Yes You Can! Put Your Art Out There! 

I put stuff out there, and always have, in large part because I'm like a little kindergartner... I'm just so proud I *made a thing*! Putting my stuff out there is like getting mom to hang it on the refrigerator. And I'm persistent like a kindergartner...😊

I had this one teacher.... 3rd grade (8-9 years old). Draw 'something from a farm'. I drew my G'ma's favorite cow, but I gave her purple spots, because I had no black. Then, I couldn't decide day/night. Out the window, sun and moon were both in the sky so I drew both. Teacher 'had a cow' over the purple spots and derisively and loudly scoffed at the sun and moon sharing the sky. When I pointed out the window, I was made to sit out in the hallway for the rest of class. My stubbornness kicked in then, and I started viewing adults with a much more critical eye as to their opinions/knowledge. YOU GUYS ROCK!!! 🎨🧵🧶💖

Once I was asked "Why don't you do something normal?". I've since won awards and sold my work for 56 years.

YES YES YES!!!!!!! I am really starting to BELIEVE

You guys are so great. I agree I do not want to be pushing up daisies and to not have created my craft. I learn something new everyday and enjoy painting. YES I CAN. I heard that as a child that you can't make a career out of art. I have pushed and pushed myself mentally and I had to reverse that negative self talk. I encourage children to be and do what you want in life. I have a saying I put on wall that says "on to the next" and I literally have a cow bell that I ring when I'm done with each piece. It's so funny. My husband said yesterday "I did not hear the bell" and I told him "you were in the other room vacuuming". Yes, you read that correctly. He happily helps me out with the house chores so I can finish my piece. Happy creations my fellow peeps.

Hi Rafi and Klee! This is one of my first comments ever on RU-vid. I've been watching you guys since the Etsy video you did and been following along for the ride. Thank you so much for being your gorgeous selves. Thank you for what you do and the community you have created through your hard work and love. I get so much out of each of your videos but I've always been too shy to comment on videos - any videos. This one really got me though. For as long as I could remember I have always enjoyed creating and I especially remember in high-school how I would stay up late writing, painting, drawing. (My dad used to always tell me off and yell "Just go to bed! It's not important") I took any and all creative classes and was told over and over again that there was no real career in it - "Get a real job". That was a long time ago now. After working most of my life trying many different career paths and working for others, I burnt myself out. I honestly felt the light within me going out. Following a very stressful time in my life and in thinking I may never have children, I started to focus on what I really wanted to do with my life, only to find out I was pregnant (after 10 years of trying). So around the time I was pregnant I actually began planning out what I wanted to do. I realised I wanted to create my own business centred around my art. I researched a little and the more I looked into things the more I saw the advice of "Don't wait to start, just begin. It's the hardest part." So I did. I started back in on my art. I started to embrace that part of myself again and it was like the light in me was rekindled. My son is extremely unique and a lot of my time until now has been focused on him and making sure he is okay. But I also have persistently pressed onward, and I just can't give up on my plans. It's taken me years just to get where I am now (and I feel like I haven't even technically begun) but I keep on - even at a seemingly glacial pace. There is still a lack of support from friends and family but I completely ignore it now. I'm determined that this is what I want to be doing. Like a juggernaut - takes a while to get going but once I am, I will be unstoppable. Thank you for the encouragement and the support. There are probably many stories you never get to hear because, like me, people are too shy to even comment. But I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing a safe and welcoming space for creatives to connect, chat, brainstorm and inspire. You are both completely awesome. All my love from Australia, Christine :)

I got cancer in 2006 and; long story short, the doctor told me I would never walk again...I didn't think he was right because- he didn't know me! Oh yea! I walked again! To the amazement of all the doctors-yup! I walked. My leg is still damaged and I wasn't able to skateboard or surf ever again, but I walk. And I use that story to push myself in other things, and sometimes I inspire someone else when they are down or feeling like they can't do something.

Thank you so much for having this conversation! You two have inspired me to share my artist journey. I’ve been brainwashed all my life to think that I’m not good enough or talented enough or worthy. Thank you Rafi and Klee for the love and positivity you bring to the community! 😊 ❤️

"Just be so amateur that you don't know any better than to just go for it!" This is seriously one of the best pieces of advise Klee!!!! Love you guys!!!

Great episode. Running my own freelance art business now, after being told for 30 years that "You can't make a living doing art", and "You don't have an art degree". So glad I finally decided to take the plunge. Happier than I've ever been.

