Empowering artists to live creatively and to THRIVE while doing so! A Podcast from Emily Jeffords Studio
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Join me for a real and honest conversation about how to move through the creative process -- from inspiration to mastery. It takes some intentional care to grow a sustainable practice around your creativity. Understanding the very natural flow of ideas is so helpful on that journey.
Inspiration, learn, practice, perfect, improve, master, repeat.
- We also talk about goal-setting. Get the FREE Goal-Setting Workbook HERE.
- I offer tips for nourishing inspiration
- We discuss HOW to take a sabbatical -- practical tips and mindset shifts
- And why "doing it for the process" is crucial to success in your creative work.
I hope 2022 is full of creative flow and that you settle into your process and create some good work.
In March of 2022, consider joining me in Making Art Work if you are ready to see your creative business grow along with your creative practice. Doors open on March 3rd! Learn more HERE.
Please RATE and REVIEW this show if you have a moment. Thank you!
Artists mentioned in this episode: Picasso, Willem de Kooning, and Tanya Val.
Read the rest of this entry »Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Hello dear listener! Before we begin, would you please rate and review this podcast? TY BB!
This episode of going to be a bit raw and real. A lot has evolved in the studio since we last talked.
- I've hired a whole new team (including my husband!).
- We are continuing the things that work while doing our best to weave sustainability into the productivity.
- My creative practice has ebbed and flowed and I'll bring you behind the scenes on that process.
- I'm opening the doors to The Creative Maven Mastermind tomorrow (October 21st)! I am SO EXCITED about offering this year-long mastermind again. If you are craving a space to nourish your dreams, grow your business, and step into greater success, then apply to join us! Applications are open for just under a month.
- Traveling, resting, working on health...
Last summer we talked about burnout (episode 41, August 30th 2020) and the process of healing from Burnout has been slow and constant. A metaphor came to me while expressing how this process feels that I think is helpful.
Our journey happens within a beautiful mountainous landscape. There are meadows, cliffs, valleys...
When you "burn out" you are, essentially falling over the edge of a cliff -- you might fall incredibly far or just a few feet. The recovery time may look different depending on how far you fall and how much energy you have to tap into. Climbing back up the mountainside is just part of the healing process.
The other part is a bit sneaker. We know that falling over the cliff is less than ideal - right? that makes sense. However, we tend to flirt with danger just a bit. Maybe it's the hustle culture. Maybe it's the stack of shoulds and "musts" consistently in our orbit. Maybe it's poor habits formed early... regardless, learning that hovering near the edge of that cliff is not a sustainable way to live. I like to be close to that edge. I like the pace of it, the energy required, the "effort" of it all -- however, health (mental, physical, emotional, relational health) is not possible when near the cliff. People can't come near you. You can't make one wrong move. There is too much at risk.
My focus for 2021 and 2022 is learning to take consistent steps away from the cliff edge and into the safe and gentle spaces of the meadow where I can dance and sing and create without risk or fear. Where there is space to move and take bolder actions because the risks are less extreme if they fail. There are a lot of layers to HOW we can do that as profitable entrepreneurs (we can't just play all day -- though that would be lovely).
Practically, this means hiring a team, establishing boundaries around my energy, setting expectations, being a bit more flexible/generous with deadlines and timelines, and (most importantly) respecting myself enough to care for myself.
If you can resonate with this, you are in good company. We can grow and progress together -- away from the cliff. Just back away from the cliff a little more each day. We can do this. ;)
2020-21 has been exhausting. We're doing so, so well. Now it's time to allow a little ease and healing into our lives.
This is important because when we are nourished we are able to create good and nourishing work. Let your work be big and bold in the world, dear Creative!
LINKS:
- The Creative Maven Mastermind (applications open tomorrow!)
- The Collective: a membership for Creatives Entrepreneurs
- The Collector's Club (for first dibs on the new studio holiday products)!
Monday May 03, 2021
Monday May 03, 2021
I have a VERY special episode for you today: a conversation with Morgan Harper Nichols. Morgan is a writer, artist, poet, singer, and SO much more. She is deeply generous with both her art and in this podcast conversation.
If you want to see Morgan's work, head here to go to her website, shop, and Instagram.
Morgan recommended a song called "Constellations" by Brenden James which you can find here.
Go follow and say "HI" to Morgan -- she really generously showed up for this sweet community during a season that was especially tiring and I'm so grateful for that.
