Hey everyone,
I just released a new episode of Balboa Park, where, to ease anxiety, I dive into a Graphic Journal Practice while I have some reflections on creativity, self-knowledge, and the strange ways our brains work when we make art. This time, I talk about the tension between instinct and control, and how we sometimes we don’t have to trust what we think..
Creativity is like making a quilt—each piece feels disconnected at first, but when you step back, a pattern emerges. Michel Gondry once said he loves working with constraints because they force unexpected solutions. That really resonates with me: sometimes the most interesting parts of a project come from what initially felt like limitations or even mistakes.
This is a video episode, where I draw grids and small images as I talk. I start the podcast by drawing because it helps ease my anxiety—graphic journaling has made everything feel more fluid, natural, and satisfying. There’s something deeply calming about seeing the images come together, little by little, like a quilt forming over time.
I also touch on a moment from my own creative process where I fought against the messiness of a piece, only to realize later that the 'mistake' was actually the best part. This episode is a bit of a love letter to embracing the unknown in art and in life. If you're someone who struggles with overthinking your creative work or feeling like you have to have it all figured out before you start, this one's for you.
You can watch it here or everywhere podcast are, even youtube!
Also—I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever had a moment where letting go actually led to something better? Hit reply and let me know.
Thank you for opening this email or listening to the podcast, your presence is everything for me! If you want to support this podcast you can subscribe and share too!
Take care and keep creating, Nicoz
P.S. 🌈 NEW MERCH DROP! 🌈
“I dreamed myself real, and I’m proud of every version of me.” ✨
This new design comes straight from “Sleeping in a Binder”—my daily transition comics about gender, dysphoria, and becoming. If these comics have resonated with you, this merch is for you.
🖤 Comfort Colors Tees – I love this brand! their cotton is soft yet thick and with a vintage feel
🖤 Short and Long-Sleeve Tees – so you can chose according the temperature (I tried to keep the price difference at minimum)
🖤 Denim Tote Bags – Carry your truth everywhere IN DEMNIM, duh!
💥 Limited time, I don’t know if I’ll keep all models and colors – grab yours here now: www.nicozbalboastudio.com/store
and since you read up here, here for you a code when you buy at least one tshirt (or you spend more than 50€): paste the code COZY10 at the checkout. code is available up to next week aka February 19 🚀
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