Artist Life With Rafi And Klee

Leveling Up As An Artist

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss ways an artist can level up their art career and why that is so important. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

Art Show And Festival Fails

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss different shows we have done and what went wrong. In this podcast, we share some best practices, but also some entertaining stories. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

Talent Vs Skill In The Art World

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the ideas and concepts behind Talent and skill. We demystify the whole concept and talk about what really matters. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

Pricing Your Art And Creations

In this podcast, Klee and I delve into the ever-perplexing world of art pricing. Believe me, I understand the struggles and confusion that come with it. But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way.  Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

What Inspires Your Creativity?

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss creative inspiration and where it come from. We talk about the different things that inspire our art and the motivation to keep going in this crazy thing called an art career. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

The Art Of Selling Art

In today's Podcast, we'll be discussing the art of selling art. I believe 100% of the art of selling art happens on the back end, not the front end. This means that everything you do to prepare your art is more important than what the customer experiences when they see it.

The first step in preparing your art is making it to the best of your ability. It's essential to create something you're passionate about and genuinely excited to share with others. This passion makes it easier to talk about your art and helps you connect with potential customers. Conversely, creating something because you think it will sell is not likely to work.

The next step is preparing your presentation. You should take beautiful pictures or videos that showcase your art's texture, scale, and context. Make sure you're presenting it in a way that does it justice. Spending time photographing, editing, and mixing your art is worth it.

Social media is an excellent platform to share your art, but keeping it as a record is essential. It's also important to understand that not every post will lead to a sale, but it's an excellent way to build your brand and engage with your audience.

In conclusion, selling art is more about the back end than the front end. Preparing your art and presentation with passion and care is crucial to selling art successfully. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

How People Find Your Art Website

In this podcast. Klee and I discuss how we get people to remember that our website exists. It is easy to feel like your website is out in internet Syberia, but there is always a way to bring some sunshine and cast a light on your site. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

How We Deal With Creativity Critics

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss creativity critics. These art critics side-seat you and have unsolicited advice on what you are doing. To find out more about us, visit www.rafiandklee.com 

Embrace Your Awkward Side As An Artist

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss embracing your awkward side as an artist. Believe it or not, this is a superpower. find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

Production Mode Versus Creativity Mode For Artists

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss being in creative or production mode as an artist. We'll share how we approach it and how our approach has changed over the years, depending on our career stages.

As artists, various stages occur when working on a new project. First comes the inspired stage, where we might see or hear something that sparks an idea. Then comes the gestation stage, where we sketch it out or just let the idea marinate in our minds. Finally, there's the creative stage where we get to work, and it's here that we may feel like we're "wrestling" with the canvas, toiling away until we bring our vision to life.

Back when I wasn't creating as much art, every work of art felt like a struggle, like I was wrestling with the canvas. But when I started doing shows and markets every weekend, I quickly realized I didn't have time to hem and haw. I needed more work to sell, pushing me to work more confidently and quickly.

I found it useful to have more than one piece in the studio, which is how I operate in the music studio. Having more than one project going allows me to switch things up when I start feeling ear fatigue, eye fatigue, or brain fatigue. When I'm struggling with something, I might set it aside and work on something new for a while. Eventually, something will pop into my brain, and I'll return to the original piece with fresh ideas and renewed energy.

This approach has helped me work more efficiently instead of struggling with one piece for days. It's also the same approach I take with production line work. I can move from one to the other when I'm working on several pieces simultaneously, with different themes and styles. But I approach them similarly when I'm working on a series of similar pieces. I chunk the work and move through it with a focus on efficiency.

So, what's the takeaway here? Being in creative or production mode is finding what works for you. There's no one right way to do it. Some artists might need more time in the gestation stage, while others might thrive on the excitement of starting something new. The key is to experiment, figure out what works best for you, and then use that knowledge to help you create more efficiently and confidently.

Remember, there's no need to struggle or wrestle with the canvas. Art is meant to be enjoyed, so find your flow and enjoy the journey.

Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

How We Choose Our Art Events, Festivals, And Competitions

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss how we choose the competitions, art festivals, markets, and events that we do. We consider a few factors when selecting an event and why we want to do it. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

How To Use Social Media As An Artist

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss how to use social media as an artist. Social media can be a big headache but we have found a way to share what we do without being bogged down by it. Most importantly, we discuss why it is important for your creativity to use social media and not have it use you. To find out more about us go to www.rafiandklee.com 

How To Never Give Up Art

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss never giving up as an artist and why persisting is so essential. We also discuss our journey and what matters when pursuing an art career. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

The Fear Of Putting Your Art Out In The World

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the reality of putting your art into the world and the hurdles and fear it brings. The truth is that none of this is easy, but that is part of the journey. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Set Boundries As An Artist

In this Live-Podcast, Klee and I discuss setting boundaries as an artist. We also discuss the importance of having boundaries and what it means to set them with others. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Being An Artist And Doing Taxes

In this podcast, Klee and I detail what we think about when doing our federal income taxes for our art business. We are not tax professionals, but we do our own taxes and have our own system based on years of working with tax professionals. Please contact a tax professional in your state before applying any of the tips discussed in this podcast. You can find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

When Your Art Career Discourages You

This podcast discusses what to do when your art and motivation discourage you from moving forward in your art career. To find out more about us, go to www.rafiandklee.com

Juggling Your Art Career, Life, And When You May Need To Reset

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss managing our careers as artists and our lives. We also discuss big changes and when a reset may be due. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

When You Get Ghosted In Your Art Career

In this podcast, Klee and I talk about being ghosted by a client or potential customer when they are purchasing art and how we deal with it. To find out more about us, go to www.rafiandklee.com 

How To Trust Yourself In Your Art Career

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the importance of trusting yourself with your art career. To find out more about us go to www.rafiandklee.com

Where Do We Find Art Collectors

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss how it is that we go about finding art collectors. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

Juggling Art, Life, And Creative Business

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss juggling creative projects, the art business, and life and not losing your mind. It is always a work in progress, but one that could lead to burnout if you are not careful. Find out more about Rafi and Klee at www.rafiandklee.com

Multiple Streams Of Income For Artists

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the different seasons that artists can go through when it comes to the sales of your art. We also discuss our income percentage with the multiple income streams we use to sustain our artistic life. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Pricing Your Art At Different Art Venues

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss how to price art and some best practices we've used throughout the years for showing art at different venues. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Putting Your Art In Local Businesses And Juggling Relationships

In this podcast, Klee and I talk about approaching local businesses with your art and how to juggle relationships with the personalities that run the businesses. We will discuss best practices and how to view the whole situation. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Where Do I Get Started Or Head In A New Direction With My Art

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss where to get started, how to evolve, and how to grow in your art. We also discuss

Audrey's question.

Hi! I’m a little shy to ask this, but I’ve decided to ask it anyways. After using acrylic paints in coloring books, I discovered that I liked them and decided to start making my paintings. I must admit that after opening this door, I feel a little lost because I’m not sure where or how to start. I’ve found an artist that I like that has a lot of tutorials. I’m guessing it would be nice to follow them to help me learn, but it won’t help me get into the habit of creating my pieces. At the same time, when I try to create something on my own, it ends up like a child's painting.  I would love to paint intuitively, but my intuition isn’t developed enough. So my questions would be:

1-Is it ok to follow tutorials when you’re just starting?

2-Are there other ways to improve my art? 

(I feel like if I keep painting like a child, again and again, it won’t improve)

 

To find out more about Rafi and Klee visit www.rafiandklee.com

How To Push Past Creative Art Block

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the creative block and the many reasons we can get stuck. We will discuss how to overcome those moments where you are just not feeling it. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Can You Take A Vacation As An Artist?

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss whether an artist needs a vacation from creating art. We dive deep into our thoughts on taking a vacation and turning every day into a vacation in life. You can find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Don’t Give Up As An Artist

In this podcast, I talk about discouragement and why you should keep going as an artist and punch self-doubt in the face. If you want to know more about us, visit www.RafiandKlee.com

Should I Create Books As A Visual Artist?

