We were lucky to catch up with CoCo Zentner recently and have shared our conversation below.
CoCo, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
During the summer, when I serve as a full-time summer camp director, I take a break from painting for several months. While it’s challenging to be away from the paintbrush, I’ve developed strategies to keep my creativity alive. Immersing myself in nature through walks and outdoor activities not only rejuvenates my creative spirit but also offers a fresh perspective. I make it a habit to capture moments with my phone and organize them into albums for future inspiration. Additionally, I stay engaged by consuming various forms of media such as reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring interior design magazines. By continuously seeking new ideas and experiences, I ensure that my creativity remains vibrant and ever-evolving, even during these periods of temporary hiatus from hands-on creating.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As an artist, my primary focus is to capture the beauty often overlooked in the world through my vibrant paintings & accessories. What excites me most about my work is the ability to evoke emotion and create connections through art that resonates with viewers. I recently experienced a huge honor when someone purchased one of my paintings intending to pass it down to their granddaughter, knowing it will become a cherished family heirloom.
In addition to my paintings, I’ve recently expanded my creative endeavors by launching a silk scarf line. I’m eager to explore new avenues, such as textiles and wallpaper designs later this year. Furthermore, I’ve embarked on a new endeavor by offering my first online watercolor course, with plans to welcome aspiring artists as students later this spring. So, there is a lot to look forward to this year!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I believe that perseverance, motivation, and passion were the three most impactful qualities that propelled me forward. My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize these qualities and actively cultivate them. Keep practicing your craft relentlessly, as improvement comes with consistent effort. Additionally, networking is key—connecting with fellow artists and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Finally, never hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from those with more experience. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth, and trust in your abilities to overcome challenges along the way.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my most substantial area of growth has undoubtedly been mastering Adobe Illustrator through a rigorous course. This investment has been pivotal, fundamentally transforming my business trajectory. Without committing to this endeavor, I wouldn’t have had the tools to expand my artwork into new forms, such as creating my new silk scarves.
Learning this platform has not only diversified my product offerings, but it has opened doors to exploring licensing opportunities with companies, potentially extending the reach of my art to a broader audience and onto a variety of products. Ultimately, the decision to invest in mastering Adobe Illustrator has been instrumental in propelling my artistic career to new heights and unlocking unforeseen avenues for my business to grow & expand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cocozentner.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocozentner_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CocoZentnerArt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cocozentner/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocoZentnerArt
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cocozentner_art/
Image Credits
Kayla Snell