Finally A South Pacific Rogue Patreon 👏😎🎩 We ARE enough! Thank you 😊

Thank you,guys, for the ocean of positivity and wisdom! I love you both!!!❤❤❤

Thank you for the shoutout Rafi!! Jumping with excitement 😄 you're awesome and I totally adore you as well! I really like what you and Klee said about being an amateur is a super power. I believe that is one of my superpowers, because I'm self taught, I get to experiment and think outside the box and try things that the rules say you shouldn't.

Wish someone could have said this to me when i was a teenager, but happy I'm hearing it now, thank you❤❤❤xxx

Thank so much for this! I went on 10 interviews to get an art teaching job and was turned down repeatedly. I finally got a job at the eleventh interview. I went on to teach 6,000 kids k-12 at 13 different schools! I now can get a job at any school I choose! Never f*cking give up! Be relentless like a fly trying to get outta the f*cking window. Much love! May all your dreams come true! Amen! 😄

Thank you for your beautiful words of inspiration. I really needed to hear this. I've been in a funk since before Christmas. It's finally warming up so my thoughts are now turning back to my art

Be such an amateur that you don't know any better and you just do it! OMG!!!!! I love that! I'm putting that quote on my wall!!!

Klee and the Trees!!💞 Monday motivational madness!! Thank you so much for being awesome and for motivating us all! (* I hope your plumbing woes are over!!)🤞👍 Oh, and I am pushing onwards, past the TBI that's forced me to learn to use my left hand,, because the right side doesn't work anymore... A "friend", said that I'd have to go get a proper job now, so I waved goodbye to her, using my middle left finger, I flipped her the bird!! 😅🖕🐦 Much Loves, Andrea and Critter Family. XxX.

Thats my boy!!! Kirkman Studios!!! Thank you for giving him a shout out Rafi! I’m so proud of him! And you know, you are right on about failure. We can’t progress with out it. Looking forward to sharing more with you Rouge’s!

Klee, you're hilarious!!!! My biggest push was writing my first book. I'd gone to the Mothman Festival and ran into a kid who was 16 and sitting there at the table with his first book on cryptids. I was in my upper 50's, staring at this kid and feeling about an inch high. I left the festival determined that I was writing my book no matter what. Three months later, my first book, "UFO's and Paranormal Activity on the Old Titus Dairy Farm" was published on Amazon! Boom! I did it! :)

Klee channeling a Medieval English Peasant - priceless. M.E.P. for the WIN!🥳

"It's realistic when it's realized". That's a friggin awesome quote!

Fear of failure is HUGE! Keeps most people from even trying at anything.

thanks for the mo9nday madness I listen before I start my job every week with coffee it reminds myself the job is just to support myself for now and not my real career

I do not have the fear of putting my art out there but I do have the fear of failing at selling the art. After putting my art out there and investing so much time, money and energy and I am still not selling anything wondering if will I ever succeed. So far what I have put out has not sold or connected to those who would purchase, 3 portrait commissions over the last 5 years and none of my paintings. I get great “likes” and positive comments on social media but my former website and blog never connected and I still need so much more to learn to be able to connect. I am working on setting up a new website and I am walking in faith one more time even if I am afraid of failing financially. I am working on getting my art out into my local exhibits, which is about 2 times a year, which require framing so I am learning how to frame my paintings then make them. Getting portrait commissions are difficult here too, even by word of mouth has not happened so far here. But I will keep trying and I try not to worry about the finances but I put more trust in Abba Father day by day. Thank you for always sharing such great content and encouragement! Love you 2❤️❤️

I finally got in a good place, art wise.. life wise.. then my body gave out on me. Just keep doing art, progression will come naturally. Don't wait for conditions to be perfect. Don't delay.

I love how wonderfully cheesy some of the jokes are, it’s great.

I like Klee's funny voices!!

So... totally an 80s nerd. It dominated (in a bad way) my whole childhood. But you know life goes on. While some people will still reject you. Your peeps will recognize and celebrate you. Cheers 🍻 to you rafi, you've never been better. I predict a whole community of successful, happy creators that are all very glad you put your art and your advice out there.

If I waited to put my work out there until I was good enough then it would never happen because I always see ways I can improve a piece or something I should have done differently. As for anyone who bases their ability on everyone else's opinions, there will always be people out there who say your work isn't good enough. I mean look at Lautrec and Van Gogh, amazing artists but shunned by pretty much everyone. If you feel good about it, it's good enough. If you don't feel good about, leave it to the side and have another look in a week or two, it's amazing how different something can look or feel when you've had a little time away from it.

