Art & Cocktails

Kristy returns to Art and Cocktails to share the inspiring story behind writing and publishing her book. We talk about the dream that began in childhood, the process of bringing it to life, and the milestones that followed. These include holding the finished copy in her hands, receiving an endorsement from Jerry Saltz, and seeing her work translated into Taiwanese. Kristy also addresses the myths that hold artists back from writing, why you do not have to identify as a “real writer” to publish a book, and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing while keeping your vision intact. She shares details about her upcoming Essential Publishing Bootcamp with Frannie, a live two-day workshop that helps artists and creatives turn their book ideas into reality. Participants will learn about the different publishing paths, receive a step-by-step workflow for bringing a book to life, and review examples of real winning pitches that secured book deals. Whether you are interested in traditional publishing, indie presses, or self-publishing on Amazon, this workshop will provide the tools to make it happen. Kristy Gordon is a Canadian-born artist based in New York City whose paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Uris Center, the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, and the National Academy Museum in New York City. She is a three-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she now teaches. Her work appears in more than 600 collections worldwide and has been featured in Vogue, Hyperallergic, and Fine Art Connoisseur. She is represented by Garvey|Simon, Blumka Contemporary, and Grenning Gallery. Learn more about Kristy’s Essential Publishing Bootcamp and sign up at https://www.down2art.com/Write-Your-book. Create! Magazine is now accepting submissions for our upcoming issue. Apply to the current call for art at https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art. Publish your own art catalog: https://www.createmagazine.co/art-catalog  

Hello friends, and welcome to Art & Cocktails. In this solo episode, I’m Ekaterina Popova ( Kat), inviting you to return to the joy, curiosity, and grounding that comes from showing up for your art without overcomplication or pressure. This summer, I started a 100-day painting challenge that has completely reignited my love for the process. I share how working small, limiting my decisions, and committing to consistent daily practice has kept me inspired and overflowing with ideas. We discuss why slowing down and simplifying can help you create more, how to eliminate decision fatigue in your practice, the power of small daily creative commitments, using challenges to build confidence and spark inspiration, and how to protect your joy in art while still pursuing professional goals. Whether you’ve been in a creative rut or simply want to fall in love with making again, this episode will remind you why you started. Join the 100-Day Painting Challenge & Course. We start August 18, 2025. Learn alla prima techniques, get weekly demos, safe material tips, and join a supportive community committed to creating every day. Perfect for oil or acrylic painters. 👉 Enroll here: https://www.katerinapopova.com/100-day-painting-challenge-course Mentioned in this episode: Emergency Exit group exhibition at Cole Gallery, Menorca — available works on Artsy: www.artsy.net/show/cohle-gallery-emergency-exit Read on Substack: https://ekaterinapopova.substack.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review on iTunes. It helps us reach more creatives like you.

In this special episode of Art & Cocktails, artist Danielle Clough joins host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) to share her journey to becoming an internationally recognized embroidery artist. Known for her bold, painterly thread work and playful approach to fiber, Danielle opens up about finding her voice, building a creative career on her own terms, and embracing the power of intuition and process. She reflects on the evolution of her practice—from sewing plush toys and experimenting with “thread sketching” to creating intricate embroidered portraits that feel like paintings. Danielle also discusses her breakout moment with Colossal, the inspiration behind her newest solo show Crewel Intentions at Paradigm Gallery, and how she reimagines vintage imagery through a contemporary lens. This episode explores the value of craft in the art world, the importance of protecting what you love when working with commercial brands, and the joy of slowing down through hands-on making. Danielle offers heartfelt encouragement for emerging fiber artists and shares the story behind her iconic Instagram handle, @fiance_knowles. If you're in Philadelphia, don’t miss her solo exhibition Crewel Intentions, now on view at Paradigm Gallery. More info: paradigmarts.org/blogs/news/danielle-clough-crewel-intentions Stay Connected Follow Danielle Clough: Website: danielleclough.com Instagram: @fiance_knowles Apply to be featured in Create! Magazine’s 9-Year Anniversary Print Issue: createmagazine.co/call-for-art Subscribe to Create! Dispatch on Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Explore artist courses and resources at Create U: createu.co Follow us on Instagram: @createmagazine

