Creative Resources

Stuff I’ve Been Listening to 27-Hip hop + Palestine

LaRussell & Tope (Vallejo, Ca) – Free The World 2023

I’ve been following LaRussell since 2022 after a homie suggested one of his songs. Been to the backyard, and was so grateful he spoke on this and has faced backlash because of it. Bay Area.


What is this? This series is called “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I’m always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover. My name is Rob and I’m an artist and author from the Bay Area.

Rebel Diaz (Bronx, NY) – 1-800 Genocide 2023

I came across Rebel Diaz originally from Chicago back in the late 2000’s. They have always spoken on social justice, politics, and revolutionary ideals and organized with real people on the ground. Mad love for them.

The Neighborhood Kids (San Diego, CA) – Biddi Bomb 2025

Belly (Ottawa, Canada) – Patience vs Patients 2024

I came to Belly very late. He’s been putting out music for a long time and the first time I heard him was through Nipsey Hussle. He’s Palestinian Canadian and his flow and critique is sharp. Listen.

MC Abdul (Palestine) – Shouting at the wall 2021

MC Abdul is one of the first emcee’s from Palestine that I heard spit in English in the literal thick of the genocide and he’s been putting out music for awhile even though he’s young!

Invincible (Israel/ Detroit) – The Emperor’s Clothes 2009

I came across Invincible through the battle rap scene and thought they were ILL which is wild because thats the name they go by. They are Jewish and spit this rhyme 16 years ago!!!!!! I discovered this song from the film “Road to Apartheid” which compares Israeli occupation to South African apartheid.

Macklemore (Seattle, WA) – Hinds Hall 2024

This song blew up last year and went viral on social media. I was aware of Macklemore because he was an underground cat from Seattle, then I heard some of his more popular radio cuts. Did not see this coming from him last year but it is an extremely powerful statement.

If you’ve heard some hip hop about or from Sudan or Congo, drop it in the comments! We need to hear about what is happening in Africa!

Eddy Mack ft Batata (Detroit, MI) – Sound of War 2023

I heard Eddy Mack (Jordanian American emcee) in 2023 like most folks because of this viral song that was a very militant stance against the attacks against Palestinian people.

Ana Tijoux (Chile/France) Feat Shadia Mansour (UK) – Somos Sur 2014

I came across Ana Tijoux in the early 2010s as part of hip hop royalty Makiza of Chile. I then met her around the same time when she dropped 1977. She is razor sharp lyrically and has a level of knowledge, critique, and creativity in global politics and hip hop that is unmatched. She’s also a really cool ass person.

Lowkey feat Frankie Boyle, Maverick Sabre, and Mai Kahlil (London, UK) – Long Live Palestine 2019

My bro Pele Durian Funk made an ILL mix of hip hop artists who’ve all made songs in support of a free Palestine back in October of 2023. On that mixtape he included a bunch of cats and Lowkey was one of them. I’d never heard of him but I soon discovered a super talented emcee and journalist who fights fiercely for the people of Palestine and working class people in Britain.

DJ Pele Durian Funk ( Bay Area) – Solidarity Forever 2023

My bro Pele (Trust Your Struggle Collective) made this mixtape of hip hop featuring pro Palestinian artists such as Native Guns, 47 Soul, and even Yo Yo Ma. Check it out.

DIG THE MUSIC? THERE’S MORE! 

  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 25: MORE SOUL
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 19: UK ARTISTS
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 23: MORE JAZZ
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 21: RAPS
  • Stuff I’ve been listening to 18: HOUSE

Ok thats it fam, if you dug this share it with a friend, comment with some musical suggestions, and if you want to support Palestinian or anti zionist organizing in the US check out:

Why Palestine? There’s been an occupation, apartheid, and genocide of Palestinian people there by Israeli government with the direct support of the US Govt and many others in the globe. Like India and Pakistan, the “middle east” or the countries of Africa being cut up by greedy people who see dollar signs its people deserve freedom, self determination, and it is a prime example of how the billionaire class is playing us all when they say they do not have enough for universal health care, affordable housing, free education, etc. We’re all being tricked and Palestine/Israel is a HUGE part of it. This goes for Congo, Sudan, and many other countries across the planet. The people (you and I) must expose the lies and get freedom for us and them together.

Picture Book Recommendation-Bodies Are Cool

Ey, Bodies Are Cool is a really great book and its a hit in my household. Check out this video where I explain. I love this book because it flows, it’s short and to the point. And it really does emphasize an understanding and curiosity to see all types of people and bodies.

