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

I Began Making Money Out of Desperation -- My Artist Origin Story

To be clear, I did not step into a sustainable and profitable studio. No, no, no. Far from it. Welcome to a bit of my origin story. The season in my life when I was quite literally without options, I chose to rely on my art. And it worked. 

I've been talking quite a lot recently with people online about the notion that artists are starving and how that, quite literally, does not make sense. We're all out here making it and doing our best, and many of us are doing quite well! 

Part of the work I get to do is encourage and empower other artists to grow their studios through Making Art Work. Doors are open now!

Making Art Work is your companion to growing your own studio and undoing SO MANY of the limiting beliefs we are handed as artists. Painters can make money. Poets can make money. Photographers can make money. Designers and ceramicists and dancers and writers and weavers and… CREATIVITY IS INCREDIBLY abundant (when you know how to grow your studio). 

How To Never Burn Out Again

• Making Art Work opens 3.26 -- join the 9-week masterclass designed to help you grow your studio into a sustainable and profitable career. 
• Share The Work is happening NOW! Join the live workshops each day at noon. Free classes, worksheets, and getting your heart and mind ready for GROWTH. 

Hot Take: Burnout is NOT a Rite of Passage. Artists do not need to experience burnout in order to create good work or grow a successful business, but so many of us do. Sadly. 

But many of us don’t know that until we experience it.

 

So learn from me instead!

In 2021, I had my BEST year in business ever ever ever. Like wow. But I also went into complete and total burnout (nervous system shutdown and all). The things that brought me out of that overwhelming space were mostly energetic shifts:
1. Progress is Quiet and Slow. It’s OK for things to take time. I can be gentle and productive. 👏👏
2. I MUST feel rewarded for my energy. This sometimes means $, sometimes means fun, or freedom, or making an impact… feeling like your work is giving abundantly is everything.
3. Space to PLAY. Artists need to feel free and light and whimsical. Care for yourself. Release some pressure every now and then. Perfectionism is so heavy to hold.
4. Say NO to things that don’t excite you. There’s nothing heroic about bypassing your boundaries. We’re doing things purely out of obligation.

If you’d like a little bit more of an energetic boost, please join me in Share the Work later this month! It’s a four-day FREE course. We’ll be talking live over zoom about growing a sustainable creative business & enjoyingggg this work. 

"Should" Artists Make Money?? 3 Habits for Creatives in 2026

Spoiler alert: YES. Of course we should make money! Don't get me ryled up again! I believe so firmly in Creative's ability to create energy around their work, sustain their physical needs, and support their dreams -- with their ART. 

Now let's discuss how, why, and HOW. ;) 

In this episode, I'm sharing three more fundamental habits that should be part of the way you see the world as a professional artist and creative person. Settle in, this is a good one. 

 

Get the Goal Setting Workbook + a notebook, tune in, and enjoy.

 

Also, join me on zoom Jan 9th at noon est for a live discussion about your dreams and goals! RSVP (or get the replay) for the Goal Setting WORKSHOP HERE.

3 Habits for Artists in 2026 & WELCOME BACK TO THE STUDIO!

Hi Artists, I'm so glad to be in 2026. Wow. What a ride 2025 was for all of us -- if you're here and excited about your creative work and feeling ready for the year, ENJOY IT! If you need a little extra nourishment and encouragement to keep going, you're not alone, and I hope this podcast can offer that to you. 

 

Today's episode it one of the VERY sweetest I've ever recorded. 

3 Habits (mindset shifts) that will sustain you through the year ahead, I am CERTAIN.

 

Get the Goal Setting Workbook + a notebook, tune in, and enjoy.

 

Also, join me on zoom Jan 7th or 9th at noon est for a live discussion about your dreams and goals! RSVP for the Goal Setting WORKSHOP HERE. 

7 Tips for Selling Creative Work (part 3)

Today's episode is SO Practical -- welcome to the start of the HOLIDAY SEASON!! If you haven't listened to part 1 and 2, it's VERY important for this episode so start there! 

