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
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
