Do It For the Process from Emily Jeffords

Whew!  We're nearly there.  It's almost time to stuff some stockings and eat fruit cake -- the holiday sales season is wrapping up soon!   I first shared this exercise with The Collective (a mentorship I offer for creatives and artists) but I wanted to share it with you too!        Regardless of how you are taking on this season (aiming for record sales goals or sitting this one out) the energy in the air can be a bit much sometimes.  Am I right?   And here's a little secret for you: the energy you feel affects your work.  And the energy you bring to your creative process affects the quality of the work.  And the energy you feel towards your work affects its success in the world.   Did you follow all of that?   It's a whole cycle of input and output and if you are not keeping yourself well balanced the cycle fails.     So we're going to take a moment in the middle of all the hubbub and come back to the heart of it all.  Now.  In the craziness.  Because this is when we need it most.     This creative prompt is a simple one -- but I know that it will also be transformative!   Give yourself 1-2 hours of creative time for this project (more if needed) and get ready to feel free! There are four parts.  Ready? Daydream.  Don't let yourself to go the studio for at least an hour (you can wait up to a week or so if needed).  During this time, envision what you will create.  Get a clear piece of inspiration (this is not another artist's work -- this is your own pure inspo gathered through thought and magic).  ;)  What colors will you use?  What medium?  How detailed will it be?  What size?  What will you listen to while creating?  What will you think about?   Get detailed with your daydream!   Set the tone for your creative space.  Clear an area of your studio or table so you can focus, turn on the right music, light a candle, set the mood.   Set an intention.  Give yourself 30 seconds.  Quiet your mind.  Say "I will create something good today."  "I will allow something beautiful to happen."  Repeat as often as needed until you feel it deep down. CREATE.  Not for a buyer.  Not for sales.  Not to prove anything.  Not to add to your collection... just because, for the next hour or two, your hand and your brain deserve to be celebrated.  Let them play.  Get your ambitions and ego out of the way (they are useful at a different time) and see what beauty your body will make in this space.     Create with positivity and love for yourself and your art and just see what beauty will come of it!   I often think of this practice as a creative cleanse.  If you create something pretty, that's awesome, but THAT IS NOT THE GOAL.  The goal is to reconnect your hands, heart, and mind and to let your body know that it is allowed to be free.     This is not woo-woo.  This is psychology.  The more you can learn to trust your body and mind to work in harmony the more you will be pleased with the results you get when you create.      Afterward:  Hop over to Instagram and check out the hashtag #EJCollectiveCreative.   This is where The Collective Students are sharing their creative work and it is a DELIGHT to behold.       But, remember, do it for the process (not the likes) ;)    xo, Emily Jeffords emilyjeffordslearn.com

The holidays are (nearly) here and it's time for your creativity to SHINE!  In this episode, I share 5 tips that will majorly increase your holiday sales: 1. Think of your website like a storefront.  Make it beautiful, tidy, enchanting, and easy to navigate. 2. Be consistent and constant.  Remember that, during normal times of the year, if you say something five times, your audience is just beginning to hear you. During the holidays I recommend saying something at least 7 to 10 times in order to be heard!  It might feel like too much to you, but it doesn't feel that way to your customers. 3. Photography, photography, photography!  You can do it yourself or hire a pro, but having good photos is really the only way to stay in business these days. 4. Offer a variety of price points to meet a variety of your customer's needs 5. Make your gifting easy. Curated collections, suggestions for different people, bundles…   BONUS: find joy in the season.  You really have to store up energy and bring it during this time of year, but remember, your audience can sniff out disingenuous emotion!   Store up your energy, nourish yourself, and when you show up, be radiant.    LINKS and RESOURCES: The Collective, The Artist's Success Path @Emily_Jeffords on Instagram Creative Retreats, Willow Gathering

Welcome to part two of our creating authentic art conversation: What do you do when someone COPIES your work?    I'm coming to you from Europe today but before we begin this episode, go download the FREE GUIDE TO SELL YOUR OWN WORK. “How to Sell Art Online” https://www.emilyjeffords.com/howtosellart This guide is going to make the whole process of bringing your work to the world clear and inspiring.   Two weeks ago we talked about ways to create authentic art that is pure and from YOUR inspiration     Before we dive into this too far, we need to lay a foundation:  EVERYTHING IS A REMIX Everything builds on something that came before. Acknowledge the massive amount of inspiration that went into the formation, creation, and execution of your own work. You and I are part of a long, long lineage of artists building on ideas and working within mediums. What an honor!     Thoughts travel at the speed of light in our connected world If your ideas are good, and if you share them (which you should) they WILL travel around at lightning speed and they WILL inspire others.   If your ideas are resonating with you, chances are they will also resonate with something else   This often leads to purchases and buyers and collectors But it can (and probably will) mean that you also inspire other creatives.   THIS IS A GOOD THING   In order to make any measurable impact on the creative landscape your work WILL impact others   We’re all inspiring each other all the time, and if that includes you and your work, it means your doing something really meaningful.   The collective unconscious has become the collective CONSCIOUS as we become more and more interconnected     Ok, but don’t miss hear me: I’m not saying “if people copy your work you should be thrilled!”  No…. not exactly.    As the creator of your work you are also in charge of protecting your work.   This is not an act of selfishness or fear. This is an act of valuing and honoring your work and asking others to do the same.    Don’t hide your work feel the need to keep it behind a tall wall.  The energy in your work wants to be shared.  It wants to be seen and loved and a source of light to others.  Keeping it behind closed doors or hiding it behind a giant watermarked image doesn’t allow it to sing.       If you don’t stand up for the integrity of your work who will? If you don’t preserve the value and preciousness of your work then who will? Especially if you are a fine artist or an independent designer… the value of your work is your lifeline - and by proxy, your creative work’s lifeline (if you feel stolen from and abused your work suffers most of all).   Innovate.  Always.   In the episode, we talk about practical ways to talk with people who are "copying" your work -- give it a listen if this is a subject that impacts your work.    XO Emily Jeffords      

