We Need To Talk - Don't Be A Cookie Cutter Artist - Tips For Artists

[@Electricdawn64]

Some people say they don't really get me because I don't have one style, they say I should stick to one thing but I realised that that's not me.... Everything about me is eclectic... My taste in music, food, fave places, clothes and that goes for my art too. You guys are great, glad I found you both x

[@elizabethrobbins9639]

Glad to find you again!!

[@digitalfineart8356]

Amen for that. Me too and why shouldn’t we be eclectic?

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Is it ok that an 82 year old lady watches and loves your vids? Yes I’m still learning, and still wondering what I’ll be when I grow up. You keep putting out your videos, because it makes me happy. 😁

[@BlackCat_2]

I love Klee's perspective. :D 2:37 "Nobody wants a beach scene infused with angst and resentment. " and just as I was laughing about that my house went dark. :P Thankfully my browser saves open tabs so I was able to come back as soon as the power came back on. I really need that statement (and so many other Klee comments) on a t-shirt. :D - Heidi

[@eladiocofresi5202]

“Be yourself. There’s no one else who does it quite like you.” Kevin Max

[@abandonedchanneld8031]

The 2 top pieces of advice my grandmother gave me when I started in art and it's really starting to pay off, were these. Listen to your burnout and artist block and take a break, but use that break to find another medium of art instead of cutting out your creativity. Everyone else's advice was just to stop trying to pursue art if I kept having burnout periods (But for me just exercising for an hour means the rest of the day I'm to fatigued to do much, so should I stop doing that? No, I find other avenues instead to use that time wisely.) Or to just do the same old things over and over, but...That got boring and repetitive, I wanted to expand and enjoy what I had interest in. When I feel I need a break on drawing, I do other mediums like perlers, or painting, or digital mediums, or crafting. It helps with artists block to pull out a different form of art personally, because I look at it from a different perspective, which sometimes can translate back into the other medium when I feel ready to go back to it. Felt like sharing it for anyone who might find it useful and be going "Ah...I want to create but I don't have the motivation..." Because that was when I was told it and needed it the most, and it started the early stages of me selling my artwork. I just recently found your channel because of all the Etsy drama going on and you're quickly becoming a duo I'm looking up to

[@insertwittyprofilenamehere]

I switch mediums too. I create ceramics, when that gets overwhelming, I create abstract paintings, and when that gets to me, I crochet. Each medium shift is a break and refresher to prevent total burnout in the others. And perhaps one day I'll combine all three mediums create something amazing!

[@lauracolorstoo]

I've struggled with people telling me I'm no longer an artist... but thank you. I'm just not cookie cutter and that's totally okay. I draw and color coloring books, and I used to do more "fine art" but now I'm feeling more justified. I'm doing what I love: collaborating with other artists! ❤

[@shinyburner3586]

Got it Rafi. If your an "Artist" create! Don't look to others for YOUR answers! Their answers are THEIRS!! Artist aren't uniform, which means "one form" or to make everone or everthing the same. We dont need anyone elses approval! Go! Do! Create your art! Create your life! Manifest your own unique personal vision! Great vid! I think we all needed that kick in the ass!!

[@richardkeller3852]

Like Bob Ross use to say , you got your artist license when you got that first tube of paint.

[@dh7217]

Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an ARTIST-Pablo Picasso. I believe Picasso would have LOVED these "talk-rants" and been right in there with a shaking fist saying "YES, young man, YES!" and then turned around and slapped some sideways eyes on opposing sides of a canvas with an abstract bull in between to skewer those traditional watching eyes with their rules. Inspiring indeed, Rafi. ❤❤❤

[@kathyguy8674]

I love Rafi’s message, but Klee’s comments are a main reason I watch! Love you both!!

[@PourTheLoveofArt]

And this is exactly why I enjoy watching your videos!

