Archives: Projects

Bringing Color and Imagination to the Oil City Library

There is a unique kind of joy that comes with creating art for a space dedicated to learning and growth. I recently had the incredible opportunity to complete a mural at the Oil City Library, and seeing it finally finished is a milestone that fills my heart.

Designed for the Next Generation

This project was particularly special because it serves as the entrance to the children’s section of the library. Because of this, the mural was designed specifically with kids in mind, aiming to spark their curiosity and wonder the moment they walk through the door.

The goal was to capture the transformative power of reading. The mural features a large, open book with the inspiring message: “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader”.

From the pages of the book, a vibrant rainbow of colors and flowing blue waves erupt, symbolizing the endless journey of imagination that begins with a single story. These waves spill across the wall and continue onto the library steps, populated by whimsical sea creatures and even a little frog enjoying a boat ride.

Mural at Oil City Library entrance featuring an open book with the quote 'Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader,' surrounded by colorful waves and silhouettes of children reading.

The Creative Process

Much like the mural at The Exchange, this project was a labor of love that required both creative focus and a bit of a physical workout.

  • Interactive Elements: By bringing the design onto the stairs, we turned a functional space into an immersive experience for every child (and adult!) walking into the library.
  • Positive Affirmations: Along the top ledge, we included powerful words like “Confident,” “Empowered,” “You is SMART,” and “You is KIND” to greet visitors as they enter.
  • Hand-Painted Details: Every fish, bubble, and wave was hand-painted to ensure the mural felt alive and welcoming.

Building Community Through Art

Art has a way of anchoring a community, and there is no better place for that than a public library. I am so grateful for the chance to contribute to Oil City’s story in such a literal way. Seeing the silhouettes of young readers painted next to the giant book serves as a reminder of why we invest in these spaces: to inspire the next generation of leaders.

A huge thank you to everyone at the Oil City Library for their support and for letting me turn their entryway into a world of color.

Artists painting a mural of an open book on the wall of the Oil City Library entrance, with children actively participating in the creative process.
Artists painting a mural at the entrance of a library, focusing on children's silhouettes and a large open book, capturing creativity and community engagement.
Three individuals working on a mural project at the Oil City Library, with one person painting on the steps and two others observing and discussing.
Artists painting a mural at the Oil City Library, featuring colorful waves and a vibrant design on the wall.
Silhouettes of children reading on a brick wall, with a painted railing above them, showcasing early stages of a mural at the Oil City Library.
Artists painting a colorful mural on the steps of the Oil City Library, featuring flowing blue waves and whimsical sea creatures.
A mural on the entrance wall and stairs of the Oil City Library, featuring an open book with the phrase 'Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader.' Colorful waves and sea creatures flow from the book, creating an engaging and whimsical environment for children.
Colorful mural on library stairs featuring flowing blue waves, sea creatures, and a whimsical design that enhances children's entryway experience.
A colorful mural at the entrance of the children's section of the Oil City Library, featuring a large open book with the words, 'Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader.' Vibrant waves and a rainbow emerge from the book, alongside silhouettes of children interacting with the space.
A colorful mural at the Oil City Library featuring a large open book with the quote 'Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader,' vibrant waves and rainbow colors, and playful sea creatures, adorning the entrance to the children's section.
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The Textured Artist-Enhanced Prints

You guys… this is big.

One of our biggest milestones in 2024—something that has been a dream, a goal, and frankly, a bit of a nerdy obsession—is finally a reality: We’ve officially locked in the design and production process for our textured artist-enhanced prints. And not just any prints… these beauties are designed, printed, cut, and hand-enhanced entirely in-house by me.

Let me say that again for the artsy people in the back: EVERY. SINGLE. STEP. IS. DONE. HERE. By yours truly.

She Dreamed Herself Back Together Artist Enhanced Print By Artist Rafi Perez

For the first time ever, we have everything we need under one roof:

  • A dedicated space to create.
  • A full woodworking room where I can cut the boards by hand (power tools are my jam).
  • A gorgeous large-format printer that lets us bring high-quality prints to life.
  • And most importantly, a special technique I’ve developed to make these prints long-lasting, durable, and beautifully unique.

This is a huge leap from where we were just a couple of years ago—juggling small spaces, outsourcing certain steps, and dreaming of the day we could offer something that felt truly personal, handcrafted, and accessible to all our awesome collectors.

These prints aren’t just reproductions. They’re crafted pieces of art—designed with texture, detail, and care—each one enhanced by hand with a little bit of rogue flair.

