We’re writing to you because—drumroll please —we recently gave our newsletter a bit of a glow-up. Think of it like when you finally replace those socks with holes in them. Yeah, it’s that exciting.
At some point in time (possibly in a galaxy far, far away), you subscribed to our newsletter. Maybe you stumbled upon us because of art, music, jewelry, or just the random chaos that is our lives. However it happened, you ended up here—hanging out with two weirdos who make creative things and overshare on the internet. Lucky you!
Now here’s the deal: we switched over to a different service for sending out our updates. This means we want to make sure you’re still into receiving our shenanigans. If you are—fantastic! You rock, you roll, you sparkle without glitter. If you’re not, no worries. Down at the bottom of this email there’s a handy unsubscribe or manage subscription link. click on it, and boom—you’re free. (But just know we’ll totally imagine you dramatically walking away in slow motion while sad violin music plays.)
If you do stick around (and we hope you do), here’s what you can expect:
Stories about making art, playing music, and surviving life’s circus.
Updates on shows, projects, and community adventures.
Occasional inspirational ramblings about being a creative human.
The behind-the-scenes chaos that reminds you, “Hey, I’m not the only one figuring this stuff out as I go.”
So if you’re still here reading this, congratulations—you are the most awesomeness awesome who ever awesomed. Seriously. High five.
Thanks for being part of this wild creative ride with us. We appreciate you more than words can say (though clearly, we just used a lot of words).
Stay creative, stay weird, and most importantly—don’t give up on your own brilliance.
With paint on our hands and music in our heads, Rafi & Klee
I’ve been meaning to update you on what’s been going on with us lately. I’m sure you may have noticed—we’ve been much more active online and starting to get back into the groove of things.
As most of you know, last December Klee was hospitalized, and we spent most of the year just coping with that. It was scary, exhausting, and one of the hardest stretches we’ve faced. I’m happy to say she is doing much better now, and we’re slowly but surely getting back out there.
We had to pull out of a gallery due to distance while Klee was on the mend
The Mural Adventure
This year, I dove headfirst into a mural project that kept me busy for months. It wasn’t just about painting on a big wall—it was about telling a story through portraits, landscapes, and history. It pushed me physically and mentally, but the challenge also reminded me why I love what I do. Seeing that mural come to life after so many sketches, designs, and late nights was one of those “yep, this is worth it” moments.
That wall seemed impossible at first
Baby steps is what got me there
August: A Turning Point
It feels like things really started returning to normal in August. Our last event before everything turned upside down was a book fair late last year—and this year, full circle, our first event back was a book fair. From there, the momentum picked up: I finished the mural, and we got more involved in co-managing the new Makers Space here in Oil City. That space has the potential to be something amazing for the community, and we’re excited to be part of helping bring it to life.
Book Fair is always a blast
Opening up the maker’s Space for one of our weekly creative meet-ups
Back to Music and Art
After a year off, Better On The Drums played our first music gig at ARMA Fest. Honestly, I hadn’t picked up a guitar in nearly a year, and Klee was just starting to feel like herself again, so it was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. But once we got up there, it was like breathing again. Music is such a huge part of who we are, and being on stage reminded us how much we missed it.
I was rusty, but Klee is always on point
I also led my first Paint and Sip in Oil City—right in the same space where I created the mural. It was wild to see that room transform from me on scaffolding covered in paint to a group of people laughing, creating, and sharing their own spin on the canvas.
The paint and sip was so much fun!
And now, we’re getting ready for a gallery exhibition running from October 3rd to November 9th at the Redbrick Gallery in Foxburg. It will feel so good to see the paintings, jewelry, and sculptures all come together in one space again. Plus—we’ve got three more shows booked for later this year.
Investigating The Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg
Taking measurements of the space
What’s Next
The show in Foxburg is coming up, and the long-overdue release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up is finally happening in October (yes, for real this time!). We’re also bringing back our yearly virtual holiday show, which we had to cancel last year when Klee got sick. And we’ll be resuming the Podcast and YouTube channel soon—something we’ve missed doing so much.
Klee at work in the studio getting ready for the exhibition
Me doing the same
Thank You
I just want to take a moment to thank all of you out there for your support. I’m not gonna lie—it was a rough year. But reading your comments, seeing your messages, and feeling your love was priceless. You carried us when we needed it most.
