From $1 Paintings to Full-Time Artist: Emily Jeffords on Pricing, Burnout & Creative Freedom

Hey art fam! If you're craving a dose of real talk, creative encouragement, and wisdom from someone who’s walked the path of turning passion into a sustainable business—this one’s for you.

Today, Stacie sits down with the incredible Emily Jeffords—an abstract impressionist painter whose tranquil, sweeping landscapes capture the beauty of the natural world and the creative spirit. Through luminous palettes and intentional artistry, Emily’s work is a celebration of both nature and the process of creation itself.

Beyond her art, Emily is deeply passionate about supporting fellow creatives. Through her popular programs like MAKING art WORK and The Collective, she offers courses, memberships, and retreats designed to help artists build profitable, sustainable careers. Her mission is clear: to dispel the myth of the “starving artist” and empower creatives to thrive.

In this episode of the Art + Audience podcast, Emily and Stacie open up about the evolving journey of building an art business, navigating burnout, reconnecting with joy, and redefining success on your own terms.

From Naive Optimism to Artistic Clarity

Emily’s journey began in art school with the simple belief that she would make money from her work—no questions asked. But reality quickly introduced her to the messy, often unsupported bridge between creating art and building a business. Her first painting sold for just $1 (yes, really), and while she now teaches artists more sustainable pricing models, that early phase taught her the value of showing up, experimenting, and finding her voice in the process.

“I feel like part of the benefit of beginning something before your audience is fully ready for it is you get to do something quietly,” Emily shares. “There’s so much freedom in that.”

Balancing Art, Business, and Authenticity

Emily and Stacie dive into the paradox creatives often face—jumping in before they’re “ready,” while also slowing down enough to truly master their medium. Emily believes in the power of small beginnings and the creative license that comes with having a tiny (or nonexistent) audience. It’s a time to refine your voice, experiment freely, and embrace imperfection.

As both share, the shift from creating for yourself to creating for an audience can sometimes dampen the creative spark. “The clearer your voice gets, the more the algorithm will help amplify it,” Emily says, reminding listeners that authenticity—not polish—is what builds meaningful connections.

Navigating Burnout and Rebuilding with Intention

One of the most powerful segments of the episode centers on burnout. Emily speaks candidly about her crash in 2021—a time when her business was thriving externally but at the cost of her health and identity. This experience reshaped her approach to business and life. Now, her mantra is about “dependability”—not in the hustle-hard sense, but in learning to depend on herself with compassion and awareness.

“Being in touch with what you need is dependability,” she says. “I will always protect me, and then I’ll protect those I love.”

Creative Seasons and Accessible Pleasure

Emily introduces the idea of working in creative seasons—summer, autumn, winter, and spring—and giving ourselves permission to honor whatever season we’re in. Her new mini-book, Creative Stability, is a reflection of this philosophy: a guide for running a creative business that can withstand internal and external turbulence.

She also champions the idea of pursuing pleasure—finding the joy in creating, even when things are uncertain. Whether it’s painting for herself, exploring new ideas, or simply allowing herself to be a beginner again, Emily believes that joy is not frivolous—it’s foundational.

Key Takeaways for Artists and Creatives

• Start Small and Stay Curious: A small audience gives you space to experiment and refine your voice.
  
• Don’t Rush the Mastery: Craftsmanship takes time. Balance doing with becoming.
  
• Honor Your Season: You are not meant to produce at full speed all the time. Learn to recognize and embrace your creative cycles.
  
• Pursue Authenticity Over Perfection: AI can’t replicate your lived experience. Show up messy and real—it connects.
  
• Rebuild with Intention: Burnout can be a catalyst for a more sustainable, fulfilling creative life.
  

Final Thoughts

This episode is an invitation to breathe deeper, create slower, and build a business that doesn’t just succeed—but sustains. Whether you're just beginning or in a season of reinvention, Emily’s story is a reminder that your art matters, your voice is valid, and you are enough—even when you're still figuring it all out.

You can follow Emily on Instagram at @emily_jeffords, and check out her new guide Creative Stability for more on building a soulful, resilient art business.

As always, we’d love to hear your biggest takeaway—email us at [email protected]. 

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