Synopsis: This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over.
 
From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world. Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning in this truly inclusive book. With its joyful illustrations and encouraging refrain, it will instill body acceptance and confidence in the youngest of readers. “My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!”

What’s this? Whew, I’ve read over 600 picture books y’all! An author who I admire and respect “Adrianna Cuevas” was sharing her favorite books and it inspired me to share some of mine with you. I’ve read ok books, garbage ones, and some that I think are incredible examples of the picture book format. Here and on the socials I’ll be recommending some of my favs. Please support your community and the creators by requesting them at your library or local independent bookstore. Peace. My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I am the author and illustrator of Fresh Juice.

Dig this? Check out my other picture book recommendations: 

My Fav Arts Books 5

Fam, Its been over a year since I did one of these. If you follow me you know that I am a huge advocate for literacy. Reading kids books, comics, annnnd ART BOOKS. Art books about gaming, film, comics, illustration, sneakers, you name it. Anything you can find to get young people reading for fun! So with high school, middle school, and older elementary students if they’re not enjoying reading, find something that they LOVE and find books about it.

You can see the other videos I did featuring lots of different books. Check them out and share!

Dig this? Check out these shorts I started making about my favorite picture books like Turntable Timmy!

15 Tips from 15 Years as a Freelance Illustrator (PDF)

 

Check it out, this is a pdf with 15 tips that  I’ve learned from, failed at, or screwed up on as a freelance illustrator.  I started making art as a kid drawing for fun, doing graffiti, and then going to college to study and changing my major 3 times. After the second major change and becoming a dad I officially began freelancing, accepting money for my art and let me tell you it has been a bumpy road. 
Feel free to cop this for a young student who wishes to be a freelance artist who works for themself. I wrote the words, did the illustrations, and my lovely wife Joy did the design/layout for it.

COP THE PDF HERE

Is this useful? Check out this post about why I still use business cards

Freelance Chronicles 8 – Five reasons why I still use business cards

Business cards by Robert Liu-Trujillo

Ok so I have been making business cards with my name, phone number, email, image, and services offered for about 15 years now. How old tech of me right? I get it, there are apps where you can just send someone your contact info, airdrop it, text it, or refer them to your IG I get it. But here are a few reasons why I still keep a business card for introductions. Note: I didn’t have a business card during the start of the pandemic because, well I was in the house :/

Hasan Minhaj via GIPHY

1. No phone:

You forgot your phone at home, it got broken, or you lost it. Damn. Sucks, you can tell the person you’re talking to your name or write it and your number or email on a napkin but a card might be handy. I’ve definitely had this happen before.


Brazilian singer Anitta 


2. Phone battery died: 

Have you ever missed a crucial opportunity to show someone your work, get their info, or exchange info but your phone battery died? Try keeping a business card as a back up 🙂 If you had a great conversation, they will want to talk to you again fam. People fake good work, and some put on a good show, but it’s harder to fake good vibes or energy. Or you can have them wait while you recharge your phone….

The one and only Prince 

3. Getting away from social media:

I’ve been on social media for almost 20 years and I have referred people to my (fill in the blank) but I’m getting kind of tired of it honestly. There are some great artists out there using it to the max but I don’t want it to become my life. And it started to feel like that a few years ago. These companies found ways to make us addicted and that is not healthy, for me. You?

Also, from experience, I know that these apps come and go. For a few years they’re hot, and then people are on to the next thing. And if you’re an artist with a smaller but dedicated following you have to build your audience again. So I still use it, but I keep my distance. If you want to step back a bit from social media I think that a curated website, blog, or page is a great place to refer folks to via biz card.

Tessa Thompson

4. Leave them impressed:

Ok, if designed properly with your information, a sample of your art on it, and a print quality that speaks to your esthetic your business card can leave the person holding wanting more. If I get a well made business card that communicates your taste by seeing it and/or touching it I’m going to remember you. It could be done with letterpress, with metal, or a bright color. The point is, leave the holder with a taste of how dope you are.

Tyler the Creator shot by Cam Hicks

5. Control the narrative:

On your card you can provide the basics like your number, email, etc. But, you can also provide them with coordinates to a location. Weird, right? You can put a QR code on it that when read sends them to a song. You could just have a link to a video. There are lots of ways you can control how the holder interacts with or gets to know you and your work. A well crafted and updated website featuring a portfolio of your work is still a tried and true way to do this. Just saying, show them your true self in your way…. 

Back of the business card (w/o my ph number 🙂

Dig this? Check out my post about how I got 1000 sales on Etsy as an illustrator/author who makes merch!