A Little Creative Tip Before I Go
If this past year has taught me anything, it’s this: don’t wait until life feels “perfect” to get back to your creativity. Start where you are, with whatever energy you’ve got. Paint one line, strum one chord, write one sentence. It doesn’t have to be big to matter. Those little steps are what pull you back into the groove, even after a rough season.
So here we are—back, grateful, and ready to keep creating.
With love and paint-stained hands, Rafi (and Klee)
Last night was one for the books. It’s been a minute since I hosted a paint and sip, and honestly, I had a mix of excitement and nervous energy leading up to this one. You know that moment when you find out the event sold out and your first thought is: “YES!”… followed immediately by “Oh crap, now I actually have to be entertaining and help everyone paint something beautiful in two hours”? Yeah, that was me.
But as soon as I stepped into The Exchange in Oil City, all that melted away. This place is GORGEOUS – seriously, if you haven’t been, go. You’ll get to enjoy amazing food, drinks, and a world class mural (by yours truly).
The night kicked off with their incredible food and drinks (because painting is always better with a mezze platter and a craft cocktail in hand).
Setting the Scene
We filled the room with easels, paint palettes, and brushes, transforming it into a pop-up art studio. The vibe? Relaxed, creative, and buzzing with good energy. The Exchange staff were absolute rockstars, making sure everyone had their drinks, snacks, and good vibes.
This was the calm before the storm.
The Creative Chaos
Once we got started, it was game on. There’s something magical about a paint and sip — you show people the same steps, the same colors, and then sit back as every single canvas becomes completely unique.
Somewhere between me waving my brush in the air like a paint wizard, running around the room helping people with desert roses and camel silhouettes, and laughing at my own bad jokes, the whole thing just flowed. (Yes, I was totally giving “art teacher who means business” vibes.)
Klee was there being her usual amazing self — calm, collected, and making sure I didn’t forget anything important (like reminding people to breathe and sip their drinks once in a while). And we even had Skylar join us as our assistant for the evening, which made it all the more special.
The Best Part: The Artists!
I was blown away by everyone’s creativity. It never gets old seeing a room full of people take your idea and turn it into something that’s completely theirs. Some went bold with color, some added little details that made me think, “Dang, why didn’t I do that on my sample?”
The Grand Finale
At the end of the night, we all lined up, paintings in hand, and it felt like the perfect little art show. This group seriously nailed it — and looked like they had a blast doing it.
Final Thoughts
The Exchange was the perfect host — I can’t say enough good things about their staff, the space, and the vibe they’ve created there. The food, the drinks, the environment — all of it made for one amazing night of creativity and laughter.
Klee, as always, was an amazing partner-in-art (and life), Skylar was a fantastic helper, and every single person who came out made this night unforgettable.
A full room of humans making art, sharing stories, sipping drinks, and laughing? That’s basically my favorite thing in the world. Can’t wait to do it again.
It’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these, but here we are — back at it with paintbrushes, cocktails, and just enough nervous energy to make this interesting.
On Wednesday, September 17th from 6–8 PM, we’re hosting a Paint and Sip at The Exchange in Oil City — yes, that Exchange. The one with the epic mural I spent months painting. And honestly? Being able to teach this class in the same space where I left a chunk of my soul feels like the perfect full-circle moment.
We are super excited to be a part of this!
The Challenge: Make Something Beautiful in Two Hours
Here’s the thing about Paint and Sips — you want something fun, colorful, and gorgeous, but also something you can actually finish before the night is over. No one wants to be the person still adding details while the staff is stacking chairs. So I spent some serious time coming up with a painting that’s doable in two hours, even with snacks, cocktails, and laughter breaks built in.
This time, we’re painting a desert sunset with a gorgeous desert rose in the foreground and camels in the distance. It’s bright, dramatic, and a little magical — perfect for sipping, chatting, and feeling like an artist, even if the last time you held a paintbrush was in elementary school.
Desert Bloom
Supplies are ready for you!