[@blancaartgallery]

I finally have a website!!!! I’m still making it, but I finally have it in the way! No resume crap or anything else, just my very own way of presenting my very own work. No statements just what’s simple and real to me. I’ll publish it in 11 days when my free time is up. My artist photographer son kept saying yes, Mum, you should, just do it. It took me about 6 goes and the 2 week free time expiring 6 times for me to finally get the hang of Squarespace, the one I’m using. Thanks you two crazy people (from hopefully, another one). Perfect timing watching this. 🌸🌸

[@michaellong7181]

71 year old closet painter with about 300 works in my inventory and I totally enjoy your commentary! I've lived a satisfied life painting what I want and how I want to paint it. I probably could have made a lot of money painting southwest landscapes but I would have hated that. I love the way a painting talks to me and changes the way I look at things. My approach is to layer thumb nails to set myself a problem and then go to work solving it with color compliments, texture, and composition and it's amazing how that all works out. So satisfying! I would tell any want to be artist to express themselves and not someone else or someone elses agenda. Personal expression is what it's all about. Been watching your videos for about 5 months, thank you!

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Great one Rafi- I just paint what I love. Period. If it appeals to someone else I will sell it to them. If not-oK - I just paint more of what I love.

[@melissaoleary8196]

"No rules apply." I like that! My issue is putting myself out there. As an introverted/hermit with severe anxiety, I'm screwed. But your videos give me hope that I could takes some steps forward, someday. 😁

[@amandadanes8975]

It just makes my day when I see a notification for a Rafi and Klee video! 😊❤🎨✨

[@taterflaps475]

Great advice...and thanks for moving Klee a little closer and making her a little less blurry.

[@bobnicholas5994]

Love this episode. I intentionally avoided "learning" to paint. It seems alot of people can pop out Bob Ross paintings. Can they sell a ship on hardboard with toilet paper for texture? laugh Art show all these "real" artist and me and my toilet paper with house paint sells... Early on Inwas too cheap to by canvas. I sold a painting and they were replacing my Goodwill frame. They called me and asked if I knew this was painted on a Von Maur box... yes my kids got clothes for christmas and we got free boxes from there..

[@wildcoaststudio]

Thank you for your great channel....really one of the most refreshing artist channels I've stumbled across. I especially love your comments about boring artist statements....it completely reaffirmed my thoughts on that subject!

[@alawk8619]

hey dude, i literally love your channel! i'm 14 (female) and i want to take my art skill further and i really want to be a full time artist when im older, your videos helps me and gives me ideas of my future, i just wanna say thank you man!!! 💗

[@kidrockn4vr]

RIGHT ON BROTIEN SHAKES!!! I think a true artist creates because they want to create, they would just give there work away because there so joyed people enjoy there creation. Obviously it don’t work that way , but to be an artist because it’s the hipster way. Bahhh humbug YOU BOTH ROCK and you inspire me on every video YOU BOTH WILL SEE what you have inspired in me. COMING SOON!!! thank you fro. The bottom of my heart ❤️ SERIOUSLY.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You are SO SPOT ON with this video and I totally agree and needed this gentle reminder myself, so THANK YOU SO much :)

[@hollyfarmer1348]

Rafi! Your honesty is exactly what I need... I watch your videos for TRUTH! I’ve learned so much from you and Klee that I get no where else. As a matter of fact, I’m finally ready to take your advice and put myself out there to be seen in my local community... I’m starting with an art counsel exhibit and markets. Thanks to you, I have zero expectations around selling tons of stuff at these events, I just know that I need to get comfortable with being “out there”. You are totally freaking amazing and I adore you both! 😊

[@themystic6851]

You guys are over the top! ugg pretentious people. You both are so real and sincere. oh and also, I'm taking my first iconography course this week. Thank you for encouraging us to stand out and be ourselves!

[@1113Lori]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to hear right now. That left me feeling lighter & less stressed about all the things. Y'all are awesome!

[@UpperLevelFitness]

And Rafi and Klee are full of Awesomeness! 🙏

[@firicillustrations6673]

You guys are probably the most inspirational artists on youtube to me. I can't believe you have so few subscribers. I could just binge watch your content over and over.

[@shellysdolls]

What you're saying makes sense. Nobody knows the path you need to take except you. I may have to guess and fumble along the way but I keep trying...no matter what.

[@tammytjfordart5732]

YOU both ROCK. This message couldn't be more true today. In a world of conformity make a personal pact to STAND OUT!!! Thanks for always keeping it real.

