The Space to Creatively Thrive with COVL
Creating an Intentional Creative Space: From Lime Wash Dreams to Artistic Reality
You know that feeling when your creative space just isn't aligned? When something feels off but you can't quite put your finger on it? On this episode of The Rough Concept Podcast, I'm sharing my own studio transformation story plus a much needed conversation with the incredible COVL, a Puerto Rican multidisciplinary artist who totally gets how to create a world of creativity through thoughtful space design.
The Journey to Transform a Creative Space
"After that first brush stroke of lime wash paint, I was as good as hooked." What started as a creative block transformed into an unexpected journey of discovery. The studio had grown stale with its white walls and furniture, but inspiration struck in the form of the Isobel Bookshelf – a piece purchased during those memorable days of 2020 when we were all shopping online and making banana bread.
Okay, let me tell you about my Pinterest deep-dive journey (we've all been there, right?). I was searching for the perfect wall treatment when BAM! There it was: this gorgeous, soft, textured terracotta lime wash wall. You know when something just clicks? This was it. No shade to Home Depot, but those flat, basic paint options weren't giving me what I needed. It spoke to everything I value in my creative work – texture, imperfection, and the beautiful reminder that we're all works in progress.
So there I was with my lime wash paint and my husband (who, let's be honest, I'm always dragging into my wild ideas), and we dove into this transformative project. Each day began with Moonchild playing in the background as I painted for hours, letting every brushstroke carry whatever emotions I was feeling. There was something incredibly liberating about not having to be neat or perfect – the mess was part of the beauty.
The Impact of Environment on Creativity
But here's the thing - this wasn't just about making the space look pretty. Real talk? For months afterward, I'd find myself sneaking into the studio first thing in the morning, just to stand there and take it all in (please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!). Something shifted. Suddenly I was buzzing with ideas - from video content to client work to personal branding photos. The space wasn't just decorated, it was activated. This experience perfectly aligns with what our guest, COVL, understands deeply about the power of intentional spaces.
A Conversation with COVL
Meet COVL, a multidisciplinary artist whose name embodies the four cornerstones of her artistic approach: craft, onward, versatility, and lifestyle. With over a decade of artistic experience, including six years of self-employment, COVL has established herself as a creative force who refuses to be confined by medium or format.
"I'm multidisciplinary, which is, like, under the umbrella of all things, different mediums," she explains. "So I paint, I draw, I do murals, I've done basketball courts, I've illustrated, I've art directed, I've done capsule collections. Anything that allows me to flex the creative wings, that's exactly what I'll go for."
COVL’s Royal Court At Miami Art Week & Ulta Beauty Collection Collaboration
The Psychology of Creative Spaces
COVL's approach to creating an inspiring environment is deeply rooted in color psychology, a subject she's studied extensively. "I'm a big fan of color psychology. I did a deep dive on it, like, maybe, like, two years ago, when I started to really, like, actualize the power of color."
Her studio space is thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity through intentional lighting choices. "When I'm in my space, and I have to imagine what my space is like, I feel like it's a big hug," she shares. "My lighting is very warm. Like, on this side, I have, like, a magenta. And then on this side, I have red... it creates, like, this hue of, like, you're good. You're safe. You're warm."
The Creative Process: Three Speeds of Creation
COVL's creative process is as versatile as her art, operating at what she calls "three levels of speed":
"Level one is like, I mood board. I mood board, I sketch, I do research. I like to see what's on the market, what have brands done before, what have artists done before, because I'm trying not to like cross those paths at all."
Her second approach is more intuitive: "Sometimes I feel really confident where I can just dive into it for that first draft. When I hear the brief, when I close my laptop after the call, I'm like, I know exactly what I want to do."
And then there's her personal favorite - the third speed: "I usually wait like three to four days before the project is due, and then I work on it. You be stressed as hell. You start to go into a crisis. You don't know if art is what you want to do, but then at the end of it, you're like, oh yeah, I did that."
Embracing Evolution in Artistry
For COVL, being an artist in today's society requires adaptability and continuous growth. "Whatever work I created yesterday, I don't think it would be the same today because I'm always evolving in that craft," she reflects. "I am not a perfectionist and I don't believe in the idea of perfection... I love the fact that I can look back five years ago. Would I show that? No. But I appreciate it because I understand that my intent then is the same intent as of today, just to continue to get better."
Let's Talk About Making Your Space Work for You
Look, we're all about that creative life here, right? And just like how we pick colors and shapes in our work to hit different emotional notes, we can do the same thing with our spaces. After all this experimenting and chatting with COVL, here's what I've learned about creating a space that actually gets you excited to create:
- Warm tones like reds and oranges can stimulate passion and creativity
- Cool colors such as blues and greens promote tranquility and focus
- Texture adds depth and creates a welcoming atmosphere
- Organization doesn't mean perfection – embrace "organized chaos"
- Personal touches and meaningful objects enhance connection to the space
Your Creative Journey Begins Here
This week's creative prompt invites you to reflect on your own creative space:
When you walk into your creative space, how does it make you feel? Consider the colors, textures, and objects that hold personal meaning. What could you add or remove to feel more connected to your creative self? How might you curate a space that truly reflects your artistic style?
Share your thoughts and space transformations with me at hello@melarieodelusi.com or on Instagram @melarieodelusi – I'd love to see how you're creating your own creative sanctuary!
The Artist Corner Episode Guide
For those wanting to dive deeper into our conversation with COVL, here's your roadmap:
- 00:00 Introduction and Finding Rhythm
- 08:14 Creating a Supportive and Inspiring Space
- 11:35 COVL's Creative Process
- 17:27 The Spiritual Journey of Creativity
- 20:41 Taking Care of Mental Health and Creativity
- 31:21 Using Art to Advocate for Puerto Rico
- 36:03 Advocating for Creative Freedom with Brands
- 45:14 Creating a Supportive Community for Artists
- 51:00 Recognizing Your Value and Embracing Your Unique Voice
Where to Listen & Connect
*This post was adapted from Episode 1 of The Rough Concept Podcast, featuring COVL. To see more of COVL’s work, visit www.covl.co or follow her on Instagram @itscovl. Share your creative journey with me at @melarieodelusi.*
Listen to Season One of The Rough Concept Podcast on your favorite platform:
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Share your creative journey using #TheRoughConcept and tag @theroughconceptpodcast. I can't wait to see what you create!