don’t you think?

Large Body of Work Before Going Public: Another cookie-cutter piece of advice claimed that you must amass a large body of work before going public or approaching galleries. But who defines “large”? The truth is, you should keep creating, but don’t let arbitrary numbers hold you back. Art is a journey, and you’re always evolving.

Medium Hierarchy: The mentor propagated the idea that oil on canvas is the superior medium, while drawings and illustrations on paper are at the bottom of the barrel. This notion is misguided. Collectors often don’t care about the medium; they care about the art itself. Use the medium that resonates with you.

Labeling Artists: The mentor criticized an artist, claiming what they did wasn’t “art” but “design.” This tendency to pigeonhole artists into neat labels is harmful. All forms of creativity are valid, and no one should decide what is or isn’t art.

Painter vs. Drawer: Lastly, the mentor insisted that if you paint on paper without covering the entire surface, you’re a “drawer” and not a “painter.” This arbitrary distinction is baseless. Your chosen medium and style don’t determine your worth as an artist.

In conclusion, be cautious when seeking advice and mentorship. Research your sources, ensure they have a legitimate background, and make sure their values align with yours. Don’t let anyone discourage you or dictate the “right” way to be an artist.

Remember, there’s no definitive roadmap to success in the art world. Blaze your own trail, create your own rules, and keep putting yourself out there. Don’t let anyone, no matter how “expert” they claim to be, undermine your artistic journey. Your path is uniquely yours, and that’s something to be celebrated.

Thank you for tuning in to my rant today. I truly appreciate your support, and I’m excited to share more with you in the future. Stay inspired and keep creating. You’ve got this! Adios for now.

Posted on September 14, 2023December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

Will AI Replace Artists?

Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been buzzing in the art world, something I didn’t initially plan to address – AI art. As creators, we often encounter discouragement on our artistic journeys, and the rise of AI-generated art has sparked a wave of uncertainty. But fear not; the iRobot Roomba uprising shouldn’t be happening any time soon.

AI art, like Dali to Midjourney, uses algorithms to generate art based on commands and curated images. It’s fast, impressive, and, yes, it’s making waves, with some pieces even selling for a pretty penny. This technology has ignited debates about its impact on artists’ careers.

First things first, AI isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool, a program that follows prompts. It doesn’t create art out of passion; it’s the artist wielding the tool who breathes life into the art. AI is simply another step in the ever-evolving landscape of art. Second. most of us who are self-employed artists, really have nothing to worry about because AI doesn’t think for itself. It’s a tool. That being said, whoever wields the tool is responsible for how they use it. People have been scamming and stealing for a while. AI is just another tool in their arsenal, but it’s pretty new, so we’ll see what happens with all that moving forward.

So, will AI replace artists? Short answer: no. The art world, like any other, embraces new tools. Think back to digital synthesizers in the ’80s – they didn’t replace orchestras; they introduced new sounds and genres. AI will have its place, but it won’t replace your unique creativity.

AI has the potential to impact and transform various aspects of creative jobs, but it is unlikely to completely replace them. Here’s why:

AI as a Tool: AI can be a valuable tool for creative professionals. It can assist in tasks like generating design ideas, automating repetitive tasks, data analysis, and more. This can enhance efficiency and productivity but doesn’t eliminate the need for human creativity.

Creativity and Emotional Intelligence: Creative jobs often involve elements of emotional intelligence, empathy, and abstract thinking, which are currently beyond the capabilities of AI. Machines lack the ability to genuinely understand and connect with human emotions and experiences.

Human Touch: Many creative fields, such as art, music, and writing, rely on a human touch that reflects personal experiences, cultural contexts, and unique perspectives. This human touch is challenging for AI to replicate authentically.

Innovation and Novelty: While AI can analyze existing data and patterns, it struggles with true innovation and producing entirely novel ideas. Creative jobs often require thinking “outside the box” and pushing boundaries, which is a distinctly human trait.

Subjective Nature of Creativity: Much of creativity is subjective, varying from person to person and culture to culture. What one person finds creative, another may not. AI struggles with these subjective nuances.

