• Erik Arreaga - 24 - Here comes SDCC! Let's talk comic con!
    Jul 13 2026

    WE ARE BACK! Drink Tickets is back from tour and here to celebrate the upcoming SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) is Erik Arreaga, and amazing artist and curator of the largest unofficial SDCC group on Facebook that will tell you everything you need to know about con. We dive into how to navigate it, our favorite moment in the past, expectations for artists exhibiting and what the future may hold. You can check out Erik's Projects and art at:

    IG: @erik_arreaga_art

    FB SDCC GROUP: HERE

    CHAPTERS

    (00:00) Introduction and Podcast Format Changes

    (01:58) Eric Arreaga's Journey in Art and Comic Con

    (05:54) Memorable Encounters with Comic Legends

    (12:07) Influences and Inspirations in Art

    (17:57) Meeting Todd McFarlane and Future Aspirations

    (25:39) Discovering Cultural Treasures

    (28:44) The Value of Rare Finds

    (30:10) The Evolution of Comic Collecting

    (33:44) The Impact of Comic Con on Artists

    (36:07) Navigating the Comic Con Experience

    (39:03) Alternative Venues for Artists

    (42:25) The Future of Comic Con and Artist Alley

    (50:51) Comic-Con Collaboration and Community Engagement

    (54:53) The Challenges of Artistic Collaboration

    (58:54) Building Connections in the Comic Community

    (01:01:36) The State of Comic-Con and Its Future

    (01:10:03) The Need for Change in Comic-Con's Structure

    (01:19:25) Comparing Conventions: San Diego vs. Orlando

    (01:24:28) The Importance of Original Art in Today's Market

    (01:35:42) Honesty in Commission Work

    (01:40:02) Innovative Storytelling Techniques

    (01:45:03) Interactive Elements in Comics

    (01:50:06) Supporting the Next Generation of Artists

    (01:54:59) Promoting Independent Creators

    (02:05:04) Comic Con Insights and Experiences

    KEYWORDS

    podcast, art, Comic Con, Eric Arreaga, Todd McFarlane, artist journey, influences, memorable encounters, documentary, creativity Hunter S. Thompson, comic collecting, rare finds, Comic Con, artist alley, cultural treasures, San Diego, comic art, vintage magazines, pop culture Comic-Con, collaboration, artist community, conventions, original art, networking, independent artists, creative process, community engagement, artistic collaboration art, commissions, storytelling, interactive comics, independent creators, Comic Con, creativity, honesty, artist support, innovation

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 18 mins
  • SHOTS 4 - How do you handle rejection?
    Apr 15 2026

    Follow Drink Tickets on IG @DrinkTicketsPodcast

    Support Drink Tickets on PATREON HERE!

    Join the Discord server HERE to continue the conversation!

    Summary

    Sean Dietrich shares personal insights on handling rejection in the art world, emphasizing the importance of community, mindset shifts, and nostalgia to maintain resilience and passion.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • SHOTS 3 - Who is your art really for?
    Apr 1 2026

    This week we answer the age old question--why am I painting this sh*t?! Ok, actually we dive into why we create art and how it evolves once we put it out into the public, creating new ways of looking at how and why we do what we do.

    Support this podcast over at Patreon ⁠HERE!⁠

    Follow on IG⁠ @DrinkTicketsPodcast⁠

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Dustin Wilson - 22 - Documenting the Memphis Hip-Hop Scene Through Art
    Mar 24 2026

    Be sure to check out Dustin's work at ⁠https://keiruneart.com/⁠

    Support Drink Tickets Podcast on ⁠PATREON HERE!⁠

    And of course check out the podcast on IG: ⁠@DrinkTicketsPodcast⁠

    In this episode of Drink Tickets, host Sean Dietrich welcomes artist Dustin Wilson, also known as Kei Rune Art. They discuss Dustin's artistic journey, innovative marketing strategies, and the importance of community in the art world. The conversation delves into balancing a day job with an art career, navigating the art market, and the significance of customer relationships. Dustin shares insights on merchandising, self-assessment, and the vibrant Memphis art scene, while also highlighting the role of humor in art and sales. The episode concludes with thoughts on future projects and advice for aspiring artists. They explore the complexities of the art world, touching on themes of originality, competition, and the impact of social media on artists. The artists discuss the importance of live painting, overcoming artist block through iteration, and share memorable client stories. The conversation also delves into the future of art, addressing copyright issues and the need for a supportive community among artists.

    (00:00) Welcome to Drink Tickets

    (01:22) Dustin Wilson's Artistic Journey

    (04:29) Hip Hop Portraits and Creative Marketing

    (12:32) Balancing Art and Life

    (18:05) Challenges in the Art Career

    (20:04) Merchandising and Sales Strategies

    (26:23) Sales Techniques and Customer Engagement

    (29:34) Building Connections at Art Shows

    (37:47) Balancing Art and Social Media

    (44:44) Networking and Community Engagement

    (50:43) Organizational Strategies for Artists

    (57:28) Navigating Artistic Insecurities

    (01:04:52) The Impact of Social Media on Art

    (01:12:52) Defining the Role of an Artist

    (01:24:24) Overcoming Artist Block Through Series

    (01:26:27) The Therapeutic Nature of Sketching

    (01:29:12) Artistic Exploration and Creative Process

    (01:32:02) Memorable Client Stories and Artistic Journeys

    (01:38:53) Dealing with Failure in the Art World

    (01:41:02) Future Aspirations and Artistic Growth

    (01:43:11) Wishes for the Future of Artists

    (01:48:11) The Importance of Community in Art

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 54 mins
  • SHOTS 2 - What defines success as an artist?
    Mar 10 2026

    This week we talk about what it takes to define success as an artist, and how to reassess it as your career grows.

    SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ON PATREON HERE!

    IG @DrinkTicketsPodcast

    Email with questions or nominations for creatives you think may have a great story to tell on the show - DrinkTicketsPodcast@gmail.com

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • David Van Gough - 21 - The Artist's Voice Should be the Loudest in the Room
    Mar 3 2026

    Please support this channel and my guest, David Van Gough via the following links:

    Drink Tickets IG: @DrinkTicketsPodcast

    Patreon for Drink Tickets ⁠HERE!⁠

    FOLLOW DAVID VAN GOUGH'S art on his website ⁠DavidVanGough.com⁠ and if you'd like to toss him some coin, please visit his Patreon ⁠HERE!⁠

    FOR QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR TO NOMINATE A CREATIVE TO BE ON THE SHOW PLEASE EMAIL SEAN : DrinkTicketsPodcast@gmail.com

    SUMMARY:

    In this amazing interview with David Van Gough, Sean and David reflect on how art serves as a reflection of human experience and personal growth, emphasizing the role of audience interpretation and the balance between creativity and commercialism. They also highlight the therapeutic aspects of art and its power to connect individuals. They delve into the intersection of art, technology, and personal philosophy. They discuss the impact of AI on creativity, the importance of maintaining humanity in a tech-driven world, and the artist's journey in navigating both personal and professional challenges. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of art in society, the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability, and the role of artists in reflecting and shaping cultural narratives.

    CHAPTERS

    (00:00) Underground Art Scene in San Diego

    (03:12) The Evolution of Artistic Expression

    (06:57) The Struggles of Artists in Mainstream Culture

    (10:59) Finding Authenticity in Art

    (15:58) Art as a Reflection of Human Experience

    (20:52) The Role of Art in Personal Growth

    (24:03) The Impact of Audience Interpretation

    (28:04) Navigating the Art World

    (32:29) The Balance of Creativity and Commercialism

    (36:36) Art as Therapy and Self-Expression

    (47:47) The Impact of AI on Creativity

    (50:51) The Choice of Humanity in a Tech-Driven World

    (52:30) The Artist's Journey and Personal Philosophy

    (56:18) Navigating the Business of Art

    (01:01:14) Finding Balance in Artistic Expression

    (01:03:04) Art as a Reflection of Society

    (01:10:02) The Role of Artists in Modern Times

    (01:20:22) The Necessity of Art in a Chaotic World

    KEYWORDS:

    San Diego art scene, underground art, artistic expression, mainstream culture, authenticity in art, human experience, personal growth, audience interpretation, creativity, commercialism AI, creativity, art, technology, personal philosophy, artist journey, business of art, societal reflection, modern artists, artistic expression

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 58 mins
  • 1 YR ANNIVERSARY EPISODE!!! William K Stidham returns!
    Feb 26 2026

    IT'S THE 1 YR ANNIVESARY OF DRINK TICKETS!!

    Break out the bubbly, and slap yourself in the face because this podcast has reached a milestone! Finallly, a year of amazing interviews and advice for aspiring artists has come to fruition, and I'm so happy to have had you all along for the ride.

    In this episode of Drink Tickets, Sean Dietrich celebrates the one-year anniversary of the podcast with guest Bill Stidham. They reflect on the journey of the podcast, discuss the evolution of its format, and share personal stories from their experiences in the art and music world. The conversation touches on the importance of family support, the challenges of being a full-time artist, and the unique connection with the metal community. They also introduce an upcoming documentary project that aims to capture the life of touring artists and the stories behind their art.

    Please follow on IG @DrinkTicketsPodcast

    Support on Patreon HERE!

    Email with questions: DrinkTicketsPodcast@gmail.com

    NOTE: The Youtube channel will launch on March 24th, NOT feb 24th. Sorry for the miscommunication. Cheers!

    Thanks again eveyone for a great year, and let's get this next year going! See ya on the road!!

    Keywords: Drink Tickets, podcast, art, music, Mardi Gras, creativity, documentary, metal community, gratitude, artistic integrity, William K Stidham, Sean Dietrich, Art Business

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • SHOTS 1 - What does it take to be an Artist?!
    Feb 25 2026

    Welcome to a brand new series of SHOTS! These will be short episodes packed with actionable advice for aspiring artists that will fall in between the full length episodes every other week. Join me, Sean Dietrich, as I answer some of the tougher questions that aspiring artists have about building a career in the creative industries. Cheers!

    FOLLOW DRINK TICKETS ON IG @DrinkTicketsPodcast

    If you want to support the education of artists please consider subcribing to my Patreon HERE!

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins