This is How We Create

Show Notes:  Have you thought about how you may include activism in your work? On today's episode, painter Genevieve Ramos shares her journey as a disability advocate and surrealist artist. We explore Genevieve's early artistic exposure, her creative process, and delve into how she came to use surrealism in her work. Lastly, Genevieve opens up about managing pain and her mental health after tragedy.   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 by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West. Get to know Genevieve: https://genevieveramos.art/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genevieveramos.art/# Buy Gevevieve's Art: https://genevieveramos.art/contact

Want to find out the secret to doing the scary things in life? Are you waiting for the right time or for a surge of confidence to finally send that pitch or apply for that residency. In this episode, we explore the psychological traps of "waiting to be ready" and share research-backed strategies to move from stagnant avoidance to meaningful action. If you have been keeping a scary dream on hold, this conversation might be the gentle push you need to start before you feel brave. Chapters 00:00 The internal draft: Why we wait for the right time 01:05 A snowy reflection on the dreams we haven't touched 02:17 The confrontation: When "someday" meets the calendar 03:10 Unlearning the fear patterns that keep us stuck 04:39 The "No Fear Month" challenge and the science of action 05:40 Why feelings follow actions: Insights from cognitive behavioral therapy 06:20 Utilizing temporal landmarks for a fresh start 08:00 Step-by-step: How to schedule your breakthrough 10:30 Keeping promises to yourself: A lesson from my son 12:50 The Pomodoro technique and the power of twenty-five minutes 14:40 Overcoming the discomfort of the "not right now" 16:26 Body doubling and shifting your creative environment   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

In our ongoing series about the creative process of building a studio, we've covered when and how to hire a team. But what happens when a hire isn't the right fit? I'm pulling back the curtain on a lesson that cost me months of energy and a piece of my confidence as a leader. You'll often know by week three or four when a new hire isn't going to make it, and waiting six months to act isn't just costly, it's a failure of leadership. I share the difference between a coachable skill gap and a fundamental values misalignment. Discover the two questions that immediately clarify your next move and the three clear, documented conversations you must have before making the final decision. This episode provides a clear, direct process to protect your creative work and act with grace and clarity, because your vision is worth protecting. Chapters 00:00 - An Expensive Lesson in Waiting: Why I Didn't Act for Six Months 01:30 - The Six-Month Rule: Knowing When It's Time to Make a Clear Decision 02:40 - Coaching vs. Cutting Loose: When to Invest in Skill vs. Values 04:05 - Making It Better or Just Different: The Two Defining Questions 04:55 - The Three Clear Conversations Before You Let Someone Go 07:05 - How to Have the Firing Conversation: Clarity is Kindness 08:45 - The Cost of Waiting and Why Acting Fast is Great Leadership 10:40 - Am I Coaching Because I Believe or Because I'm Afraid?   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

You've made the hire and the contract is signed. Yay. Now we can begin the real work. In this final installment of our mini-series on hiring your first assistant, I'm pulling back the curtain on the first crucial 90 days and the art of proper onboarding. I'll be sharing the systems and intentional frameworks, honed from years of building teams in my photography business and overseeing a 120-person team in a co-owned company, that help a new hire fully absorb your vision, not just your tasks. I'll walk you through the 30-60-90 framework for ensuring your new team member is set up for success. Learn why the first 30 days are purely for learning, when to flip the script on task ownership, and what to watch for by day 60 to prevent costly misalignments. This episode will provide you with the blueprint for creating an operating document, using tools for clear process transfer, and course-correcting early to ensure your future self (and your entire creative business) is amplified, not diluted. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Series Recap 02:23 - The Crucial 90 Days: Onboarding vs. Orientation 04:44 - Breaking Down the 30-60-90 Framework 07:04 - Why You Must Encourage "Dumb" Questions 09:16 - Honesty Check: Are You Micromanaging? 11:37 - A Concrete Example: Onboarding for Client Communication 14:02 - Creating Your Operating Document and Role-Playing Scenarios 16:21 - The Week Eight Check-in and the Importance of Documentation 18:48 - Setting People Up for Success: Coaching Versus Cutting Loose   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Hiring your first helper is exciting, but it can also be terrifying. After keeping the wrong person on my team for far too long, I realized I had been focusing on all the wrong things. Skills on a resume are table stakes, but you cannot teach someone to care about the details the way you do. In this episode (Part 2 of our hiring series), I am pulling back the curtain on the screening process that saved me from making that mistake again. I share the specific, behavioral questions I now ask to uncover a candidate's true values, the red flags that signal a poor fit, and the single most important step I take before making any commitment: the paid trial project. This is the guide I wish I had when I started building my team.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back & The Hiring Journey 00:45 The Mistake I Made With My First Hire 02:05 Looking Beyond the Resume: Skills vs. Values 03:00 Why "Culture Fit" Is Everything for a Small Creative Business 04:00 The Pre-Screening Trick for Attention to Detail 05:50 How to Ask About Past Work (The "Prioritization" Question) 07:45 Asking About Mistakes and Listening for Ownership 09:30 How Do They Handle Critical Feedback? 10:30 The Importance of a (Paid) Trial Project 11:50 The Truth Revealed in the Trial 12:20 Red Flags: Badmouthing and Vague Answers 13:00 Why the Questions They Ask Matter 13:30 The One Question I Wish I Had Asked 14:00 Final Thoughts: Aligned, Not Perfect   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Some creatives hire when they're overwhelmed, not when they're ready to lead. Before you bring on that intern or assistant, you need clarity on what you're handing off, bandwidth to train them, and rock-solid values they can execute on. I'm pleased to share the hiring frameworks that rocked my world when it came to bringing on new team members.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Four-Part Series on Hiring 01:06 The Mistake: Hiring When You Are Not Ready to Lead 02:08 Question 1: What Specific Work Are You Handing Off? 02:49 Question 2: Can You Afford to Train Someone (With Time)? 03:31 Question 3: Do You Know Your Non-Negotiables? 04:30 The EOS Framework and The People Analyzer 05:07 The Three Parts of the People Analyzer: Get It, Want It, Capacity 08:08 Journaling Prompts: Defining Your Core Values 10:30 The Key Advice: Hire for One Job, Not to Replace Yourself 13:10 Coming Up: The Interview Process   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

What does it take to change an entire industry? Thirty years ago, Jomo Tariku, then an industrial design student, noticed something profound missing in his university library: contemporary African furniture designers. This observation sparked a decades-long journey of persistence and vision. I sit down with Jomo to discuss his path from sketching designs in his garage while working other jobs to having his celebrated work featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He shares how his father's incredible story as a refugee gave him the hubris to persist through a 27-year wait for recognition. Tune in to learn how he translates his heritage (from the horns of the Nyala antelope to the powerful symbolism of the Afro-comb) into functional, modern art. Tune in to this story about patience, process, and the fight to redefine the creative canon. Chapters 02:22 The Collector's Home: Early Influences from a Father's Travels 05:13 Breadcrumbs: From Drawing Objects to Industrial Design 09:34 The Missing Narrative: A Thesis on African Furniture 14:14 The "Hubris" of an Orphan: A Father's Legacy of Courage 18:59 The Story of the Mito Chair: Connecting Continents with an Afro-Pick 24:37 A Commission for Seneca Village: The Met Afrofutures Room 26:08 The Designer's Process: Collaboration and Master Craftsmanship 31:40 The Balance of Beauty and Function 33:41 How 3D Printing Changed the Game 39:36 The Cost of a Prototype 42:18 The Nyala Chair: "The One That Put Me on the Map" 42:48 The 27-Year Wait and the Rise of BADG 45:10 Advocating for a More Inclusive Canon 47:33 Redefining Success: Joy, Research, and Community   Connect with Jomo: Follow Jomo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jomotariku Jomo's Website: https://jomotariku.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between the loud hustle culture of constant visibility and the profound power of simply refusing to give up, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Join me in this episode as I share unexpected lessons in persistence, inspired by Death Valley.  Chapters 00:00 - The Unlikely Pairing: Death Valley and Dehydrated Shrimp 01:50 - The Persistence of Fairy Shrimp and Resurrection Moss 02:30 - Redefining Persistence: Why Dormancy is Not Failure 03:40 - When Your Rain Comes: Being Ready to Rise 04:30 - Nature's Pep Talk: The Audacity of a 50-Year Wait 05:30 - A Call to Action for Your Quiet Creative Work   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Every so often, we come across an artist whose journey reminds us that creativity is a promise of transformation. What started as a project to design graduation caps (that then went viral) evolved into a story of artistic evolution, mental health healing, and finding purpose through creativity. In this episode, mixed media textile artist Bria Gladney reveals how the most meaningful art comes from the intersection of personal healing, community impact, and the courage to trust the process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bria Gladney and Her Journey 03:02 From Class Clown to Pencil: Early Creative Exposures 08:46 The Viral Spark: Designing Graduation Caps in College 11:06 The Decision to Become a Full-Time Artist 11:37 The Spiritual Journey and the Humbling Transformation 17:05 From Canvas to Crochet: The Genesis of the "Dear Cleo" Bears 21:08 Redefining Success: From Chasing Fame to Seeking Impact 23:10 The Craft: Creating Mixed Media Textile Art 24:41 Full-Time Art: Income Streams and Pricing the Work 27:47 The Healing Power of the 'Lovie': Bears as Adult Comfort 29:50 Finding Inspiration Through Conversation and Designated Thinking Time 36:37 Art as Philanthropy: Partnering with the Too Fly Foundation 41:36 Advice on Finding Your Artistic Voice: Stay True to You   Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs iHeart Podcast: http://bit.ly/4lRHms3   Connect with Bria:  Follow Bria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briagladney Bria's Website: https://www.briagladney.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

