The Create! Podcast

Welcome to Art & Cocktails! I'm your host, Ekaterina Popova artist and founder of Create! Magazine. In this episode, I (Kat) discuss how to structure your marketing efforts for networking, visibility, sales, and connections by honoring seasonality and balancing masculine and feminine energy. I share my approach in my art career and business, and provide insights on how to honor your pace and know...

Hello friends, and welcome to another episode of Art and Cocktails. I'm your host, Kat (Ekaterina Popova). Today, we're talking about the love-hate relationship with the slow summer season. If you're an artist or entrepreneur, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If not, consider yourself lucky and share your tips for avoiding the summer slump!   Key Takeaways: Trying New Techniques and Medium...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat interviews the talented Zafira Rajan, a seasoned copywriter and digital marketer with over a decade of experience supporting leading online entrepreneurs and course creators. Known for her personality-driven copy and sensory storytelling, Zafira has helped countless clients transform their marketing from "stiff and boring" to something that truly resonates a...

Welcome to a new episode of Art & Cocktails. I'm your host, Ekaterina Popova, and today we're celebrating a significant milestone—our eight-year anniversary of running an indie artist-run magazine and platform, Create! Magazine. In this episode, I'll take you behind the scenes and share the journey, challenges, and triumphs of running an indie magazine dedicated to supporting contemporary emerging...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) welcomes back Sari Shryack, known as @not_sorry_art on Instagram. Sari shares her journey and insights from her new book, Modern Still Life From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls . They discuss the importance of making art education accessible, growing up below the poverty line and choosing to pursue an art career, overcoming creative challe...

In this conversation, host Ekaterina Popova chats with Marina Press Granger, about the powerful blend of spirituality, intuition, and business. Marina shares how artists can build an unshakable sense of self-worth and lean into their spiritual gifts to navigate their careers with confidence, no matter the external circumstances. Episode Highlights: Meet Marina Press Granger: Get to know Marina's i...

Welcome to a solo episode with your host, Kat! In this heartfelt episode, Ekaterina Popova shares her journey as an artist and entrepreneur, reflecting on the reasons that led her to embrace self-employment. Whether you're a creative considering entrepreneurship or curious about the path, this episode is for you.   Episode Highlights: Kat's sabbatical and healing from burnout. The unexpected journ...

Join host Ekaterina Popova in an uplifting and motivating conversation with her dear friend, Tania Marmolejo, a Dominican Swedish American artist known for strong and moving female expressions in her paintings. In this episode, Tania shares her insights on navigating the current slow art market, finding resilience amidst global uncertainties, and leaning into one's artistic voice.   Discover pract...

In the season finale of "Art and Cocktails," I share my current experience of overcoming burnout and reclaiming my creativity. As I prepare to take a much needed break, I reflect on the challenges of balancing multiple projects and maintaining mental and physical health. I offer practical tips on how artists can reduce stress, focus on what's important, and find joy in their creative practices. I...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat shares an exclusive excerpt from the book, "Creative Business Handbook." Diving into Chapter Five, she explores essential sales strategies that every creative entrepreneur needs to know.   Thank you to our sponsor:   Welcome to Omega Institute, where transformational experiences await you. Nestled in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega is a hub for lif...

In this episode of the Art and Cocktails podcast, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) interviews Mark Liam Smith, a Toronto-based oil painter and educator. They discuss Mark's inspiring journey as an artist, his transition to teaching online, and how he shares his work on social media. Mark's incredible growth from 20,000 to 2 million followers in just a few years is a testament to his heart of service and com...

Join me, Ekaterina Popova, for a solo episode of Art & Cocktails as I pull back the curtain on my small art business to give you a clear view of what's actually working and profitable, and what's merely "nice to have." In this episode, I share the practices that are propelling my business forward. I discuss the crucial balance between focusing on strategies that significantly impact revenue and st...

  Welcome to a new episode of Art & Cocktails with your host, Ekaterina Popova @katerinaspopova   Today, we're thrilled to have Kathleen Beausoleil join us. Kathleen is a visual artist known for her evocative oil paintings that explore human social interactions and crowd dynamics. In this episode, Kathleen shares insights from her journey, including her return to the art world after a 13-year brea...

