This is How We Create

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.

152. The Craft of Seeing: A Lifetime of Documenting Our Stories - Roy Lewis 07/04/2025

151. The Art of Slowing Down in the Kitchen - Murielle Banackissa 07/01/2025

151. The Art of Slowing Down in the Kitchen - Murielle Banackissa Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for food into a celebrated career? In this episode, I sit down with the wonderfully creative food photographer, stylist, and cookbook author, Murielle Banackissa. Murielle shares the story of her creative journey, from her childhood memories in the Republic of Congo to her family's move to Montreal. Join us as we explore how Murielle masterfully blends her Congolese and Russian-Ukrainian heritage into mouth-watering vegan recipes that might just have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about vegan food. We'll dig into how she organically merged her love for cooking and photography, turning a social media trend into a thriving business and eventually, a beautiful cookbook. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of identity, the courage to follow your own path, and the magic that happens when you slow down and savor the process. Chapters 00:00 - From Pointe Noire to Montreal: A Creative Childhood 02:49 - Early Food Memories and Creative Pursuits 06:02 - Merging Passion for Food and Photography 09:38 - The Comfort Foods of Home: A Taste of Heritage 11:30 - The Art and Science of Recipe Development 13:59 - A Cookbook Dream Come True 16:34 - Conceptualizing "Savoring": Memories on a Plate 19:19 - The Four-Year Journey to "Savoring" 21:15 - Finding Joy in Slowing Down the Cooking Process 25:06 - Cultivating an Authentic and Unfussy Style 27:24 - Trusting the Process: Advice to Her Younger Self Connect With Murielle: Follow on Instagram: Murielle’s Website: Buy Murielle’s Cookbook: Support the Show Website: Follow on Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter: This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/37224710

150. How to Write Your Happy Ending: The Power of a Personal Quarterly Review - Martine Severin 06/26/2025

149. From Side Hustle to Mastering a Signature Style - Mark Clennon 06/24/2025

149. From Side Hustle to Mastering a Signature Style - Mark Clennon How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role in his journey, and how he built a new life and career after moving to Los Angeles. I’m excited for you to listen to this conversation. I wish I had had this episode when I first started out as a commercial photographer. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of defining your artistic voice and building a sustainable creative life on your own terms. Mark’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding destinations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Clennon and His Journey 01:59 Early Creative Influences and Curiosity 04:14 The Gift of Photography and Initial Struggles 05:54 Building Community and Transitioning to Full-Time Photography 10:12 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job 12:10 Navigating the Early Days of Freelancing 15:00 First Major Commercial Success and Learning the Trade 17:00 Relocating to Los Angeles: A New Chapter 19:03 Defining Artistic Identity and Signature Style 22:57 Creative Voice and Decision Making 30:26 Building Community in a New City 36:22 Learning from Challenges and Problem Solving 42:31 The Importance of Creative Play and Reflection Connect With Mark: Follow on Instagram: Mark’s Website: Listen to Mark’s TED Talk: Support the Show Website: Follow on Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter: This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/37140120

148. Capturing a Universe of Black Creativity: The Story of FESTAC '77 - Martine Severin 06/20/2025

147. Unlocking Your Writing Potential: The Role of Early Creative Experiences - Sophia Stewart 06/17/2025

146. Must-Read Summer Books by Black Women - Martine Severin 06/12/2025

145. The Hip-Hop Glassblower: Reimagining Traditional Techniques for Contemporary Expression - Leo Tecosky 06/10/2025

144. Navigating the Tension Between Rest and Responsibility - Martine Severin 06/05/2025

143. How A Crocheted Family Quilt Became The Blueprint For Contemporary Art - Qualeasha Wood 06/03/2025

142. How to Break Up with Procrastination - Martine Severin 05/29/2025

141. The Art of Seeing People - Tafy LaPlanche 05/27/2025

140. The Science of Keeping Promises to Yourself - Martine Severin 05/22/2025

139. The Courage to Paint What Others Won't See - Lana Abraham-Murawski 05/20/2025

138. From Resistance to Movement: Starting Your Creative Journey – Martine Severin 05/17/2025

137. Challenges and Rewards of Writing Novels and Short Stories - Pemi Aguda 05/13/2025

136. Breaking Through Upper Limits - Martine Severin 05/08/2025

135. From Wedding Planning to Sparkling Wine Empire - Samantha Danielle 05/07/2025

134. When Your Margarita Is Actually Anxiety - Martine Séverin 05/02/2025

133. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación 04/29/2025

133. 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. Show Notes: 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 to Violeta Encarnacion 02:55 Cultural Influences on Creativity 05:50 Journey from Cuba to the U.S. 08:48 Navigating Language Barriers 11:54 Artistic Development and Education 15:05 Tattooing and Its Impact on Art 17:50 Freelance Career and Illustration Work 21:01 Illustrating Children's Books 24:31 Navigating Relationships in Publishing 25:43 Surprising Lessons in Illustration 27:16 The Journey to Illustrating a Book 32:30 Understanding Project Timelines 36:14 Managing Cash Flow as a Freelancer 39:54 Developing a Unique Color Palette 46:28 Exciting Future Projects CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Website: Instagram: Support the Show Website: Follow on Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter: This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/36350855