And join The Collective! This space is designed to enable Artists to thrive. Your business is ready for growth. YOU are ready for growth. Let's grow faster and more beautifully together!
DOORS CLOSE ON MAY 4TH.
The Artist's Path to Success workshop is available until tomorrow night (May 4th) as well! It's totally free so go tune in today!
xo, Emily
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Let’s cut right to the chase. We’re here because running a creative business can be confusing.
We fill our studios with stacks of work, our hearts with big dreams, but are offered NO direction when it comes to turning those big dreams into a career.
But NOT anymore. We have big dreams for our creative work and -- GOOD NEWS -- they are valid and totally attainable.
Inside of this episode (which is WAY MORE like a workshop -- get your notebook out), we're going to walk through the exact steps needed to grow your BUSINESS.
LINKS:
- The Collective is OPEN! Just for a few days though. Join us. This space is designed to intentionally empower Creatives to grow.
emilyjeffordslearn.com/collective - The Artist Path to Success Book-- a gorgeous, FREE, 38-page book that will clearly walk you through each step in your progress. You are not walking this path alone.
- Want to WATCH this workshop (we're visual people, right?) Well, you can! This workshop will be live through Tuesday, May 4th, so tune in ASAP!
Let's take a look at The Artist’s Path to Success
STEP 01/ ASPIRATIONAL ARTIST
Ground yourself in creativity. Dedicate your energy to pursuing art. Develop your signature style and vision. Profit: <$
STEP 02/ EMERGING ARTIST
Offer your work to the world. Make sales and feel pride in that process. Dip your toe into thoughtful marketing. Profit: $
STEP 03/ PIONEERING ARTIST
Establish your passion as a business and begin treating it as such. Move into profitability and expansion through purposeful marketing and business moves.
Profit: $$
STEP 04/ AFICIONADO
Maintain your now complex business. Consider new opportunities coming your way. Engage with your devoted audience. Expand mindfully, and let yourself play.
Profit: $$$
STEP 05/ CREATIVE MAVEN
Recognize that your work is impactful and your vision is vast. Collaborate and grow your team. Profit: $$$$
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Making Art Work is open through tomorrow! Join us if you're ready for some massive growth in 2021
But first, let's take it back. In 2010 when I officially began my fine art career I did NOT have an aspirational brand. I didn’t even know I had a brand (though, yes, I did — we all do). I was deeply undervaluing my work, my voice, my efforts, and, in doing so, I was also undervaluing my collectors.
Think about it this way — if someone buys something for their home or themselves, they want to enjoy that thing. It matters to them. They find pleasure in it.
In order to enjoy something, we have to VALUE it.
When you know what you create and WHY it matters, you can easily and naturally share that love with your audience.
So HOW do you elevate your work?
Head consistently in the right direction.
Know WHY you create and why that matters
Understand your works value and aesthetic merits
Recognize the overall impact your work is creating as a whole (this is your brand)
Consistently raise your expectations for what your work can be in the world.
THIS IS A LIFELONG PROCESS
I began my business by selling a $1 painting. I grew from that deeply undervalued place to a creative practice with collectors on every continent, consistently sold-out collections, and a practice that offers me financial and emotional freedom.
LET’S START THAT JOURNEY
Sharing, writing, and talking about your work is never truly easy. It is a vulnerable act of bravery! But, without that bravery, your work is mute. Your work is hidden. And that’s not what it was designed for!
With your why and your vision in mind, think of how to translate that to the world. If this feels overwhelming right now, DON’T WORRY. This is the focus of Making Art Work and I will coach you through this process.
View your brand from the outside. How does your work objectively feel to your ideal customer or collector?
When you share your work with your audience online is your work being elevated and valued?
How about in-person?
There are ALWAYS ways to continually elevate and build-up, and REFINE your work, marketing, and presentation. This is a good thing! It means you get to keep creating and refining!
As you go through this process, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, you are just finding paces to play inside your business!
When needed, give yourself a COMPLIMENT SANDWICH. (it works on others and it works on yourself)
- Give yourself a two compliments + with an improvement in the middle
Remember, sustainability = satisfaction + progress. If you don’t find joy in your work you are going to be burnt out.
Making Art Work is open through tomorrow! Join us if you're ready for some massive growth in 2021
IF YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO SHARE, YOU HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVEN THE CREATIVITY, ENERGY, KNOWLEDGE, & RESOURCES NEEDED TO SHARE IT.