Who dis? What’s this? Hi, my name is Rob and I’m an artist/author from Northern California. Oakland to be specific. I have been working as a freelance artist for over 15 years. I’ve picked up a few tips on the way and “Freelance Chronicles” is one of the ways I share. Was this helpful? Please share and cop something from my shop. Adios. 

Freelance chronicles 7- 1000 Sales on Etsy

Me vending, photo by Imelda Jimenez-LaMar


Yo yo yo yo (Stretch Armstrong voice), I just crossed the 1000 sales mark on Etsy which I’m very proud of. I know sellers who have less than 100 sales and folks with upwards of 20k. But, I plan to make more. Here’s some tips and things I did to make it this far. If you’re new to selling on Etsy, Shopify, Big Cartel, We Buy Black, or any online commerce site these might be helpful. Got suggestions? Questions? Leave a comment! Shout out to my wife who gave me so much energy, ideas, and feedback on how to make my work pop! If you have ever purchased a book or a sticker from me, THANK YOU.

via GIPHY (Fresh prince of Bel Air)


1. Get Specific

I like when I see sellers on Etsy create a niche. It doesn’t mean you sell something that no one has ever seen or made before only. It means you and your products have focus. If shoppers can see your story not only from your bio and product descriptions, but your over all store; it will help. Why? You want to get to specific people who like what you like. Not every single person. There are going to be a lot of people who don’t rock w/you because its not their thing and that’s ok. Trust me, if you LOVE it there are others out there who will. And your passion, expertise, and knowledge is infectious! So nail it down, and pivot if necessary.

Reverie performing, photo via 

@justraw5


2. Flow/ Rhythm
 

I’ve found that if there’s a regularity to my posts about my merch (merchandise) people not only come to expect whats new from me, the awareness that I make products grows. When I wasn’t making very many sales it was because I posted a product once here and there. Once I sat down and made a schedule each year including multiple series of products I began to see much more traction. Create a rhythm of when you release products. Could be 4 times a year, or 12. Create a schedule and try to stick to it.

Doc OG Lowrider painter (RIP)

3. Customize 

One way to set yourself apart from the crowd in terms of sales is to make custom items. The challenge with these is that they are time consuming and require skill to make them. As a result they will cost more, but if folks get to know you and they think what you make is unique and special they will buy them because they mean something. So, how can you flip what you’re making now to have a flair, color, tone, or message that is custom (your style) or customized for the individual. This way, folks can’t get it anywhere else but from you.


via GIPHY (In the heights)


4. Build Community
 

A great way to gain more knowledge and eventually more sales is to build community. How do you do that? Join an Etsy team if you’re on the platform. Make friends with other sellers like you. Reach out to people and ask for help, offer help, etc. By building friendships in this area of life you not only earn more money, but you can help your community of sellers by sharing what you know and you all grow together. This community can be virtual or in person. The point is to get out there and make genuine friendships, give, and receive. Support other sellers by buying stuff from them that you like, and they will do the same. Shout out to SF Etsy (Etsy Team), The Black Owned Etsy Shops, and my local community for having my back!

Vendor at Unique Markets via Forbes


5. Do events

Before Covid and after events in person will always be a great way to market your work, meet new people, to product test, and to drive future traffic to your shop. Events are not just for selling your stuff that day, sometimes retailers or shoppers will take note of your stuff and hit you up at a later date. If your immediate family already has everything you make its good to go to the other side of town and show em what you got. If you can talk about and share your products with people who stop by your table/booth you’ll be able to see real quick what people gravitate to and what they don’t. Test! If folks buy from you once make sure to leave them with a way to follow you, see more, or to share what they got with their friends. Business or postcards are great for this and you can also ask them to sign up for an email newsletter….

Tony Leung/ In the mood for love

6. Email newsletter 

I started doing email newsletters seriously over 3 years ago and it has done wonders for my regular sales and for connecting to my folks! Why? I can reach people at their personal emails and the majority of them actually see it and open my message. With social media it can be difficult to reach people because of algorithms, or the latest features a platform is highlighting. I started with one email a month, thats it. I do not spam people because that gets annoying. I make the newsletter short, to the point, and balanced with image, text, and sometimes video. If you have one consider making a website of your work with a pop up and having an actual paper form that people can fill out at events to get new sign ups. I use Mail Chimp but there are many such as Mad Mini, Constant Contact, Substack, etc.



via GIPHY (Marshawn Lynch)