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, awkward, or drained by art openings or networking events, this episode is for you. Host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) shares supportive and practical advice for introverted artists who want to show up with authenticity and confidence without sacrificing their energy. You’ll learn how to prepare, what to say, and how to care for your emotional well-being before and after events. From conversation tips to grounding practices and confidence, this quick solo episode offers a gentle guide for navigating the social side of the art world in a way that honors your personality. Whether you are just beginning to attend shows again or want to expand your network while staying true to yourself, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more empowered. Learn more about the podcast.   Topics Covered: • Mindset reframes for introverts • How to prepare for gallery events and conversations • Conversation starters and meaningful ways to connect • How to feel good in your body through wardrobe choices • Boundaries, exit strategies and post-event grounding • Alternatives to traditional networking Helpful Questions to Ask at Openings: • What brought you out tonight? • Are you one of the artists in the show? • Which work stood out to you? • I follow your work. It's so nice to see it in person. • I'm new to this space. Do you come here often?   Recommended Resources: How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes Presence by Amy Cuddy The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron CreateU.co — online courses and community for artists Connect: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow artist and tag @createmagazine or @katerinapopova on Instagram. We would love to hear what resonated with you or how you're learning to show up in your own way.

This episode is a dream come true. I sit down with bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith, whose viral poem Good Bones captured hearts around the world. We talk about navigating creative life with honesty and resilience—from managing unsupportive friends to staying grounded when the world starts watching. We also dive into her newest book, Dear Writer, and how artists can protect their joy, set boundaries, and thrive in the AI era by getting weird, staying real, and honoring their process. If you're a writer, artist, or creative soul trying to stay true to your work in a noisy world—this one's for you. In this episode, we talk about: What happened when Good Bones went viral (14:40) Why you don’t need to monetize everything you make (18:25) Dealing with unsupportive family and friends (30:00) How to write personal stories safely and honestly (42:10) Maggie’s approach to creative rhythm vs. consistency (52:30) Why imperfection, eccentricity, and “making it weirder” matter now more than ever (1:02:00) Guest Bio: Maggie Smith is the author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, Goldenrod, and Keep Moving. Her poems and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Best American Poetry. A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and Ohio Arts Council, her next book Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life will be released in April 2025. Connect with Maggie Smith: Website: maggiesmithpoet.com Instagram: @maggiesmithpoet Substack: For Dear Life Presented by Create! Magazine Submit to our open calls or subscribe to the digital edition at createmagazine.co Let’s connect: Instagram: @createmagazine Host: @katerinaspopova

In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms.   Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land.   This episode is a balm for any artist feeling overwhelmed, out of place, or unsure of what comes next. It’s a reminder that your work doesn’t have to be impressive—it just has to be yours.   In this episode, they discuss: Life after academia and what changed in higher education Making time for your art while raising a family or working full-time How Cheryl approaches residencies, place-based work, and listening Letting go of external pressure and creating from authenticity The real markers of a fulfilling creative life Advice for artists just beginning—or beginning again Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg Website: www.cherylagulnick.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhochberg     ✨ Resources to Support Your Creative Path: Submit to Create! Magazine’s open call: createmagazine.co/call-for-art Explore free artist tools + micro-courses at Create U

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast. Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world.   We discuss:   How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends How to build your own creative platform with purpose and integrity Practical advice for writers, curators, and creatives entering the art world   Whether you’re an artist, curator, or collector, this episode will inspire you to think differently about visibility, community, and the future of contemporary art. Learn more about Art Forecast: https://artforecast.substack.com 📷 Follow Tatum on Instagram: @artforecast Sponsors: 🎁 Get free guides, templates, and artist tools to grow your creative career: createu.co/free Submit or subscribe to Create! Magazine: https://createmagazine.co Start learning with micro-courses on Create U: https://createu.co

Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out. Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art.   🎯 You’ll Learn:   How to audit your finances, time, and energy Why profit > revenue (and how to spot the difference) Simple tools to track what’s draining vs. energizing you When to delegate, hire, or pause offers How to shift from “doing it all” to working like a creative CEO   🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned:   📘 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz 📘 Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield-Thomas   Optional: Use AI tools (like ChatGPT!) to analyze your bank statements and identify where income flows—and where you might be overspending   🔗 Featured Links:   👉 Build Your Art Career & Business at Create UTake instant-access micro-courses for artists and creative entrepreneurs. From press features to pricing and gallery strategy, get tools to grow your income, confidence, and visibility. 🎓 Start learning now at www.createu.co   👉 Submit to Create! Magazine's Fall 2025 IssueBe featured in print and digital, curated by art advisor Emily McElwreath. 🖼️ Apply now at www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art   ✨ Let’s Connect: 🎁 Get free guides, templates, and artist tools to grow your creative career: createu.co/free 📸 Instagram: @createmagazine | @katerinaspopova 🌐 Website: www.createmagazine.co www.katpopova.com   🎧 If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review on iTunes, and share it with a creative friend. Your support helps keep this show ad-free and packed with value. 💛