Honestly, the artsy nerd inside me is jumping up and down with joy. (Okay, maybe outwardly too.)

I Released the first batch of prints at Woods And River Coffee for their debut

I’ve wanted to create something that feels special and affordable—something that brings joy, beauty, and creativity into your space without breaking the bank. Now I finally have the means, the process, and the room to make that happen.

So here’s to this wild and wonderful milestone. Here’s to more space, more tools, more creativity… and to all of YOU who inspire this crazy artistic adventure every single day.

If you would like to see what prints I have listed Click here

Much love and high-fives,
– Rafi

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Creative Superpower at Cranberry School

There is a unique kind of energy that only a room full of kids can provide, and we recently had the honor of experiencing that firsthand. We were invited to Cranberry School in Cranberry, PA, to speak with students and, hopefully, spark a little bit of creative fire in their hearts.

The Creative Superpower

As creatives, we truly believe we have a superpower in this area. It isn’t just about the ability to paint or design; it’s about the ability to show the next generation that imagination is a tool for life.

When we stood in front of those students, our goal was to show them that being a “creative” isn’t a hobby—it’s a way of seeing the world. We wanted to inspire them to:

  • Trust their unique ideas, even when they feel “different.”
  • See challenges as opportunities for a new design or a better story.
  • Understand that their voices matter, whether they express them through art, writing, or problem-solving.

Connecting Through Art

It was incredible to see their faces light up as we discussed the life of an artist. We brought along some of our work to share, including jewelry and paintings, to show them the tangible results of following a creative path. There is something deeply rewarding about watching a child realize that the things they imagine in their heads can actually become real objects in the world.

Events like this are a vital part of our mission. While we love working on massive projects like the murals at The Exchange or the Oil City Library, there is no “canvas” more important than the minds of young people.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you to the staff and students at Cranberry School for welcoming us so warmly. You reminded us that while we may be the ones with the “experience,” we can learn just as much from your curiosity and lack of limits.

Keep dreaming big, Cranberry! The world needs your superpowers.

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Judging the FX Makeup Competition in Oil City

Every once in a while, life throws something your way that feels like it was written just for you. For us, that moment came when our friend Kaleb Lewis—a former contestant on the TV show Face Off—invited us to come out and judge a special effects makeup competition right here in Oil City.

If you know us, you know we LOVED Face Off. Week after week, we’d geek out over the insane artistry, the transformations, and the sheer creativity of the contestants. So to suddenly find ourselves on the other side of the table as judges for an FX competition? Let’s just say our excitement levels were off the charts.

Group of special effects makeup artists posing together in front of a wooden backdrop, showcasing their creative costumes inspired by sea creatures, forest guardians, and fantasy elements.

The Competition

Kaleb’s students were the ones bringing the magic to life, and WOW… they absolutely blew us away.

We saw:

  • Sea creatures come to life with shimmering scales and tridents.
  • Forest guardians crowned with antlers and flowers.
  • Creepy skeletal beings that looked like they’d walked straight out of a fantasy novel.
  • Octopus-inspired creations that made us want to double-check we weren’t standing near the ocean.

The amount of detail, skill, and imagination that went into these designs was next-level. Honestly, we had to keep reminding ourselves these were students—because the quality was professional-grade.

A performer dressed as a sea creature with scales and a trident stands on stage next to a woman in dark clothing, both engaged in a special effects makeup competition.
Two participants stand on stage during a special effects makeup competition. One is dressed in a black dress with lace sleeves, while the other is adorned in a fantasy costume with antlers and a floral crown, holding a walking stick and a basket.
A performance space showcasing a special effects makeup competition, featuring a speaker at a podium, a judge holding papers, and a contestant in a dramatic costume with skeletal elements.
A performer wearing an octopus-themed costume with an orange head and tentacles stands next to another person in a black dress, both on a stage in front of a window.

The Experience of Judging

Sitting in those seats, watching the transformations, and then getting to talk with the artists about their process was such an honor. We weren’t just there to pick winners—we were there to celebrate creativity, courage, and craft.

And let’s be real—it wasn’t easy. Every single student brought something unique and powerful to the stage. Picking favorites felt almost impossible, but in the end, it was all about recognizing the passion and hard work that went into every creation.

Why It Mattered to Us

Being invited to judge this competition was more than just a fun evening (though it was definitely that!). It was a reminder of why community matters so much.

