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Welcome to “Rafi’s Random Creative Ramblings,” where the unexpected meets the creative. Join Rafi as he delves into a wide array of topics, from spontaneous art projects and philosophical musings to practical advice for fellow artists. This blog is a place for curiosity, inspiration, and a bit of randomness, reflecting Rafi’s eclectic and vibrant approach to life and art. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted read or deep insights, Rafi’s ramblings promise to entertain and enlighten. Dive in and enjoy the unpredictable journey of creativity and expression with Rafi!

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A CREATIVE PSA: Don’t Be Dumb Like Me

I wanted to share a little warning with all of you today.
A friendly, heartfelt, “learn from my mistakes” kind of post.

Or, more accurately…

A don’t be dumb like me post.

A couple of days ago, Klee and I were deep in the mad holiday rush. Orders were flying out the door, the studio looked like a creative tornado had touched down, and we were prepping for our last winter show, the Holiday Makers Market at Clifford’s.

The show itself? Amazing.
The community showed up, we got to hang out with incredible local artists, and it reminded us (again) why we love doing what we do.

A smiling couple stands at their booth filled with handmade jewelry and colorful artwork at a craft fair.

The problem happened before the show.

The day before, while juggling a million things, my brain did that thing it does sometimes. You know the thing. I’m fully focused on one task, and then suddenly my brain goes:

“HEY. YOU SHOULD FIX THAT RANDOM THING RIGHT NOW.”

This time, it was a crack in our studio utility sink.

Perfect timing, right?

So naturally, instead of saying “maybe after the holidays” or “this can wait,” I decided this would be a great thing to squeeze into an already packed schedule.

Brilliant.

A cluttered artist studio sink area with various paintbrushes hanging on a rack, a utility sink showing signs of use, and a yellow painted base.

I caulked the cracks in the sink and then thought, “You know what would really seal this up? Flex Seal.”
I had a spray can left from when I worked on our gutters. Easy. Quick. Done in five minutes.

Except… not really.

It’s winter.
The studio has limited ventilation this time of year.
And even though I own masks and wear them regularly when I spray paint…

I decided (in the heat of the moment) that I didn’t need one.

“It’ll be quick,” I said to myself.
“It’s fine,” I said to myself.
“Future Rafi can deal with it,” I implied.

So I sprayed the sink.

Then another layer.

Then another.

Then… I emptied the entire can.

A close-up view of a utility sink with fresh white flex seal coating applied, showing uneven patches and a drain at the bottom.

If you’ve ever sprayed something inside a basin, you already know where this is going.
That spray doesn’t politely stay where you put it.
It bounces.
It comes back out.
And it hits you directly in the face.

Since I wasn’t wearing a mask, I basically inhaled those vapors like they were fresh mountain air.

Then (because apparently I hadn’t learned anything yet) I just went on with my day.

That night and into the next day, my lungs were not happy.
I was coughing up stuff, felt that deep chest irritation, and realized something was very wrong.

At the show, I couldn’t stay the whole time. I had to step out and go home a few times just to breathe and recover a bit. Klee just looked at me with a serious look and said, I’m worried about you. Never do that again. I nodded.

That evening, I did some steaming, focused on clearing my breathing, and thankfully things improved.

This morning, I woke up feeling better overall…
but with absolutely no voice.

None.
Gone.
Vanished.

Which brings me to the point of this whole post.

A cluttered studio space filled with art supplies, boxes, and unfinished artwork, showcasing a creative environment in disarray.

The PSA Part

Do not be dumb like me.

Seriously.

Here’s why this was a bad idea (in case my missing voice wasn’t convincing enough):

  • Cold weather + poor ventilation = bad combo
  • Spray sealants are not harmless
  • If you’re spraying inside a confined space, it will come back at you
  • “It’ll be quick” is a lie your brain tells you
  • Masks exist for a reason
  • Rushing + repairs = mistakes
A snowy backyard scene featuring a house, steps leading up to it, and a firepit, with snowfall creating a serene winter atmosphere.

What You Should Always Have on Hand

  • A proper mask or respirator for fumes
  • Ventilation (fans, open windows when possible)
  • Gloves and basic safety gear
  • The ability to say “this can wait”

So there it is.
My public service announcement for the day.

For anyone wondering, I’m feeling much better. Other than not being able to speak, I actually feel pretty good. Lungs are calming down, breathing is easier, and lesson very much learned.

If this post saves even one of you from doing something similar while rushing around your studio, garage, or workspace…

Then at least my poor decision wasn’t completely wasted.

Stay safe out there.
And wear the damn mask.

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Why Being an Artist Is Both Amazing and Absolutely Terrifying

This morning as I was spraying sealant on the studio sink (in an enclosed area with no ventilation so this message might be weird) I was thinking about something. I thought about the beautiful, ridiculous roller coaster that is being an artist. We have a pop up tomorrow at Clifford’s in Oil City and I find myself rushing around at the last minute trying to get everything ready for it. People often imagine that the life of a creative human is a serene, mystical experience filled with gentle inspiration, endless cups of perfectly brewed coffee, and large sunlit studios where inspiration strikes at the perfect moment.

Yeah… no.

Being an artist is one of the most amazing experiences you can have as a human, and one of the most terrifying things you can sign up for. It’s like having a dragon for a pet. It sounds awesome. It’s magical, powerful, life-changing, and occasionally it wants to set your hair on fire or eat your friends.

Let me explain.

A person holding a colorful painting in front of a vibrant mural depicting diverse scenes and characters, showcasing engagement and creativity in an artistic environment.

You Get to Create Worlds… Which Is Amazing.

You Also Have No Map… Which Is Terrifying.

Every time you sit down to create, you are literally pulling something out of thin air. That’s incredible. You get to build something that never existed before you walked into the room. Everything you do as an artist is uniquely yours. But, there’s no roadmap for creating something new, including an art career. Every attempt to succeed, every blank canvas, lump of clay, sheet of paper, or hunk of metal has the audacity to look you dead in the eye and say,

“So… you got a plan? Yeah right.”

