I had an interesting time titling this article, I must have typed and deleted the title a bazillion times. I don’t think I’ve ever actually thought about success and whether or not I’m qualified to talk about it. I’ve written blogs on success before, but usually those came at a moment where I was feeling successful and didn’t think much of it. I decided to dig a little deeper and see if I could define success for myself.

When you look up the definition of success in the dictionary, or the inter-nary as I like to call it you find this:

a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.

Again, reaching a desired goal and making huge amounts of money could make you feel successful. As I stated before, goals are always changing, evolving and being reached. In fact, it’s impossible to fail at anything unless you give up right away, and money comes and goes. I don’t think this is a good definition either.

Looking closely I have the realization that success is a feeling. All three of these definitions would help you feel successful but I don’t think any of them are the cause for success. Like most definitions, it’s based on the external environment, other people acknowledging that you are a success is based on the above criteria. This doesn’t mean that you feel successful to yourself. Besides, if you are dependent on what other people think of you, then you have a long roller coaster ride of emotions  ahead of you.

I think feeling successful is up to you. If you set the goal to smile every day, laugh, dance around in your underwear like a fool, enjoy the sun, look in the mirror and fall in love with yourself, I think these little things are what success should be rated on. Obviously, it’s not the typical way of seeing success, but I do think that if these things were important we would have more people striving and aiming for a goal to just be happy and enjoy life… Have fun, live long and prosper.

Finally! The biggest, yet smallest cheerleader you'll ever need :) If you want your own Agoggle visit the store, if it is sold out contact us.

Rafi Perez Solo Art Show

Eating a triscuit or paying your bills
If they can watch you,
They're gonna be thrilled
They really don't say much,
but you can be sure
When they look upon you
It's you they adore

Agoggles
Agoggles

They think you're amazeballs

Looking at them
looking at you
There pretty enthralled with
whatever you do
From checking your email
to fixing your hat
They're always excited
to watch you do that

Agoggles 
Agoggles

They think you're amazeballs

Don't you ever wear a frown
You're their favorite thing around

They don't get out much but with you life is truly awesome town!

Agoggles

So, not everyone can be a unicorn. Unicorns are mythical creatures who drink coffee in the morning and focus on the magic of life. Usually they are referred to as Pollyanna or someone who wears rose colored glasses. I take it back, EVERYONE can be a unicorn, but some don’t find it practical.  They think you have to keep your eyes open and live in the REAL world.

Honestly, the real world is just a subjective interpretation of what you see with your brain, the meaning you’ve attached to said items or circumstances is all you. Basically, we are all simply making this shit up as we go. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, it simply is the way it is. It’s the reason two people will argue two completely opposing views and both believe that they are completely correct in their argument.

I figure, if we are all just making it up as we go, why not just be a unicorn and make every day awesome.

I’ve been working on some pieces lately that are slightly out of my comfort zone. I’ve been interviewed on TV, in the newspaper and was asked to write a guest article for a magazine recently… Things like that are also outside of my comfort zone. Usually when I am doing something that makes me slightly nervous or is beyond what I think I can do, there is that voice of negativity that says,

“You know, you’re going to mess this up and make an ass of yourself.”

Luckily, my unicorn self is also there and says

“You’re going to be amazing, just be yourself and have fun… you’ll be great.”

That’s why I think, sometimes you just gotta be a unicorn.

My first SOLO art show, talk about shitting bricks. Luckily my unicorn self has my back.

If you are a creative person, chances are you’ve asked this question.

I find that if you feel joy constantly as you are refining and tweaking your ideas of what you want to accomplish, then you’re on the right track of inspiration. It is so important for you to get everybody else out of the equation. Just remember that they’ve got their own thing going on; they cannot possibly fully understand your vision. Let them off the hook; stop asking them what they think. Start paying attention to how you feel. Just create what you want to create… A lack of inspiration is nothing more that your focus being on what other people might think of your creation.

-Rafi

Art for Interior Designers. Bespoke, hand-painted art for residential or commercial interiors.

I understand some of the challenges faced by interior designers when it comes to sourcing appropriate artwork for your projects. Rather than spending increasing amounts of time sourcing existing artworks from shops, galleries or catalogs, you can now commission artwork exactly how you want it. In short, I turn your ideas into original works of art.

I can create any number of paintings for you, from a single canvas for a domestic interior, to the artworks for a hotel with 100+ rooms. Depending on the project, your paintings will generally take 2-6 weeks to complete.

All works are created to a museum quality finish, and to the exact size.

So, how does this work?

How I work is largely up to you. Usually, I’ll start by having an initial chat and discuss what you have in mind and the amount of wall space you’re looking to cover with artwork.

We can discuss the location and details, I will need as much info as possible.

– Size of The Art Work in Exact Inches or Centimeters.
– You might choose to supply fabric swatches, pantone numbers or Paint Color Swatches and Names.
– You might like to forward several existing designs or artwork that you’d like your me to use as inspiration.
– You May want one of my pieces, but with colors that match or complement your designs.
– The initial conversation is very casual, and we’ll go from there.

Once we’re agreed on all the details, I will list the piece with all the details of our agreement for your review. After a partial payment, I’ll get started on your piece.
From date of commission to delivery will take 2-6 weeks.

I’ll will send you photos of the artwork at various stages of completion if you request it. This keeps you up-to-date with progress and allows you to request alterations if necessary. Once you’ve given your final approval, piece will dry and then be delivered or shipped to the location you request.
All pieces are ready to hang. If you would like the pieces framed, that is also possible.