What If I Don't Like Talking About Myself Or My Art? - Tips For Artists

[@designsbycariann8466]

...Artists have "a license to be weird...Embrace it!" This video was EVERYTHING! Thank you, you sages!

[@jacquelineveach]

"Weird and eccentric" is a most wonderful compliment an artist can receive. To me it intrinsically says I'm being myself. My art is an outpouring of who I am as an artist, and my artistic expression. I just have to say a huge WOW for the advice and encouragement both you and Klee gave!!! So much of the time I feel like I'm sitting on your couch, lol, and being mentored! As always; I'm so glad you created your channel! I'm a sponge and always will be as I learn all the more the intricacies of becoming the artist I desire to be; and am.

[@wendyelainedonald]

I've sold other artists work as a business and owned a retail shop selling 'stuff I loved' (mainly artisan made textiles, rugs, ceramics). My customers wanted to hear STORIES about the art or artisan work. It can be harder to sell your own work, but the principle remains the same - have a story to tell. As I knew each of the artists I represented I would tell them a funny story about the artist and then move into a story related to where/where the painted was done. Once you launch into a reasonably entertaining story you stop feeling uncomfortable and the customer relaxes. Most people are not just buying the art but buying the story alongside it, something to repeat to their friends. You leave them then to look at work and note the price. If I could see they really liked the work I might say "We can put it aside for you to pay off".

[@MyMarkStudio]

I had a really hard time getting myself to watch this video. Probably because its so very relevant to me right now. I wish I could just make art in a void were time stands still, have money show up when I need it for things and, not have to interact with people. But at the same time I need interaction at least a bit, in order to be healthy and sell things. Work life balance as a Artist is hard but I don't see anything else in the world that has the best match in, effort put into it + processing things and having fun and self care = a job I can do just like anyone else on a professional level. Thank you for making these videos. I'm going to go challenge myself in a positive manner now.

[@ChronicCraftyLife]

As for people talking and not buying...some people are like me and broke a lot...so talk and be nice and we will follow you and if we really like your stuff eventually we will buy something! I support artists I like.

[@Rain_theGamer]

Long term investment! I agree, follower on social media who actually made a connection with you those people leave the best comments too. So it looks good to potential buyers

[@Rkerrart]

Rafi, I think you are my spirit animal. Lol.

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

I am really friendly, sometimes too friendly, and the more uncomfortable I am ... I giggle. My husband said he finally learned that the faster my giggle the more uncomfortable I am. So, being aware of this quirky reaction I have, I try to turn on my listening skills. I learned that not everyone understands the giggle reflex and they assume I am laughing at them. The other thing is I have an infectious laugh that comes from seeing the irony and dry moments with 'glee'. I probably watched to many comedy skits as a kid. I have found it is best to remain calm, smile and listen. And on another note, I had a friend that used to ask "how's your bird?" try that. Guaranteed to be a 'bs' ender. I never asked him how he came up with that. It was a insider comment from an artist being an artist. I like your advise. In the end, most people feel the same shyness in large groups. That is why there is usually alcohol in public events to loosen up people.

[@DMPaul]

Total awesomeness! A video about how awkward we are. Love it!

[@thehappypotter9612]

since I've become a full-time artist, I'm quite boring. All I want to talk about is what I've just finished making or what I'm busy making or going to make. So the problem is not talking about my art, but rather NOT talking about my art...

[@allanlister4067]

I’m proud to call myself “weird” too. My goal since high school has been to NOT live in a “little box made of ticky tacky.” If you don’t know what I’m talking about or you don’t remember you're not weird enough or are still just a child. It is a protest song look, it up on Google. How weird am I? I made my living as a professional clown for over 30 years. Most everyone in that art form is weird. NO I was not a scary clown! I could mix and mingle or do walk arounds as long as 18 hours a day. I had patter that I used to make people smile. I have been retired for ten years now and my goal still is to make everyone I meet smile. I’m lousy with small talk and I too prefer talking about things or ideas. I really don’t like to talk about me. I like to talk about my adventures in life and things that have happened to me, but not about me. I am terrible about even mentioning I am an artist (yes I've painted pictures since I was five). Everyone asks “what do you paint?” I’m lost. I usually don’t have any great concept or radical meaning to my pictures. Usually there is no particular reason why I painted a particular picture…I just did it. If people like it I am always surprised and humbly mumble thank you. I totally agree with what you say, and at 75, I’m still practicing. Thanks for your “weird” videos, I love them!