[@zandorgirl]

Tammy 'artsystylist' Ford thank you for bringing Rafi and Klee into my life 😘 😁

[@barbking2708]

Total Awesomeness! Your content is “exactly” what I need to hear💜

[@luthientinuviel6217]

You guys are completely disarming. Love your candidness, your honesty and your personalities, keep on rocking your awesome!

[@traceyjohns3490]

You're so right... I began a few years back painting crazy animals because it was a 'thing' in fact I actually had a curator tell me to paint foxes because they sell. I kept on saying these aren't really me or my style. So then I just switched to doing the stuff I wanted to do. I'm still early days but I have sold a few pieces. I am loving working on my own stuff, But it still hurts when people say I liked your animals better. I am just hoping that my love for what I'm creating now will shine through so that people do like the 'me ' stuff.

[@PARTNEROFICE]

I REALLY LOVE YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND ART, RAFI..... :)

[@devandestudios128]

If your as commercial as the next guy, you're easier to pass by. Good advice as always Rafi and Klee.

[@raechelsaunders]

I find it hard to keep everything in one room. I must remember to put things back in their designated place. So simple but essential. Great tour!

[@Delta9D9]

Do not suppress your creativity or you will lose it. I drew a lot in school and was encouraged by art teachers and other students. Buuuuuuuut... I suppressed that and now it is very difficult to be creative.

[@kristinak.4183]

I get both of you on a soul level ! I also want to be best friends with Klee 🤷‍♀️💕

[@shaunnaperkins9750]

I struggle with an artist statement because I honestly have no idea what I'm trying to say with my art. All I know is once it's on canvas or paper, I feel relieved.....and I feel good about what I created. Can't for the life of me remember which shows I've done to do a resume or sometimes I can't remember what year something was painted or drawn to create a catalog. I'm too focused on just trying to get work into a show here and there within my chaotic "day job" schedule that I sometimes find myself not looking ahead. I'm just too chaotic of a creative to be a cookie cutter artist. Thank you for letting me speak on your platform and again...I greatly enjoy you and Klee's content.

[@justyouraveragejen]

Klee is so quick-witted. She is on it!

[@palletcolorato]

Good points. I know guy that earned a B. Arts degree whose professors forced them to paint in a style that wasn't part of who they were. I love fighter jets, so most of my art is that type. I've done some Westerns, Family, Naval, Space Shuttle, and a few Classic Reproductions, but all of them "spoke to me" and I said, "I gotta paint that!" So paint your passion.

[@Windsingerful]

This is so uplifting! Lotta mofos out there to love what you do!

[@Vixtronic]

There's an irony there where a group of people (artists) that get criticism and are outcasts from "Normal" society with 9-5 work standards, then turn around and try to criticize and outcast fellow artists for not fitting a "Normal" standard of how they think artists should work and act like. Obviously not all act this way, but a majority do. There is a quote from one of my childhood favorite movies Harriet the Spy that has stuck with me ever since, it goes "There are as many ways to live in this world as there are people in this world, and each one deserves a closer look." You're right in that everyone should do art in there own way. Art is subjective, so why can't other things related to art be that way as well? And as you said, advice is just that, advice. Nothing is set in stone because what works for some may not work for others. I really appreciate you and Klee for sharing the way you view art and all the advise you give. I just found your channel recently and am so happy I did! As a fellow artist it is really inspiring seeing your work and how you manage things as an artist, and it also brings comfort knowing there are others in the world who "get-it". I'm glad you both are feeling better, and remember in whatever direction you take with your art or KZbin videos there will always be an audience for it, so might as well do what you love because the others that love it too are the people you actually want to stick around and will be more loyal as a fan of your work. (Just some helpful stuff I've learned throughout my artist journey.)

[@smile4mediane513]

You both inspire me with your kindness, humor, and helpful spirit 💕 thank you for the positivity you add to my day!🙏🏼🌟👍🏼

[@littleravendesigns5587]

Glad to see Klee a bit more! Thanks again for the advice! I live in a coastal area and I Hhhhhaaatteee painting oceans and lighthouses! I used to try to sell kid art decor and though I enjoyed it I didn’t love it. So I shifted gears and still learning what I want out of myself. You guys are a great down to earth inspiration! Please keep it up!