Collaboration: Creative industries often thrive on collaboration and collective creativity. Humans working together bring diverse ideas and perspectives to the table, fostering innovation. AI can’t replicate the collaborative dynamics of a creative team.

Ethical and Moral Decisions: Creative professionals often make ethical and moral decisions in their work, considering the potential impact on society. AI lacks moral judgment and relies on human guidance.

For those fearing competition in fields like concept art or design, remember, embracing AI can enhance your workflow. AI won’t replace artists; it’ll complement them. As artists, we adapt and evolve with the times.

Don’t let fear hold you back. Your creative journey is yours alone. AI is just one more tool at your disposal. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to enhance your craft. Don’t buy into the fear mongering; keep creating, and remember that your creativity is irreplaceable.

In the grand scheme of things, AI is just another chapter in our artistic journey. Keep pushing your boundaries, and don’t let doubt discourage you. You’re not in competition with AI; you’re in competition with yourself to keep evolving as an artist.

So, artists, don’t let fear dictate your path. Embrace AI as a tool in your creative arsenal if that is your jam. Keep creating, keep evolving, and remember – your art, your voice, and your journey are uniquely yours. Adios, and keep rocking your art!

Posted on September 7, 2023December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

Why You Should Never Give Up

Today, I want to candidly discuss something that many of us face on our creative journeys: discouragement. It’s a topic often overlooked, yet it’s a formidable adversary that can sneak up on us when we least expect it. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at this artistic endeavor for a while, I want you to know that you’re not alone in battling those moments of doubt and fear.

The misconception that once you’ve been in the creative field for a while, you’ll stride forward with unwavering confidence is far from the truth. In reality, everyone, including myself, has fought our inner demons and insecurities along the way.

I’ve played music for a long time, but even the thought of sharing my music with the world was utterly terrifying. I’ve always dreamt of writing books, but the idea of putting my words out there for scrutiny sent shivers down my spine. And don’t even get me started on sharing my artwork with the world – that felt like stepping into the abyss.

The common thread through all these creative endeavors was battling insecurity. It wasn’t about whether I’d achieve instant success or gain an army of followers. It was about pushing through the discomfort and persisting in my artistic journey.

Here’s the thing: As artists, our path is rarely a steady stream of certainty. Instead, it resembles more of a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs, twists and turns. Your financial situation and your insecurities may mirror this pattern, and it’s something you’ll learn to navigate as you continue your journey.

Every time you challenge yourself with new projects, venture into unfamiliar territories, or dare to switch things up, you’ll likely encounter discouragement. The biggest foe we face is often the voice inside our heads – I call it the “stickman.” It’s the voice that tells us we’re not good enough, that nobody cares, that we should give up.

Especially in the beginning, when you’re sharing your work on social media and it feels like nobody is paying attention, that voice can be relentless. Friends and family might not seem as interested as you’d hoped, and it’s easy to wonder why they aren’t rallying behind your creative endeavors. But remember, people have their own lives, and it’s not a reflection of your worth or talent.

Early on, I discovered the importance of not fixating on my bank account or the number of likes and subscribers. For the first few years, it often felt like nobody cared about what I was creating. But that’s not why I started in the first place.

I embarked on this artistic journey because I had something to say and express. The act of putting my thoughts, my art, my music, or my videos out into the world was about fulfilling my creative drive, not about seeking validation.

Our world often measures success by numbers – followers, likes, shares, and dollars. But I’m here to tell you to cast aside that shallow metric. Instead, create for the sake of creation itself. Be unapologetically yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and share your work because you love it.

Yes, it’s tough when you pour your heart and soul into something, and the response doesn’t match your expectations. You may even encounter imposter syndrome and insecurity, but don’t let them deter you. Remember why you do what you do. For me, I started creating art because I had a voice to share. I started making videos to connect with other creatives worldwide, something I wished someone had done for me.

I don’t create my art, music, or videos for the few naysayers who might criticize or dislike my work. I create them for the hundreds who appreciate and find value in what I do, but mostly for myself. It’s crucial to persist without constantly seeking validation because, in the end, you’re your most important audience.

You might experience moments when you question why you’re doing what you do, especially when it feels like nobody cares. In those times, find strength in the knowledge that everything you do matters. You might not notice it, but your creativity ripples through the world, impacting people in ways you may never fully understand.