[@thayesartwork]

I just found your channel, love both of you guys sense of humor❤️❤️

[@karensmith5633]

Great advice, particularly 'bring a friend, to help you feel comfortable" - I did that recently when I put up an exhibition and it was so much easier. I also find that just launching into the technical side of a painting when you and a potential customer are just standing side by side staring at your work can be useful. Often we as artists take our process for granted, but so often people are really interested that I use cotton paper for my watercolours to help absorbency, that I sometimes build up 20 different layers of washes to maintain luminosity etc etc. and before you know it - your talking about your work! PS really happy to have found you both on the KZbins, your video about high end art had me cheering along!

[@timclemons8719]

It’s icy here in Virginia and I’m binge watching and commenting on Rafi and Klees videos

[@southofthesticks]

Well said guys ! 💜👍

[@pipparker]

I had awful social anxiety until I was in my mid-20's. What got me out of it was the realisation that people are actually taken up with their own trials and tribulations, and their own anxieties about themselves. I also used to say to myself that it was, in a way, quite arrogant of me to think that I was so important to strangers in the street that they would give me any more than a passing thought - just as I don't give a passing thought to the people that I pass. There's also the lovely adage: "Don't compare everyone else's showreel (i.e. the face they put on in public) to your own cutting room floor." With regard to discussing money, I find it really useful to pretend to myself that I'm actually just the agent for the artist. Take the "I" word out of the conversation: "The fee for x is y", "the hourly rate is x dollars". It's known that using the third person in one's internal dialogue can provide a bit of useful emotional distancing, and this is related to that I think. These are my thoughts. Your mileage may vary! Be well.

[@lifeonwheels9802]

Ice breaker: Smile and say hello to people when making eye contact and it could start a conversation. If so, say "nice to meet you how do you like the show pretty cool huh. So its great you came out, really glad you could make it. Shake their hand and Introduce yourself and ask there name.

[@KateColors]

You guys are awesome! ❤ You're always right and then some. The 'then some' is either genuinely nailing it or bringing up something that never would have occurred to me. So, thank you. --- KateColors

[@arlas2000]

Thank you for making these videos. I have horrible general anxiety and it makes it really hard to socialize let alone get my artwork out in the world. Hearing the both of you talk about it though helps a ton though.

[@BrookeBowenArt]

Yes! Great advice! Since becoming a mom I don’t know how to talk to people and my introverted side has overtaken my ability to make conversation (as I make a crazy long run on sentence........)

[@paintingalways]

Oh my goodness. This video is hilarious. Love it!

[@tanyalalonde733]

I'm totally awkward and weird... I was always by my parents told it was because I am creative... it still doesn't make it easier in my other job where I work with people all day long. People still look at me sometimes like a zoo exhibit... "and on your left the clumsy awkward weirdo emerged from it's habitat"...lol

[@MysticHeather]

You guys are the best!

[@luisodriozola79]

I had to prepare an artist dossier last week, setting up on paper what my work means and so on was pure hell.

[@luisodriozola79]

...the most confused kind of hell

[@sarahwilders8913]

Love your videos! You two are amazing! My fiancé and I are artists, I do all of different mediums and he does the most gorgeous photography

[@tonywelch8607]

Great video, advice & comments

[@Rain_theGamer]

I'm a business human, I interview people but in an organic format. Man I've said some weird shit 😂😂 I talk about famous people but more on their interviews and their takes on life. I will talk about business for hours if I could.

