Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Fork in the Road between starving and thriving artist

Mark Sib shares how his artistic journey began during the COVID lockdowns and evolved into a thriving creative career rooted in personal expression, community, and experimentation. From navigating the balance between commercial work and creative freedom, to discovering that his style emerged not from seeking perfection, but from painting how he felt, Mark reveals how embracing speed, spontaneity, and audience connection pushed his art beyond traditional realism and into something deeply personal.

We dive into what it truly means to be a thriving artist, building meaningful relationships with collectors, using planning as a tool but not a cage, developing multiple revenue streams, and understanding that innovation often lives in the tension between control and chaos. If you’ve ever asked yourself whether you can enjoy the process, stay authentic, and still build a sustainable art career, Mark’s story is your roadmap.

Follow Mark Sib: https://www.instagram.com/m__sib

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

Musician Virg pulls back the curtain on the realities of being a modern musician in the digital world. From her childhood discovery of synthesizers to the creation of her Italian single Martini, Virg takes us deep into her creative process, her cultural identity and Italian music, and the powerful role of collaboration in her artistic evolution. She speaks candidly about streaming, music discovery, and the harsh truth behind the lack of financial stability many artists face in today’s industry.

Virg shares why platforms like Bandcamp matter for artist support, the emotional value of owning physical music, and how AI is reshaping the conversation around creativity, authenticity, and the future of a thriving artist. This extended episode explores what it truly means to live creatively while navigating financial realities, maintain flow state as a creator, and build genuine human connection in an increasingly impersonal digital music landscape.

Follow Virg: https://linktr.ee/virgvision

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

In this engaging conversation, Raheem Nelson shares his journey as a graphic recorder, photographer, and vlogger, emphasizing the importance of style as a form of self-expression. He discusses his recent achievements, including a magazine feature and his approach to YouTube content creation. Raheem offers valuable networking tips for creatives and delves into the intricacies of graphic recording, highlighting its value in client engagements. He also shares his aspirations for future projects, including an arts festival and a new comic book inspired by music.

Takeaways

Style is a powerful form of self-expression.

Working with experienced photographers can enhance your skills.

YouTube shorts are effective for audience engagement.

Networking should focus on genuine connections.

Graphic recording adds value to meetings and events.

Future projects include an arts festival in New Haven.

Limited edition art creates scarcity and value.

AI can assist in content creation but should not replace the artist's touch.

Building a personal brand involves collaboration with meaningful brands.

Art should reflect the artist's vision and soul.

Follow Raheem Nelson: https://www.raheemnelson.com/

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

In this conversation, Zed Anwar, also known as Zedtrafficker, shares his creative journey from the NHS to the world of advertising and NFTs. He discusses the challenges of being an artist, the importance of activism in his work, and how art can drive social change. Zed emphasizes the need for artists to align their morals with their work. He also highlights the significance of storytelling in art and the importance of building a personal brand as an artist. Throughout the conversation, Zed encourages continuous learning and resilience in the face of challenges, ultimately defining a thriving artist as someone who is happy in their work and consistently creating.

Takeaways

Zed's journey reflects the struggle of artists from diverse backgrounds.

Creativity can be therapeutic and essential for personal fulfillment.

Recognition and emotional connection are more valuable than monetary gain.

Artists have a responsibility to use their platform for social change.

The power of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought.

Navigating the advertising landscape requires aligning personal morals with work.

Logos and branding can carry deep meanings and influence perceptions.

Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for artists to thrive.

Follow Zed Anwar: https://zedtrafficker.com

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

I sit down with Andrew Devin, the creative force behind TortureTwinn, for a raw and inspiring conversation about music, film, social media, and choosing passion over comfort.

We talk about:

🎶 Wearing your influences on your sleeve – musically and cinematically.

📲 Going all in on social media – posting daily, staying positive, and dealing with critics.

🚪 Andrew’s fork in the road moment – leaving a high-paying corporate job and selling his house to follow his dream of becoming a full-time musician.

🎤 Life as a solo musician – making it work live and on stage.

🤝 Collaboration with other artists – building connection in a digital world.

🤖 Musicians vs AI – how artists can stay human, authentic, and connected to audiences in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence.

If you’re a musician, artist, or creative soul looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on following your purpose, overcoming fear, and thriving in the new creative economy.

