No. 105 - Ruben Rojas

In a profound conversation with Lavi Daniel, we explore how creative expression can transform pain into art. This lifelong artist shares his journey of turning life's struggles into meaningful work that resonates on a deeply human level.Host Taylor Gallegos and Lavi discuss the delicate balance between creating beauty in challenging times and addressing the harsh realities around us. They examine how art serves as both escape and mirror—reflecting our humanity while helping us process difficult truths.Whether you're creating through personal hardship or feeling the weight of global events, this conversation reminds us why we need "the poetry, the artwork, the gathered humanity" now more than ever.Instagram: @lavi.artistWebsite: lavidaniel.net::Produced by Snapjack Studios http://snapjackstudios.com/© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

What happens when you stop trying to formulate creativity and start trusting your instincts instead? In this episode of Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success, host Taylor Gallegos sits down with Lynn Abate Johnson  @lajbiz  to talk about breaking free from rigid creative formulas. Lynn shares her journey from following prescribed systems to developing what she calls an "un-marketing" approach—where inspiration trumps structure every time.Together, they explore how authenticity beats strategy, why Lynn refuses to cage her creativity in hard frameworks, and what it really means to show up as yourself in a world obsessed with formulas. From her accidental path to becoming a two-time international bestselling author to building community without scripts, Lynn proves that the best creative work happens when you leave space for whatever wants to emerge.Whether you're tired of forcing your art into someone else's system or ready to trust your own creative instincts, this conversation brings a raw look at what it really means to make it on your own terms.Website: lynnabatejohnson.com::Produced by Snapjack Studios: http://snapjackstudios.com/Copyright 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

What if the secret to selling art wasn’t about building funnels or following someone else’s script—but about becoming *more* of yourself?In this episode of *Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success*, host Taylor Gallegos sits down with artist and storyteller Ryan Stover to talk about how chasing someone else’s sales strategy nearly took the soul out of his art—and how he got it back. From cookie-cutter marketing advice to $18K coaching programs, Ryan opens up about the journey of trying to “make it” as a professional artist—and what changed when he started trusting his own excitement.We talk about:* Why the energy that creates art isn’t the same as the energy that sells it* The danger of trying to sell like someone else* Following your highest excitement—and watching the universe respond* How to share your story *and* your art (without feeling like a sellout)* Using AI as a tool, not a replacement, for human creativityThis episode is a real one for any artist standing at the crossroads of hustle and heart.---📬 Subscribe to Ryan’s newsletter and view his work:https://www.ryanstoverart.com🎧 Full episode available on:YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts---📽️ **Produced by Snapjack Studios** https://www.snapjackstudios.com© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

What happens when you grow up in a world where dancing, drawing—even joy—are forbidden? In this powerful episode, muralist Andrea Solorzano opens up about her journey from a restrictive upbringing to reclaiming her voice through art. With honesty, heart, and a little fairy magic, Andrea shares how she transformed her inner darkness into color, connection, and purpose.We explore:The emotional and spiritual toll of growing up in a controlling environmentHow Andrea rebuilt her relationship with creativity and spiritualityWhy butterflies, murals, and mystery gardens fuel her artistic missionThe burnout she didn’t see coming—and what her acupuncturist taught her about true creative balanceHer shift from survival mode to service: art as a gift, not a grindWhether you're just starting out or deep in your creative career, Andrea’s story is a moving reminder that art can save you—and that making it doesn’t always mean hustling harder. Sometimes, it means nourishing yourself enough to fly.Check out Andrea's work: https://www.solorzanofineartgallery.com/-🎙️ Making It: REAL Stories of Creative SuccessProduced by Snapjack Studios → www.snapjackstudios.com© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

What happens when an artist trades ego for insight? In this episode of Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success, muralist and educator Mural Joe (Joe Cornelius) opens up about more than just paint and technique—he shares the inner architecture of a creative life.Joe and host Taylor Gallegos dive deep into color theory, emotional resilience, and the patterns that drive Joe’s wildly popular YouTube tutorials. From rollers and light theory to ego deaths and spiritual humility, this is a conversation that transcends the canvas.👉 Topics include:Joe’s unconventional approach to color mixing and depthWhy he teaches gradients and edges—not just effectsThe emotional sensitivity behind creative masteryHow faith, self-awareness, and ego management shape his artWhy he’d rather be useful than famousWhether you're a muralist, designer, coder, or curious soul, this episode delivers tools, truths, and an unforgettable perspective.👀 Check out Joe's YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@muraljoe⁠🎧 Produced by Snapjack Studios: https://www.snapjackstudios.com© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

🎨 The pod is back, baby! In this episode of *Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success*, host Taylor Gallegos sits down with muralist Hanna Daly to talk about going viral—for the wrong reasons—and what happened next. When a client failed to pay her for a mural, Hanna shared a 10-second video of herself painting over their logo. That post exploded, bringing unexpected attention, legal threats, and ultimately… poetic justice.But that’s just one layer. Hanna also opens up about grief, creativity, and healing—from losing close family members to navigating motherhood and finding an unexpected creative outlet in screenwriting. She shares the hard-won lessons from 20 years of painting murals, building a business from scratch, and learning to say no in a world that constantly demands more.This episode is funny, real, and full of raw wisdom for creatives who want to stay grounded, grow their careers, and create from the heart—without selling their soul.👉 Topics include:The story behind her viral video (and what happened after)Navigating art and business when a client doesn’t payWhy public art matters—and why she’s giving away her paintings for freeHer creative healing journey through screenwritingThe power of staying rooted, real, and joyful in the face of burnout🖌️ Whether you're an aspiring artist or just trying to keep your creative spark alive, this one’s for you.🎧 Produced by Snapjack Studios: https://www.snapjackstudios.com/📍 Shot at Studio West: https://studiowest.com/© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode I Interview Lynx DeMuth.  Lynx is a musician, a producer, a mentor, and more.  They work and live in Portland, OR.  In this episode we talk about the development of Lynx as an artist, music, music production, feeling at home in oneself, sobriety, and so much more. You can connect with Lynx on Spotify at Lynx Demote, on IG @lynxdemuth, and online at lynxdemuth.com.

In this episode I Interview Bob Matatall.  Bob is an Urban Planner, an avid traveler, and the long time best friend of my Step Dad Chris Belting. In this episode we talk about the joys of slow travel, art and design, surviving cancer, and so much more.

In this episode I Interview Ruben Rojas.  Ruben is an Artist, an Entrepreneur, a Podcaster, a Husband, a Father, and more.  He works and lives in Los Angeles, CA, out of his art studio where this interview took place.  In this episode we talk about Art, Style, the business of art, the experience of making a podcast, and so much more.

In this episode I Interview Samantha Tradelius.  Samantha is an entrepreneur, the founder of Sparkle Foundation, Sparklebiz, a mother, and a husband.  In this episode we talk about Samantha’s transition from business to non-profit, her foundation that’s helping women and mother, the ripple effect of positive action and much more. You can find and follow Samantha on her website at samanthatradelius.com, on her podcast InspiHER’d, and on IG @inspiherd.