This is How We Create

In this episode, host Martine Severin shares her proven 10-year framework for creative reflection that treats your artistic journey with the gentleness it deserves. Through the lens of "creative archaeology," discover how to uncover patterns, celebrate progress, and set meaningful intentions for your creative practice. This episode is part 3 of our three-part series on reflections and gaining clar...

We sit down with Alex Cabal, a Los Angeles-based illustrator whose vibrant work celebrates cultural identity and diverse representation. From movie posters to YA book covers, Alex shares her journey of finding authentic artistic expression and building a sustainable creative career. Episode Highlights Growing up in a strict household and using art as an escape Transition from movie poster concept...

Latest Episode: Building Bridges to Your Future Creative Self (Part 2 of 3) Transform your creative practice through this theatrical three-act exploration. Using insights from "Wicked" and conversations with seasoned artists, learn to identify and bridge the gaps holding you back. This episode offers gentle yet practical guidance for your creative journey. Chapters 00:00 New Beginnings: Podcast Up...

How do you make a living as an artist while building long-term financial security? Today we're talking with James Hoston, a painter and educator who's taken an unconventional approach to the traditionally unpredictable world of fine art. After working in Jeff Koons' studio and teaching at prestigious institutions, Hoston is charting a path to become his own artistic benefactor through a surprising...

In this episode of 'This Is How We Create', Martine Severin reflects on the creative lives of contemporary artists of color, emphasizing the importance of planning and self-reflection as the new year approaches. She shares personal anecdotes about her journey, the significance of understanding one's purpose, and the need for deep self-exploration to bridge the gap between who you are and who you a...

In cased you missed it, we're replaying our most popular episode of 2024 with Candace Tavares. Candace joins us to talk about how can you unleash your creativity and defy limitations. 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. Tun...

Welcome to our 100th Episode! Cue the confetti! Thank you for being part of our community. In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Andrea Pippins—illustrator, author, and creative powerhouse—as she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic transformation. Andrea opens up about the defining moments that shaped her career and creative voice from her early influenc...

In this conversation, Holly McWhorter shares her journey as an artist, writer, and entrepreneur, discussing her childhood influences, her experiences living between Copenhagen and Brooklyn, and her transition from running a skincare business to rediscovering her passion for painting during the pandemic. She reflects on her creative process, the importance of color theory, and offers advice to her...

On today's episode, we sit down with Sherrod Faulks, founder of Deep Black Ceramics. From tech screens to pottery wheels, Faulks shares his remarkable transition from UX design to establishing his ceramics brand. We explore how authenticity shapes his creative process, from custom glaze formulation to collection development. Faulks discusses finding creative courage through his partner's support a...

If you've ever considered dipping your toes into a creative field, tune in to hear the journey of Ayanah George, a digital and film photographer who masterfully bridges the worlds of engineering and photography.  From mastering double exposure techniques to embracing the beautiful imperfections of film photography, she shares intimate insights into her creative evolution. Ayanah discusses how she...

In this episode of This Is How We Create, we sit down with the talented photographer Kelly Marshall to explore the journey of turning passion into purpose.  Throughout our conversation, Kelly emphasizes the power of building strong networks and lifting up other creatives, especially within the Black community. She reveals practical strategies for balancing personal projects with commercial work, m...

In this soul-stirring episode, Sheffield-based artist Rashna Hackett shares her extraordinary journey from a 35-year career in psychiatric nursing to discovering her calling as an artist at age 50.  Born in Tanzania with memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, Rashna reveals how art became her sanctuary during a period of workplace bullying and depression.  Through her uniquely intuiti...

Have you ever considered using Augmented Reality in your work? Meet creator, writer, and Augmented Reality developer Steven Christian as he shares his journey from a love for cartoons and video games. Steven shares how he came to find Iltopia Studios, where he blends storytelling with cutting-edge augmented reality (AR). He recounts how a pivotal Adobe Max conference ignited his interest in using...

Join us for a transformative conversation with multidisciplinary artist Malene Barnett, who shares her evolution from commercial textile designer to ceramicist, researcher, and cultural preservationist. In this episode, Barnett reveals how embracing her authentic artistic voice led to founding the Black Artists and Designers Guild (BADG), securing a Fulbright grant to research African-Caribbean po...

In this soul-stirring episode of This Is How We Create, Townsend takes us behind the lens, sharing how she went from shooting personal projects in Chicago to commanding commercial sets – all while staying true to her roots. Through her surrealist-inspired imagery, Akilah isn't just making pictures; she's rewriting narratives and reclaiming Black stories. "Photography is my form of resistance," Tow...

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 secu...

Graphic design student Ruby Lee reflects on her creative journey from childhood influences to balancing personal style with commercial design. She shares her dream of creating experiential events, the importance of mentorship, and how tackling untold stories fuel her creativity. Episode Overview: Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create ⁠ http...

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Byron Risdon, the interior design sensation taking the industry by storm. In this episode, Byron pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey: From childhood dreams to design stardom: Discover the roots of Byron's passion Crafting a signature style: Learn how he developed his unique aesthetic Client whisperer: Uncover Byron's foolproof formula for dec...

In this episode of This Is How We Create, multidisciplinary artist Courtney Minor reveals how her emotions fuel her artistic process. From reigniting her creative spark in Vietnam to using art as therapy, Courtney also shares practical tips on how to market your artwork, how to use unconventional materials in your creative work and how to find your target collectors. Episode Overview: Keep up with...

In our latest episode of 'This is How We Create,' we dive deep into the world of Joshua Leonard, the creator of Team Supreme. From his early days as a military kid sketching Garfield to pitching groundbreaking inclusive animated series to major networks, Joshua's journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. This episode unpacks: The impact of diverse life experiences on creativity How to create a...

Art director and graphic designer Kendell Burton shares his creative journey, from early influences to building a career at VaynerMedia—Discover the key questions to ask yourself to communicate better with your audience. Hear Kendell's habits for success and his insights on fostering meaningful connections. Finally, if you love the horror film genre, stay for recommendations from Kendell's podcast...

Welcome back. On today's episode, theater producer, photographer and model, Chandra Lynch chats with us about how she turned her childhood passion for arts into a thriving production company. Dive into her world of emotion-driven creativity, from photography to theater. Learn the power of meditation in art and gain insider tips on pricing and branding your work. Chandra also shares her journey of...

Calling all creatives and aspiring illustrators! Tune in to hear the incredible journey of Morgan Bissant, a New Orleans artist who's turning her childhood passion into a thriving career. Discover: • How Morgan's early love for cartoons blossomed into a full-fledged illustration and graphic design career • The power of education in honing your craft (psst... Morgan's got a degree in illustration a...

In this episode of This Is How We Create , Anastassia Whitty, a talented creative, shares her journey from discovering photography to developing her own unique, cinematic style. Stassi shares how she captures raw emotions in her photography. She discusses the challenges of freelancing and offers advice on staying true to oneself in a creative career. Episode Overview: Keep up with your host Martin...

We've all had some interactions with websites that were simple, easy to use and sometimes even fun. On the flipside, we've all visited websites that made things hard to read, hard to find, or even tabs that were frustratingly hard to reach. Elsa Amri, founder of AM Design Studio, managed to craft a creative career in which she lives in her Zone of Genius.   In this episode, Elsa shares her journey...