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss changing your business name on social media, Youtube branding channels, and whether we think releasing books as a visual artist is a good idea. You can find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

Fun Alternatives To Putting Your Art Out There

In this podcast, Klee and I will discuss some of our best practices in starting an art career. We will touch on some of the best places and techniques we have used to get our art out there. Find out more about Rafi and Klee at www.rafiandklee.com

Artist Promotion And Gimmicks

In this Podcast, Klee and I will discuss ways to promote yourself and the difference between gimmicks and promoting. We will also discuss how to promote yourself online and offline. Find out more about Rafi and Klee at www.rafiandklee.com

Aliens, Mothman’s Sexiness, And Starting An Artist Podcast

In this podcast, Klee and I will discuss why and how we started a podcast for artists. Why we think it is important to share your voice. Aliens and Mothman sexiness. Hold on, this is going to be a ride. To find our more about Rafi and Klee visit www.rafiandklee.com

How To Balance Art And Business

In this podcast, Klee and I will discuss how we balance our creativity with the business side of being an artist. We will talk about how we prioritize things and what seems to matter most. We brainstorm ideas to make money while traveling and more. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

The Free Public Art Movement

In this podcast, Klee and I will discuss our opinions on leaving art around in public spaces for people to find. To find out more about us visit www.RafiandKlee.com

How Do You Deal With Other Artists Who Are Challenging

In this Podcast, Klee and I will discuss times when other artists may be challenging to deal with and how we handle certain situations. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

How To Juggle A Side Hustle With Your Creative

In this podcast, Klee and I will discuss avoiding the burnout that can come from juggling a job and your creative career. We will also discuss using new mediums and experimenting to get the creativity flowing. Find out more about Rafi and Klee at https://rafiandklee.com/

Are You Too Young Or Old To Pursue Art

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss a question we received about being too old to pursue an art career and the stigma that revolves around age. Find out more about us at www.RafiandKlee.com

When You Work In Different Art Mediums

In this podcast, Klee and I will discuss working in different mediums. We will talk about how to balance, promote, and label your art when putting yourself out there. We will also discuss how to confront the perception that certain mediums are considered a craft and not art. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com 

Growing An Audience For Your Art

In this podcast, Klee and I are going to discuss growing an audience and getting people interested in what you’re doing. We will also discuss how to meet your peeps. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

 

Being To Tired To Create Art

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss feeling tired and how we approach our creative projects when we are. Find out more about us at www.rafiandklee.com

How To Get Your Art Career Off The Ground

In this Podcast, Klee and I are going to discuss how we got started in our art career and what we recommend to any awesome creative that wants to get their art career off the ground. Find out more about Rafi and Klee at www.rafiandklee.com

Sharing Art During Difficult Times Is Important

In this Podcast, Klee and I will be discussing the importance of artists and what they bring to the grand scheme of things in the world. You can find out more about us at https://rafiandklee.com/

Building A Better Stickman And Pursuing Your Art Career

In This podcast, Klee and I are going to answer a question about changing habits in order to change how you face the art world. We face many challenges, but most of them are overcome by how you choose to face them. Let’s build a better stick man or woman. Find Out More About Us At https://rafiandklee.com/

How To Promote Your Art Studio Event

In this Podcast, Klee and I will discuss different ways that we have promoted any time we are showing our art. Whether it is an open studio, gallery show, or Yard and Art sale, we always go all in. Find out more about us at https://rafiandklee.com/

The Power Of Adaptability As An Artist

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss the superpower of being adaptable as you pursue your art career. Learn more about us at https://rafiandklee.com/

Creating Your Space When Selling Your Art

In this Podcast, Klee and I discuss the idea of creating your own space when selling your art. You as the artist are powerful and create your own domain that people enter into. Find out more about Rafi and Klee at https://rafiandklee.com/

Getting Out Of Starving Artist Mode Live Podcast

In this Live Podcast, Klee and I will discuss the evolution of our mentality from Starving Artist to Thriving Artist. We will respond to an email from a fellow artist who took the plunge last year to being a full-time artist and is coming up against some obstacles that may force her back to work. Join us for this live podcast. Find out more about us at https://rafiandklee.com/

Getting Back Into Your Creative Groove

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss big changes in our lives and how we are getting back into our creative groove. Every artist is going to experience big changes in life and it is important to remember that evaluating and moving forward with the new scope of life is ultimately what matters. This is the return of our podcast! You can find out more about Rafi and Klee at https://rafiandklee.com/

What It Means To Live An Artist Life

In this podcast, I discuss what it means to me to live an artistic life as a full-time creative and why persistence is so important. To find out more about us go to www.rafiandklee.com.