The Curated Craftsmen™

Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind Mike Yarbrough, founder of Rustic & Main ​⁠‪@rusticandmain‬, a ring company crafting meaningful wedding bands from historic woods, whiskey barrels, coffee, battleship decking, and other one-of-a-kind materials. What started as a personal experiment in his garage has grown into a thriving team of skilled craftsmen—creating rings that don’t just symbolize commitment, but tell a unique story.

Mike is also the voice behind the ​⁠‪@wolfandiron‬ podcast, a platform soon evolving into a nonprofit dedicated to equipping men to lead with wisdom, integrity, and grit. From wood shavings to leadership insights, Mike’s work is about building legacy through the things we make and the lives we shape.

Ready to be inspired by a story of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and meaningful creation? Tune in to hear how one man's search for creative fulfillment led to a revolutionary approach to wedding bands and a thriving creative career.

In this Curated Craftsman™ conversation we chat about:

 ✘ 00:00:12 - Crafting Meaningful Wedding Bands

 ✘ 00:06:21 - Launching Rustic in Maine

✘ 00:10:06 - Transitioning from Side Hustle to Business

✘ 00:13:03 - Setting Realistic Business Goals

 ✘ 00:19:36 - First Sale from Mikes Garage

 ✘ 00:22:38 - Building a Creatively Skilled Team

 ✘ 00:31:32 - Embracing Creative Freedom After Corporate Life

✘ 00:35:27 - Balancing Faith and Business

 ✘ 00:45:52 - Overcoming Creative Struggles

✘ 00:58:34 - Million Dollar Milestones

 ✘ 01:03:25 - Wolf & Irons Podcast Success

 ✘ 01:06:51 - Building a Nonprofit Team & Brotherhood Through Guilds

✘ 01:18:35 - Starting a Creative Business With Vision

Mike's Links:

https://rusticandmain.com/

https://wolfandiron.com/ 

 Get your creative business in front of passionate makers and potential collectors for a one time contribution of $20—grab a Maker’s Mention Sponsorship HERE & support the show today!

Will you get the next round? Buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon. Support the podcast for $5.00 a month.

 For additional free resources and tips about creative entrepreneurship head over to The Artisan Edge Blog. ALL CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS WELCOME.

| SHOW SPONSORS | 

Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off your order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! 

ArtHelper.ai. Streamline your creative business with ArtHelper.ai—sign up with my affiliate link for free to spend less time writing and more time creating.

Curated Craftsmen Instagram 

Kate's Link's:

Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website

Instagram

Facebook

If you’ve ever thought about turning your creative skills into a commission-based business—or you’re in the thick of it and want to make your artistic career more sustainable—this episode is for you.

I’m sharing 7 lessons from nearly a decade of working as a full-time commission artist. These are the real-world strategies that helped me go from an aspiring storyboard artist to running a thriving creative business rooted in storytelling, connection, and custom work.

Inside this episode, I’ll walk you through:

✘The simple systems and custom frame work I set up to keep client communication clear and professional

✘What I’ve learned about pricing (and why “starting at” rates are your best friend)

✘How I process payments through Square and PayPal with ease

✘Why doing a few intentional free projects early on actually helped me grow

✘And how all of this has helped me keep my creative integrity while still making a living

Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in your current process, these tips are meant to give you inspiration, encouragement, and a more structured path forward.

Mentioned Links: 

https://www.canva.com/

https://www.vistaprint.com/

https://squareup.com/us/en

The Artemotiv Method 

Press play and let’s talk about how to build a commission art business that feels aligned, professional, and profitable.

Welcome to The Artisan’s Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business.

If you enjoy the show, be sure to share it with a friend—it helps us reach more creatives like you! And if you’d like to support the production, you can buy the next round of coffee for The Curated Craftsmen over on our Patreon. Every contribution helps us keep these important conversations going.

Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan’s Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you!

| Maker's Mention | Thanks For Sponsoring This Episode!

SIN Customs  A boutique art studio operated by automotive artist Ryan Curtis in Manila, Arkansas, specializing in custom automotive artwork, including hand-painted signs, metal prints, banners, and personalized vehicle illustrations that celebrate car culture and design. https://hotrodcarart.com/ | All Social Platforms: @SINcustoms

Support the show and advertise your creative company with your your own Maker's Mention Sponsorship here. 

Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind filmmaker and photographer Aaron McKenzie‪. From his unexpected journey of studying economics to directing cinematic, story-rich content for brands like Porsche, Ferrari, Acura, and Nitto Tire, Aaron's work doesn’t just showcase cars—it explores the people behind them, uncovering stories of passion, family, and identity.

Aaron opens up about the decade he spent in South Korea, how a serendipitous opportunity with ‪@Petrolicious‬ launched his creative career, and why he believes that inspiration is something you chase—not wait for. His editorial and commercial projects have taken him all over the world and reflect a deep curiosity and a drive to honor the lives and stories that often go untold. 

In this Curated Craftsman™ conversation we talk about: 

 ✘00:00:12 - Exploring Storytelling in Visual Media

 ✘00:05:50 - Journey into Creative Photography

 ✘00:13:31 - Living in South Korea

 ✘00:25:39 - Transitioning to Freelance Production

✘00:28:40 - The Importance of Collaboration in Creativity

 ✘00:36:45 - Defining Craftsmanship in Creativity

 ✘00:42:50 - The Role of Curiosity in Creativity

 ✘00:52:20 - Science vs. Religion Debate

 ✘00:58:20 - Lessons Learned from Client Challenges + Grace

 ✘01:03:32 - Filming in Remote Locations

 ✘01:13:42 - Balancing Creativity and Financial Stability

 ✘01:16:07 - Inspiration Through Consistent Action

 Listen in for an inspiring look at how detours, discipline, and storytelling can lead to a fulfilling creative life.

Aaron's Links:

Instagram 

YouTube

Website

Our "Why I Drive" Hagerty Media Collaboration Video 

 Get your creative business in front of passionate makers and potential collectors for a one time contribution of $20—grab a Maker’s Mention Sponsorship HERE & support the show today!

Will you get the next round? Buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon. Support the podcast for $5.00 a month.

 For additional free resources and tips about creative entrepreneurship head over to The Artisan Edge Blog. ALL CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS WELCOME.

| SHOW SPONSORS | 

Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off your order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! 

Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off your order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! 

Curated Craftsmen Instagram 

Kate's Link's:

Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website

Instagram

Facebook

Have you ever opened your inbox expecting junk—but found encouragement instead? Not a promo. Not a pitch. Just a few kind words from someone who saw you… and said so.

That happened to me recently. And it reminded me just how powerful unsolicited encouragement can be—especially for creatives who carry so much behind the scenes.

✘ Encouragement doesn’t need an invitation. The best words often come when you’re not asking for them. When they do, they shine like light in the dark.

✘ Not everything that’s unsolicited is unhelpful. There’s a difference between noise and nudges. Unsolicited encouragement carries quiet clarity.

✘ Your presence matters more than your performance. In creative work, we feel pressure to earn affirmation. But grace doesn’t work that way. It sees you—not just your output.

✘ You may have already been this kind of grace to someone else. A passing comment. A text. A kind post. Don’t underestimate what your voice can do. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” — Proverbs 16:24

Welcome to The Artisan’s Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business.

If you enjoy the show, be sure to share it with a friend—

Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan’s Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you!

Michelle and Zach Lee craft minimalist infographic maps for cyclists that turn epic rides into timeless artwork. Each map is a balance of form and function — a visual story of mileage, elevation, and adventure, designed to be as beautiful as it is informative. From pocket-sized companions to large-scale installations in bike shops and community spaces, their work celebrates the craft of both cycling and design.

Made by two cycling-obsessed designers with tired legs and full hearts.

You can find Simple Cycling Maps at simplecyclingmaps.com, or follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn @simple.cycling.maps.

If you run a creative business and want to get your work in front of an audience filled with potential clients and people who truly appreciate craftsmanship, purchase your own Makers Mention sponsorship. Your purchase directly supports the production of The Curated Craftsmen™ podcast.

Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind award-winning fine artist and oil painter Anna Rose Bain, whose breathtaking figurative works and luminous portraiture capture peaceful moments of human connection. A Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, Anna’s work has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur and American Art Collector and exhibited in some of the most esteemed galleries and competitions in the country.

In this episode, she shares how global experiences, perseverance, and teaching workshops have shaped her artistic journey—from studying under the North Light in Florence, Italy, to painting elephants in the African wilderness. She reveals how leading workshops has not only refined her skills but also deepened her understanding of art.

