Introducing CreativelyMade

Jumpstart your big creative project with up to $5,000 in grants, mentorship, and more.

Creatively’s mission is to help professional creatives achieve their boldest work/life ambitions, and starting today, we’re giving you even more tools to make those ambitions a reality. 

Introducing CreativelyMade, a new program that supports rising, breakthrough talent on Creatively through mentorship, unique connections, and exclusive grants up to $5,000 to kickstart your creative projects.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Build out your portfolio on Creatively, and submit your creative work by March 2 by tagging @creativelymade as a collaborator in any working concepts or treatments.
  2. Answer a few short survey questions about your work and your ambitions via email.
  3. Our CreativelyMade judging panel selects one or more awards winners.

We’re thrilled to be partnering with an impressive and deeply experienced panel of judges for CreativelyMade, including: Kameron Mack, Director of Original Content for Westbrook Media; Dollie Bishop, President of the Black Effect Podcast Network; Ari Halper, the Global Head of Creative Excellence at R/GA; and Megan Irminger, Fashion Model for NextModels.

Let’s make big things happen in 2022! Apply now through March 2.

CONTEST RULES

Sponsored by Creatively

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Who is sponsoring the contest?

Creatively Holdings Inc. (“Creatively”) has created the CreativelyMadeTM contest (the “Contest”) to support and elevate breakthrough talent on Creatively’s platform through cash grants of up to $5,000. 

The rules governing the Contest (the “Rules”) are below.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for creative proposals from talented creatives in the Creatively community. The proposals should have a clear vision of what the creative would want to use the grant money for, and ultimately how the grant money and Creatively can help enable them to make their vision a reality. Project submissions can be from any creative discipline listed on the Creatively platform, inclusive of but not limited to photography, film, animation, digital art, 3D art, illustration, and live productions. For more information about submission requirements, please visit creatively.life/creativelymade.

Who is eligible?

The Contest is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old at the time they submit an entry. Employees of Creatively, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Who interprets the rules?

The Rules will be interpreted and applied by Creatively at their discretion, and all decisions made by Creatively are final and binding on all participants. Creatively may change the Rules at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion without notice to you. Your participation in the Contest constitutes your full, irrevocable, and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of the Rules and the decisions of Creatively. Your eligibility to win a prize is conditioned on your full compliance with the Rules fulfilling all other requirements set forth in the Rules and by Creatively.

What is the contest period?

The Contest begins on February 2, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and ends on March 2, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (the “Contest Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will not be accepted or eligible for prize.

How do I enter the contest?

Visit the Creatively website at creatively.life/creativelymade and follow the directions provided to submit an entry. Please note that each entry must be wholly original. By submitting an entry, you represent and warrant that (1) your submission is wholly original and does not infringe on the rights of any third party, and (2) you will indemnify and hold harmless Creatively and its parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, partners, employees, equity holders, representatives, agents successors, and assigns from any breach of the foregoing.

How many entries can I submit?

You may only submit 1 entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period.

Who will select the winning entries?

Creatively will select up to 3 prize winners. 

When will the Winners Be Selected? We expect the winning entries will be selected promptly following the Contest Period.

What are the prizes?

Each grant will be in cash of up to $5000. Creatively will select the amount of each grant in its sole discretion.  The grants are not required to be of equal value.

Who will own the submissions?

You shall retain ownership of your submission. However, Creatively and its affiliates and service providers and each of their respective licensees, successors, and assigns shall have the royalty free, worldwide right in perpetuity to use, reproduce, modify, perform, distribute, and display your submission on its website and apps and in connection with the operation, marketing and other exploitation thereof and its business generally. By participating in this Contest you agree that if you are a CreativelyMadeTM grant winner, your acceptance of the grant constitutes your confirmation, representation, and warranty that (1) your submission is wholly original and does not infringe on the rights of any third party, and (2) you will indemnify and hold harmless Creatively and each of its respective parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, partners, employees, equity holders, representatives, agents successors, and assigns from any breach of the foregoing.