🔔 Don’t forget to comment, and subscribe for more conversations with artists who chose the hard road to do what they love.

Follow Andrew Devin: https://www.instagram.com/torturetwinn

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

I sit down with full-time NFT artist Aoife O’Dwyer, whose work explores the gaps in human perception — not just in her art, but also in how she showcases it in the world of Web3.

We dig into:

What it really means to be a thriving artist in today’s world.

How Aoife stays frugal to sustain her full-time creative dream.

Managing an ADHD workflow and turning it into a strength.

How her design background shaped her success + unique style.

Why AI is a new artistic tool that expands access to creative mediums.

Her hand-drawn NFT collection “The Foofees” and how she kept her style consistent across 100+ artworks.

The tension between feeding art into the AI machine vs using it in a healthy creative way.

The real-life challenges and freedoms of working full-time as an NFT artist.

If you’re an artist, creative, or curious about NFTs, AI art, or making a living as an independent creator, this conversation will light a fire under you.

Follow Aoife O’Dwyer: https://bio.site/aoife

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

In this episode of Fork in the Road, I chat with Chris Choi, the artist behind Mecha Panda, about his incredible return to art after a decade-long break—and how he taught himself to sculpt.

We talk honestly about:

The transition from drawing and painting to sculpture

The spontaneous creative process behind his eerie, beautiful creations

Why he blends beauty with horror

The real struggle of building a sustainable art career

Why community and human connection are still everything

If you're an artist navigating your own path—or curious about the ups and downs of a creative life—this conversation is for you.

Follow Chris Choi: https://www.instagram.com/the_mecha_panda/

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

Want to become a full-time, financially thriving artist? In this episode of the Fork in the Road art podcast, we chat with Jason Sanders (aka Drained Eye) about how he turned his passion for art into a sustainable, creative business.

We cover:

🧠 Why you should start selling your art before you feel ready

💀 How his iconic skull motif became a visual signature

💻 The power of digital art and NFTs for reach and revenue

📬 Why your email list is your #1 marketing tool

🎨 How artist residencies shape your creative direction

🤝 Why the Philadelphia art scene is a hidden gem for collaboration

💡 The mindset shift from “surviving” to thriving as an artist

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your art business, this episode is packed with real-world tips, inspiration, and strategic advice from someone who’s done it.

📌 Follow Drained Eye (Jason Sanders): https://drainedeye.com/

🎧 More from Andy Marshall + thriving artist resources: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if you're ready to build a creative life on your own terms!

I sit down with Chelsea Wade — a kids' book illustrator known for her love of animals, unique South African wildlife patterns, and vibrant visual storytelling. Chelsea shares her journey from art school to self-taught success, teaching English abroad, and eventually co-creating her first children's book with a writer from across the world.

We dive deep into what it really means to thrive as an artist today — balancing creativity and business, building community online, and adapting to the evolving world of AI.

Chelsea offers practical advice for kids' book illustrators on how to:

• Attract the right writers for collaboration

• Use Instagram as a visual art diary and community-builder

• Leverage Pinterest for discovery and Etsy traffic

• Know when to turn your art into merchandise

• Align your brand with your audience

• Build career stability in the AI age

Whether you're starting out or looking to grow, this episode is packed with insight into the mindset, marketing, and making of a thriving creative career.

Follow Chelsea Wade: https://visualbloomdesigns.com

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

Alexander Notarangelo is a self-taught hyper-realistic oil painter whose mind-blowing attention to detail brings canvas to life. Alexander shares how he juggles his art practice with full-time work and Dad life—while still growing a loyal audience online.

You'll discover how he balances multiple paintings at once, how he creates engaging and authentic Instagram content for artists, and his personal take on art pricing, commissions, and mental health in the creative process.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

How Alexander developed his hyper-realistic painting style

Why working on multiple canvases fuels momentum

Instagram strategies for artists that build real engagement

Navigating mental health while creating and posting art online

The role of personal branding for artists in 2025

🎯 Key Takeaways for Artists:

Consistency and layering are essential to mastery

Authentic content builds trust and a wider audience

You don’t have to go full-time to have serious impact

Balance between creation, marketing, and mental well-being is crucial

Your creative process and personal story are powerful online tools

🔗 Follow Alexander Notarangelo

Website: https://www.alexandernotarangelo.com/

🔗 Follow Host Andy Marshall

Website: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

In this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, host Andy Marshall speaks with artist Raheem Nelson, who is known for his work in graphic recording, digital and traditional art, and personal branding. Raheem shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his art practice, and his collaborations with various artists, including a notable project with hip-hop artist Skyzoo. The conversation also touches on the importance of active listening in graphic recording, the role of personal style in branding, and Raheem's journey into photography and content creation.

