In this episode of Nerdpreneur, we dive into the creative world of Justin Hillgrove, a full-time artist known for his whimsical and imaginative art under the brand Imps and Monsters. With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares:

• His journey from graphic design to becoming a successful artist, 
• Creating everything from comic book covers to murals for major companies like Facebook,
• How to balance his passion for art with the business side,
• and unique ways to connect with his audience.

Whether you're an aspiring artist or a fan of nerdy entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Justin's story and his dedication to doing what he loves.

To get the extended interview with Justin from Imps and Monsters, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

In this episode of Nerdpreneur, hosts Chris Saunders and Frank chat with Rick Heinz, co-founder of Storytellers Forge, a long-time writer and game designer, about turning a nerdy passion into a thriving business.

Rick shares his unique approach to game design, heavily influenced by metal music and coffee, and how he creates immersive tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) that blend storytelling with diverse multimedia elements. He also delves into the realities of crowdfunding and the strategies behind building a successful creative studio in the TTRPG industry. This interview offers a fascinating look into the dedication and innovative thinking required to transform a personal passion into a professional enterprise.

• The unexpected origins of a successful TTRPG studio.

• Integrating music and other media for enhanced player immersion.

• Key considerations for effective crowdfunding campaigns in the gaming world.

• The evolving landscape of audience engagement and community building for creative projects.

To get the extended interview with Rick from Storytellers Forge, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly canceled.

In part 2, we take a closer look at the macro level events around these events. Rick Heinz graciously reached out during these events and brought context for the industry as a whole.

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Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hGak3xi9REIwQjp4ebMuB?si=c480d8149a0b4658 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satine-phoenix-controversy-cancel-culture-and/id1613873191?i=1000649048772 

This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1767987839214776744 

And this was our response on twitter the day after the explosion: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1773805681487098203 

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To get part 2 right now, along with loads of uncut interviews, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

In this interview we spoke with Ryan, co-owner of Hexwood Forge. He runs the business with his wife Kess, who started the operation years before it came to be known as Hexwood Forge.

Hexwood Forge is a small business that makes tabletop accessories. It's run by just the two of them out of their garage with several laser machines, their hands, and creative minds. They started to really ramp things up during the pandemic and since then have scaled up to running two booths during PAX West. And that's no small feat!

We talked with Ryan about a lot of topics, including:

• Challenges of running a goods-based business out of their garage

• Effective elements for creating an inviting booth at shows

• Product ideation and testing

• and collaborating with other nerdy entrepreneurs to share lessons learned.

To get the extended interview with Ryan from Hexwood Forge, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly canceled.

In this two-part exploration, we explore the micro and macro level events that contributed to making these people so mad.

- Did we deserve it?

- Are we what they called us: "Godless Couch F*cks"?

- Or did these hundreds of voices have other motives?

-----

Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hGak3xi9REIwQjp4ebMuB?si=c480d8149a0b4658 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satine-phoenix-controversy-cancel-culture-and/id1613873191?i=1000649048772 

This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1767987839214776744 

And this was our response on twitter the day after the explosion: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1773805681487098203 

-----

To get part 2 right now, along with loads of uncut interviews, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

Back in March of 2024, hundreds of angry nerds came after our growing podcast because of someone we interviewed and we were nearly cancelled.

In this two-part exploration, we explore the micro and macro level events that contributed to making these people so mad.

- Did we deserve it?

- Were we what they called us: "Godless Couch F*cks"?

- Or did these hundreds of voices have other motives?

-----

Here is the first part of our 2-part interview with Satine Phoenix: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hGak3xi9REIwQjp4ebMuB?si=c480d8149a0b4658 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satine-phoenix-controversy-cancel-culture-and/id1613873191?i=1000649048772 

This is a link to the twitter post that blew up: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1767987839214776744 

And this was our response on twitter the day after the explosion: https://x.com/Nerdpreneurpod/status/1773805681487098203 

-----

To get part 2 right now, along with loads of uncut interviews, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

In this conversation, Chris Marshall, co-owner of Tinker House Games, shares his journey from a childhood passion for building and creating to establishing a successful business in the tabletop gaming industry. He discusses the unique aspects of their pre-printed flat-pack terrain for RPGs, lessons in the manufacturing industry, and reflects on his early experiences that led him to this nerdy business.

Here's just some of what we discussed: 

• How to understand your audience for product success
• The benefits of live events
• Utilizing the power of Kickstarter
• Navigating the manufacturing process

To get the extended interview with Chris from TinkerHouse Games, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

Our guest, Patrick Rami from Lethal Shadows Premium Miniatures, talks about his journey in the miniature gaming industry. Patrick shares his passion for creating high-quality miniatures, the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he turned his hobby into a successful business.

We covered a lot of ground, but some of the topics were: 

• the importance of quality in manufacturing,
• the leap into entrepreneurship,
• managing fear and uncertainty,
• the significance of investing in oneself
• and planning for success. 

To get the extended interview with Patrick from Lethal Shadows, along with loads of uncut episodes, sign up to be a member of the "AWESOME Nerdpreneur Board!" *Ominous Thunderclap* by going to www.Patreon.com/nerdpreneur

New interviews with Nerdy entrepreneurs every month turning their unique passion into full-time income.

Don’t want to spend money to be an AWESOME Board Member? You can become a Free Board Member with just your email. Board Members receive…   

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 

• Episode updates (including upcoming guests)

• Occasional articles written by Chris or Frank on Nerdy Business subjects 

• Nothing that sucks! 

Become a FREE Board Member HERE

Follow us on Instagram @Nerdpreneurpod, Twitter @Nerdpreneurpod, and TikTok @nerdpreneur 

To connect with the hosts follow Chris @professorepicproductions and Frank @frankrbaileyiv

In this Talking Nerdy discussion, we explore the nuances of communication skills, emphasizing the importance of active listening, engagement techniques, and the art of storytelling. We discuss how communication has evolved in the digital age, the significance of asking the right questions, and understanding core values in interactions. 

Nerdpreneur Blog 

For the FULL VERSION of all our Interviews, Talking Nerdy's, plus lots of other bonuses, Click here to join the "Awesome Nerdpreneur Board!" *epic thunderclap* on Patreon!

Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get... 

• Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! 
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Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

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Original Music by Professor Epic and produced by Wyshmaster Beats. Beat names are Talk Down, Bad Seedz, and Mehicana