Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Welch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Andrew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is to reach my fullest potential, proving that age is merely a number. In today’s world of instant gratification and endless consumption, where a single tap on a screen materializes desires at our doorstep, we’ve become spectators of life rather than participants. What seemed impossible a decade ago is now mundane, yet ironically, as technology advances, human potential often remains dormant. While many choose to watch others achieve greatness through their screens, I choose to live it. My purpose is to shatter this passive approach by inspiring others to step beyond their comfort zones and discover their own untapped potential.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a multidisciplinary creator whose journey began far from the digital arts. My path shifted dramatically when I broke away from negative influences after high school and discovered the world of visual arts through modeling. What started as modeling gigs on ModelMayhem in 2008 evolved into a transformative cross-country adventure that opened my eyes to new possibilities.
My real awakening came when a photographer handed me his camera during that journey. From that moment, photography became my obsession. I immersed myself in music photography, shooting for the Vans Warped Tour, and later transitioned into fashion photography, working with prestigious agencies like Elite, Next, and The Source in Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
My work transcends typical fashion photography. My series “Samsara” and “Angels of Atlantis,” born in Miami, explore themes of spirituality and mythology, viewing Miami as a modern-day Atlantis. During the global pandemic and a severe knee injury, I adapted by creating “Virtual Angels,” proving that creativity thrives under constraints.
What sets my work apart is its fusion of technical expertise with spiritual depth. I don’t just capture images; I create visual narratives that bridge the physical and metaphysical. My latest venture, “The Welch Regime,” documents my journey across multiple disciplines – from surfing to mountain biking to bodybuilding – showcasing that mastery knows no bounds.
I differentiate myself through constant evolution. As a Digital Architect and Deep Blue Titan, I combine web development, photography, videography, and athletic pursuits into a unique brand of storytelling. My mission isn’t just about creating content; it’s about inspiring others to push beyond their perceived limitations and embrace continuous growth.
I’m most proud of my adaptability and resilience. Whether it’s recovering from injuries, mastering new skills, or reinventing my creative approach, I’ve learned that limitations are often just gateways to innovation. Through my work, I aim to show that age truly is just a number, and potential is limited only by our willingness to explore it.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation was built on authenticity and an unconventional path. Rather than following a traditional route, I embraced uncertainty and took calculated risks – from embarking on a cross-country modeling tour to shooting backstage at the Vans Warped Tour. Each experience taught me that genuine connections and consistent evolution are more valuable than playing it safe.
In the fashion world, I gained respect by bringing a different perspective. My series like “Samsara” and “Angels of Atlantis” stood out because they weren’t just fashion shoots; they were spiritual narratives that resonated on a deeper level. When working with major agencies like Elite and Next, I maintained this unique vision while delivering professional results.
During setbacks, like my severe knee injury, I turned obstacles into opportunities. Instead of pausing my work, I innovated with “Virtual Angels” series, showing both resilience and adaptability. This approach of facing challenges head-on and finding creative solutions has earned trust across different industries.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve built credibility by living what I create. Whether it’s surfing, mountain biking, bodybuilding, or mastering new technologies, I don’t just document these pursuits – I fully immerse myself in them. This authenticity resonates with clients and followers because they know my work comes from genuine experience rather than observation.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My resilience was tested most severely in 2020 when I suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing my ACL, MCL, and meniscus. As someone who lived for surfing since middle school, hearing my surgeon say “Don’t even think about stepping on a board for nine months” was crushing. This wasn’t just about physical pain – it threatened everything I’d built my identity around.
Instead of letting this setback define me, I chose to adapt. During my recovery and physical therapy, I channeled my creative energy into learning videography and SEO. I even innovated a new photography series called “Virtual Angels,” conducting photoshoots remotely when in-person work wasn’t possible. That summer, while at the Outer Banks in North Carolina – a place where I’d usually be riding waves – I collaborated with Whalebone surf shop, photographing the historic island and landmarks like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. I found ways to stay connected to the surf community even when I couldn’t be in the water.
My dedication to recovery was intense. I approached physical therapy with the same determination I bring to everything else. My therapist and surgeon were amazed by my recovery rate. Once cleared for the gym, I didn’t just return to my previous routine – I completely transformed myself through bodybuilding, turning what could have been a career-ending injury into a catalyst for reinvention.
This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back – it’s about evolving into something stronger. Today, I’m not just back to surfing; I’ve expanded into mountain biking and created The Welch Regime, proving that our greatest setbacks often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.builtbywelch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandywelch/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/welchmedia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewelchregime
• Other: http://www.andywelchmedia.com

Image Credits

Sierra Smith
Hannah Duff
Christi Owen
Bella Davison
Mickie James
Peyton Linafelter