And then the internal panic kicks in. That’s usually when many people quit. We talk ourselves out of that project or idea. This is where persistence comes in. Not only persistence, but the willingness to being unreasonably optimistic about what things will look like in the future. Every day, as an artist, I have to convince myself to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

A person wearing a magnifying headset works on jewelry at a wooden workbench surrounded by various tools and materials in a colorful studio.

You Chase Passion… Which Is Amazing.

You Also Chase It Off a Cliff Sometimes… Which Is Terrifying.

Art comes from the heart. You follow gut feelings, wild ideas, and emotional lightning bolts. This is the stuff that makes life feel alive. But then there are days when your passion and optimism abandons you. You think, “I didn’t sign up for this chaos”. And you’re left standing in the studio thinking:

“Cool, so now what? Should I quit? Should I paint a potato? Should I take a nap? Should I panic? All of the above?”

Yet if you persist, your passion and optimism will always return… eventually. You’ll think, “Hey, I’ve got an idea…”
and suddenly you’re back in the game.

An artist sitting at a cluttered studio table surrounded by various art supplies, finished paintings, and open boxes labeled with craft materials.

You’re Vulnerable… Which Is Amazing.

You’re Also Too Vulnerable… Which Is Terrifying.

Every time you put yourself out there, every piece of art you make is basically you stripping off your armor.
You pour your thoughts, emotions, stories, and weird little quirks into everything you do. People don’t realize that when they look at your art, they’re basically looking at your guts in an artform.

This is why showing your work feels like saying, “Here is my soul, hope you like it, no pressure.”

But that vulnerability is also what connects you to other humans. It’s what makes someone walk up to your art, pause, breathe, and whisper, “That’s exactly how I feel.”

That moment? Worth every ounce of terror.

Three individuals stand outdoors by a calm lake, smiling and interacting with each other. The background features a lush green forest and houses. The person in the center has glasses and a colorful hat, while the others are dressed in casual and semi-formal attire.

Creative Freedom… Which Is Amazing.

Financial Uncertainty… Which Is Terrifying.

Ah yes, the glamorous life of a professional artist. You get freedom, adventure, new ideas, and the ability to build your entire life from scratch. And also anxiety. Lots of anxiety. A healthy sprinkling of “Will this sell?” A dash of “Do I need to become a barista?” (By the way, there is nothing wrong with that.) And a generous scoop of “Why does everything cost so much? Who decided this?”

But the truth is, the freedom you get as an artist is priceless. Yes, you are in uncharted waters and every learning curve feels like a disaster, but being an artist is all about being comfortable in the discomfort. It’s not for everyone (although it could be). The willingness to pick yourself up and keep moving forward through uncertainty is a superpower we develop the longer we do this. It’s not easy, but it is life changing. It’s terrifying, yes, but unbelievably empowering.

An art teacher demonstrating perspective drawing on a chalkboard, with students attentively engaged in the classroom.

Growth Is Amazing… But Growth Is Also Terrifying.

As an artist, you are always growing, evolving, pushing boundaries, and stepping outside comfort zones. That’s what makes the journey rich. But stepping outside comfort zones is basically code for, “I’m going to scare myself a little today.”

Every new project asks you to be braver than yesterday. Every big idea asks you to trust yourself more than feels reasonable. And every new creation or outreach teaches you something, usually the hard way because artists are stubborn creatures.

But oh, the feeling when it all comes together eventually. When you have a successful showing. When someone connects with your art. When the piece is finished. When your heart feels full. When you can step back and say,
“I did that. Me. My hands. My chaos. My creativity.”

That’s the moment that makes every fear worth facing.

A man wearing a green dragon onesie and a woman in a silver dress sit together in a cozy living room, surrounded by colorful artwork and soft lighting, with video recording equipment in front of them.

So Why Do We Do It?

Because art is the place where the terrifying becomes transformative. Because we get to take all our messy human feelings and turn them into something beautiful, weird, powerful, joyful, emotional, colorful, meaningful. Because we get to connect with people in ways words alone can’t touch. Because creating is freedom, and true freedom (even with its fear) is one of the most exhilarating experiences we get in this life.

Being an artist is wild.
It’s unpredictable.
It’s emotional.
It’s overwhelming.
It’s magical.
It’s terrifying.
It’s amazing.

And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Love,
Rafi And Klee

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

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When Your Entire House Explodes Into Art (A Holiday Tradition)

Every December, like clockwork, our home transforms from a peaceful, cozy sanctuary into… well… whatever happens when an art studio explodes into the rest of the house.

This year is no exception.

In fact, I walked through the house this morning and realized that every single room (including spaces that should, by all logic, be art-free) now contains at least three paintings and a stack of Artist Enhanced Prints threatening to avalanche at any moment. Even the rugs have joined the chaos, rolled up like they’re plotting an escape.

A cluttered living room filled with various paintings leaning against furniture, rolled-up rugs, and art supplies scattered around, showcasing a creative chaos in preparation for the holiday season.

Klee and I keep saying, “This is normal, right? Other people’s homes look like this before the holidays… right?”
Absolutely not. But here we are anyway, knee-deep in canvases, surrounded by stacks of art, packaging materials, jewelry trays, tiny easels, tape guns, and a work table that looks like a rainbow threw up all over it.

And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

The living room couches are buried under framed originals, minis, prints, and a smiley pillow who has emotionally checked out.

A cluttered living room showcasing an array of paintings, art supplies, and framed artworks. A large canvas with a figure is prominently displayed, surrounded by stacks of smaller prints, notebooks, and colorful throws. Warm lighting enhances the creative chaos present in the space.

The dining table is currently functioning as the Shipping Command Center.
The studio looks like an Art Fairy sneezed paint supplies all over it.
The floor is a path of flattened boxes, packaging, and whatever project we promised we wouldn’t start until January.
Our desks are a pile of lists, notes, scribbles, and cups of cold tea and coffee.

