Meet Joey Deruy

We were lucky to catch up with Joey Deruy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey , thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Creativity can feel like an elusive concept. The act of creating is a deeply personal process, one that takes years to refine. While there are countless books and experts claiming to know the “right way,” creativity is ultimately an industry of self-discovery. For me, staying connected to the creative flow requires consistent effort and practices that keep the spark alive.

I’ve found that starting each day with something simple—journaling, a quick sketch, or even doodling subconscious thoughts—helps me maintain a connection to that creative source. These daily rituals act as a bridge, keeping the connection between myself and my creative endeavors strong.

Approaching art with a playful mindset and authenticity is essential. When you love your subject matter and feel personally connected to it, your work naturally becomes richer and more meaningful. Of course, creative blocks happen. Sometimes they’re the result of external overwhelm—too much noise, too many distractions. When that happens, I find the best solution is to pause. Slowing down, sitting in silence, and clearing the mental clutter allows what truly matters to emerge.

At its core, creativity thrives on authenticity and passion. When those elements are present, they inevitably lead to something meaningful.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve been an artist my entire life, collaborating on various artistic endeavors while always maintaining a strong foundation in fine painting and illustration.

My work has provided opportunities to take on commissions for fashion, corporations, institutions, and even projects involving the U.S. state government and international collaborations. Recently, I had the honor of creating an installation for Freshy World Sneakers at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, designing painted boxes for their first annual Gurus Magazine Award Ceremony.

In December, I showcased my work in a month-long art exhibition at Taylor Fine Art, which also featured my holiday street banner created for the City of West Hollywood’s holiday collection.

My recent work has explored themes of quantum science and particles, reflecting on the elements that shape human experiences over a lifetime. As the new year begins, I’m excited to delve deeper into these ideas, blending astrology, quantum science, and the human condition. My goal is to intertwine art history with today’s cutting-edge technologies, creating work that bridges the past and the future.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The most notable qualities that have sustained me are passion, discipline, and patience.

Passion for what I do has been a cornerstone—I love art, and no matter what, I find comfort in it. Discipline is equally important. People may or may not believe in you, and there will be times when you might not believe in yourself. However, the discipline to keep moving forward with your passion every day is what ultimately leads to results. Over time, those results inspire more action, creating a cycle of growth and accomplishment.

That said, patience is also essential—patience for the journey, the process, and for yourself as you create.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Right now, I’m diving into an exploratory process, working to combine the best elements of my previous work into an entirely new visual experience. I want to maintain my playful, whimsical approach while integrating themes of therapy, self-acceptance, and openness toward others.

My goal is to blend different worlds and ideas into a cohesive creative message—one that resonates with viewers as a modern inspiration for self-enlightenment. It’s about grounding oneself in authentic creativity amidst the chaos of the world, offering a sense of clarity and connection.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Robin L. Marshall

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