Do It For the Process from Emily Jeffords

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.  ----more---- Thank you for joining me today! As always, you can find me, Emily Jeffords, over on Instagram and my artwork on my website: emilyjeffords.com Instagram: @Emily_Jeffords

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!

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

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:

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 beautifulAnd 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 

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    

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 mattersDay two: Conveying that value to your audienceDay 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 WORKAnd 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!   

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 workNope.  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 thingsAn issue with the offerIs 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 AUDIENCEAre 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 marketingAre 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 seenWhat makes you different?The fact that the art world is getting busier is a GOOD THING for creativesWe 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 anywaysBack 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 makingThen why are they following you?My audience is following me BECAUSE they want to see what I’m creatingHow 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 dependableThe 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    

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 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

How do you know if your work is "worth selling"?  In this video, I break down exactly how I evaluate my work, my collections, and my voice in the world.   While this title might sound intimidating, keep listening!  I think you're going to find that your creativity WANTS TO REWARD YOU.  It wants you to be successful.  It wants to live boldly and beautifully in the world.     10 tips for evaluating your work Does it resonate with you? Does the concept excite you? Can you sit with it in peace for a few moments? Did it feel good to create on an emotional and physical level? Did you enjoy the creative process? Were your motives pure in the creation phase?  If you are creating from a place of peace and abundance, the work will reflect that. Do you enjoy living around the work? If I can spend time with the work then I am proud to sell it Does it feel true to your vision, worldview, and voice? With all the history you have accumulated as an observer, how does this match up? Is it a rough first attempt? Is it a masterpiece? Something in the middle? Does it feel different from everything else you've seen?  We’re all drawing from the same big, beautiful pot of inspiration. However, draw upon that inspiration from your own perspective.  Pursue originality! It is worth the struggle, learning curve, and the pursuit of purity!   WHEN YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR WORK YOU CAN TAKE GREATER RISKS  I would love to hear how you have taken risks in your studio!  Some days, just showing up feels risky enough -- other days creating something new or larger or a different subject matter can feel like a heroic act.  ;)    Need more support as you grow your creative work AND your creative business?  Making Art Work opens on the 18th!   "This course [Making Art Work] was so unbelievably comprehensive, it really didn’t miss the mark on anything. My website is new and stunning and I feel like I have all the tools to kickstart this adventure immediately. In fact, a few weeks into the course I decided to quit my day job. Thanks to the course I have a plan and I’m feeling confident in myself in a way I never did before." -- Maria Wigge   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

Welcome back!  Want to WATCH this podcast episode?  Well, you can!     Today we're taking our very first step into creating a Creative Brand and Career that is elevated, thoughtful, and totally, completely ATTRACTIVE.   Whether this is your first month as a "Creative Entrepreneur" or your 20th year, this video will offer you space to contemplate your work, your brand, and your vision so that you can refine everything.     THREE THINGS YOU MUST KNOW TO SELL YOUR WORK (online and offline)  1. Your website is your gallery, but start simple. Less is more and the most important thing is that you share your gorgeous work with the world. Don’t let a website hold you back (that’s what MAW is for — hint hint) 2. Your collectors won’t find you unless you invite them into your space (marketing your website, social presence, art shows, craft fairs, gallery shows, email marketing… use your compelling storytelling, showing up on behalf of your work because it is worth your support and love). 3. Your work will only be attractive if you are actively attracting people to your work (clarifying your story, brand vibe + aesthetic)   Spend some time with these three areas of your business (and yes, if you are an artist who hopes to sell her work, you absolutely have a business.  Don't let that shiny word intimidate you!)    Consider each area individually and fine one place that needs a little refinement: Your work's presence in the world (via your website, art shows, IG, Etsy... wherever you share your work)  Your marketing efforts (no one will find your work unless you actively invite them to do so). The attractiveness of your work.  And I don't mean "prettiness" -- I mean how well is your work aligning with your vision?  And is your vision aligning with your collectors and buyers?     This is a short video, but it is FULL of ideas that can change everything for you and for your career!  They certainly have changed my life!   Come back tomorrow!  We're discussing how you know when your art is "good".  I'll share some honest and thoughtful tips for evaluating your work and building your business around the pieces that truly SHINE.     Join the Share The Work Facebook group!  It's a hoppin' place full of amazing Creatives and Artists!    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.    Want to make sure you get notified of each video and lesson?  Join my the Share the Work Email List and add learn@emilyjeffords.com to your contacts so you're sure to see the email!  xox

