Rachel Castaneda, a muralist, lettering artist, illustrator, businesswoman, and mother of three. Rachel shares her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time artist, discussing the challenges of balancing her creative career with family life. She talks about her initial struggles, the importance of social media in her success, and how she manages her schedule with the help of family support. Rachel also touches on her experience illustrating children's books and gives advice to aspiring artists. The episode highlights the thriving creative community in Raleigh, North Carolina, and dispels the myth of the starving artist.

• 01:16 Rachel's Journey to Becoming a Working Creative
• 03:51 The Influence of Family and Early Life 08:40
• Transition from Teaching to Full-Time Artist
• 12:16 First Mural Experience and Learning Curve
• 21:37 Building a Business and Client Process
• 28:44 Pitching Creative Ideas
• 29:29 Navigating the Creative Process
• 30:58 Children's Book Illustration Journey
• 34:51 Balancing Work and Family
• 37:17 The Business of Murals
• 50:32 Advice for Aspiring Artists
• 52:27 Conclusion and Social Media

PS: Don’t forget to take advantage of our Burny Wild’s promo code just for our Pencil Pushers fans. More info on the podcast intro.  Host: Mike Rosado

@ekimodasor & @mrcraleigh Post-Production: Max Trujillo @trujillomedia Sponsors: MRC & Burny Wild’s @mrcraleigh & @burnywilds