How will winners be notified?

Winners will be notified by email sent to the email address associated with their profile on Creatively.life from which their submission was made. Each winner is required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within 3 days of the date the notice is sent in order to claim their prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period, or if a prize is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits the prize. Each winner must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth in the Rules or otherwise by Creatively.

What happens if a prize is forfeited?

If any of the selected grant winners are disqualified for any reason, Creatively may select another winner from the pool of submissions. 

General Conditions

If the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, event of force majeure or other event or circumstance out of the control of Creatively, including, but not limited to, those caused by or related to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 (and all related strains and sequences) or other pandemic, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Creatively in its sole discretion, Creatively may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Rules, (b) terminate the Contest and award one or more prizes in its sole discretion, or (c) terminate the Contest without awarding prizes. Creatively reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the Creatively website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Creatively reserves the right to seek damages (including attorneys’ fees) and any other remedies to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by Creatively to enforce any provision of these Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other rights of Creatively.

Release and Limitations of Liability

By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Creatively, and each of its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, partners, employees, equity holders, representatives, and agents (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest, including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d) application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the processing of entries or in any Contest-related materials; or (f) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Contest. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorneys’ fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

Disputes

Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in New York. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of Creatively in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than New York.

Privacy

Information collected from entrants is subject to Creatively’s privacy policy.

Photographer Luca De Massis may have been destined to pursue the American Dream, but he was always going to do it with an Italian twist: with an eye for beauty and a lust for life. Moving to New York City with very little money in his pocket, not to mention the language barrier and intense competition of the fashion industry, the odds were stacked against him. But De Massis rose to the occasion, eventually making a name for himself shooting editorial spreads for Vogue, Elle and Forbes magazines, among others.

De Massis was first exposed to photography by his uncle, who taught him how to develop film in a darkroom. Fifteen years later, De Massis has become known for his raw, unpretentious aesthetic. While the setting, the hair and makeup, and the composition may change with every high-fashion shoot, one thing is constant across all his portraits: the piercing gaze of his subjects. He is able to capture a certain authenticity behind the eyes, providing a window into the soul. For De Massis, beauty lies in the imperfections, in our differences, and it is by operating under this conviction that he finds beauty everywhere. La dolce vita, via New York.

You can check out their latest projects here.

Meet photographer, Luca De Massis.
  1. What is the first creative project you remember? 

Growing up, my uncle used to take a lot of pictures of me with his film camera. We decided to change one of the rooms in his house into a darkroom to process photographic film. I remember the many films I accidentally destroyed because I did not have the knowledge of how to properly develop film into an actual image. One day, I almost set the room on fire while playing with chemicals. It was very fun—a learning experience I will never forget.

  1. Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Timeless, creative, trendy.

  1. What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I had the pleasure of working with the well-known actor/singer Robert Davi in Italy in 2014 where I had to shoot a commercial video for Novara sunglasses. This collaboration was the most fulfilling because, like me, he too is Italian and had to work hard to create a name for himself. It was a humbling experience working with someone of his caliber. We have become very good friends over the years, which opened many doors for me in the cinema industry.

  1. What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

Working on different projects for Vogue taught me to look at what is perceived as beauty from different points of view. I realized that, for me, beauty lies in the imperfections, turning flaws into ideals, recognizing that there is no standard for beauty. Once I realized that, I figured out that with the right surroundings you will find beauty in everyone and everything.

  1. Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

We are all born equally. In my opinion, everybody is born with creativity, and it takes a different form for each person. However, not everyone’s creativity is awakened, sometimes it is even suppressed, which can be due to several reasons. Once you awaken your creativity, you must hone it and practice to get better at it. Always stay curious.

  1. What’s the last dream you had?

I was back home in Italy enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean weather and eating a delicious plate of pasta.