This should be shown in every school to every child...thanks for sharing🙏🤝🤜🤛👊

THANKS for great "Just Do it",I can , I Will , I Must video .I LOVIT!!!!

I live near the Giant Sequoia trees! I love this metaphor as i love ALL the Klee tree metaphors! They make my day better 😀 keep em coming!!

Y’all are so cute, and consider yourself quite lucky to have such a kind mate 😍

During the dark days of covid.. was placed on 1 1/2 year furlough from my day job. I just started to create. Started with Shirts and then went into painting again. I am now getting ready to do my first Art Show in Windermere FL. Next weekend. Nervous and I'm ready to be shot down in flames from different artists and people. Bring it on.

Rafi, afraid? Nah. Thank the Lord for growth and failure; thus we have these 2 humbled, introspective, creativity success allies. 🙏

Needed to hear that right at this moment. That voice of doubt has been nagging at me through a project I have been working on.

Thank you for the encouragement. There are no words to describe how much this helps!😀And take your time taking time out. We will wait!

Thank you both, for your advice and encouragement👍 I threw! my job in earlier this year because of the 'No Jab No Job' BS. Decided it was Time to work for God and not man. I am starting my art business and have stopped treating art like a hobby and come to the realisation that there is more to the creative arts' than myself, so am pushing through after procrastinating and putting it on the shelf for along time. I now, remind myself that God gave us the Gifts and Talent's to be Creative and to Produce Fruit and Multiply for His Glory & Purpose, am sure the rest will fall into place if artist do not give up.

Thanks for this Call to Action. I didn't know how much I needed it today!

Oh, wow! I feel like you knew where I am at and you are inspiring me to move forward. It is such a big deal and decision to put yourself out there. Thank you!

Thank you for putting this message out there! It's so important for us creatives and really all humans. Failure is just one of the building blocks in the wall of success! Thank you again guys ☺️

Thank you both! Loved your message.

Hello to both of you. I don't know if I wrote here before. I didn't want to listen, or wait for anyone's approval on publishing my work. One day I self published everything. Books, music, art work. I just felt that I had a passion inside for all of these types of visual, audio, photography, and writing. I didn't care if I was good, or bad. I didn't want to be like everyone else either. I am different, and enjoy being different. I enjoy all of your videos of both of you. You both make me laugh so much. Both of your work is very beautiful. Enjoy your day.

You nailed this subject. Thanks.

I started doing art when I was a kid. - Adults around me wanted my focus to be “ education” . I continued to experiment w. art, thru all the grades. - I put together hand made cartoon art zines w. my best friend - in JHS. - I documented a film shoot for “ godfather 2 “. - I tracked down my maternal fathers’ extended family; interviewed & documented hundreds of extended family members. • I took up drawing & writing poetry. • I took time out to get married. - Then I went back to drawing from life. - I hired a drawing teacher & got confused about what or how my art was supposed to look like. - I started editing music videos. - Could not get hired back then, bc it was an all male industry at the time..• Big life change. - I was very sick & I moved houses many times. - Finally, back to my parents. I started doing art journaling, and handmade greeting cards. - I started touring art galleries. I met an insider - in the business. He taught me all the moves. - I made art, I exhibited, I curated shows, I hosted art events. I even sold a few art pieces. - Then when I found out how the museum’s cuarate for their big biannual shows; I quit. > I literally burned out, bc it was exhausting to keep pushing to be known, to be discovered. It stopped being fun. - Unfortunately- there were lots of family tragedies that hit, one after another. This went on & and on. - > Recently- I feel to do art as a hobby. Just for playing. .. I think that’s all I ever really wanted. To just play …🌞🤗💛 So glad I found Rafi & Klee ❤️❤️

"It's unrealistic until it's realised " BAM!

The song 🎼"To Dream the Impossible Dream !!!🎶 Comes to mind.🎨 In regards to this topic.

You’re so right Rafi. We all have a voice and we deserve to be heard. I was thinking about this the other day. Why am I creating art? I realised that as a shy, often worried human being, I find myself shrinking into the shadows. In my average life I’m invisible. I have been showing my work and slowly but slowly I’m stepping into the light and my voice will eventually be heard.

This video was worth its weight in gold. Thank you for some wise encouraging words. Love you two! ❤❤

I love you guys so much. Klee you crack me up! You guys help me keep on making.

like you I am a self-taught artist sold a little but I keep putting my work out on social media gave up a little for a while then I get the wind in my sails again that is ok also if you need to just not too long

Again, thank you for this kind of encouragement! I tend to be my own worst enemy and then I just end up spinning my wheels in fear. I had to laugh when you said, "Just be so amateur that you don't even know it!" It's really true, you have to move forward and do the work!

