This is How We Create

In this episode we remember and celebrate creative life of Lisa Hunt. Lisa was a graphic artist and designer. She shares her creative journey and the influences that sparked her interest in art. From her childhood experiences with her mother and aunt, to studying graphic design at Pratt Institute, to working in magazine publishing, Lisa's career was been a series of explorations and reinventions. She eventually embraced her identity as an artist and began creating screen prints and collages. Lisa's story highlights the importance of following one's interests and allowing oneself to stumble and define their own path. 00:55 Early Influences and Interest in Art 07:25 Art School and Pursuing Graphic Design 09:45 Career in Graphic Design and Magazine Publishing 13:05 Transition to Freelancing and Exploring Different Creative Paths 24:23 Transition to Full-Time Artist 28:00 Exploring Printmaking and Pattern 37:25 Promoting Artistic Work and Collaboration

Have you thought about writing your memoir? Or better yet, how about an illustrative memoir? Jonell Joshua, author and illustrator, joins us to discuss her creative journey and the process of writing her memoir.   Jonell walks us through the process of writing her memoir and the specific tactics she used to accomplish her goal while holding down a full-time job.  You’ll walk away enthralled with Jonell’s story, and who knows, you might be inspired to write your memoir as well.   If you’re listening to this message, we’ll give away 3 books of Jonell via Instagram.  Follow us on @thisishowwecreate_ for more. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on Instagram. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West. Get to know Jonell Joshua: https://www.jonelljoshua.com/illustrations Instagram: jonell.joshua Buy Jonell’s Book: https://www.jonelljoshua.com/pre-order-my-debut-memoir

How can you unleash your creativity and defy limitations? Candice Tavares, is a palliative care pharmacist by day and artist off-the clock. Candice embraces the rich textures of wood to create powerful works that celebrate Black beauty and shatter negative stereotypes. Her art is a warm embrace, reminding viewers of their inherent value and strength. Tune in for a dose of inspiration! ✨ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West. Get to know Candice’s work:  https://www.noellerx.com/ See Candice’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noellerx

Ready to unleash your creative potential?  Are you curious about how to exhibit your work at major art shows? Join us as we chat with the incredible artist Tasanee Durrett about her journey of healing, resilience, and finding her artistic voice after a life-changing experience.   Tasanee participates in Chicago EXPO (April 11 - 14, 2024). Check out her piece "Have Some Faith" is showcased at the EXPO’s Artist Replete. Tune in for a dose of inspiration! ✨ Episode Overview: Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ This is How We Create is produced with by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West. Get to know Tasanee Durrett: https://www.tasaneeart.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tasaneeart Buy Tasanee’s art: https://www.tasaneeartprints.com/

Want to turn your creative passion into a thriving business? Meet Jeanetta Gonzales, a master of surface design and illustration who's done just that! Hear how Jeanetta left corporate work to become a sought-after freelancer.  Jeanetta shares the intricacies of licensing, the art of negotiation, and the joy of mentoring upcoming talent. Join us as we explore what it means to live a life dedicated to design and legacy building. Jeanetta has a new course up on Skillshare called: Rise to Your Artistic Potential: Boost Confidence and Conquer Negative Beliefs.  Check out the link below: Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Get to know Jeanetta Gonzales https://www.jeanettagonzales.com/ Learn from Jeanetta Gonzales https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/rise-to-your-artistic-potential-boost-confidence-and-conquer-negative-beliefs/373810287?via=search-layout-grid Touch base with Jeanetta on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nettdesigns

Show Notes Danielle Scruggs, a photo editor and founder of Black Women Directors, shares her journey from growing up in Rogers Park to becoming a successful photo editor and photographer. She discusses the role of a photo editor, the qualities that make a photographer successful, and how she approaches her own assignments. Danielle also talks about her love for film and the inspiration she draws from it. She shares the story behind Black Women Directors and her plans for the future. Finally, she discusses a profound lesson she learned about embracing failure as a learning experience. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ Stay in touch with Danielle Scruggs:  https://daniellescruggs.com/ Black Women Directors: https://www.blackwomendirectors.co/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Production assistance was provided by Braila West.

Join us as Jennifer Turner reveals how she turned her artistic dreams into reality, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge AI. Learn about her inspirations, the evolution of her unique style, and how a background in graphic design paved the way for success. Jennifer's story is a treasure trove of insights and advice for anyone eager to push the boundaries of their creativity and share their art with the world. Jennifer will exhibit her work at the Venice Biennale in April 2024. Please check out her site for more information. Join us as Jennifer Turner reveals how she turned her artistic dreams into reality, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge AI. Learn about her inspirations, the evolution of her unique style, and how a background in graphic design paved the way for success. Jenn story is a treasure trove of insights and advice for anyone eager to push the boundaries of their creativity and share their art with the world. Jenn will exhibit her work at the Venice Biennale in April 2024. Please check out her site for more information. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ This is How We Create is produced by and edited by Braila West, Alexis Sanchez and Martine Severin. Keep up with Jennifer Turner and become a collector by visiting the sites below: Website: https://fineartofjenn.com/ Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/fineartofjenn/

Summary On this week’s episode of This is How We Create, Tobi Shinobi shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a successful photographer.  He shares with us how discovered his passion for photography, and the challenges he faced in finding his style in that genre. Tobi emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships with gateholders and sponsors as a freelancer. He also shares his seven out of ten principle for creating impactful and consistent work.  Overall, Tobi's story highlights the power of self-belief, perseverance, and attention to detail in pursuing a creative career. Podcast Producer. Takeaways Building a network of talented and like-minded individuals is crucial for success in the photography industry. Balancing higher-profile shoots can be stressful, so it's important to find a balance and prioritize self-care. How to select your best work using the 7 out of 10 principle. Collaborating with other creatives, such as stylists and models, can enhance the quality and creativity of photography projects. The Sony Alpha program provides opportunities for recognition and support for photographers. Connecting with other photographers and creatives can lead to valuable collaborations and networking opportunities. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create is produced by and edited by Braila West, Alexis Sanchez and Martine Severin. Get to know Tobi Shinobi better: Follow Tobi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobishinobi Website: https://www.tobishinobi.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tobishinobi

Some people wait to be chosen, hired, or validated. But others don't wait. They make their own path with determination. They use different tools, like guerrilla marketing, to get noticed. Dr. Fahamu Pecou is one of those people. Today on the podcast, you'll hear his inspiring journey from dreams of working as an animator to becoming an award-winning artist. Dr. Pecou studied painting, when he secured a job as a graphic designer, his artistic career changed course.  In our talk, Dr Pecou shares how his hip-hop influenced his work and how his work came to challenge societal views of Black identity and more specifically, Black masculinity. Get to Know Dr Fahamu Pecou: https://www.instagram.com/fahamupecou/ https://www.fahamupecouart.com/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create is produced by and edited by Martine Severin.

I’m so excited to welcome famed member of the group Kassav Jocelyne Beroard, to the podcast today! We truly never know what the future holds for us. The same can be said for Jocelyne who grew up on the island of Martinique in the 1950s and 60s. Though she played piano as a child, Jocelyne never had a career in music in mind as she grew up. As you’ll hear, Jocelyne attempted a career in medicine and in fine-art before finding singing. Tuck in, to hear how Jocelyne navigated more than 30 years as a musician. Jocelyne talks about how she came to cultivate and love her voice as a musician. Most recently she wrote her memoir in French, Jocelyne Bernard, Loin de L’amer. Get in touch with Jocelyne https://www.instagram.com/jenbewa/ https://www.instagram.com/kassav_official/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create is produced by and edited by Martine Severin.

I’m happy to host Jasmine Guillory in the guest chair.  Jasmine started her career out as a lawyer, but fell into writing books after participating in a National Novel Writing Month Challenge. Since then she has written over 8 books.  Her most page turning and delightful book, Drunk On Love is widely available.   During our time together, Jasmine and I talk about how she came to find her voice as a writer and we discuss her writing process.  Lastly, Jasmine talks about how she manages to maintains boundaries whether she’s collaborating with Amazon or with Hello Sunshine.  It was a treat to chat with one of my favorite contemporary authors. Please enjoy this conversation with Jasmine Guillory.   Get in touch with Jasmine https://www.jasmineguillory.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jasminepics/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina.

Have you ever wondered how a movie gets made? Or better yet, where do the ideas from movies come from? And if you’re like me, a person who has her eyes set on making a short film, wouldn’t it be great if there were someone there to help you buff up your idea and make the end product simply spectacular? Shannan E. Johnson, is a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel. She left her full-time give to become a  storytelling expert who develops creatives and their ideas for the screen. As a script consultant, teacher + therapist. She uses her innate understanding of story telling to make compelling TV and movies as well. In today’s podcast, Shannan walks us through her wide-ranging career and shares what it’s like to work in Hollywood. Oh, and there are also the great tips, she shared on how to write and tell a story. I walked away from our conversation with a framework on how to approach fear and how to position my vision so that I can achieve my desirable outcomes! As you listen to the interview the conversation will skip forward, this is because Shannan’s audio cut off at certain points. Get in touch with Shannan: http://www.shannanejohnson.com/ Join The Professional Pen https://www.awriterforyourwriter.com/bio.html https://www.instagram.com/shannanejohnson/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalpen/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie.

Have you ever wondered what an artist’s week looks like? In this episode, photographer and This is How We Create Host walks her through a week in her work life. How do your weeks go? Please share your favorite moment from this past week by sending us an email hello@martineseverin.com. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This episode of This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.

In this episode of the This Is How We Create podcast we talk with interior designer, Gail M Davis. Gail Davis Designs is renowned for crafting elegant interiors that feel soulful, livable, and personal. For 15 years, celebrated designer Gail M. Davis has applied her formal design training to homes across the country, transforming houses into her clients’ forever homes. With a background in the fashion industry, Gail is passionate about using color and textiles throughout her projects. Though her spaces are steeped in classical decorating principles, she is passionate about crafting interiors that are comfortable, functional living spaces. Each client is different, and each space must consider the reality of their lives, not just serve as a beautiful room. Gail studied at New York School of Interior Design and honed her craft interning at two of New York City’s most prestigious firms—Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates. Her projects have been published in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, AD Pro, Domino, and more. Get in touch with Gail:  https://www.gaildavisdesignsllc.com/portfolio https://www.instagram.com/gaildavisdesigns/ Listen to Gail's podcast:  https://www.gaildavisdesignsllc.com/podcast Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie.

Hey there. Welcome back to This is How We Create, I’m your host, Martine Severin, In this episode I not only talk with a delightful person but a talented one at that. Hailey Losselyong is a Chicago based multidisciplinary artist. Hailey when growing up didn’t always know that she would become an artist. She sewed as her grandmother did, and would make friendship bracelets to sell to her classmates. She went to school thinking she would focus on business, but she turned to visual arts instead . During out time together, Hailey shares her journey to becoming and artist, talks about her dreams for her and the directions she wants to take with her work in the future. Just a heads up, there’ll be a long pause around midway through the episode. I’ve left that pause in the show on purpose. Stay with it! Stay in touch with Hailey: https://hml-design.myshopify.com/ And follow Hailey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hml.design/ Vault Gallery in Pilsen In this episode we mentioned the work of Hebru Brantley: https://www.hebrubrantley.com/ and Joy Cho: https://ohjoy.com/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create and edited and produced by Martine Severin

Welcome back to This is How We Create! In this episode, our host, Martine Severin will walk us through how she aims to live a purposeful life through the creation of a strategic plan and quarterly reviews.  Martine will walk us through the ins-and-outs of creating a review so that you can reflect on your goals thus far in the year and forge a path forward to success. To follow along and to create your own Quarterly Review be sure to download the PDF handout here. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/   Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Follow Martine on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ This is How We Create and edited and produced by Martine Severin 

My guest Susan J Chen is an award-winning photographer whose work bridges the commercial and fine art world.  She uses a conceptual approach to fashion, portraits, things, and motion. Her work has been described as cinematic, moody and emotionally charged with color and dark humor. Susan was chosen by Saatchi Art as one of top 100 women artists in the world.  Her work has been shown in NY, LA, SF, Minneapolis, Tokyo, Miami, and Cataluna, Spain. Movies: Keep up with Susan J Chen  https://www.susanjchen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/susanjchen/ In the Mood for Love - Wong kar Wai Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown by Pedro Almodovar https://www.saatchiart.com/all?query=susan%20j%20chen#

How do you keep yourself motivated with each project you’re taking on? What patterns or processes do you have to launch you into creating new work? How do you motivate yourself past by one, five, 10, 15 and even 20 false starts? How do you motivate yourself to get it done after those failed beginnings? Today, one of my favorite writer, Edwidge Danticat joins on the show to talk about how she became a writer. As an aside as a young Haitian girl, reading Edwidge’s book inspired me to start thinking that I could be a creator. Edwidge will share her artistic process-I know! I’m excited for you to listen as well! Edwidge Danticat is the author of several books, including Breath, Eyes, Memory, The Farming of Bones, Claire of the Sea Light, as well as The Art of Death, and Brother, I'm Dying,  a National Books Critics Circle winner. She is a two time winner of The Story Prize and a 2009 MacArthur Fellow,  and a 2020 winner of the Vilceck Prize. Her most recent book, Everything Inside: Stories,  is a 2020 winner of the Bocas Fiction Prize, The Story Prize, and the National Books Critics Circle Fiction Prize. She is a Member of The American Academy of Arts and Letters. Stay in touch with Edwidge Danticat: http://www.edwidgedanticatsociety.org/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/   Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin 

Today, our guest Farissa Knox, who is a Chicago-based author, producer and entrepreneur. Farissa is Founder and CEO of RLM Media, an integrated marketing and communications advertising agency, and WhatRUWearing (WRUW) Productions. As will become evident through our conversation, Farissa is a visionary creative executive, passionate storyteller and tastemaker. She shares the insider journey of creating her own agency, how she set up her business and the surprises she learned along the way! Get to know Farissa Knox: https://www.instagram.com/farissaknox/ RLM Media: https://rlm-media.net/ Purchase Farissa’s book: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AFarissa+Knox&s=relevancerank&text=Farissa+Knox&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/  Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ This is How We Create and edited and produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie

On the podcast today, we’re chatting with photographer Thalia Gochez. When I first came across Thalia work, I gasped. She creates portraits of the womxn in her neighborhood in a tender yet commanding way.  She arrests your attention to convey her love and respect for her subjects. A print of Thalia’s work hangs proudly in my home. Each time I pass this image of two young women sitting on a stoop, I settle more securely into myself. I see more beauty in the world. During our conversation, we talk about how Thalia centers herself in order to create work. We cover what she demands when taking a commission in order to create her special brand of magic.  This episode is a masterclass in how to step into your power. Book recommendation:  All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks Stay in touch with Thalia Gochez:  https://www.instagram.com/thaliagochez/ This is How We Create has been edited by Casandra Voltolina.