Creativity Unraveled Creativity Unraveled

Evan and Alex wrap up season one and talk about Creative Demons. These demons show themselves in a variety of ways, all of which are designed to stop the artist from completing their project. These demons scream that YOU are not good enough, no one wants to see your creative work, and there are always other more fun things to do. Evan and Alex discuss methods for defeating creative demons and continuing to develop creative projects. They also recap how the artists interviewed in season one stay on their respective creative tracks. Plus… is creativity a secret to a long life?

What is it like to be a successful artist… in two entirely different mediums? Since the late 1970s Dey Young has had a rich and varied career as an actress, starring in the cult hit Rock 'n' Roll High School, multiple iterations of the Star Trek franchise, the recent David O. Russell movie Amsterdam, and even as THAT store worker who shuts down Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. In addition, she simultaneously has an equally successful career as an accomplished sculptor. Dey discusses her rapid and simultaneous launch to both her careers and how each pursuit feeds the other.

Based in Tokyo, Jimmy Cohrssen travels the world taking photos, predominantly of architecture, for leading designers, architects and magazines worldwide. His travel photography has made the cover of Conde Nast Traveler, featured in Vogue, books for Louis Vuitton, and campaigns for Air France, Louis XIII, and Le Meridien. Jimmy talks about taking pictures as a kid, owning a popular record store in Northern Virginia in the 1990s, documenting favelas in Brazil, and what he REALLY thinks of amateurs taking pictures on iPhones.

A trail-blazer is someone who cuts their own path in life, and that aptly defines the infectiously positive Tia Smith, who says that while growing up only Oprah Winfrey and TV news anchor Maureen Bunyan were the only women of color in broadcasting and production. Tia shares her journey from studying production in college to a career as a producer, director and consultant, making music videos, creating narrative and non-fiction television series and programs, and incorporating faith and family in the projects she chooses to make. She also discusses the tough aspect of working money jobs and what happens when a project conflicts with her beliefs and positive outlook. Tia wants all of us to “put our sprinkle on it!”

Joe Cortina is a classically trained painter. Also, he designs experiential environments at museums as varied as The Smithsonian, Presidential Libraries, professional sports stadiums and Hall of Fames. Also, he is a five time EMMY winner and directed the 1992 Barcelona Olympic coverage for NBC. And probably most challenging, he was Evan’s boss for seven years. Joe talks about his wide-ranging career and shatters some myths, such as the customer is not always right, and when it’s okay to do business with friends and family.

You think you know adversity? Female jazz guitarists are a rare breed, and it takes a lot more than musical chops to survive in the predominantly male field. Not only does Amando Monaco succeed, having released multiple albums as a solo artist and with various bands, but she is also an associate professor at the esteemed Berklee College of music. She continues to create, compose and play music despite her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis nearly two decades ago. Amanda discusses creating art after 9/11, during a pandemic, and nearly nonstop despite a potentially debilitating illness.