So, I leave you with this: Create what you want to create. Put it out there because you have something to say, not because you’re chasing fame or validation. Then, persist through the storms of doubt and discouragement. Keep going because you’re a badass; the world deserves to know your unique voice.

I recently doubted myself, but a heartfelt message from a supporter reminded me why I do what I do. Find your reason, embrace the gauntlet of creativity, and keep going. There may not be an easier way, but trust me; it’s worth it.

Thank you for reading, and remember that you’re awesome. Keep rocking your art!

Adios,

Rafi

Posted on August 3, 2023February 5, 2026 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

PODCAST 139: What Is Your Epic Artist Story

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the importance of knowing and sharing your artistic story. We also discuss best practices and ways to understand your epic tale. Find out more about us at http://www.rafiandklee.com

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Being An Artist During The Holidays – ARTIST PODCAST (With Rafi And Klee)

In this podcast, Klee and I (Rafi) discuss (among other topics) the unique reality of being artists during the holidays. We dive into the main mindset shifts, challenges, and realities that come with navigating busy seasonal demands, balancing family time with studio time, and managing expectations during this time of year. Bottom line? Taking care of your well-being and staying grounded is just as important as keeping up with the holiday hustle. Episode Title: Artists During The Holidays If this resonated with you, hit that Like button, Subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! WHO ARE RAFI AND KLEE STUDIOS Curious about who we are? Visit our website and get to know us and all we do. https://rafiandklee.com/ WANT TO JOIN US IN THE CHAT FOR THE LIVE PODCAST ON PATREON?https://rafiandklee.com/patreon/ Thank you for supporting the Artist Life Podcast with Rafi and Klee! You rock!

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Posted on March 22, 2023December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — 8 Comments

The New You, And Hope

The Holiday season has come and gone. As Klee and I prepared for our long winter nap and reflection, I was struck by an important question. Who are you today? I mean, I know who I am, right? Surprisingly, the answer is no. The fact is that we change and evolve with every experience we have.

Listening to the gusts of wind and snow pummel my house, I was taken back to my childhood and some experiences and people that helped make me who I am today. These moments, conversations, struggles, and highlights taught me valuable lessons. However, if I am candid with myself, it is just a narrative I have repeated so much that it has become a reality. Everything I remember from my past is a construct of my design. I watched much TV as a kid and absorbed characters like Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross. They impacted me by introducing me to something I wasn’t surrounded by. Hope. But was it real?

Maybe it was the holidays or that Klee and I decided to take some time off from all the craziness and reset, but I can’t help wondering why I do what I do.

Anyone following our journey knows the last few years have been full of adventurous tales.

Rafi and Klee are waiting for a call from realtor

Some of you know that we moved last year, and to say it has been a crazy rollercoaster ride is an understatement. Let’s be honest, the last few years have been a bit of an insane ride, and I finally feel like we are getting to some semblance of normal. Well, normal for us. As I reflect, I think about how our lives changed dramatically and the toll it took on us.

The true craziness started in 2020 when the world shut down, and everyone fought amidst a pandemic. Klee and I spent a lot of time navigating the changes that would have to come with our art business. No longer able to do local shows for income, we needed to adapt and change our strategy. As we watched our bank account dwindle, we struggled to find footing. The truth is, spending a lot of time indoors and away from others wasn’t bothering us at all. Klee and I are artists. That’s normal for us. We spend a lot of time in our studio. We also really like each other, so nothing much had changed. It felt like the world around us was changing, or maybe we were paying closer attention since we weren’t distracted by markets and shows. Things sometimes felt a bit dark, but we kept our spirits up.

Because we needed to take a new direction, we focused a little more on connecting with artists online. We started a community of Rogue artists from all over the world. We wanted to create a safe place for creatives to interact and share ideas. We began to invest more time in our online efforts. We built a community, started a podcast, and uploaded more videos. We also supported the artists in our local area whenever we could. Then hurricane Sally hit our area, and everything shut down twice over. To say that 2020 was challenging doesn’t quite sum up the year. Let’s say the term dumpster fire is a better description.

