This is How We Create

In this illuminating episode of "This is How We Create," host Martine Severin sits down with Ube Urban, a multifaceted creative leader who brings his Pacific Islander heritage to the forefront of his design practice and mentorship approach. Born in Hawaii with Japanese, Black, Native American, and Filipino roots, Ube shares his journey from island life to becoming a head of customer experience in...

What if the biggest creative breakthroughs come from breaking your own rules? In this Black History Month mini-episode, we explore the remarkable artistic journey of 97-year-old sculptor and painter Lillian Thomas Burwell, whose creative evolution spans nearly a century of American history. Episode Highlights: Growing up during the Great Depression, Burwell learned transformative creativity from w...

Ever wonder how top creatives land those dream campaigns with GEICO, Target, and Old Navy? In this episode, art director Ashley Bozeman pulls back the curtain on the art of the perfect pitch. In this episode of This Is How We Create, host Martine Severin sits down with art director Ashley Bozeman for an intimate conversation about creative collaboration, client presentations, and the art of the pi...

This week on our Mini Episode of This Is How We Create, we unpack the revolutionary story of Dr. Margaret Burroughs, who transformed her first-floor living room into the DuSable Museum—one of America's most significant institutions of African American history. This episode explores how creating the spaces we need can spark cultural movements that ripple through generations. In This Episode - The p...

Want to know the real secret to turning your biggest fear into your greatest success?  Today's episode covers the intersection of faith, fear, and artistry. In our conversation, Mojo shared something that stopped me in my tracks – his relationship with heights, a fear he hasn't so much conquered as befriended. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: A counterintuitive approach to fear helped Mojo scale buil...

In this special mini-episode, we explore the extraordinary legacy of Roy DeCarava (1919-2009), one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. From the streets of Harlem to the stages where jazz giants performed, DeCarava revolutionized how we see through photography, especially in his groundbreaking representation of Black life and culture. Listen in to hear how you can apply some...

This week's episode reminds us why authenticity is essential to artistic vision. Martine sits down with Adrian Octavius Walker, a mixed-media artist and photographer whose journey from St. Louis to the Smithsonian will inspire you to think differently about your creative path. A note from the content team: In this episode, we discuss grief and the loss of a parent. Episode Highlights Collaboration...

This episode unpacks a powerful truth about creativity: your path isn't linear, and that's exactly how it should be. Host Martine Severin breaks down how three groundbreaking artists navigated multiple streams of life while building their creative practice. Elizabeth Catlett: Merged modernist training with accessibility Charles White: Combined Chicago labor movement work with mastering his craft M...

In this episode, photographer and U.S. Army veteran Chris Charles shares his remarkable journey from military service to creative entrepreneurship. His story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the unexpected ways our past experiences shape our future success. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How military discipline can transform your creative business The power of systems and automation in prevent...

"Trust Your Art in Troubled Times" - When democracy makes you uncertain, should you create or doom-scroll? Host Martine Severin draws wisdom from Black artists who've turned constitutional tension into enduring work - from Baldwin to Amy Sherald. Perfect for: Artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to deepen their creative practice while building sustainable success. #Creati...

Want to hear an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a creative career while staying true to your roots? Today's guest, Kieron Lewis, shares his remarkable journey from a kid in South London to becoming one of the most sought-after editorial designers in publishing. His story will inspire you to embrace change, trust your instincts, and build success on your own terms. You'll le...

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...