Creative humans inspiring each other. Students pushing themselves. Teachers like Kaleb who are passing on knowledge and sparking new imaginations.

And us? We got to be witnesses—and cheerleaders—for the magic of it all.

Final Thoughts

We left the event buzzing with inspiration (and maybe a little glitter still stuck to us).

A huge shoutout to Kaleb for inviting us and to his students for sharing their phenomenal work. If this is the future of special effects makeup, the industry is in very good hands.

It was an absolute honor to be part of it—and you better believe, if we’re ever asked to judge again, we’ll say yes in a heartbeat.

✨ Takeaway for fellow creatives: Never underestimate the power of sharing your creativity, no matter what stage you’re at. You never know who you’ll inspire—or who’ll be inspired by you.

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ALL WE ARE – Our New Song & Music Video

We are so excited to share something new with you—our latest song release, ALL WE ARE. This is only our second music release since moving to Oil City, and it feels like a milestone in so many ways.

Why This Song Matters

ALL WE ARE is more than just a song—it’s a reminder. A reminder that at the core of everything—art, music, community, and love—is simply being who we are. No pretending, no fitting into someone else’s mold, just the truth of what it means to show up as yourself.

When we wrote it, we wanted it to be raw and honest. It’s got that mix of vulnerability and strength that comes from living through the ups, downs, and in-betweens.

A person walking with photographs in hand, one of which prominently displays the word 'DREAMS', in an urban setting with brick pavement and a dumpster nearby.

Capturing Oil City

For the music video, we decided to make Oil City part of the story. This place has been such a huge part of our creative rebirth, and it just felt right to let it shine.

We filmed scenes by the river, against old brick walls, in hidden gardens, and in the middle of the town that welcomed us when we needed a home. Oil City is in every frame—it’s not just the backdrop, it’s part of the heartbeat of this song.

Behind the Camera

Shooting this video was an adventure in itself. Balancing cameras on sidewalks, sneaking in shots between raindrops, and laughing our way through awkward outtakes—it was all part of the process.

But in the end, what we captured was real. The town, the music, and us—imperfect, human, and proud to share it with you.

Two musicians standing by a river in Oil City, one wearing a black jacket and a bandana with a guitar, while the other is in a light-colored outfit, both engaged in conversation.

Why This Release Feels Special

After years of pouring ourselves into art, books, and projects, coming back to music feels like reclaiming a piece of ourselves. ALL WE ARE isn’t just a song release—it’s a step forward in embracing everything we create, without boxing ourselves into just one lane.

Watch & Listen

The song is now out for public distribution, and you can check out the video to see Oil City through our eyes.

This release is a love letter—to authenticity, to creativity, and to the town that helped us remember who we are.

✨ Takeaway for fellow creatives: Don’t wait for the “perfect” conditions to share your work. Share it as you are, where you are. Because sometimes, that’s the most powerful art of all.

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FREE ARTIST MASTERCLASS WORKSHOP NORTHWEST PA

JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED DAY OF CREATIVE EXCELLENCE! An Opportunity for All Creatives – Artists, Performers, Writers, Musicians, Artisans, and hobbyists – to Learn How to be a badass in your creative business.

Are you an aspiring or seasoned artist or creative in Northwestern PA with dreams of running a successful creative business? Do you want to demystify the complex world of art marketing, art sales, pricing, and more? Look no further! We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming full-day workshop that will provide you with the essential knowledge and tools to take your artistic journey to the next level.

This FREE (Supported by a grant from Erie Arts & Culture, with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts) workshop is designed to help creatives master the business of being full-time creatives.

DOWNLOAD MASTERCLASS BULLET POINTS:

Rafi-And-Klee-Artist-MasterclassDownload

TAKE MASTERCLASS BELOW

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PRESENTERS:

Rafi Perez

Rafi Perez is a seasoned artist and author who has successfully navigated the world of creative entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the art industry, Rafi has honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of what it takes to run a thriving creative business. He is the author of “The Rogue Artist’s Survival Guide Series,” a comprehensive resource that shares invaluable insights and strategies for artists looking to succeed in the art world.

Klee Angelie

Klee Angelie is a multi-talented artist known for her work in jewelry, music, and sculpture. Her diverse creative background brings a unique perspective to the workshop, offering attendees insights into different facets of the art world. As a co-presenter, Klee will share her experiences and expertise in various creative endeavors. Her insights into pricing, showcasing, and marketing art, both online and offline, will provide attendees with valuable strategies to enhance their creative businesses.

