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 artistWhether 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/ForkInTheRoadPodcastPatreon members receive:The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interviewThe 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!
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Thriving as a Kids Book Illustrator with Chelsea Wade
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 ageWhether 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.comFollow Andy Marshall: https://andycmarshall.comSupport the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/ForkInTheRoadPodcastPatreon members receive:The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interviewThe 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.
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Mastering Hyper-Realism & Creative Content with Alexander Notarangelo
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 styleWhy working on multiple canvases fuels momentumInstagram strategies for artists that build real engagementNavigating mental health while creating and posting art onlineThe role of personal branding for artists in 2025🎯 Key Takeaways for Artists:Consistency and layering are essential to masteryAuthentic content builds trust and a wider audienceYou don’t have to go full-time to have serious impactBalance between creation, marketing, and mental well-being is crucialYour 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/ForkInTheRoadPodcastPatreon members receive:The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interviewThe 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.
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Raheem Nelson on Artists Personal Brand & Creative Collaborations
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/ForkInTheRoadPodcastPatreon members receive:The Scenic Route: Extended 1 hour video interviewThe 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.
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From Branding to Brushstrokes – Ali Sabet on Creative Freedom & Expression
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/ForkInTheRoadPodcastPatreon 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.
About Fork in the Road between starving and thriving artist
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.
Listen to Fork in the Road between starving and thriving artist, 12 Rules for Life In English and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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