Enter 2021, and things are slowly coming out of the worst of the pandemic, but there are still a lot of heightened emotions and arguments in the world. As much as people wanted to talk and argue politics, I wanted nothing to do with that conversation. At this point, we had our eyes set on moving, but we were still trying to navigate the financial effects of 2020. I was writing my second and third books, organizing the art for a large exhibition, planning an adventure to the north, and figuring out how to afford to purchase a new home.

We had wanted to move from the apartment we had been living in for a while. The truth is we had outgrown it years earlier, and other factors involved made it a somewhat challenging environment for what we do. With every year that passed, the challenges became more prominent. Every year, however, we would put it off until the following year. This was most likely due to fear. As much as we wanted to move, we knew how to navigate our environment, which was comfortable (as in our comfort zone, which has nothing to do with real comfort). We finally reached a point where we had no other option but to move on and leave the apartment behind. Things had gotten beyond challenging, and we were determined to escape the situation we had put ourselves in by living in the apartment. We decided that even if we had to live in our car, get rid of everything, and start over again, we were willing to do that. It was time for a change.

Of course, the odds were stacked against us. Self-employed artists are at the lowest rung of banking loan opportunities, but we didn’t care this time. We were going to make it happen. Towards the end of the year, we gathered what we had saved from successful art shows and proceeded to travel the country and look for a new home. We eventually landed in Oil City, which had an artist’s relocation program to revitalize this once-boom town. The city is beautiful, and we found a house that we immediately fell in love with. It was our dream home. Our offer was accepted, and it was time to return, pick up our belongings, and start our new life.

Upon arriving at the apartment, we found that a leak from an air-conditioner had devastated Klee’s jewelry bench and tools. The water had also gotten underneath the protective tarp surrounding the studio. This meant that we would have to tear things down at a hurried pace. Exhausted from our travels, we jumped into taking the studio apart, buying a house long distance, organizing another art show, collecting art from around town, and getting ready to move our lives across the country.

Klee trying to recover her damaged jewelry bench and tools

The studio was shut down during all this, and we could not take any orders. This meant we were not making any money.

It was a month of constant exhaustion and heavy lifting that ended with us throwing everything into a 26-foot U-Haul before our landlords showed up with their own Uhaul (who needed us to move ours out of the way, but that’s a whole other story). We put our jeep on the tow dolly and navigated our way to our new town, stopping to nap at a Truckstop and racing against time to make it to our new home for the closing.

Once we were at the house, the challenges continued. We knew that buying an older home would require updates and repairs. However, we did not expect no-shows, delays, and a lack of good contractors. The house needed new electrical, plumbing, and other repairs before we could open our studio. At this point, the studio had been shut down for months.

Finally, eight months into 2021, we opened the art studio and jumped right into taking commissions and opening up our online store. We were in our dream home, and life was good. However, it was nonstop, and my body couldn’t take it anymore. The move and pushing my body too far caused debilitating pain. I pushed on anyhow.

We organized a two-month gallery show, released two books, music, volunteered, and worked on commissions all while we did repairs for our new home and built our lives back up. All the while feeling like we would never catch up and get back on track. We pushed through the holiday orders and finally got to a place where we could catch our breath.

Honestly, all of this would have been fine, it is just the luck of being busy as an artist who just moved to a new town. However, on the back end, everything we had in place to run our art business was old and outdated. Systems needed an overhaul, and everything was more complicated than it needed to be.

Enter the break.

Towards the end of 2022, we decided to take a few months off to get ourselves organized and restructured. During that time, we released the last audiobook, built a Rogue Artist Community site, created systems for our business (giving us more time for creativity), finished building our art studio, and updated our website and webstore.

Another artist I know said, “I’m jealous. I wish we could take a few months off and relax.”

Relaxing is next on our list lol.

My reflection on these last few years has taught me that no matter what is thrown at you, nothing can stand in your way as long as you are determined to keep going. However, making time for self-care and relaxation is paramount. We may be able to climb mountains, but you have to stop and rest along the way.

I can sit here and bitch about all the struggles we have had, but honestly, that’s just life. How we handle them and reflect is really what matters. We may still be recovering physically and financially, but what drives me forward is the same thing I was introduced to as a child. Hope. The difference is I surround myself with it now.

