This is How We Create

Martine Severin
  • 5.0 (26)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The This is How We Create podcast digs deeper into the creative life of contemporary artists of color. Discover what feeds their creativity and how they found (or are finding) their artistic voice. Through these intimate and candid conversations, you will gain insights into the lives of creative professionals of color that are hard to find anywhere else.

  1. 2D AGO

    186. The Quiet Persistence of Creativity - Martine Severin

    I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between the loud hustle culture of constant visibility and the profound power of simply refusing to give up, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Join me in this episode as I share unexpected lessons in persistence, inspired by Death Valley.  Chapters 00:00 - The Unlikely Pairing: Death Valley and Dehydrated Shrimp 01:50 - The Persistence of Fairy Shrimp and Resurrection Moss 02:30 - Redefining Persistence: Why Dormancy is Not Failure 03:40 - When Your Rain Comes: Being Ready to Rise 04:30 - Nature's Pep Talk: The Audacity of a 50-Year Wait 05:30 - A Call to Action for Your Quiet Creative Work   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

    8 min
  2. 185. The Courage to Trust the Process - Bria Gladney

    4D AGO

    185. The Courage to Trust the Process - Bria Gladney

    Every so often, we come across an artist whose journey reminds us that creativity is a promise of transformation. What started as a project to design graduation caps (that then went viral) evolved into a story of artistic evolution, mental health healing, and finding purpose through creativity. In this episode, mixed media textile artist Bria Gladney reveals how the most meaningful art comes from the intersection of personal healing, community impact, and the courage to trust the process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bria Gladney and Her Journey 03:02 From Class Clown to Pencil: Early Creative Exposures 08:46 The Viral Spark: Designing Graduation Caps in College 11:06 The Decision to Become a Full-Time Artist 11:37 The Spiritual Journey and the Humbling Transformation 17:05 From Canvas to Crochet: The Genesis of the "Dear Cleo" Bears 21:08 Redefining Success: From Chasing Fame to Seeking Impact 23:10 The Craft: Creating Mixed Media Textile Art 24:41 Full-Time Art: Income Streams and Pricing the Work 27:47 The Healing Power of the 'Lovie': Bears as Adult Comfort 29:50 Finding Inspiration Through Conversation and Designated Thinking Time 36:37 Art as Philanthropy: Partnering with the Too Fly Foundation 41:36 Advice on Finding Your Artistic Voice: Stay True to You   Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs iHeart Podcast: http://bit.ly/4lRHms3   Connect with Bria:  Follow Bria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briagladney Bria's Website: https://www.briagladney.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives

    44 min

  3. OCT 30

    184. How to Find Your Own Creative Mantra - Martine Severin

    I recently spent time hiking the Four Corners (you know, the area in the US where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico form corners). After pushing my body to its limits, I ended up on a massage table where an unexpected mantra changed my perspective.  This mantra made me ask: if we have mantras for meditation and our bodies, why not for our creative practice? We, as creatives, spend so much time battling imposter syndrome and the endless feelings of "not enough". Why not use mantras to help us dip into the springwell of our creativity.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome: A Mantra I Didn't Know I Needed  00:40 Hiking the Four Corners and a Body at Its Limit  01:20 The Mantra: "I Am Grounded in the Earth"  02:15 The Realization: Why Not a Mantra for Our Work?  02:45 Battling the "Not Enough" Voice  03:20 This Isn't Toxic Positivity  04:15 How to Find Your Own Creative Mantra  05:20 My Mantra (Right Now)  06:30 Your Turn: Let It Ground You   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

    8 min
  4. 183. The Art of World-Building as an Author - Navi' Robins

    OCT 28

    183. The Art of World-Building as an Author - Navi' Robins

    How does a creative professional build a portfolio of 18 books? My guest today, Navi' Robins, is a Chicago-born author and graphic designer who does just that. His creative perspective was shaped by a childhood spent living across five continents. In our conversation, Navi' shares the inspiration behind his new Black Lotus trilogy, a futuristic world where men have been eradicated, and how real-world political events sparked the idea. We dig into his process as a "freestyle writer",  his secrets to dynamic world-building, and the fearless habit he relies on to push the boundaries of his imagination. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Navi' Robins  01:47 - Releasing the Black Lotus Trilogy  03:08 - The Inspiration: From Trump's Escalator to Roe v. Wade  04:41 - Inside the Black Lotus: A World Without Men  07:56 - Early Influences: Reading Stephen King in Secret  10:31 - Writing the First Book: Combining 10 Stories into One  15:32 - The Approach to World-Building  19:00 - What Frightens People the Most?  20:38 - The Habit of Being Fearless  22:17 - Daily Routines: Afrobeat and Freestyle Writing  26:39 - Overcoming Writer's Block  28:00 - Finding an Artistic Voice   Connect with Navi:  Follow Navi' on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navirobins/ Navi's Website: https://www.navirobins.net/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives

    30 min

  5. OCT 23

    182. How Creatives Really Make a Living - Martine Severin

    Have you wondered about the gap between the beautiful work on artists' websites and the reality of making a living off of your creative work? Join three incredible artists: illustrator Andrea Pippins, illustrator Alex Cabal, and photographer Chris Charles, who share their "income pie." They reveal that making it is a result of royalties, commissions, speaking gigs, and consulting that supports their creative life.  Chapters 00:00 - The Reality of Paying Rent as an Artist  02:15 - Understanding the "Income Pie" (Feat. Andrea Pippins)  04:28 - Andrea Pippins Shares Her Income Pie Breakdown  06:29 - Alex Cabal on a Fluctuating Creative Income  09:45 - The Importance of Asking for Help and Avoiding Burnout 10:30 - Chris Charles on Diversifying with Consulting and Film  12:07 - Final Thoughts   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