I recently spent time hiking the Four Corners (you know, the area in the US where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico form corners). After pushing my body to its limits, I ended up on a massage table where an unexpected mantra changed my perspective.  This mantra made me ask: if we have mantras for meditation and our bodies, why not for our creative practice? We, as creatives, spend so much time battling imposter syndrome and the endless feelings of "not enough". Why not use mantras to help us dip into the springwell of our creativity.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome: A Mantra I Didn't Know I Needed  00:40 Hiking the Four Corners and a Body at Its Limit  01:20 The Mantra: "I Am Grounded in the Earth"  02:15 The Realization: Why Not a Mantra for Our Work?  02:45 Battling the "Not Enough" Voice  03:20 This Isn't Toxic Positivity  04:15 How to Find Your Own Creative Mantra  05:20 My Mantra (Right Now)  06:30 Your Turn: Let It Ground You   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

How does a creative professional build a portfolio of 18 books? My guest today, Navi' Robins, is a Chicago-born author and graphic designer who does just that. His creative perspective was shaped by a childhood spent living across five continents. In our conversation, Navi' shares the inspiration behind his new Black Lotus trilogy, a futuristic world where men have been eradicated, and how real-world political events sparked the idea. We dig into his process as a "freestyle writer",  his secrets to dynamic world-building, and the fearless habit he relies on to push the boundaries of his imagination. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Navi' Robins  01:47 - Releasing the Black Lotus Trilogy  03:08 - The Inspiration: From Trump's Escalator to Roe v. Wade  04:41 - Inside the Black Lotus: A World Without Men  07:56 - Early Influences: Reading Stephen King in Secret  10:31 - Writing the First Book: Combining 10 Stories into One  15:32 - The Approach to World-Building  19:00 - What Frightens People the Most?  20:38 - The Habit of Being Fearless  22:17 - Daily Routines: Afrobeat and Freestyle Writing  26:39 - Overcoming Writer's Block  28:00 - Finding an Artistic Voice   Connect with Navi:  Follow Navi' on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navirobins/ Navi's Website: https://www.navirobins.net/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you wondered about the gap between the beautiful work on artists' websites and the reality of making a living off of your creative work? Join three incredible artists: illustrator Andrea Pippins, illustrator Alex Cabal, and photographer Chris Charles, who share their "income pie." They reveal that making it is a result of royalties, commissions, speaking gigs, and consulting that supports their creative life.  Chapters 00:00 - The Reality of Paying Rent as an Artist  02:15 - Understanding the "Income Pie" (Feat. Andrea Pippins)  04:28 - Andrea Pippins Shares Her Income Pie Breakdown  06:29 - Alex Cabal on a Fluctuating Creative Income  09:45 - The Importance of Asking for Help and Avoiding Burnout 10:30 - Chris Charles on Diversifying with Consulting and Film  12:07 - Final Thoughts   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Puma campaign with perfectly lit, commercial-ready shots, she realized something was missing - soul.  In this episode, the photographer behind campaigns for Nike, Google, Netflix, and Dior reveals how she transformed her work from safe and sterile to moody and magnetic. Learn how she developed her mantra "I don't shoot what it looks like, I shoot what it feels like" and discover the specific techniques she used to find her signature warm, Caribbean-influenced style that makes clients like Don Cheadle and Simone Biles feel vulnerable in front of her lens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sage East's Vision  04:04 From the Medical Field to a Camera  05:30 Starting Out: Finding a Muse and Shooting Weddings  06:29 The First Big Gig: PUMA  09:10 The Motto: "I Don't Shoot What It Looks Like, I Shoot What It Feels Like"  10:25 Evolving a Signature Style: Moody, Warm, and Experimental  15:15 The Power of Color Theory and Jamaican Heritage  17:30 How to Communicate Your Vision: The Art of the Treatment  24:43 Adding "Director" to the Title  28:51 Creating Vulnerability with High-Profile Talent  31:30 Defining "Main Character Moments"   Connect with Sage:   Follow Sage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.east Sage's Website: https://www.sageeast.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Turns out most successful creative careers are funded by multiple streams.  If you've ever felt that cobbling it together means you haven't truly arrived, this episode is a reminder that you're building something sustainable, resilient, and entirely your own. Chapters 00:00 - The Secret Feeling of Being a Fraud  02:17 - The "Income Pie" Revelation  04:37 - Why Your Pie is a Source of Freedom, Not Failure  06:55 - How Bridge Work Sustains the Dream Work  09:09 - Homework: How to Draw Your Own Income Pie  11:34 - You Are Building Something Sustainable   Book Recommendations on Building a Multifaceted Creative Career If the idea of an "income pie" resonates with you, here are a few books that explore how to build a sustainable and multifaceted creative life: The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma Gannon: This book is a celebration of the modern portfolio career. Gannon argues that having multiple work streams isn't a distraction but a way to build a more resilient, passion-fueled, and future-proof career. Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon: A practical and inspiring guide for artists, this book covers everything from setting goals to diversifying income. Congdon is a master at turning creative passion into a thriving business and shares how multiple revenue streams (like licensing, teaching, and print sales) are key to a sustainable practice. Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins: Goins debunks the myth of the "starving artist" by showing how successful creators throughout history have embraced an entrepreneurial mindset. The book provides a framework for thriving, not just surviving, by strategically building multiple income sources that support your creative work. Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis: While not exclusively for artists, this book is perfect for any creative who wants to build a profitable, enjoyable, and sustainable business on their own terms. It challenges the traditional growth-at-all-costs mindset and champions a smarter, more intentional approach to work, which often involves focusing on a variety of profitable endeavors rather than scaling into a massive operation.   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to becoming a book illustrator, her experience at SVA, and her shift into tattooing. Violeta opens up about the realities of freelancing, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and honing her distinctive color palette. She also shares how nature inspires her work, the significance of personal connections in art, and her upcoming projects.  We talk with Violeta Encarnación, a freelance illustrator, about her creative journey and experiences in book illustration. She shares memories of growing up in Cuba, the impact of her artistic family, and her transition to life in the U.S. Violeta reflects on her time at SVA, her path into tattooing, and the lessons she has learned as a freelancer. She opens up about managing an unpredictable schedule, coping with carpal tunnel syndrome, and staying authentic in her work. Violeta also discusses her distinctive color palette, nature's influence on her art, and the role of personal connections in creative careers. Episode Highlights   Childhood experiences and cultural background. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Book illustration involves collaboration, patience, and the ability to convey complex emotions through images. Developing a unique color palette takes time and experimentation, and it can be influenced by nature and personal experiences. Finding one's voice in art and maintaining personal connections are essential for success.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: A Collage of Moments Frozen in Time  02:45 - A Journey of Belonging: From Cuba to the U.S.  06:30 - The Language of Emotion: Finding Your Voice in a New Tongue  10:15 - Reclaiming Art as a Safe Space  13:05 - The Unexpected Path to Tattooing  17:01 - Illustrating a New Chapter: Breaking into Picture Books  22:30 - The Resilience of a First "No": Redrawing Her Way to a "Yes"  28:15 - Juggling the Freelance Life: Cash Flow and Creative Burnout  36:00 - A Journey with Color: From Fear to Harmony  42:50 - What's Next: Ceramics and Storytelling   Connect with Violeta: Follow Violeta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_violeta.encarnacion_ Violeta's Website: https://www.violetaencarnacion.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