As always, I enjoyed your video on stepping forward to put yourself out there. I had to retire back in 2017 due to a head injury that I experienced at work. Though I have gotten better over time, there are still some thing’s that will have to be worked on health wise. Taking up an old hobby to change it into something to make money by just simply educating myself on RU-vid tutorials. There has been so much I learned! I still am working on putting myself out there. I don’t have much self confidence in going forward in selling handmade jewelry at craft fairs, but here I am stepping forward in doing it. I have a great-niece who I showed how to make jewelry and now she has her own business. She exudes an awesome personality and can carry a conversation on most things. She’s 24 and has no filter practically. She was very successful, talented and creative in some of the craft shows that she started to turn a profit. I watch her work a crowd and am amazed at her bubbly personality. The thing I observed is her sincerity and patience in helping people. Though the jewelry making is a side hustle to make extra cash, she loves putting herself out there. So, basically she is my mentor in putting myself out there. I’m not wishing I was like her, I have to develop my own way but I feel, I have a good example in my presence to learn from.

I just love you guys! You are such a blessing to our world. Continue to be true to who you are.

Thank you so much. Perfect timing for me. I have been wanting to start up my blog again. I had written and had a small but loyal readership and then some life things happened and I had to learn to adapt to a mobility disability and kind of cocooned in and became rather private. Now I am at the point where I am getting the nudge to begin writing again and this morning I got up with something I wanted to write about. I stopped and started all day, allowed myself to get distracted and did all the things except writing what was on my heart. It is something I am really stoked about sharing...and nuttin. I have realized this evening that I was comparing myself to who I was when I was writing a few years ago. And that is not a bad thing. I have grown so much in the last few years...and...this person that I am now needs to learn to do this as who I am. Now. Perhaps, before I can write about the new things I am stoked about, I need to write about the resistance. Perhaps I just need to write small sound bites every day till I become used to it. Whatever it is that I need to do, I am pretty stubborn and I will get there. Thank you so much for the motivation and inspiration to keep going.

Perfect timing for this video Rafi and Klee. Thank you.

Very nice! The videos just keep getting better. You two are a great team. Thanks.

Just discovered ya'll yesterday! Love what you're doing. Very recently I started putting myself out there and am running into an issue that bugs me. Even though I had thousands of thumbs ups, loves and positive comments on a pyrography piece I posted I will focus in on that "one" type of comment. "So....how exactly did you dooooo this?". THAT question that is geared towards "exposing" you for what they deem as cheating, cutting corners, ....non-traditional and leaving you with "imposter syndrome". Explaining to even other pyrographers that "how" i got the image to wood doesn't negate the fact that I just spent about 40 hours 100% hand burning the image is STILL NOT ACCEPTABLE to some! For this reason, I generally don't answer the question which seems like I'm hiding. How do you deal with these type of peeps?

Awe I love y'all

Yooo I was such a nerd in school. Still am, but proud of it now. 😂 So agree with the whole “realistic” thing. People didn’t think building the Ferris wheel was realistic until it happened. Our brains/skepticalness to ourselves and others set WAY more limits on us than actual reality. I defy their reality and insist on creating my own! 💜

I put my art out there. A lot of times I do it so that other creatives get what I'm doing. My family will say things like, Well, that's not me but I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But if I post it on Insta there is at least one person out there who loves it. Plus, I'm a total newbie and I decided that I'll post it, warts and all, just to be brave. One like can give me the boost I need to make the next project.

❤Thank you both!😍

I was lucky my public high school. To be chosen for a after school studio program for visual artists. We had teachers and working artists mentors , for advice and instruction. And a lot of art materials to explore with . There we had real gallery exhibits. Beyond the normal school art show at the local mall. And we also had art club too. As far as the art club . We basically made and painted sets or backdrops for the drama and band kids. I'm unsure if they still do this kinda of thing for creative teens. Such as myself. The sporting kids get more of the support of the high school in general.

I was born with Muscular Dystrophy and I started walking when I was 7 years old simply because my parents and I said I would. So why can't I put my art out there?

lol love the medieval peasant accent Klee 😀 we are def all good enough, just need to believe in ourselves

This is now my favourite video of you - thank you Rafi and Klee ❤ like so many others in the comments, I really needed to hear this and I feel so inspired now 😃

Thank you both!!!

