Follow us as we breakdown the first episode and all the best takeaways it had to offer.

Creativity is a beautiful, albeit complex, process. For every flash of uncontainable inspiration, there’s a balancing act of discipline, hard work, and sometimes unexpected challenges. The CEI podcast dives deep into the creative process, unveiling the ups, the downs, and the intricate artistry that fuels creators from all walks of life.

This blog post takes you behind the scenes of the latest CEI podcast episode, where hosts Atlanta, Juan, CJ, and Charlotte have a candid conversation about their creative journeys, processes, and favorite ways to work through artistic funks. If you’re a creative professional—or simply a curious soul—this episode is packed with relatable insights and actionable takeaways to inspire your own art.

Who We Are Talking To

The CEI podcast brings a mix of artistic disciplines to the table with CJ, a musician and songwriter, Atlanta, a visual artist specializing in murals, Juan, a music producer, and Charlotte, a singer/songwriter. Each creator brings a unique approach to their artistry, giving listeners valuable insights into how creativity manifests differently across mediums.

From CJ’s on-the-go song ideas to Atlanta’s Pinterest mood boards, the conversation offers a treasure trove of advice for creatives. Let’s dig deeper into some standout moments from the episode.

How Do You Capture Inspiration?

It’s something every artist can relate to—that magical moment when inspiration strikes. But how do you capture it before it vanishes into the abyss of forgotten ideas? For CJ, the answer is straightforward and effective.

“As soon as a melody pops into my head,” CJ shares, “I grab my phone and record a quick voice memo. It’s rough and unpolished, but it saves the idea.”

With all the hustle and bustle of modern life, ideas can often slip away as quickly as they arrive. CJ’s method is simple yet effective. It’s a great reminder that capturing inspiration doesn’t need to involve fancy tools—sometimes the humble voice memo is your best friend.

Atlanta, on the other hand, gathers inspiration from her surroundings. Whether it’s taking time to immerse herself in nature or browsing her Pinterest board, she sets the stage for creativity to strike. “Sometimes, it takes low-fi music and meditation to really spark something. It doesn’t always work, but when it does? Magic,” she explained.

The Takeaway:

When inspiration strikes, act quickly. Use tools like your phone or sketchbook to save your ideas. And if you’re in a creative block, make space for it by tuning in to your unique process—whether that’s zoning out to music, browsing visuals, or simply letting your mind wander.

Dealing With Client Expectations

For artists like Atlanta and Juan, who often work on commissioned projects, another crucial aspect of their creative journeys is navigating client expectations. Atlanta explains how she approaches client work versus her passion projects.

“When I’m taking on a commission, I really try to understand the client’s vibe. I dig deep into their requirements and their audience,” she shared. “Sometimes, they want something very commercial, and while I’d prefer more creative freedom, I see my role as making their vision come to life.”

Juan faces similar challenges in his music production work, tailoring beats and ideas for artists who might not always be aligned with his vibe. “If the client isn’t in the best headspace to create, I’ll switch gears and show them something fresh—like a beat I worked on earlier. That energy shift often sparks something new and better.”

The Takeaway:

When navigating mismatched expectations, empathy is your best tool. Understand your client’s needs while staying true to your creative instincts. Creative problem-solving can bridge the gap between what your client envisions and what you’re passionate about producing.

Getting Back Into a Creative Groove

Anyone who creates—be it art, music, or writing—knows the sting of the dreaded creative block. It’s frustrating, but it’s also a normal part of the process. The hosts didn’t shy away from this topic in the podcast, sharing their tried-and-true methods for breaking free from a funk.

CJ made an important point about the importance of letting ideas come naturally. “You can’t force creativity,” he said. “There was a whole summer where I didn’t write a single original song. I needed that time to breathe, to gig, to simply live life. I came back to my own music naturally, and when it happened, I was ready.”

For Atlanta, the path out of creative block started with self-acceptance. After a period of feeling disconnected from her art, she listened to the inner voice telling her to pick up her brush again. “It was like something inside me couldn’t rest until I created—and once I gave in, I found happiness in my work again.”

Juan emphasized the value of pivoting when an idea isn’t flowing. “If something’s not working, I’ll redirect the energy. I might start from scratch or try a different angle. Sometimes, we hold on too tightly when the best ideas come from simply letting go.”

The Takeaway:

Don’t fight a creative block. Rest, absorb life’s experiences, and trust that inspiration will return. When it does, approach it with fresh energy and a willingness to pivot.

Why First Attempts Matter More Than You Think

One of the more surprising revelations in the podcast came from Juan’s perspective on capturing the magic of first attempts. “Sometimes, an artist will do a take they think is messy,” he said. “But there’s so much raw emotion there. I always save those takes and surprise them later. Nine times out of ten, that’s the version they end up loving.”

CJ agreed, sharing that getting too ‘in your head’ can rob your work of its authenticity. “People can tell when a piece of art or music is overthought. It lacks the punch of those first, instinctive moments.”

The Takeaway:

Your first attempt often carries an authenticity that gets lost in over-editing. Trust those raw expressions—they might just hold the magic you’re looking for.

A Word for Aspiring Creatives

The episode ended on a poignant note with advice for creatives trying to rekindle their passion. Whether it’s setting aside time for inspiration, taking a break, or doubling down on projects you feel excited about, the message was clear—believe in your creative voice.

Charlotte reminded us that the world is full of possibilities for artists. “There’s so many possibilities. And that’s the thing that’s so cool about being an artist, is that there’s so many possibilities and it’s endless. But it’s just finding something that represents you.”

 It’s in this endless sea of potential where the real magic happens—because art is not about following a formula, but about discovering what feels true to you. Every artist brings something unique to the table, it’s this ongoing process of self-discovery that keeps creativity alive and exciting. 

“It’s not always easy, but listen to that voice inside you,” Atlanta encouraged. “Create for yourself first. Everything else will follow.”

So, if you’re struggling to find your way, remember that the journey itself is part of the beauty. Keep exploring, and trust that the thing you’re searching for will eventually represent the essence of who you are as an artist.

Your Next Step as a Creator

The CEI Podcast reminds us that while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for creativity, we all have the tools to carve our unique paths. Whether you’re a musician, visual artist, or writer, it’s essential to be honest with yourself and lean into the process.

If you’re stuck or looking for guidance, tune in to the latest episode of the CEI podcast! Listening to the experiences of others may just be the spark of inspiration you need.