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Let me see if I've got this right:
You create good work (check!)
You know your buyers are out there (somewhere…?)
You know you can sell your work more effectively, but there's something missing. Something isn't working quite right yet, but you can't quite put your finger on it.
I'm going to say a dirty word. You ready?
It's your BRAND.
Yep. You. You have a brand.
I know… It's weird. And feels gross at first.
And also kind of fancy!
BUT, hear me out!
Let's talk about what a brand is before we get all bristly and closed off. A brand is far more than a logo. It is far more than your website. It's not your icons, graphics, images, the tiny alligator on your shirt, the label in your coat…
Your brand is the feeling people experience when they come in contact with your work. How cool is that! Now, allllll the things mentioned above absolutely matter and help to convey your brand, but they are not the brand.
In fact, your brand is anything but stuffy or snobby or slimy. Your brand is beautiful
And now that you know you have a brand, we can work to make it so much more impactful and meaningful!
And now, GO CREATE A BRAND MOOD BOARD! You can share it in our private Facebook Group too!
MAKING ART WORK is opening tomorrow! Check out all the course details and goodness here. Is it right for you? Feel free to reach out with any questions! learn@emilyjeffords.com
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
What does it mean to share your vision with your audience?
How can you trust that your art can speak clearly and effectively in the world?
How can you build up your work so that it is VALUED by the right people?
- Get clear on why your work matters to you
- Look at your work from the outside — is it speaking in the way you intend?
- Learn to convey that value to others
- Define who your ideal audience is and where they feel most comfortable
- Use empathy to share your work effectively
This episode is long, but I recommend grabbing a notebook and settling in! We uncover SO MUCH mindset work and practical advice for you as you GROW.
Links:
Making Art Work -- a 12-week course design to help your creative career THRIVE
Share the Work Video Series -- a free mini-course
Download the free work page for this episode
Want to WATCH this episode? You can! Click here to see me live in my studio! CLICK HERE
Monday Feb 15, 2021
Monday Feb 15, 2021
Today is the first day in the Share the Work Challenge! 5 days of LIVE training (recapped here on the podcast) to help you create a firm foundation for your creative business.
Day one: Clarify your vision and why your work matters
Day two: Conveying that value to your audience
Day three: Up-level your brand vision
Day four: Evaluate + Share + Elevate + Repeat -- And Making Art Work OPENS! Woohoo!
Day five: Do a beautiful, brave thing!
Today we're taking it back to the heart and soul of the matter - Why does your creative work matter TO YOU? Why do you show up in the studio? What meaning is your work bringing into your life?
When you deeply understand that your work is worthy you begin to treat it differently. You begin to elevate it.
When your work is elevated you VALUE YOUR WORK
And then your audience can also VALUE YOUR WORK.
Download the worksheet for today's prompts here.
And join the LIVE Share the Work trainings here. I'll be live each day this week at noon eastern time!
Friday Feb 12, 2021
Friday Feb 12, 2021
There are a lot of lies that rattle around our heads and sink into our hearts -- some are chosen (limiting beliefs we think will keep us safe), some are given to us.
In this video, we dispel these common lies so fast and so completely that their hold on our community will be massively diminished.
Before we dive in, here are a few links you might want!
Join the Share the Work CHALLENGE! It's happening here and in Facebook! Facebook will be the home-base for the content, but I'll also be sharing the prompts here as well.
Want some extra-pretty graphics and images to share on your IG Story?
Here ya go!
Ok, and with that, let's start busting some lies!
Lie No. 1:
Your worth as a human is directly tied to the success of your work
Nope. Don't listen to this sneaky, toxic lie. You are always worthy and beautiful. The success of your work does not play any part in your value, however, I understand why it might feel that way at times. Let’s get to the heart of THAT longing: You want your work to be valued. And it hurts when it’s not. I get it.
And again, let’s get to the heart of the issue:
Any lack of “success” you might be feeling in your work can be very strategically tied to one of three things
An issue with the offer
Is the work good?
Is it resonating with your viewer?
Does it resonate with you?
go back to episode 2 and listen with your whole heart if you sense this might be the issue)
An issue with your AUDIENCE
Are there enough eyes on your work?
Are they the right eyes?
If this area is the issue, work to get your art in front of your idea collectors!
An issue with your marketing
Are you speaking to them in a way that inspires them?
Is the messaging around it effective?