What does it take to keep creating, even after dozens of false starts? In this deeply insightful encore episode, I'm sharing my conversation with the legendary author Edwidge Danticat.  Edwidge shares how she found her own voice as a writer and offers a candid look into her artistic practice today. We talk about the "dance with fear", and the "20 notebooks of false starts" for her current novel, and the practical mindset it takes to push through creative blocks.  This is a powerful and reassuring conversation for any creator who has ever felt stalled by perfectionism or self-doubt. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Edwidge Danticat 02:30 - The Oral Storytellers of a Haitian Childhood 04:30 - From Listening to Writing: Discovering the Power of Books 06:55 - Finding a Voice and First Publications 09:20 - Choosing Art Over a Prescribed Path 11:30 - The Dance with Fear: Navigating Self-Doubt and Perfectionism 14:50 - The 20 Notebooks: A Look into the Creative Process 18:10 - Learning to Trust Your Own Process 20:10 - A Message to Her Younger Self   Connect with Edwidge:   Edwidge's Website: https://edwidgedanticat.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever felt the pull to leave a secure, conventional career for a more exciting path of as an artist?  In this encore episode, I'm revisiting my conversation with photographer Nolis Anderson, whose journey is a powerful lesson in following your creative intuition.  Nolis shares the incredible story of how he pivoted from pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to building a full-time photography career, not with a grand plan, but through organic growth and the power of community.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wondering if their 'hobby' could be something more. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Nolis Anderson 01:06 - From Kenwood Academy to a Creative Path 02:40 - The Surprising Leap: From Pharmacy to Photography 06:30 - Finding a Voice: From Parties to Portraits 11:50 - The Art of Capturing Ephemeral Moments 14:10 - The "Clean" Aesthetic: Editing and Process 17:15 - The Power of Mentorship and Community 19:20 - Navigating the Business of Creativity 25:50 - Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead   Connect with Nolis:   Follow Nolis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolis Nolis's Website: https://www.nolisanderson.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

When was the last time your creative energy faded away like mist? One season you're overflowing with ideas, and the next, you feel like you're trying to draw water from a dry well.  In this personal solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own creative rhythms. Tune in to hear how to use your natural creative lulls to your advantage. This episode is a gentle reminder that your river of creativity is always flowing, even when it goes underground for a while. Chapters 00:00 - My Not-So-Secret Creative Cycle 02:21 - The Dry Spell: When the Well Runs Empty 04:49 - The Return of the River: Embracing the Flow 07:15 - Beyond Hustle: Challenging the Myth of Constant Creation 09:33 - What to Do When the Ideas Aren't Flowing 11:46 - Mapping Your Own Creative Seasons 14:10 - Your River is Always Flowing   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for art into a real, thriving career? In this episode, I'm delighted to sit down with Alex Craig, a self-taught artist, painter, and illustrator who embodies the spirit of creative determination. Alex shares her journey, from a childhood surrounded by artists to launching her first clothing line to eventually showcasing her work at prestigious events such as the Black Girl Art Show. This conversation explores perseverance and authenticity that transform passion into purpose. We dig into: The practical steps of building an art business,  We talk about how to digest critique,  How to open an Etsy shop and  Tips to find the right printer and pricing for your work.   Alex's story is a reminder that with a strong support system and an unwavering belief in your own voice, you can build the creative life you've always envisioned. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Craig 01:21 Growing Up Creative: A Family of Artists 03:40 The College Hustle: From Custom Jackets to a Clothing Line 07:25 Taught by Experience: Lessons from a College Art Class 11:11 The Art of Critique: Learning to Let Go of Ego 19:23 Finding Your Voice with a Little Push from Family 22:05 The Practical Hustle: Starting and Growing an Etsy Shop 28:27 Bridging Worlds: How Digital Sketches Inform Physical Paintings 33:20 The Art of Pricing: On Accessibility and Value 36:54 The Signature Palette: A Love Story with the Color Blue 40:13 What Sets Her Heart Ablaze: The Drive to Keep Creating   Connect with Alexandra:  Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artviaalex Alexandra's Website: https://artviaalex.etsy.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Think back to your younger self. What advice would you give to that version of yourself? In today's episode, I'm sharing a powerful compilation of advice from three artists who have learned to quiet their chatty minds to be their best selves.  We'll hear from Murielle Banackissa, celebrated food photographer, stylist, and author of the cookbook Savoring. Nana Oduro, a visual artist. And from, Tiffany Brooks, a leading figure in the interior design world.  This episode is an intimate collection of insights on trusting the process, embracing your voice, and finding the courage to create authentically. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: A Conversation with Our Younger Selves 02:23 Murielle Banackissa on Trusting the Process 05:28 Nana Oduro on Why Fear is the Mind-Killer 07:36 Tiffany Brooks on the Power of Following Your Gut 10:45 What Advice Would You Give?    Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives