We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Corey Robbins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Corey below.
Corey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Cephalopod marked a significant turning point in my journey towards becoming a full-fledged artist. My sketchbook had always been a loyal companion, but usually the ideas only lived there. However, with Cephalopod, I made a conscious choice to bring to life new skillsets and deploy experimentation — from playing with scale and new materials to meticulously planning each detail.
I made a pact with myself: there would be no arbitrary deadlines stifling my creativity; I would only settle for work that spurred an undeniable sense of pride. This focus was coupled with the rise of DIY workshops in 2018, which brought accessibility to new mediums and tools, allowing me to work at a scale beyond clothing or canvas. Cephalopod became my most meaningful project since its 75 hour completion. The fulfillment this piece of art brought inspired more — more sketches, more paintings, more wood sculptures. No matter the backlog of sketches in my book, I have adopted a mantra: “No design left incomplete.” Each idea deserves to be realized, its potential fully explored.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I ventured into my craft through a lifelong passion for sketching and digital artistry, exploring various business ventures along the way, from custom laser-cut gifts to screen-printed tees. However, it was my realization in recent years that I wanted to shift from product and marketing focused creative companies to making art the central aspect of my creative pursuits, with a genuine, enduring presence.
Today, Corey Robbins Design offers a diverse range of works, including fine art print reproductions, original paintings on canvas and wood panel, and dimensional wood wall sculptures. Each piece is imbued with a unique blend of style and craftsmanship. What sets my work apart is my dedication to evolving each new project to both meet the individuality of every client and further develop my artistry. Whether it’s precision or looseness, maximalism or subtlety, dimensionality or flatness, I embrace versatility to ensure every creation is distinct and true to my vision.
I am most proud that I have incorporated integrity into the heart of my practice; I never compromise on quality, ensuring every brushstroke is executed with precision and purpose. I take immense pride in the journey of growth and innovation that defines my artistic career. With each painting, I strive to surpass my previous achievements, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and overcoming any challenges that may arise. Creative block is simply an opportunity for reinvention, as I explore alternative mediums and installation environments to fuel my inspiration.
As you journey with me, expect the unexpected. While there may be a common thread woven through my core style, my commitment to experimentation and process-driven exploration ensures that each piece is a revelation, both familiar and refreshingly new. Join me in the ever-unfolding narrative of Corey Robbins Design, where every creation tells a story — one that is entirely new, yet uniquely mine.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My journey is fueled by an insatiable curiosity that has been with me since childhood. I vividly remember the excitement of picking up rocks as a child, eager to see what was hiding underneath. That sense of tactile exploration and wonder has stayed with me, manifesting in endless experimentation and observations drawn from the rich tapestry of nature.
For me, creativity is not just about producing art; it’s about embracing a process of endless discovery and openness. Each moment spent in the throes of creation is a journey between imagination and reality. It’s a philosophy rooted in staying present, young at heart, in allowing oneself to be enveloped by the sheer joy of the process.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn being risk averse — breaking free from the mold of expectations and societal pressures. For years, I harbored a quiet certainty that my future lay in the the pursuit of full-time artistry. Despite this conviction, I found myself swayed by the well-meaning advice of friends and family, who echoed the familiar refrain of securing stable employment with benefits while pursuing my passion on the side. Graduating college only reinforced this notion, and I reluctantly settled into a routine that left little room for creative pursuit beyond office hours. I kept believing that if only I made enough, or found a job that was relaxed enough, or was a part of the right team, that I would find fulfillment and my art would follow suit.
Each year and every job began to feel as if I was spending the majority of time fueling someone else’s passion. I realized the toll it was taking on my artistic spirit. The energy required to excel in my day jobs left me drained, leaving little time or motivation for meaningful creative endeavors. It became increasingly clear that I couldn’t continue to sideline my passion for artistry without stifling my own growth. So, in 2023, I decided I would go full-time. I began saving aggressively — eating out less, saying no more, and even selling my car for something more humbly priced, so I could make the leap. Since then, I have bid farewell to the safety net of conventionality, unlearning throughout, and embracing the uncertain but liberating path of pursuing my true calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coreyrobbinsdesign.com/
- Instagram: @coreyrobbinsdesign