In this powerful ClockingOut episode, we sit down with independent artist and storyteller Chumwizards (Nicolas Demus) to explore what it really means to build your own creative lane.

🎨 Artist & Storyteller: Nicolas “Nick” Demus

🌌 Project: Demons of Magnolia

👾 Online Alias: Chumwizards

🔗 Follow Nick (aka Chumwizards)

Instagram: @Chumwizards

X / Twitter: @Chumwizards

LinkedIn: Nicolas Demus

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of clocking out of the 9-to-5 world, this episode is packed with real value and honest insight:

🧠 What You’ll Learn & Take Away:

.How to turn childhood passion into a career path

.The importance of creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for permission

.Why NFTs and blockchain offer real ownership for artists

.How to navigate burnout, imposter syndrome, and staying consistent

.Using AI to save time and focus more on what you love

.Why your environment growing up might secretly shape your creativity

.The difference between comparing and being inspired

.How to build something meaningful without a studio or big team

.Why it’s okay to pivot, evolve, and grow as a creator

This episode is a deep dive into the mindset, struggles, and wins of an artist carving his own path while still keeping it real, humble, and hopeful.

👉 Watch now and walk away with inspiration, clarity, and a few creative gems you can apply to your own journey.

📍 Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Welcome to ClockingOut

02:00 – Meet Nicholas aka Chum Wizards

03:00 – The Origin of the Name "Chum Wizards"

07:00 – Building an Artistic Persona

07:30 – Childhood Inspiration to Become a Storyteller

10:55 – Realizing the Challenges of Animation

13:00 – Imagination, Parenting & Nostalgia

14:00 – Growing Up in Tehachapi

17:00 – How Environment Shapes Creativity

19:00 – Post-Graduation Reality Check

23:00 – Entering Web3: NFTs & Creative Ownership

26:45 – Why Blockchain Empowers Independent Artists

30:59 – Honest Advice for Artists Using Web3

32:00 – Sandbox Mindset: Creative Freedom Explained

33:45 – How Creators Can Use AI to Work Smarter

37:10 – Tech, Tools & Streaming Tips for Artists

39:20 – Origin of Demons of Magnolia IP

43:00 – The Struggle of Building an IP Alone

46:00 – Using Creativity to Navigate Life

48:00 – What Ownership Really Means as an Artist

50:00 – Advice for New Artists Starting From Zero

54:00 – Making Money Without Selling Out

56:00 – Practice, Progress & Livestreaming

59:10 – Conviction: Showing Up Even When It's Hard

1:08:25 – Redefining Success Over Time

1:11:10 – Simplicity in Art: The Hidden Complexity

1:13:00 – Dealing with Burnout & Imposter Syndrome

1:15:50 – Inspiration vs Comparison

1:21:00 – Final Message: Keep Your Childlike Wonder

1:26:20 – What “Clocking Out” Means to Chum Wizards

#ClockingOut #Chumwizards #CreativeJourney #NFTArt #IndependentCreator #SupportTheHustle #DemonsOfMagnolia