The Vibe: Chill, Fun, and a Little Silly
Let’s be honest — Paint and Sip isn’t about perfection. It’s about having fun, trying something new, and laughing when your camel accidentally turns into a funky-looking horse (or a dinosaur — we support creative expression here).
And The Exchange? Couldn’t ask for a better venue. The food is amazing, the drinks are top-notch, and you’ll be painting under the watchful eyes of the mural characters I painted — so yes, technically, you have an audience.
The Catch: Only Three Spots Left!
As of right now, there are just three spots left for this event — so if you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your nudge. Reserve your spot, grab a friend, and let’s make some art, share some laughs, and maybe even accidentally create a masterpiece.
Arma Fest has officially started today in Oil City! So, here’s the deal: on September 13th (tomorrow), we’re playing a gig. Yes, a real music gig. And yes, I, Rafi, haven’t picked up a guitar in almost a year. It’s fine. Totally fine. My hands remember what to do… probably. Worst case, I’ll just hold it dramatically and let Klee do all the heavy lifting.
The good news? Klee’s feeling better. Which means we’re slowly allowing ourselves to step back into the world of music, art, and peopling. And by “peopling,” I mean standing in front of actual human beings while attempting to appear like we know what we’re doing. (Spoiler: we don’t, but that’s part of the charm.)
It will feel amazing to watch Klee in her element doing something she truly loves. I may be all thumbs when it comes to music, but she is something magical to behold.
Our Comeback Tour (Kind Of)
This isn’t just a gig; it’s our glorious return to doing things in public. So far, the calendar looks like this:
Gallery Exhibition: Opening at Redbrick Gallery next month (with paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and surprises galore. More info coming soon!)
We’re basically doing all the things at once. Because why ease back into life when you can cannonball into it?
How We Landed This Gig
We weren’t even supposed to play this weekend. Someone canceled, and the organizers called us. Naturally, we said yes. Then we immediately started eating it up in our band marketing: “Better on the Drums—your favorite replacement band!” Hey, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the point.
The Festival of Epicness
Now, I know you’re thinking, “That’s cool, Rafi, but what else is going on?” Answer: pretty much everything.
This weekend is ARMA Fest (Allegheny River Music & Art Festival), and it’s shaping up to be insanely epic. Think:
Live music from rap to rock to Jimmy Buffett tribute bands.
Food trucks serving pierogi, kettle corn, and whatever magic comes out of something called The Magic Bus.
Live art demos (glass blowing, caricatures, plein air painting).
Drum circles, chalk walks, poetry, and even a silent film with a live Wurlitzer organ.
And us—Better On The Drums—playing in Lindon Alley, 3–4:30 p.m.
Here’s Everything going on (see if you can find us below, I had to add our names… we are so last minute that we are not on any of the actual advertising.) You can also download below.
Basically, if you come out this weekend, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full belly, a song stuck in your head, and possibly a temporary tattoo.
Final Thoughts
Yes, I’m anxious about playing again. Yes, I’m anxious about “peopling.” But you know what? Life’s too short not to show up, make some noise, and have a blast with the creative humans around you.
So if you’re in Oil City on September 13th, come find us in Lindon Alley. Cheer us on. Laugh with us if I forget the chords. And mostly, just soak in the magic of a weekend that’s going to be unforgettable.
It’s been a long and awesome journey. Yesterday, I finally put the finishing touches on the mural at The Exchange in Oil City. You know that feeling when you cross the finish line after running a marathon… except instead of running you’ve been climbing up and down ladders, inhaling paint fumes, and making questionable life choices like “Do I really need to bend my body this way to reach that spot?” Yeah, that kind of finish line.
This mural has been a long journey—not just the two months of physically painting on-site, but the whole creative saga that started last year with sketches, designs, and me staring at the wall thinking, “Yep, that’s a big wall. Better not mess this up.”
Jeff and I discussing plans for the mural at the Exchange.
It all began when Jeff Karns approached me and said they were opening up a distillery and restaurant in Oil City called The Exchange, located in the old historic bank building. I was immediately stoked that this would be coming to our town. I already love Side Hustle Brews, and Jeff is an awesome guy. So when he asked me to take on the mural, I was deeply honored. This wasn’t just a “paint something pretty” kind of project—it was a chance to tell a story, and to help mark the beginning of something special for Oil City.