132. The Creative's Guide to Sales Without Being Icky - Martine Severin 04/25/2025

131. How to Write a Screenplay - Shannan E. Johnson (2022) 04/23/2025

131. How to Write a Screenplay - Shannan E. Johnson (2022) 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 storytelling expert who develops creatives and their ideas for the screen. As a script consultant, teacher, and therapist, she uses her innate understanding of storytelling to make compelling TV and movies. In today's podcast, Shannan walks us through her wide-ranging career and shares what it's like to work in Hollywood. She offers invaluable tips on how to write and tell a great story. I walked away from our conversation with a framework on how to approach fear and how to position my vision to achieve my desired outcomes! As you listen to the interview, the conversation will skip forward here and there - this is because Shannan's audio cut off at certain points, but the insights remain powerful throughout. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Shannan E. Johnson 02:09 The Journey into Storytelling 07:14 Understanding the Craft of Screenwriting 12:23 The Differences in Storytelling Mediums 18:19 Transitioning to Executive Roles in Hollywood 24:15 Navigating the Business of Hollywood 26:48 The Evolution of Storytelling in TV 35:03 Navigating the Transition from Executive to Entrepreneur 41:08 Building Confidence and Leadership Skills 47:09 The Professional Pen: Empowering Screenwriters 51:03 Introducing Truffle Sauce: A New Film Experience Connect with Shannan: Website: The Professional Pen: Instagram: The Professional Pen IG: Connect with your host: Website: Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter: This episode of This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie. /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/36273895

130. Stop Waiting, Start Creating- Lessons from an Unexpected Practice - Martine Severin 04/17/2025

129. Honoring Everyday People Through Your Art - Rhonda K. Brown (2020) 04/16/2025

129. Honoring Everyday People Through Your Art - Rhonda K. Brown (2020) 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? What drew her back to the canvas after time away? And what inspired her to create a new platform supporting fellow artists? Tune in for an intimate conversation about art, inspiration, and the mission to elevate diverse creative voices. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR: Rhonda's personal journey as a fine art painter and how she developed her unique style The remarkable legacy of the Malcolm Brown Gallery and its influence on her work Her approach to selecting color palettes and how she trained her artistic eye A treasure trove of recommendations for both historical and contemporary artists worth following The story behind Critique House, a new venture co-founded with her son to support BIPOC artists CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Rhonda Brown's Creative Journey 01:31 The Malcolm Brown Gallery: A Family Legacy 10:59 Influences and Inspirations in Art 17:22 Honoring Everyday People Through Art 21:12 Navigating Artistic Challenges and Community Support 24:01 The Evolution of Rhonda's Color Palette 29:05 Sources of Inspiration and Artistic Growth 34:02 The Journey Back to Art and Critique House 38:57 Critique House: Supporting BIPOC Artists KEY MOMENTS: Discover how Rhonda approaches her creative practice and what fuels her artistic vision Learn about the influential Malcolm Brown Gallery and its place in art history Hear how Rhonda celebrates everyday people through her artistic expression Explore the development of her distinctive color palette and artistic eye ABOUT RHONDA K BROWN: Rhonda K Brown is an accomplished fine art painter whose work has garnered recognition for its distinctive style. Beyond her personal artistic practice, she's committed to creating opportunities for other artists. CONNECT & FOLLOW: Rhonda K Brown: Rhonda’s Website: Martine Séverin: | This episode has been edited by Casandra Voltolina /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/36183655

128. Crafting Your Artist Statement: A Comprehensive Guide - Martine Severin 04/11/2025

128. Crafting Your Artist Statement: A Comprehensive Guide - Martine Severin 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, and grant committees. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Artist Statements 03:13 Understanding Your Audience and Purpose 06:04 Essential Elements of an Artist Statement 09:09 Approaches to Writing Your Artist Statement 11:58 Common Pitfalls to Avoid 14:47 Refining Your Artist Statement What You'll Learn: How to tailor your statement for different contexts and audiences The five key components that make your statement effective Practical structural approaches to organize your thoughts Common mistakes that undermine your professional presentation Techniques to overcome writer's block and find your authentic voice Free Download: Get the mentioned in this episode! This step-by-step guide walks you through targeted exercises that help you generate a compelling statement. Key Insights from Martine: "Despite having AI at our disposal, writing an artist statement isn't a breeze. You still need to create a statement that helps collectors and curators understand the context of your work, creates a bridge between your artistic intentions and the viewer's experience, and distinguishes you in a competitive field." "Your statement should sound like you, not an academic journal, not a marketing brochure, not what you think a 'serious artist' should sound like." "The best artist statements aren't written in a single sitting. Give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and refine, just as you would with any creative project." Support the Show: Website: Follow on Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter: This episode of This Is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin. /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/36098270