Motherhood, too, has played a profound role in her growth. The challenges of balancing art and family life sharpened her business, strengthened her faith, and ultimately made her a better artist—especially through painting her son. Blending classical techniques with the immediacy of alla prima, she draws inspiration from masters like Richard Schmid and John Singer Sargent while forging her own artistic voice.

In this in this Curated Craftsman ™ Conversation we chat about:

✘ 00:12 - Capturing the Soul: The Art of Anna Rose

✘ 05:08 - Immersed in Florentine Art

✘ 11:23 - The Value of Teaching Art

✘ 16:06 - Painting Plein Air in South Africa

✘ 18:52 - The Power of Capturing a Memory Through Art

✘ 22:48 - The Influence of Sargent and Schmid

✘ 25:29 - The Challenges and Joys of Oil Painting

✘ 32:49 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Emotional Attachment to Art

✘ 42:41 - Online Art Sales to Local Workshops

✘ 50:52 - Childlike Creativity through Motherhood Journey

✘ 53:09 - The Balance Between, Art, Business, and Parenting 

✘ 55:31 - Reconciling Faith and Art: A Christian Artist's Journey

✘ 59:53 - Finding Renewal in Nature and Solitude

✘ 1:03:08 - Painting My Son as King of the Wild Things

✘ 1:05:35 - Painting Success and Artistic Affirmation

Ready to be inspired? Tune in for an intimate look at the intersection of art, business, and motherhood.

Anna's Links:

Website 

YouTube

Learn With Anna

Instagram 

Facebook 

 Get your creative business in front of passionate makers and potential collectors for a one time contribution of $20—grab a Maker’s Mention Sponsorship HERE & support the show today!

Will you get the next round? Buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon. Support the podcast for $5.00 a month.

 For additional free resources and tips about creative entrepreneurship head over to The Artisan Edge Blog. ALL CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS WELCOME.

| SHOW SPONSORS | 

Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off your order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! 

ArtHelper.ai. Streamline your creative business with ArtHelper.ai—sign up with my affiliate link for free to spend less time writing and more time creating.

Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off you order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! 

Curated Craftsmen Instagram 

Kate's Link's:

Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website

Instagram

Facebook

Selling what you make can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, we’re talking about four powerful mindset shifts that Ive picked up over time, that I hope can help you not only price your work with confidence, but also attract the right buyers.

✘ Sell the value, not just the work itself ✘ Price your work just beyond where it feels comfortable ✘ Remember—you are not your customer ✘ Approach sales like a business, not "just" an artist

By shifting how you think about selling, you’ll feel more in control of your pricing, more confident in your offers, and more connected to the right clients. 

Mentioned Chat GPT As a Tool- Mini Course by Ashlyn Carter

Mentioned "War of Art" by Steven Pressfield

Tune in for these simple but powerful shifts to help you sell your artwork like a true professional.

Welcome to The Artisan’s Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business.

If you enjoy the show, be sure to share it with a friend—it helps us reach more creatives like you! And if you’d like to support the production, you can buy the next round of coffee for The Curated Craftsmen over on our Patreon. Every contribution helps us keep these important conversations going.

Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan’s Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you!

Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind Laura of Velasco Silversmithing. Laura turned her passion for metalwork into a thriving jewelry business 5 years ago, blending Southwest aesthetics with Alaskan influences. After relocating several times, she settled in Alaska with her family and found her true calling in silversmithing. Her bold, durable pieces reflect both her Mexican heritage and northern home, incorporating precious stones and Alaskan wildlife. Despite personal challenges and balancing a medical career, Laura has built a successful business rooted in family legacy and artistic authenticity.

In this in this Curated Craftsman ™ Conversation we chat about:

✘ 00:12 - Crafting Gritty Southwestern Jewelry in Alaska

✘ 07:26 - Exploring Creative Passions: From College Art to Jewelry Making

✘ 09:20 - Transitioning from Ceramics to Silversmithing

✘ 19:56 - Navigating Pricing and Confidence as a Silversmith

✘ 23:06 - Honoring Family Legacy in Business

✘ 26:25 - Balancing Creative Passion and Practical Realities

✘ 30:51 - Jewelry as a Creative Outlet, Not Materialism

✘ 41:58 - Embracing Faith and Patriotism in the Art Industry

✘ 47:52 - Embracing Bold Faith in a Gray World

✘ 50:26 - Crafting a Unique Style Through Mastery

✘ 55:07 - Navigating Instagram Ads and Organic Growth

✘ 1:18:49 - From Jewelry to Influencer Connections: A Creative Entrepreneur's Journey

✘ 1:24:20 - Persevere Through Challenges and Find Your Path

Want to learn how Laura balances a healthcare career with running a successful silversmithing business? Tune in to hear how she’s built a unique jewelry brand while managing the demands of both worlds!