Every corner whispers, “You’re not behind, you’re just… seasonally overwhelmed.”

And honestly? That feels accurate.

A cluttered dining table filled with stacks of paintings, packaging materials, reusable tote bags, and an open shipping box, creating a vibrant and chaotic creative workspace.

Because this week is our holiday marathon, the big creative hurrah, the final sprint to wrap up the year with art, music, chaos, laughter, and community.

And the schedule is a wild one.

This Week’s Holiday Madness

December 5th at 5pm EST
Virtual Holiday Open Studio (live stream).
Grab your cocoa, throw on your cozy socks, and come hang out with us from your couch. We’ll be sharing art, jewelry, music, stories, and we’re doing a giveaway.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/iEPTFHSQB3M

December 6th, 12pm–4pm
Opening Reception at The Manos Gallery for Whispers of the Artful Traveler.
Come see the work in person, chat, wander, soak in creativity, and explore what inspires artists on their journey.
200 Freeport Rd, New Kensington, PA 15068

Two smiling individuals standing in a brightly lit room with a staircase in the background. One person has short hair and is wearing a casual jacket, while the other has a bearded face, glasses, and a bandana, wearing a t-shirt and a jacket with paint stains.
Us Hanging Out At The Manos Gallery

December 13th, 10am–4pm
Holiday Makers Market Pop-Up at Clifford’s in Oil City.
Come say hi, sip something tasty, shop for gifts, and enjoy the creative magic.

And somewhere between all this, we’re teaching on Monday… and possibly holding an event at The Exchange on Wednesday. Because why not. It’s December. Chaos is the brand.

Here’s the thing that keeps hitting me as we run around trying not to drown in bubble wrap:

Last year, we didn’t get to do any of this.

Klee was sick.
We had to cancel everything.
The house stayed calm only because we never got the chance to do what we love.

This year, yeah, it’s chaos.
Yeah, we’re exhausted.
Yeah, the living room looks like an art-themed yard sale hosted by a hair band.

But we’re here.
Klee is feeling better.
We’re working together, side by side at our computers, in the studio, juggling listings, prepping tables, counting art, double-checking calendars, and laughing every time we remember I said “Easter Standard Time” in the video I posted on social media today.

A cluttered desk in an artist's studio, featuring stacks of books, art supplies, and paintings, creating a chaotic but lively creative workspace.

We get to do this. And that means everything.

People see the events, the live streams, the gallery receptions, and the pop-ups, but what they don’t see is:

Drying racks covered in fresh varnish.
Paintings stacked in every room like Tetris on expert mode.
Us trying to remember which bin the display stands went into.
Me losing the packing tape every 30 seconds.
Klee keeping the entire ship from sinking with spreadsheets and organization magic.
Calendars everywhere. So many calendars.
Three trips to Aldi for bags and snacks.
The “one more thing” that magically becomes twenty more things.

It’s messy.
It’s intense.
It’s overwhelming.
It’s also inspiring, hilarious, and deeply meaningful.

This is the backstage reality of being full-time creators.
It’s not tidy. It’s not glamorous.
But it’s alive.

A cozy living room cluttered with various paintings, framed art, and stacks of art supplies on the furniture and floor, depicting the vibrant chaos of a creative home during the holiday season.

To us, this is what the final chapter of the year looks like.

It’s hope.
It’s gratitude.
It’s celebration.
It’s the beautiful mess of doing what we love.

And after last year, we’re embracing every chaotic second of it.

So come join us for the final hurrah of 2025, online or in person. We love having you along for this wild, creative ride.

Here’s to art exploding everywhere.
Here’s to healing.
Here’s to community.
Here’s to ending the year full of color.

– Love Rafi and Klee

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Artist Sunday in Oil City. Your Ultimate Guide to Creative Shenanigans

HAPPY ARTIST’S SUNDAY!!

Artist Sunday in Oil City is basically the Super Bowl of local creativity minus the football, plus with more artsy, handmade things, and zero risk of being hit in the face with a cheese covered nacho. It is the cozy finale of the Thanksgiving weekend trifecta, and this year Oil City is showing up big.

The whole town turns into a walkable, art filled extravaganza with musicians, makers, demonstrations, book signings, ornament painting wizards, alpaca fiber geniuses, and of course your favorite rogue creative humans. That is us.

If you are wondering “Hey Rafi, where do I find you and Klee?” then keep reading, because we have the scoop.

Where You Can Find Us. Clifford’s Carpets (Southside)

Location 10 at 19 E 1st Street

This place transforms into one of the quirkiest, most unexpectedly perfect spots for artists to set up. We will be there with original art, jewelry, books, sculptures, prints, maybe a few wildcards, and generally being our usual creative, sleep deprived but happy selves.

And we remembered the calendars this time. Ok… technically we forgot to bring them on Saturday, but they are absolutely coming with us because I put a note on my phone, a note on my sketchbook, and a note taped to my face.

If you want to say hi, chat art, or watch me try not to spill coffee on anything, come hang out at location 10.

Map for Artists Sunday 2025 in Oil City, featuring event timings, locations, and activities on Southside and Northside.

What’s Happening Around Town. Northside!

Just hop across the Veterans Memorial Bridge and you will find a whole cluster of creative action.

National Transit Building

Handmade instruments, woodworking, encaustic painting, illustration, demos, textile art, book illustrations, wax melts, stickers, ceramics. It is basically an indoor labyrinth of artists and creative chaos.
You can also catch live medieval instruments and a Q and A with Daniel Yost and Pedro Sperb from 11 to 4.

Transit Arts Gallery and Gifts

Local and regional artists in all mediums. Think of it as a mini art marketplace with big gallery energy.

Woods and River Coffee (Northside)

Watercolor and mixed media paintings plus warm caffeinated beverages to keep your art hopping energy levels high.

The Exchange

Mixed media, collages, ornaments, stickers, digital work, and probably the best spot to people watch creative humans in the wild.

