Fork in the Road between starving and thriving artist

Andy Marshall
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Discover what’s at the Fork in the Road between starving and thriving artist. I’m Andy, and I’m a kids book illustrator obsessed with the concept of how you can change course from that of the starving artist to the path of the thriving artist. I believe all the answers are out there right in front of us in the artists we know and love. Because as they say success leaves clues, so I’m becoming part detective and part guinea pig. As each week I’ll be interviewing artists that are making money, surviving and thriving. Then I'll be implementing what I learn in my own creative practice.

  1. The Edge of Realism: Where Emotion Meets Technique, Mark Sib’s Artistic Breakthrough

    11/13/2025

    The Edge of Realism: Where Emotion Meets Technique, Mark Sib’s Artistic Breakthrough

    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.

    33 min
  2. Becoming a Thriving Artist in the Digital Streaming Age with Virg

    11/05/2025

    Becoming a Thriving Artist in the Digital Streaming Age with Virg

    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.

    32 min
  3. From Graphic Recording to YouTube Success: Raheem Nelson’s Creative Journey

    10/16/2025

    From Graphic Recording to YouTube Success: Raheem Nelson’s Creative Journey

    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.

    33 min
  4. Art as Activism: Visual Strategist Zed Anwar aka Zedtrafficker

    09/28/2025

    Art as Activism: Visual Strategist Zed Anwar aka Zedtrafficker

    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.

    34 min
  5. From Corporate Job to Full-Time Musician | TortureTwinn’s Andrew Devin

    09/15/2025

    From Corporate Job to Full-Time Musician | TortureTwinn’s Andrew Devin

    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.

    36 min
  6. How Aoife O’Dwyer Found Freedom as a Full-Time NFT Artist

    08/27/2025

    How Aoife O’Dwyer Found Freedom as a Full-Time NFT Artist

    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.

    36 min
  7. Sculpting Surreal Beauty and Darkness: Chris Choi’s Artistic Journey

    07/17/2025

    Sculpting Surreal Beauty and Darkness: Chris Choi’s Artistic Journey

    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.

    35 min
  8. How Drained Eye Built a Full-Time Art Career

    07/01/2025

    How Drained Eye Built a Full-Time Art Career

    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!

    36 min
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Discover what’s at the Fork in the Road between starving and thriving artist. I’m Andy, and I’m a kids book illustrator obsessed with the concept of how you can change course from that of the starving artist to the path of the thriving artist. I believe all the answers are out there right in front of us in the artists we know and love. Because as they say success leaves clues, so I’m becoming part detective and part guinea pig. As each week I’ll be interviewing artists that are making money, surviving and thriving. Then I'll be implementing what I learn in my own creative practice.

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