My 7 year old son looked over my shoulder while I was watching this video and said "Oooh what is that?!" pointing to your painting. He said that he really likes it and wishes there was a movie that existed based on it. Just proves that there are marketing moments in the most unlikely of places, lol.
I actually love it when people tell me about the artists in their lives. It makes me so happy to hear their stories because they are usually very vested and interested in what they’re talking about. I did the flea market for a while in Savannah and I had several people go grab the artist in their lives to show them my table. This usually turned into a conversation and us sharing art tips. I remember one girl who wanted to get better at art, so I gave her a quick, free impromptu class. She loved it! And Instagram has setting where you can pull up a QR code that people can scan to follow you. Take a screenshot and print it out. Tape it to your table and people will scan it to follow you. At the Atlanta ComiCon in 2019, there was an artist there that told me about this. He gained so many followers over the weekend, it was nuts!
2 simple pro tips for taking pictures of your art : 1) indirect lighting (like outside lighting) 2) do NOT ever use the flash on your camera 📷 And a motto “ you do NOT fail UNLESS you quit”
I will always be salty about number 2. The “professional” photographer who has been a photographer for 50 yrs took our wedding photos.........with only the pop up flash....going on 4 yrs later I’m still pissed when I look at those photos. Didn’t notice the day of cause well bride and wasn’t paying attention to those little things. But the point is with anyone I’ve talked to in regards to photos cause I see questions about photography asked a lot in the business pages, that’s one of the number one things I tell them. Some of them are for products some are getting into photographing weddings etc. And to shoot in RAW. Since they can be fixed a bit more than a jpeg. Okay soap box over lol
Oooh, I like that idea! And it is something I know how to do! (Once, when I was lying in a gurney in hospital waiting for surgery, I composed haiku about the ceiling tiles, for something to do...)
@@kerravonsen2810 that is awesome! Haiku are so easy especially American ones were you are not a slave to the format. I find that if I work on them as I paint it sometimes helps me develop the piece of art. It’s is so nice when it works out. Good luck!
Giving up too soon is a real detriment. People don't realize that every time they try something new marketing wise, they are essentially starting over. That's why nothing ever gets traction. I also strongly agree with the story. Your story is why someone buys from you as opposed to someone else and a collector will repeat your story to everyone who comes into their home and sees your work. You can't pay for that kind of endorsement.
You guys are a bright light in this vast tunnel of despair. I hope you understand what I’m saying. Hi my name is Jacob “I’m an artist” ..... surprise! You and Klee are my number 1 go to while in the studio or while at work “ oh I’m also a truck driver” I listen to y’all’s podcast while pushing through snowstorms up here in Marquette Mi. I get lost in your countless rants as well as Klee’s witty sarcastic comments .... creating art is as important to me as oxygen and yes sometimes I have doubts but I know that’s just me hating on me ..... so I push through that dark tunnel...... While in that place , while in that tunnel I just want you guys to know I see your light. So keep shining!
Yep, I was about to give up too a few years ago ... and now I started putting myself and my stuff on youtube and am seeing how that goes :D The only thing I gave up is Etsy because for whatever reason when I say - Hey guys, you can buy my stuff! I get NO reaction, just as if people are thinking "oh, and now she wants our money, I'm just gonna ignore that ..." ... Thank you for the tips, they're very useful :)
I just recently started posting insider info about me as an artist, I also post my writings along with a piece some of the time. If I don't do the other two, I will post a quote from a book I'm reading to catch attention. The insider info did catch attention faster than I anticipated. What I did was tell a little story as to why some of my lines are a bit messy due to nerve pain in my hands. As for my writings, someone called them magnetic the other day. I just started drawing shortly before Covid hit, so as of now getting eyes on my work is the main focus.
Hey Rafi, I don't ever comment on things, but I felt I really needed to say thank you. All your videos and this one in particular resonates with me so much. I am an artist and also a mother of four young kids. I make time to paint when I can, but marketing myself has always been a bit of a struggle. I guess, I always had and still have a hard time promoting myself without being 'salesy.' But you and your wife have been a true and authentic source of encouragement and I feel empowered to move forward with my art career one little step at a time :) I can be found on Facebook and Instagram at Alissa Cooper Art if you care to have a look. Keep on being amazing humans ! :)
Your video came at the perfect time! I just started going full time with my art career (long overdue but a whole different story). I was doing okay during Christmas and thought I was going places. Now everything is so SLOW! I have been "chasing the likes" as you mentioned and have been feeling like all of my efforts have been for nothing because I don't have the results that i believe my efforts deserve. I woke up today feeling CRAPPY and spent most of the morning in my bed crying into my dog's fur (not my finest moment) I felt like everyone is doing great except me! It's all my fault and I'm not good enough to make it! I am so glad you added a bonus #11 because it was exactly what I was doing and feeling...Thanks for the encouragement, I hate to admit it, but this new art stuff/getting yourself out there is scary. and I need a lot of encouraging. Thanks for videos they come from the heart and a lot of experience.