  1. One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

That everyone can be confident in their own skin, that I always aimed to capture inner beauty in its most raw and authentic form, and that I never really followed a trend but was always true to my style and how I viewed beauty with my own eyes.

Follow @lucademassis on Creatively.

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

It takes a certain amount of fearlessness to be an artist, and as their name suggests, rap duo Aint Afraid is up for the challenge. Composed of identical twin sisters who perform under the stage-names Straingth and WiZdumb, the group is known for its blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Born in Baltimore and raised in Detroit, the sisters have been singing together since they were two years old, destined to share the spotlight. 

As young, aspiring emcees looking for inspiration on how to unite their American and Muslim identities, the sisters realized that there was a void to fill, and the opportunity was theirs for the taking. Aint Afraid made their official debut as recording artists in June 2020 and have already garnered millions of streams. Their top hit, “LBP” (Little Bo Peep), is a powerful anthem that encourages women to use their voices and rejects the muslima status quo. Their first album dropped in the spring of 2021 and reflects similar themes of family, spirituality, and perseverance. 

In addition to performing, Aint Afraid dedicates much of their time to advocacy, teaching the youth to value and celebrate their faith through song, poetry, and other artistic outlets. These two inseparable sisters are making history as the first hijabi artists to perform at various venues and events across the country, reveling in every opportunity to bring their self-proclaimed “double dose of dopeness” to the stage.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet rap duo, Aint Afraid.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

When we were 16, our little sister had a book appreciation week at school, and at the end of the week all the kids had to draw their favorite storybook on a paper vest and wear it in a parade. Our little sister’s favorite book at the time was “Cat in The Hat.” We were so excited when she asked for our help. We went to an art supply store and grabbed streamers, ribbons, glitter of all kinds, and crafted the best red and white striped vest out of a paper bag and crafts. To top it all off, we made her a very long red and white top hat to match. Her hat was so big, the school decided she should be at the end of the parade as the big finale! 

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Bold, unique, undefined. 

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

The most fulfilling collaboration thus far was when we got to work alongside Dell XPS and Yara Shahidi for the Youniverse project. Our core mission as Aint Afraid is to encourage people all over the world to be their unapologetic selves and to feel confident expressing who they are. So, to work on a campaign whose focus echoes our mission means the world.  

Aint Afraid’s “Youniverse” collaboration with Dell XPS and Yara Shahidi.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

We were working with Instagram to showcase creativity with two objectives, euphoria and uniqueness. For the uniqueness portion, we wanted to show how we strive to grow, and we decided to represent that with roses. We covered a crew neck and a hijab entirely with foam shaped roses. Creating these pieces was testing, tiring, and very fun. At times we thought we wouldn’t be able to execute it right, but with determination and patience, ya girls accomplished it! This project taught us that we are capable of anything we put our minds to. It echoes the saying, “If we can see it, we can achieve it.” It’s cheesy, but so true. 

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

Creativity can be both. We believe creativity is unique to everyone and can be enhanced, evolved, or elevated by being taught. And being taught can look all kinds of ways: taking classes, learning from other people’s work, and just experiencing life. 

What’s the last dream you had?

The last dream one of us had was about both of us and our mom being chosen to save the world with these magical bracelets and we were being chased by villains of the bad bracelets. It was wild. But it could definitely be an incredible movie. 

From Aint Afraid’s “Rock Bottom” music video.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

We hope people write that Aint Afraid was exactly that: unafraid to stand out, stand apart, and stand up.

Peace and love and Thank you for reading. Sincerely – Ya girls – Aint Afraid 

Follow @aintafraid on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

Calyann Barnett is making waves in the fashion industry, whipping up expertly crafted outfits that are much like the human experience itself: layered. Barnett is a professional stylist and creative director who creates visual identities for an impressive roster of clients, such as Dwyane Wade, Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, Shaggy, and Spike Lee, among many others.

