Do It For the Process from Emily Jeffords

This episode is FULL and detailed. I highly highly recommend downloading the accompanying workbook. It's THOROUGH and beautiful. And join the next LIVE workshop too!    In this episode, we talk about what makes an artist's website effective -- leading to higher sales and more thoughtful engagement by your visitor, audience, and buyers.   A Creative person's website has the chance to tell a story, take the visitor on a journey, but most importantly, ELEVATE YOUR WORK.    Because you are connecting with your collectors online through a series of shiny screens and images, it is so important to connect with your audience. The passion and heart that come naturally from the artist may not translate as effortlessly online. Find a way to bring that extra passion and sincerity to your digital platforms.   Ready for more? DOORS TO MAKING ART WORK open on Thursday! Are you joining us?    Are you a Creative looking to grow a profitable career?If so, you are in the right place. Let’s dismantle the idea of the “Starving Artist.” Join me in my 9-week masterclass, where I teach you everything I know about running a sustainable, professional art business.It's time to make a living with your art. Learn more about MAKING art WORK here.And visit my artist website to see how I put these things in play HERE.

Join the LIVE Share the Work workshop + community HERE And be sure to download the workbook that accompanies this 5-day event.   As an artist, we often hear that creativity isn't a real job -- it's not safe, it's not dependable, it's not lucrative... These thoughts are outdated and limiting at best.    The world is thirsty for beauty and connection. We, as artists, are in the business of creating beauty and connection within our art and within communities.  Your work deserves to be shared, seen, and appreciated. LET IT TAKE UP SPACE - especially online where it's voice can spread far and wide.   over the next 5 days, we're going to get very nerdy and practical as we begin to more boldly share our artwork online -- and GROW OUR ONLINE SALES!   Ready for this?    Learn more about Making Art Work if you are truly ready to grow your studio into a profitable and sustainable business. This 9-week masterclass will guide you through every single aspect of running a thriving studio in 2023 and will set you up for success for years to come. Read the stories of our many alumni here! Their stories are EVERYTHING.    Listening to this episode while MAKING art WORK is closed? Be sure to sign up for the waitlist so you can be the first to know when the doors open up again! 

SHARE THE WORK begins next week! A Free 5-day workshop designed to help you sell more artwork online! & Even more exciting!! MAKING ART WORK opens on August 24th-31st! This 9-week masterclass is going to transform and evolve the way you run and grow your business. I can't wait to get a front-row seat!   Listening to this episode while MAKING art WORK is closed? Be sure to sign up for the waitlist so you can be the first to know when the doors open up again!    Let’s dismantle the idea of the “Starving Artist.” Join me in my 9-week masterclass, where I teach you everything I know about running a sustainable, professional Creative Studio.   In this episode --  Artists often get told that they are pursuing a job, a career, a craft, or a lifestyle... FULL of instability. But is there anything more dependable and sustainable than the generous, rich well of creativity and energy we can draw from within our own bodies and minds?  In this episode, we talk about tapping into that deep well of inspiration and knowing that, because of that deep, rich well, your creativity and energetic reserves are GOOD.   The birthday email I mentioned is here. It's full and BEAUTIFUL.  I read a poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer at the end of this episode, and I want to share it here so you can read along. These words are powerful and sweet The Invitation It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive. It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human. It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, ‘Yes.’ It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here.I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments. by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Get the free workbook  that goes along with this episode! It's beautiful and full of practical advice. With your inspiration, brand, and highest work in mind, listen to this episode, go through the FREE workbook that accompanies this episode, and listen closely to your inspiration and intuition. When an idea piques your interest, invest in it! Consider it! In this episode, we talk about assessing and deciding which ideas are worth your precious, valuable energy, which ones your audience is most excited about, and which to let go of. Diversifying your business is wonderful because you have the opportunity to A) delight your customers B) find inspiration in a fresh place.   DOWNLOAD THE WORKBOOK. I created a beautiful and super practical guide that accompanies this episode. It's very practical and even more clarifying. JOIN SHARE THE WORK -- a free 5 day workshop designed to help you begin sharing and SELLING your work online!   LEARN MORE ABOUT MAKING ART WORK! This 9-week Masterclass is designed to help you grow your studio, profit, and creative reach. It's time to start making a living with your art. Let’s dismantle the idea of the “Starving Artist.” Join me in my 9-week masterclass, where I teach you everything I know about running a sustainable, professional art business.Want to see my very sweet new bunny? We're rather obsessed.  Get the Affirmation Deck -- each card is thoughtfully crafted with an affirmation and beautiful artwork to start you on your creative journey.

