The Create! Podcast

In this episode of Art & Cocktails , host Ekaterina Popova shares a personal update as an artist and entrepreneur. She dives deep into the challenges of balancing business and creativity, the importance of self-care, and the joy she's found in returning to the basics of direct art sales. Ekaterina emphasizes the need to reconnect with your artistic roots and nurture your creativity to overcome bur...

In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails , Kat sits down with Antonio DeAscanis, founder of BlkOps Fitness, Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and fitness coach. Antonio shares his powerful journey from his time in the Marine Corps to becoming a successful gym owner, blending his passion for fitness, community, and creativity.   Episode Highlights: Antonio's Early Life & Inspiration : Learn h...

In this mini episode of  Art & Cocktails , host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) shares practical strategies for artists and creatives to generate quick income in their businesses. She explores the importance of being resourceful and creative, especially with the unpredictable nature of the art market. The episode offers actionable ideas like hosting workshops, selling limited edition prints, and offering o...

In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails , your host Ekaterina Popova, artist and founder of Create! Magazine , explores how your art and the joy you find in creating can lead to true abundance in your career. Kat dives into the science behind creativity and joy, referencing the book Your Brain on Art , and shares personal experiences of how following her passion brought unexpected success. She als...

Summary: In this episode of Art & Cocktails , Ekaterina Popova and Gita Joshi discuss the powerful intersection of mindset and practical strategies for artists. They delve into the importance of energy work, understanding your true desires, and how to navigate the inevitable frustrations of the art world. The conversation highlights the need for artists to embrace their personal power, reframe the...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails , host Ekaterina Popova welcomes back artist Kristy Gordon to discuss her new book, Become a Great Artist . Together, they chat about the importance of authenticity, overcoming creative blocks, and developing the mindset necessary for artistic success. Kristy offers practical tips for artists, including the significance of dedicating just 25 minutes a day to thei...

In today's episode of Art & Cocktails , we dive deep into the power of mindset with Amy van Meijl, a money coach, teacher, and host of the Manifesting Millions podcast. If you've been struggling to feel abundant or need a little money pep talk, this episode is for you! Amy shares her transformative journey of shifting her financial mindset, turning traditional advice on its head, and building weal...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails , we sit down with Reese Evans, the visionary behind Yes Supply, to explore the transformative power of combining science and manifestation. Reese shares her inspiring journey from a chaotic home life and toxic retail job to creating a thriving business that empowers others to tap into their full potential. We dive deep into the science behind manifestation, disc...

In this must-listen episode of Art & Cocktails , host Ekaterina Popova is joined by the phenomenal Amie McNee, artist, author, and the creative force behind the Instagram sensation @inspiredtowrite. Together, they have an honest and empowering discussion about the transformative power of self-acceptance and why now, more than ever, it's crucial to stop hiding your art and start sharing your unique...

In this special episode of Art & Cocktails , host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) welcomes the incredible artist, writer, and mystic Rebecca Campbell. Dive into an inspiring conversation that explores the profound intersection of creativity and spirituality. Rebecca shares her journey from a successful career in advertising to fully embracing her soul's calling, offering powerful insights on trusting the c...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with Michigan-based artist Sara Glupker for a powerful conversation on how to build and grow an independent art career without relying on galleries. Sara, who operates her art business from a lovely remote studio next to a cornfield, shares her journey of becoming a successful artist while balancing the roles of a mother and wife....

In this episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) dives into the essentials of planning a solo exhibition. Whether you're a new artist or have been exhibiting for decades, Kat shares her personal tips and experiences to help you make your exhibition a resounding success. Episode Highlights: The importance of mindset and visualization in planning your show. Practical steps to take from journaling ideas to ga...

In this episode of Art & Cocktails , host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) delves into the all-too-familiar challenge of balancing studio time with marketing efforts. With over a decade of experience as an artist and creative entrepreneur, Kat shares practical tips and strategies to help artists manage overwhelm and stay productive without burning out. Key Takeaways: Scheduling and Blocking Days: Discover h...

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...