[@metamorphoseis_]

I used to be really scared of speaking to people but then I realized that others were just as scared as I was. Now I just try to be that one person who makes others feel a bit more confident bc I know... I understand

[@durango-CODEBUILDER]

Really appreciate this video

[@gina-mariehammer8167]

I thought that I'd be really good at mingling at shows. I tend to be a mix of extroverted and introverted (love conversation, draw some energy from it, but come home exhausted and wired at the same time and need to relax afterwards or I can't sleep). I do really well in small group situations, or on line at the grocery store or the coffee shop, striking up conversations with strangers. But when it comes to mingling, wandering around, just saying "Hello" or trying to talk to strangers about meaningful things, I clam up. I tend to grab hold of my friend Kathy and follow her everywhere, or I magnetize to the one or two people I know, and just wander between them. I'm worried that I came off as very unfriendly at the mixer we just had, because not only did I magnetize, but I also wasn't feeling well. I walked in and the heat hit me like a wet blanket, and it just went downhill from there, with me feeling more and more sick, till I found a seat near the in-wall AC unit and couldn't move for the rest of the night. I barely spoke to anyone. :(

[@babyblue61549]

I just love this so much! And I totally used some advice from Klee at my last art show. I had one of those guys that want to just talk about themselves and show u their art😱🤬😡😵to me! At my show. 😵 I tried to b nice but Klees voice came into my head. I could b weird. I’m an artist. So I just basically walked away from him while he was scrolling thru pages of inexpensive art he bought at like TJ Max and how he painted over them adding his “art” to it and then sold it as his own art!😒😳 I just walked away. It was very freeing. 🤣😆😁and I didn’t feel bad at all like I normally try to b nice to everyone even when they’re wankers. 🤷‍♀️I’m an artist. I’m weird. 😁

[@Saffirance]

What I have a hard time talking about with people/customers is money. People think once you make Friendly with them we're friends so you'll give me a discount or free art, right? Wrong!!

[@elsagrace3893]

People always ask for discounts, especially men and especially people at art fairs. Other than that it may you who believes that being friendly means you should give them a discount. Check that with yourself.

[@susielee2709]

I need to come up with a faster origin story for my art/business. At shows people ask how I came up with what I do. I start to tell them and one sentence in their eyes glaze over and they look like they want to leave..... or I just think they are doing that, lol.

[@maceyloubrown]

👏👏👏great video as usual! And so true!

[@thehappypotter9612]

haha, if they ask "what's happening", they are really going to get it and hear about what I'm painting or sculpting. And I could always throw in ten minutes waxing lyrical about my cats

[@sharonoddlyenough]

It's ok to take shelter when it gets too people-y, like at that art fair. You were brave enough just to put yourself out there.

[@subhadra107]

Thank you, thank you for this video, i love you guys.

[@victoriabellanova2280]

Great advice! Thank you both!!!

[@Saffirance]

Oh, yes, we are weird, but good weird. Remember no one is perfect not you or the people you come across. There's grace there.

[@bellemitchell7071]

Thank you! This was really helpful!

[@patsyjohnson2064]

Awesome video

[@TheMackhimself]

I personally have an issue with being asked 'what inspires me', or other questions that are leaning towards me having to tell ppl the meaning of/intention with my paintings - I really want viewers to make up their own minds, as that is the most honest form of communication imo. Since I'm a beginner at trying to make it work as an income, I haven't had this happen to me loooads of times yet, but let's see if you cover this in your video ... *clicks play in great anticipation* :D

[@TheMackhimself]

well, not really.. but the video didn't disappoint

[@youlandepieters7794]

Can you do a video about over working a painting or what that even means ? I have had people saying "don't over work your paintings"without explaining what they mean or how they see that I over work my paintings . To me my work looks fine but now I am starting to question every brush stroke and decision I make

[@sarapizzolato7689]

Rafi, I love your you tube rants. I’m always quoting things to my husband. My question is. How do you handle friends who love your art but ( how can I say it nicely?) don’t want to pay for it. Just wants you to give it to them. I put a lot of time, effort, and money in my supplies to hand it over for free. I have given art away. And even to said friends. My attitude is if they truly value me as a friend and respect my work. Then offer something of value in respect but don’t ask or expect free art. Especially in public such as your art platform. How would you handle such a situation???