I feel your pain, but please remember that the months after Christmas are always the slowest for sales (I know from personal experience working retail for many years). After the holidays, people are often left with credit card bills and are struggling to pay them off (COVID-19 is making this even harder). Try not to take it personally. Don’t give up on your dreams! 😊
Hi Raffi. Well Said i agree put yourselves out there. Exactly People Love to Engage with What is Familiar and Welcoming to Them. Yes you do need to Point People to your website or blog or another. Also Remember the Saying OUT OF MIND OUT OF SIGHT. Have Another Excellent DAY. Catch you BOTH SOON. ADIOS For Today.
The best thing you said there was "make it fun". Absolutely -- though a challenge to do -- because if it is not fun, one will give up. So I've been happy with my Instagram posting so far, because I'm not making it a chore; I'm just posting my art very soon after I finish it, and the "story" follows naturally -- even if it is on the level of "I haven't done a planet piece in a while, so I decided to do one, because planets are cool" (which was basically what I said for my most recent IG post). And at least I *AM* "KerrAvonsen" almost everywhere I am on social media -- Twitter, Instagram, Dreamwidth/Livejournal, Redbubble, here on TH-cam... and I did that because KerrAvonsen is unique, far more unique than my actual real name. Thanks for making me realise I needed to get the "kerravonsen" domain name, though! I've done that just now. Even if I just redirect it to my Redbubble store, that will still be better than nothing. Yes, yes, a separate website blah blah blah... but won't that break the "no more than two clicks" rule? Because, NO I am not going to set up an ecommerce site of my own, which means sending visitors off to places like Redbubble, which would mean that they have to have three clicks before they can buy something. Or am I misunderstanding what you meant?
I used to think my art was for everyone. Now I am learning that there are particular traits that people who like my work all share. But they don't like all of my work. Only the stuff that fulfills those traits/preferences/interests. SO I am now working towards sharing work based on the type of work that it is and who would be most interested in that type of work. That means I don't have one single audience but dozens. When I start doing shows again ................... (whenever that happens!!) I am going to take a look at the type of show, the location and the interests of the people in that area and attempt to bring work that i feel will appeal to that genre. Its an experiment I'm willing to test. Because bringing a crap ton of my work (which actually means all of it) wasn't affective and in fact was probably confusing people because I gave them too many choices. Is this the holy grail?? Who knows?!? I am willing to try it though. Sitting around wondering if something will or won't work sure doesn't test any theories; getting out there and being brave and trying something = that will give me the answer. :)
Thank you so much for posting this video. I am so scared to put myself out there. I don't like the idea of strangers knowing me. But I think that is just something I have to get over. I really appreciate the encouragement
One thing I'd like to add: it's probably not a good idea to gain too much exposure before your skills are ready for it. While I'll probably never stop growing as an artist, I simply have a lot of skill left to gain before I can charge the prices that most mid-career artists charge. It's not just a matter of marketing, but also of being able to create the level of art that can command higher prices. Once I have developed the skill, I can then focus on improving the marketing, but all the marketing in the world would be wasted if you can't produce at the level the market requires.
Rafi as allways dear brother i enjoy listening to your wisdom and insight. Thank you for sharing with us! God has giving you Great talent and a loving Heart to inspire others to rise Higher in there endeavor as artist in this one time life! Thank you..👍🏼❤🙏
I make objects and paintings. I usually sell my objects before they are finished. The paintings are more difficult. Now I got the idea to make paintings that are quick and easy to make on hardboard. Hang them in crowded places around town. It doesn't matter if they disappear because you can quickly replace them. Because I always work quickly, that is no problem for me. In this way you can make publicity in a very efficient way. Don't tell anyone else, otherwise it will no longer be a unique idea. # Lightboy14
Part of building a market and becoming known is selling work at prices that most people can afford. Work at the scales and price ranges that your fans can afford, rather than being one of those "totally awesome" artists everyone admires, but nobody buys.
Thanks so much Rafi. I’m amazed at your videos. Your cohesive thought process conveys beautifully. Thank you for all the great tips. ( yes, I did whip out my husband’s...iPad to send this comment😂) Angel
Build a community around your art and ensure to have a solid community before releasing, far to many just mint NFTs and think they will sell just on a post to Twitter
Hey Rafi, hey Klee!!! 1st, where can I get your book, I've been watch your video for the past year and you've given me the confidence to start shearing my art again and treating it like a profession. Thanks to you two Im starting to love life again. I thank you both for what you do.
13:15 rewatching these videos and finding the other ones I missed I’m gaining ideas for how I wish to approach my social media and website, just fear shouting into the void, had 108 clicks on the link tree to the website though and hope the fun new ways of sharing will help others Find the blog which I need to get back in the best habit of writing
Great video. Really helpful and just what i needed to hear. Had a show yesterday and didn't sell much at all (no one did). This video is helping me recover. Thank you. Much love to you both.
I'm totally guilty of not telling my story. I figured that I want them to see a picture, not read a paragraph! But that catches their eye and connect them to it anyway. The long stories make good blog posts!
When I wanted good photos of some dolls I figured out having good sized foam cord board off to the sides, using an ott type daylight type light bulb when sun isn't an option and indirect lighting, I had my light behind a sheer tracing paper that was folder so it would stand up. Use something to stabilize your camera. It was a close set up for small things i.e. reconditioned Barbies and little sculptures. It works pretty good for pencil on paper too. Never ddi any paintings so far.
Love this! I hope you can cover (in your book) how to navigate around political correctness and cancel culture relative to marketing. If everything we post represents "us" and/or our brand, and we inadvertently say something unpopular (not suggesting being a public butt)...then, how exactly do we navigate that? An enquiring mind wants to know.
My problem is I feel insecure when other artists post their work daily. When I try to do the one artwork a day, it never turns out well because I try to rush through working on a piece. If the piece doesn't come out right then I do something that's easiest to me. But what's easiest to me is not really what I'm interested in. What's easiest to me is fashion illustration but what I really want to do is comic and concept illustration. However working on a piece for the latter takes a very long time. It can take a week for one piece due to my full time job because I like doing several thumbnails and studies before I do the real thing. With the free weekends, maybe 3 days on a piece. If I'm working on a piece, I don't know what else to post on social media so I post so randomly it's not looking good at all.
I really love your videos. These are things I have been learning and I feel like you are validating and adding to my wisdom. Thank you for the inspiration!
Interesting. Thank you for inspiring me and reminding me to think out of the box. I am a touch, visual, and audio learner. I try to incorporate my sensory preferences when creating. Perhaps it would be fun to extend it to an online site. After all I have been creating work materials all year online. ;D
Wow Rafi, that is some really good advice!!!! I decided this year to get more serious on my website and sales, so I have been working on the promotion side of things on top of creating more art. You make some good points in this video! Looking forward to the book. Love you!
Thank you very much for this list, Rafi, I found it very helpful. I want to return the favor. During the first minute you mention a podcast about robotic marketing. Been trying to find it but failed. You probably guess what my tip is. If you mention a previous video, state the title of that video/podcast or leave a link in your subscription. Thank you so much ... You're Awesome!
Small challenge for you Rafi. You said that taking your work outside, and taking photos in the sun light is the best way to get photos. What if you're in a place that had snow? In Canada we can have Snow as early as Oct and as late as April. That's 6 months out of the year where its too cold/snow on the ground and running the risk of ruining the painting. Also from personal experience, its really hard to take photos in gloves, and when you can't feel the tips of your fingers. So... what do you do then? :D
I have a story, it’s just finding out how to tell the story because I’m used to doing so visually. I worry if I come across badly in one video that’s it. Like art it can’t all be masterpieces . I’m also struggling with how I’ll create a artwork that just works and is awesome, that is complicated but it just worked. Then I’ll have less concentration so create something abstract and it doesn’t work at all. Maybe it’s not what I’m meant to create and isn’t fully me but it felt like a idea worth exploring at the time. Never know if to then paint over and or keep for myself or to share it and see if any others like the weirdness I sometimes question If art is useful to people and if I believe in the product, but they certainly brighten up my living space, most have a story and I look forward to the day more find homes . Those who have bought off me treasure them :) Photos I can’t take outside as often it’s raining, windy or if perfect conditions nieghbours get in the way, but I do try to see it as another art form. Lockdown feel burnt out and I’m just a machine creating, where as before it was a flow of life with balance . I have a good number of artworks now though and hope to have a solo show one day but fear not many will go to it . And what to have as a talking point , lot of organising for opening night . Still finding the sort of artist I wish to be within the videos and in general but I can’t not share my life a bit because this informs the art . My humour and way of seeing the world is in my videos too. I miss in person events I struggle to become excited about virtual ones. Some great advice and look forward to the book. I guess it’s not fearing messing up but least tried something new, whether That’s in art, videos or marketing :)
Hello Rafi was here, love your art and your content. Can I ask should we show our original artwork and if we do should we watermark somehow? How? Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Ugh 🙄 "the story." What if your story is fucked-up or very personal and you don't want to share 🤐 ?? Too many artists just babble 🥸 anyways. Maintaining all social media, especially the website, plus networking is very important BUT who has the time 🤯 (O.C.D. types find this very difficult to do). Geez 🙃 now I'm telling a snippet of "my story." GREAT TIPS and ADVISE, as usual, and thank you. My question: how does the artist with an over-active mind that occasionally blows the creative bomb and lives with anxiety/depression and O.C.D. survive?? 🤪 It would be awesome to receive a comment instead of a ❤.
@@Rafiwashere Thank you for listening and taking the time to share your thoughts. For some artists it's smooth and easy going. For others, it's an ongoing struggle. Between 1996 and 2012 I participated in every major art show; had my own shows; displayed work in galleries and shops/stores; and even took a stab at Folk Fest and events like that. I created. I developed. I talked like a sales person. I sold. I took care of my husband and three children, our home, and volunteered big-time at the schools and museums. I ran everyday. I had another job, as well. Then everything came crashing down. I haven't participated in anything since. My house is a gallery filled with paintings the no one sees and stories that no one listens to... I'm sure there are many artists who are going through this same scenario. Maybe it should be a topic to discuss??
I found this video interesting, I'm not looking to start thinking about selling my art, maybe one day!! But funny it should pop up today after I got approachedby a company on IG who want to 'help' me become known, and they would really like to market my art!! Hmmmm yeah it's goingto be a no to them!!! Great video Rafi thanks for this!!xx
Yeah, I've been approached by a couple of those now; they always want you to pay them money. Nope. It's like Rafi said: artists are a target market for those who want to take advantage of our ignorance about marketing.
9:20 haha so much this. the trend nowadays is "see link in my bio". and i go to the person's bio and it's a link to a site instead of to the thing they were talking about. and they don't say where to find it once you get to their site. kind of annoying and i'm not sure why it's such a trend.
Hi Rafi!, hey can you go more into art scavenger hunts? After you mentioned it I tried to do a TH-cam search and found elements of art scavenger hunts but they were basically elements of art is that what you meant? Or a scavenger hunt of your art pieces?
When you put your hand made items out there on social media it can be daunting task. Not everyone will like the work and sometimes, that feeling rejected makes you wonder if you should keep going. Been at jewelry making beaded necklaces & bracelets over six years now. I have sold my best work in my mother's wholesale shop and so far so good. I had my first craft and last craft show it was harder to sale your stuff because not everyone will buy but just and says what a great job you done. When I do make projects I take pride in my work and sometimes, feel depress because I wonder if my work is good enough. Your videos are inspirational and give great advice whenever you feel down and rejected. My blog is sewingforhobby.blogspot.com I talk mostly about my hand made items on there and what I have made.
See it as sharing wisdom with others not begging. It is an exchange; they have money to buy something and you are transforming ideas into material. That is marketing😊🌺.
How the hell is it begging? Are TV commercials begging? No. Have you tried marketing yourself even IF you can't get over the feeling you are begging? I mean, you can do things regardless of your feelings, you know? Go ahead and market yourself anyhow, even if you feel like it's begging. What's the worst that can happen? You are making stupid excuses.
![เบิ้ล ปทุมราช - สาวสอง ( มีมี่ของอ้าย ) ft. ตาต้า,ต้องเต [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mqlMjnP08XI/mqdefault.jpg)
My 7 year old son looked over my shoulder while I was watching this video and said "Oooh what is that?!" pointing to your painting. He said that he really likes it and wishes there was a movie that existed based on it. Just proves that there are marketing moments in the most unlikely of places, lol.
Your son has a good eye.
I actually love it when people tell me about the artists in their lives. It makes me so happy to hear their stories because they are usually very vested and interested in what they’re talking about. I did the flea market for a while in Savannah and I had several people go grab the artist in their lives to show them my table. This usually turned into a conversation and us sharing art tips. I remember one girl who wanted to get better at art, so I gave her a quick, free impromptu class. She loved it!
And Instagram has setting where you can pull up a QR code that people can scan to follow you. Take a screenshot and print it out. Tape it to your table and people will scan it to follow you. At the Atlanta ComiCon in 2019, there was an artist there that told me about this. He gained so many followers over the weekend, it was nuts!
What a great idea about the QR code! Thanks for sharing :)
2 simple pro tips for taking pictures of your art : 1) indirect lighting (like outside lighting) 2) do NOT ever use the flash on your camera 📷
And a motto “ you do NOT fail UNLESS you quit”
I will always be salty about number 2. The “professional” photographer who has been a photographer for 50 yrs took our wedding photos.........with only the pop up flash....going on 4 yrs later I’m still pissed when I look at those photos. Didn’t notice the day of cause well bride and wasn’t paying attention to those little things. But the point is with anyone I’ve talked to in regards to photos cause I see questions about photography asked a lot in the business pages, that’s one of the number one things I tell them. Some of them are for products some are getting into photographing weddings etc. And to shoot in RAW. Since they can be fixed a bit more than a jpeg. Okay soap box over lol
I have started writing haiku to go with my paintings. They seem to be better received that way
Oooh, I like that idea! And it is something I know how to do! (Once, when I was lying in a gurney in hospital waiting for surgery, I composed haiku about the ceiling tiles, for something to do...)
@@kerravonsen2810 that is awesome! Haiku are so easy especially American ones were you are not a slave to the format. I find that if I work on them as I paint it sometimes helps me develop the piece of art. It’s is so nice when it works out. Good luck!
@Evan Alvin @Saul Raphael SCAM, SCAM, fake accounds with no content which were created within a day of each other SCAM
Love this idea!