Downs Building

Edinboro art students, prints, potions, handcrafted goods, natural body care, oddities. A whole vibe.

Dlonak Barber Shop

Illustration plus vintage garage character.

Wye Bridge Hobbies

Crafty creations, shirts, tumblers, and children’s books.

A colorful flyer advertising local artists and creative events happening in Oil City, detailing various locations, activities, and participating artists for Artist Sunday.

Southside! This is where we will be hanging!

If you wander the Southside loop, you will encounter:

Woods and River Coffee (Southside)

More art plus the eternal promise of caffeine.

Core Goods

Ceramics, digital art, pins, stickers, jewelry, open mic readings, and handmade goods. A whole creative ecosystem.

Clifford’s Carpets

Home of Rafi and Klee for the day, plus other AMAZING creatives!

William’s Travel

Stained glass jewelry and unique finds.

Why Artist Sunday Matters

Artist Sunday is like a giant creative thank you note from the town. It celebrates the makers, musicians, dreamers, creators, and wonderfully weird humans who choose to spend their lives making things that add beauty to the world.

It is also a chance for you to:

  • Meet artists face to face
  • Support handmade work
  • Discover something you didn’t know you needed
  • Join in the community vibe
  • Wander around a walkable art map like you are on a side quest

And honestly, it is just a great way to spend a Sunday full of color, creativity, and connection.

Come Find Us

We will be at Clifford’s Carpets, location 10, from 11 AM to 4 PM with art, jewelry, books, calendars, and our usual creative chaos. If you are in the area, stop by, say hi, and hang out with us. We love seeing familiar faces, meeting new creative humans, and being part of the buzzing, artsy energy of this awesome town.

Same bat place, same bat channel.
See you on Artist Sunday.

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Happy Thanksgiving From Rafi And Klee

Happy Thanksgiving, awesome humans. This post may be sappy to some, you have been warned.
Today, instead of a fancy dinner or a table full of side dishes that somehow never come out at the same temperature, Klee and I are spending the entire day doing exactly what we love. We are creating in the studio. We are hanging out with each other. We are sipping something warm. We are ignoring the existence of turkey, stuffing, and anything that requires hours of cleanup. Honestly, this might be the most gratitude filled Thanksgiving we have ever had.

This year has been a wild one. Messy. Beautiful. Chaotic. Full of growth. Full of moments where we said, what the heck was that. And full of moments where we said, wow, I cannot believe we get to do this. So I figured today is the perfect day to sit down and write the giant list of everything we are grateful for.

Grab a snack and let’s dig in. Here is a list of things we are grateful for:

A person sitting at a wooden workbench in a colorful studio, focused on a task. The backdrop features various tools and materials, highlighting a creative workspace.
An artist in a studio, examining a canvas with intricate textures, surrounded by vibrant artwork and creative decor.
An artist painting with a brush in a vibrant studio filled with artworks and creative materials.
A person with short hair and a pink hoodie concentrating on a creative project at a workbench filled with tools and materials.
We love our studio
  • Our beloved studio, also known as the room where good ideas come to life and supplies go to disappear.
  • The fact that we get to create our art for a living. It is not easy running this type of business, but it is a dream come true.
A mural depicting a lively community scene with diverse people interacting, standing, and engaged in conversation, alongside an artist wearing glasses and a bandana, standing in front of the mural.
Artist painting a vibrant mural depicting a lively community gathering on a street corner, featuring diverse figures enjoying music and camaraderie.
Oil City Exchange Mural
An artist kneeling and painting a mural on a wall, surrounded by colorful sketches of people enjoying music and drinks.
Oil City Exchange Mural
Two artists are collaborating on a mural in a studio setting. One artist, wearing a red bandana and a backpack, observes the work closely, while the other artist, holding a palette, paints on the mural depicting a vibrant scene.
Oil City Exchange Mural
A creative workspace with several people working together. One person is focused on a project at a table, using red markers and surrounded by art supplies.
An artist working on a colorful sculpture in a studio setting, surrounded by craft supplies and other people engaging in creative activities.
A group of people enjoying an art event in a studio, with colorful artwork displayed on the walls. The foreground includes smiling individuals taking a selfie, and people mingling in the background near art pieces.
Three people engaged in conversation inside an art studio, featuring brick walls and various artworks displayed. The interior includes a wooden table and natural light coming through the windows.
A group of happy individuals posing together, each holding their own painted canvas featuring a desert landscape with flowers and camels, showcasing a fun and creative art class experience.
A cozy studio wall featuring various artworks, including paintings of trees, bottles, and unique figures, set against rustic brick and wooden backgrounds.
Two individuals engaged in discussion in a cozy studio space, with one person holding papers and pointing, while the other listens attentively.
A lively group of people attending a creative workshop, with a focus on two individuals in the foreground who are smiling at the camera. The setting features wooden furniture and decorative plants.
Three people engaged in a discussion around a table in a creative workspace, with notebooks and project files laid out. One person wears a green hat and another has short hair, while the third person is dressed in a coat. A whiteboard in the background displays brainstorming notes.
A person wearing a mask and gloves stands in a partially constructed space, holding a bag labeled 'SHOP SMALL'. The environment features exposed walls, windows, and construction materials.
An artist standing in a vibrant gallery filled with colorful paintings and unique artwork, including a decorated chair and an exposed brick wall.
  • The giant Side Hustle Brews mural that took us from Abu Dhabi to Oil City without ever leaving the building.
  • The Venango Makerspace project that is slowly turning into something huge and wonderful.
  • The four month project that I swore would take forever but magically got done in a week, because apparently my brain just works like that.
  • Every exhibition, every event, every gallery, every coffee shop wall that held our art this year and made us feel at home.
A female singer passionately performs into a microphone while wearing a brown patterned shirt and pink pants, with a male musician playing keyboard in the background. The performance takes place outdoors on a decorative rug against a brick wall.
  • Better on the Drums, our fearless little band that refuses to quit.
  • Every performance where my knees shook but I played anyway.
  • Every gig where we found fellow awkward introverts and created our little introvert gang.
  • All the moments where music pushed us out of the safe zone and straight into the oh no zone.
An artist sketching a whimsical snowman illustration in a studio filled with drawing supplies and sketches.
  • Our Patreon family who show up with love, humor, support, and lots of creative chaos.
  • Every human who pre ordered a calendar, voted on themes, joined a live stream, or said something encouraging when we needed it most.
A person wearing a bandana and glasses, smiling while holding two books titled 'CREATIVITY: It's Not Always Glamorous' and 'DEAR ARTIST, DON'T GIVE UP!' in a cozy studio setting with artistic decor.
  • Dear Artist, Dont Give Up, the book that survived formatting disasters, emotional chaos, life curveballs, and my tendency to forget what day it is.
  • The ISBN fundraiser where we hit the goal by three dollars which is exactly the kind of dramatic moment you would expect from us.
  • Every beautiful human who came to the book release party, bought illustrations, or pre ordered the book.
  • The growing Rogue Artist book collection that is turning into its own little universe.
A person with glasses and a bandana, wearing a gray hoodie, standing in front of a bookshelf filled with various books and objects, displaying a thoughtful expression.
  • Cutting down the anxiety tree of doom that threatened our house and sanity for three years.
  • The prickly pear cactus saga featuring one squirrel with no shame.
  • Scenic drives, filmed music sessions, and the occasional wrong turn because I do not trust my GPS.
  • Art nights and events that brought people together to create, laugh, and be delightfully weird.
  • My attempt at morning routines to wrangle my brain before it goes crazy.
  • Learning the art of rest and the beauty of saying no when life gets too spicy.
A speaker presents in a cozy venue with a rustic atmosphere, standing in front of a projector screen displaying mountains. Attendees sit at tables, attentively engaging with the presentation.
  • Art classes at St Stephens where kids made creatures, painted worlds, and reminded me that imagination is a superpower.
  • Helping build creative opportunities for this town and watching the community grow stronger.
  • Every small business, gallery, and venue who welcomed our art like an old friend.
A man with glasses and a bandana stands next to a woman in a hospital gown, both smiling and looking at the camera.
  • Klees strength and heart while navigating months of not feeling well.
  • Our ability to face financial challenges head on and keep doing what we love, even when things got scary.
  • The resilience to get back up after long stretches of stress, loss, and unexpected setbacks.
  • The moments where we remembered exactly why we live this creative life.
  • The friends who reached out at the perfect time with the perfect words.
  • And above all, each other. Through the chaos, the creativity, the laughter, the quiet, and the long drives home.