Posted on February 20, 2023December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

It’s Ok To Take Time Off For You

Recently, Klee and I took some time off to get organized. Honestly, it was not easy for me to stay focused on getting organized. Over the last year, I formed a habit of running around stressed out and constantly putting out fires. As many of you know, we moved at the beginning of 2022.

Along with moving across the country, buying a new house, making repairs, and introducing ourselves to our new community, we brought a boatload of project deadlines. The demand became a little too much, and things fell apart quickly.

Trying to navigate life and all of its hurdles can be hard enough. When things go wrong, they can compound everything else on your shoulders and suddenly feel like an overwhelming burden.

Klee and I are artists, which makes our life and income unpredictable, so it didn’t help that expensive repairs needed to happen before we could open our art studio, our primary source of income. I also had two books in the works that were already six months past their deadline, not to mention the audiobooks that were past their deadline as well. We also run a few YouTube channels which were falling to the wayside, along with a community of awesome artists from around the world that are members.

As things mounted and more responsibilities fell on our shoulders, we felt like days weren’t long enough and we would never catch up. It took a toll on us emotionally, physically, and creatively.

The truth is, we didn’t stop. We hit the ground running and took on even more challenges and added them to our plate. We ended up volunteering on committees and taking on more responsibilities than we had room for. Meanwhile, we were buying furniture and getting our new place up and running to be our new creative playground.

Now, Klee and I are used to juggling crazy, but at this point, it had gone beyond crazy… it was stupid.

Our days were filled with home repairs, plumbing issues, new electrical, building an art studio, trying to manage our art business, running a YouTube channel, recording and releasing podcasts, running an online community, publishing books and audiobooks, holding a large exhibition, releasing music, and navigating all the other little things that come up daily. It was exhausting.

However, it was avoidable.

Many of us are afraid to step away for a while. The perception is that things will fall apart and you will never recover. So, instead, we try to juggle an unsustainable way of living… and for many of us, it is killing us.

Being in the YouTube world, you see this all the time. There are plenty of people out there who, on the surface, have it all and do it all. But many of those people are incredibly unhappy and are putting on a front all day while still feeling depressed and empty when they take any time to reflect. Unfortunately, I was heading in that direction because I was too afraid to walk away from my “work.”

I moved to my dream house, I live in a beautiful town, I am married to the most amazing human I have ever met, and I am doing what I want for a living. However, I wasn’t giving myself the time to enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t miserable, but it is hard to keep your spirits up when you spend every day killing yourself to get somewhere only to find that you are no closer than when you started that day.

The truth is. When you’re on your deathbed, you won’t think about the hard work. You’re going to meditate on your relationships and how you lived your life. It’s a hard realization, coming to the end of your days only to find that you spent all your time obsessed with juggling stress instead of just living.

So… Step back now, while you can. Take time off to reevaluate, get caught up, sort things out, and relax… take as much time as you need. Those that matter will be waiting patiently. Those that are demanding of you and don’t understand that you need time to yourself can wait or take a hike.

Posted on September 15, 2022September 15, 2022 by Artist Rafi Perez — 13 Comments

How To Be A Badass Artist

Many people will ask me about my art and popularity and assume that I have always had some secret answer to both. The truth is much more exciting. Contrary to popular belief, I wasn’t born with it. In fact, I spent most of my life having abysmal social skills.

Any sentence containing the word “Rafi” would not be followed by a phrase containing the words popular, cool, or badass. It was quite the opposite. I was painfully shy and assumed that I would never amount to anything. Of course, back then, I didn’t push my own boundaries.

In my shy brilliance, I understood I was introverted and scared to get in the limelight. Anything requiring me to face rejection or put myself out there would bring paralyzing fear.

So what changed?

I did. At some point in my life, I decided that life was too short to be invisible. I knew somewhere deep inside that I was stronger than I had believed. I also understood that the best way to conquer fear was to face it head-on. Hence, my art career. Sure, I wanted to share my art with the world, but honestly, this whole ride has been a self-conducted social experiment. I wanted to see if I could turn someone who felt broken and small into someone who would have a powerful creative voice in the world. To this day, this is what motivates me to create and put myself out there.