Are your calls to action inspiring and attractive?
If this is the area is the issue, then go back to the 4th video and massive up-level you marketing! You are the best representative your artwork will ever have in this world. Allow your work to the radiant.
Lie No. 2: The artworld is too noisy and my work will not be seen
What makes you different?
The fact that the art world is getting busier is a GOOD THING for creatives
We are reshaping culture — the more artists thriving and active online and offline, the more comfortable and receptive the collector community will be!
Lie No. 3: My creative work could never fund my lifestyle anyways
Back it up: How much money do you need to live? 40k? 100k? 200k?
How many pieces of art or designs or products do you need to create to meet that goal? Break your year down into seasons - how much do you need to create in order to meet your income goals each season
Download The Artist's Year of Growth and simply work out the math, glad the goals, and let your gorgeous work do the rest!
Lie No. 4: My audience is tired of seeing what I’m making
Then why are they following you?
My audience is following me BECAUSE they want to see what I’m creating
How are they showing up when you share your work online and in-person?
They are freaking in love with you!
Lie No. 5: This isn’t dependable
The main reason this lie get’s into our hearts is because we are unsure if we can depend on ourselves.
TRUST ME I KNOW THIS FEELING
Once you learn to trust yourself, your inspiration, your habits, and your goals, you are able to trust your audience as well. They’re here for you — but they want you to lead them into a more beautiful path. SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF but also SHOW UP FOR THEM
Want to make sure you get notified? Join my the Creative's Club Email List and add learn@emilyjeffords.com to your contacts so you're sure to see the email! xox
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Welcome back to the Share the Work Series!
Welcome back! Want to WATCH this podcast episode? Well, you can!
So far we’ve talked about The 3 things you must know to sell art online, how to know if your art is worth selling, and TODAY, I’m sharing 5 super practical, actionable tips that you can use to support your work in the world.
Marketing your art in 2021 is very different than marketing in 2010, 1980, 1800, 1600... We have had to evolve exponentially as Creative Entrepreneurs. We have SO much freedom and creative control over our work and careers. The ability to meet collectors on our own -- the ability to grow and expand our work as we would like... it's all very exciting!
Wondering where you can go to meet all these amazing, elusive collectors?
Let's talk about marketing your work in 2021!
If I were to choose only 5 areas to market, it would be these:
Email Marketing
Make your studio list a vibrant and exciting place. Share behind the scenes, your inspiration, offer a peek inside your studio, stories, and insights... This is an intimate space!
Create a “studio email list” of people that are interested in you + your work
Nurture those people with a beautiful “welcome sequence” — a collection of 2-10 emails that are automatically sent to your subscribers sharing:
Send early access to artwork or collections
Show up on Instagram as a fine artist
Understand why you are there and why you are posting.
Share your work beautifully and consistently: photograph it well (more on this in the Share the Work Challenge — then a LOT more in MAW)
Share your work regularly (1/6 at least)
Pinterest is one of the VERY best places to share your work as a visual creative!
Pins tend to mature over age and offer benefits to your work 1-12 months after they are pinned.
Pinterest ads are also something to consider if you're ready to invest some $$ and thought into marketing.
Pin your work directly to Pinterest from the listing or blog post. Also, pin your Instagram posts! Why not reuse that glorious content?
Work with designers
Reach out to designers in your local community and offer them a trade discount (10-20% off). You can also request or barter for amazing photographs!
I didn't mention this in the video, but you can also with designers to rent your artwork for staged homes. Some wonderful passive income!
Commercial designers: restaurants, offices, hotels...
Go Offline
Find ways to share your work OFF the internet (art shows, galleries, craft fairs...) as we are able moving forward in 2021.
One in-person meeting is worth at least 10 online meetings. Be warm, welcoming, intentional, and get ready to welcome new people into your community!
I hope this video has spurred so many ideas and points of clarity.
If you have enjoyed the Share The Work series, please take a moment to share it on IG!
SHARE ABOUT "SHARE THE WORK" IN YOUR INSTAGRAM STORIES!
I've put together a beautiful bundle of images and graphics for you! Check it out here.
Come back tomorrow for our final video in this mini-series: Breaking the mold: The 5 most hurtful lies artists believe (and 5 ways we can overcome those blocks). Want to make sure you get notified? Join my the Creative's Club Email List and add learn@emilyjeffords.com to your contacts so you're sure to see the email! xox