7. Press 

Both paid and earned press is key. You sell at events, you post on social media, you email everyone. You tell all your family and friends. Folks support and then the sales slow down or stop. Don’t quit. It just means folks have bought all you have or they’re financially tapped out. You gotta reach new folks. How do you do that? Get eyes on your products who don’t know you at all. Maybe they support Black owned businesses, maybe they’re Queer friendly, maybe they’re a teacher, entertainer. Whatever it is, they’re looking for folks like you. Which blogs do they follow? What podcast do they listen to? Do they read newspapers? Make a note of these places (especially the ones you know your audience would love) and reach out. Sometimes you will have to pay, but I’ve heard its best to reach folks who write about work like yours and get it for free. You’re helping journalists and they’re helping you. This takes a lot of time, years even. But the more you prepare your information, links, and photos so it is easy to share with journalists the easier it will be to cover you and your work. You can see some press I’ve gotten for books or merch here. Shout out Papalodown who helped me tremendously with this.

Aaliyah / Romeo must die


8. Trial & Error

Some shit will pop and some will not get any traction at all. That is just how it is. Sometimes it takes awhile for things to gain traction too. There have been times where I made something and got it reproduced. It never really sold, and I was left with tons of products. A few times I just followed my gut and made something that sold really well! This to me means making what you want and thinking of what would best serve your audience and or supporters. There have been times where customers have told me what they liked, didn’t like, or what they wish I would make. If it made sense, I’d try it out. Sometimes they were right, sometimes not. Try new things related to your core passion. And take your time, because it takes time.

via GIPHY (Maitreyi/ Never have I ever)


9. Extras

Here are a few extra things I would highly suggest. 
-Get good photos of your merch. Either your study YouTube tutorials and figure it out or you hire someone like Sunset Shutterbug. A product photographer can help make your work shine! 
Brand your stuff and your social media. Meaning, use the same font, colors Key Words, logo, bio, typography, etc. That way when they look at your card, site, merch, social media it is all consistent and says something about you. I should note that a logo and an illustration are NOT the same thing. If they seem too similar or you don’t understand the difference, hire a graphic designer! 
-Search your app or selling service for help. Many of these platforms will have helpful articles, blogs, or videos to guide you. Take advantage!

Me and my youngest

Peace fam, my name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m an artist from the Bay Area and I work in several fields (Kids books, Murals, Merchandise, Licensing, Illustration, Creative writing, etc). If you’re new to my blog, welcome. I share my personal and professional work here. Freelance chronicles is a series of blog posts about what has helped me succeed and the many experiences I’ve had along the way. I’ve been working as a freelance artist since 2006 officially. I have not worked a “day job” since 2014.  If you found this helpful you can support me by copping something from my shop or subscribing to my email newsletter! Feel free to share.

Previous Posts: 

Improve your merch table LINK

Business podcasts LINK

LAST NOTE: I started my Etsy shop in 2009/ 2010. I didn’t really start making full use of it until the past 5 years (I’m writing this in 2021). It takes time, be patient with yourself. Wherever you are in the process be open to growing.

Freelance Chronicles 6 – Biz Podcasts

This is a short one. Here is one way I do research on improving the business side of my art making. I read books, articles, talk to people, network, all that. But when I’m not doing those, I’m often listening to podcasts about business or entrepreneurs. Here are a few I recommend if you make products for people to purchase. That product could be hiring you personally or purchasing a digital/physical item from you.


Why? Making art is only half the hustle, unfortunately we not only have to sell it, but we have to find out how to authentically reach our audience. Enjoy!

Dirty Old Ladies is run by three women in comics and it talks about tabling at events, conferences, distribution, and other insider news to the business of making comics. I started because of C Spike Trotman who is a Black woman who runs the largest indy comics publisher in Chicago. Listen

Ok, this brother Jay Jones gives some interviews, advice, and resources that are very interesting. Listen.

This podcast is run by Sonja Rasula who started the Unique Markets. This is super helpful because each episode is with a small or medium sized business owner and it involves Sonja giving advice about a specific tactic. Listen!

Etsy Conversations w/ Ijemoa Eleazu is a great business podcast whether you sell on Etsy or not. She interviews a wide range of guests about running a shop-physical and digitial. Listen to the many episodes HERE
Check out of the many episodes with Jeff Staples, this is show where Jeff interviews business owners and individual entrepreneurs about their biz journey. LINK
I love this show because the host Katie Hunt talks with small business owners about book keeping, marketing, social media, selling products, and more. She also runs bootcamps and communities online where folks can learn and share resources. Listen.
There are tons more, but check out these. I actually take notes on these. Sometimes I listen to episodes multiple times or follow up on resources I heard about through them. Good luck!