• Get your free Creative Stability Workbook here
  
  
• Meet me for a weekend of learning and connecting in Atlanta, GA Nov 8-9 at the new Making Art Work LIVE event! All the details here + Use "PODCASTLOVE" for $150 off!
  
  
• And Join The Collective!! This is THE monthly membership for Artists and Creatives of all kinds. It is full of tools, community, and coaching to support your art business in every season.

7 Tips for Selling Creative Work (part 2)

Today's episode is SO Practical -- welcome to the start of the HOLIDAY SEASON!! If you haven't listened to part 1, it's VERY important for this episode so start there! 

• Get your free Creative Stability Workbook here
  
  
• Meet me for a weekend of learning and connecting in Atlanta, GA Nov 8-9 at the new Making Art Work LIVE event! All the details here + Use "PODCASTLOVE" for $150 off!
  
  
• And Join The Collective!! This is THE monthly membership for Artists and Creatives of all kinds. It is full of tools, community, and coaching to support your art business in every season.

7 Tips for Selling Creative Work (part 1)

Today's episode is SO Practical -- welcome to the start of the HOLIDAY SEASON!!

September through early December is the BEST time of year for most small businesses' sales. People are getting cozy, hosting gatherings, and planning for holiday gifting. This is your moment to go big if you want to.

• Get your free Creative Stability Workbook here
  
  
• Meet me for a weekend of learning and connecting in Atlanta, GA Nov 8-9 at the new Making Art Work LIVE event! All the details here + Use "PODCASTLOVE" for $150 off!
  
  
• And Join The Collective!! This is THE monthly membership for Artists and Creatives of all kinds. It is full of tools, community, and coaching to support your art business in every season.

Selling and Celebrating Your Art in Autumn (part 2)

September through early December is the BEST time of year for most small businesses' sales. People are getting cozy, hosting gatherings, and planning for holiday gifting. This is your moment to go big if you want to.

AUTUMN: Symbolizes: Completion, launch, celebration
Energy state: Harvesting, sharing, releasing

So how can you use the energy of this season to your advantage? Let's discuss! 

• Get your free Creative Stability Workbook here
  
  
• Meet me for a weekend of learning and connecting in Atlanta, GA Nov 8-9 at the new Making Art Work LIVE event! All the details here + Use "PODCASTLOVE" for $150 off!
  
  
• And Join The Collective!! This is THE monthly membership for Artists and Creatives of all kinds. It is full of tools, community, and coaching to support your art business in every season.
  
  

Creative Cycles: What Season Are You In Right Now? PART 1

If your art business has felt a little quiet, uncertain, or unpredictable lately, let me tell you: you are not alone. The economy is feeling uncertain, the energy in the world is even more so. And Artists are often feeling it all -- and we still need to make SALES! Let's discuss. 

In this episode is part one of a longer conversation and is a grounded guide to selling your art in every season (literally and metaphorically).

We’ll talk about the internal seasons we all cycle through—winter (rest), spring (inspiration), summer (creation), and autumn (harvest)—and how understanding those rhythms can transform the way you run your creative business. You’ll get practical insights and encouragement whether you’re gearing up for a launch, deep in the studio, or resting between collections.

Get your free Creative Stability Workbook here
And Join The Collective for just $10!! This is THE monthly membership for Artists and Creatives of all kinds. It is full of tools, community, and coaching to support your art business in every season

The Real Life Artist Way (life updates in and out of the studio)

In this heartfelt solo episode, I’m sharing a little life update from inside my creative world. From painting on the porch in the spring sunshine to opening up commissions for the first time in years, this season feels full of growth, return, and reconnection.

I’ll walk you through what it’s been like working through The Artist’s Way, what’s blooming inside the Making Art Work masterclass (we’re on Week 7!), and a peek behind the scenes as I plan the first-ever Making Art Work Live event this fall.

If you’ve been feeling a pull to return to your creative self, slow down, or simply hear from someone walking the path beside you—you’re in the right place.

 

If this episode resonates, follow the show and leave a review—it helps more creatives find their way here. 💛

 

Get info on the MAKING ART WORK Live Event! I can't wait to see you in real life! https://www.emilyjeffordslearn.com/maw-live