Tiny worlds, Big Stories

Go behind the scenes with Roy Tyson, the contemporary artist known for his miniature figures interacting with iconic works of art. In this creative podcast episode, he shares how he evolved from tiny photography scenes to highly detailed shadow box installations featuring miniature people painting, erasing, and transforming famous art references — including his Damien Hirst–inspired dot series.

We also dive into his commercial collaborations with major brands, how corporate commissions expanded his visibility, and how he founded and ran an artist-led art fair to create more supportive opportunities for emerging artists. Roy opens up about building gallery relationships, growing on Instagram, navigating the art market, and protecting creative time while traveling internationally.

A must-listen for miniature artists, contemporary art lovers, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building an art business with momentum.

https://www.royspeople.com/

https://www.instagram.com/royspeople/

https://www.tiktok.com/@royspeopleofficial?lang=en

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Subscribe to Small by Design newsletter, a monthly review for the miniature community: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews

Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

Lara Blair's art: https://instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

What does it take to turn childhood creativity into a full-time artistic career? In this inspiring conversation, Lara sits down with Chelsea of Chelsea Makes. Chelsea is a miniature artist whose journey spans cardboard Barbie house renovations, landscape architecture, and building intricate tiny worlds for major brands like Warby Parker, Barbie, and L’Oreal.

Chelsea shares the behind-the-scenes reality of brand collaborations, the courage it takes to leave stability for creativity, and why tiny objects can hold enormous emotional power. In this episode, they explore persistence, creative community, and the surprising opportunities that can come from being just a little strategically persistent.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, too risky, or too unconventional to follow your creative instincts, this episode is your reminder that imagination is often the most reliable compass.

Website: https://www.chelseamakes.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelseamake...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseamakesc...
Book: https://www.amazon.com/50-Makes-Moder...
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChelseaMakesCA
Domestika class: https://www.domestika.org/en/chelseamakes

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Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

In this engaging conversation, Kylie White shares her journey from a childhood fascination with miniatures to building a successful business centered around her passion. She discusses the healing power of her hobby, the importance of community, and the tools that have helped her along the way. Kylie emphasizes the significance of authenticity in her work and offers advice for aspiring miniature artists. As she reflects on her evolving style and future aspirations, listeners are inspired by her story of creativity, resilience, and personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Kylie's Early Fascination with Miniatures

02:53 The Healing Power of Miniature Design

06:00 Balancing Content Creation and Miniature Projects

08:58 Turning a Hobby into a Business

12:02 Father-Daughter Collaboration in Miniature Building

15:03 The Emotional Attachment to Miniature Creations

18:01 Building a Community and Marketing on Etsy

21:02 Advice for Aspiring Miniature Artists

24:02 Future Collaborations and Aspirations

27:05 Manifesting Dreams and Future Goals

30:03 The Journey of Creativity and Hobbies

32:55 Embracing Technology in Miniature Making

36:03 Finding Inspiration and Sources for Miniature Projects

38:58 Evolving Styles and Personal Growth

42:06 The Healing Power of Creativity

46:01 Community Connections and Collaboration

48:59 Honoring Childhood Dreams and Aspirations

Visit Kylie at:

instagram.com/kyliewhitespace

tiktok.com/@kyliewhitespace

https://www.kyliewhitespace.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteSpaceMiniatures

https://www.youtube.com/@kyliewhitespace

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Tiny Worlds, Big Stories YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/@tinyworldsbigstories

Lara's art:

https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

Tom Haney, a skilled artist and teacher, shares his journey from childhood fascination with mechanical art to becoming a full-time automata artist. He discusses his training, transition to entrepreneurship, and the evolution of his creative process. Tom's unique approach to automata and his teaching experiences are highlighted, along with the challenges and rewards of his artistic career. Tom Haney, a creative artist, shares his journey of creating marionettes and kinetic sculptures, his influences, and the importance of curiosity in his work. He also discusses the challenges of showcasing his unique artwork and the significance of creativity in his life.

Takeaways

• Mechanical Artistry
• Transition to Entrepreneurship Creativity as a driving force
• The value of curiosity in artistic expression

Chapters

• 00:00 Evolution of Creative Process and Artistic Career
• 22:16 The Creative Collaboration
• 27:25 Navigating the Art World
• 33:58 Honoring Creativity and Curiosity

WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING of this podcast: www.youtube.com/@tinyworldsbigstories

Website: https://www.tomhaney.com/

Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@tomhaneyartwork?si=OwGIJOb6qN6pTv0j

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tomhaneyartwork/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Haneys-Artwork/100057975912434/#

YouTube Little Tybee band video: https://youtu.be/-erw7PWJqDU?si=2EIJ43mUbTqBpgWR

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Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

What happens when a master furniture maker is asked to make something small — and takes it just as seriously? Paris Renfroe is a lifelong craftsman whose hands have always been drawn to precision and beauty. Before miniatures, he built custom furniture and cabinetry — full-scale pieces made with the same care and perfectionism he brings to his miniature worlds today. In this episode, we talk about the moment a single request for a tiny version of his work changed everything, the discipline behind his mid-century modern aesthetic, and how his miniatures grew into museum-worthy pieces collected around the world.

WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tJaiGJIkJWg?si=xXxZJWRtUOdp4ZUw

Paris' website: https://prdminiatures.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prdminiatures/

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Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

In this debut episode of Tiny Worlds Big Stories, host Lara Blair introduces her passion for miniature art and the community surrounding it. She shares her personal journey from a childhood love of dollhouses to becoming a full-time artist, creating meaningful miniature scenes. The podcast aims to celebrate the creativity of miniature makers and explore the diverse world of miniatures beyond just dollhouses, including dioramas and fine art.

WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZnHV7xkVZks?si=5OfNsEgmKVmTAIHI

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Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/