My teddy bears loved me too, Klee 😊

Thank you, I needed this.

my care bears loved me too lol cheers for #teamcarebear

Thank you both for this inspirational video... I have recently decided to make the transition from full time hairstylist of 29 years to full time artist by May 1st... I am so excited and so scared at the same time... afraid of failing, but as you said in this video, if I keep going it won't be a failure! You guys are awesome... thank you!

I love this because as an artist I have such a crazy love hate relationship with feedback being validation to what I create. But feedback and algorithms are out of my control. Making, creating, and enjoying sharing is WAY more important than going viral or being popular online. The struggle is real and I wish someday to truly mentally be above it.

So many good things to ponder in this video ❤

I unintentionally got my art in Hazel Jayne downtown here in Effingham. I never thought that would happen to me, and having that happen was a big confidence booster and now I'm like "the sky is the limit"

This one touched home.... I'm trying to stay involved with making, but I feel like an imposter in all aspects of my life. I will not set realistic goals. I AM GOING TO REALIZE MY GOALS!

Your videos are absolutely inspiring...comedy skits of wisdom...both of you are amazing!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Just got your book on audible ( yes artists love audible books so we can create and listen! Thanks for narrating yourself too!) and love it ! Thanks so much for all you’re doing for artists ! This is a hard road some days and I really appreciate the authenticity you walk in both for your art and encouraging us to stay true to ours - I have a gallery where my art is shown and I work out of , and I can’t tell you how many times things try and woo me away from my vision or feed that temptation to chase money because “ this is how it’s done” - I needed this !

Beautiful, thank you! 👍🏻👍🏻

I missed a deadline for a local show, i have bad vision and just didn't see it. I was stubborn and left a message saying I was interested in being a featured artist in their weekend show. I apologized for missing the deadline by mistake. I made it clear I would be avaliable if they needed a spot filled for a painter. I got the call back, and went on to win best painter! Would have never thought I was ready if I wasn't watching rafi and klee tell me to be brave and take chances!!!!

On Stubborn Persistance; 2003, started outlining & working on a Graphic Novel for Kids, Went to Comic Cons, Joined SCBWI got great feedback and formed many wonderful Friendships with other creatives. But every brush up with the gate keepers left me cold. no interest, no encouragement... thanks to the internet the Gates are OPEN! finally finished it in 2018 🤣 FEELS SO GOOD!!! just do it!

Thank you! I love the message and the sense of humor. LOL - stubbornness & persistence . . . I have some of that!!

Thank you for inspiring 🤍🙏🏼 you guys are AMAZING !!!

You guys are such a blessing! 🙏🏾

I only wanted to play the piano in school... I'd seek out peace and quiet to play and compose, then the school would come in to listen and sing along..

Guys, thank you so much for sharing this! =)

Thank you for the pep talk!❤️❤️❤️

I am so glad I am choosing to unschool my kids. They won't be void of human interaction and reality, but they will be void of the constant barrage of negativity. They won't be molded into societal standards but will blossom in their own ways and have the massive head start I never got. All my school life was just degrading to my person as a whole. I am just now finally finding myself, and getting into art. As I even unschool myself it makes me realize how damaging that massive stage of my entire childhood life was, and I don't remember anything that was forcefully embedded into my brain either. My husband was told his whole life that he wouldn't be a mechanic, and his dad even threatened to pull him from auto class for not understanding Shakespeare in another class. He just got an offer from Tesla, after being a robotics engineer for the last 7 years and a dealer mechanic for the other 10. Be persistent and go for whatever it is! You are the only one that can stand in your own way.

👍👍 James 😁

I'm still working on my projects that people think I won't succeed at. I'm trying to write fictional novels, learn how to illustrate for those same novels, and also I can program so I've got a special website planned for creatives and hopefully that will come later this year. I don't exactly have a cheer squad so watching vids like yours really does help to keep me going.

Thanks Rafi and Klee! I needed this message! :)

Always love you videos -- especially on this topic! I think a cure for this is putting yourself out there and "failing" a few times. You learn from it and you have built up a callous to the unimportant feedback and it hones your vision.

so inspiring and so true!

This was great thank u :)

Very inspirational video, i needed this today. Thanks so much for sharing.❤

I love this! And you guys too xox

Blo0dy love you both! (Totally said in an English accent lol!) And this! And got me completely in the feels. Thanks for the kick up the jacksie lol!

Just what needed to be heard

Very helpful, thanks so much. I find I do my best art work when I just sit down to play.