A thoughtful listener sent in a question that resonated deeply with this community: "How have you handled the different seasons of your life while maintaining your business?"   As we talk about play and creative freedom, paying attention to sustainability is also incredibly important. There’s a delicate balance that most artists need to find between creative freedom and emotional safety (which also includes financial security).   Listed to my five tips for growing a profitable business while also ENJOYING all of it!   Making Art Work opens soon! JOIN US Check out the Artist Path to Success to learn about your unique creative journey and business growth Come see the art that's making me happiest on Instagram (the videos are BEAUTIFUL!) Visit my studio (virtually) :) The Poem I read by Mary Oliver can be found in this book   

The summer months are full of extra light, energy, joy, and warmth -- they are the perfect months to focus on creativity, but more than that, creative PLAY.  In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating inspiration and energy overflow so that you can give from abundance and create work that is fulfilling in a deep and lasting way.  Creativity thrives when we give ourselves the freedom to play. The studio is your haven, your playground. Let go of expectations, rules, and limitations. Experiment with different techniques, materials, and styles.  Tip this same experimental, free-flowing, playful energy into your business as well! The most impactful offers and products I've created in my business came about because of PLAY. The ideas excited me, the challenge felt new and alive, and I found a joyful energy that made the work fully delightful.    I can't wait to see what you create in this season!    >> In this episode, I shared that Making Art Work is coming back this autumn! Doors open in late August. Let’s dismantle the idea of the “Starving Artist.” Join me in my 9-week signature class, where I teach you everything I know about running a successful creative business.   I also stayed in a beautiful Airbnb, The Forestry House, in Travelers Rest. Definitely a beautiful getaway!   The poem(s) I read in this episode came from the book "Inward" by Yung Pueblo    --- Please take a second to leave a quick review and rate this podcast. I read each review, and they mean so much to me! Also, SHARE THIS EPISODE with a friend or on Instagram Stories! Tag me so I can reshare!    Want to see the artwork I was talking about in this episode? I shared it on Instagram! Come on over and join the IG Community!   

It's been a while. Let's catch back up. Many things in my life have changed, and many are still the same. One thing that has remained the same is that creativity is deeply generous, art has the power to HEAL, and empowering other artists is deeply meaningful and powerful.    I read a poem by my new favorite poet, Andrea Gibson. Check out their work here. And read the poem I read in this podcast on their Instagram.   It is an honor to be back in this space with you! If you're aching for a little more creative community and super valuable education and resources for running your business, join The Collective when the doors open! It's $34 and completely FULL of insight and value.    Xox Emily Jeffords  

I'm doing something brave - scary - generous - loving - needed - luxurious - important - countercultural...  I'm RESTING. Not yet -- right now I'm diving headfirst into Making Art Work and I'm SO excited to nurture and empower the Creative Community in this way. My sabbatical will begin in 2023 and will be focused on creativity, inspiration, rest, writing, and nurturing the parts of my that have been patiently waiting for attention.   I'm so excited.    If you're feeling thirsty for inspiration and creativity, maybe this is your nudge to think about prioritizing those things just a bit.  You don't have to have a sabbatical year -- you could start by carving out 2 hours a week to nourish that part of you. Create a terrarium around your inspiration and walk in it as often as you can.  This big dream is living in you for a reason. Creativity is blooming inside of you because it has found a home there. That's an honor. Elizabeth Gilbert has a theory about inspiration being a living thing that is looking for a receptive home to give it form – YOU are that form. You are that home. You have that ability. And Creativity will never take from you more than it gives.It may give you joy, connection, purpose, money, impact, or a vehicle for change – I think it will give you ALL of the above. Trust it. Honor it. Empower it.    My inbox and DM's have been spilling over with big-hearted creatives eager and nervous about taking the next step in their creative journey – trusting me to walk alongside them. What an honor! Making Art Work is open for enrollment through TOMORROW!   If you're feeling those same nerves, eagerness, readiness, but also a bit of uncertainty, please take some of my confidence. This work is GOOD. YOU can do it. I will help you accomplish big, beautiful things.    xo Emily   @Emily_Jeffords emilyjeffords.com 

Practical Tips to Grow Your Dream Career + Move Past the Lies Welcome to the final episode in the Share the Work series! You can watch all the video trainings + access the workbooks + community here. The more you value the deep creative work you offer, the more your audience will value your work as well. As you progress through your journey, you might find a few “lies” creep onto your path — let’s talk about them and very practically move past them! Learn more about Making Art Work Go to the Share the Work Videos Join our private Share the Work Community Follow @Emily_Jeffords on Instagram  Visit Emily Jeffords' fine art website

