395. Creating Whimsical Art, Working Large-Scale, & Staying Authentic with Mandi Caskey

In this episode of the Artists Academy Podcast, I’m sitting down with the wildly talented muralist Mandi Caskey—aka Miss Birdy—whose colorful, whimsical work totally stopped me in my tracks on Instagram. We talk all about how she went from painting in tunnels for fun to getting hired to paint massive fantasy-inspired murals for cities, festivals, and corporate clients.

Mandi shares how a random graffiti hangout in college sparked her love for street art, how she carved her own path despite professors and critics pushing for something more “traditional,” and how she’s built a thriving business doing what she loves most—telling stories through playful, larger-than-life murals.

We also dive into how she finds clients, the systems she’s set up to apply for mural calls, and how her nonprofit, Catalyst Columbus, is helping turn overlooked spaces into bold public art across Ohio. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a living from your art—and doing it your own way—you won’t want to miss this conversation.