Episode 238: The Laws of Creativity: An Interview with Joey Cofone

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

Artistic expression is driven by an inner need to be your authentic self, to express what is true and unique in your individual experiences and thoughts. That may sound straightforward, but as we know, there is nothing easy about finding the creative voice that is yours, dedicating your time and energy to its expression, or putting the work that results out into the world. Creative expression challenges us to be honest, to focus, face our fears, and to understand and cope with failure. We can feel alone in this journey, but countless other people in all fields of endeavor have followed their creative urges and found a way forward.

Today we are excited to welcome our special guest -- author, entrepreneur and award-winning graphic designer Joey Cofone. Joey has designed and art directed over 100 products from zero to launch. His design work has been featured in Fast Company, Bloomberg, New York Magazine, Newsweek, Bon Appétit, and more. He is also the author of the exciting new book that we’re going to be talking about today, “The Laws of Creativity”, which has been called “a comprehensive exploration of the curiosity, discipline, playfulness, and persistence necessary to usher new ideas into the world.”

Joey discusses various aspects of nurturing creativity, starting with challenges inhibitions instilled in us as children, such as feeling we need to know the outcome of what we take on, or hesitating to question established rules. He talks about many aspects of working on your creative mindset as the foundation of making art and getting it out into the world, including understanding risk-taking and fear, and the importance of truly enjoying what you do and the joys of creativity.

Joey's website: www.joeycofone.com

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry have an exciting lineup of online sessions planned as they launch a new year of learning and growth for members of Cold Wax Academy. Winter quarter sessions, which began on January 4th, will feature help with technical issues, photographing your work, developing ideas for imagery, and advice on works in progress. And two special guests, well-known authors Eric Maisel and Shaun McNiff will be conducting interactive sessions with members. As a member, you can also access the private Facebook page and take advantage of the informed and supportive community there of artists who post their paintings and questions. It's never too late to join Cold Wax Academy! All live sessions are recorded and available in the member library. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.
Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

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For more from The Messy Studio:
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For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

Special Guest: Joey Cofone.