In this uplifting and practical mindset episode, I’m joined by transformational coach and author Olga, whose new book It’s Already Yours offers a refreshing and accessible approach to identity, mindset, and aligned creation.   We dive into: How your subconscious mind shapes your day-to-day reality The role of identity and nervous system regulation in reaching your goals Tools to gently shift out of doubt and into creative flow Why success comes from alignment—not from pushing harder How to move forward without needing everything to be “healed” first   If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure of your next step, this episode is a reassuring reminder that you’re not broken—and your next level might be closer (and simpler) than you think.   ✨ Brought to you by CreateU.co – On-demand micro-courses designed to support creative entrepreneurs.   📖 Order Olga’s book and explore her programs: It’s Already Yours on Amazon www.itisalreadyyours.com   🎧 Subscribe to Art & Cocktails and follow @createmagazine + @katerinaspopova for more inspiration. 🖼️ Submit your work or read the magazine at: www.createmagazine.co

In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with artist, curator, educator, and coach Sergio Gomez to talk about what it truly means to be a successful artist in 2025. Sergio shares his incredible journey—from creating art while working a 9 to 5 job to launching a thriving gallery, curating international exhibitions, and mentoring artists through The Artist NXT Level. We explore: ✨ The power of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset 🎯 Becoming an opportunity creator, not just a seeker 🖼 What curators actually look for in juried shows and proposals 🌀 How to balance a multi-passionate art career 💡 Real-world tips for building a sustainable and soulful creative business Whether you're applying for open calls, refining your art career path, or seeking clarity in your next move—this episode is packed with grounded advice and encouragement. 🌿 Artist Opportunities Mentioned: Lightness of Being — Now accepting submissions at createmagazine.co/call-for-art Presented by Create! Magazine and juried by Sergio Gomez. Selected artists will be featured in a curated virtual exhibition and beautifully designed print catalog. Deadline: May 30. Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize — Global award for emerging and established artists across all mediums. Submit at beautifulbizarreartprize.art 🔗 Explore More: Sergio Gomez's art and projects: sergiogomezart.com theartistnextlevel.com Kat’s personal website & coaching: katpopova.com Submit your work or read more at: createmagazine.co

In this honest chat, Kat shares an unfiltered look at what artists like you and me truly need in 2025 and beyond. From navigating overwhelm and distraction to embracing deeper purpose and aligned visibility, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that your art, your voice, and your vision still matter. This episode offers grounded encouragement to help you reconnect with your mission, regulate your nervous system, and create from a place of clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you. You’ll hear Kat’s personal take on what’s working right now (and what’s not), including why being seen, building intentional income streams, and honoring your energy are some of the most important things you can do as an artist in this season. This isn’t a marketing episode or a how-to—it’s a permission slip to be human and to keep going. This episode is sponsored by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Entries are now open for the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize! Now in its 8th year, this annual non-acquisitive international art prize is administered by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts—including all static mediums: traditional, digital, and photographic. From realism and hyperrealism to pop surrealism and lowbrow, this prize honors it all. With over $77,000 in cash and prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, this is an incredible opportunity to gain funding and global exposure for your work. Finalists will also have a chance to exhibit in the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Haven Gallery in New York, alongside 70 of the world’s top contemporary artists. You don’t need to submit a physical artwork—just upload an image of your favorite piece (even if it’s already sold). This year’s six award categories are: MPB Photography Award Digital Art Award The RAYMAR Painting Award Victoria Olt Gallery Drawing Award Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Catherine K. Gyllerstrom Emerging Artist Award There’s also a People’s Choice Award, offering a second chance to win with an additional $1,000 prize and a bespoke promotion package with Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. The team looks at every single entry—and many are shared online and on social media before the deadline—making this a powerful way to get noticed. 🗓 Entries close July 17, 2025 👉 Learn more and enter at beautifulbizarreartprize.art Looking for support as you grow? Kat is now accepting new 1:1 and small group mentorship clients—ideal for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and art world professionals building their own path. Learn more and apply at katpopova.com/mentorship Want to be published and featured? Create! Magazine’s latest Call for Art is now open—submit your work for a chance to be featured in print, online, and in upcoming exhibitions. Full details at createmagazine.co/call-for-art Explore Create U For tools and support to build a sustainable, aligned creative career, check out Create U—Kat’s digital school for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Inside, you’ll find micro-courses on selling your art, writing your bio, growing your audience, building income streams, and more. Kat also shares updates on her evolving coaching practice and her commitment to supporting creative leaders who are ready to build their own platforms and spaces in the art world. This is a raw, powerful episode that so many artists need to hear right now.