Making Art Work is OPEN! Come join me in this transformative creative course. Making Art Work is a 12-week course where I teach Artists and Creatives how to build a soulful, profitable business. I’ve watched hundreds of Alumni sell their high-end creative work consistently, they create collections that are often purchased in minutes, launch products with their dream companies, grow their collector base (way more important than your IG followers), and run profitable, sustainable, multi-passionate events.   Today, we're going to dive into marketing effectively.  Marketing Your Work Effectively and Sustainably Email Marketing Make your studio emails a vibrant and exciting place. This is an intimate space — the perfect place to not only sell your work, but also share behind the scenes, your inspiration, peek inside your studio, stories and insights, and early access to artwork or collections. Social Media Show up on social media as a fine artist, designer, maker, and professional. Share your work beautifully and consistently: photograph it well, bring people into the studio, allow them to get to know your story and brand, and don’t be afraid to share/sell your work! Use the Magic of Pinterest Pinterest is one of the VERY best places to share your work as a visual creative! Users come to Pinterest as a way of gathering inspiration, ideas, aesthetics, and to find products — sounds perfect, right? Pin your work directly to Pinterest from your website, listing, social media, and/or blog post. 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 in real life – OFF the internet. This could be at art shows, galleries, craft fairs, wholesale your work in shops, and be known in your community. The connections you can make in-person are so much greater and more effective for both marketing and for sales. 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!   Learn more about Making Art Work Go to the Share the Work Videos Join our private Share the Work Community Follow @Emily_Jeffords on Instagram  Visit Emily Jeffords' fine art website

This is the third episode in the Share the Work Series and things are getting more practical by the day!   Remember, You bring the VALUE to your work.   Now we’re going to talk about all the aesthetic elements that surround your work and think through how they communicate your brand message. As the creator, you also get to create an elevated brand.  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 inside of your coat. YOUR BRAND IS THE FEELING PEOPLE EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR WORK. And now that you know you have a brand, let’s discuss how you can refine and elevate your brand.   Learn more about Making Art Work Go to the Share the Work Videos Join our private Share the Work Community Follow @Emily_Jeffords on Instagram  Visit Emily Jeffords' fine art website

One of the first challenges we have as artists are finding "the right" audience for our work. Before you can expect to attract customers, you have to understand what your work is saying as it is active and living in the world. In this episode, I'll help you DEFINE YOUR WORK Outward expression & aesthetics of the vision 01/ Keep imposter syndrome to a minimum - honor the beauty and importance of what you have created. 02/ Get clear on why your work matters to you 03/ Look at your work from the outside; is it speaking in the way you intend? 04/ How are you conveying the value of your work to others? I recommend good photography, speaking about it well, consistently and effectively sharing your work in your soulful marketing, and making it easily accessible to your ideal audience. 05/ Define who your ideal audience is and where they feel most comfortable. 06/ Determine how to use empathy to share your work effectively.   Learn to evaluate your work honestly, treat it with respect, and elevate it so others can value it too! Honestly, this episode feels a little vulnerable to share, but I'm doing it because I trust that when creatives thrive, we ALL thrive. Learn more about Making Art Work Go to the Share the Work Videos Join our private Share the Work Community Follow @Emily_Jeffords on Instagram  Visit Emily Jeffords' fine art website

Welcome to Share the Work 2022! Each day this week, we're going to explore ways that YOU can honor your creative process and share your work beautifully and intentionally with the world. The first step in growing a profitable creative business and sharing your work is: Creating work that you find valuable -- and then creating work that sells!  As you begin to grow a business around your creativity, understanding the heart and soul of your inspiration and practice is so important. The beauty that comes out of you first begins inside of you — and that beauty (and by that I mean, meaningful work) is deeply valuable. When you feel confident & empowered, you are able to SHARE YOUR WORK generously with the world. Learn to evaluate your work honestly, treat it with respect, and elevate it so others can value it too! Honestly, this episode feels a little vulnerable to share, but I'm doing it because I trust that when creatives thrive, we ALL thrive. Learn more about Making Art Work Go to the Share the Work Videos Join our private Share the Work Community Follow @Emily_Jeffords on Instagram  Visit Emily Jeffords' fine art website

THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO SHINE! I know that sounds cheesy, but honestly, if you decide that it is true, then it IS.    Look at the year as a whole and be open to all sorts of wild ideas. You KNOW you can overcome anything. Don’t allow any limiting beliefs in at this point. Projects, collections, collaborations, events…nothing is off-limits to you. You have full creative control over your ambitions & efforts.   Download the Goal Setting Workbook HERE and begin transforming the year into something remarkable. Ready to see some massive growth in your creative business? Join me in Making Art Work on March 3rd! Your creative work is about to grow into something even more beautiful.    xo, Emily Jeffords emilyjeffords.com @Emily_Jeffords

Welcome to 2022! Being an artist is one of the most fulfilling vocations on earth, but, let’s be honest, it isn’t the easiest career (especially without clear a clear vision for how to accomplish your goals)! HERE’S THE DEAL, YOUR DREAMS DON’T COME TO LIFE BY CHANCE. THEY COME TO LIFE WHEN YOU CLARIFY YOUR VISION, TRUST THE BEAUTY INSIDE OF YOU AND AIM TOWARDS A GOAL.   Download the Goal-Setting Workbook HERE and begin transposing your vision and dreams into reality!    Ready to really take those dreams up a level? Join Making Art Work 2022! Learn more about the course and all the goodness it holds HERE.    xo, Emily Jeffords emilyjeffords.com @Emily_Jeffords