After 100 episodes of Be a Better Artist, this milestone isn’t about views, likes, or follower counts—it’s about meaning, persistence, and the impact you create. In this episode, I share the biggest lessons from the journey so far: why chasing numbers is a trap, how to keep going when you want to quit, the power of persistence, learning to be proud of your work (even when it’s not perfect), and why real connection with people matters more than metrics.

If you’re a creative struggling with motivation, battling self-doubt, or feeling stuck in the numbers game, this episode is for you.

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro & Episode 100 reflections

(01:32) Why chasing numbers leads to failure

(03:25) Expectations vs. reality of the podcast

(05:01) Persistence, setbacks & staying consistent

(08:09) Finding meaning and building resilience

(13:49) Quality, perfection & being proud of your work

(18:49) Real connection, trust & audience impact

(25:01) Wrap-up & how to support

We sit down with composer Cameron Paxton, best known for his work on the hit indie game Dome Keeper. From growing up in a music-filled home to serving in the Air Force and eventually carving a path into game audio, Cameron’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovery.

We explore what it means to balance youthful creative urgency with the more deliberate craft of maturity, how to chase sparks of inspiration before they fade, and why discipline is just as important as inspiration. Cameron shares lessons from his journey through rock bands, tape recorders, game jams, and ultimately finding his voice in game music.

This episode is about more than music — it’s about the art of becoming. Whether you’re a musician, creative, or simply curious about the philosophy behind making art, you’ll walk away with insights to fuel your own journey.

CAMERON LINKS:

Website: cameronpaxton.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OBr3Jn1ePWfUJ4f0Vp0VE?si=mwcfwL4JRy-nKI_Zq8scWg

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cameron-paxton/608985830

Bandcamp: https://cameronpaxton.bandcamp.com/

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Support this podcast by becoming a member:

https://markusjunnikkala.com/membership/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

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Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) – Intro & Tech Setup

(00:09:12) – Life in Austin & Texas Stories

(00:17:41) – Growing Up Military & Air Force Years

(00:28:33) – Lessons from the Military & Diversity of People

(00:53:14) – Discovering Music as a Teenager

(00:55:03) – C-Lane Project & Early Recordings

(01:09:10) – Inspiration vs Discipline in Creativity

(01:24:45) – Game Jams & The Road to Dome Keeper

(01:36:23) – Dome Keeper’s Development & Soundtrack Expansion

(01:46:45) – Release Reflections & Creative Validation

(02:32:46) – Sound Design, Tools & Process Insights

(02:51:41) – Work-Life Balance, Therapy & Sustaining Creativity

(03:10:00) – What It Means to Be an Artist

(03:18:17) – Closing Thoughts & Outro

Are you feeling stuck in life — drifting, lost, and disconnected from who you truly are? In this episode, I share my personal story of how changing my physical environment — and eventually moving abroad — became the catalyst for profound internal change.

We explore how emotional attachment to people and places can silently shape your identity, limit your potential, and keep you locked in outdated versions of yourself. I dive into the difference between reinvention and reconnection, why some environments make growth nearly impossible, and what it means to truly start from a clean slate.

If you've ever felt trapped by your city, your relationships, or your past — this conversation is for you.

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

1-on-1 Coaching: https://markusjunnikkala.com/consultation/

Become a member: https://markusjunnikkala.com/membership/

Want me to answer your question? Ask it on social media:

https://youtube.com/@markusjunnikkala

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https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

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https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Rating, subscribing, and sharing helps the podcast.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Feeling Stuck in Life

(01:36) - Growing Up Trapped

(03:30) - The Cage Is in Your Mind

(05:00) - Place Holds Power

(07:55) - You’re Not Who They Think You Are

(09:56) - The Smirks That Stop You

(10:52) - Nowhere Left to Grow

(13:04) - Getting Into Music School Abroad

(14:43) - Blank Page, Real You

(17:30) - Friends on Purpose

(19:00) - No Past, Just You

(20:20) - Why Moving Cities Isn’t Enough

(21:59) - Make an Exit Plan

(24:56) - Pick Your Place With Purpose

(26:45) - Regret Hurts More

(30:01) - New Place, Same You?

(32:54) - Don’t Waste the Clean Slate

(33:38) - Final Thoughts