READ THE PREVIOUS POST:  How to work with me!

Here are some other honorable mentions worth listening to:

Freelance Chronicles 5 – Work with me!

Shaun Burner and Myself -Sacramento 2015 – Photo By Kerri Ann Borja

How can we work together? 
Peace, my name is Rob and I’m a professional artist with over 20 years worth of experience. If you’d like to work with me here are a few different ways to start. Through my years I have worn many hats as a creative person and through working with so many different people there are a few things I’ve learned to do well. I love brainstorming ideas and executing them. I have a huge love for projects that relate to music, social justice, parenthood, co-parenting, mixed heritage, literacy, and storytelling. And I enjoy working with people who believe in what they’re doing and are willing to work for it. You wanna collab? Here’s how to start. Don’t be shy, holler at me. If I vibe with you and the project it’s a GO. If not, I might refer you to someone who I think would be better for it. My email is Info@robdontstop.com


Art vs Artist 2018

Freelance Illustration: 

I have been a freelance illustrator for over 14 years. I am an individual business owner and I create work for and with other people. I work remotely but can meet in person if the project calls for it. I have worked for filmmakers, musicians, news outlets, editorial magazines, foundations, corporations, non profit organizations, and individual business owners. Here are some specific ways my illustrations help these folks.

-Portraits
-Spot Illustrations (Editorial, Scene or Interaction)
-Posters
-Character Design
-Hand lettering
-Book Illustration
-Licensing (For products)



Visions from The Inside- Culture Strike

Exhibitions and Galleries:

In addition to working in illustration I am also a fine artist working in watercolor, acrylic, aerosol, and mixed media. I have exhibited my work in over 25 art shows nationwide including one solo show in New York. When I connect with a theme I love making new art and working with curators to exhibit that work either as a solo artist or as part of a larger group show. This includes making pieces that are ready to hang and installations that are specific to the location.


Workshop in Ciudad Juarez

Class and library visits:

I have been working in the children’s book world for over seven years and I began visiting classrooms around the same time. Before I did kids books I was a teaching artist working with hundreds of students from elementary to college. I have visited schools and libraries to read to children, answer questions about making children’s books, and to show some of the process. In addition, I do one day workshops where I engage children in quick exercises about storytelling and art depending on the age group.


Hiero Day 

Arts Vendor: 

Since I started selling my artwork over 15 years ago I have sold original art, prints, handmade items, customizable art, books, zines, clothes, and more at events as a vendor. I currently sell at about 5-10 events every year in my home of the Bay Area and nationally. My focus has been on literacy, children’s books, social justice, music, and ethnic studies. In addition to vending at events I also have had a hand in helping to organize them. Invite me to your event to sell or ask me for help on how to promote your event.You can see current merchandise and art for sale here.

Vendors: Want to learn how to improve your merch table? Read THIS


Bay Area Book Festival Panel

Guest speaker:

I enjoy speaking to people in general, but I especially enjoy a conversation when its on a topic that I’m passionate about. I have spoken at panel discussions, fundraisers, gallery shows, on tv, and on podcasts. I have a great time talking to young people and the general public about the arts and other things. I’m open to speaking in classrooms, podcasts, at events, or to the media. I mentioned some of the topics near and dear to my heart above.


Planning w/ Janine Macbeth and Laurin Mayeno

Children’s book consulting:

Since I began my study of children’s literature in 2007 and officially began working in the business in 2013 I have gathered a good amount of knowledge; especially related to self publishing. I have attended conferences, read books, networked with creators, made books, helped organize events, asked a lot of questions, and helped a lot of people on the journey. If your are an illustrator or author beginning a journey in kid lit I can consult you on my experience and point you to resources that may be helpful to your story.

Painting at Chapter 510

Murals:

I have the pleasure of being one of the members of the Trust Your Struggle Collective, a group of activists and artists who have created gallery installations, workshops, large scale murals, and mural tours for over 17 years. In that time I have had a hand in over 25 murals. I have worked with schools, organizations, businesses, and cities. If there is a mural project you need an artist for feel free to reach out.


My Solo Show at Fresthetic in Brooklyn, NY


Ok?

Alright, you get it now. If you were thinking about collaborating now you know a few ways we can work together. If you got any questions please holler at me at info@robdontstop.com. You can also refer people to a shorter version of this post on my website. LINK


Read my last post about freelance life: Vendor tables