Having been in the creative world for quite a few years with a pretty wide audience, I've had the "honor" (lol) of having my work copied many, many times.   In this episode, I get into why copying someone's work is harmful to not only the original artist but also for the person who is being heavily inspired.   We also get into mental shifts and practical tips for creating good, authentic, ORIGINAL art that is going to help your work thrive.  Creating work you are proud of and that speaks from your point of view and personal aesthetic leads to great success in your career.   This topic is sensitive, and I want to approach it with love and understanding, but I also want our industry to grow and improve, and the only way we can do that is by exposing our wounds and allowing them to heal.   Keep creating good work.  XO   Learn more about Emily Jeffords: www.EmilyJeffords.com www.EmilyJeffordsLearn.com  www.instagram.com/emily_jeffords     

Shouldn't we be competing?  Shouldn't we keep everything locked away and behind closed doors?  What if I were to tell you that honesty and transparency in your creative business could be the key to your success?  What if I were to tell you that it was my key to success?  Would you go for it?     In this episode we hear from 6 women who have been a vibrant and powerful part of my creative community: Jan McCarthy (http://www.janmccarthy.com/) Jennifer Allevato (https://jenniferallevato.com) Katherine Corden (https://katherinecorden.com/)  Lucy Reiser (http://lucyreiser.com/) Joyce Chiang (https://www.shopjoycechiang.co/) Sarah Bourne Rafferty (https://www.atwaterdesigns.com/)    After these beautiful artists share their perspective, I dive into the benefits of Community and some ideas to help you form your own.     Rate + Review this podcast if you have a second!  I will love you forever. And share it on your IG stories!   xox

Yes, you read that correctly.  A path that your creative career can move and evolve through so that you can just create and rest in the knowledge that you and your business are exactly where you need to be!   Where does your business fall right now? Hobbyist, Emerging Artist, Pioneering Artist, Aficionado, and Creative Maven.   Learn SO much more about each phase in the booklet and video series.     Join us on this journey at EmilyJeffordsLearn.com.  You can find all the links to the success path right on the homepage.  

Oooo!  I LOVE this conversation.  Today we're discussing what it means to be an "expert", when you can call yourself one, and how you can up-level really, really quickly.     I'm coming to you from my home studio and this podcast includes a little painting as well!   This episode is sponsored by "The Collective; my brand new, totally beautiful membership for artists and creative entrepreneurs.  Enrollment opens August 20th.  Learn more at emilyjeffordslearn.com/collective

Coming back to your creative work can be harder than one might expect.  Whether you took a week off for vacation or 20 years to raise a family, your creative work is calling to you, but what do you do when you feel unsure in the process?  I'm speaking on this topic from experience today!  links mentioned in this episode: www.emilyjeffordslearn.com www.emilyjeffordslearn.com/collective     

So excited to announce that Season 2 of the Do It For the Process Podcast is returning next Wednesday!    This season is going to be full of good conversations and honest discussion on creative life and entrepreneurship.      See you then!  xo

Instagram is one of the platforms I LOVE most -- and that is, in large part, due to Instagram Stories!  Instagram Stories bring community and friendship to the platform.  It allows us to connect on a more human and personal level and brings the intimacy of the creative practice right into the hearts and minds of our audience.     In this podcast I offer 5 tips for using this platform really well.  Download the guide here. 

Can artists make it on their own?  I mean, really.  We are supposed to be dependent on others and suffering and starving... but no.  Nope.  I'm having none of that.  In this episode, we get into the mindset shifts needed to create a sustainable creative career.     Visit EmilyJeffordsLearn.com to find out more about the podcast, Emily Jeffords, and Making Art Work.  Enrollment will reopen in early 2020.  

Making Art Work is OPEN!  Visit EmilyJeffordsLearn.com to learn more and to JOIN US! Your ability to edit photos on the go has NEVER been easier -- but which apps to use?  I list my 5 favorite apps, reasons I chose them, and tips to use them well for your own photos!     Get the guide HERE

Join me in a 5-part VIDEO series, The Studio Series!  This is a mini-course designed to bring clarity & inspiration and to your creative practice.   Join us!  The course launched TODAY and will available through the 27th of March!       

Can artists actually sell artwork online?  Really...?   In this podcast we delve into: Communicating well with your audience Removing doubt + allowing your audience to trust you Sharing a lifestyle, not a product Connecting genuinely and authentically BROUGHT TO YOU BY MY UPCOMING COURSE: Making Art Work -- a 3 month, 12-week intensive course and community for artists and creatives wanting to grow their creative practice into a thriving, sustainable business. Download the Worksheet that accompanies this podcast here  

Download the PDF with links to each of these books here 5 books that are changing the way I think about marketing, the creative process, and WHY I chose to lead this beautiful, complex, vibrant lifestyle.  I hope they encourage and inspire you as well!