Portraits of an Artist is a podcast that explores the creative journeys of artists through conversations and portrait photography. Each episode dives into the inspirations, challenges, and stories behind a creator's work, capturing their process, passion, and unique perspective.
Each conversation is paired with a portrait session, visually documenting the artists alongside their words. Through these discussions and images, the podcast paints a fuller picture of the people behind the art, offering listeners a deeper connection to the creative process.
I caught up with my friend TJ VanStone, who I used to paint graffiti with. It’s been more than 15 years since we really caught up, and in that time, he’s built a career as a tattoo artist.
We talk about how tattooing has shaped the way he paints murals and what it feels like to come back to painting for yourself after years of making art for a living.
27 Mar 2026
Finishing My Full Body Japanese Tattoo with Kevin Marr
After nearly 10 years, this was the final tattoo session.
For over a decade, I’ve been working on a full-body Japanese tattoo.
In this video, I head to my final appointment with tattoo artist Kevin Marr to finish the last part of the body suit. What started years ago turns into a long conversation about tattooing, craft, and what it actually takes to commit to something this big.
This isn’t a typical tattoo video. It’s a real, unfiltered conversation during the final session of a long-term project.
We talk about:
• Working in a private studio
• What makes a great client
• Why large-scale Japanese tattooing is different
• How Instagram changed tattoo culture
• And why most people never finish what they start
Tattoo artist: Kevin Marr
25 Mar 2025
Mural Painting with Alice Lee
Mural artist Alice Lee shares how heartbreak, happiness, and side projects shaped her creative path—from Dropbox designer to full-time illustrator, muralist, and ceramicist. We talk about finding inspiration, navigating burnout, the role of community and feedback, and how Alice thinks about social media and AI as an artist. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a creative life.
11 Mar 2025
Japanese Tattoos with Kevin Marr Horikema
Kevin Marr Horikema, a tattoo artist in San Francisco, specializing in traditional Japanese tattooing, shares his journey into the world of tattooing. From the philosophy behind the art to the patience required for large-scale work, Kevin discusses his approach to tattooing, inspiration, and the evolving landscape of the craft.
4 Mar 2025
Exploring Data Visualization with Shirley Wu
Shirley Wu is a data visualization engineer and talks about her transition to working on physical art installations. She shares insights into her creative process, her inspirations, and how she approaches storytelling through her work. We also dive into her journey as a freelance artist and the challenges she's faced along the way.
4 Mar 2025
Portraits of an Artist Podcast Trailer
🎨 Portraits of an Artist is a podcast that uncovers the creative journeys of artists, designers, and visionaries shaping the world through their work.
How do they stay inspired? What fuels their creativity? What challenges have they overcome? Each episode, photographer Ryan sits down with an artist to explore their process, their passion, and the stories behind their craft—capturing not just their words, but their portrait as well.
If you’re curious about creativity, artistry, and the people behind incredible work, hit subscribe and join us on this journey. New episodes coming soon!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
74
Social presence
90
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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