Follow Raheem Nelson:

https://www.raheemnelson.com/

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

I sit down with Ali Sabet—a globally recognised artist known for his Japanese brushwork, expressive style, and breakthrough success in the NFT art world.

We explore his journey from a successful branding designer to becoming a full-time artist whose work now captivates collectors around the world.

Ali shares his insights on creating art with energy and intention, painting in public spaces, and navigating the fine line between commercial success and personal fulfillment.

If you're an artist, creative, or NFT enthusiast, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real talk about what it means to thrive on your own terms.

Follow Ali Sabet: https://www.sabet.art/

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

Discover how stop motion animator Tortor Smith created an award-winning short film at the legendary Aardman Studios (home of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run). In this episode of the Fork in the Road Podcast, Tortor shares their inspiring journey into animation, from handmade craftsmanship to building a sustainable creative career.

We talk about:

The creative process behind stop motion animation

What it’s like to work at Aardman

Independent filmmaking challenges and breakthroughs

The importance of community, craft, and storytelling

Real-world advice for aspiring animators and artists

Whether you're a fan of animation, filmmaking, or creative storytelling, this episode is packed with insight and motivation.

Watch the full extended video episode on Patreon:

https://patreon.com/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Follow Tortor Smith: https://www.instagram.com/animatortor

Follow Andy C. Marshall:

https://andycmarshall.com/

we sit down with the incredible Sue Brown—known in the horror world as Ursula Dabrowsky and in the art scene as Zanne Brown. 🎥🎨

From making gritty, crowdfunded Australian horror films to crafting bold, abstract works on canvas, Sue shares how she balances two intense creative identities—and what it really takes to build a thriving indie career across different worlds.

🔥 Topics we cover:

How Sue self-financed and crowdfunded FOUR indie horror films

The emotional + practical realities of ultra-low-budget filmmaking

Why she used a pseudonym to explore dark themes without compromising her fine art

The freedom that comes from writing within limitations

How she’s embracing AI in both her film and art processes

Building an audience for both film and art in the age of social media

If you’re a creative juggling multiple passions, this one’s for you.

Support the pod and unlock behind-the-scenes content, artist Q&As, and more on the Fork in the Road Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Follow Ursula Dabrowsky: https://www.instagram.com/ursuladabrowsky

Follow Zanne Brown:https://www.instagram.com/zannebrownart

Follow Andy: https://andycmarshall.com/

Subscribe for more artist interviews, creative career tips, and behind-the-scenes insights.

On this episode of the Fork in the Road Podcast, I sit down with artist and fashion designer Wildy Martinez—aka Wildflower Fields—to explore how she bridges the worlds of traditional art, AI, and NFTs while staying grounded in authenticity.

We talk about the journey from physical to digital creation, the rise of Web3 communities, and the evolving challenges and opportunities artists face in today’s tech-driven creative economy.

In this episode:

- How Wildy discovered her artistic voice in Web3

- The role of AI in fashion and creative expression

- Why community matters more than ever in Web3

- Pricing digital vs. physical art

- Building sustainable income as a modern artist

-Staying true to your values in a noisy digital world

If you're a curious creative, an emerging digital artist, or navigating your own fork in the road—Wildy's story will inspire and energize you.

Want more? The extended video version of this episode is available exclusively on our Patreon: https://patreon.com/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Support the pod and unlock behind-the-scenes content, artist Q&As, and more.

Follow Wildy: https://linktr.ee/WildflowerFields

Follow Andy: https://andycmarshall.com/

Subscribe for more artist interviews, creative career tips, and behind-the-scenes insights.

In this episode of the Fork in the Road Podcast, I sit down with Frank Garcia, also known online as Artemorbid, to unpack his journey as a multi-disciplinary artist navigating the worlds of visual art, music, and YouTube content creation.