Gratitude is one of those things that sounds simple but will absolutely transform your entire life if you let it. It is a mindset shift. It is a way of seeing. It is a way of saying to the universe, yes, the messy stuff is happening, but look at all of this beauty too.

Gratitude anchors us.
It keeps us from spiraling.
It reminds us that even in the chaos, there is magic.
It brings inspiration back when motivation goes missing.
It reconnects us with all the things we love about being human.

When we focus on what is working, what is growing, what is thriving, we naturally start moving toward more of that.

This year was not easy, but it was full.
Full of creativity, full of community, full of love, full of lessons, and full of moments that mattered.

And for all of it, we are truly grateful.

A whimsical painting of two cheerful characters celebrating amidst falling autumn leaves, surrounded by a vibrant yellow background.

Happy Thanksgiving, You Amazing Creative Humans

Wherever you are today, whether you are having a giant dinner or eating a sandwich over the kitchen sink, we hope you feel loved, supported, inspired, and deeply appreciated.

We will be here in the studio painting, sculpting, creating, laughing, probably changing that old paint water, and soaking up every moment of gratitude.

Thank you for being part of our world.
Thank you for supporting our creative journey.
Thank you for believing in the rogue, the messy, the heartfelt, and the handmade.

We are grateful for you.
Every single day.

Happy Thanksgiving.
With love from our chaotic studio,
Rafi and Klee

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The Final Stretch… and I’m So Freakin Excited

I’m sitting here in the studio surrounded by little painted characters, scraps of paper with half written quotes, and a scanner that has definitely gotten a workout today, and I am thrilled to say this:

I am officially in the final stage of creating the 2026 “Love Is” calendar, and we are right on track for the big release party this Friday.

All the original art is finished.
All the paintings are scanned in.
And I’m at that magical point where everything finally feels real.

A colorful arrangement of various small paintings featuring whimsical characters engaged in joyful activities, with vibrant backgrounds and playful themes.

It’s been so much fun sharing this process with you as it’s unfolded, from sketches to paint splatters to those “okay this might actually work” moments. And honestly, I can’t wait to hang out with you at the release party. It’s going to be such a good time.

What’s Happening at the Release Party

There’s a lot going on during the stream, so here’s the quick rundown:

  • I’ll be showing you the full finished calendar every painting, every quote, and all the ridiculous funny holidays I snuck in.
  • The originals from the calendar will go live on the website that day. This is one of my favorite parts because every calendar piece starts as a painting with all the little textures and imperfections that make it… well… mine.
  • Prints and other goodies will also be available.
  • We’ll announce the giveaway winner live on the stream.
    If you haven’t entered yet, make sure you do, someone is walking away with a beautiful artist enhanced textured print mounted on wood of “Love Is All You Need”. And honestly, it’s one of my favorites.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

It’s going to be fun, chaotic in the best way, and full of art, laughs, and probably me trying not to spill coffee on my myself. Again.

An artist sketches a whimsical winter scene featuring snowmen and playful characters on paper, surrounded by art supplies and notes in a studio.

Why “Love Is” Means So Much to Me

This series is close to my heart in a way that’s hard to fully explain, but I’ll try.

Love Is started years ago as these tiny, simple sketches I would make just to express how I felt about the world, about connection, about Klee, about the funny little moments that make life good. They weren’t meant to be anything big, just honest, joyful snapshots of the human experience.