[@mokocircus]

It might be one of the best advice I've heard for now... We have to remember we are all human and being artist is express ourself and not just follow the rules...

[@AnniesHours]

You know, this is Great advice not only for Artists, but for all people. Be Yourself! Be Real!

[@omarp.3929]

Thank you for this video!! ❤️I attend an art school here in Texas. Ever since I’ve gotten there my mentors have tried very hard to convince me to become copies like them and have artist statements and I HAVE to have meaning in EVERYTHING I do... when sometimes I just wanna make random shit.

[@rebeccas.murphy.]

That's some really great advice! Thanks!❤

[@RR-sc7ut]

I agree, be yourself, we all march to different drummers, mine plays bagpipes. Love you both, keep it up.

[@pennykent5687]

Ron, wow, bagpipes sound cool!!!😀👍

[@pennykent5687]

You go!👏💪🤜🤛👊 My 2¢,... YOU TWO ROCK!!!! ALL THE WAY!!!

[@staceytomkinson910]

I’ve been on this page early on. You create your own path and stay true to yourself.I’ve had more success when people were against it

[@analou3357]

I love Rafi and Klee, I follow you guys everywhere.. Not a stalker I SWEAR! 🤣😆🤣

[@sharonlightfoot9921]

I find you both the most inspirational (& entertaining) people on KZbin! Thank you for your videos - please never stop! 🤗

[@MysticHeather]

Man I really needed this video. When you said ‘imagine if you unleashed all of your creative potential on the world there’d be no one else like you’ that hit me like a ton of bricks. I have kind of stuffed myself into one box because I’ve been told so many times that in order to gain a following people have to know what to expect from you and it kills me a little to be reduced to one theme and style.. from now on f**k it, I’m doing whatever my heart desires

[@MysticHeather]

Rafi Was Here Studios yasss series! Lol

[@journeywithnichole]

Thank you!! Going to give up corporate accounting because my creative brain cannot fit into these cookie cutter molds anymore!! Time to create art!! You are great!!

[@emmamontonen]

Thank you for a refreshing video and viewpoint, only discovered you guys yesterday, and it's so heartening to see others involved in many art forms - it has taken me very long to find a way to be both a musician and an artist. Seeing you guys at work makes it feel less complicated, so thank you!

[@Rafiwashere]

Awww! Thank you so much!

[@10kCrows]

Yous guys are freaking awesome and inspirational. Thank u Rafi and Klee ♡🙏

[@HannaBruer]

Rafi and Klee, I just found you guys and I want to say THANK YOU. I’ve been binge watching your videos because you just KEEP MAKING SENSE. It’s amazing. Thank you for the inspiration to take new risks (hooo boy, I just uploaded my first youtuberz video - WHAT) and to stay in the arena. It’s easy for us to forget to be our amazing damn selves and try to make stuff work that isn’t you. Keep making sense in a world that doesn’t. Much love your way from Wisconsin, my dudes!

[@TheArtofEngineering]

If you read artist biographies, you quickly see so many got stuck doing commissions, they hated. They might have done portraits when they wanted to do landscapes….. or vice versa. Still for some, painting the 5 millionth Frangipani beats waiting a table because at least it is “brush mileage”. I guess we all compromise, just gotta try and not make it a Faustian selling of the soul! Loving the content!

[@omarp.3929]

I feel like I’m being modeled into something they want me to be. But I just want to have fun, express myself , and make money!

[@ChronicCraftyLife]

Klee...your interjections make these videos. ❤❤

[@ChronicCraftyLife]

Rafi, I love you too :p

[@kdouble4]

Klee always makes me laugh! I love her witty comments. This video made me think of the famous Teddy Roosevelt quote... "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Y’all keep crushing it!!

[@aligned4good]

I love every word! I agree with you two 100%. Never really followed anyone's idea of who I should become as an artist. Funny thing is that many have voiced their ideas of what I should make, or what type of artist I should become. I just nod and thank them for sharing their thoughts but do my own thing. Authenticity is the way to go for me although I am not making a living from it YET. Thank you for the reminder.