What Does It Mean When Artists Are Shutting Doors? Handling Money Meltdowns, Pricing Art, and More: Candid AMA with Kat Join me, Ekaterina Popova @katerinaspopova, in this special episode of the Art and Cocktails podcast, where I dive deep into your burning questions in an "ask me anything" segment. From navigating the ups and downs of an artist's career to dealing with the dreaded money freakouts...

Join us for an uplifting and motivating episode with artist Greg Mike and host Ekaterina Popova on Art & Cocktails. Description: This is your go-to podcast for inspiring conversations with artists from around the world. Join Kat and artist Greg Mike as they delve into the artist's journey, work ethic, and tips for aspiring creatives. In this episode, Ekaterina is joined by Greg Mike, a prolific mu...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with the incredible Jennifer Rizzo, a Brooklyn-based curator, writer, and partner at Hashimoto Contemporary. Jennifer shares her journey to becoming a curator, offering insights into how galleries discover and support emerging talent. They discuss the behind-the-scenes of curating issue number #43 of Create Magazine, discovering n...

Hey friends! Ever wonder what happens when your dreams come true? What's next? Well, on this episode, I'm excited to share with you the end of a chapter in my life and a prayer I had over 8 years ago. Join me, your host Ekaterina Popova, in a personal update and solo episode of Art & Cocktails. I'll take you through my journey of navigating multiple exhibitions and deadlines while balancing my hea...

Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed by trying to put pressure on art sales and feel like it's interfering with your studio practice? Look no further than this inspiring conversation with award-winning artist Kristy Gordon who learned a framework that helped her find her artistic voice. We also chat about allowing your intuition guide your work and finding income streams to support you in the process. On th...

Join us for an insightful exploration of the art of relaxation as we sit down with artist Violet Luczak and host Ekaterina Popova. In this episode, we delve into what it truly means for artists and creators to unwind and find rejuvenation amidst their busy lives. Drawing from our conversation with Violet, who recently showcased her work at the Very Serious Gallery, we uncover valuable insights tha...

Feeling discouraged or bogged down by setbacks and rejection? In this episode of "Art and Cocktails," Kat offers a ray of encouragement to remind you that joy and success are still within reach, even in the face of perceived failure. Through personal insights and practical advice, Kat shares thoughts to help you navigate criticism, rejection, and feelings of failure on your creative journey. This...

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world, collaborating with designer brands, and building an art career as a self-taught artist?   Art & Cocktails invites you to explore the work and story of Ana Sneeringer, a Slovenian artist residing in Alabama, USA. From documentary journalism to a globally acclaimed artist, Ana's story will inspire you to dream bigger and follow your intuition as an artis...

Feeling bored? Uninspired? It may be time for a change in your creative business. In this solo episode of "Art and Cocktails," I (Ekaterina Popova) delve into the art of pivoting and rebranding. Drawing from my own experiences and the lessons learned from the tumultuous year of 2023, I share insights on identifying the signs indicating it's time for a change. From dwindling sales to waning enthusi...

In this episode, Ekaterina and Adam chat about the origins of his art career, sparked by his time in Rwanda, Africa. Listen to this interview about the allure of nature and humanity's relationship with it, as reflected in Adam's recent body of work. Key Points: Discussion on Adam's transition from the music industry to full-time painting Nonconventional marketing techniques for artists, including...

Join host Ekaterina Popova in a conversation with artist and educator Gregory Euclide as they chat about the beauty and importance of the natural world and its intersection with art. Gregory offers insights into his art and deep connection to the environment.   Key Points: Nature-Inspired Art: Gregory's upbringing in rural surroundings instilled a deep reverence for nature, reflected in his stunni...

Join us in this episode of Art & Cocktails as we explore the remarkable story of Priscilla Loomis, a triple threat Olympian who seamlessly integrates the Olympic mindset into her career and business ventures, inspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone in need of motivation. From her illustrious track and field career to her entrepreneurial endeavors and philanthropic initiatives, Priscilla epito...