Tag: Finding Your Voice

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The Importance Of Feeling Good

Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s close to my heart – feeling good as an artist. Feeling good is not just a luxury; it’s an essential aspect of our creative journey. We all dream of achieving that state of contentment, of finally reaching a point where everything falls into place, and we can say, “I’m happy, I feel good.”

But let’s face it, we’ve all fallen into the trap of thinking that happiness lies in external achievements or possessions. We believe that once we attain a certain goal, like becoming a full-time artist or reaching a specific milestone, we’ll finally feel good. Yet, many have learned the hard way that this isn’t necessarily true. They spend their lives chasing after things they believe will make them happy, only to find themselves feeling the same as before, maybe even more dissatisfied.

It’s tragic when we realize that we’ve been looking for happiness in the wrong places, thinking it’s something we can collect or achieve. The truth is that feeling good is a state of mind that exists in the present moment. It’s about embracing where you are right now and finding habits and ways of thinking that allow you to feel good within that moment.

Feeling Good Is An Inside Job

I’ve experienced it myself as an artist. There are times when things don’t go as planned, and I’m not feeling good. Strangely enough, getting into the studio, which I know is my happy place, becomes a struggle. I feel like I’m walking through molasses, unable to take that step. This happens when we don’t practice feeling good every day, as much as possible. When our overall well-being and happiness take a backseat, it becomes challenging to move forward and progress in our art careers.

So, what can we do to cultivate a sense of well-being and happiness as artists? Here are some practices that I incorporate into my daily life, and I encourage you to try them too:

Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. It can be something simple like the sunlight streaming through your window or being grateful for the gift of breathing. Make a habit of focusing on the things you appreciate, and you’ll notice a shift in your perspective and mood.

Feeling Good Is An Inside Job

Physical Activity: As artists, we often spend a lot of time sitting down, which can lead to stagnation. Engaging in physical activity not only helps reduce stress but also releases mood-lifting endorphins. Whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, or dancing around like a fool, find something you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

Human Connection: Art can be a lonely endeavor, but it’s essential to connect with others. Attend events, join art communities, or simply meet up with fellow artists for a chat. Human connection provides a sense of belonging and positively impacts our overall mood.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Take time to be present in the moment. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. This practice helps you become aware of negative thought patterns and allows you to redirect your focus towards positive and solution-oriented thinking.

Pursue Joyful Activities: Make time for the art and activities you love. Don’t chase money just for the sake of it; prioritize what brings you joy and a sense of accomplishment. Doing what you love will naturally contribute to feeling good.

Feeling Good Is An Inside Job

Remember, feeling good is a personal journey. It’s okay to have ups and downs, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself. Finding what works best for you in maintaining a positive outlook is key. If you find yourself struggling with negative feelings, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or even professional help.

Ultimately, feeling good is about taking control of your thoughts and choosing happiness in the present moment. Embrace gratitude, physical activity, human connections, mindfulness, and pursuits that bring you joy. By practicing these daily, you’ll find yourself in a better state of mind, ready to face the challenges and joys of your artistic journey.

Remember, you have the power to shape your perspective and create a positive and fulfilling artistic life. Embrace the journey, be kind to yourself, and above all, keep creating. Wishing you all an incredible week filled with inspiration and creativity. I adore each and every one of you, and until next time, keep shining bright!

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Embrace Your Unique Style!

Welcome to the month of August! As we embark on this new month, I want to share some thoughts on what motivates me and what we’ll be focusing on. 

When we start our careers, it’s natural to look around for inspiration. We find ourselves drawn to bits and pieces of different artists’ work, color combinations, textures, and styles. In this process, we might feel like imposters, thinking that we haven’t truly found our own unique style yet. This can make you feel like you suck at being unique, but that’s not true.

You see, creativity is a tapestry woven from all the things that have influenced us throughout our lives. As artists, we draw inspiration from various sources – it could be something we saw as a child, a memory of watching Bob Ross paint on TV, or the awe we felt when witnessing the mesmerizing art of someone we admire. These experiences leave imprints on our minds, and over time, they blend together to create something truly unique.

Artist Rafi Perez And His Art

The key is not to strive for something entirely unheard of or the opposite of everything else out there. Uniqueness comes from the fusion of your influences, preferences, and perspective on the world. Just like a smartphone is a combination of existing technologies, it’s the way these elements are brought together that makes something truly innovative.

The truth is, you don’t need to struggle to find your style. Embrace the things you love and admire, bring them together in your work, and let your creativity shine through. You are inherently unique, and your creations are a reflection of your singular self.

Let’s keep our creative spirits high and continue to celebrate our uniqueness. You, our fantastic community, are the reason we can do what we love. Your support and passion fuel our creativity, and we’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.