It’s Barnett’s sharp eye and artistic inclination that lure top celebrities and companies to call upon her expertise. In 2009, Barnett co-founded WWB Lifestyle Agency, an artist management company that has since styled for films, editorials, television segments, and brand campaigns. Barnett’s daring yet dapper looks have garnered the attention of Vogue, GQ, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Good Morning America, and The New York Times. But don’t assume Barnett is some kind of “cookie-cutter stylist,” as she puts it; rather, she specializes in the bespoke, working across multiple aesthetics and morphing her approach for every client’s unique demands. When Barnett has a vision, nothing can stand in her way. If an item doesn’t exist, she’ll create it, literally tailoring the experience to the individual.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet celebrity stylist and creative director, Calyann Barnett.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

The first creative project that I worked on was for one of Shaggy’s music videos in Miami. When I first started out, I worked with mostly hip hop artists, and when you work with [director] Hype Williams, he challenges you to include colors and fashion while still trying to make it sexy. In the music video, we had 12 different models that all had different color palettes and themes; we did this sort of boudoir meets Paris fashion meets urban: lace gloves, Agent Provocateur bras—it was just fun, and I got to work with women when generally I work with men.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Eclectic, organized, mess. 

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

The most fulfilling collaboration that I worked on was with Stance Socks. When I first started with them, they were a small sock company. I sent references of what I wanted and they sent back stripes. That’s not what I wanted. I envisioned colors and patterns and print, and then from there, the sock brand went on an upward trajectory. It was really fulfilling to stand up for what I wanted. After being told no, I challenged them repeatedly and it ended up being one of their most successful launches to date. To know I played a part in that is huge.

From Calyann’s collaboration with Stance Socks.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I would say creating The Shop Miami, a retail concept that is not small—it’s 6,000 square feet with 20 different vendors. This has been a three year ordeal. Persistence, persistence, persistence. I’ve always been persistent, but it takes another level of persistence and faith. I had to trust in the plan to bring this idea to life. It taught me to keep going as long as you have the vision. I’ve spent the last 14 years of my life building relationships, and I learned that I can [leverage] my relationships to bring something to fruition. If I can dream it, it can literally come to life. You get to create things, build wonderlands…it’s spectacular. It’s everything I imagined, and more. 

The Shop Miami.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I think you are born with creativity and you lose it over time. As you go through life and people tell you to quiet down or say “oh, you’re so different,” “oh, you’re so weird,” “why aren’t you more like other people?” That’s what sucks people away from their creativity. I’ve been called “Crazy Caly” but I think we should all be aware that our differences are where creativity lives.

What’s the last dream you had?

You know what? I don’t even know because I barely sleep. So, once I do sleep, I’m out. The last dream I had was today and I went about my life. I am living my dream.

Calyann with one of her clients, Dwyane Wade.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I hope people write that I took chances and won. That I wasn’t afraid to change. That I changed industries. That I made the world a happier, more colorful place. That I opened doors for everyone and anybody who looks like and doesn’t look like me. That I made anybody who was told “no” feel comfortable and that I inspired them to push forward.

Follow @calyannbarnett on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

Layering fiber like a painter layers brush strokes, French artist Cécile Davidovici achieves a seemingly impossible level of depth in her embroidered masterpieces. Davidovici began her career as a writer and filmmaker before settling on a more tangible art form: textiles. From afar, the hues of her hand-stitched pieces seamlessly blend together to fool the eye; up close, one discovers hundreds of small stitches combining to create an effect reminiscent of the impasto technique (the thick layering of paint to produce a textured effect) made famous by none other than Van Gogh. 

