The Ugly Middle (And Why Most Artists Quit Here)

What happens after the beginning—when the excitement wears off and you’re left in the long, uncertain middle of making?

In this episode of My Art is My Voice, Rebecca Danger and Tom Ferry reflects on what they call the ugly middle—that stretch of the creative process where doubt, frustration, and second-guessing tend to take over.

This conversation explores the internal side of making art: – The tendency to create emotional drama while creating – The challenge of making work for yourself (not for approval) – The balance and play between art, craft, and design – The “hustle trap” and chasing a lifestyle vs. a practice – How success is often just perception—and constantly shifting

Rebecca and Tom also discuss: – Imperfection and why it matters (“my hand will always be imperfect”) – The connection between art and personal history – Light vs. shadow in the creative process – Keeping your circle small and protecting your energy – The feeling that time is always running out—and learning to question it

At its core, this episode is about staying in the work—even when it’s uncomfortable—and allowing your creative practice to be a reflection of something deeper.

Link to Video about Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53cqxEOuHNI

Because most art isn’t just about making something—it’s about processing something.

🎧 My Art is My Voice is a podcast about creativity, identity, and the lived experience of being an artist.

New episodes weekly.

instagram @myartismyvoicepodcast

email myartismyvoicepodcast@gmail.com

Rebecca Danger's Website: rebeccadanger.com

Tom Ferry's Website: tomferrystudio.com

Farmette Fresh Website: farmettefresh.com

What does it actually take to make money as an artist—and is it worth it?

In this episode, we get into the real experience of selling art, starting with a recent pet portrait commission inspired by Rebecca’s two dogs. From there, the conversation opens up into the bigger picture: what it means to create for someone else, how commissions can challenge your process, and the pressure that comes with putting a price on your work.

We also talk honestly about galleries, art shows, and markets—the time, energy, and emotional investment they require, and whether they truly support artists in the way we hope.

As always, we come back to the idea of choice: how you choose to show up as an artist, the paths you take (or don’t), and what it means to build a creative life on your own terms.

If you’ve ever wondered how artists actually sell their work—or questioned whether it’s sustainable—this episode is for you.

New episodes weekly.

instagram @myartismyvoicepodcast

email myartismyvoicepodcast@gmail.com

Rebecca Danger's Website: rebeccadanger.com

Tom Ferry's Website: tomferrystudio.com

Farmette Fresh Website: farmettefresh.com

When art, money, and self-worth collide.

What is the real cost of making art and how much of that cost is tied to how we see ourselves?

In this Episode, we talk about self worth, transactional value and the pressure to turn creativity into income. From trying to pay the bills with art to not feeling "good enough," this is an honest conversation about the tension between creating freely and creating to survive.

We explore what it means to make choices as an artist, whether you're actively creating your life or letting it happen to you, and the constant pull toward the "next thing." We also get into the idea of creating drama as fuel for art and whether that's helping or hurting the process.

If you have ever questioned your value, your work, or the path you're on, this conversation will hit close to home.

New episodes weekly.

instagram @myartismyvoicepodcast

email myartismyvoicepodcast@gmail.com

Rebecca Danger's Website: rebeccadanger.com

Tom Ferry's Website: tomferrystudio.com

What does it actually mean to live as an artist today?

In this first episode, we sit down over coffee with Rebecca Danger and Tom Ferry to talk honestly about the creative life. From the fear of putting yourself out there to the reality of Burnout, this is a real conversation about what it takes to keep showing up.

We talk about finding your voice through art, why you don't have to hustle to be an artist, and the challenge of trying to make money while staying true to your work.

If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing it right" as an artist, the answer might be simpler than you think: just make art.

New episodes weekly.

instagram @myartismyvoicepodcast

email myartismyvoicepodcast@gmail.com

Rebecca Danger's Website: https://www.rebeccadanger.com/

Tom Ferry's Website: https://www.tomferrystudio.com/