Great idea! I usually add a quote about the emotion I felt in the creation of a piece. But only on my FB page.
Giving up too soon is a real detriment. People don't realize that every time they try something new marketing wise, they are essentially starting over. That's why nothing ever gets traction. I also strongly agree with the story. Your story is why someone buys from you as opposed to someone else and a collector will repeat your story to everyone who comes into their home and sees your work. You can't pay for that kind of endorsement.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to do these videos for us you are teaching me a lot.
You guys are a bright light in this vast tunnel of despair. I hope you understand what I’m saying.
Hi my name is Jacob “I’m an artist” ..... surprise! You and Klee are my number 1 go to while in the studio or while at work “ oh I’m also a truck driver” I listen to y’all’s podcast while pushing through snowstorms up here in Marquette Mi. I get lost in your countless rants as well as Klee’s witty sarcastic comments .... creating art is as important to me as oxygen and yes sometimes I have doubts but I know that’s just me hating on me ..... so I push through that dark tunnel...... While in that place , while in that tunnel I just want you guys to know I see your light.
So keep shining!
Yep, I was about to give up too a few years ago ... and now I started putting myself and my stuff on youtube and am seeing how that goes :D The only thing I gave up is Etsy because for whatever reason when I say - Hey guys, you can buy my stuff! I get NO reaction, just as if people are thinking "oh, and now she wants our money, I'm just gonna ignore that ..." ...
Thank you for the tips, they're very useful :)
I just recently started posting insider info about me as an artist, I also post my writings along with a piece some of the time. If I don't do the other two, I will post a quote from a book I'm reading to catch attention. The insider info did catch attention faster than I anticipated. What I did was tell a little story as to why some of my lines are a bit messy due to nerve pain in my hands. As for my writings, someone called them magnetic the other day. I just started drawing shortly before Covid hit, so as of now getting eyes on my work is the main focus.
Hey Rafi, I don't ever comment on things, but I felt I really needed to say thank you. All your videos and this one in particular resonates with me so much. I am an artist and also a mother of four young kids. I make time to paint when I can, but marketing myself has always been a bit of a struggle. I guess, I always had and still have a hard time promoting myself without being 'salesy.' But you and your wife have been a true and authentic source of encouragement and I feel empowered to move forward with my art career one little step at a time :) I can be found on Facebook and Instagram at Alissa Cooper Art if you care to have a look. Keep on being amazing humans ! :)
Your video came at the perfect time! I just started going full time with my art career (long overdue but a whole different story). I was doing okay during Christmas and thought I was going places. Now everything is so SLOW! I have been "chasing the likes" as you mentioned and have been feeling like all of my efforts have been for nothing because I don't have the results that i believe my efforts deserve. I woke up today feeling CRAPPY and spent most of the morning in my bed crying into my dog's fur (not my finest moment) I felt like everyone is doing great except me! It's all my fault and I'm not good enough to make it! I am so glad you added a bonus #11 because it was exactly what I was doing and feeling...Thanks for the encouragement, I hate to admit it, but this new art stuff/getting yourself out there is scary. and I need a lot of encouraging. Thanks for videos they come from the heart and a lot of experience.
I feel your pain, but please remember that the months after Christmas are always the slowest for sales (I know from personal experience working retail for many years). After the holidays, people are often left with credit card bills and are struggling to pay them off (COVID-19 is making this even harder). Try not to take it personally. Don’t give up on your dreams! 😊
Thank you for your words of encouragement 🙂. It’s comforting to know there are people out there that share these experiences and care so much!
Hi Raffi. Well Said i agree put yourselves out there. Exactly People Love to Engage with What is Familiar and Welcoming to Them. Yes you do need to Point People to your website or blog or another. Also Remember the Saying OUT OF MIND OUT OF SIGHT. Have Another Excellent DAY. Catch you BOTH SOON. ADIOS For Today.
I soooooo appreciate these encouragements you share! You are a beautiful human being.
The best thing you said there was "make it fun". Absolutely -- though a challenge to do -- because if it is not fun, one will give up. So I've been happy with my Instagram posting so far, because I'm not making it a chore; I'm just posting my art very soon after I finish it, and the "story" follows naturally -- even if it is on the level of "I haven't done a planet piece in a while, so I decided to do one, because planets are cool" (which was basically what I said for my most recent IG post). And at least I *AM* "KerrAvonsen" almost everywhere I am on social media -- Twitter, Instagram, Dreamwidth/Livejournal, Redbubble, here on TH-cam... and I did that because KerrAvonsen is unique, far more unique than my actual real name.
Thanks for making me realise I needed to get the "kerravonsen" domain name, though! I've done that just now. Even if I just redirect it to my Redbubble store, that will still be better than nothing. Yes, yes, a separate website blah blah blah... but won't that break the "no more than two clicks" rule? Because, NO I am not going to set up an ecommerce site of my own, which means sending visitors off to places like Redbubble, which would mean that they have to have three clicks before they can buy something. Or am I misunderstanding what you meant?