Here are seven things that I have learned along the way.

Worrying About What People Think Of You Is Useless.

This is one of the most powerful lessons I have learned. I had a hard time wrapping my head around it, but it was life-changing once I did. People will always have opinions, no matter what you do or say. Not doing a thing or holding yourself back and not living the life you want due to other people is a waste of precious time. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what they think. They have their lives. You have yours. As long as you are not hurting anyone in doing your thing, they can go fly a kite.

Invest In Yourself And Your Badassery.

Back in the day, everything I did could be traced to trying to get validation or some kind of reputation. I spent most of my time trying to prove that I deserved good things. I didn’t self-indulge in art materials because I thought it was not responsible in other people’s eyes. “Why do you need so many sketchbooks?” Because I’m a damn artist, that’s why. Invest in yourself, and don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about it.

If I was dating this would be my profile picture because I’m so cool. Thank the lord I am married.

Choose Carefully Who Influences You.

There are a lot of naysayers in the world. This is because most of them have given up on their dreams for some reason or another. These people usually have great arguments on why something isn’t possible. I guarantee you that they have spent their lives justifying their decision to quit and thus have a convincing argument. However, they are full of shit. Everyone I know actively pursuing their dream would never crush someone else’s dream. People that give up are so jaded that their only way of making themselves feel better is to convince someone else that their way of thinking is the correct way to see the world. You don’t need those people to influence how you will live your life.

Just Go For It, Especially If You Are Afraid.

The fear never goes away on its own. If you avoid it, it doesn’t get better. In fact, the act of avoidance just makes it worse. The only way to honestly face a fear is to do what you are afraid to do. At the beginning of my art career, EVERYTHING I did to put myself out there was terrifying. However, my life was exciting. When you push boundaries, fear is always involved as you have new experiences. Embrace the fear and have the adventure. The alternative is to just go back to how things have always been. For example, I am terrified to play music on stage and this weekend I will be performing music at our art exhibition. As scary as that is, the adventure of facing the fear is absolutely worth it.

I’m so cool that the autofocus can’t keep up with me.

Argue With The Stickman.

Every morning I calm my mind and breathe. Some call this meditation. I call it arguing with my stickman. The stick man is that inner voice like a drunk asshole that just blurts out the most damaging things about you. Most of us either take what they say as truth or try to bury the feeling inside us. Suppose you’ve heard yourself saying, “I’m so stupid!” or avoiding an unsettling feeling. That is the stickman. The stickman has a kegger in your mind, totally disregarding your furniture. Even if you hear yourself getting mad and throwing daggers because someone is trying to empower you, this can mean that the stick man is in control. Argue with that voice and remind yourself that you are capable. Just because it’s in your head doesn’t mean it’s true or even a belief that truly belongs to you.

Let Go Of The Past

The truth is that we all have epic stories of tragedy in our lives. I am talking about some horrible shit. Every one of us. We’ve all had painful experiences. It’s just part of being a human being. However, I’ve seen people stuck there and unable to move on from the pain because they carry resentment. I spent most of my life with the weight of resentment on my shoulders. It was limiting me from moving on with my life and approaching it as an empowered badass. Once I slowly let go of something, I could move on and reidentify with my badassery. I realized that by holding on, I was allowing someone who had wronged me to have control over my life and emotions. Fuck that.

This is my cool looking at my phone face.

Do It, Not Say It, And Spray It.

Back in the day, I constantly talked about things I would do but never took action. I think I was looking for validation for my ideas. It’s almost like looking for permission. As I started to change my way of thinking, I realized it was better to just do the thing and prove to MYSELF that I could do it. That’s where your power is. It is in what you believe about yourself. Everyone else can keep their opinions to themselves.

At the end of the day, this is an ongoing journey. We never get it done. I will be learning from my experiences and pushing more and more boundaries as I ride my life to the end. It’s not about fame or being famous. It’s about being yourself and unapologetically sharing your voice with the world. When you are genuine and don’t carry a chip on your shoulder, you will bring authenticity and love to the world through your art and everything you put out there. So I urge you to go for it because the world needs more artists sharing their creative badassery with the planet.

I’m such a cool magnet that I attracted this coolness… She’s SO cool.

You can take my word for it… cause, you know… I’m like, cool. The kids are still saying that right?

Posted on September 5, 2022September 5, 2022 by Artist Rafi Perez — 1 Comment

Human Connection Is Everything

Last week was something of a blur. With everything going on lately, I frequently walk into rooms and forget where I am. I’m also guessing at what day of the week it is because I honestly don’t know. Our exhibition has been extended. We are working on commissions, trying to remodel the third floor (our bedroom), hosting guests, recording an audiobook, practicing for a concert, and figuring out how to create clones of ourselves.

Have you ever had one of those days that felt like you were moving at the speed of light? This week (or month, I have no sense of time) has felt like that.

However, some moments stand out—moments of connection where time slows down. As two “Artroverts,” Klee and I spend a lot of time hidden away in our studio, where we express ourselves through our creations. These creations will connect us with humans when we put them out there. Some may glance, listen, or read it and scoff. Some may ignore it, but some will connect. Some will even feel inspired to reach out to us; thus, the connection comes full circle.

Robin came all the way from Kansas and hung out with us at the gallery. This was our first time meeting him in person. He is an amazing human and we were so happy for this opportunity!

Because we are very public on the internet, we get to connect with people from all over the world. This is something that still surprises me. I tend to forget that Klee and I are public personalities. This is because the reality is that we are total nerds. We are both socially awkward and weird. Yet, people from around the world have connected with who we are even though we may have never met in person. I think this is a beautiful thing.

Putting yourself out there and making human connections will always require being brave and taking chances. Engaging in conversation with someone new can be intimidating. Many creative folks are shy and would tweeze their nose hair out rather than start a conversation with a stranger. However, if you put yourself out there, you will have to step out of your comfort zone despite the nerves.

Something magical happens when you connect with someone in a conversation many miss because they are too scared to go for it.

Darren drove in from Ohio and spent some time with us at the gallery and we had some really awesome conversation.

Listen, Klee, and I know what it feels like to be so painfully shy. Every time we put ourselves out there, we are pushing through a comfort zone. It’s gotten a little easier over the years, but the fear never really goes away. That being said, we keep certain things in mind when choosing to go public with our awkwardness.

Choose the things you like. It is easier to engage in a conversation when surrounded by people with similar interests. If you love reading, join a book club. If you create art, volunteer to teach an art class. Put yourself in an environment where YOU are comfortable. Talk about what you enjoy. Don’t jump on subjects because they are common or popular unless you are genuinely interested in them.

Embrace rejection for what it is. Everyone is not for everyone. You may click with some and not so much with others. Introverts tend to feel like they are on trial. You are not. You don’t need to gather friends, just people you connect with. If a conversation doesn’t jive, don’t blame yourself. It just means there was no connection. If someone rejects you, then it means they have no business being in your life anyhow.

Heather and Steve visited Oil City During their cross country trip and we spent a great time together. This was our first time meeting in person and it was awesome!

Be yourself. It is exhausting to try and be anything other than yourself. You don’t have to be anyone else to make a connection. Just be yourself and connect with your people.

Have fun. I think we can quickly turn meeting people into a serious act for many of us. The truth is, if you make it no fun and are not having fun, then why do it?

Be vulnerable. Don’t put up an act. Allow yourself to be more vulnerable. Don’t drop filters or boundaries, but don’t curate a version of yourself that is not you.

The Kirkman’s came in from Cayman Islands and spend a few days with us. This was our first time meeting and it was like hanging out with old friends.

These moments are magical. These moments only happen if you allow yourself to be who YOU are. Last week, we connected with some unique humans. Some traveled quite a distance to meet us. This is bravery, and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to share that time with them. This is what it is all about. This is the stuff of life.

Over the years, we have extended our Rogue family of creative humans across the globe only because we treasure our connection to them. In a world where everyone is chasing fame, likes, an algorithm, or money, I think it is important to remember that we are all human. We are all connected. We all cry, laugh, get stressed, jump for joy, and do our best in life. Our humanness and humanity are what can bring us together. It is also what has the most value.

Category: WHAT ARE WE THINKING at Rafi and Klee