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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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 – leavin...

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 backgrou...

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 buildin...

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...

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 art...

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 persona...

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 conversa...

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 nav...

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...

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...

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’...

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. H...

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...

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 arti...

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 c...

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 ar...

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 Ha...

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...

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