Do It For the Process from Emily Jeffords

Welcome back to the Do It For The Process Podcast! This episode is a little vulnerable and a sweet look inside of my dreams, goals, and hopes for 2024.  Remember, your dreams matter. They are the source for all your goals.  Work to only set goals over things you can control. You aren't in charge of anyone else's actions or behaviors so setting goals that expect someone to do something (like buy your work or follow you online) isn't fair to you!    You are getting to hear an exclusive behind-the-scenes in The Collective, my membership for ongoing support for Artists and Creatives. If you're a member of the Collective, you can watch this session in our private member's space!    Some helpful links for you: THE GOAL-SETTING WORKBOOK -- a beautiful guide to honoring your dreams and accomplishing your goals year-round.  MAKING art WORK - a 9-Week Masterclass for Artists and Creatives looking to grow their business and studios  The DO IT FOR THE PROCESS Affirmation Cards   Tune into more episodes HERE  

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

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

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

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)!

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:

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    

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

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.  

One of the most important steps in having a successful holiday season is to plan your marketing calendar!  In this episode, I got you some really clear tips for doing so carefully and in a way that will allow you to work with your creative energy.    Let's take ALL the guesswork out of it so that you can have your best season yet! 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

TODAY IS THE DAY!   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   This series is dedicated to sharing TWELVE ways that you can find more clarity, more profit, more sales, and more JOY this season!  Let's take ALL the guesswork out of it so that you can have your best season yet! 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? 12-Days of Holiday Success: DAY 5: Repackaging is TOTALLY OK!   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