So, embrace your creativity, own your uniqueness, and let’s make August an extraordinary month filled with art, inspiration, and love. From the bottom of my heart, I adore each of you. Until next time, jazz hands and love… and remember, you are wonderfully, exquisitely, and unequivocally unique!

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Self Confidence Is A Key Ingredient For Artists

Today, I want to delve into a topic that I believe is crucial for any artist embarking on their career—the enigmatic concept of self-confidence.

Self-confidence is often misunderstood. Many view it as something you outwardly exude, like an air of unshakable certainty. We tend to believe that if others perceive us as self-confident, then we must be on the right track. But here’s the truth: self-confidence is an inner journey, not an outward show. It’s akin to self-doubt, but on the opposite end of the spectrum. Self-doubt creeps within, while self-confidence blossoms from within.

You might wonder why I’ve chosen to talk about this topic today. The answer is simple—self-confidence is the first step to success in any aspect of life. Whether you’re just starting your art career or aiming to level up, self-confidence is the cornerstone of your journey. It’s the unwavering belief in your capabilities, even when doubts attempt to consume you.

Self Confidence Starts With You

We all face self-doubt. It’s that little voice in our heads that says we’re not good enough, that we’re imposters, that success is for others, not for us. This doubt becomes the most significant hurdle on our creative paths, hindering progress and fulfillment. But remember, every artist, regardless of their experience or acclaim, has faced doubt and fear.

As artists, we learn by doing, by embracing failure, and by experimenting. That’s the only way we can truly discover our path. If you sit down to create with self-doubt clouding your mind, every mistake will become a punishment, leading you to eventually give up. But when you cultivate self-confidence, you welcome failure as a teacher. You understand that mistakes are inevitable, and that’s okay. True self-confidence isn’t about fearlessness; it’s about acknowledging the fear and doubts but not letting them define you.

In our pursuit of self-confidence, we must not seek validation from others. Trying to convince others of our worth only dims the possibilities within ourselves. Genuine self-confidence doesn’t rely on external approval but on proving it to yourself. Embrace your uniqueness, for there’s only one of you and one way to do things—your way.

Self Confidence Starts With You

As artists, we often get caught up in comparisons, trying to gauge our worth based on what others achieve. But trust me, you’ll never do things exactly as someone else does, and that’s a good thing. Self-confidence comes from understanding this truth and wholeheartedly believing that you are capable, even amidst uncertainty and doubt.

Take some time this week to reflect on your self-confidence. Be ruthlessly in love with who you are and what you create. Focus on your own journey and growth without comparing yourself to others. Be open to facing your insecurities and fears, knowing that every step you take, even if it falters, builds your confidence.

In the art world, we forge our paths through experimentation and self-discovery. So, trust in yourself and your abilities. Embrace the journey, even when it feels uncertain. Allow your confidence to grow from within, and you’ll find that the naysayers outside can’t affect you. Face your fears, take risks, and commit to building genuine self-confidence.

Self Confidence Starts With You

Remember, you are capable of more than you can imagine. So go forth, my amazing artists, and show the world who you are and what you can do. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and above all, cherish the beautiful journey of being an artist.

I absolutely adore each and every one of you. Have a creatively inspiring week, and I’ll catch you next time. Adios!

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You Are Constantly Changing For The Better

Welcome to July! I hope this month finds you well, filled with creativity and awesomeness. It’s a little hot out there. I won’t deny it. Of course, it might not be as scorching as in some places, so I won’t complain too much. If you find yourself in the studio, working away, embracing the season’s warmth, that’s fantastic! But if not, don’t worry. This is the month to embrace the heat, enjoy it, and become hot stuff in your own creative endeavors.

I want to start the month with motivation, something for you to contemplate and reflect on as you navigate through your art career, which can sometimes be quite crazy.

Lately, we’ve been going through a reevaluation process in our lives. We’ve decided that for 2023, we’re going to slow things down, get rid of the unnecessary fluff, and truly embrace a slower pace. It’s wonderful to finally have places to sit outside and relax. It’s not just about the constant hustle in the studio anymore. As you know, we’ve been at this for over a decade, and as we grow older, we naturally yearn for a more measured approach.

I’ve been engaged in numerous conversations and deep thinking sessions lately with Klee, and something struck me the other day. It’s about how we tend to look at history as a way to predict our future.

Businesses formulate their budgets based on past sales, and many individuals are held accountable for who they were in their teenage years. It’s as if we are constantly defined by our past, by what was possible for us back then. But here’s the thing: we are constantly growing, expanding, and evolving.