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS:

Special thanks to The Oil City Library, Core Goods, Woods and River Coffee, And of course, a big thank you to the sponsors of this event: Supported by a grant from Erie Arts & Culture, with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Our First Creative Entrepreneur Conference

This year we had the incredible honor of being invited to speak at the Creative Entrepreneur Conference—our very first time as presenters at this event. Honestly, when the invitation came, we both had that moment of: Wait, us? Really?

But yes—really. And not only were we asked to show up, we were asked to teach four full workshops for artists.

Nervous? Oh Yeah.

We’ll be real: stepping into a conference room filled with creative humans eager to learn is a whole different kind of stage. Nerves? Definitely. That little voice in the back of the head? Yup, it was chattering away.

But as soon as we got started, the jitters faded into excitement. We realized we weren’t there to “lecture.” We were there to share stories, swap insights, and connect with other artists walking the same road we’ve been on.

What We Taught

We covered four workshops designed to give artists practical tools and a good dose of encouragement:

  • Pricing Art – breaking down the numbers without killing the magic.
  • Marketing, Social Media, Branding & Logos – aka how to show up without selling your soul.
  • Mindset & Motivation – keeping your creativity alive through the ups and downs.
  • Practical Tools for Artists – everything from organization to weather-proofing your outdoor shows (yes, we went there 🌬️🌧️).

Each session had laughs, lightbulb moments, and a whole lot of conversation.

The Experience

What we loved most was the energy in the room. Artists sharing their struggles, asking bold questions, and reminding us that we’re all in this together. Teaching turned into conversations, and those conversations reminded us why we love doing what we do.

By the time we wrapped our final workshop, we weren’t just relieved—we were inspired.

Why This Matters

For us, this milestone wasn’t just about speaking at a conference. It was about showing up in a new way, stepping into the role of teachers, and proving to ourselves that we could do it.

It was also about giving back. We’ve been through the grind, the doubts, the failures, and the triumphs. Being able to share what we’ve learned—and see it land with other creatives—was nothing short of amazing.

Final Thoughts

We walked into the Creative Entrepreneur Conference nervous, but we walked out with huge smiles, new connections, and a heart full of gratitude.

It was fun. It was scary. It was fulfilling.
And it was just the beginning.

✨ Takeaway for fellow creatives: If you ever get the chance to share your journey—take it. Even if you’re nervous. Especially if you’re nervous. You never know how much your story might help someone else keep going.

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We Released a Song: Fools (The Underwear Song)

Every once in a while, a song sneaks up on you when you’re least expecting it. This one started with Klee noticing some of her own quirks—you know, the little things you laugh about when no one else is watching. Instead of brushing them off, she did what musicians do: she wrote a song about it.

That’s how Fools: The Underwear Song was born.

From Quirk to Track

Klee took those funny, endearing observations and spun them into lyrics. It was playful, a little cheeky (pun intended), and absolutely full of heart. I picked up the guitar, and together we started piecing it together in the studio.

There’s always this magic moment when a song stops being just notes and words on a page and starts to feel alive. For Fools, that moment came fast—it wanted to be heard.

Recording & Mastering

We decided to take it seriously (well, as seriously as you can take a song called The Underwear Song). We recorded it, cleaned it up, and gave it the full mastering treatment so it could shine out in the big wide world.

And then… we released it. Out into the public. No hiding behind canvases, no jewelry cases to display it in—just a song that came straight from laughter, love, and everyday life.

Why This Release Matters

It’s been a while since we’ve truly focused on music. Our days are usually consumed with painting, sculpting, writing, performing, and all the things that keep our creative life buzzing. But music has always been a heartbeat in the background. Releasing this track was like rediscovering a part of ourselves we’d left on pause.

It felt amazing to put it out there. To say, “Here’s a piece of us—quirks, humor, and all.”

What’s Next?

More songs, more experiments, more music that makes you laugh, cry, or dance around your living room in your underwear. (Hey, no judgment—it would be fitting.)

This release is just the beginning of reconnecting with our music. And we couldn’t be happier to share it with you.

✨ Takeaway for fellow creatives: Sometimes the silliest ideas, the quirkiest observations, and the least “serious” projects are the ones that reignite your passion. Don’t dismiss them. Make them, share them, and let them remind you why you create.

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Our First Music Gig in Oil City PA

So, here’s the truth—it had been a long time since I’d even thought about music in any real way. Between painting walls the size of small countries, creating art, writing books, and trying to keep up with the whirlwind of life, music had quietly slipped into the background.

