An Introvert's Studio Diary: When They Copy You, You're Doing Something Really Right

"Everything we do has its meaning and a long process of development behind it. It's inspired by our lives. And it moves forward. Just as we ourselves change and grow."

Ivi

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At first we were afraid nobody would come to our painting workshops. So we started doing them for friends and their families, to get feedback. We ironed out mistakes, dead moments, improved the structure, changed the playlist, the timing and the order of things - so it would have flow and energy. The way we guide you, nudge you forward during the creative process - that has a long development process behind it. X years of painting, spending every free moment in the studio, thinking hard about how to make it work - how to give it structure, direction and above all: SOUL.

Declined parties, trips, holidays - anything a regular person allows themselves and takes for granted.

I build and update our website late at night, in stolen moments. On the go, I'm learning how "building a brand" actually works and what it means for us.And then there's SEO and organic searchability on "the internets." Oh and what about setting up a civic association?Oh and actually - we need an English version of all of it, since we want people beyond Czech and Slovak republic to be invited into our world, too...

In the middle of all of this, Wašo and I are asking people who've painted with us to write reviews, share photos - whether from workshops or of the paintings they've taken home. We create posts and content for social media purely so that people who haven't heard of us yet have a chance to discover us.

We often think about who we actually are and why we create. And on that basis, we build what we want to experience and create in this world. What is missing here.

Connection, creating together, understanding, spreading and sharing creativity - in service of free expression, courage and the expression of one's own soul through brushstrokes.

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Many of you say we inspire you.

But you inspire us just as much! Your courage to dive into creating even though the last time you painted was in kindergarten. Your willingness to share your doubts and vulnerability with us. And we get to stand beside you and help you see things differently - and do them differently.

To manage them. To overcome them.

So that you can be proud of yourself. Or at least just a little bit braver.

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These creative experiences of ours are far from just about painting. They're about transformation. And we're honoured to be your guides. Those waters of doubt and depth you swim through during the creative process - we know them intimately.

And it's quite funny that after years of building this creative world of ours, we found out that someone is trying to copy our workshop... and run it in their own space here in Banská Štiavnica.

Erm.

My mum would say one thing: when they copy you, you're doing something really right. And she'd be right - I'll admit that without false modesty this time .

Wašo and I both understand the temptation - on the surface it might look like a simple and impressive recipe for making a "little extra money". But the fundamental flaw in that plan is that this view is superficial and very, very misleading.

The person trying it has no idea what goes into it - how much work, how many ruined paintings, personal failures and genuine commitment it takes to lead people through this kind of creative process :) .

And that, dear friend: simply cannot be copied.

With much love,

~ Ivi & Wašo

~ Atelierovo Art

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