We were lucky to catch up with Cole Daroff recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cole, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The funny thing about risk? Sometimes, it’s actually riskier to stay where you feel safe. Taking the leap out of my comfort zone led me to more than I ever expected—like winning $10K on national TV for my art and meeting the love of my life.
Let me explain.
It was 2010, and I’d spent my whole life in Arizona, a creature of comfort—or so I thought. In truth, I was restless, with creativity bubbling inside me like a shaken soda can. I loved my friends, my family, and being a filmmaker/artist in Arizona was cool, but I felt like I’d gone as far as Arizona could take me. To top it off, my girlfriend dumped me. Apparently, “wasting your potential” isn’t sexy. Who’d have thought?
Around that time, my friend CC Wright, a comedian in Hollywood, kept insisting that Los Angeles was where creativity came to thrive. He even offered me a spot on his floor—a cramped 12×12 studio with no kitchen, no bed, and no wi-fi. Not exactly the Ritz, but it was Hollywood and it was where I needed to be.
So, I took the plunge. I scoured the internet, joined every group, cold-called strangers, and applied to anything remotely related to art and film in LA. Finally, I struck gold: a Craigslist ad from the Oprah Winfrey Network looking for a set painter for a home improvement show. Without thinking, I flew to L.A., took a taxi to the interview, and landed the gig on the spot. They wanted me to start the next day! I flew back to Arizona, told CC to prep the floor, packed my bags, and I drove through the night to Los Angeles. By the next morning, I was working my first “big” gig in Hollywood.
The next few months? Magical. I was riding the wave of creativity and joy and loving every minute of it. I was on cloud nine despite literally sleeping on a hardwood floor. The job didn’t last forever, though, and soon I found myself driving back to Arizona, dreams fading in my rearview mirror. But something had changed. Arizona didn’t feel like home anymore.
Weeks later, I got a call from a new friend, Chris Faber, whom I’d met on the Oprah show. He had a lead on television show that was hiring on-screen carpenters for an arts & craft competition. Intrigued, I reached out to the casting agent, who responded immediately, asking if I could come in for an interview the next day. Round two!
Once again, I flew out to L.A. and took a taxi to the interview – I wasn’t sure what a Television carpenter actually did, so I brought a portfolio of my artwork. The casting agent flipped through it, wide-eyed. “Holy shit—you should be a contestant, not a carpenter! It’s $10,000, and you’ll win,” she said, almost whispering. “I’m not supposed to say that, but you’re by far the best we’ve seen.”
I left the interview in a daze and flew back to Arizona, my mind spinning. If I went on national TV and lost, it would crush my soul. But if I won? I’d feel more proud than ever……. So, I went for it. I made a 3-minute audition tape, introducing myself as “The Kraft King,” my alter ego. An hour after I sent in the video, I got a call from TLC (The Learning Channel). “Cole, we’d love for you to be on the show!”
Fast forward a month, and there I was—living my dream in Hollywood, standing on a massive set inside a soundstage. Giant studio lights beamed down, casting everything in a vibrant, almost surreal glow. I was mic’d up and ready, with my brother Tige by my side as my assistant. Tori Spelling, the show’s host, stood at the front, breaking down the competition. The winner would take home $10K, and their art piece would be displayed in a hard rock exhibit at the Grammy Museum. Behind her, a giant sign mounted on an art installation made of yarn scrolled the name of the show—CRAFT WARS
The set was like nothing I’d ever imagined. Sponsored by Michael’s, there was a massive wall of arts and crafts materials—every kind of supply you could dream of. It was a crafter’s paradise. The sheer volume of materials was overwhelming, and I felt like I could build anything I wanted. In front of us, three large work tables were stacked with tools, ready to bring our creations to life.
There were three competitors in total, and two intense rounds of building to prove ourselves. The anticipation was thick in the air, and I could barely contain my excitement. This was it—the moment I had been working toward.
My brother and I absolutely crushed it and made it to the final round. In the end, we created an incredible sculpture—unique, impressive, and a perfect fit for the challenge. As they prepared to announce the winner, I was shaking with fear and sweating with excitement—my heart racing as I stood there, waiting for the decision. When they finally called my name, it was one of the most joyful moments of my life. My brother and I embraced, tears in our eyes, completely overwhelmed by the win. We walked off the stage as champions, knowing our final piece would be displayed at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles. It felt like everything I had worked for had come to life.
