Podcast Episode
#039: Birds, Brushes, and Breaking the Starving Artist Myth With Andrea Holmes
About this episode
Andrea Holmes didn’t always believe art could pay the bills. After stints in catering, restaurants, and even TV, she embraced her true calling as a muralist. Now known as “the Bird Lady,” she supports herself and her daughter through her art, traveling internationally to paint vibrant murals that spark joy in communities worldwide.What sets Andrea apart is her openness about the business of art. She shares that corporations like Starbucks invest $20,000+ in her murals, breaking the “starving artist” myth. Once convinced $100,000 a year as an artist was impossible, she hit that goal—and now sets her sights on earning that for a single mural. Her ambitious mindset shows how removing self-imposed limits creates new possibilities.Community fuels her success. Though she works solo, she intentionally connects with groups like McKinney Creative Community, finding relationships that provide both emotional support and collaboration. “I have found more value in relationships because I don’t have that during the day,” she notes.Andrea’s wisdom is simple: “If you set out six months or a year on a calendar and you’re still complaining about something, change it.” Her story proves that with persistence, community, and bold goals, artists can create a thriving life beyond what they thought possible.Andrea's Profile
Andrea's WebsiteThis is Maddox & Dwight! More than anything, we want to connect and communicate with you. We don't want to think of you as listeners. We want to think of you as community. So, scroll to the bottom of the show notes and click the SUBSCRIBE link. Thank you! Thank you for listening to the For the Love of Creatives Podcast. If you are enjoying the podcast, please scroll to the bottom of the show notes and Rate & Review us. We would SO appreciate it.Support the showBook a Discovery Call With DwightBecome a SUBSCRIBER to Get Notified of New EpisodesWant to be a Featured Guest?For the Love of Creatives PodcastFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInRate and Review the Podcast on Apple or Spotify