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.

172. Is Money Your Friend or Your Worst Enemy? - Martine Severin 09/18/2025

172. Is Money Your Friend or Your Worst Enemy? - Martine Severin What's your relationship with money? Is it your friend, your enemy, or something much more complicated? In this episode, I discuss a topic we all think about but rarely talk about: money. We'll explore the science of how money stress affects our creative brains and unpack the family stories that shape our financial habits. We’ll guide you through actionable steps and a few mindset shifts, including the powerful "Honey Money" concept, that have helped me build a healthier, more abundant relationship with my finances. This episode is for any creative who's ready to rewrite their money story and build a life that feels not just creatively fulfilling, but financially safe and expansive. Chapters 00:00 - My Money Story: From Haiti to a Scarcity Mindset 03:05 - The Science of Money Stress: How Scarcity Affects Your Brain 05:15 - Unpacking Your Family's Money History 07:00 - The Five-Step Journey to a New Mindset 11:10 - Books That Will Change Your Relationship with Money 15:30 - Meet 'Honey Money': A Simple Practice for Abundance 18:18 - A Gentle Warning and Where to Find Help Here is the list of books and resources to help you reframe your relationship with money: Lower Ed by Tressie McMillan Cottom The Color of Money by Mehrsa Baradaran Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond Get Rich, Lucky Bitch! by Denise Duffield-Thomas The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. Happy Money by Ken Honda Mental Health & Crisis Resources Please remember, your well-being matters more than any amount of money. If you are struggling, please reach out to these resources for support. Crisis Text Line: For immediate support, text HOME to 741741. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: You can call or text 988 to connect with the prevention line. Psychology Today: A resource to help you find a therapist in your area. 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 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/38270085

171. The Unavoidable Path of a Creative Soul - Diana Hendrix 09/17/2025

170. Why Your Clients Want a Discount (And Why You Do, Too) - Martine Severin 09/11/2025

170. Why Your Clients Want a Discount (And Why You Do, Too) - Martine Severin Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a client who wants top-tier, champagne-level results on a beer budget? We've all been there. But what happens when you realize you do the exact same thing in your own life? We are digging into the messy, human psychology of why we all want more than we can sometimes afford. I explore the powerful "first impression effect" that sets our expectations and the tricky mental shortcuts we use that equate price with quality. I will share actionable steps for managing expectations, setting your "non-resentment rate," and protecting your creative energy, especially when you really need the money. Chapters 00:00 - The Contractor Story: Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget 02:18 - The Psychology of Why We Want Expensive Things for Cheap 04:45 - More Than a Budget: The Human Need for Quality and Joy 07:04 - For Service Providers: 4 Ways to Manage Client Expectations 10:11 - For Clients: How to Get Better Results on Any Budget 11:54 - The Hardest Part: How to Set Boundaries When Money is Tight 15:37 - Your "Non-Resentment Rate" and Why It’s a Game-Changer 19:06 - Breaking the Race to the Bottom & Final Recap Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI 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 Daniel Espinosa. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives Resources to Support This Topic Here are a few resources that dig deeper into the concepts discussed in the episode: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman: This book is a masterclass in understanding the cognitive biases that shape our decisions, including the "anchoring effect" or "first impression effect" I discussed. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who wants to understand the "why" behind our choices. "Pricing Design" by Dan Mall: While focused on design, the principles in this book are invaluable for any creative professional. Dan breaks down how to price your work based on value, not just time, helping you build a more sustainable and profitable business. "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab: Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your creative energy, especially when dealing with pricing and client expectations. This book offers practical advice on how to establish healthy boundaries in your professional and personal life, which is essential for long-term creative health. /episode/index/show/66777cf6-cb75-448f-b994-e91bd4acf808/id/38169315

169. The Unseen Gaze: Art, Technology, and Redefining Womanhood - Yannie Gu 09/09/2025

168. Are You Showing Up for Your Future Self? - Martine Severin 09/04/2025

167. Why This Lion King Star Says 'Happy Is a Swinging Pendulum.’ And Why That Matters for Creatives - Rashada Dawan 09/02/2025

