This is How We Create

If you've ever needed to get your bum into gear but couldn't find motivation, this episode is for you.  In this mini-episode, I share my personal toolkit for getting things done. Listen in for the tools and leave knowing that next time your brain tries to lure you with procrastination, you'll be able to resist temptation.   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle with Procrastination 02:44 Understanding the C...

Have you wondered how artists manage to capture the essence of their subjects?  In today's episode, I sit down with portrait artist Tafy LaPlanche, whose cultural background shapes her distinctive artistic approach. She shares why certain creative detours—including a complete break from art ultimately strengthened her artistic voice. Through personal stories and artistic insights, Tafy offers powe...

Are you struggling to maintain creative momentum when motivation disappears? In this mini-episode, we chat about the neuroscience behind keeping promises to yourself. Through a battle with temptation at the grocery store, I share how small decisions rewire your brain and build creative resilience.  Tune in for practical strategies that may help you overcome seemingly impossible deadlines. This epi...

What drives you to translate your innermost thoughts into visual expression?  Visual artist Lana Abraham-Murawski shares her creative journey and how her unique cultural heritage shaped her artistic style.  In this intimate conversation, Lana reveals the transformative power of mentorship in her development and her thoughtful approach to balancing artistic ambitions with family life.  She takes us...

In this mini episode, I'm sharing something that's been on my heart lately: that uncomfortable place where our creative ideas get stuck. You know the one — where you're holding onto something beautiful, but fear, perfectionism, or just plain old procrastination keeps it tucked away. This reflection was sparked by a recent conversation with my sister. She has an amazing idea she's been sitting on s...

Have you ever wondered how childhood obsessions evolve into creative careers? Fiction writer Pemi Aguda takes us on her journey from creating mini-magazines as a six-year-old in Lagos, Nigeria to publishing internationally acclaimed fiction. In today's chat, Pemi reveals how her "lonesome" childhood with books transformed into a writing career that explores Nigerian women's experiences and the wei...

Are you self-sabotaging your creative success? In this mini-episode, we explore the psychology behind why we often set ourselves up for failure just when opportunities arise. Drawing from personal observations and psychological research, Martine Severin examine the "upper limit problem" - our internal thermostat for success - and offer practical strategies to break through these self-imposed barri...

What happens when a pediatric nurse turned wedding planner discovers her ultimate calling in champagne? Join our conversation with Samantha Danielle, founder of LoveLuvv a sparkling wine brand. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurial tenacity, and building a purpose-driven luxury brand.  Samantha shares her remarkable journey from nursing to wedding planning to...

Have you ever reached for a glass of wine after a stressful day, only to realize you're avoiding something important? In this intimate mini-episode, we talk about alcohol and anxiety, revealing how our emotions serve as powerful messengers in our creative lives. S Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Emotions as Messengers 02:52 - Personal Journey with Alcohol and Emotions 05:45 - Understa...

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to becoming a book illustrator, her experience at SVA, and her shift into tattooing. Violeta opens up about the realities of freelancing, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and honing her distinctive color palette. She also shares how nature inspires her wo...

Do you feel uncomfortable with the sales process as a creative? In this candid mini-episode, Martine Severin tackles the topic many creatives dread: sales. Martine breaks down practical strategies for artists to sell their work authentically without feeling like "used car salesperson."  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Life 00:23 The Visibility to Sales Paradox 03:16 Understanding Sales for...

Have you ever wondered how a movie gets made? Or better yet, where do the ideas from movies come from? And if you have your sight on making a short film, wouldn't it be great if someone helped you buff your idea and make the end product simply spectacular? Shannan E. Johnson is that someone! As a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel, Shannan left her full-time gig to become a storyte...

In this mini-episode, we explore the unexpected parallel between toe yoga and creative practice. Through her personal experience with a daily exercises, our host, Martine Severin, reveals how small, consistent efforts lead to remarkable changes over time – both in physical flexibility and creative mastery. Martine challenges the myth of natural talent, showing how persistence and consistent practi...

