Brush + Banter Podcast Ep. 4 with Cyn of
Chalk & Brush

Landing Paid Art Projects with Major Brands & Finding Your Creative Voice

If you’ve ever wondered whether your style is really ready or if you’re still “figuring it out”, you’re not alone. Finding your creative voice isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of pivots, experiments and small wins that eventually start to add up.

In Episode 4 of Zibra’s podcast, Brush & Banter, hosts Annie and Lauren sit down with muralist, lettering artist, and creative entrepreneur Cyn of Chalk & Brush Design Co. to talk candidly about what it actually takes to evolve as an artist and land paid projects with major brands.

From chalkboard signage to large-scale murals for Starbucks, Virgin Voyages, and iconic Miami landmarks, Cyn’s journey is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, refining your process, and building a creative career rooted in authenticity (and flamingos 🦩).

Finding Your Style Without Losing Your Soul

One of the biggest questions artists face is how to evolve without feeling like you’re abandoning what makes your work yours. Cyn shared that her style didn’t appear overnight. Instead, it emerged through repetition, curiosity, and allowing herself to grow publicly.

Instead of chasing trends, she leaned into what felt natural and joyful. The result? Work that feels unmistakably Cyn. Not to mention clients who value that clarity.

Her advice for artists feeling stuck? You don’t need to reinvent yourself. You need to listen to what keeps showing up in your work and give it room to expand.

The Push and Pull of Client Vision vs. Creative Freedom

Landing big brand projects often means navigating a delicate balance between what a client wants and what you know will work artistically.

Cyn didn’t shy away from this reality. In this Brush & Banter episode, she talked about the mental tug-of-war that comes with commissioned work, and how professionalism, communication, and trust make all the difference. Clear proposals, thoughtful mockups, and a defined process can actually protect your creativity. 

That structure is often what gives clients the confidence to say yes in the first place.

Professionalism Is the Real Secret 

While talent obviously matters, Cyn made it clear that process is what opens doors.

From responding promptly to emails to delivering on timelines and showing up prepared, professionalism is often the reason artists move from passion projects to paid partnerships. Big brands aren’t just buying art. In reality, they’re investing in reliability, clarity, and collaboration.

That mindset helped Cyn go from local work to large-scale opportunities (including yes, painting on a cruise ship).

Community Beats Competition

Another standout theme from the episode was that collaboration beats competition every time.

Cyn spoke about the power of surrounding yourself with other women artists, sharing resources, and lifting each other up instead of guarding opportunities. Creative community can only fuel success. The more artists support one another, the more space there is for everyone to thrive.

Muralist Tools That Support the Process

When it comes to executing bold ideas like Cyn does, the right tools matter. Cyn’s go-to Zibra brushes help her move seamlessly from detail work to larger surfaces while maintaining control and flow.

Chalk & Brush’s favorite Zibra brushes include:

• The Round Paint Brush which is perfect for fluid strokes and organic shapes
• The Square Paint Brush which is ideal for clean edges, lettering, and structure
• Zibra Artist Sets which includes the Small, Medium, and Large Artist Sets that are perfect for murals, signage, canvas painting, and more.

She also recommends the 2-inch Palm Pro Brush for comfortable grip and smooth coverage. 

Keep Listening

To hear the full conversation, including Cyn’s journey to major brand partnerships, how she defines success on her own terms, and why joy and community are non-negotiables, listen to “Landing Paid Art Projects with Major Brands & Finding Your Creative Voice” wherever you stream podcasts.

Catch up on all Brush & Banter episodes here.

Follow Cyn & Chalk & Brush

Cinthia Santos is the muralist, lettering artist, and creative force behind Chalk & Brush Design Co., a Miami-based studio operating since 2013.

Connect with Cyn:

• Instagram: @cynno
• Instagram: @chalkandbrush
• Website