Frank shares how his creative path began with a guitar at 13, evolved into visual art, and later grew into a successful YouTube channel combining his passions. He talks candidly about balancing creative pursuits, dealing with burnout, staying authentic in the digital age, and how artists can grow and monetise their presence online.

I dive into:

🎨 How to balance music and visual art as a creator

📹 The growth of his YouTube channel Artemorbid

💡 Tips for artists embracing content creation

💻 Affiliate marketing, digital income, and community-building

🎤 The realities of being a modern creative in an algorithm-driven world

Whether you're an artist, musician, or content creator, this episode is packed with insights into what it takes to build a sustainable creative life online.

🚀 Want more? The extended video version of this episode is available exclusively on our Patreon: https://patreon.com/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Support the pod and unlock behind-the-scenes content, artist Q&As, and more.

Follow Frank Garcia: https://www.instagram.com/artemorbid_guitaristmusician

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Can artists truly thrive in the digital age? In this episode of The Fork in the Road Between Starving and Thriving Artist podcast, we dive deep with S.R. Chappell—a poet, digital artist, and NFT creator—who shares her journey from traditional poetry to collage art, NFTs, and self-publishing.

We explore:

🎨 The NFT marketplace – Real talk on selling art and making a living

🤖 AI & Creativity – How technology is reshaping the art world

📢 Print on Demand - The financial realities of print on demand services

🖼️ NFTs + Physical Art – The logistics of blending digital and traditional mediums

Join us for an insightful discussion on monetising art, staying true to your vision, and balancing creativity with commercial success.

Follow S.R. Chappell: https://linktr.ee/srchappell

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

How do you turn mural painting into a thriving art business? 🎨 In this episode of Fork in the Road Podcast, host Andy Marshall sits down with mural artist Cat Dean to discuss her journey as a full-time freelancer, the business of large-scale murals, and balancing creativity with entrepreneurship.

Cat shares insights on:

✅ The evolution of mural art & painting techniques

✅ How murals act as artist billboards for new opportunities

✅ Building strong client relationships & networking for success

✅ Balancing business & creativity while maintaining work-life flexibility

✅ The role of AI in art & why human creativity still reigns supreme

Plus, hear her experiences working in extreme conditions, engaging with communities (especially kids!), and the lessons she’s learned along the way!

Don't miss this inspiring conversation for artists, freelancers, and creatives looking to grow their careers!

Follow Cat Dean: https://www.catdean.com.au/

Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

El Paso artist Diego ‘Robot’ Martinez doesn’t just make art—he lives it. In this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, Diego reveals the relentless work ethic, creative hustle, and strategic mindset that transformed his passion into a full-time career.

We dive into:

✅ The grind of making art a viable income

✅ How community & family shaped his journey

✅ The importance of documenting the creative process

✅ AI, NFTs & the future of art

✅ The struggles of shipping artwork & sustaining momentum

Follow Diego: https://linktr.ee/diegorobot

Follow Andy: https://andycmarshall.com

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

In this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, Andy Marshall talks with artist and musician James Lee about the transformative power of art, creativity, and mental health. James shares his journey—how art helped him navigate childhood trauma, psychosis, and healing. He explores the role of dreams in his creative process, his experience with synesthesia, and the impact of NFTs on the future of art. This conversation highlights the importance of community, expression, and using creativity to make a difference.

🔹 How art became a tool for healing

🔹 The link between synesthesia, music, and visual art

🔹 The role of dreams in creativity

🔹 How NFTs are shaping the art world

🔹 Why community support is key for artists

Join the conversation and discover how art can change lives.

Follow James: https://linktr.ee/jams2blues

Follow Andy: https://andycmarshall.com

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ForkInTheRoadPodcast

Patreon members receive:

Tier 1 - The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interview

Tier 2 - The Short Cut: Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

Tier 3 - The Artists Highway: Monthly one-on-one video call to talk about ways we can help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions, access to the weekly deep dive blogs and the extended hour long video podcast.

#Art #Creativity #MentalHealth

How do you break into painting without formal training? Artist Lissy Elliott shares her journey from political cartoons to abstract art, landing her first exhibition, and making her first sales. We dive into the power of documenting your creative journey online, finding time to create, and building meaningful connections with collectors.