We welcome fine art painter Rhonda K Brown, whose artistic story is deeply intertwined with a remarkable family legacy in the art world. Join us as Rhonda pulls back the curtain on her creative journey - from the influential gallery environment of her youth to her eventual return to painting after exploring other paths. How did growing up surrounded by prominent artists shape her artistic vision?...

In this essential episode, host Martine Severin draws from her experience creating an artist statement for Scope Miami to provide a practical roadmap for artists struggling with this crucial professional document. From understanding your audience to finding your authentic voice, this episode breaks down the process into manageable steps that will help your work connect with galleries, collectors,...

This week on This Is How We Create: Award-winning photographer Tobi Shinobi reveals his fascinating journey from courtroom to camera lens. Discover the unique productivity framework that transformed his creative process and catapulted his career to global recognition. Episode Highlights The Name: How a playground nickname evolved into one of photography's most recognizable brands The Pivot: Why To...

Have you ever committed to creating even when you didn't believe in yourself? In this mini-episode of 'This Is How We Create,' Martine Severin explores the quiet yet persistent power that drives artists to create even when faced with doubt, external pressures, and self-criticism. She shares a profound revelation from a cinematographer who admitted there were times in her successful career when she...

 Struggling to get your art in front of the right people? Then this episode is your roadmap. Join multidisciplinary artist Courtney Minor on "This Is How We Create" as she unveils the emotional underpinnings of her creative journey—from finding fresh inspiration in Vietnam to transforming personal therapy into powerful art. Courtney doesn't just inspire; she delivers actionable strategies for mark...

Ever find yourself stuck in decision limbo, saying "maybe" to opportunities that deep down you know aren't right for you? In this episode of "This is How We Create," Martine Severin unpacks her game-changing "Waffle Rule," a powerful framework that will transform how you make decisions in your creative career and beyond. You'll discover: Why indecision is actually a form of decision-making (and wh...

What happens when a medical student abandons her stethoscope for a camera, moves to a foreign country where she knows no one, and transforms an abandoned garage into a thriving art collective?   In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of communication designer and photographer Ankita Das, whose work transcends traditional medium boundaries to create powerful narratives around identity,...

In this mini-episode, we dive into something we ALL struggle with as creatives - the hidden cost of context switching. Ever feel like you've run a mental marathon without actually finishing anything substantial? Turns out there's a name for that overwhelmed feeling: attention residue. Martine shares her personal struggles with toggling between creator, marketer, and business manager modes - and ho...

THIS IS HOW WE CREATE  PODCAST WORKFLOW  Episode Number: 121 Guest Name: Kianne Patrice Hutchinson   Title: 121. How to Develop a Unique Artistic Voice -  Kianne Patrice Hutchinson   Description:    Learn how digital artist Kianne Patrice Hutchinson balances pharmacy and art, blending vibrant textures, augmented reality, and AI. She reflects on her journey from Jamaica, creative themes, and future...

In this episode, we pulls back the curtain on our creative process, revealing the digital ecosystem that brings the podcast interviews to life. If you've ever felt intimidated by the technical side of podcasting, tune in to discover a your new favorite tool. Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to the Creative Journey  00:27 Behind the Scenes of Podcasting  02:53 Tools of the Trade  05:46 Visual and Inte...

We chat with Kyra Wells, a graphic designer and advocate for creative community and mentorship. She reflects on her path from a young artist to her role at American Greetings and leadership at AIGA Cleveland. Kyra explores the role of playfulness in design, supporting emerging creatives, and her course, You Are Not an Imposter, which helps designers gain confidence in their careers.   Episode High...

In this mini episode, we reflect on our progress with the creative goals you set at the beginning of the year. We discuss the common challenges of procrastination and hesitation while offering practical strategies to overcome these barriers and reconnect with creative intentions. Key Points Take time to honestly assess your progress on goals set earlier in the year Recognize that people approach t...