I just scored my first gallery show today and came directly to Rafi and Klee for advice on how to do it. 😅 L❤ve youse ✌️
I love the rebellious approach towards mainstream marketing :)
I used to think my art was for everyone. Now I am learning that there are particular traits that people who like my work all share. But they don't like all of my work. Only the stuff that fulfills those traits/preferences/interests. SO I am now working towards sharing work based on the type of work that it is and who would be most interested in that type of work. That means I don't have one single audience but dozens. When I start doing shows again ................... (whenever that happens!!) I am going to take a look at the type of show, the location and the interests of the people in that area and attempt to bring work that i feel will appeal to that genre. Its an experiment I'm willing to test. Because bringing a crap ton of my work (which actually means all of it) wasn't affective and in fact was probably confusing people because I gave them too many choices. Is this the holy grail?? Who knows?!? I am willing to try it though. Sitting around wondering if something will or won't work sure doesn't test any theories; getting out there and being brave and trying something = that will give me the answer. :)
I love feeling like I'm starting to understand things when I think of something and you say it 3 seconds later. 🥰
Oh yes, marketing. 🍀😃💥
Thank you so much for posting this video. I am so scared to put myself out there. I don't like the idea of strangers knowing me. But I think that is just something I have to get over. I really appreciate the encouragement
One thing I'd like to add: it's probably not a good idea to gain too much exposure before your skills are ready for it. While I'll probably never stop growing as an artist, I simply have a lot of skill left to gain before I can charge the prices that most mid-career artists charge. It's not just a matter of marketing, but also of being able to create the level of art that can command higher prices. Once I have developed the skill, I can then focus on improving the marketing, but all the marketing in the world would be wasted if you can't produce at the level the market requires.
Rafi as allways dear brother i enjoy listening to your wisdom and insight. Thank you for sharing with us! God has giving you Great talent and a loving Heart to inspire others to rise Higher in there endeavor as artist in this one time life! Thank you..👍🏼❤🙏
I make objects and paintings. I usually sell my objects before they are finished. The paintings are more difficult. Now I got the idea to make paintings that are quick and easy to make on hardboard. Hang them in crowded places around town. It doesn't matter if they disappear because you can quickly replace them. Because I always work quickly, that is no problem for me.
In this way you can make publicity in a very efficient way. Don't tell anyone else, otherwise it will no longer be a unique idea. # Lightboy14
Thank you Rafi for some great tips - as always
Thank you for the reminder.
So. I am the dork without a website!!😮 I guess that is my next step?! Thank you Rafi
Part of building a market and becoming known is selling work at prices that most people can afford. Work at the scales and price ranges that your fans can afford, rather than being one of those "totally awesome" artists everyone admires, but nobody buys.
Thanks so much Ravi, elegantly and inspiringly put!
Excellent 🙌 Nothing to add. Just loads of love 💕
Pure genius! RAFI reading my mind...amazing!
good info, thanks a bunch.
Thanks a lot, Rafi! This is great advice!
U the only person I listen to about the art world
LoL.... you sooooo were talking about me!!! I have so much to learn!! Thanks for sharing as always!! ( Even if I influenced your video!)
"Meet new people" ... this has been prevented.
Thank you so much Rafi for your encouragement and thoughts! I only recently discovered your channel and artwork, I'm already a huge fan.
Thanks so much Rafi. I’m amazed at your videos. Your cohesive thought process conveys beautifully. Thank you for all the great tips. ( yes, I did whip out my husband’s...iPad to send this comment😂) Angel
I love this! Thank you! You inspire me and encourage me. 🙏🏾💕🎨🖌
Excellent. Thank u. 🙏🥰👍🏻
So much great advice! THANKYOU !!!
Great content. Really useful and very clear. Knowledge and experience together. Deliver in a great way. Thank you very very much. 🤩😍
Build a community around your art and ensure to have a solid community before releasing, far to many just mint NFTs and think they will sell just on a post to Twitter
So true
super, super good advice. thank you!
As always: Great Advice. This is the perfect teaser for the book. Can't wait.
Also, I was neglecting my website for a while 😶... regardless, I'm getting better and even selling stuff on it.
Hey Rafi, hey Klee!!!
1st, where can I get your book, I've been watch your video for the past year and you've given me the confidence to start shearing my art again and treating it like a profession. Thanks to you two Im starting to love life again. I thank you both for what you do.
13:15 rewatching these videos and finding the other ones I missed I’m gaining ideas for how I wish to approach my social media and website, just fear shouting into the void, had 108 clicks on the link tree to the website though and hope the fun new ways of sharing will help others
Find the blog which I need to get back in the best habit of writing
Thanksss for all that nutritious information you always share. 🙏🙏🙏
I like your channel and I like your wisdom !!