Welcome to Share the Work!  If you would like to WATCH this video (and series) click right here. It's free.  It's beautiful.  It's nourishing in all the ways.     This first video is the intro + perfect warm-up and a gentle reminder of what really matters as we dive deeper into running a creative BUSINESS.  We'll get into more depth and practical goodness, but I want to start here, with a reminder that your creative work is beautiful and worth your love and energy.       By the end of our time together you will feel empowered and excited to share your work in the most vibrant and passionate way possible.    Over the next four days we’re going to dive into: 3 things you must know to sell art online How do you know if your art is worth selling? 5 ways to share your work and get the attention of collectors Breaking the mold: The 5 most hurtful lies artists believe (and 5 ways we can overcome those blocks). I suspect that, because you’re here, you create beautiful work that you are proud of and want others to appreciate.  You are a little tired of artwork stacking up around your studio or in the corner of your spare bedroomYour creative vibe is THRIVING but your business is witheringIf you have a creative business, you wonder HOW LONG will this thing keep sustaining me? Can I really make this a life-long career?HERE’S THE DEAL:Beautiful creative careers don’t happen by accident.Vibrant creative businesses are crafted and designed and there are enormous amounts of LOVE poured into them. Intentional planning Listening to your energy Knowing that your inspiration is dependable and that it WILL show up Serving your collectors and community so well that they will support you in kind I want you to leave out time together feeling so connected to and confident in your work that you are proud to share it with the world (ps. this is marketing - and it’s fun) Stop holding back your work! Allowing your work to shine in the world not only leads to more attention, customers, and collectors, but it leads to more BEAUTY and LOVE in the world.  Share your passion and heart as freely and as elegantly as you are able and I guarantee you will be met with so much joy and success.     Come back tomorrow when we will dive into: 3 Things You Must Know to Sell Your Artwork Online     Are you enjoying "Share the Work"?  Do me a favor and share it in your IG Story!  I've made it SO easy for you!  Click the graphic below and choose the graphic that appeals most to you!    -- CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR IMAGES --  And yes, they're beautiful...  ;)     

Before we begin, a few things to make you aware of: Share The Work begins on MONDAY!  Join us in this 5-part video series designed to help Artists and Creatives gain clarity and understand how beautiful this creative career can be Download the workbook that accompanies this episode HERE.  The Creating Collections Workbook Making Art Work opens for enrollment on the 18th!  This 12-week course empowers you to dramatically grow your creative career.  It's been described as an MBA for Artists and I have to agree.  ;)  And now, let's dive into this episode!   How creating artwork in collections has changed my career.     I am living proof that creativity works best in flow! YOU GET TO SPEND DEDICATED TIME ENVISIONING GATHERING INSPIRATION PAINTING and CREATING, PRODUCING PHOTOGRAPHING LISTING SELLING PACKAGING SHIPPING… Working in Collections is a beautiful way of protecting your energy and keeping everything fresh and healthy.       

2020 was QUITE the year. As it comes to an end, I love reflecting on the year, tying a tidy bow on all our projects, bookkeeping, stats and analytics…. It's amazing how much you can accomplish in a year.    Want to SEE these numbers and get links to all the resources listed?  Here ya go!    The Education Shop is open!  Click HERE to get all the goodness and links and JOIN US!   2021 is the year of Creative Growth.  

Everything shifted for me and for my business when I figured out this one key concept.  Find something to elevate.  Every day.  Even today.     How can you take your beautiful ideas and share them more clearly, make them a tiny bit more elegant, bring that extra bit of "special" to them?  This one idea will take you from 0-100 faster than anything else AND it helps to keep this career exciting and fresh forever.      Elevating your work is a huge focus inside of Making Art Work.  If you feel like you're ready to grow your business, I HIGHLY recommend this course.  It will equip you to move into the rest of your career fully and confidently in 12-short weeks.   Join us in February!  EmilyJeffordsLearn.com    Need some help editing your own photos?  I got you!  I created two sets of presets just for Artists and Creatives!  Get the presets here.    Your work is beautiful. It brings light and joy to those who see it.And who doesn’t want to share light and joy this holiday season? This series is dedicated to sharing TWELVE ways that you can find more clarity, more profit, more sales, and more JOY this season!    Subscribe and SHARE this podcast!  If you would like some beautiful graphics to share with your pals or on your IG Stories, well, here ya go!    GRAPHICS + IMAGES FOR YOU!   Get the BOOK!  In this 36 page guide, we will cover every aspect of running a thriving, profitable, and sustainable holiday season. This guide is written and design by an artist for artists.  $10 and applicable year after year. EMILYJEFFORDSLEARN.COM/HOLIDAY   Want to see some amazing beauty?  The Collective Holiday Pop Up is OPEN!  Come on by and check it out!  The Collective Pop Up features the work of 82 Creatives and there is something for everybody.   Visit the Collective Pop Up