In our blog series, “Getting There,” we ask professionals and experts what it takes to be successful and what kinds of advice they can offer. And, as we believe the concepts of curiosity, creativity and communications are vital to contributing to the success of any endeavor, we are also interested in knowing which they have utilized most often and how.
Joseph Cioffi
Winter Garden, Florida
What got you interested in multimedia, photography and visual arts?
As a boy I showed some natural talent and skill in drawing. From what I can remember, a blank sheet of paper was the very first time in my life where I felt like I could do whatever I wanted, and that thought brought me a lot of excitement. I saw anything blank as a possibility. Because it came easy to me, I practiced and would naturally gravitate to it when I had free time, hence I developed the talent.
How do you use the concepts of curiosity, creativity and communication ?
I am a very curious person. I always questioned just about everything and had to know how things work. Curiosity for me most times seems to lead to discovery. Somewhere, between curiosity and discovery, it seems to spark independent thought and creativity. Curiosity causes me to ask questions and the answers I come up with helps me understand. That leads to some type of personal interpretation and wanting to share what I think with others. This leads to wanting to communicate, and that requires creativity. Creativity in thought, creativity in action and creativity in communication. For the simple reason to substantiate my interpretation of something, it requires me to make a compelling argument that may either convince or spark curiosity to those I am sharing.
Why did you decide to start teaching in the visual arts?
I have a coaching background and I have found that through teaching there are so many intrinsic rewards for both parties involved, the teacher and the student. For the most part, in teaching, I seem to gain a better understanding of both what I have been taught and what I have learned. In addition, it provides me with an opportunity to gain direct and personal insight from a diverse group of people from a different generation and perspective, that with in itself is so thought provoking. In addition, I come from a family of teachers, always wanted to try my hand at it. Also, in pursuing a profession, I always thought it wise to change direction every 5-7 years so I can learn and grow in a new direction. Lastly, I am not sure there is anything more rewarding than watching another human being grow.
What advice can you give to someone who might be interested in multimedia production or other visual arts disciplines?
Advice is difficult to give sometimes, because what works for one person may not work for another. Having said that, beyond the shadow of any doubt, reading is the most important investment of time. My entire world opened when I began to read. Reading requires the reader to use there imagination, to depict in ones mind and heart what the author is trying to convey. At the end of the day the impact that has on your mind, opposed to someone telling you or watching it on TV is so profound, that it may be impossible to articulate. By reading you discover so may other interests that it sparks more curiosity, which in turn leads to more discovery and creativity.
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