[@nolalove7054]

Great advice!! As always!! I am from New Orleans and a lot of my stuff is Nola based. I love where I'm from and love the vibe. I just started doing different things and I love that, too!! I do me and I get so much joy from just being me.

[@kellyrodolph834]

This is exactly what I needed right now. Kind of a pep talk-motivation with a little ranting to go with it. You guys are wonderful and very motivational. Thank you so much for your brut honesty, lol!

[@ObSINityFaN]

I have literally watched 38 of your videos today, well they were on in the background while I painted, and I had such a great time listening to your tips, your rants, and your take on being an artist. I have subscribed to your channel because it inspired me to keep going. I'm just starting out and I have more confidence in myself by listening to your advice, your humor, and your kindness. I especially loved the video with your son. It was so funny! Thank you both for uploading all these awesome videos and sharing a part of your lives with us. Hopefully soon I can attach my links to my art as well! Sincerely, Grace

[@mikijean4043]

I find myself often times trying to find an image to conform to, only to realize no one really has done what i have in mind yet. Perhaps that is all the more reason to do it myself. These rants tend to have messages i already know but need to hear from an outside alien source. Really great content guys

[@mariec5716]

Hi so true. If you call yourself artist. You need to do it your way. True you need when you start out to look around and notice and see what artists are doing. Then you do it your way with the little you have. I know eventually YOU will succeed. Thanky you have my exact mentality. All great videos. You both have an amazing day.

[@zandorgirl]

You two are beautiful souls and there are always gonna be asshats who don’t get it. I am so grateful to have found you!!! You are the first video I watch when there’s a new one loaded. BIG love for you guys from New Zealand 🥰🥰🥰

[@xgnyc]

We adore you both! You guys rock! 😎❤️✌️

[@babyblue61549]

I cannot tell u how much i love this message!! Thank you again for your down to earth. From the heart rambles❤️u guys r Awesome 👏🏻

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Brilliant Rafi! Your so bloody right! X

[@noocemiller6005]

You guys consistently say in your videos what artists really need to hear, "You be you!" This particular strongly delivered video came at a good time for me. I'm in the process of exploring different techniques and following the white rabbit down the rabbit hole of painting styles while I figure out what delights me the most in my paintings. And I'm working on connecting more to my art community - tonight I made a date for First Friday at a 24 studio art incubator. I'm working on my website and even before I saw this video, it was turning into something wild and wooly (which is so me!) and I'm going to make sure it stays that way. You are so awesome Rafi! And you too Klee! I'm so glad you guys are both feeling better. Summer sick sucks! Keep being you, because your honesty really helps those of us who are still working on it!

[@cherylannhillsartist]

I share your videos on a FB group I started recently because I want artists to know its okay to share knowledge and experience with each other. I believe we become better people through sharing ideas and experiences. JMHO BTW: your videos are awesome!!!

[@joannahigginsartenchantres1902]

You give great sooth...Mel Brooks would be proud.

[@gina-mariehammer8167]

Thanks for bringing this up. :) I'm under a lot of familial pressure right now to do "what's gonna sell" or to "look at what's popular". I'm getting a lot of advice on putting my art on t-shirts, or mugs, or whatever, and none of it feels right to me, so people are getting frustrated with me. But I *like* where I'm going. I like my art, and I like what I'm doing, and hopefully, other people do, too. Thanks for making me feel better about that!

[@gina-mariehammer8167]

@@Rafiwashere heehee - that's a good point, lol. For many of them - not very well. For others, they're selling a lot, but it's things like bottles and beach scenes, and I don't know how happy they really are. :/

[@gabrielehohne9525]

Yeah! Great "rant" love it! Very good. Love your channel guys.

[@owningmediocricy6487]

You two are really inspirational to me. I appreciate your videos.

[@samirasimagination]

Subscribed!!!! Love the focus on being free and trusting your own imagination😘.

[@user-pe2lw1ze8i]

You guys are so awesome. I'm really grateful for your vids. My mom was always pushing me to make "tourist art" in Cali and Hawaii. Make dolphins she said, make flowers and waves. I was a tattooed for years and if I have to draw one more f#!ing flower and dolphin I am gonna blow up hahaha. Now I battle with finding my style.