In her recent series, “Portraits of a constant dream,” Davidovici creates a landscape of skin that reveals not a shred of negative space on the canvas. By meticulously intertwining her threads, Davidovici is able to reinterpret faces, simultaneously enhancing and blurring her subject’s features much the way an impressionist painter might. In addition to her signature, close-up portraits, Davidovici has explored landscapes, still lifes, and mixed media creations, all of which leverage her unique style of embroidery—the common thread which runs across her exquisite body of work.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet thread visual artist, Cécile Davidovici.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

I remember building a very complex pencil box set with cloudy light blue gift wrap, toilet paper cardboard, and a few match boxes around maybe the age of five. In my head, the final product was incredible but it was probably terrible.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Transparency. Touchable. Intimate.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I co-created a series of three pieces called “La saison des feux” (“fire season”) with David Ctiborsky. I loved it because it challenged and changed my whole process of creation. I learned so much during the making of those pieces and I loved working with David. He has such a different approach than mine. It’s very interesting how our creative worlds complete one another’s.

From Cécile’s collaboration with David Citborksy, “La saison des feux.”

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

My first series called “project <<1988”, where I embroidered images from my childhood VHS videos that my parents filmed, taught me a great deal and gave me the confidence to move forward with my work. 

A piece from Cécile’s first series, “project <<1988.”

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

Both! Some people are more gifted than others from the start, but it’s what you do with it and how you’re taught to embrace it that makes the difference, I think.

What’s the last dream you had?

I was with my mom and we were trying to win some sort of cuisine competition; I was cooking like a mad person. A very restful dream… 

A piece from Cécile’s “Portraits of a Constant Dream” series.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I would love to have brought something to the contemporary art table in terms of the perception of textile and embroidered art. It’s still under the radar today and I hope it will evolve and become an established art form like painting.

Follow @CecileDavidovici on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

Blazing sunsets, fuschia skylines, and bubblegum pink clouds: welcome to the digitally rendered world of Danner Orozco. Orozco is a visual artist from Colombia who puts his anachronistic, futuristic stamp on everything from collages, to cover art, and even NFTs.

Orozco’s work ranges from surrealist collages to dreamy landscapes. Orozco’s palette is dominated by neon blues, pinks, and purples, which blend together to produce the unique effect of a photographic negative that’s been updated for the digital future—a stylistic flourish borne out of his admiration for old-school film photography.

Inspired by the cosmos, Orozco uses his wild imagination to dream up (and then render) his strange and exhilarating signature scenes. The sun and the moon are recurring motifs—oftentimes focal points, stretching beyond their natural scale, and demanding the viewer’s attention. Simply put, Orozco’s work is out of this world.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet digital artist, Danner Orozco.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

The first creative project I remember working on was a photography project. As I gained more experience in this medium, I began my “Yagedan” project which, in the beginning, might have best been described as a spatial and nostalgic collage.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Aesthetics, color, stimulation.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I’ve enjoyed collaborating with art companies that want to license a certain number of copies of my work. What I like about these relationships is that the response to payment and advertising is instant.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

More than just a project, but rather a process that has taught (and continues to teach) me about myself is the empirical search for inspiration drawn from the color palettes of film photography. I think this process is fundamental to my work, and it’s a process that I always approach with love.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I believe that all human beings are creative, but I also believe that creativity is a skill that must be honed over time. No one is born [having learned creativity already].

What’s the last dream you had?

In the last dream I had I traveled all over the world showing my works and meeting with other artists, with whom I even formed musical projects.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I hope that people write something pure from the bottom of their hearts and that they continue to keep my work alive for many centuries or millennia to come.

Follow @DannerOrozco on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

For street artist Dirt Cobain, art is a drug. Cobain is behind murals that can be seen from the Compton metro stop in Los Angeles and the 7 train platform in Sunnyside, Queens, among other noteworthy locations. While he is best known for audacious references to drug paraphernalia like a giant pill bottle labeled, “U get me so high,” Cobain urges his viewers against interpreting the work too literally, intending instead to reflect whatever gives us, his audience, a rush. 