It was around a time when I needed to remind myself that, despite everything life throws your way, there is always something beautiful or silly or meaningful happening right in front of you. I didn’t want to make a series that was sappy or overly sentimental. I wanted to create something that was real.

So the characters became a reflection of that, simple, imperfect, sometimes goofy, but always rooted in the truth that love isn’t grand gestures. It’s the small stuff. The quiet stuff. The shared laughs. The creative chaos. The bizarre inside jokes. The tiny sparks of joy you don’t always see unless you’re paying attention.

And every time I revisit this series, it reminds me of that. It keeps me grounded. It reconnects me to why I create in the first place.

So yeah, working on this calendar every year is more than just designing a product. It’s like spending time with a part of myself I don’t always slow down long enough to see.

A joyful character in a purple snowsuit with a matching hat and gloves stands beside a cheerful snowman, both celebrating amid falling snowflakes.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painting featuring two cheerful characters amidst colorful autumn leaves, with one character holding a heart while the other joyfully raises their arms.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painted character wearing a blue outfit joyfully rolling on a bed of red autumn leaves against a warm yellow background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A colorful painting featuring two whimsical characters: a girl with long hair wearing a purple dress and a boy performing a handstand, both showcasing joyful expressions against a vibrant turquoise background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painting of a joyful character with a round head and a heart on its chest, holding a red balloon while floating alongside a white bird, set against a turquoise background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A joyful character in a purple dress with a heart, celebrating with sparklers against a bright turquoise background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A cheerful painted character in a purple dress holds two turquoise butterflies, surrounded by additional butterflies and a green caterpillar on a grassy patch, against a textured yellow background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
Two whimsical characters in winter clothing play in the snow, one joyfully dancing and the other smiling. The background features a snowy scene.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painting of two characters in a snowy landscape. One character, wearing a teal puffy jacket and hat, holds a string attached to a large red heart. The other character, wearing a purple hat and gloves, peeks out from behind a snow fort. Snowflakes gently fall around them.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical illustration featuring a character with long dark hair and a purple dress kneeling beside a growing flower with a heart-shaped bloom, while a small blue bird observes from the left.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A playful illustration of a stick figure wearing a yellow raincoat, joyfully dancing in puddles under a red umbrella, set against a green splattered background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A cheerful character holding a lantern, surrounded by glowing orbs of light.
2026 Calendar By Rafi

I Can’t Wait to Share It With You

This calendar is full of love, creativity, joy, and a little bit of the absurd, in other words, it’s very me.

Thank you to everyone who has pre ordered, cheered me on, watched the process, sent messages, or just been part of this creative madness with us. I can’t wait for you to see the finished result.

Pre-Order Your Calendar Now For $16.00

See you Friday for the release party, it’s going to be a blast.

Love you, creative humans.

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We Did It! Thank You, AWESOME Humans! Audiobook Coming Soon!

I just want to start this off by saying thank you. Seriously. To everyone who came out to the book release party, grabbed a signed copy, picked up an illustration, or just showed up to hang out! Thank you. You made the night awesome, and you helped make something really big happen.

I’m excited to announce that we did it!
We raised enough money to purchase the ISBNs we needed for the book projects. We were actually only three dollars shy of the $575 goal. Three. That’s like… one slightly fancy coffee. Or a snack you regret buying. Or the amount of change you find in the couch when you’re desperately looking for pizza money.

A fundraising poster for a book project, stating 'Help us reach our goal!' with current sales amount, target amount, and a thank you message. Features the title 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' and an illustration related to the book.

UPDATE!!! We reached our goal!!! Thank you!!! After this post went out we had orders come in and help us meet our goal! Thank you all so much!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

But close enough is close enough! So I’m grabbing the ISBNs like a pirate.
That means the audiobook and e-book versions of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up will be released sooner than later, and we’ll also have ISBNs ready for future books we’re already writing.

You all made that possible.
And I can’t thank you enough.

If you’ve never dealt with ISBNs personally, let me tell you a little story.

When I published my first book years ago, I had no idea ISBNs were a thing you had to buy. I thought they magically appeared, like a gift from the publishing gods. Spoiler: they do not. They are expensive little numbers you have to pay for, and in the U.S., they cost more than some of my power tools.

A hand rests on the cover of a book titled 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up! Special Pre-Order Edition', featuring an illustration of a typewriter.

I remember sitting there, looking at the price, thinking:
“This number is literally just a number… why is it priced like a small refrigerator?”

So when it came time to release the audiobook and e-book for this book, plus have extras for future books, I had a moment. A flashback. A tiny internal scream.

And that’s when the idea hit:
Have a small sale, put out some special art, and let our community decide if this matters.

And wow… you showed up in a big way. THANK YOU!

SHIPPING UPDATE FOR THOSE WHO ORDERED THE BOOKS!

If you ordered a signed book:

The books arrive Monday, November 24th 2025
And I’ll be shipping them out that same day and Tuesday!.

I’ll probably have tape stuck to my sleeves and paint on my hands for no reason, but it’ll get done.

Two individuals sitting at a table signing copies of a book titled 'Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up', surrounded by stacks of the book and notes.

Thank You Again

I know I say this a lot, but you really are awesome. These last couple of years have been… a roller-coaster built without instructions. And yet, every time we put something out there, art, jewelry, videos, podcasts, a book, an idea, a project… you show up, you support, and you help us keep moving forward. Thank you!

You make this whole thing possible.

You’re appreciated.
You’re part of this journey with us.
And yes… you’re officially a bad ass in my book.

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2026 Calendar – How A Calendar Gets Made (The Good, Bad, And Ugly)

Hi awesome human!

It’s that time of year again. That special season when my studio transforms from “artist tornado zone” to “artist tornado zone with calendars in mind.” The 2026 calendar is officially under construction, and it is looking ridiculously adorable in here.