Lissy also reflects on the influence of her neighbor, Pro Hart—who, like her, had no formal training yet made a name for himself on the international art stage. Join us for an inspiring conversation on making art your life’s work!

Topics We Cover:

🔹 From political cartoons to abstract art

🔹 Landing her first exhibition & making sales

🔹 Connecting with collectors & seeing her work in their homes

🔹 The benefits of sharing your creative journey online

🔹 Finding inspiration on Instagram

🔹 How creativity shapes us as people

🔹 The impact of Pro Hart & self-taught artists

Join me on Patreon for a 1 hour extended interview You can also receive my thriving artist roadmap, a weekly deep dive into ways to help your art business thrive. Get to ask podcast guests questions. Plus get to chat with me about your art business, bounce around ideas and we’ll try to figure out some ways to help you thrive as an artist.

How do you thrive as a musician in today’s changing industry? In this episode of Fork in the Road, host Andy Marshall reconnects with past collaborator Jason Sweeney—a prolific composer and musician who has been crafting soundscapes since the late ‘80s. From underground bands (The Millards, Pretty Boy Crossover) to composing for theatre, Jason shares insights on collaboration, artistic vision, and surviving outside the mainstream music industry.

If you’re a musician, artist, or creative navigating the digital landscape, this episode is a must-listen!

🔗Follow Jason Sweeney: https://linktr.ee/soundslikesweeney

🔗 Follow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.com/

🔗 Support the podcast on Patreon for extended video podcasts and more

What’s a job you’d like to do for just one day?

The one quote that has stuck with me, and driven me as a creator throughout my life.

Discover the benefits of getting out in nature and how it can help you become a thriving artist

Ever feel like your blank page or blank canvas is plotting against your happiness? Fear not, fellow artist! Embrace the quirks, work with your imperfections and enjoy the chaos. Because in a future of perfect AI creations, humans are going to be able to provide a little humanity with their imperfections, spelling errors and lived experiences. Experiment with colors like a mischievous rainbow. Don’t stick to the basics; let your imagination run wild. Remember, even Picasso had his blue period, but who says yours can’t be a technicolor fiesta? Turn your sketchbook into a comedy club. Doodle caricatures of your artistic struggles, and soon you’ll find that laughter is the best eraser. You might even discover your alter ego. Transform mistakes into masterpieces. Remember, the Sistine Chapel wasn’t painted in a day. Frame your blunders and create a “Museum of Mishaps.” It’s not a mistake; it’s a happy accident, display it with pride. Remember, the key to being a happy artist is one that can enjoy the process, enjoy the relaxation and joy you can have living inside your own imagination, it’s an incredible gift that we are given as human beings, so it certainly would be a shame not to use it.

After buying our cafe/art gallery almost one year ago, I’ve virtually had no time to relax. The business was open seven days a week and open from six every morning. So I’ve been working those hours as well as being a husband and parent to our two young girls. Needless to say my illustration work has been on the back burner for a good part of that year. Only recently I’ve been finding time to get back into my art. Since getting back into illustrating I’ve noticed a definite shift in my mood. I’ve definitely become happier and more relaxed. I think getting into a drawing or a piece of art uses a different part of your brain than what you’re using all day at work or being a parent. It’s like a form of meditation for me. Realising I need my art to be a relaxed and better person all round, I’ve been making more of a conscious effort to get it back into my life. Other ways I relax is getting out in nature, walking and meditating. Anything that takes me out of that busy mindset of all the things I ‘should’ be doing. And of course nothing beats sleep. I go to bed not long after the kids are asleep, normally about 8:30 and wake up at 4:30 to get ready for working at the cafe. I virtually never get 8 hours sleep tho as my kids still wake me up a couple of times in the night. But I do treat my sleeping hours as precious and the amount of sleep I manage to get affects my whole day.

I should be finishing my kids book, but instead I’m writing this blog post. One word I’d like to give up is should, ‘I should really do that’ . The word ‘should’ feels like an obligation to do something that you inevitably won’t enjoy even though you know you’ll be better off if you did it. I think the words you use externally and internally are powerful and can have you believing something negative that isn’t real. The positive to that is, if you choose your words carefully they may benefit you and help you become more productive. Probably my second most despised word would have to be ‘gunna’ or ‘gonna’ … ‘I’m gonna make a kids book’. By saying it out loud to someone is releasing the dopamine rush as if you’ve already made the book. But now that you’ve said you are gunna do it, it feels like an obligation and you instantly become less likely to actually do it. So rather than say you should do something, or that you’re gonna do something… just do it. There’s a reason why Nike chose ‘Just do it’ as their trademark instead of ‘should do it’

I guess I do have a grudge dating back to my early years in school. It’s not really with anyone or anything, It’s more of an opinion widely held by the community I grew up in, where being an artist was something that was only considered to be a hobby. It certainly wasn’t considered to be something you could do as a living. Unless you wanted to be a designer or an architect. So despite having a keen interest in art, I decided to forget about doing what I loved to follow a more conventional career path. Which led me down many roads that in the end weren’t satisfying and weren’t very profitable anyway. I basically could have been doing something I loved while making no money, instead of something I hated while making no money. However I do believe the truth is that if you are doing something you are passionate about, something that you enjoy spending time on and get excited about that you will eventually profit in some way. Even if it’s not making a fortune, I believe happiness is more important than wealth. Sure way back when I was at school was before the internet, which has since opened up and continues to open up many possibilities for obsessed artists to reach their audiences. But if I at least stuck with art for all those in between years, I would have such a larger body of work, skills and training behind me. So at 44, I decided it was time to give art another chance. Since then I have illustrated two published kids books and have almost completed my third and sold around 150 NFT’s something I could have only dreamed about as a teenager, not that I would have known what an NFT was… I still don’t. So never let people or society dictate what you can and can’t be. Follow your heart and your skills will grow along with your potential to earn an income doing it.

I’ve never been one to get excited about travelling. I hate planes, confined spaces and crowds. And if I wanted to have a relaxing holiday, I definitely wouldn’t journey to another part of the world. But the very few times I have traveled, my attention has always been drawn to the creativity and artistic skill embedded in the history of other cultures. And at the times certain works were created I’m not sure what thought was given to how their art was going to span time, but so much has. I’m not sure how that’s going to relate to our current generation of digital artists. There are going to be virtual worlds in the future where digital creations can exist, and maybe that’ll become our new reality. In which case creating art for the virtual world is a very smart idea. However all we need is some cataclysmic event and the whole era of digital art and creative ideas could be lost forever. Unlike the physical creations of eras past. Maybe we should get back into making statues out of marble and creating beautiful hieroglyphics to tell stories to future generations. So in answer to the question, the furthest I have traveled is from Nairne, South Australia to Petra Jordan. The skill and creativity that went into the tombs, monuments and dwellings that are carved into the sandstone cliffs is mind boggling and is apparently 2300 years old. I’m not sure many creative people today could imagine their work being viewed in another couple of thousand years from now. I wonder if any digital artworks will have that kind of longevity?

My dream home would have to include an art studio. I’ve never had an art studio so it’s an exciting new concept for me. But rather than it being this big mess of works, collected objects and art clutter, I think my art studio would be very minimalist along with my house. Because external clutter for me is a direct reflection of the clutter that’s in my head. When I think of the space it would have large windows that bring nature in, and in good weather be opened up to basically turn the space into an outdoor area with a roof. I currently carry my art studio around wherever I go. Basically because I get very little time to create art. So my main tools for creating art are my pencils, sketchbook, iPad and my phone, and that’s it. New additions in my dream house studio would include a standing or sitting drawing desk with cameras constantly set up to allow me to do sketching livestreams quickly and easily whenever I want. Also a coffee machine would be great. As for the house I’d want to live off grid in a self sufficient home that needed very little additional heating or cooling, something with thermal mass that keeps the temperature at a constant, comfortable level. So for me living easily in nature would be a big thing, it’s where I feel the happiest and the most creative.

