In this heartfelt solo episode, I’m sharing a little life update from inside my creative world. From painting on the porch in the spring sunshine to opening up commissions for the first time in years, this season feels full of growth, return, and reconnection. I’ll walk you through what it’s been like working through The Artist’s Way, what’s blooming inside the Making Art Work masterclass (we’re on Week 7!), and a peek behind the scenes as I plan the first-ever Making Art Work Live event this fall. If you’ve been feeling a pull to return to your creative self, slow down, or simply hear from someone walking the path beside you—you’re in the right place.   If this episode resonates, follow the show and leave a review—it helps more creatives find their way here. 💛   Get info on the MAKING ART WORK Live Event! I can't wait to see you in real life! https://www.emilyjeffordslearn.com/maw-live 

Instagram has changed yet AGAIN -- but this time it's for the better. But it is VERY different.  But first, let me formally invite you to join me at MAKING ART WORK live and in person!  Two full days together in Atlanta, Georgia  September 27th-28th AND November 8th-9th A dedicated time to be in person, focused on your business and your creativity, with me and a beautiful group of new Artistic friends!  All the details HERE ok, now... Let's talk about growing your reach on Instagram in 2025 — but without the pressure, burnout, or gross algorithm-hacking vibes. I’ll walk you through what’s actually changed on the platform this year, what still works, and how to show up in ways that feel aligned, sustainable, and rooted in your creative process. Whether you’re building a collector base, preparing for a launch, or just trying to get more eyes on your art, these strategies will help you expand with intention. If this episode supports your creative journey, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a quick rating or review, and share it with a friend or fellow artist. Your support helps this show grow — and I’m so grateful you’re here.

Watch Share The Work Get the FREE workbook I reference here Making Art Work open March 13-20 Share your work in The Creatives Club  Your artist brand is more than a logo or color palette—it’s what makes your work instantly recognizable, deeply resonant, and naturally sellable. But how do you define your brand in a way that feels authentic and attracts the right collectors? In this episode, we’re breaking down the essentials of building a strong artist brand that helps you share your work confidently and grow a thriving creative business. What you’ll learn:✔ What an artist brand really is (and why it matters for selling your work)✔ How to clarify your unique visual & emotional brand identity✔ Why consistency is more important than having a “perfect” aesthetic✔ How a strong brand makes marketing & selling your art easier✔ Practical steps to refine your brand and connect with the right audience Your brand is already taking shape—it’s in the way you create, the stories you tell, and the experience your art offers. This episode will help you refine and strengthen it so your collectors feel drawn to your work the moment they see it. Listen now and start creating an artist brand that truly reflects YOU.

Join Share The Work (a FREE workshop and workbooks - I'm going live each day at noon eastern time!) Making Art Work open March 13-20 Share your work in The Creatives Club    One of the most confusing (and frustrating) parts of selling your creative work? Finding the collectors, buyers, customers, students, or clients who truly connect with what you create. If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. But here’s something I need you to know: ✨ ART IS NOT HARD TO SELL. ✨ I know, I know—you’ve probably heard otherwise. Maybe you’ve even felt it yourself. But the idea that selling art is an uphill battle? It’s simply not true. The key is understanding why people buy art in the first place. Art isn’t a necessity like tires or groceries—it’s something we choose. Something we feel drawn to. Your buyers aren’t just making a purchase; they’re investing in meaning, self-expression, and the energy your work brings into their lives. 💡 In this episode, we’re diving into:✔️ Why people buy art (and why it’s not about convincing them)✔️ The emotional connection that turns viewers into collectors✔️ How art creates belonging, identity, and a sense of home Selling your work isn’t about pushing—it’s about finding the people who are already looking for what you create. And trust me, they’re out there. Let’s talk about how to reach them. 🎙️  

