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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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Getting More Productive By Doing Less – ARTIST PODCAST With Rafi And Klee

I want to talk about something that sounds a little backwards: getting more done by doing less. I know, I know. It sounds like I’m giving you permission to be lazy, doesn't it? But honestly? Embrace that. Because this isn't about being lazy in the way people think; it’s about working smarter, not harder, and using a little bit of minimalism to save your sanity. This whole journey is about one thing: avoiding burnout. 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 KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 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.

Posted on August 28, 2022August 28, 2022 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

HI! We’re STILL Here! You Can’t Get Rid Of Us!

Klee and I are still at it! We have taken over Graffiti Gallery and we are not ready to let it go! That’s right! We are extending our show through September in Oil City at 210 Seneca St, Oil City, PA 16301.

Rafi and Klee are both extending their shenanigans at Graffiti Gallery in Oil City PA. They are showcasing all the art they love to create. This includes paintings, jewelry, sculptures, books, music, and more. They also want to invite creatives and forward thinkers to come out the first weekend in September and discuss where we are all heading in this amazing town and ways to get there. Come and find a retrospective of Rafi Perez’s paintings, sculptures, and Klee Angelie’s jewelry and creations. Come hang out and talk about life, listen to music, look at some art, and have a blast. The show runs through the month of September on Fridays from 4-7 and Saturdays from 11am-2pm. The gallery will also be open for private appointments, contact Rafi and Klee to schedule your private tour.

The show will run through September and each day will feature art creations and fun. The show is meant to inspire and delight and we plan to have a lot of fun while we are there. We look forward to meeting the amazing people of this community!

Sept 2nd (4pm-7pm) and 3rd (11am-2pm) – The Rogue Artist Book Readings And Discussions About Revitalization.

Come and meet Rafi and Klee at their first two month long art exhibition in their new town. Enjoy art, jewelry, music, and more at the exhibition’s extended run. Drinks and a fun atmosphere will be provided. Come ready to have a good time and talk about being a rogue! Rafi will read his favorite passages from his books throughout the day, he will also talk about their efforts in the revitalization and plans for their beloved town of Oil City and the region. If you are a rogue and are excited about this area please be there. The biggest enemy of innovation and progress is apathy, but there is a way to combat it and move forward despite the challenges. They will also hold a question and answer and brainstorm session throughout the talk. He will also sign books if asked throughout the day.

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/3BxjPi2hk

Sept 9th (4pm-7pm) and 10th (11am-2pm) – Live Paintings And Creations Throughout The Day.

Come out and spend some time with Rafi and Klee and experience art experimentations and creations. Including but not limited to live painting, jewelry, and music writing. Enjoy conversations about their travels, art, and why they moved to this amazing area and their plans moving forward. Also, Rafi will be demonstrating painting on his spinning easel throughout the days and creating something special for his new home town that will be given away to a lucky winner at the end of the exhibition run. Come in and get a free raffle ticket.

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/4BZjM1CSH

Sept 16th (4pm-7pm) and 17th (11am-2pm) – Music Concert – RAFI’S REDEMPTION TOUR!

Enjoy some art and some great conversation and some music practice during the day. Rafi experienced his first live performance and botched it the whole way through (well, that’s how he feels) and is hoping to make a strong comeback and blow the minds of anyone there brave enough to listen. The concert will start on Friday at 5pm and Saturday at 12pm. This laid back concert will be like hanging out with two friends while they sing and play guitar.

This will be the second time ever that we perform as “Better On The Drums” our new band. Witness Rafi be nervous again on stage… or will he be?

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/24wcIoMrY

Sept 23rd (3pm-8pm) and 24th (11am-2pm) – Let’s Get Uncorked! And Finally Say Goodbye.

Enjoy some art and great conversation during the day and come downtown for the wine walk. They say people love buying art when they enjoy wine so we are hoping to capitalize on the phenomenon. Well maybe. However, you know what else works with wine? Great conversation! This will also be the final weekend of the show (we promise) and we’ll be saying goodbye.

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/2AqXKuGFP

Download And Print Out Show Schedule Download

Download And Print Out Of Black And White Show Poster Download

More About Oil City Uncorked

Oil City Uncorked Happens on Friday, September 22, 4:30 – 8:30 pm in downtown Oil City (north side business district). Sample from 10 regional wineries (plus a sprinkle of spirits & brews) located at various host businesses within walking distance! Participating vendors: Allegheny Cellars Winery, Black Dog Wine Company, Cart/Horse Distilling, Country Hammer Moonshine, Deer Creek Winery, Emlenton Brew Haus, Fat Chad’s Brewing, Fractured Grape/Novosell LLC, Groundhog Winery, Happy Hour Winery, Starr Hill Vineyard & Winery, Twisted Vine, Two Birch Winery, Webb Winery, and The Winery at Wilcox.

Light refreshments will be available at host businesses, plus downtown restaurants will be open for regular dining. Souvenir tasting glass included with ticket. Oil City Uncorked is for ages 21 & over, valid ID required on event day. Tickets are available online through this link (processing fees apply), at the Oil City Library, 2 Central Avenue, and at Core Goods (starting 8/31/22), 219 Seneca Street. Proceeds benefit the downtown revitalization efforts of the Oil City Main Street Program.

Posted on August 24, 2022August 24, 2022 by Artist Rafi Perez — 4 Comments

Audiobooks, Book Fairs, And Deadlines… Oh My!

I am currently recording audiobooks and wanted to reflect on something I think is important for the creative mind. I also want to update everyone that has supported my books and is waiting on the two audiobooks I’m working on. So if your jam is a dose of inspiration and an update, then read on!

It’s been quite the adventure to become a published author. Over the last few years, I have released three books, a workbook, and an audiobook. All this while juggling this crazy journey called life. Since September 26th, 2020 when I announced that I would be releasing my second book, you have been on a whirlwind adventure with me.

Since that time, we have experienced:
The emotional aspects of writing a marketing book during a pandemic.
Navigated supply shortages.
A hurricane.
Power outages for weeks.
A fungus gnat invasion.
A thumb drive and several hard drives crashing with essential notes.
Loss of internet for weeks.
Holiday art commission overwhelm.
The stress of several large solo art exhibitions.
Dealing with a leak that destroyed our studio.
An epic journey to find a house, and we did!
Moving across the country in a terrifying Uhaul.
Art studio shutdowns.
Losing money to a conman.
Plumbing issues.
Spending more money than we are comfortable with on repairs.
Getting used to cold winters and shoveling snow again.
More plumbing issues.
Lack of sleep.
Fatigue from moving, repairs, and stress, while trying to juggle everything.
Burnout.
Scrapping 6 hours of audiobook recordings because I sound like a robot.
And acclimating to our new life.

I know most of this sounds like a terrible time, but honestly, I’m just listing the things that happen in life. In between and even during a lot of this craziness, there was a lot more good. A lot of laughter, overcoming, and persistence to remember that life doesn’t have to be all sunshine and roses to be remarkable. It is what you make it. The truth is, everyone is on their own odyssey and confronting the things that challenge them. However, not everyone gets to share it with fabulous people. And for that, I want to thank you. Thank you for sticking with me on this journey of ups and downs.

I think the most important thing to remember when having our ups and downs is that it is easy to remember things as the cause of unhappiness. This makes the less than great event stand out as an example of what your life is like. In reality, every moment is an opportunity to show yourself what you are capable of. You can either face a challenge with joy and determination, or let it eat you alive. Once you experience that, you show yourself that you are unstoppable. So, you continue moving forward on your journey instead of letting it come to a halt. We will be on the journey for the rest of our lives, so we might as well be the champions that we are.

I now ask that you continue the journey with me a little longer. Unfortunately, I will not be able to release the audiobooks for the marketing book or money book by September 5th as I hoped. As much as I wanted to meet that deadline, it will not work for me. To not experience burnout again (as I promised myself and many of you), I have decided to extend the deadline to the beginning of November 2022. I may get it done earlier, and if that happens, I will make an exciting announcement. However, I am taking my time with this project because I want it to sound conversational like my last audiobook and not like someone trying to rush through a book. Thank you for your continued patience.

This weekend, I will be doing my first book fair, and I am both nervous (silly brain jar) and excited. We also have an extensive art exhibition running right now that has been extended through September. If you happen to be in Oil City, the fair is called: The Annual Oil Region Festival of the Book and will be on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10am-2pm. The Festival will be held in the Central Avenue Plaza in Oil City, PA (right outside the Oil City Library!).

We will then be at Graffiti Gallery from 2pm – 6pm, showing our art and doing a giveaway of sorts.

Thank you all so much for your love and support. You have been so supportive. I have received so many comments from you about the books and how much they mean to you. Thank you. In those times when it feels like the shit is hitting the fan, it is inspiring to know that what I share has a place in your heart and mind.

Posted on August 22, 2022August 22, 2022 by Artist Rafi Perez — 10 Comments

I Can’t Seem To Find Time For Art

Artists will contact us every once in a while telling us they have no time to create art. Between house chores, work, and taking care of someone else’s needs, they find themselves at odds with what they want. They explain how they feel guilty even thinking about taking creative time. That guilt is compounded when the people around them think that creating art doesn’t matter. This guilt and perception can add a lot of undue stress which will lead to less creating.

It’s funny to me that the perception exists in the world that says that artists don’t do anything important. Some people believe that our lives are stuffed with unicorn farts and rainbow ice cream. It’s been an insane couple of years for us. We’ve had a few large art exhibitions, commissions, power outages, bad weather, art studio closures, moving across the country, and don’t even get me started on water leaks or plumbing. We’ve also dealt with butt hurt friends, rejection, financial struggles, and all other manner of emotionally draining events. Things always felt worse when I didn’t give myself the space to create.