    13 min
  6. 181. Capturing Authentic Emotion in Photography - Sage East

    OCT 21

    181. Capturing Authentic Emotion in Photography - Sage East

    Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Puma campaign with perfectly lit, commercial-ready shots, she realized something was missing - soul.  In this episode, the photographer behind campaigns for Nike, Google, Netflix, and Dior reveals how she transformed her work from safe and sterile to moody and magnetic. Learn how she developed her mantra "I don't shoot what it looks like, I shoot what it feels like" and discover the specific techniques she used to find her signature warm, Caribbean-influenced style that makes clients like Don Cheadle and Simone Biles feel vulnerable in front of her lens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sage East's Vision  04:04 From the Medical Field to a Camera  05:30 Starting Out: Finding a Muse and Shooting Weddings  06:29 The First Big Gig: PUMA  09:10 The Motto: "I Don't Shoot What It Looks Like, I Shoot What It Feels Like"  10:25 Evolving a Signature Style: Moody, Warm, and Experimental  15:15 The Power of Color Theory and Jamaican Heritage  17:30 How to Communicate Your Vision: The Art of the Treatment  24:43 Adding "Director" to the Title  28:51 Creating Vulnerability with High-Profile Talent  31:30 Defining "Main Character Moments"   Connect with Sage:   Follow Sage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.east Sage's Website: https://www.sageeast.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives

    34 min

  7. OCT 16

    180. More Slices, More Freedom: The Income Streams of a Multipassionate Creative - Martine Severin

    Turns out most successful creative careers are funded by multiple streams.  If you've ever felt that cobbling it together means you haven't truly arrived, this episode is a reminder that you're building something sustainable, resilient, and entirely your own. Chapters 00:00 - The Secret Feeling of Being a Fraud  02:17 - The "Income Pie" Revelation  04:37 - Why Your Pie is a Source of Freedom, Not Failure  06:55 - How Bridge Work Sustains the Dream Work  09:09 - Homework: How to Draw Your Own Income Pie  11:34 - You Are Building Something Sustainable   Book Recommendations on Building a Multifaceted Creative Career If the idea of an "income pie" resonates with you, here are a few books that explore how to build a sustainable and multifaceted creative life: The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma Gannon: This book is a celebration of the modern portfolio career. Gannon argues that having multiple work streams isn't a distraction but a way to build a more resilient, passion-fueled, and future-proof career. Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon: A practical and inspiring guide for artists, this book covers everything from setting goals to diversifying income. Congdon is a master at turning creative passion into a thriving business and shares how multiple revenue streams (like licensing, teaching, and print sales) are key to a sustainable practice. Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins: Goins debunks the myth of the "starving artist" by showing how successful creators throughout history have embraced an entrepreneurial mindset. The book provides a framework for thriving, not just surviving, by strategically building multiple income sources that support your creative work. Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis: While not exclusively for artists, this book is perfect for any creative who wants to build a profitable, enjoyable, and sustainable business on their own terms. It challenges the traditional growth-at-all-costs mindset and champions a smarter, more intentional approach to work, which often involves focusing on a variety of profitable endeavors rather than scaling into a massive operation.   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

    13 min
  8. 179. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación

    OCT 14

    179. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación

    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 work, the significance of personal connections in art, and her upcoming projects.  We talk with Violeta Encarnación, a freelance illustrator, about her creative journey and experiences in book illustration. She shares memories of growing up in Cuba, the impact of her artistic family, and her transition to life in the U.S. Violeta reflects on her time at SVA, her path into tattooing, and the lessons she has learned as a freelancer. She opens up about managing an unpredictable schedule, coping with carpal tunnel syndrome, and staying authentic in her work. Violeta also discusses her distinctive color palette, nature's influence on her art, and the role of personal connections in creative careers. Episode Highlights   Childhood experiences and cultural background. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Book illustration involves collaboration, patience, and the ability to convey complex emotions through images. Developing a unique color palette takes time and experimentation, and it can be influenced by nature and personal experiences. Finding one's voice in art and maintaining personal connections are essential for success.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: A Collage of Moments Frozen in Time  02:45 - A Journey of Belonging: From Cuba to the U.S.  06:30 - The Language of Emotion: Finding Your Voice in a New Tongue  10:15 - Reclaiming Art as a Safe Space  13:05 - The Unexpected Path to Tattooing  17:01 - Illustrating a New Chapter: Breaking into Picture Books  22:30 - The Resilience of a First "No": Redrawing Her Way to a "Yes"  28:15 - Juggling the Freelance Life: Cash Flow and Creative Burnout  36:00 - A Journey with Color: From Fear to Harmony  42:50 - What's Next: Ceramics and Storytelling   Connect with Violeta: Follow Violeta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_violeta.encarnacion_ Violeta's Website: https://www.violetaencarnacion.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives

    48 min
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About

The This is How We Create podcast digs deeper into the creative life of contemporary artists of color. Discover what feeds their creativity and how they found (or are finding) their artistic voice. Through these intimate and candid conversations, you will gain insights into the lives of creative professionals of color that are hard to find anywhere else.

Information

  • Creator
    Martine Severin
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Martine Severin
  • Show Website
    This is How We Create

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