Apparently it takes 21 days to create a habit and 90 days to make something a permanent lifestyle change. So I’ve got a goal to work towards with my ‘make art everyday’ challenge that I have set myself. As my previous blog post stated I just need to start my art everyday and do a minimum of five minutes on the piece I’m currently working on. Then over time, if I only manage five minutes a day I’ll still start to see my artwork advancing. When illustrating the Super Scout kids book for Elijah and Crumpet I had created a great habit. I had first carved out a piece of time that I could draw. Then I would do a livestream every night. This would make me accountable for showing up everyday and helped me stay consistent, even when I wasn’t feeling it. Times change tho and that little slice of time no longer exists. So I suppose you need to be on the lookout for other slices of time that you can use to create your art. Currently. I wake up at 5am and get ready for the day; open the cafe at 6:30 and work until 3, kids get to the cafe after school, kids home time activities and dinner, then bedtime. I’m usually in bed the 8:30 and I’m completely exhausted. However one thing I can rely on at the moment is the kids waking up in the night. So after getting them back to sleep, that’s when I draw, when it’s quiet and peaceful. My drawing has a timeframe of a minimum of 5 minutes and a maximum of an hour, as I still need to get some sleep so I’m not a zombie the next day. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s what’s currently working for me.

There are so many benefits to making art everyday. For me creating is something that I need to do for my mental health, because like so many creative people if you aren’t creating you become miserable. This can take many forms; from sketching to painting to writing a blog post, or even marketing your artwork. I have personally started a routine where I sketch or do digital illustration work everyday, even on my busiest and most distracting days. I’ve created a discipline where I pick up the pencil or iPad and draw for a minimum of 5 minutes, to progress my art projects. That way I know things are moving forward everyday single day. More often than not I get into the flow of creating and my 5 minutes becomes an hour. But if I’m just not feeling it, or my day is too hectic I just put it away after 5 minutes. My brain seems to be happy with this method and my mood is way better than if I’ve gone without creating for several days in a row. Five minutes might not feel like much time at all, but it certainly adds up over time and you get see constant progress in what you are working on. Also considering most of these sessions tend to grow into 30 minutes or even an hour, you start to see massive growth in your work. I also feel that by exercising these muscles everyday, even for a little bit of time. Your skills develop a lot quicker and you see improvements in your work, and that becomes more encouraging to do more. So my new little deal I’ve made with myself really feels like it’s working. It’s something about not committing to a large chunk of time everyday. It’s just committing to starting everyday and seeing where that takes me.

After sharing my version of art guilt on my previous blog what I didn’t expect was that virtually everyone has an opposite version of art guilt. They feel guilty when they don’t create art, not when they do. I imagine either version is potentially damaging and exposes the fact that almost all creators are in a state of guilt for spending too much time or not enough time on their art. But one thing can be certain is that the life of a creator is happier and more fulfilled when you are actually creating. So to avoid both kinds of art guilt, I think the next step is to figure out how much time do you need to spend on your work to not be miserable. But then not spend all your time on art so that your life falls apart around you. I suppose you could call it art life balance. The best way to find time for your art is to take it seriously and schedule it in. Or if you are like me working 6 days a week, 12 hours a day, you need to find pockets of time that will allow you to create. Sketching between pouring coffee’s, blogging while on the toilet, illustrating while sitting with your kids waiting for them to fall asleep, basically anywhere you can multitask your creative life into your everyday life. Art life balance isn’t easy, but it’s essential for creative people be happy.

The shame. The guilt. It ain’t a way for fully grown adult to behave.Surely there’s something more productive you can be doing with your time. Cleaning the house, Folding the tea towels, Grooming the Guinea Pigs or emptying the kitty litter. Surely there’s a better use of your time rather than painting, drawing and playing like some kind of child.. That’s art guilt. …Maybe if I could make money from it, I could justify the ridiculous waste of time. … but do you really need to get paid to justify your creative time? I’m like a lot of other creative people, we become miserable when we aren’t creating. So if the only thing that art does is make you a happier person. Isn’t that a good reason to create? A good reason to schedule guilt free time. So you can show up happier in the other parts of your life, and most importantly fold tea towels with a smile on your face.

