Do It For The Process

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

Making Art Work is open through tomorrow!  Join us if you're ready for some massive growth in 2021   But first, let's take it back.  In 2010 when I officially began my fine art career I did NOT have an aspirational brand. I didn’t even know I had a brand (though, yes, I did — we all do). I was deeply undervaluing my work, my voice, my efforts, and, in doing so, I was also undervaluing my collectors. Think about it this way — if someone buys something for their home or themselves, they want to enjoy that thing. It matters to them.  They find pleasure in it.  In order to enjoy something, we have to VALUE it. When you know what you create and WHY it matters, you can easily and naturally share that love with your audience. So HOW do you elevate your work? Head consistently in the right direction. Know WHY you create and why that matters Understand your works value and aesthetic merits Recognize the overall impact your work is creating as a whole (this is your brand) Consistently raise your expectat

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

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 v

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 you

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 master

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 attra

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 app

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 shari

Picture this, your buyer selects the perfect thing, is THRILLED over it, and wants to shout from the rooftops.  But how?   Help your people share their excitement by creating easily shareable graphics!  It's easy, fun, and really joyous for everyone!   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

Would it surprise you to know that some (maybe many) if your buyers this holiday season (and every holiday season) are not going to be your fans?  They might not even really know who you are!   But the person receiving the gift is a big fan.      Plan for your BUYERS.  Help them look really, really good this holiday season by making gifting simple and lovely.      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

Make the purchasing process SO SIMPLE.   Visit your website exactly as your customers will.    Go through the entire process as if you were a stranger.   How does it feel?   Is it simple?   How many clicks do you need to make?   Is is clear and simple to go from homepage to checkout?   Need some help editing your own photos?  I got you!  I created two sets of presets just for Artists and Creatves!  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 an

The BIGGEST way to impact your marketing + how your creative work is perceived in the world is via your PHOTOGRAPHY!   Want to upgrade your website?  Take better photos.  Want to improve your Instagram?  Better photos!  More profitable listings?  Yep, better photos.   Need some extra advice?  Keep listening! Want some help editing your own photos?  I got you!  I created two sets of presets just for Artists and Creatves!  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. T

Don’t be afraid to share your work.   Marketing can feel weird, but not when you think of it like this: You are sharing your work with people who want to see it. You created something beautiful, something that brought you joy.  Now let it bring joy and beauty to others.  Share your work consistently & confidently every day. 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/HO

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/