Originally from the Bay Area, Cobain attributes his inspiration to the street art scene in San Francisco, where he spent his formative years admiring the wild lettering and artistic chaos of the city’s graffiti. Out of this came his urban pop-art aesthetic that embraces the grit and grime of big-city living, hence his pseudonym. Whether he’s exploring wood cutouts with resin or acrylic paint on canvas, Cobain brings his signature neon oranges, pinks and stark black lettering to all of his catchphrases like, “I’m gonna need a Xanax for this,” or, “Cruizin for a boozin.” Color us addicted.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet street artist, Dirt Cobain.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

One of my first “official” creative projects that I can remember was painting a 10-foot by 10-foot mural of one of Rembrandt’s classic paintings in the hallway of my high school many many years ago.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Authentic, original, unique. 

One of Dirt Cobain’s classic designs.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

This is a tough one because I’ve collaborated with so many awesome artists and creatives, but I always love collaborating and creating with Dave Navarro. He’s very particular in his work, pays attention to detail the way that I do, and we can relate to each other’s creative process.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I learn something in every project that I do. Even if it’s something small. As an artist, I feel like you should always be learning and growing. 

Hard Times: One of Dirt’s murals.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I’ll be honest, I think creativity is something you’re born with. You either got it or you don’t. 

What’s the last dream you had? 

I rarely have dreams because I never get any sleep. Lol.

One of Dirt’s NYC murals.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I think every artist wants to be remembered as “great” but that’s not up to me to decide, that’s up to the masses. All I can do is keep pursuing my journey and hope that people feel my vibe.

Follow @DirtCobain on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

We can only imagine that as a child, Andrew Tedesco must have often found himself in trouble for scribbling on the floors, the walls, the ceiling. Thankfully, Tedesco never grew out of that phase, instead blossoming into a masterful muralist whose mandate is to leave no surface untouched. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Michelangelo, Tiepolo, and Leonardo da Vinci, Tedesco has been creating custom hand-painted murals for over twenty years. 

Tedesco launched his career as a muralist in 1991, specializing in gilding, venetian plasters, and optical illusions. Tedesco’s style hews most closely to Realism, but his body of work is remarkably diverse, with pieces spanning not only genres but also the commercial and artistic realms. Over the course of his career, Tedesco has illustrated a Roman mythological story across a 38-foot barrel vaulted ceiling, depicted the life of Cornelius Vanderbilt in the Ioggia entrance hall of a hotel, and painted sports team logos on the paneled wood ceiling of a superfan’s den. He is based in New York City but has travelled as far as Egypt for a commission. Whether he’s making a four car garage look like a spaceship, or a hotel ceiling look like a 17th century fresco, you dream it, Tedesco can paint it. 

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet painter and muralist, Andrew Tedesco.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

There is a picture on my website of me painting a diorama in kindergarten at a farm school outside of Detroit, MI. Inside the school’s geodesic dome there were supplies to create anything you could imagine with no rubrics. I still have my wood block print of sharks, still my greatest fear. The free form style of the school allowed my artistic freedom to grow unabashedly.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Pretty, pleasing and always personal.

Tedesco at work.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I have had the chance to work with well-known interior designers, architects and

famous clients but my best collaboration has just taken place: my 24 year-old daughter joined me during the pandemic when my regular assistants could not come in. She had gone to art high school in California and I knew she was talented but had no idea how great our partnership would be. There is a synergy between us that has produced some of my best work in the last 30 years. I have had many talented assistants come through the studio but no one has the design sense of Abbey.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I was contacted by Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas early in my career. When I arrived to meet with them, they showed me a 60-foot dome. I had never painted anything near this scale or scope. When the president of the casino asked if this was something I could do, I immediately said yes and just about fainted. After accomplishing this feat, I gained the confidence to take on any project presented to me without hesitation.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I am the fourth generation in my family to make a living as an artist so yes, I absolutely believe it is a gift. After teaching art on Mondays at the New York School of Interior Design in Manhattan for five years, I could see that some people innately get it, while others, I’m not sure they could master painting if they spent a lifetime practicing.

A ceiling mural by Tedesco in Miami Beach.

What’s the last dream you had?

Hah. Honestly, it was about lacrosse. My two younger daughters are in the middle

of their high school season and the older one just scored the winning goal in double overtime. Obviously my competitive nature is still present even while I am sleeping.

Tedesco at work with his daughter.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

“Looking back to move forward.” I hope they’ll say that I paid homage to the great artists that came before me: Leonardo and Michelangelo, Tiepolo and Rust, Fairey and Banksy, but that I carved my own niche. 

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Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

Surrounded by three generations of fiercely ambitious women, fashion designer Tanya Taylor was practically destined to become a creative entrepreneur. Today, she runs her highly successful, eponymous fashion brand, which has been worn by a diverse range of prominent women such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Gigi Hadid, among others. 

After graduating from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, Taylor signed up for a design summer program on a whim, which eventually precipitated her enrollment at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Taylor went on to land a coveted internship at Elizabeth and James, quickly working her way up the ranks and advancing to assistant womenswear designer under the direction of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. In two years’ time, at the young age of 25, she decided to launch her own brand, leveraging her business education to serve her creative passion.

As an award-winning designer, Taylor continually looks for ways to break the status quo, revolutionizing inclusive sizing, hosting fashion shows in untraditional places, and focusing on blending unexpected design elements with uncomplicated, feminine silhouettes. In addition to honing her forward-thinking aesthetic, Taylor is dedicated to engaging with and supporting the community, actively seeking ways to volunteer, raise funds, or raise awareness for important causes. Taylor’s designs represent a sense of fearlessness, encouraging women from all walks of life to celebrate their confidence—simply by getting dressed in the morning.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet fashion designer, Tanya Taylor.

What is the first creative project you remember?

Painting the walls of my childhood basement with 7-foot 1950s pin-up girls and old Corvettes. My friends used to ask me to come over to hang out but I would ask them to come over to help be my painting team; I transformed the walls to create a retro recreation room. When my Mom sold the house, she carved the paintings out of the drywall and now we have super heavy, insanely large remnants living in her basement. That’s love.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Feminine, creative, and personal.

Pieces from Tanya Taylor’s Spring 2022 Collection.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

Working with Memorial Sloan Kettering on redesigning the hospital curtains of the pediatric oncology floor in our painted, colorful art. I want our art to inspire and uplift, and I was so honored to think it could have an impact on a young patient’s life when they need it most.

Tanya Taylor’s redesigned hospital curtains for Memorial Sloan Kettering.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I never realized how much I loved customer analytics and digital innovation before partnering with Bitmoji on their first fashion launch. I’ve always loved my job, but I have never loved it more than when we were creating digital avatars of our clothing, and seeing millions of people use them to express themselves. 

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

For me, it’s something I was born with, but it was also cultivated by the experiences my parents gave me. As a kid, I was encouraged to craft, paint, papier-mâché, build dollhouses, sew clothing, and just generally create, create, create. I honestly think creativity comes from an open mind and a willingness to eliminate fear from your thought process. 

TT Home: Tanya Taylor’s limited edition home collection.

What’s the last dream you had?

I was lying down with my late, furry cat Oscar in a multicolored field of tulips in Holland. I have very colorful dreams.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

That wearing the brand unlocked a confidence to express themselves and feel stronger. That the brand redefined fashion to feel uplifting, inviting, and impactful. That we were a generous, creative, inspiring brand that made people feel included and empowered. That there were no boundaries as to where our creativity could live. My 100 year goal is to have a community art institute in Toronto that brings students from different neighborhoods together to learn how to combine entrepreneurship with their love of the arts.

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Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

As we approach the end of Latinx Heritage Month, we are proud to spotlight and celebrate the incredible creative contributions of the Latinx and Hispanic artists on Creatively all year long.

