Do It For the Process: For The Artists by Emily Jeffords

Setting Goals (in UNHINGED times) PART 2

Now that we’ve laid the foundation and centered your aspirations and dreams right where they belong (at the heart of it all) it’s time to get practical at SET IMPORTANT GOALS!

In this episode, we’re walking through worksheets 7-10 of the Goal Setting Worbook, diving into real methods for setting sustainable, inspiring goals that honor you, your creative work, and your business. GET OUT YOUR PENS. 

A few links before we dive in:

• Making Art Work is open for EARLY BIRD enrollment! 
• The GOAL SETTING WORKBOOK 
• RSVP for Share the Work - the free 5-day workshop happening this March

 

We’ll talk about valuing yourself as an artist (because you are the core of your work), pricing and structuring your business with confidence, and setting goals that lead to both creative fulfillment and financial success. No burnout, no guilt—just a clear, thoughtful path toward a thriving year.

Let’s bring those dreams to life. ✨

🎧 Listen now!

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Setting Goals (in UNHINGED times) PART 1

Welcome to 2025—FOR REAL this time. We’ve been through a lot already; things are shifting, the world feels unsettled—AND ALSO, it’s clearer than ever that our creative work is dependable and needed in so many ways.

A few links before we dive in:

• Making Art Work is open for EARLY BIRD enrollment! 
• The GOAL SETTING WORKBOOK 
• RSVP for Share the Work - the free 5-day workshop happening this March

 

In this episode, we’re diving into goal-setting—moving beyond ego-driven pressure and into aligned, sustainable success in the studio and in your business. Setting effective goals this year is no small feat, so we’re starting with the most important thing of all: your dreams.

I also want to be clear about what my studio stands for and what we’re excited to create this year. I never thought I would need to say these words out loud—I hoped they would be obvious to all—but let me be crystal clear: this community, and every space I have the honor of creating (Making Art Work, The Collective, my social media community…), is built on a foundation of inclusivity, respect, and creativity without barriers. I’m speaking directly to those who have been marginalized or who carry less innate privilege. You belong here.

Together, we’ll walk through worksheets 2-6 from the Goal Setting Workbook, helping you define your vision, set meaningful goals, and build a creative practice that supports both your art and your well-being (but we're keeping it FUN).

Let’s create a year that feels expansive, inspiring, and true to you.

🎧 Listen now!

 

 

 

 

Everything Comes Back to Your Values. What are yours?

QUICK LINKS:

• Goal Setting Workbook
• Goal Setting Workshop
• Making Art Work
• My Instagram

 

Episode Highlights:
Today’s episode is packed with meaning and purpose—we’re diving deep into your core values! Why does this matter? Because the goals that truly last—the ones that bring joy, fulfillment, and long-term satisfaction—are always rooted in what matters most to you.

This isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about aligning them with your heart and your vision for life. 🌿

So here’s what to do: PRINT THE WORKBOOK, my dear creative soul! We’ll walk through it together, step by step, unlocking the clarity and inspiration you need to move forward with confidence and intention.

Let’s get the goodness you deserve!

Enjoying the podcast?

If this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world if you could take a moment to rate and review the show! Your support helps the podcast reach more creatives just like you—and I love hearing what speaks to your heart. Thank you for being here and for being you! 🌟

Do It For The Process in 2025 // the In+Out List Artists Need

QUICK LINKS:

• Goal Setting Workbook
• Goal Setting Workshop
• My Studio Playlist 
• Making Art Work
• EmilyJeffordsLearn.com
• My Instagram

 

Happy New Year and welcome to my list of manifestations and wishes -- and things I would like us to do more of and STOP doing forever. This list is silly. And it's absolutely not.

 

Also, we get into the heart and soul of "Do It For The Process" -- which I realized mid-eposode is 10 years old! I began the hashtag #doitfortheprocess in 2025 after a bit of a little tiny breakdown in the corner of the studio, and my life has been forever changed. 

But now for the 2025 Ins and Outs!

 

2025 Ins:

• Buying the fancy art supplies because you're using the good stuff regularly these days 👑
• Prioritizing your quiet (massive) dreams
• Curated studio playlists 🎵
• Making good coffee at home
• Buying crystals on your birthday 🔮
• Books with strong female leads
• Foraging for pigment while traveling 🧳
• Photos-walks at golden hour
• Making a very big deal out of your art ‼️
• Handmade ceramics palettes 💅
• Craft nights with a friend
• Wearing earbuds in art museums 🎧
• Reading an affirmation card each morning
• ✨Romanticizing✨ the process

Outs:

• Overthinking every brushstroke 😵‍💫
• Hoarding art supplies
• Plastic “wood” frames😮
• Staring at screens for inspiration 🙄
• Uncomfortable chairs in the studio
• Imposter syndrome 🙄
• Nasty wine at gallery openings 🤢
• Expensive dusty candles (burn them)
• Postponing creative dreams for “the right moment”🤡
• Fake flowers 😅
• Leaving the tops off your paint tubes 🫣
• Perfectly curated feeds 😑
• Using toxic materials (no, babes, it’s not worth it) 😨
• Whispering abt your art and feeling sad when no one buys it 🫥

The 7 Sweetest Things Being "A Creative" Has Taught Me

The Collective IS OPEN! This space was created to help Artists, Photographers, Designers, Makers, Illustrators, Writers -- ALL CREATIVES -- thrive.

If you sell your beautiful work (or hope to sell more of it), this membership is for you. 