Then came the invite.
“Hey, want to play a gig at Billies?”

Cue the nerves.

Stepping Back Into the Spotlight

Klee, of course, has stage experience from her band days. She’s a natural up there with a mic in her hand. Me? Let’s just say my knees were having private conversations with gravity. It wasn’t that we didn’t want to perform—it was just that whole oh wow, people are actually going to watch and listen to us thing that made my stomach do backflips.

But we said yes.

Because sometimes you have to leap before you’re ready.

The Night at Billies

The place had this warm, inviting vibe, complete with a glowing Christmas tree in the corner, and the energy of people ready to just soak in some live music. We set up—me with my guitar, Klee with her powerhouse vocals—and tried to quiet the inner jitters.

And then it happened. The music started, and the nerves melted away. For those moments, it wasn’t about being perfect—it was about being present. It was about connecting with each other and the people in the room.

We played, we laughed, we shared our music, and in the end, it felt like… home.

Why This Gig Mattered

This wasn’t just a night of music. This was a milestone.

  • It marked the first time we performed music together in Oil City.
  • It reminded us both that music is still a living, breathing part of who we are.
  • It proved that even after time away, you can always come back, dust yourself off, and step into the light again.

For me personally, it was a reminder that the stage—even with its terrifying spotlights—can also be a place of belonging. For Klee, it was a return to something she’s always loved.

Together, it was the beginning of a new chapter.

Looking Ahead

Will there be more gigs? Oh yes.
Will we still get nervous? Absolutely.
But that’s part of the ride.

That night at Billies wasn’t just a performance—it was a reconnection. With music, with ourselves, and with the incredible creative community here in Oil City.

And honestly? We can’t wait to do it again.

✨ Takeaway for our fellow creatives: Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to return to something you love. There’s no perfect time. There’s just right now.

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Go To Our Milestones Page
Book Us To Play At Your Event
VISIT OUR MUSIC PAGE TO LISTEN TO OUR MUSIC

Our First Book Fair Adventure Oil City PA

So here’s the thing—we’ve been writing books for years now. The Rogue Artist’s Survival Guide, Making Art, Making Money, Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up… all those titles have been floating around the world, inspiring creatives, collecting coffee stains, and (hopefully) encouraging a few people to keep chasing their art dreams.

But here’s the wild part: until now, we had never actually promoted the books. We just wrote them, put them out there, and went back to painting, making jewelry, playing music, and doing all the other wild creative stuff we do.

This book fair was our first real attempt at saying, “Hey world, we wrote these, come check them out!”

Setting the Stage

We got ourselves a striped little booth (picture a circus tent meets rogue bookstand), set up a table, stacked the books, and hung our posters that basically screamed:

“We want YOU… to read books by two weirdos who think art should change your life.”

It was equal parts hilarious and nerve-wracking. Would anyone care? Would people stop? Would they think we were trying to sell snake oil for starving artists?

Spoiler: they did stop, and no, we didn’t sell snake oil.

A man with glasses and a bandana stands outside a library holding three books titled 'The Rogue Artist's Survival Guide', 'Making Art', and 'Making Money'.

Meeting People Face-to-Face

The best part wasn’t the selling—it was the conversations.

We met artists, teachers, writers, musicians, and people who had been quietly following us online for years. One person said, “I didn’t even know you had books!” Another told us they were so glad someone was finally saying out loud that artists don’t have to starve.

Hearing those reactions made every late night writing session and every self-doubt spiral totally worth it.

Lessons Learned

  1. Promoting isn’t sleazy. We realized sharing our books in person is just another way to connect.
  2. The books really do matter to people. Sometimes you need that reminder.
  3. A striped tent makes everything better. Seriously. Instant street fair charm.
A man in a red bandana and an Atari t-shirt leans on a table at a striped booth in a green outdoor setting, promoting his artistic books.

The Big Picture

Doing our first book fair was a reminder that stepping into new territory is always a little scary… but that’s also where the magic happens.

We left the day tired, sun-soaked, and buzzing with gratitude. It wasn’t just about selling books—it was about showing up, being seen, and reminding ourselves that promoting your art isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about connecting, laughing, and sharing stories with people who get it.

And yes—we’re officially hooked. This won’t be our last book fair.

Takeaway for our fellow creatives: Don’t be afraid to step into new territory with your work. That little striped tent might just be the doorway to new connections, unexpected encouragement, and a whole lot of fun.

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