Right after I started the design, Klee got sick, which is a whole other story, but didn’t make mural creating and creativity a priority in my brain jar.
There were many renditions of the design.
A Design Born Last Year (and Reborn About Ten Times)
When I first put pencil to paper (also, stylus to tablet, because let’s be real, my erasers don’t stand a chance), the design was meant to capture the heart of Oil City and the story behind Side Hustle Brews & Spirits.
We’re talking Abu Dhabi roots, rolling Pennsylvania hills, the Oil City river winding its way through green hilltops, and 100 Seneca holding it all together. Add in history, connection, and more Pantone colors than should be legally allowed on one wall, and voilà—a mural was born.
Well… actually, a mural was born, scrapped, redesigned, revised, and finally landed on something that felt right. Because that’s how murals (and most of life) go.
Once I had a design that worked, I started on a smaller rendition of the mural on canvas
Once the painting was done, it was time to start on the big one.
STEP ONE: mark out your mural,
STEP TWO: Look at your markings and make sure it looks good from a distance.
STEP THREE: Move elements of the design to work with the actual space.
Painting = Gym Membership I Didn’t Sign Up For
Fast forward to this summer, and there I was, living in the land of paint splatters and sore muscles. A painting this big with brushes is a full-body workout. I discovered muscles I didn’t even know existed, and some of them are still holding grudges.
There is a lot of ladders involved in tall murals.
You are also going to be on your feet all day when it comes to mural painting.
But there’s also a kind of meditative magic in working that big. Standing in front of the wall every day, coaxing a story out of blank space with brushes and a whole lot of caffeine—it’s exhausting, but it’s also one of the most energizing things I’ve ever done. I’ve worked on plenty of murals in my day, but this one was one of the most challenging and pushed me out of some comfort zones.
Klee came out and helped any time she was feeling a little better.
There are over 60 portraits of real people in this mural. And anyone out there who does portrait art knows exactly how tricky and time-consuming they are. Typically, it takes me at least two weeks to complete a single portrait. At that rate, this mural would’ve taken me about two years to complete… and I don’t think Jeff was planning to keep me camped out in The Exchange until 2027.
So, I had to come up with an efficient way to tackle portraiture without losing quality. It was like speed-dating, but with faces: “Nice to meet you, cheekbones. Next!” A mix of strategy, improvisation, Klee’s emotional support, and just plain stubbornness got me through, and I’m proud to say those 60+ faces are now up there, smiling back at Oil City.
Skyler and I discussing next steps in the mural
Rockstar Status: Skyler
Now, I can’t write this blog without giving a giant shout-out to Skyler, who assisted me throughout this mural. She is, quite simply, a rockstar. Skyler wasn’t just helping paint—she was helping keep me sane. From coming up with solutions, to holding down the fort when my brain decided to go full “squirrel mode,” she was there. Honestly, I think every mural artist should come with a Skyler accessory pack: equal parts assistant, problem-solver, and all-around badass.
Skyler Is a ROCKSTAR!
The Finishing Touches (a.k.a. The Victory Lap)
Yesterday was the day—the moment of stepping back, brush in hand, and realizing: it’s done. Varnish has been applied and it looks… AMAZING!
I filled in the last little details, adjusted the highlights, and touched up those “oops” spots that only artists obsess over (and that 99% of humans would never notice). Then I stood there, grinning like a fool, because this wall that once loomed like a blank canvas now tells a story that belongs to the community.
Oil City Exchange Mural is now completed for your viewing pleasure
The Exchange is awesome! History, Art, Good Food, and Good Drinks!
Gratitude & A Little Bit of Awe
This mural is more than paint on a wall—it’s a piece of history, a celebration of connection, and a testament to what happens when you chase a big idea all the way to the finish line (and survive the ladder climbs).
I’m honored to have brought this to life for The Exchange, and I’m grateful to everyone who cheered me on along the way, Klee for being so supportive, and Jeff for being awesome to work with. And to Skyler—seriously, rockstar status achieved.
So if you’re in Oil City, swing by The Exchange at 100 Seneca Street. Grab a drink, order some food, and take a look at this big, colorful piece of our town’s story. Just don’t judge the paint splatters still stuck in my beard—I’m calling them battle scars.