Think about it. You’re not the same person you were five minutes ago, let alone five years ago or even 15 years ago. We are in a constant state of flux and evolution. I find this notion incredibly powerful and motivating. There have been moments in my life when I believed that “this is it” and settled for a life that didn’t align with my true desires. But let me tell you, you are not defined by your past self. You have the capacity to reinvent yourself, to become someone different, someone who embraces life, creation, and everything that makes you a creative badass.

Sure, there will be days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling unmotivated and wondering if you have anything worthwhile to contribute. But remember, that’s just a temporary state. It doesn’t define the entirety of who you are. In a matter of minutes, you can shift your mindset, transform yourself into a motivated individual eagerly anticipating the joys of life and creation.

So, this month, I invite you to contemplate this idea. Reflect on your ability to transition from one state of mind to another. Sometimes it takes a little longer, sometimes it happens in an instant. The key is to do whatever it takes to put yourself in a mental space where you can confidently say, “I am a creative badass.” Trust me, it will work wonders for your creative pursuits.

In addition to this contemplation, let’s not forget our exciting schedule. Every Wednesday, we’ll be hosting live pods and public and private live streams, ensuring a smooth experience without any hiccups. Moreover, this month’s lesson for the Rogue site members comes from our workshop on pricing. It’s a valuable resource for all rogues out there, so make sure to check it out.

Lastly, I want to remind you to enjoy the Collab Lab challenge and all the other exciting activities happening on the site. Embrace the opportunities, stay creative, and remember that if you find yourself in a funk, it’s just a passing moment. You have the power to transcend it and move into a space where inspiration flows freely.

I truly adore you all. You are the most incredible community, and I’m grateful to have you here. Let’s make July a month filled with artistic growth, inspiration, and the joy of creating. Keep being amazing!

IF YOU ARE A ROGUE COMMUNITY MEMBER CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL YOUR PERKS (Must Sign In)

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Join Rafi and Klee Studios at the Creative Entrepreneur Conference – A Journey Towards Success!

We are thrilled to announce that Rafi and Klee Studios will present at the upcoming Creative Entrepreneur Conference on May 20th, 2023. As artists and entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges and opportunities of running a creative business. This event is an incredible opportunity for artists, performers, writers, and artisans in Northwestern Pennsylvania to gain valuable insights and skills to take their businesses to new heights. Join us at Pleasantville Camp for a learning, networking, and inspiration-filled day!

A Day Packed with Knowledge and Inspiration: The Creative Entrepreneur Conference has put together an impressive lineup of presentations and sessions designed to equip attendees with essential entrepreneurial skills. The concurrent sessions cover a wide range of topics crucial to the success of creative businesses. From branding and marketing to bookkeeping and taxes, participants will have the opportunity to learn from professionals in various fields. Here’s a glimpse of the sessions and presenters:

  1. Marketing & Social Media – Rafi & Klee Studios: Discover effective marketing strategies across different media platforms, including print, web, direct mail, and social media.
  2. Bookkeeping & Taxes – Jim Roeder, CPA, NW Accounting: Gain valuable insights into financial records, deductible expenses, sales tax, and self-employed taxes tailored specifically for creative entrepreneurs.
  3. Branding/Logo – Holly Lynn Gibbons, CEO, GBS Web Services LLC: Learn how to build a strong brand that effectively communicates your message and connects with your target audience.
  4. Pricing Work/Products – Rafi & Klee Studios: Navigate the challenging decision-making process of pricing your products and services to strike the right balance between profitability and customer appeal.
  5. Online Store/Sales – Ron Mattocks, Owner/VP of Client Strategy, Bull Moose Marketing: Explore the options, best practices, and potential pitfalls of selling online, including cost considerations, DIY abilities, and reach.
  6. Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights – Jason Drake, Intellectual Property Attorney: Understand the importance of protecting your intellectual property and learn how to navigate licensing agreements while safeguarding your rights.
  7. Fairs & Festivals – Rafi & Klee Studios: Gain insights into participating in fairs, festivals, and events as a creative entrepreneur, including marketing strategies, booth setup, and customer interactions.

These sessions are just the tip of the iceberg! The conference also includes discussions on funding and grant programs, opportunities for creatives, crafting compelling artist statements and bios, and much more.

Networking and Exhibitors: In addition to the informative sessions, the Creative Entrepreneur Conference offers an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. Numerous exhibitors will be present, representing a variety of programs and initiatives dedicated to supporting artists and entrepreneurs. Explore opportunities, learn about grants, residencies, teaching opportunities, and discover potential collaborations to enhance your creative journey.