Join myself and Dawn Petty as we talk about Art therapy and her broad range of traditional and digital art styles that include embracing the new landscape of NFT’s on VoiceHQ. Dawn on VoiceHQ https://www.voice.com/verset420 - Dawn on Instagram https://instagram.com/dawnpaints - Dawn on Twitter https://twitter.com/verset420?s=21&t=VkNhzFjbWMYeQz63jRG4bA

On today’s podcast I chat with NFT artist Tray Fisk about authenticity, supporting the art community around you and how to price your NFTs. We are both creating art on the new platform VoiceHQ and we talk a lot about the new and exciting space and community. We also talk a lot about Tray’s piece titled Su - https://www.voice.com/creation/100000001057467 Check out Tray Fisk on VoiceHQ - https://www.voice.com/trayfisk Tray Fisk Twitter - https://twitter.com/trayfiskart Tray Fisk Instagram - https://instagram.com/trayfisk

I chat with thriving artist Patattoune about the importance of doing the work you love. The benefits and difficulties with running an Etsy art store and why we should be embracing the addictive nature of tiktok. Check out Patattoune on Instagram: https://instagram.com/patattoune?utm_medium=copy_link

In today’s podcast I chat with Darrell Merrill the nerd artist about what it’s like selling your art at markets and conventions and also about the joys and perils of doing commission work. Please check out Darrell’s Instagram page while listening to the podcast and show him some love and let him know you’re listening to the podcast https://instagram.com/dmnerdartist1962?utm_medium=copy_link

I'm starting the daily vlog again and I started off ages ago doing a one minute daily vlog and then I would compile them all at the end of the week into a seven minute podcast and then I would use all the text that I would extract from these videos to make blogs so I'd be doing a vlog blog and a podcast and I would put out about one minute every day and that seems fairly achievable so let's give it a go again and because sometimes I think the initial ideas that you have are often the best.

Good old-fashioned paper newsletters, posted in an envelope to a person's address… Who would've thought? It’s just such an amazing idea. In an age where people's emails are bombarded by junk, spam and things that just get deleted and deleted and deleted.I think sending something to someone's residential address has a real personal touch now. I know that personally I hate going to the mailbox, and I hate what I pull out of my mailbox because it's always bills and stuff from politicians and the local hardware store. Just think what it’d be like to get something in the mail that you actually want. And with a physical newsletter, I think that it can be almost tailored to the recipient. It’d be an amazing thing as a fan to receive something handwritten or maybe even a post card, just saying thank you for supporting my art. I know in a lot of marketing circles marketers talk about filling up your funnel and other kinds of gross things like that. But rather than attract cold clients to your work because cold clients are hard client to win. However someone who has already purchased your work, has already shown an interest, if you nurture these people from the moment they buy your work and just keep up an open line of communication continuously with them. Not harassing them just letting them know what you're doing, where your art’s going what you're creating. it just adds that personal touch and I think it's highly overlooked. I think if you want to stand out, you want to be original you want to make your clients, your fans, your followers feel special then send them something special. Thanks to Michael Warth @warthstudios for this brilliant marketing suggestion for artists

Artists of Instagram share their tips on how to stay motivated and have a productive creative practice. To get involved in the conversation please join me on Instagram https://instagram.com/andycmarshall

In today’s podcast I talk about the many difficulties we face as artists and talk about possible ways to overcome them. To join future podcasts and discussions please check out my Instagram Stories https://instagram.com/andycmarshall

Questions asked on my YouTube sketchy livestream, while I’m illustrating the second Elijah and Crumpet kids book. To ask your questions, drop into my YouTube channel at 9:00pm ACST https://youtube.com/c/AndyMarshallForkInTheRoad

Is documenting your journey a really bad idea? Surely people will steal your ideas! Here’s my thoughts on the subject. To get involved and ask a question you can leave me a voice message on Anchor. Or tune in to my Sketchy lives 9:00pm ACST on YouTube, Twitch and Twitter.

Illustrating and chatting on my Sketchy live on YouTube 9:00pm ACST and answering questions: What’s the best content you can make to promote your artwork?

My first podcast recording during my sketchy live in our bus Milly. That is our new home and art studio. Join in and ask a question 9:00pm ACST on YouTube, Twitter or Twitch where I’ll be answering your questions while illustrating the second kids book for Elijah and Crumpet.

Today I received the first draft of the story for the second Elijah and Crumpet kids book that I’ll be illustrating. I chat about planning the book using a storyboard, the benefit of working in layers and creating a list of drawings that can be scheduled against your deadline.

I talk about deadlines and tight turnarounds for my second kids book and how I am going to manage it.

Livestreams have been proven to be a great way for artists to connect with their community. But if you are a parent of young kids how do you do it if you can’t find a babysitter or you are in lockdown with your family and you have absolutely no private time. There is actually a way, and I share it with you on the podcast