Want to Paint Something Yourself?
If reading this has you itching to pick up a brush (don’t worry, no scaffolding required), join us for a Paint & Sip at The Exchange! It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these and I can tell you it is A LOT of fun!
🗓 Wednesday, September 17 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 The Exchange, 100 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA 💵 $45 per person – includes: ✔ All art supplies ✔ 2 craft cocktails ✔ Mezze platter & hush puppies (yes, we’re feeding your soul and your stomach!)
No experience needed—just bring your creativity (or curiosity), and we’ll handle the rest. 🎨🍸🍴
To reserve your spot, message us or email reservations@exchangeoc.com. Spaces are limited—so don’t wait!
Lately, my hands have been full—like, covered in paint full. I’ve been working on a mural for a new brewery opening in town, and it’s been equal parts exhausting and energizing. There’s something kind of magical about working on location, immersed in the environment, knowing this big, colorful piece of art will be part of a space where people gather, laugh, and raise a glass.
I’m actually smiling in this picture…. not sure what happened there.
Because of that, I’ve backed off from posting. Not just social media and YouTube, but blogs too. I’ve been laser-focused on the mural and, honestly, it’s been good for me. After taking such a long break from painting, it feels really good to be knee-deep in creativity again. However, a group of amazing people have been working really hard to support us, and I need to share this.
On top of that, Klee is on the mend—thankfully. We’ve still got some healing to go, but things are looking up, and we’re slowly finding our way back into the rhythm of creating together. Emphasis on slowly. We’re not rushing anything this time.
Klee feels awkward wearing a mask when we go places, but her system is Immunocompromised due to the medications.
It might still be a while before I’m regularly posting again. I might share more about that in a future blog, but let’s just say this: having a large audience is an incredible thing, and I’m endlessly grateful for the love and support we receive. But sometimes, when you’re not in the strongest emotional place, even one small comment can knock the wind out of you. Let’s just say, we weren’t getting back to normal fast enough for this person.
Honestly, we thought we’d bounce back quicker than we did. We kept telling ourselves, “Just a couple more days, maybe a week,” but life had its own timeline. Sometimes the road back is more of a slow, awkward shuffle than a triumphant sprint. I have no apologies to give. It is what it is.
In the meantime, our creative friends and supporters are hosting a fundraiser for us. So, I’m feeling awkward about writing this… but there are a lot of amazing people I want to say thank you to.
If you know me (and Klee), you know we’re not exactly great at being on the receiving end of support. We create, we teach, we encourage, we lift up. That’s our comfort zone. We’re used to showing up for the creative community, not having the creative community show up for us. To be honest, we are pretty hard headed and stubborn about it to our own detriment sometimes.
As a lot of you already know, last December, Klee was hospitalized and we had to cancel our holiday show. It hit us hard. People have shown up. In the most beautiful, humbling ways. A lot of you reading this are those people, and words cannot express how loved and grateful we feel.
She is such an inspiration in how she’s handled this whole thing.
Artists, friends, local galleries, people in other states and countries, even people we’ve never met in person… they’ve reached out, offered help, and reminded us that we’re not alone. Our friend Jamie (a powerhouse of kindness and organization) told us a while back that a fundraiser was being put together for us. Her words: “You’re not allowed to say no—we already started.”
Cue me and Klee standing there with wide eyes, stunned, awkwardly grateful, and honestly on the verge of tears.
At one point, when I was telling her I wasn’t comfortable with it, she asked, “Would you be part of a fundraiser to help artists going through what you guys are going through?” Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely.” And she just looked at me and said, “See? Let them do this for you. They love you guys.”
And that’s when it hit me. It’s about love, community, and the beautiful messiness of being human together. Being vulnerable, appreciative, and accepting the love.
And now it’s actually happening. The “Me and It” Paint N Sip fundraiser are happening in a few weeks. You get to paint your own little quirky monster, sip on something tasty, hang out with incredible humans, and support this crazy creative life we’re trying to keep afloat.
It feels vulnerable and strange. But we have some serious thank yous to give.
This is my exhibition at the Manos gallery, Ernesto put this together because he is awesome!