Thank you for these excellent reminders! Really looking forward to reading your book on marketing. 👍🏻
Absolutely true thanks for the video need to do it 🤗
I see my website as my home😊. Going through the process and changing my website multiple times myself taught me a ton! Love your advice🌺
Great video!💙🙏🏽😎
Great video. Really helpful and just what i needed to hear. Had a show yesterday and didn't sell much at all (no one did). This video is helping me recover. Thank you. Much love to you both.
This is great info Raif! Your awesome buddy!
I'm totally guilty of not telling my story. I figured that I want them to see a picture, not read a paragraph! But that catches their eye and connect them to it anyway. The long stories make good blog posts!
Excellent advice, as always! I'm definitely guilty of some of these... Bring on the book!!!
Right in time, thanks
Hey man, thanks for sharing everything.
good luck on your book and please market it ;) when it's done
When I wanted good photos of some dolls I figured out having good sized foam cord board off to the sides, using an ott type daylight type light bulb when sun isn't an option and indirect lighting, I had my light behind a sheer tracing paper that was folder so it would stand up. Use something to stabilize your camera.
It was a close set up for small things i.e. reconditioned Barbies and little sculptures. It works pretty good for pencil on paper too. Never ddi any paintings so far.
I needed this. Thank you!!
Fantastic video and list! There's definitely a couple that I need to work on.
Great advice. Thanks man!
Thank you so much, you speak out of the heart :-) and it helps really a lot!
Once again great advice
Hi, I'm an artist from Sweden. I enjoy your videos! Thanks for sharing your experiences so generously!
Hi Rafi, I am the guy who went to the flea market and sold nothing. Anyhow, I have sold a painting since. Hurray!
Thank you. Been needing this.
Love this! I hope you can cover (in your book) how to navigate around political correctness and cancel culture relative to marketing. If everything we post represents "us" and/or our brand, and we inadvertently say something unpopular (not suggesting being a public butt)...then, how exactly do we navigate that? An enquiring mind wants to know.
My problem is I feel insecure when other artists post their work daily. When I try to do the one artwork a day, it never turns out well because I try to rush through working on a piece.
If the piece doesn't come out right then I do something that's easiest to me. But what's easiest to me is not really what I'm interested in. What's easiest to me is fashion illustration but what I really want to do is comic and concept illustration. However working on a piece for the latter takes a very long time. It can take a week for one piece due to my full time job because I like doing several thumbnails and studies before I do the real thing. With the free weekends, maybe 3 days on a piece.
If I'm working on a piece, I don't know what else to post on social media so I post so randomly it's not looking good at all.
@@Rafiwashere Gotcha. I have a batch on the side.
@@Rafiwashere I sent you a message on Instagram
Excellent had to pause, grab a paper & pen! Notes taken!!! Ty 😊
I really love your videos. These are things I have been learning and I feel like you are validating and adding to my wisdom. Thank you for the inspiration!
There's also a big, "Fear of Success" factor. Like when you make your first big sale and think, "oh crap. Now what?! PRESSURE!"
Watching again so I can take notes ;))
Interesting. Thank you for inspiring me and reminding me to think out of the box. I am a touch, visual, and audio learner. I try to incorporate my sensory preferences when creating. Perhaps it would be fun to extend it to an online site. After all I have been creating work materials all year online. ;D
All great points! Excellent!
Thanks for the much needed inspiration and insights Rafi!
Wow Rafi, that is some really good advice!!!! I decided this year to get more serious on my website and sales, so I have been working on the promotion side of things on top of creating more art. You make some good points in this video! Looking forward to the book. Love you!
Hey hey
Thank you very much for this list, Rafi, I found it very helpful. I want to return the favor. During the first minute you mention a podcast about robotic marketing. Been trying to find it but failed. You probably guess what my tip is. If you mention a previous video, state the title of that video/podcast or leave a link in your subscription. Thank you so much ... You're Awesome!
Great advice, Rafi! Thanks
I'm intrigued with the scavenger hunt promo. Please explain this a bit. If you could.
Totally motivating !
Thank you!
Small challenge for you Rafi. You said that taking your work outside, and taking photos in the sun light is the best way to get photos. What if you're in a place that had snow? In Canada we can have Snow as early as Oct and as late as April. That's 6 months out of the year where its too cold/snow on the ground and running the risk of ruining the painting. Also from personal experience, its really hard to take photos in gloves, and when you can't feel the tips of your fingers. So... what do you do then? :D
You gave me a few ideas. Thank you
👍👍
James 😁
I have a story, it’s just finding out how to tell the story because I’m used to doing so visually. I worry if I come across badly in one video that’s it. Like art it can’t all be masterpieces . I’m also struggling with how I’ll create a artwork that just works and is awesome, that is complicated but it just worked. Then I’ll have less concentration so create something abstract and it doesn’t work at all. Maybe it’s not what I’m meant to create and isn’t fully me but it felt like a idea worth exploring at the time. Never know if to then paint over and or keep for myself or to share it and see if any others like the weirdness
I sometimes question If art is useful to people and if I believe in the product, but they certainly brighten up my living space, most have a story and I look forward to the day more find homes . Those who have bought off me treasure them :)
Photos I can’t take outside as often it’s raining, windy or if perfect conditions nieghbours get in the way, but I do try to see it as another art form.
Lockdown feel burnt out and I’m just a machine creating, where as before it was a flow of life with balance . I have a good number of artworks now though and hope to have a solo show one day but fear not many will go to it . And what to have as a talking point , lot of organising for opening night . Still finding the sort of artist I wish to be within the videos and in general but I can’t not share my life a bit because this informs the art . My humour and way of seeing the world is in my videos too. I miss in person events I struggle to become excited about virtual ones. Some great advice and look forward to the book. I guess it’s not fearing messing up but least tried something new, whether That’s in art, videos or marketing :)
Hello Rafi was here, love your art and your content. Can I ask should we show our original artwork and if we do should we watermark somehow? How? Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Ugh 🙄 "the story." What if your story is fucked-up or very personal and you don't want to share 🤐 ?? Too many artists just babble 🥸 anyways. Maintaining all social media, especially the website, plus networking is very important BUT who has the time 🤯 (O.C.D. types find this very difficult to do). Geez 🙃 now I'm telling a snippet of "my story." GREAT TIPS and ADVISE, as usual, and thank you. My question: how does the artist with an over-active mind that occasionally blows the creative bomb and lives with anxiety/depression and O.C.D. survive?? 🤪 It would be awesome to receive a comment instead of a ❤.
@@Rafiwashere Thank you for listening and taking the time to share your thoughts. For some artists it's smooth and easy going. For others, it's an ongoing struggle. Between 1996 and 2012 I participated in every major art show; had my own shows; displayed work in galleries and shops/stores; and even took a stab at Folk Fest and events like that. I created. I developed. I talked like a sales person. I sold. I took care of my husband and three children, our home, and volunteered big-time at the schools and museums. I ran everyday. I had another job, as well. Then everything came crashing down. I haven't participated in anything since. My house is a gallery filled with paintings the no one sees and stories that no one listens to... I'm sure there are many artists who are going through this same scenario. Maybe it should be a topic to discuss??
As always; great, life giving, art advice! TY!! I loved this video!! ( P.S. Your studio is too organized... Are you okay?💗😅🎨🎨🎨)
I found this video interesting, I'm not looking to start thinking about selling my art, maybe one day!! But funny it should pop up today after I got approachedby a company on IG who want to 'help' me become known, and they would really like to market my art!! Hmmmm yeah it's goingto be a no to them!!! Great video Rafi thanks for this!!xx
Yeah, I've been approached by a couple of those now; they always want you to pay them money. Nope. It's like Rafi said: artists are a target market for those who want to take advantage of our ignorance about marketing.
9:20 haha so much this. the trend nowadays is "see link in my bio". and i go to the person's bio and it's a link to a site instead of to the thing they were talking about. and they don't say where to find it once you get to their site. kind of annoying and i'm not sure why it's such a trend.
Hi Rafi!, hey can you go more into art scavenger hunts? After you mentioned it I tried to do a TH-cam search and found elements of art scavenger hunts but they were basically elements of art is that what you meant? Or a scavenger hunt of your art pieces?
@@Rafiwashere Thanks Rafi! very cool idea.
#dontgiveup
When you put your hand made items out there on social media it can be daunting task. Not everyone will like the work and sometimes, that feeling rejected makes you wonder if you should keep going. Been at jewelry making beaded necklaces & bracelets over six years now. I have sold my best work in my mother's wholesale shop and so far so good. I had my first craft and last craft show it was harder to sale your stuff because not everyone will buy but just and says what a great job you done. When I do make projects I take pride in my work and sometimes, feel depress because I wonder if my work is good enough. Your videos are inspirational and give great advice whenever you feel down and rejected. My blog is sewingforhobby.blogspot.com I talk mostly about my hand made items on there and what I have made.
Maybe I don't want to share my story, maybe I just want to sell art, heaven forbid. Aka I value my privacy.
Then you're not going to sell any art. I hope you're ok with that. Good luck.
I dont like to market myself cause it keep feel like I'm begging... I have no idea how to get over that feeling.
See it as sharing wisdom with others not begging. It is an exchange; they have money to buy something and you are transforming ideas into material. That is marketing😊🌺.
How the hell is it begging? Are TV commercials begging? No. Have you tried marketing yourself even IF you can't get over the feeling you are begging? I mean, you can do things regardless of your feelings, you know? Go ahead and market yourself anyhow, even if you feel like it's begging. What's the worst that can happen? You are making stupid excuses.
I get sooo discouraged
@@Rafiwashere thank you 🥺💕💕 you guys are awesome
I've heard you mention, "scavenger hunt" a couple of times. What is that with art promotion? Anyone?
I drop little works and magnets around town and promote it.
Wow this such great information thank you very much for sharing 😀. If you could share this on Instagram I love to share this with my artist friend's 😊