How To Create Art That WILL SELL Join Share The Work (a FREE workshop and workbooks - I'm going live each day at noon eastern time!) Making Art Work open March 13-20 Share your work in The Creatives Club  The Truth About Selling Your Art (and Why It’s Easier Than You Think!) This week, we’re tackling one of the biggest hurdles artists face: moving past the fears and doubts that make selling feel hard. Yes—even in today’s chaotic world, building a thriving art career is absolutely possible. Abundance, fulfillment, and creative freedom are within reach once you shift limiting beliefs and embrace practical strategies that let your art take up space. While doubts may never fully disappear, you don’t have to let them lead. Instead, we’ll focus on replacing them with empowering truths and aligned action. Because sharing your work and seeing it resonate with others isn’t just rewarding—it’s life-changing. A Profitable Art Career Begins with One Essential Step: Sharing Your Work. Here’s my promise to you: I’ll be honest, kind, and—hopefully—inspiring. I’ve been a full-time artist since graduating from art school in 2008, and let me tell you—art school didn’t prepare me for selling my work or growing my business. That part? That came through trial, error, and years of learning what actually works. Now, I’m honored to share those lessons with you. Growth happens when we recognize where we need to expand. Instead of letting self-doubt or criticism hold you back, let’s meet every challenge with intention, compassion, and clarity—so you can step into the thriving art career you deserve. This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt:🎨 Afraid your work isn’t valuable enough to sell🎨 Uncertain about how to confidently share your art🎨 Stuck in the mindset that success is for “other” artists Let’s release the beliefs keeping your work hidden—so you can sell with confidence and ease.

SHARE THE WORK -- RSVP to join us March 10th-14th Making Art Work opens for enrollment March 13th! Hi sweeties. I've moved into my new studio and settled into my work (getting ready for Share The Work, writing, and teaching), but painting? That's a different story. Let's talk about what it means to find success in your creative practice year after year. As I continue focusing on creating meaningful art, I find myself thinking so much about Picasso's career and why it’s important to honor our personal version of growth, no matter how it unfolds. In this episode, we’ll explore: Realizing You’re Always Growing and Changing: The success of your work is not linear. Picasso’s career is a perfect example—he created less refined work year after year, embracing abstraction more fully as he went. Creative growth doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it’s okay if your journey is different. We’ll also talk about the powerful story from Threads about an old artist who never sold a single painting but continued to create because he valued leaving behind his soul in his work. Anchoring Yourself in Past Successes: Reflecting on past accomplishments can be a source of reassurance. When we look back at the work we're proud of, it reminds us that we’re capable of creating great things today and in the future. I mentioned my friend Ekaterina Popova and you must check out her work and Create! Magazine  Looking to Guides for Inspiration: Has someone else walked this path before you? Seeking out mentors and guides who’ve navigated their own creative journeys can offer invaluable lessons. Sometimes, seeing that others have walked this road without falling off a cliff can give us the confidence to keep moving forward. RSVP for the upcoming Share The Work series starting March 10th!

Now that we’ve laid the foundation and centered your aspirations and dreams right where they belong (at the heart of it all) it’s time to get practical at SET IMPORTANT GOALS! In this episode, we’re walking through worksheets 7-10 of the Goal Setting Worbook, diving into real methods for setting sustainable, inspiring goals that honor you, your creative work, and your business. GET OUT YOUR PENS.  A few links before we dive in: Making Art Work is open for EARLY BIRD enrollment!  The GOAL SETTING WORKBOOK  RSVP for Share the Work - the free 5-day workshop happening this March   We’ll talk about valuing yourself as an artist (because you are the core of your work), pricing and structuring your business with confidence, and setting goals that lead to both creative fulfillment and financial success. No burnout, no guilt—just a clear, thoughtful path toward a thriving year. Let’s bring those dreams to life. ✨ 🎧 Listen now!          

Welcome to 2025—FOR REAL this time. We’ve been through a lot already; things are shifting, the world feels unsettled—AND ALSO, it’s clearer than ever that our creative work is dependable and needed in so many ways. A few links before we dive in: Making Art Work is open for EARLY BIRD enrollment!  The GOAL SETTING WORKBOOK  RSVP for Share the Work - the free 5-day workshop happening this March   In this episode, we’re diving into goal-setting—moving beyond ego-driven pressure and into aligned, sustainable success in the studio and in your business. Setting effective goals this year is no small feat, so we’re starting with the most important thing of all: your dreams. I also want to be clear about what my studio stands for and what we’re excited to create this year. I never thought I would need to say these words out loud—I hoped they would be obvious to all—but let me be crystal clear: this community, and every space I have the honor of creating (Making Art Work, The Collective, my social media community…), is built on a foundation of inclusivity, respect, and creativity without barriers. I’m speaking directly to those who have been marginalized or who carry less innate privilege. You belong here. Together, we’ll walk through worksheets 2-6 from the Goal Setting Workbook, helping you define your vision, set meaningful goals, and build a creative practice that supports both your art and your well-being (but we're keeping it FUN). Let’s create a year that feels expansive, inspiring, and true to you. 🎧 Listen now!        