To Ernesto at The Manos Gallery – thank you for being such a force for art and for saying yes to every idea that helps lift people up. To Jamie – our extraordinary friend and gentle bulldozer of good intentions. You never let us hide. To Rachel – local artist, mega-talent, and literal sunshine in human form. You make everything brighter. To every artist donating their time, energy, and art – thank you for believing in us. For being willing to lift us up when we needed it, even though we were too awkward to ask. There are so many to name… We are astonished. And to our Patreon Community – oh my goodness. Thank you for sticking by us through this entire rollercoaster ride. Through the pauses, the chaos, the raw moments, and the quiet in-betweens—you’ve been there. Your support has kept us going when things got really, really hard. We don’t take that for granted, not even for a second.
We still feel awkward. We still feel like we don’t deserve it. But we’re trying—trying to receive with open hands and full hearts.
Klee is finally starting to feel better. The new treatment seems to be working (she’s been off steroids for three days, and so far, so good!). I’m back on mural duty. We’re slowly finding our way back to our creative rhythm. And in the middle of all that, we get this gift—a reminder that we are seen, loved, and supported.
I don’t have fancy words for it. Just… thank you.
— Rafi (and Klee)
Here is more info on the events
🎨 Paint & Sip at The Manos Gallery (Tarentum, PA) 🗓️ Thursday, July 25th at 6:30PM 📍 The Manos Gallery Come hang with us in the gallery space and create your very own “Me and It” monster with paint, good vibes, and a splash of BYOB magic.
🎨 Paint & Sip at Core Goods (Oil City, PA) 🗓️ Saturday, July 27th from 2–4:30PM 📍 Core Goods This one includes snacks, laughter, and a Chinese auction with art donated by local legends. Tickets are available at Woods and River Coffee.
I wanted to give you all an update on what’s been going on in our world lately—because if you’ve noticed we’ve been a bit quieter than usual, you’re not wrong.
First and foremost, Klee’s health has been our main focus. She’s been on new treatments, and while we’re optimistic, the healing process has been slow-going and unpredictable. Some days are better than others, and we’re learning to navigate that reality one day at a time. The bottom line? We’re keeping things close to home and prioritizing peace, health, and sanity.
We are still waiting to see if the treatments are helping
This week, I officially stepped away from a gallery we signed on with last August. It’s a fantastic space just outside Pittsburgh, and it honestly felt like a big deal when we joined. But right after that, Klee got sick, and we started pulling back from gallery events, meetups, and the bigger out-of-town plans that used to be second nature. We haven’t seen the space in nearly a year.
And while part of me feels gutted to walk away from something that had a lot of potential, I also feel… relieved. Because here’s the truth: we’re used to going a million miles an hour. We’ve always had a packed creative studio schedule, weekly podcasts, weekly videos, blogs, updates, meetings, responsibilities—you name it. Our days are usually full steam ahead with little sleep and a to-do list that reads more like an epic saga than a manageable plan.
I’m SO proud of her!
These days, that lifestyle just isn’t sustainable. Not right now. And I’m doing everything I can to avoid slipping into full-blown overwhelm mode. We already run a multi-layered creative business, I’m currently painting a giant mural, and we’re co-running the new Makerspace in town (which is an exciting beast all on its own). Add meetings, community events, and the Creative Entrepreneur Conference we just spoke at—yeah, even a grocery run can feel like planning a wedding.
So we’ve slowed things down. A lot. And it’s been kind of amazing.
I’ve been focusing on the mural project (which, let’s be honest, is enough to occupy every last corner of my brain for a while). It’s keeping things financially steady—for now—and more importantly, it’s all I have the bandwidth for. The workaholic in me is having a minor identity crisis over the idea of not doing a million things at once, but I’m choosing presence over panic. For once, I’m not teetering on the edge of burnout. That’s new. And I like it.
That wall behind me will start to become a mural soon!
Stress is something we’re both keeping a close eye on because, as we’ve learned, it’s a major trigger for Klee’s symptoms. So eliminating stress has basically become a part-time job (with full-time benefits, honestly). We’re doing what we can, day by day, to make space for healing, creativity, and peace.
So that’s where we are. No wild announcements, no dramatic exits—just two artists doing our best to create, care for each other, and be present through the chaos. We’re still here, still making things, and still showing up in whatever way we can.