Listen, making a calendar every year is a magical process, but it’s also the kind of process that reminds you that magic is often 20 percent inspiration and 80 percent me mumbling things like “Where did I put that brush?” and “Why does this paint water look and smell like swamp juice?”

A whimsical painting featuring a smiling character with a round head and a blue body, holding a red balloon while a bird flies beside them, set against a teal background.
Painting 1. Look at this thing, I just want to squeeze it!

Still, here we are, and I’ve already got four paintings finished and the cover design done. I’m actually ahead of schedule this year, which almost never happens. Usually, this phase involves me hunched over my table in December muttering, “Why do I do this to myself every year?” But not this time. This time, your bandana wearing weirdo is thriving.

And yes, in case you’re wondering, calendars are still only $16 this year for the pre-order (on sale from $24.99), because I want everyone to be able to bring some joy home, even if that joy comes in the form of weird little “Love Is” characters doing something wholesome and ridiculous every month.

PRE-ORDER THE LIMITED EDITION 2026 CALENDAR FOR $16.00

The Fun Parts of Creating a Calendar

Let’s start with the good stuff, because there really is a lot of it.

1. Watching the characters come to life.
Every painting starts as a scribble. Sometimes those scribbles look like potatoes with legs, but then, somehow, they evolve into heartfelt moments that somehow manage to be adorable and existential at the same time. It’s like Pokémon evolution, but with questionable anatomy.

An artist sketches character illustrations for a calendar at a cluttered workspace filled with creative materials and notes.
Scribble scribble scribble

2. Designing moments that will live in your space all year.
I love imagining these things hanging on your walls… in the studio, the pantry, the bathroom (yes, people tell me they hang them there), or that random hallway that looked sad and needed cheering up.

3. The weird holidays.
National Doodle Day? Absolutely in there. World Kindness Day? Of course. National Absurdity Day? Wouldn’t be a Rafi calendar without it. I sprinkle these weird holidays in because normal calendars are cowards. That’s right, I said it.

Illustration for May 2026 showing a character holding a lantern with a heart on its chest against a backdrop of glowing lights, accompanied by a calendar layout and a quote about love.
Painting 2. Working on the format!

4. Letting you in on the process.
This year, I’m building the calendar while your pre-orders roll in, so I get to share all the behind-the-scenes chaos and charm as it happens. And I love that.

The Not-So-Fun Parts (AKA “The Rafi Struggle Bus Section”)

Ah yes, the real talk.

1. Formatting.
Have you ever spent hours making something beautiful… only to realize the computer has decided margins are a myth? Graphic design is 50 percent creativity and 50 percent bargaining with your software like, “Please… please don’t move that.” My graphic design program crashed twice just designing the cover. Every time that happens I think, “damnit I should’ve saved it.” Then I completely forget to save it for the next crash.

A person holding a whimsical painting of a character with a round blue body and a smiling face, surrounded by falling red and orange leaves against a bright yellow background.
Painting 3. This gives me cuteness aggression.

2. The paint water situation.
I swear, by day four it smells like I’m cultivating a new species. Although, to be fair, this happens all year long in the studio. I really have to wrap my mind around cleaning my brushes and water cups more often.

3. Deadline math.
There is always a moment, usually around November 20th, when I stare at the schedule and ask, “Who made this timeline?”
Answer: me.
Comment out loud: “Thanks a lot past me!”.

4. Shipping logistics.
You’d think after all these years I’d have accepted that boxes, labels, and packing are part of this journey. But no. Every year I rediscover my “love” for packing 100 calendars.

A colorful painting depicting a girl in a purple dress joyfully dancing while a boy performs a handstand, set against a bright turquoise background.
Painting 4. SOOOOO CUUUUTE!

But Still… I Love It.

Despite the chaos, the head cramps, the formatting rage, and the fact that I often forget to eat while creating, I wouldn’t trade this project for anything. I GET to do this!

Every calendar I create is a little time capsule of joy, humor, hope, and human-ness. We’re all navigating a weird world together, and if I can give you twelve images and twelve quotes that help you smile, breathe, or feel less alone, even for a moment, that’s everything.

The 2026 Love Is calendar is shaping up to be one of my favorites. I’m painting each page with the intention of giving you a tiny spark every time you look at it. Something that makes life feel a little lighter, softer, happier.

PRE-ORDER THE LIMITED EDITION 2026 CALENDAR FOR $16.00

And yes! The calendar release party is happening November 28th on YouTube, and I should have the finished printed version in hand. You better believe I’m doing a full flip-through on camera.

If you already pre-ordered, THANK YOU. Seriously, you make this entire thing possible.
If you haven’t, and you want one of the $16 calendars (signed, with a surprise), now is a great time.

Thank you for being here through the fun, the chaos, and the swamp-water paint cups (Which I have not confused with coffee yet). I can’t wait to show you the finished calendar!

—Rafi

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

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Facing Fear Is Basically the Job Description of an Artist

I wanted to share something with you that’s been bouncing around in my head since our ride home last night from the Hatch Hollow exhibition. That was such a cool show. The art was beautiful, the space felt alive, and we met some awesome humans… and yet, the entire time, Klee and I were our usual awkwardly-introverted selves trying to look like we knew what we were doing.

Which brings me to the thing I keep thinking about.

Being an artist means living in a constant rotation of “oh cool… I’m terrified again.”
Every single thing we do is a push out of a comfort zone.

We put ourselves out there.
We show our art.
We share our weird ideas.
We get rejected.
We face crickets.
We push through doubt.
We get asked weird questions about how we look (especially by kids in school lol).
We get looked at like we’re strange for daring to do something many people don’t understand.

Two artists sorting through art supplies in a classroom, one wearing glasses and a blue sweater, the other with a bandana and beard, reflecting a creative and collaborative environment.

And somehow… we keep going.
Honestly, if you’re here reading this, you’re a freakin’ badass. Full stop.

People talk about bravery like it’s a singular moment, but as artists, bravery is the entire lifestyle. You wake up, you make something from your insides, and then you release it into the world knowing full well that someone might not get it, might not like it, or might straight-up ignore it. And you still do it. That’s not just brave… that’s wild, powerful, rogue-level bad-assery.

A Little Food for Thought

Last night reminded me that fear doesn’t go away just because we’ve been doing this for years. It just shows up wearing different outfits. Sometimes it’s a group gallery opening. Sometimes it’s launching something new. Sometimes it’s just saying hello to someone when your introvert circuits are fried.

All of it counts.
All of it is part of the ride.
All of it shapes who we are as creative humans.

Group of people at an art gallery exhibition, with a focus on three individuals in the foreground smiling at the camera. The background features artworks on display and attendees mingling.

How We Push Through Comfort Zones

Just a little something I’ve learned the hard, awkward way:

• Acknowledge the fear, but don’t let it drive. Let it sit in the passenger seat and complain, but keep your hands on the wheel.
• Take the small step, not the perfect step. Fear loves perfection. We don’t.
• Celebrate the weird victories. Did you talk to one human today? Did you post that thing that made you sweaty? Did you show up? Victory.
• Remember why you do this. Not for approval, not for permission, not for the algorithm. You do this because you have something inside you that won’t shut up until you create it… and you might as well share it with the world.

We are all out here stumbling forward together, pushing boundaries, and doing the uncomfortable, magical work of making something from nothing.

You’re not alone. You’re not strange. You’re not behind.
You’re an artist, which means you’re braver than you think, more capable than you realize, and part of a community of rogues who refuse to give up.

Love you awesome humans. Keep stepping outside that comfort zone, even if it’s just one wobbly step at a time.

-Rafi

A colorful banner promoting a Patreon page for artists, featuring two smiling individuals, Rafi and Klee, inviting viewers to join for tips and special offerings.
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Exploring Creative Awkwardness at Hatch Hollow Exhibition

Last night was our opening reception for a group exhibition at Hatch Hollow, and let me just say… this place is cool. Like actually bad ass. The art in this show is gorgeous, the space feels inspiring, and the energy is the perfect blend of creative buzz and “I wonder if anyone else here feels as socially awkward as I feel right now… because they all look so awesome!” Spoiler: Some did.

Exterior view of Hatch Hollow, an art space, at night with warm lighting, showing people inside looking out the window.
I got about this far before I started to feel my inner introvert come out and play… or stand in a corner.

We had a great time. We ran into people we knew, met some new creative humans, and did all the normal art-opening things. But our awkwardly introverted selves decided to flare up the moment before we walked through the door. You know that feeling where you suddenly forget how to greet another human? Yeah. That. I had to literally force myself to say hello to people. Like, mentally shove myself from behind. See if you can spot the fear in my eyes as I pose with my art.

A person wearing a green hat with animal ears stands in front of a colorful abstract painting depicting a silhouetted figure.
Someone was looking at my art as I posed and I didn’t know what to do with myself.
A person wearing a green beanie with eyes stands in front of an artistic painting of a figure with tree branches and colorful flowers.
I was a little more laid back for this one.
A man wearing a green hat and glasses stands in front of two colorful paintings, one depicting a blue figure and the other a woman with red and yellow elements, in an art exhibition setting.
You can’t see it, but I was trying NOT to look weird.

And people who know us always look surprised when we talk about being introverted. They see the workshops, the music gigs, the livestreams, the art events. They see me talking on camera like I’ve got it all figured out and Klee rocking a room like the calmest badass ever. But just because we’ve gotten used to doing things doesn’t mean the introvert circuitry doesn’t sometimes spark, fizzle, trip a breaker, and leave us standing in the middle of a gallery like “Uhhh… hi?”

A person with short hair and glasses looks around in an art gallery during an exhibition opening, featuring colorful artwork on the walls and plants in the space.

Thankfully, awkward attracts awkward, and we ended up running into friends who are just as introverted as we are. Before we knew it, we had formed a little roaming gang of awesomely shy creative weirdos. Strength in numbers. Safety in weirdness. It made the night even better.

Honestly, moments like that mean a lot to me. I try to push out of the comfort zone when I can, but I’ve also learned to embrace it when I can’t. Some days you’re a rogue social butterfly. Other days you’re a trembling mole person. Either way, it’s all part of the gig.

A person holding a small potted jade plant in a store filled with art supplies and tools.
Klee made a new friend! Yep, it’s a plant… that’s how introverted we are.

And awkward or not, we had a blast. Hatch Hollow is such a great place and this exhibit is worth seeing. If you happen to be in Meadville anytime before December 23rd, stop by and check it out. You won’t regret your life choices if you do.

In other news, today was officially Day One of painting the original art for the 2026 Love Is calendar. I’ve got designs laid out for each month, and something you might not know is that even though the Love Is series isn’t “us” specifically, when I’m designing the characters, I think of Klee and me. Truthfully, I do that with all my art, but this series really lets me lean into our little cartoon selves.

An artist sitting at a cluttered workbench, painting on a small canvas while sketching ideas on a nearby sheet of paper.

I showed the first sketches to Klee today and she cried, which (if you’ve been here awhile) you know is always a good sign. Happy tears mean the art is working.

A collection of colorful illustration sketches depicting various themes for each month in a calendar series, featuring whimsical characters engaged in seasonal activities.
The paintings for the calendar will not be us, but the sketches are… and they made Klee cry, so, SCORE!
A person holding a colorful painting featuring two cartoon characters with the text 'Love is all you need,' set against an artsy background in a gallery space.
This is what the love is series paintings actually look like.

Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered the calendar so far. I’m excited to show you more as we get closer to the release party, and I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve been brewing up in the studio. If you haven’t yet, I’ve got a sweet pre-order deal going on:

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2026 CALENDAR (PRE-ORDER SALE PRICE $16)

For now, I’ve got paintings to paint and calendars to design.

Onward, awesome humans.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!