127. The Principle Can Make Your Unstoppable As an Artist - Tobi Shinobi 04/08/2025

127. The Principle Can Make Your Unstoppable As an Artist - Tobi Shinobi 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 Tobi abandoned a successful legal career to pursue photography The Symmetry Connection: How childhood Lego obsessions influenced his distinctive visual style The Game-Changer: Tobi's intriguing "7 out of 10 principle" that revolutionized his workflow The Success Story: From Instagram experiments to Sony ambassador and TikTok creative strategist Sneak Peek: The 7 Out of 10 Principle Tobi introduces his enigmatic productivity framework that helped him post 3-4 quality images daily while maintaining his signature high standards. What are the ten elements he considers, and why is hitting just seven of them the sweet spot? Tune in to find out how this approach might transform your creative practice. Professional Insights Why photographing buildings became Tobi's specialty (hint: they're never late to photoshoots) The small details that separate amateurs from professionals in client relationships How self-taught photographers can bridge the knowledge gap when transitioning to professional work Quotable Moments "The worst piece of advice I've ever received was 'don't become a photographer'... I've been able to travel the world, make long-term friendships, change my life... all because I believed in myself." Connect With This Is How We Create Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. Follow Martine on Instagram: Subscribe to the Newsletter: This is How We Create is produced by and edited by Braila West, Alexis Sanchez and Martine Severin. Connect With Tobi Shinobi Follow Tobi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobishinobi Website: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tobishinobi /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/36063045

126. Navigating Doubt and Resilience - Martine Severin 04/04/2025

126. Navigating Doubt and Resilience - Martine Severin 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 simply didn't believe in herself - yet continued moving forward. Episode Highlights There's a gap between creative dreams and current reality that can feel like failure Creative resilience isn't flashy - it's about honoring the contract you made with yourself to be an artist The difference between orchestrating success versus influencing it How separating actions from fluctuations in self-perception can liberate your creative process What if the next level of your art requires stillness rather than hustle? Embracing your unique way of being and seeing the world How generosity and genuine connection can help navigate the "valley of doubt" Key Takeaways Creative resilience is essential for navigating the natural ebbs and flows of artistic life External metrics shouldn't overshadow the simple joy of creating Stillness and quiet can lead to deeper creative insights than forced productivity Community support makes navigating doubt easier - we're not meant to walk this path alone Your creativity is defined by commitment, not belief in yourself Your Creative Assignment Reconnect with the original contract you made with yourself about making art Carve out time for deliberative practice - 15 minutes of just being Ask yourself: "How might I be if I believed in myself every moment of the day?" Reach out to someone in your community with genuine curiosity - not to get something, but to give your full attention Sound Bites "What if the next level to your art requires something that's counterintuitive? What if it requires stillness?" "Generosity turns out is a secret passcode and a password that opens doors, especially for those of us who find traditional networking exhausting." "Your creativity isn't defined by beliefs or doubts, it's defined by your commitment." Episode Chapters 00:00 The Creative Journey Begins 02:45 Navigating Doubt and Resilience 06:12 The Power of Stillness 09:01 Community and Connection in Creativity 11:54 Commitment Over Belief Support the Show Website: Follow on Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter: This episode of This Is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin. /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/36010515

125. How To Market Yourself and Your Artwork – Courtney Minor (2024) 04/01/2025

125. How To Market Yourself and Your Artwork – Courtney Minor (2024) 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 marketing your work, building a devoted email list, experimenting with unexpected materials, and connecting with collectors who truly value your vision. This isn't just about making art—it's about making making a place for your art in the world Here's what we discuss: Courtney Minor is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in collage, photography, and film. Her trip to Vietnam was a pivotal moment that reignited her creative spark. Art serves as a therapeutic outlet for Courtney, helping her express emotions she struggles to verbalize. She combines various mediums, including collage and graffiti, to convey her messages. Courtney's journey reflects the importance of embracing one's identity and creative voice. Courtney creates prototypes in her head before starting. She collects artifacts and photographs for inspiration. Plexiglass allows viewers to see their reflection in her work. Prototyping is essential for her larger art pieces. Sourcing materials often involves unconventional places like Home Depot. Understanding her audience has been crucial for her sales. Building an email list is vital for artist outreach. Social media algorithms reward video content over static images. Connecting all platforms is important for artist visibility. Artwork Archive simplifies the inventory process for artists. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Courtney Minor and Her Art Journey 02:04 The Turning Point: Vietnam Trip and Creative Rebirth 12:08 Childhood Influences and Early Artistic Aspirations 16:57 Emotional Expression Through Art: The Therapeutic Process 20:06 Navigating Personal Loss and Its Impact on Creativity 30:03 The Artistic Process: From Emotion to Creation 31:07 The Art of Prototyping 36:47 From Ideas to Canvas 40:01 Sourcing Materials for Art 43:13 Marketing and Selling Art 55:26 Exploring New Mediums and Techniques Get to know Courtney: Courtney’s Instagram: Buy Courtney’s Art: Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create Subscribe to our Newsletter: Follow Martine on Instagram: This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin. Episode research conducted by Braila West. /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/35959305

124. Why 'Maybe' is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It) - Martine Severin 03/28/2025

123. The Power of Creative Community - Ankita Das 03/26/2025

This is How We Create

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