In a world where the digital threatens to replace the physical, it’s artists like Juliana Plexxo whom we count on to uphold and preserve the relevancy, the immediacy, and the emotional resonance of creative practices rooted in tradition. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Plexxo is a contemporary artist and muralist known for combining painting with the age-old technique of engraving, creating a style wholly her own.

Plexxo discovered her gift for painting as a young child, and has spent her life polishing her skills while pushing the boundaries of the medium. With an undeniable proclivity for reds, whites and blacks, inspiration for Plexxo’s color palettes can be traced back to her late father, a journalist who covered bullfighting with whom she attended many fights. Her work is defined by geometric shapes reminiscent of early 20th-century abstract expressionism that come together to form faces, eyes, and animals more frequently found in Latin folk art.

Plexxo studied at the University of Navarra and was selected among a small, elite group of emerging artists for a residency at the legendary Joan Barbará workshop, the famous studio in Barcelona where renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí mastered the art of engraving. Positioning herself at the intersection between past and present, implementing traditional practices to express contemporary content, one can confidently say that Plexxo has carved her niche as an artist.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

Meet illustrator and muralist, Juliana Plexxo.

What is the first creative project you remember?

I have had a few creative projects but the first creative project that I remember with great passion was when I began to learn the technique of engraving. Ever since I got involved, I told myself that my mission was to give back to the world this ancient artistic technique that was so glorious in periods such as the Renaissance. Life gave me the opportunity to be chosen by the Joan Barbará engraving workshop, the place where great masters such as Dalí, Picasso, Miró, and many more created their works. It is an honor that my pieces come from this place.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Mystical, past, future.

“FUERZA” by Juliana Plexxo.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I was recently invited by the Misonny Art Festival in Costa Brava, Spain, to make a live mural with Australian artist Sarah Main. It was a challenge because it was a live performance for two days but it was very satisfactory. We are both women and, you know, normally you are used to seeing men doing murals but I really liked living the experience and connecting with the people who went to the art festival. 

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

The project I learned the most from was painting the “Raices” (roots) mural in the indigenous region of Ecuador. It was an 8-meter mural in Hacienda Pinsaqui, a 1700s villa and the former residence of Simón Bolívar. I dedicated this project to the indigenous culture that continues to endure. I realized that many times in Latin culture we ourselves deny our ancestors, but this mural made me spend a week surrounded by the indigenous community. Many of them work on the villa and I realized that they are the purest and most noble people that I had ever known in my life. It was something that I cannot describe in words, something mystical and that is what my art is about, mysticism.

Juliana’s “Raices” mural in Ecuador.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I’ve always asked myself this question—it’s like the chicken or the egg. The only thing that is clear to me is that all humans have creativity, and the difference between having more or less creativity is curiosity. The most creative and inventive people in the world are children; they are always questioning everything. Curiosity is the secret and fuel of creativity and I personally believe that curiosity is something that is formed over time, the interest in discovering something new every day. Curiosity always motivates us and that is acquired. A very good example is when your work motivates you, you want to know more and more every day, there is curiosity and behind comes creativity. But if your work does not motivate you, you are not interested in knowing more and creativity decreases notably. A scientist is a super creative person because he loves what he does, gets involved, has curiosity on the surface and continues to discover through creativity. It’s the same with the artist. An artist who makes his art with the soul will never lack creativity.

What’s the last dream you had?

This is something that I tend to write about lately. Dreams are very important for human beings, in my opinion. They act as a mirror and, as I have mentioned, I love everything that has some mysticity, and dreams are a good example. My last recurring dream is that I am in a parallel universe. I would even call it a Plexxo universe because graphically I come across many works that I have done over time.

Juliana at work.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I would love it if 100 years from now people could understand what the engraving technique is. That is my mission as a young artist now, to rescue the technique, and I would like them to know that Juliana Plexxo was a Latin woman artist proud of her roots.

Follow @JulianaPlexxo on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective. 

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life