[@ginasellers3683]

We have a “First Friday” art crawl in our town once a month. The artist co-op gallery I’m a part of is always involved and I make sure I am at every event. Very uncomfortable but forces me to interact some with people!😂

[@ChronicCraftyLife]

Ok I really need the "Blahlahalahlah" part as a gif please Klee, you need to get with my daughter because she will just talk forever about rocks too!

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

I love rocks.

[@ellenm7806]

Oh yeah, you've totally described me to a "T" & this video is both on point & somewhat helpful, lol; JK; ( meaning if I can ever TRULY not give a fudge for real) & relax more :) I hear art people's convos being so esoteric & ?vague? ; others get into it; & I can't wrap my head around it much less portray that-yep staying in my art room must take me out of the world's loop (boring) ; I was never into mainstream things :) (awkward) I also assume in my head that most aren't interested in the uncommon mix of stuff I like. Yup, I'd rather paint & hide in nature. I totally love your pep talks & both of you are awesome! Thanks again ☆ ps. Where can I get that shirt? ?

[@diana3599]

Great topic!

[@kimberlymarie9512]

I hate small talk 😂 I would prefer to have deep conversations

[@trudiatherton7112]

Although an introvert I was brought up by a Very extrovert Mum, so I was encouraged to be able to mix mingle and chat to anybody-never had an issue. Until I went to an Artists show last December- I knew her and like her work so was really looking forward to it, I walked inside and the place was packed, no-one spoke to me- I actually felt invisible. I stayed fifteen minutes, looked at the work, felt like I was in the wrong place and literally ran screaming from the building. Does this sound like the sort of thing introverts go through ? If anyone had spoken to me- well that was the terror ? does this ring true with anyone ? it was very out of character for me.

[@mikehilbert9349]

Them "how are you?" My new response will be, "it is an artist thing; you wouldn't understand."😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Klee tells introverts to talk to their inner circle; introvert continues to talk to self. JK

[@littleravendesigns5587]

Omg I relate 120%

[@markcaselius5993]

I have found over the years that people who go to art shows or galleries are there because they want to be there. It's the whole ambiance thing. "Let's go see the people we wish we could be." So yeah, say hello, you might be surprised with the response. Hanging back, sweating profusely and hyperventilating is not very welcoming. :-)

[@brookegartistry5477]

Go outside? In public? But there are muggles out there! (and that right there pretty much sums me up 😂!)

[@maryjanelucido4729]

How’s it going? LOL I love it! What’s up? LOL I worked at a place where that was a greeting. They really didn’t want to know how things were going or what was up. When ever I started telling them what was on my mind they walked away, looking like she’s weird. So I had to just say hey and keep walking. Very weird?

[@fatcat1399]

I have a quandary... if your having a show that’s in a store, do you approach all customers who walk in or just the ones who come towards you art showing area? I had a showing at a store a few months ago and was afraid I’d be rude and taking away the stores customers. But maybe not? What’s your opinion on that? Thank you and you’re awesome!!💜

[@mauricepowers3804]

My art is just not selling enough in the town I live in and I’m trying to get it outside my area. I have a website and I do markets locally. I keep hitting roadblocks, do you have any suggestions Klee? I ask you because I make steampunk jewelry and you make jewelry.....thank you in advance! Love your channel....you guys are so talented, cute, funny and awesome!!

[@mauricepowers3804]

@@Rafiwashere yes....they are so far away from me that I dont have the funds to travel that far. I am on a steampunk Facebook page ...not sure if it will help but lots of great steampunk art on there😎

[@CJShopland_Art]

I’m good socially ( edit is very selective precise situations 😅 ) but some people make me feel arkward ! 😅 introverted extrovert but now older less FOMO and stay in more these days 🥰

[@diana3599]

ask people about themselves.