Laura’s Links:

Website: https://www.velascosilversmithing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velasco.silversmithing?igsh=MW1laml5cHg1MDV6bg==

Want to buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee? Support the production of this podcast with a $5 monthly contribution on Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83891320&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

| SHOW SPONSORS | 

Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! 

Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! 

Curated Craftsmen Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/curatedcraftsmenpodcast?igsh=MWo3aXp1djJyZG9taw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Kate's Link's:

Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website: https://asphaltcanvascustomart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asphaltcanvasart?igsh=cnJjdmR2czY3NHBj&utm_source=qr

Welcome to The Artisan Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business.

If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more creatives like you! And if you’d like to support the production of the show, buy the next round of coffee for The Curated Craftsmen over on our Patreon for just $5. Every contribution helps us interview more makers!

Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you!

Let’s keep creating, keep refining, and keep building something that lasts.

Today, we’re getting to know the hands, head, and heart behind Maier Metalworks—Jake Maier. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Jake now runs his one-man shop in Texas, where he specializes in sheet metal fabrication, bead rolling, hot rod builds, and dimple dies. A Brunt Workwear representative and a craftsman through and through, Jake values originality and precision over mass production.

Maier Metalworks is best known for his signature bead-rolled metal car interiors, custom metal wall art with handcrafted frames, and his standout hot rod builds. His work is refined and unmistakably his own. His approach to metalworking combines technical precision with artistic vision, treating each piece of metal as a canvas waiting to be transformed.

✘ The difference between fine art and functional art 

✘ Understanding and working with the tools and materials of your trade

✘ The inevitable “mid-creative process” frustration and how to cope

✘ How creativity and integrity define a craftsman's legacy

✘A deep dive into bead rolling art and metal fabrication

✘ Dream client scenarios and where to find them

✘ Are we born with a specific talent or is it learned over time?

Ready to be inspired? Listen to this episode to learn how one craftsman's dedication to quality and creativity is reshaping the world of custom metalwork, one project at a time.

Jakes Links:

Facebook

Instagram 

Use Jake's discount code for Brunt Work Wear 

 Will you get the next round? Buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon. Support the podcast for $5.00 a month.

| SHOW SPONSORS | 

Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! 

Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! 

Curated Craftsmen Instagram 

Kate's Link's:

Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website

Custom Art Inquiry 

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Free Guide: How to Hire an Artist

Get to know that hands, head, and heart of Alex Carmona, a master relief printmaker specializing in reduction woodcuts, wood carvings, and engravings. Alex served his country for ten years before he made the transition to full-time artist. His brand continues to grow by traveling the world to sell his woodcuts and original prints. His artworks are revered for their detail, craftsmanship, and scale.

In his short career as an artist, he has gained tremendous notoriety by creating woodcuts and marketing material for some of the biggest names in the music and automotive industry including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Global Auto Salon, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA), and the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation who sought him out to create the world's first "Woodcut Telecaster”. Alex is also an ambassador for Speedball, one of the largest and most respected names in the world of art and printmaking. 

Alex is a proud Colorado native, and now resides with his family in Peoria, Illinois, where he continues to create woodcuts and marketing material for businesses and private collectors.

✘ Structuring your days as a work-from-home artist

✘ How to respond when people doubt your dreams

✘ Self-reflection & self-discipline as a way to succeed

✘ “Worst Case Scenario” thinking

✘ How faith helps Alex with his money mindset in business

✘ Taking risks to stand out as an artist, without expectations of certain results

✘ Alex’s take on what craftmanship means to him

✘ Alex’s career changing collab with Fender Guitar and the importance of professionalism

✘ A deep dive into the art of printmaking

Alex's Links:

Old School Alex Website 

Facebook

Instagram 

Youtube

Will you get the next round? Buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon. Support the podcast for $5.00 a month.

| SHOW SPONSORS | 

Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! 

Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! 

Curated Craftsmen Instagram 

Kate's Link's:

Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website

Available Artworks

Custom Art Inquiry 

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Free Guide: How to Hire an Artist