I’ll be honest, as much as I hate to admit it, some of it has been stressful. Not because things go wrong. That’s just life. We all know that the shit will hit the fan at some point just to keep us on our toes.

No, it’s not the events or circumstances that happen in life that bring me stress. In actuality, it is the crap that goes on in my brain that stresses me out. It’s the excuses I use to not create or do what I want. Klee and I do a lot of stuff that we consider fun. We make art, jewelry, film videos, play music, design t-shirts, manage an online community of awesome rogue artists, write books, and record podcasts. We do whatever we think will be fun. We also do all the things that people consider not as much fun. Things like managing our business, yard work, house repairs, and other domestic arts (as one of the Rogues called it). Add to that all the different components that come with life, relationship, home, and work, and it can all feel overwhelming.

However, it’s just life. It’s every moment. And moments are precious. But, art is what allows me to process it all.

One thing I like to remind myself of is that overwhelm is not what is going on around you, but what you think your role is in what is happening. Honestly, it is reminding yourself that you can just walk away or say no. It’s easy to feel like things would fall apart without you, but trust me, things probably feel like they’re falling apart anyhow.

On the flipside, it is also ok to say yes. It’s also ok to say you don’t want to do something any more… I mean, it’s your life, you get to choose how you want to live it.

Now, if you do happen to do a million things, and can’t find time for what you want, here are some best practices for you that I have learned the hard way.

STAY POSITIVE AND CREATE

Don’t get wrapped up in the humble brag that you are the busiest person in the world. It is easy to exclaim to the world that you are the busiest human on the planet. I’m not saying you are not, but constantly repeating that mantra for yourself can have some bad results. Tell yourself that you have a choice on how you decide to spend your time. You may make a lot of excuses on why you can’t find time to create when you are wrapped up in your drama, but there is always time if you decide there is. Even 30 minutes of creating is better than no minutes.

HAVE SOME KIND OF PLAN

I hate planning things. I hate schedules. I hate when a past version of me writes something down telling me I need to do something. Why didn’t he do it? That being said, when you are juggling a lot, it is important to make a plan and space it out. Honestly, each day should have no more than four large tasks. If you have more than that, you will run yourself into the ground. However, plan the things you want to do and make it sacred. That means that NO ONE has the right to guilt you out of your plans. It is not selfish for you to want to create, it is selfish of others to monopolize your time and keep you from doing what you want in life.

DON’T JUST SAY YES

It’s ok to say no. You gotta take care of yourself. Also, if you can’t finish something in time, just get it done when you can. Don’t kill yourself to finish it. People might expect things and it might be time to introduce them to a word that they may have not heard from you yet.

THE DISHES CAN WAIT

Honestly, when it comes to doing dishes or creating art, art will win every time. Also, if there are more than one of you in your household, it might be time for other people to pitch in and ease up time for you.

COMPLETE AT LEAST 1 THING A DAY

You can be busy all day, from phone calls to finalizing a large project. However, forming the habit of working on art every day is important. Try to complete something, It doesn’t matter what it is, it can be a quick sketch, just give yourself a sense of completion.

FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME

People out there love to say that they are great at multitasking. They are full of it. The brain isn’t designed for that. You can jump between projects when you are at a standstill, but even then, shift your thinking and focus on what is in front of you. This is why meditation is important, because it helps you build that focusing muscle. Also, have a space that will not be interrupted with other things.

MAKE IT ALL FUN

Bring your creativity back. At the end of the day, It should all be fun. Why not? Sometimes, you won’t be able to work on art, and that is ok if you are used to giving yourself that creative time. This weekend we have a lot on our plate. I will be doing my first book fair at the Oil City Library from 10-2PM, then heading to Graffiti Gallery and sitting our show from 2-6PM. This is followed by a friend’s birthday party. Meanwhile, we have a million things that we are juggling at home. It is easy to forget that it is all delicious if you feel like a martyr. When you take control and give yourself time for what you want, you remember that you have a choice. It’s easy to use excuses for why you “HAVE” to do something, but at the end of the day, it is our choice. You will feel better making time for other people and stuff if you make time for yourself when you want it.

TELL SOME PEOPLE TO BACK OFF

People can get really used to you being the one who takes care of everything. Humans are habitual creatures and whenever something happens often, it is easy for it to become the norm. I’ve even experienced people feeling entitled and getting mad at me because I didn’t want to hang out due to my art. Either put people like that in their place or get rid of them.

I’m going to say something very grim sounding but it was important for me to hear when I was killing myself with overwhelm.

“The world will keep going if YOU are not around cleaning up messes and juggling a million things. The people who rely on you would figure it out one way or another.”

If you are stretching yourself too thin, it might be time to reevaluate. This might require you to tell someone you are no longer going to do something for them. It’s hard, but you have to take care of you before you take care of someone else’s needs, or else you are useless to them and yourself.

So, take care of yourself.

Category: WHAT ARE WE THINKING at Rafi and Klee