We were invited to a red carpet event for the exhibit opening at the museum —it was a rock and roll extravaganza called “The Golden Gods of Rock.” The night was nothing short of epic. But the real highlight? I met Margaret, my wife, at the after-party at the House of Blues. It was one of those moments you just know is life-changing. We’ve now been married for eight amazing years, and together we have a beautiful home in LA and a five-year-old daughter named Eloise, who is an absolute firecracker and the sweetest little star in our lives.
If I hadn’t taken that risk, gotten out of my comfort zone and moved to L.A., none of this would’ve happened. Winning 10K on national television was cool, but the real prize? The life I built by putting myself out there and trusting my creativity. And it all started by taking that leap.
(Side note to CC: I still owe you big time for letting me crash on your floor for six months on Edgemont St. Much love to you, amigo.)
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Cole Daroff, and I’m a modern folk artist, landscape designer, and creative explorer based in Los Angeles. My work is all about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, connecting with both people and the environment around me. Growing up surrounded by vibrant landscapes and eclectic communities, I developed a love for blending nature, art, and storytelling—a theme that runs through everything I do.
Most of the pieces I create are made from found objects: vintage treasures, beachcombing finds, or remnants of everyday life. This process of reclaiming and reimagining materials is more than a creative method; it’s a way for me to preserve stories, give new life to forgotten objects, and reflect on sustainability and the absolute importance of minimizing waste. Each item I incorporate has its own history, and together they tell a story about who we are and how we live.
My creative process is multifaceted. In addition to working with found objects, I also sculpt and carve pieces entirely from scratch. This form of work is unique in its own right, requiring an intuitive understanding of each material and how to reveal its potential. When I carve or sculpt, I let the natural forms take the lead, which often leads to unexpected, one-of-a-kind creations.
I’m proud of how my work resonates with people across generations, sparking conversations and memories. Whether it’s a lamp made from a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket, a brick made into a shrine honoring a childhood friend’s father who loved his cigarette breaks, a Louis Vuitton box transformed into a zen garden, or a driftwood sculpture that nods to my childhood days spent outdoors before cell phones and the internet—every creation has a deeper meaning. My pieces often tap into a sense of nostalgia and positivity, inviting viewers to connect their own stories to the work and giving it a life beyond what I imagined.
Being self-taught is a big part of my identity. I don’t feel confined by traditional methods, which gives me the freedom to experiment, break the rules, and blend media that might not usually go together. Wood, metal, rock, glass, clay, paint, textile, plants —my medium is as limitless as my imagination. This approach lets me draw from my travels, memories, and environment in an unfiltered way, infusing each work with an authenticity that I think people feel when they see it.
One thing that sets me apart is my passion for reusing and upcycling. Our world already has enough waste, and part of my mission is to highlight the beauty and potential in what others might throw away. For instance, one of my favorite pieces, “Relay Race,” was created from a bucket of old screws, some worn-out swim trophies, and a handful of salvaged retail tags. I turned those ordinary objects into a lavish poolside scene sponsored by the world’s biggest fashion names, adding an element of luxury to something mundane. It’s a piece that captures the joy of finding beauty in unexpected places.
Colors play a major role in my work as well. I draw heavily from nature’s own palette—desert earth tones, ocean blues, deep greens, and sun-warmed hues—which I blend with my love for fashion and its bold, vibrant combinations. The result is a unique fusion of natural elegance and stylistic flair that makes my work feel both grounded and elevated.
Another two recent pieces, “Wabi & Sabi,” captures the beauty of imperfection in organic forms. These wood sculptures, reminiscent of wet clay, blur the lines between perfection and imperfection, embracing a natural elegance that evokes a sense of constant evolution. These pieces have a versatility that mirrors my creative process, as these can serve as a decorative bowls, planters, or ikebana vessels — reminding us of the endless possibilities found in simple, natural beauty.