 

All the details HERE / $39 / Doors open through 9.12.24

The Artist's Path To Success // a FREE and super beautiful & reassuring workbook 

The Artist's Path To Success QUIZ // an adorable 2-minute quiz for you

 

And now, the 7 Sweetest Things Being "A Creative" Has Taught Me

1. Your creativity might first show up in your life as curiosity  — study, learn, read, take classes, courses
2. The thing that makes you good at creating your art is also the thing that makes you good at running a business
3. I am the most dependable person in my life, and as the one creating both my art and my business, I know that I can depend on BOTH because I know that I can depend on myself
4. The market for my creative work is infinitely larger than my ability to create the work
5. People want to see my work. In their homes. In their lives. Every day. Shocker. I know. Lol
6. Talking about my work to others does feel scary and makes my little introverted heart want to crawl into a little hole, but it’s also so extremely fun, rewarding, and fulfilling
7. I am capable of wearing 50 different hats — but which ones really look best on me? Aka fit my skill-set and desires best?  And how can I let go of the things that don’t fit me best?

The Secret to End-Of-Year Success // My Goal Check-In

It's time! Today, we’re having a conversation about goals. Yes, in the middle of the year. This is the best time to check in and see how your goals are progressing and what you want for the rest of the year (especially before the holiday season takes hold). 

In this episode, I'm checking in on my goals for 2024; many of which I have achieved, but many I didn't. We'll discuss what to do when you realize you're not reaching your goals or need to adjust some expectations. Enjoy, my sweeties!

As always, please leave a rating and comment below!

The Collective // www.EmilyJefforsdsLearn.com (doors open September 5th) 

The Non-Toxic, Healthy Studio Guide // www.emilyjeffords.myflodesk.com/jme7kfx6fl 

My art // www.EmilyJeffords.com

Write a letter to be read on air //  https://www.emilyjeffordslearn.com/podcast 

Retreats, Creativity, and Collaboration with My Art Bestie Tanya Val

Join us in Joshua Tree // September 14-17th // just a couple spots left! 

All the details for the retreat can be found here.

 

This is a delicious talk about creativity, friendship, and what you can create when collaborating with someone you admire and trust. 

 

Tanya Val is an artist and plant shop owner living in Anchorage Alaska. She is one of the most WILDLY talented humans I know. Seriously, just visit her site to see. 

We have been working and traveling together for years, created some of the most beautiful retreats ever seen, and are writing a book together!   

But in this conversation, you are going to hear about SO much more than just our professional work. We share our heart, passion, and love for our creative work and our shared (and very deep) passion for creating with nature.

We're also hilarious. We think. :) 

 

Helpful links:

Creating With Nature Retreats: creatingwithnature.art
Tanya's Instagram: @tanya.val
Tanya's Website: TanyaVal.com 

The Do It For The Process Website where you can submit a letter or question to be read "on air."

 

Please consider leaving a rating and review

This helps me keep going and flowing and I love them so so much. 

Want to Create Better Work? This is the FIRST Step

The Collective Opens on May 30th! This is the most transformative place for Artists to grow their studios and practices because we normalize the success of Creatives. There are so many training and lessons in there so you can find success in your work a little more easily and gently. 

 

Go visit the Nature and Silk Scarf Collection I mentioned at the end of this episode! It will be available Thursday at 2:00pm est. 

 

This episode is a bit vulnerable and took a lot of inner work to even get to the place where I can talk about this so confidently and from tried and true experience. Thank you for being the most generous and kind audience. It is a delight to share my experiences and story with you. 

This summer, work towards feeling safe, healthy, and whole in your creative practice. It will pay off in multitudes in your creative work and the output you are able to step into. 

I'm cheering for you.

 

xo,

Emily

emilyjeffords.com

 

 

How To Blend Creativity & Motherhood (if you want to)

This episode is SO precious (stay til the end to hear my whole heart MELT). I sat down with two of the most beautiful parents/artists I know and we talked about balancing, blending, and maintaining your whole self and your studio practice while also being a mother. 

Hint: balance is a juggling act, everything comes back around, you are capable of SO much more than you imagine, and also you don't have to do anything at all but love yourself and love your kid(s). 

Please let me know what comes up for you as you listen! You can always reach me at learn@emilyjeffords.com 

 

Meet Cait and Skye!

Caitlyn Zarate is my Program Manager and keeps Making Art Work and The Collective (and so much more) running smoothly so that I can be an artist and mother! Visit Caitlyn on Instagram. 

Skye Como Miller is our Community Support Queen. If you've felt a warm glow from our community, emails, or social media, it probably had Skye's touch! Check out Skye's Instagram and Website

 

Want to WATCH this episode? Head to my YouTube

 

 

Can You Create Beauty From Trauma? With Vyana Novus

Being human is hard.
Let your creativity make it easier.

Your creativity is boundless, your imagination is unyielding, and the weight of this world is unrelenting.

 

Vyana Novus joins us in this very tender and open discussion on creativity, trauma, beauty, and safety in this interview-episode. You will walk away feeling so deeply seen and reminded that pain is integral to our growth and often plays a part in the creation of good art. Vyana is one of my dearest friends and we talk like two people who have a deep understanding of one another and a lot of mutual admiration -- but you're also going to hear a lot of curiosity and vulnerability as we get into some deep topics.

 

 

TW: We discuss SA, ED, intimate partner abuse, and trauma. Nothing is described in any graphic detail but I want you to be aware in case you are looking for a purely light episode. I have 100 others you can listen to. However, this episode is BEAUTIFUL and full of safety and love. 

 

Visit Vyana's site (it's gorgeous) and follow them on Instagram 

Find me (Emily Jeffords) at @Emily_Jeffords and emilyjeffords.com