[@ericadgueho_mama_art954]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻PREACH! My mom & other family members send me pics of what I “should” paint “it will sell really well” “it’s a fast dollar” 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️I simply say thank you and move on Lol ❤️you guys!

[@elizabethrobbins9639]

Inspiring and encouraging, thank you!

[@Rafiwashere]

So glad!

[@sharonpick4509]

This is the best advice I have heard in a long time . you guys are the best!!!

[@FluffyInsanity]

I'm sooooo happy to have discovered you two! Stumbling on your video was the best thing! ❤ ❤️ ❤️ Very inspirational, down to earth! Instant subscribe! 😊👍

[@BeckyDJD]

I love you MoFos! Your videos and advice is spot on! Thanks guys!

[@jaedo71]

Please please please do videos of you painting!!!

[@juliesmith3637]

I agree 100% I've had formal art training that was pretty confined to particular traditional college methods and decided, years ago, to divert from that because my inner creative spirit was different from that and kept leading me to more diverse methods and experimentation.

[@TheSeriousSid]

A good one - i saw myself struggeling and laughed 😊

[@lisagreene8104]

Thank you, thank you, thank you❣❣❣

[@AmbrielleAngelEyes]

Thanks, this video was very helpful. I love how you guys interact together in your videos.

[@irisflower4366]

Yup! Good advice and love watching exactly the way you both approach your videos and subject matters. Big THANK YOU!

[@timelessmemories5150]

Thanks for this you are talking my thoughts I always get requests for things I do not want to do, so now I only do what I like because that is why the wanted to use me in the first place

[@TheKingSlacker]

How many people started hearing the intro to “Rafi’s Seminars?” I think it would be an old skool rap style. I’m looking forward to hearing it.

[@everblua]

I absolutely understand what you’re saying here. I have definitely been inspired by your videos and reminded that cookie cutter answers don’t allow me to fully follow my creative intuition and forge my own path. I learn from other artists a lot. I like to hear what they have to say and glean some wisdom. I think there is value there, for sure. - I am taking a course now, one of the courses you mentioned, and it is great! I am learning a lot and it’s from an artist that I truly respect. Still, I have realized that while I am gaining valuable business understanding, I also need to follow the direction of my own art career based on what works for me. For me, it’s a constant balance of connecting with other artists, learning from them, but always making sure I am filtering what I learn. At the end of the day, I am the only one making my work. I should make my own work, and be myself when I’m building my career. The only way this “field” is going to be interesting is if we be our awesome, unique selves!! Anyway, thanks for this video. Your channel is amazing.

[@jacquelineveach]

As an artist, doubt gets me nowhere. I’m learning to have loving chats with that side of me. Where did I learn to do so? Right here on your channel! Thank you so much Rafi and Klee for being yourself. Thank you for your kind, heartfelt, and fun quirky ways encouraging me to be myself as an artist. Love you both, as always.

[@aisuchama]

this is very very true- i spent 3 years building up an art brand that i thought would sell (and it did) but was not meaningful to me...i ended up tearing it down and having to start over

[@mg8642]

I've seen so much advice for artists and it didn't feel applicable to me, thanks for making this vid and giving me a little confidence boost that when I feel like I need to do it my way, I can.

[@briandodd9024]

One of the things you learn in writing is: your work is a conversation, a collaboration between the artist and the audience. You have very little control over how your audience interprets your work - that's their side of the conversation. I think visual art works in much the same way. Some people will get exactly what you mean with your work. Many people won't get it at all. But the largest number of viewers will get what they want from your work, and you have no control over that. Just make what seems good to you.

[@dreaminboho]

Yes it totally makes sense. One reason I didn’t finish art school, they wanted to squish me into their idea of art. A good friend of mine (used to be) her husband told me I was wasting my time. I have not looked at or been around him since that day. I do get caught up in stuff that is popular and entertain it for a while when income is needed, but I never lose touch with what I love to do.

[@fightthegoodfight52]

Excellent advice...simply, excellent! :-)