Registration Details: The Creative Entrepreneur Conference is open to all creatives in Northwestern Pennsylvania, whether you’re just starting or seeking ways to grow your business. The registration fee is a nominal $75 per person, covering the entire day’s program and meals. Thanks to the generous grant secured by the Forest County Business Alliance, this event is made affordable for everyone.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER BY MAY 18th

Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your seat. Visit the conference website and complete the online registration form by May 18, 2023. Payment can be made securely via credit card.

The Creative Entrepreneur Conference is a game-changer for artists, performers, writers, and artisans in Northwestern Pennsylvania. We, Rafi and Klee Studios, are honored to be part of this incredible event and share our expertise in entrepreneurship and creativity. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, connect with industry professionals, and take your creative business to new heights.

Rafi And Klee Presenting At Montessori School

WHAT TO EXPECT: The conference’s schedule is carefully designed to maximize learning and engagement. Starting with registration and breakfast, attendees can network and connect with fellow creatives, setting the stage for a day of inspiration and collaboration. The concurrent sessions throughout the day ensure that participants can choose the topics most relevant to their business needs, allowing for a personalized learning experience.

After a morning filled with enriching sessions, attendees will gather for a delicious lunch in the dining hall. This break provides an opportunity to further network, discuss insights gained, and recharge for the afternoon sessions. The lineup continues with more concurrent sessions, covering essential aspects of running a creative business, including pricing, online sales, intellectual property protection, and participation in fairs and festivals.

As the day progresses, a highly anticipated roundtable Q&A session awaits, where attendees can interact with professional artists, artisans, performers, writers, and makers. This invaluable opportunity to seek guidance, ask burning questions, and gain insights from those who have already walked the entrepreneurial path is not to be missed.

To foster a sense of camaraderie and relaxation, a delightful dinner in the dining hall follows the roundtable session. This is an ideal time to engage in casual conversations, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections with fellow creatives. As the evening sets in, participants can look forward to a campfire gathering, complete with snacks and music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for further networking and collaboration.

The conference also features diverse exhibitors representing organizations and programs dedicated to supporting creative entrepreneurs. Whether you’re interested in grants, artist residencies, teaching opportunities, or professional development, these exhibitors will provide valuable information and resources to help you seize exciting opportunities.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded creatives. Register today by visiting the conference website and completing the online registration form. Remember, space is limited, so secure your spot and embark on a journey towards entrepreneurial success at the Creative Entrepreneur Conference. We can’t wait to meet you there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY (Deadline, May 18th)

For all the Rogue Artists out there who cannot attend this amazing event. Klee and I will be recording our workshops and will make them available to our members (FA-CHUNKER’s and up). More info on that soon!

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Finding Your Creative Voice

Welcome to the Rogue Artists podcast. In today’s episode, I want to discuss finding your creative voice. Many artists are doing this art career thing and are always curious about what’s involved in finding their own voice. When we start, we often need training wheels and look at other people’s art as a reference point, but we shouldn’t make the mistake of working in someone else’s style, or someone else’s creative voice. Instead, we should explore our own creative voice and find our own style.

When I started my art career, I wasn’t sure what having a creative style meant. But then I decided to start working on things I wanted to see, experimenting with different techniques and combining elements I liked from various sources of inspiration. I took things that inspired me, like colors, textures, or marks, and incorporated them into my art. This way, I found my voice, my unique style.

Finding your own creative voice is a personal journey. There is no secret formula for finding it. However, I’d like to share with you some of the things I did to help me find my voice. The first thing I did was explore the things that I was interested in, both in and out of art. I thought about the things that impacted me the most and how I could express them through my art.

The second thing I did was to look for inspiration. I surrounded myself with things that inspired me, such as art, books, music, or nature. I found that surrounding myself with inspiring things helped develop my creative voice and gave me new ideas to explore.

The third thing I did was to experiment with different techniques and mediums. I tried new things and didn’t shy away from making mistakes. I found that experimenting helped me find new ways of expressing myself and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

The fourth thing I did was to create several series in consistent bodies of work. Working on a consistent series helped me develop my creative voice and style in several mediums. Once I liked something, I created a series. It also helped me to see my growth as an artist over time.

The last thing I did was to trust my instincts. I didn’t try to please anyone but myself. I created art that spoke to me; if others liked it, that was a bonus. I found that trusting my instincts helped me stay true to my vision and find my creative voice.

In conclusion, finding your own creative voice is a personal journey that takes time, patience, and experimentation. You can find your unique style and creative voice by exploring the things that interest you, surrounding yourself with inspiration, experimenting with different techniques, creating a consistent body of work, and trusting your instincts. I hope this episode helps you on your own journey of finding your creative voice. Thank you for listening, and until next time, keep creating!