Thanks for riding the waves with us. We appreciate you more than you know.
Last weekend, Klee and I had the honor of being part of the Creative Entrepreneur Conference, where we hosted not one, not two, but four workshops! We covered everything from pricing art, marketing, festival set-ups, to photographing art. It was our second year being invited to speak to a room full of amazing creative humans, it was a blast. On the surface, it might look like we’re seasoned speakers, perfectly comfortable standing in front of a crowd, dropping knowledge bombs with the ease of rock stars on a world tour. But… it’s not that simple.
Believe it or not, Klee and I are actually extremely shy. I know, I know, we do livestreams, run a YouTube channel with hundreds of videos, have done countless art shows, and spoken at multiple events, interacting with hundreds of people over the years. You’d think we’d have it down by now. But the truth is, we don’t put ourselves out there because we’re fearless marketing machines. We do it because we are constantly challenging our fears. The only way to really overcome fear is to face it head-on by doing the very things you’re afraid of doing. So, every time we step in front of a crowd or a camera, it’s not just an event—it’s an act of rebellion against our own anxieties.
This year, however, was a little more challenging. Klee is still recovering and getting treatment for her illness, and if you know anything about UC, you know it is not fun. It can really throw a wrench into your plans, your day, your everything. Stress doesn’t help matters either. It’s been months since we’ve been to a social event. In fact, since December of last year, we’ve been total hermits—recovery, healing, and navigating symptoms became our world.
But last week, we decided it was time to shake off the cobwebs of isolation and venture out. We went to an Artist Mixer at Clifford’s and ran into some beautiful familiar faces. We knew that breaking the safety of our induced hermit mode was going to be a challenge—especially when stress and emotions can cause symptoms to flare up. We managed to stay for an hour, and it was awesome to reconnect, even though some of Klee’s symptoms flared up after. So, when we looked ahead to a six-hour-long event as our second outing, it was anxiety-inducing, to say the least.
But Klee, being the total badass she is, decided to face it head-on. She started focusing on what she appreciated about the experience instead of what could go wrong. She thought about meeting creative humans, having an adventure with me, and feeling proud of stepping outside her comfort zone. Instead of dreading it, she began to look forward to it. I do the same thing. Honestly, it’s way too easy to dread upcoming things, especially if they fall outside your comfort zone. Your brain is going to run scenarios in your head anyway, so why not choose your own adventure instead of letting old, stressful programming take the wheel?
When the event came, it was incredible. Some of our amazing rogue community were there, and it was so good to see familiar faces. One of our awesome Rogues even drove across the state to be there and gifted us with some absolutely stunning art. We also got to see old friends, meet new amazing creatives, and the event organizers, as always, were phenomenal. Best of all, Klee’s symptoms didn’t even make an appearance. I call that a win!
We are slowly getting back out there, little by little, but we’re doing it our way. We’re navigating Klee’s healing with patience and self-compassion. It’s great to have challenges and overcome them, but it’s also important not to bite off more than you’re ready for. It may take a few months—or more—to fully get back out there, but the journey matters more than the timeline. It’s about enjoying the ride, facing the challenges, and feeling damn good about what we do.
We’re hoping to be back at the Creative Entrepreneur Conference next year, stronger than ever. Until then, we’ll keep choosing our own adventure, one brave step at a time.
Here’s to overcoming, growing, and doing it all our way—because that’s the only way that matters.
In this Podcast, Klee and I (Rafi) discuss the concept of doing less for more results and productivity. Lately, I have realized that I have been taking on too much and have come close to burn out. I am adopting a new philosophy that more isn’t actually better.
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/
ARE YOU A CREATIVE HUMAN?
Seeking inspiration, free resources, and a supportive hub to fuel your artistic journey? Look no further! At the Rogue Artist Community, we’ve built a vibrant space designed to empower artists, dreamers, and doers like YOU. Whether you’re an experienced artist, a budding creator, or someone curious about exploring their creativity, our hub has something for everyone. Visit us at https://rogueartistcommunity.com/ to find out more.
Thank you for supporting the Artist Life Podcast with Rafi and Klee! You rock!
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!