[@bobnicholas5994]

I do not mind talking with people at art exhibits. But there are the dumb imbeciles that say my kid could do that or flat out they don't like your art. Even if I sell ten paintings I keep focusing on those stupid comments. Politicians just change the topic if they don't like the subject. I am good at very small talk. I use the Dale Carnegie process of asking them about themselves. The first five minutes of any conversation should be about the other person. Hows the art? What have you seen good? etc

[@heatherjohnson8022]

Namaste! My inner weirdness honors the inner weirdness in you! 😁

[@lucybaryo486]

Good Morning...I was wondering just how to price my art and do you price accord to the venue

[@eliciaburton4862]

The older I get the easier it is to talk to folks, they I can see have similar problems with communication, but I'm actually quite articulate, I have a really bad body image, older, bigger, less beautiful than I was when I was younger, I never want to bore a young person by feeling they need to talk to me. But then again, I might have a huge amount of experience, I know I do, actually I think I'm pretty special, but I am very careful about it all because I feel like I can be very powerful and can blow peoples minds, maybe its better to hold back. And I have been also overly popular and have had to hide because people want me to volunteer, help out, play music for them, etc, over extend. Thank you I'm hiding at in upstate New York and my brother's place, making art and not knowing anyone here, so I can take the time I need to make art, be quiet and relax a bit more. Thanks for being so awesome, you are so much fun!

[@eliciaburton4862]

Thanks Raffi and Klee, I am so excited I sold my first painting on canvas this last week! What a kick in the pants that was, I turned all the money (not that much) into canvasses, so now I have more ahead of me! it sure made me feel good and also sad to say goodbye! On with the new! How's that for art chat! Thanks for all your encouragement!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

You both are very funny 😂😂😂😂 I don’t like talking about my art as it sounds like bragging 🙁

[@theencouragingartistaiyann7002]

💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Good advice. Don't worry peoples, the older you get the easier it becomes. I am 70, will talk the hind leg off a donkey, and don't give a toss what people think about me. Ilona xxx

[@thehappypotter9612]

Excactly!

[@williamroberts8470]

I talk about aviation at parties. No more party invites for me.

[@kidrockn4vr]

Lol new t shirt 👕 for u. Weird with a beard 🧔.

[@ashlee1847]

I aways said comments and then in my head, I'm like... okay that was stupid lol Like when people ask to take pictures of m work I say of course that's FREE PROMOTION & they give me a weird side smile hahah

[@timelessmemories5150]

My problem is I do not think my work is good enough and maybe no one likes it I can't be objective about what I do

[@ChronicCraftyLife]

How to you stop criticizing yourself and your art? I see every little error and I try to tell myself it is hand made and unique, but I still find my brain nit-picking every tiny detail.

[@rebeccas.murphy.]

Oh yeah, I'm totally weird and awkward.😉

[@thehappypotter9612]

good! That's entertaining.

[@traceyjohns3490]

Omg!! So am I...I get nervous and start making jokes that are not funny and doing weird voices and my bf (who I take along because I'm a chicken) is like 'what are you actually doing???' Not good 😪

[@AdoptionLawSourceTrinity]

Are you two INFP or ISFP?

[@CJShopland_Art]

I never answer how are you, how’s it going with a surface level answer “oh you know contemplating what it means to have purpose and working on this artwork, and …. I just go on one. Oh so you didn’t really want to know how it was going ? 🤷‍♂️

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

Let your freak flag wave!

[@alaysiakayebutler6299]

Are you an INFJ, Rafi? 🌞

[@richardbirkett697]

Trying to figure out what shirt Rafi is wearing the whole video. 'I don't give a rats ass'

[@riamholmesaustralia]

I hate People Talk about them self

[@Jules_Pew]

I'm more - you can't shut me up when I get started. Your beard is getting almost hipster.

[@willowjay7139]

I'm the same way.