Ep. 15 | I Interviewed Myself: The Truth About My Early Artist Journey

Summary In this solo episode of Decoding the Flow, Drica Lobo opens 2026 by turning the microphone inward. Instead of a traditional introduction, she interviews herself — answering one of the most common questions she's received over the years: How did your journey as an artist begin — and when did you really start making money? Drica shares the honest, nonlinear reality of building an art career, from creating without permission to navigating uncertainty, moving to a new country, and learning how identity, self-trust, and experimentation shape both creativity and income. This episode explores the messy middle of the creative journey — the phase most people skip over — and reframes success as an identity shift rather than a moment in time. If you're an artist, creative entrepreneur, or anyone questioning their path, this conversation is an invitation to trust yourself, commit to your craft, and remember that alignment creates opportunity.   TAKEAWAYS  The creative journey is rarely linear — and that's not a flaw. Believing in yourself is an identity decision, not a feeling. Early creative experiences shape how you see yourself as an artist. New environments can unlock unexpected opportunities. Commitment to your craft creates momentum over time. Investing in self-discovery is part of building a sustainable career. Trusting intuition is essential in both art and business. Experimentation is how clarity is formed. Art can be a viable career when aligned with self-belief. You have the power to define your own creative path. SOUND BITES  "You have to test, test, test — that's how clarity is created." "Money didn't change when my talent changed. It changed when my identity did." "You're not late. You're becoming."   CHAPTERS 00:00 The Journey of a Creative Entrepreneur 02:35 Embracing the Messy Middle 09:40 Finding My Path Through Art and Journalism 11:59 Moving to the United States: A New Beginning 15:13 Commitment, Opportunity, and Momentum 18:56 Shifting Gears: From Journalism to Art 20:56 Investing in My Art Career 22:13 Trusting Yourself as an Artist 23:03 Experimentation and the Business of Art About Drica Lobo Drica Lobo is a visual artist, author, and creative entrepreneur based in California. She is the creator and host of Decoding the Flow, a podcast dedicated to creative consciousness, identity, and living from alignment rather than reaction. With nearly a decade of experience as a professional artist, Drica has built a multifaceted creative career spanning fine art, murals, wearable art, and education. Her work explores color, emotion, and perception as portals for self-discovery, inviting viewers and listeners to reconnect with their creative power. Originally from Brazil, Drica's journey includes navigating creativity across cultures, building a sustainable art business from the ground up, and redefining success on her own terms. Through her art, writing, and conversations, she encourages artists and seekers to trust themselves, embrace experimentation, and remember that creativity is not a luxury — it's a way of being.   Drica Lobo.com | INSTAGRAM @dricaloboart Get Her Book Decoding The Flow Work WIth Drica