QUICK LINKS: Goal Setting Workbook Goal Setting Workshop Making Art Work My Instagram   Episode Highlights:Today’s episode is packed with meaning and purpose—we’re diving deep into your core values! Why does this matter? Because the goals that truly last—the ones that bring joy, fulfillment, and long-term satisfaction—are always rooted in what matters most to you. This isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about aligning them with your heart and your vision for life. 🌿 So here’s what to do: PRINT THE WORKBOOK, my dear creative soul! We’ll walk through it together, step by step, unlocking the clarity and inspiration you need to move forward with confidence and intention. Let’s get the goodness you deserve! Enjoying the podcast? If this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world if you could take a moment to rate and review the show! Your support helps the podcast reach more creatives just like you—and I love hearing what speaks to your heart. Thank you for being here and for being you! 🌟

QUICK LINKS: Goal Setting Workbook Goal Setting Workshop My Studio Playlist  Making Art Work EmilyJeffordsLearn.com My Instagram   Happy New Year and welcome to my list of manifestations and wishes -- and things I would like us to do more of and STOP doing forever. This list is silly. And it's absolutely not.   Also, we get into the heart and soul of "Do It For The Process" -- which I realized mid-eposode is 10 years old! I began the hashtag #doitfortheprocess in 2025 after a bit of a little tiny breakdown in the corner of the studio, and my life has been forever changed.  But now for the 2025 Ins and Outs!   2025 Ins: Buying the fancy art supplies because you're using the good stuff regularly these days 👑 Prioritizing your quiet (massive) dreams Curated studio playlists 🎵 Making good coffee at home Buying crystals on your birthday 🔮 Books with strong female leads Foraging for pigment while traveling 🧳 Photos-walks at golden hour Making a very big deal out of your art ‼️ Handmade ceramics palettes 💅 Craft nights with a friend Wearing earbuds in art museums 🎧 Reading an affirmation card each morning ✨Romanticizing✨ the process Outs: Overthinking every brushstroke 😵‍💫 Hoarding art supplies Plastic “wood” frames😮 Staring at screens for inspiration 🙄 Uncomfortable chairs in the studio Imposter syndrome 🙄 Nasty wine at gallery openings 🤢 Expensive dusty candles (burn them) Postponing creative dreams for “the right moment”🤡 Fake flowers 😅 Leaving the tops off your paint tubes 🫣 Perfectly curated feeds 😑 Using toxic materials (no, babes, it’s not worth it) 😨 Whispering abt your art and feeling sad when no one buys it 🫥

The Collective IS OPEN! This space was created to help Artists, Photographers, Designers, Makers, Illustrators, Writers -- ALL CREATIVES -- thrive. If you sell your beautiful work (or hope to sell more of it), this membership is for you.    All the details HERE / $39 / Doors open through 9.12.24 The Artist's Path To Success // a FREE and super beautiful & reassuring workbook  The Artist's Path To Success QUIZ // an adorable 2-minute quiz for you   And now, the 7 Sweetest Things Being "A Creative" Has Taught Me Your creativity might first show up in your life as curiosity  — study, learn, read, take classes, courses The thing that makes you good at creating your art is also the thing that makes you good at running a business I am the most dependable person in my life, and as the one creating both my art and my business, I know that I can depend on BOTH because I know that I can depend on myself The market for my creative work is infinitely larger than my ability to create the work People want to see my work. In their homes. In their lives. Every day. Shocker. I know. Lol Talking about my work to others does feel scary and makes my little introverted heart want to crawl into a little hole, but it’s also so extremely fun, rewarding, and fulfilling I am capable of wearing 50 different hats — but which ones really look best on me? Aka fit my skill-set and desires best?  And how can I let go of the things that don’t fit me best?