Ultimately, I want people to know that my art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about connection, history, and a positive energy that I hope shines through. I aim to create pieces that feel alive, that have stories to tell, and that serve as reminders of the joy and beauty that can be found all around us. Whether you’re a client, a follower, or a fellow creative, I hope my work inspires you to look at everyday objects—and even life itself—with fresh eyes.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
A resource I wish I’d been more aware of early in my creative path is sustainable materials and practices. Working in the film industry, I’ve seen firsthand the enormous waste generated—props, costumes, and construction materials (just to name a few) are often discarded after a single use. It’s frustrating to see so much going to waste. While dumpster diving isn’t exactly encouraged in the industry, I make it a point to rescue items whenever I can… I rarely pass by a studio trash can without poking my head in to check it out. Living in Los Angeles – Beachcombing also plays a big role in my process. When I walk the beaches, I’m often struck by the mix of discarded trash alongside treasures shaped by nature. Driftwood, stones, and other washed-up items aren’t just debris—they hold incredible value. The curves and textures in each piece are completely unique, sculpted over time by ten thousand waves and every type of weather, impossible to replicate. It’s as if Mother Nature is an artist herself, and by using these materials, I’m able to honor her work while also highlighting the importance of preserving our environment. We only have one world, and I believe it’s essential to do our part to protect it.
Looking back, another one of the biggest resources I wish I’d recognized earlier was my community of fellow artists. Coming from a family of talented artists, things felt competitive growing up, and I didn’t make much art initially because I was intimidated by their skill. I learned a lot by observing and once I began creating my own work, I discovered how valuable the feeling was. I started to Learn how to reach out, ask for help, and share ideas which has been a turning point. Getting involved with other artists in Los Angeles and online opened up so many new perspectives, techniques, and (hopefully) some future opportunities for collaboration. It reminded me of how much there is to learn just by talking to people in your field.
I constantly learn from my art, and one of my recent pieces, Oubaitori, was a particularly valuable lesson. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of the same name, Oubaitori captures the spirit of community and self-acceptance. It encourages us to live life at our own pace and embrace our unique journeys, free from the pressure of comparison to others. This idea really resonates with me, especially in an age of constant comparison on social media. My art pieces may not be the most refined or technically perfect, but they feel true to me and bring me joy to create. I think artists should support each other in this way—celebrating our individual paths and finding fulfillment in what makes our work uniquely ours.
Have you ever had to pivot?
As a creative person, pivoting is a part of my everyday life. I’m constantly asking myself, “How can I use my creativity to make daily routines—jobs, chores, errands, even driving—more engaging, or even turn them into a form of art?” Having a family and an industry job means I can’t spend all day and night in my studio, so I’ve learned to integrate creativity into the little things.
For example, today while working on my answers for this interview—a creative exercise in itself—I also did two loads of laundry and cleaned my entire house, which were more practical tasks. For me, a strong pivot is learning how to balance creativity and turning mundane tasks into something artistic. Take cooking: when I prepare a meal for my family, I treat it like an art piece. I research the recipe, choose my cooking methods, gather my tools, get resourceful with ingredients, experiment with timing, and finally, present each dish as beautifully as possible.
Even something as simple as organizing your home, workspace, or tools can be a creative pivot. You might have writer’s block or be stuck on a project, but in that moment, you’re getting to know your tools better—how they’re arranged, where they’re at, and what you’ll do with them when that big idea hits. It’s all about using the flow of creativity in any situation.
One of my favorite artistic pivots happened during my daily drive home from work a while back. I’d hit the same traffic gridlock on Washington Street every day, and after a few weeks of scrolling through my phone and running out of podcasts, I asked myself, “How can I make this time in my car more creative?”
It may not have been the safest idea, but I decided to teach myself embroidery – right there in the car! After work – before each drive, I’d prepare by lining up my needles and threads with the color schemes I wanted to use. Then, as soon as I hit Washington Street, I’d remove my hat and begin stitching with no real plan— no patterns, no rules, no lessons, just going with the flow. As traffic moved a few feet, I’d pause, move my car forward, and repeat. Over time, I ended up embroidering around 30 salvaged hats, purely for fun, until someone suggested I turn it into a business. That’s how DE LA SEW, my embroidery side project, was born. Now, stitching has become a personal ritual for me—an artistic practice as mobile as drawing on a piece of paper. It’s a reminder of the power of creative pivots: turning ordinary moments into something meaningful. When you feel stuck, don’t just go through the motions. Grab a pencil and paper, a needle and thread—or even a pot to cook in—and make it a creative outlet. It’s about finding ways to keep creating, no matter where you are, who you are you or what you’re doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coledaroff.com
- Instagram: @brohamart @delasew
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brohamart
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/81ShvIiPMso
- Other: YouTube link is a link to the audition tape I made for TLC. My alter ego – the KRAFT KING :)
Image Credits
📸 @brohamart