This is How We Create

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...

If you've ever wanted to start a podcast and want tips on how to interview your guests, tune in!  In this episode, our show host Martine Severin shares her journey of becoming a better interviewer on her podcast. 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...

How great is it to receive life-changing advice when you need it the most.? On today's episode, we invite three guests to share the advice they wish they could have given to their younger selves. Jasmine Guillory, a writer, shares advice for aspiring writers. Amanda J. Cain, a photographer, talks about the value of mentorship. Dorian Sylvain, a muralist and activist, challenges us to rethink how w...

Show Notes: How can you cultivate an artistic practice that allows you to create from a place of wonder? Join us on "This Is How We Create" as Dana Robinson shares her how she balances a career in graphic design and how she nurtures her creativity through her growing body of collage work. What's more, Dana walks us through her creative routines, and shares the importance of creating space for curi...

What does it look like to be passionate about preserving and healing Black and Indigenous communities? On this week's episode we sit down with documentary adventure photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist, Chad Brown. Join us as Chad shares the story of how he transitioned from the Navy, to creative director and founder of two non-profit organizations. Chad also helps us discover the healing...

Have you ever thought about working with communities to create public art? Artist Dorian Sylvain shares her journey from working as a set designer in the theater to her transition as a muralist.  Hear how Dorian emphasizes community engagement and inclusivity in her work. Stay to find out the significance color and patterns play in her work. Episode Overview:  Keep up with your host Martine Severi...

Show Notes:   In this solo episode, our host Martine Severin shares five lessons she has learned since starting the podcast. The lessons include the importance of listening to your own voice and following your intuition, the concept that discipline is freedom, understanding the cost of creation, the idea of starting before you're ready, and tips for reducing filler words in conversations.  Episode...

If you ever wondered what it takes to write a gripping and engaging story, this episode with writer, Sherry Thomas is the one for you. Sherry's personal story starts from being a stay-at-home mom to best- selling author. In this episode of "This Is How We Create" Sherry shares her writing and editing process as well as how she created the Lady Sherlock book series.  Sherry's newest book, A Ruse Of...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Mojo Reed, contemporary artist Mojo Reed, II explains how creativity formed a path to healing when the worst happened to him as a child. Mojo guides us through how to make work that is meaningful to you and through the key questions to ask the client before taking on a job. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 of our conversation with Mojo in episode 73. Episode Over...

Have you ever wondered how muralists conceptualize and create large murals? In addition to answering this question, contemporary artist Mojo Reed, II explains how creativity formed a path to healing when the worst happened to him as a child. Mojo guides us through how to choose the right art school, how to negotiate art contracts and much more. Tune in to hear Mojo tell us about the power of story...

Have you ever wanted to be a sports photographer for the NBA or for the NHL? Join us as Amanda J. Cain, team photographer for the Detroit Pistons, shares her inspiring journey to redefining visual storytelling. Amanda shares tips on which equipment she uses to capture her signature shots and expands on how to develop your artistic voice. Whether or not you're into sports, this episode is perfect f...

We're often told to be original. We're told to create work that no one else has ever created. In a world where information travels fast, where thoughts and ideas are generated by AI, where people create echoes of what someone else has done, what is originality? In this episode of This Is How We Create, multimedia artist Stephanie J. Woods shares her unique approach to creating original collaborati...

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 traged...

In this solo episode, host Martine Severin shares with us the power of the "Micro Sprint" - a 72-hour framework to kickstart your productivity and gain career momentum. If you are struggling with inertia and can't seem to finish the projects you know will spark your career, turns out that dedicating a specific timeframe to complete your work can supercharge your projects as an artist, entrepreneur...

Is it possible to create art works that earns you well? Kamar Thomas, a passionate fine art painter and professor, joins us to speak about how to earn a living through your creative work. Kamar knows the ins and outs of moving beyond the myth of the struggling artist.  Tune in to hear the secrets to making a living as a creative and stay to learn how to create impactful work that resonates with yo...

Show Notes: Have you ever thought about making your own artistic prints? Visual artist, Katrina Andry, shares her journey from growing up in New Orleans to discovering the world of printmaking. Katrina answers how to stand out as an artist and how to create work that resonates with the soul. If you've ever struggled or thought about how to weave symbolism in your work, this episode is for you.   E...

If you've ever been interested in filmmaking, you will love learning how writer and filmmaker Téa Lynor brings her scripts to life. Téa writes vibrant narratives that spring from her values and personal life. In this episode, Téa shares her insights on how to make ethical films, how to prioritize diversity in your work and how to build well-developed characters in the next story you're writing. La...

Have you ever thought about building a creative business? Sit in to hear how guest Carmelle Kendall, is a creative director, illustrator, and co-founded the stationery brand Neighborly Paper. Carmelle and her business partner swiftly grew Neighborly Paper in a 100+ stores. Listening to hear how Carmelle is living her creative life.  🔥✨ Our younger creators can enjoy Carmelle's illustrations in t...

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 J...

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 w...

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 E...

Ever dreamed of ditching your 9-5 for a life fuelled by passion? This week, meet our guest Tomesha Faxio – lawyer turned photographer – who did just that. Her book Wash Day is a love letter to Black hair, a story of reinvention and fearless creativity. Tomesha spills the beans on book deals, agents, and the winding path to finding your purpose.  Discover how Wash Day went from concept to reality,...

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...

Zoe Si, a talented cartoonist and illustrator with a unique journey from law to art, shares her story on "This is How We Create." Starting as a self-taught artist who used drawing as a stress reliever, Zoe transitioned from her career in law to pursue her passion for art full-time. She opens up about securing her first book deal, contributing to The New Yorker, and her nomination for a Pulitzer Pr...

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 f...