In this solo episode, host Kat — artist, certified coach, and founder of Create! Magazine — speaks directly to those navigating the in-between seasons of life and creativity: when the vision is clear, but momentum feels slow, and nothing seems to be moving fast enough. From reframing your challenges to trusting the pruning seasons, this episode is a reminder that you're not going backwards — you're evolving. You’ll learn how to stop over-identifying with obstacles, use tools like anchoring and “living as if,” and incorporate creative rituals like walking in nature to regulate your nervous system and reignite your vision. Kat also explores the concept of mental hygiene, reducing negativity, and cultivating a mindset that nurtures expansion instead of fear. This conversation is here to help you zoom out, reconnect with your inner knowing, and take aligned, empowered action — especially when the path ahead feels unclear. Limited time only: Grab the Art Career Bundle — a curated collection of 10 workshops designed to help artists step into visibility, sales, and strategic growth. It's 50% off through May 21 at createu.co. This is your reminder: your dream is real. You are not shrinking — you're expanding. Apply to work with Kat 1:1: https://www.katpopova.com/mentorship Visit www.createmagazine.co for recources and artist opportunities  

What makes a work of art resonate? Is it the colors, the subject, the symbolism—or something more elusive? In this episode, curator, author, and coach Gita Joshi returns to talk about her new book Framing the Invisible: How We See and Understand Art. We explore how perception, personal experience, and context shape the way we engage with artwork—whether you're an artist, collector, or simply a curious viewer. We also talk about why visual literacy matters, how to talk about your work with confidence, and why there's no wrong way to see art. Order Gita’s book: https://amzn.to/4j6AJ2V Start learning with our educational micro learning hub: https://www.createu.co Read the blog, submit your work, or check out the latest issue of Create! Magazine: https://www.createmagazine.co Follow Gita on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi Follow Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katerinaspopova Thanks for listening to Art & Cocktails! Love the show? We appreciate your support, plese leave us a quick review on iTunes and share this with a friend. 

If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not getting featured?”—this episode is for you. Whether your pitches are met with silence, you’re dropping “feature me” comments under open calls, or you’re simply unsure how to approach editors, this is the (loving) tough-love conversation you didn’t know you needed. In this solo episode, Kat shares raw insight from her unique perspective as both a published artist and the editor of Create! Magazine. You’ll learn why some pitches get ignored (even when the art is strong), what editors are actually looking for, and how to approach press and media outreach with clarity, professionalism, and confidence. She also pulls back the curtain on behind-the-scenes stories and common mistakes that hold artists back—like relying solely on social media comments, sending vague DMs, or coming off too self-promotional. You’ll leave with a grounded understanding of how to share your work in a way that actually resonates. Kat also explores the energetic and mindset side of visibility—because getting featured isn’t just about tactics. It’s about believing you’re worthy of being seen, celebrated, and supported.   Want to take it further? Grab Kat’s new mini course: How to Get Featured in Magazines and Press as an Artist at CreateU.co. It’s just $39 and includes a 40-minute video training, pitch templates, a press kit checklist, and Kat’s exact system that’s helped hundreds of artists land meaningful features. New to juried submissions? Make sure you’re not skipping the basics—download our free guide: Essential Tips for Emerging Artists Before Submitting Their Work. Your work deserves to be seen. Let’s make sure the right people find it. Listen now, share with a fellow artist, and start visualizing your next feature—because it’s possible, and it’s closer than you think.

In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails, I’m (Ekaterina Popova) celebrating my nine-year self-employment anniversary—marking the moment I walked out of my corporate job and committed to building a life as a full-time artist and creative entrepreneur. This conversation blends personal storytelling with practical strategies for artists who are just starting out, those in the thick of building, and anyone dreaming of making their creative practice sustainable. I share what worked for me when I had fewer than 300 followers, no gallery representation, and no real roadmap—just passion, urgency, and the willingness to figure it out. You’ll hear what helped me sell my first artworks, grow beyond friends and family, and start showing up professionally long before I felt “ready.” Topics include: How I made my first sales with a small audience What to post and how to talk about your work Why local shows and early wins deserve celebration How I began getting noticed by curators and galleries What I did to prepare for opportunities before they happened Why I built Create! Magazine to support other artists like me The shift from doing everything to scaling through systems Why you don’t need to go viral to succeed How creative leadership changed my business and energy I also talk about growing Create U, embracing structure as a form of freedom, and what I’ve learned about building a business that allows for rest, alignment, and long-term joy—not just hustle. If you’re navigating a season of growth or feel like you're on the edge of something new, I hope this episode encourages you to take your next brave step. Explore resources mentioned in this episode: Sell From the Studio course at Create U: www.createu.co/sell-from-the-studio Submit to Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art Read and subscribe to my Substack: artandcocktails.substack.com Thank you so much for listening. I’m honored to be on this creative path with you.