It's time! Today, we’re having a conversation about goals. Yes, in the middle of the year. This is the best time to check in and see how your goals are progressing and what you want for the rest of the year (especially before the holiday season takes hold).  In this episode, I'm checking in on my goals for 2024; many of which I have achieved, but many I didn't. We'll discuss what to do when you realize you're not reaching your goals or need to adjust some expectations. Enjoy, my sweeties!As always, please leave a rating and comment below! The Collective // www.EmilyJefforsdsLearn.com (doors open September 5th)  The Non-Toxic, Healthy Studio Guide // www.emilyjeffords.myflodesk.com/jme7kfx6fl My art // www.EmilyJeffords.comWrite a letter to be read on air //  https://www.emilyjeffordslearn.com/podcast 

Join us in Joshua Tree // September 14-17th // just a couple spots left!  All the details for the retreat can be found here.   This is a delicious talk about creativity, friendship, and what you can create when collaborating with someone you admire and trust.    Tanya Val is an artist and plant shop owner living in Anchorage Alaska. She is one of the most WILDLY talented humans I know. Seriously, just visit her site to see.  We have been working and traveling together for years, created some of the most beautiful retreats ever seen, and are writing a book together!    But in this conversation, you are going to hear about SO much more than just our professional work. We share our heart, passion, and love for our creative work and our shared (and very deep) passion for creating with nature. We're also hilarious. We think. :)    Helpful links: Creating With Nature Retreats: creatingwithnature.artTanya's Instagram: @tanya.valTanya's Website: TanyaVal.com The Do It For The Process Website where you can submit a letter or question to be read "on air."   Please consider leaving a rating and review This helps me keep going and flowing and I love them so so much. 

The Collective Opens on May 30th! This is the most transformative place for Artists to grow their studios and practices because we normalize the success of Creatives. There are so many training and lessons in there so you can find success in your work a little more easily and gently.    Go visit the Nature and Silk Scarf Collection I mentioned at the end of this episode! It will be available Thursday at 2:00pm est.    This episode is a bit vulnerable and took a lot of inner work to even get to the place where I can talk about this so confidently and from tried and true experience. Thank you for being the most generous and kind audience. It is a delight to share my experiences and story with you.  This summer, work towards feeling safe, healthy, and whole in your creative practice. It will pay off in multitudes in your creative work and the output you are able to step into.  I'm cheering for you.   xo, Emily emilyjeffords.com    

This episode is SO precious (stay til the end to hear my whole heart MELT). I sat down with two of the most beautiful parents/artists I know and we talked about balancing, blending, and maintaining your whole self and your studio practice while also being a mother.  Hint: balance is a juggling act, everything comes back around, you are capable of SO much more than you imagine, and also you don't have to do anything at all but love yourself and love your kid(s).  Please let me know what comes up for you as you listen! You can always reach me at learn@emilyjeffords.com    Meet Cait and Skye! Caitlyn Zarate is my Program Manager and keeps Making Art Work and The Collective (and so much more) running smoothly so that I can be an artist and mother! Visit Caitlyn on Instagram.  Skye Como Miller is our Community Support Queen. If you've felt a warm glow from our community, emails, or social media, it probably had Skye's touch! Check out Skye's Instagram and Website   Want to WATCH this episode? Head to my YouTube    

Being human is hard.Let your creativity make it easier. Your creativity is boundless, your imagination is unyielding, and the weight of this world is unrelenting.   Vyana Novus joins us in this very tender and open discussion on creativity, trauma, beauty, and safety in this interview-episode. You will walk away feeling so deeply seen and reminded that pain is integral to our growth and often plays a part in the creation of good art. Vyana is one of my dearest friends and we talk like two people who have a deep understanding of one another and a lot of mutual admiration -- but you're also going to hear a lot of curiosity and vulnerability as we get into some deep topics.     TW: We discuss SA, ED, intimate partner abuse, and trauma. Nothing is described in any graphic detail but I want you to be aware in case you are looking for a purely light episode. I have 100 others you can listen to. However, this episode is BEAUTIFUL and full of safety and love.    Visit Vyana's site (it's gorgeous) and follow them on Instagram  Find me (Emily Jeffords) at @Emily_Jeffords and emilyjeffords.com 

Hey there, friend! Welcome back to the Do It For The Process podcast – it's so great to have you here again. I've been pouring my heart into creating a fresh body of work in the studio and the painting process has taught me SO much -- yet again. Here's the thing I've realized: pleasure is the goal. Finding joy in the process is everything. Sometimes your own happiness can be the only goal -- in and out of the studio. Trying things that excite you and feel new can make the entire process come to life. I've learned to embrace imperfection, to savor every moment of creation without worrying about getting it just right. And you know what? It's been so liberating, especially when I start painting within my life rather than trying to carve studio time out of my life. Now I try to create in flow AND flow in and out of my studio as I'm led by desire. Even when that means I involve my little one in the creative process. It's honestly so fun to create and paint WITH him.   Perfection is boring. Let yourself create what feels most alive and most alive. Be someone more focused on receiving inspiration rather than how you or your work is affecting others. It's so powerful when I can shed perfectionism and just appreciate the goodness in my work. It feels so good and so alive and freeing!    As always, it is a delight to create and share my practice and this gorgeous collection of work with you.   See some behind-the-scenes on Instagram: @Emiy_Jeffords Explore TikTok with me: @emily_jeffords Follow my daily musings on Threads (It's genuinely delightful over there)

Get the full experience and tune into the workshops (and get all the conversation, Q&A, extra goodness, and worksheets) HERE. The Share the Work videos are available through March 21st!  MAKING art WORK Share the Work Emily Jeffords' art Instagram TikTok if someone buys something for their home or themselves, they want to enjoy that thing. In order to enjoy something, we have to VALUE it. In this episode, we talk about all the ways we might be devaluing our own art and efforts before ever showing our work to someone else!  As you let your imagination expand, your aspirations will follow. And your aspirations will soon turn into goals   So much of Making Art Work is deeply practical – HOW TO grow a business around your art, when to take certain steps, the methods that make the magic… but so much of the work we do is loosening the mindsets that keep us from creating bravely and sharing our work well.  This is where Making Art Work shines. Inside this Masterclass, I get to walk with you through every single area of running a creative business. Everything from web design to wholesale, branding to creating a collection, email marketing, running ads for your art, SEO for artists and SO much more! Get all the details HERE

Tune into the LIVE workshops and get all the conversation, Q&A, extra goodness, and worksheets HERE. They are available through March 21st!  MAKING art WORK is OPEN! Learn all about this life-changing and STUDIO-GROWING masterclass HERE.    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 2024 is very different than marketing in 2014, 1924, 1400...  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 2024!  If I were to choose only 5 areas to market, it would be these: Email Marketing Make your studio emails a vibrant and exciting place.  Share behind the scenes, your inspiration, offer a peek inside your studio, stories and insights...  This is an intimate space!  Create a “studio email list” of people who are interested in you + your work Nurture those people with a beautiful “welcome sequence” — a collection of 2-10 emails that are automatically sent to your subscribers sharing: Send early access to artwork or collections   Social Media Show up on social media as a fine artist, designer, maker, PROFESSIONAL Understand why you are there and why you are posting. Choose 1-2 platforms and get to know the culture and content that is doing well on those platforms.  Share your work beautifully and consistently: photograph it well, bring people into the studio, allow them to get to know your story (as it relates to your creative work), and don’t be afraid to share/sell your work!  Share your work regularly – when someone comes to your account, is your “highest” work front and center. Many more practical tips inside of Making Art Work on growing your social media accounts, creating effective content, and maintaining a marketing calendar. Come find me on Instagram and TikTok!    Use the magic of Pinterest Pinterest is one of the VERY best places to share your work as a visual creative! Pins tend to mature over age and offer benefits to your work 1-12 months after they are pinned. Pinterest ads are also something to consider if you're ready to invest some $$ and thought into marketing. Pin your work directly to Pinterest from the listing or blog post.  Also, pin your Instagram posts!  Why not reuse that glorious content?    Vary the content you pin: original content from your site or other platforms, photos, videos, as well as pins from other sites that will compliment your work.   COLLABORATE  Working with another creative, a designer, blogger, editor, podcaster… be your best advocate and PR. Cross-promote, share platforms, go live with your friends, offer value to other brands and media. 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...   Show up IRL Find ways to share your work in real life – in the real world. This could be at art shows, galleries, craft fairs, wholesale your work in shops, liscence your work 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! MARKETING and growing your studio is where Making Art Work shines. Inside this Masterclass, I get to walk

Join the LIVE workshops and get all the conversation, Q&A, extra goodness, and worksheets HERE. They are available through March 21st!    Let’s get to the heart of the issue: You need to elevate your BRAND. Yep. You. You have a brand. I know… It's weird.  And also kind of fancy! 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 inside of 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. >>>> You are in charge of bringing value to your work. Your work might be lovely and you are authentically sharing it with your audience, but if you’re not presenting it beautifully and effectively, they won’t have the chance to appreciate it. As you create a brand, you have space to elevate and grow.   This is where Making Art Work shines. Inside this Masterclass, I get to walk with you through every single area of running a creative business. Everything from web design to wholesale, branding to creating a collection, email marketing, running ads for your art, SEO for artists and SO much more! Get all the details HERE