166. Lessons From Our Creative Mentors - Martine Severin 08/28/2025

165. Painting for a Paycheck vs. Painting for Self-Discovery - Gina Tyquiengco 08/26/2025

164. How to Secure Grants for Your Art - Martine Severin 08/21/2025

163. How to Build a Design Business with Structure and Soul - Beth Diana Smith 08/19/2025

163. How to Build a Design Business with Structure and Soul - Beth Diana Smith Have you ever felt a divine nudge? Or maybe a full-on nudge that pushed you toward a life you didn’t plan for? In this episode, I’m talking with the incredible interior designer Beth Diana Smith, who made the courageous leap from a successful career in corporate finance to founding her own celebrated design firm. Beth shares the story of how she went from being the kid who organized her toybox and dreamed of becoming an accountant to a leading voice in contemporary design, known for her bold, eclectic, and maximalist style. We get into the pivotal moment of peace that led her to leave her stressful corporate job and how the skills she honed with spreadsheets and budgets became the secret weapon for her creative business. This is a candid conversation about listening to the signs, redefining your path, and the magic that happens when a client points out your signature style before you’ve even seen it yourself. Chapters 00:00 - From Aspiring Accountant to Acclaimed Designer 06:56 - Juggling Two Worlds: The Hustle of Corporate Life and Design School 12:50 - The Divine Slap: Finding Peace and the Courage to Quit 18:40 - Building a Business: First Clients and Finding Momentum 22:15 - Discovering a Signature Style by Accident 28:08 - The Psychology of Design: Creating for a Client’s Future Self 34:20 - How Corporate Skills Shape a Creative Business 38:30 - On Pride, Passion, and Finding the Right Collaborators Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/JJ9aqXU1J74?si=2bPo8ZEwIQTFpEcv Connect with Beth: Follow Beth on Instagram: Beth’s Website: 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/37877710

162. Navigating Growth Without Losing Yourself - Martine Severin 08/14/2025

161. Building a Sanctuary for BIPOC Writers - Lori Tharps 08/12/2025

161. Building a Sanctuary for BIPOC Writers - Lori Tharps What does it take to leap into the unknown for the sake of your creative calling? In this episode, I talk with Lori Tharps, a writer, educator, and creative catalyst who did just that. Lori shares the powerful story behind her decision to leave a tenured professorship at Temple University to start a new life in Southern Spain. We explore her journey to create The Sanctuary, a vital community for BIPOC women writers, and dig into her profound belief that storytelling is a tool with the power to change the world. This conversation is a moving testament to the magic that unfolds when you have the courage to build the life you've always imagined. Chapters 00:00 - Introducing Lori L. Tharps 02:52 - The Childhood Friendship That Sparked a Creative Life 07:25 - From "Lying" to Storytelling: The Gift of a Typewriter 09:47 - What Truly Makes a Good Story? 16:04 - "Watch Me": Defying the Myth That Motherhood and Writing Don't Mix 17:47 - The Physical Feeling of Purpose: Flow vs. Frustration 21:17 - The Leap of Faith: Why She Left a Tenured Professorship for Spain 28:28 - Making Time to Create, Inspired by Our Literary Ancestors 32:53 - The Birth of The Sanctuary for BIPOC Women Writers 37:04 - The Myth of the Solitary Writer and the Power of Community 47:17 - What Does a Real Writing Practice Look Like? (It's More Than Just Writing) 53:34 - The Gospel of Storytelling: How New Narratives Can Save the World Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! Connect with Lori: Follow Lori on Instagram: Lori’s Website: 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/37758545

160. A Week in a Creative’s Life - Martine Severin 07/31/2025

159. From Ad Agencies to Art Fairs: A Painter’s Journey - Ashley Buttercup 07/29/2025

159. From Ad Agencies to Art Fairs: A Painter’s Journey - Ashley Buttercup How do we find the courage to build a creative career on our own terms? I'm so excited to share my conversation with Ashley Buttercup, a Brooklyn-based painter whose work beautifully captures the quiet, unguarded moments of life. From a childhood nurtured by creative parents to finding her own way through the bustling worlds of fashion and advertising, Ashley's journey is a masterclass in resilience and self-discovery. In this episode, Ashley shares how she navigated the corporate world while keeping her artistic flame alive, launching her own print art magazine, and eventually taking the leap to pursue painting full-time. We talk about the messy, beautiful reality of balancing motherhood with a demanding creative practice and how a single, high-stakes project of painting 30 portraits in a month became a transformative experience. This conversation is a testament to the power of community, the importance of planting seeds for the future, and the profound beauty found in everyday moments. Chapters 01:53 - A Creative Foundation: Growing Up with an Architect Father and Fashion-Focused Mother 04:27 - The Road to Temple University and Finding Her Own Path 07:45 - Life After College: From Fashion Internships to Ad Agencies 10:11 - Creating "Snacks Magazine" and Rekindling a Love for Fine Art 12:16 - The Leap of Faith: Quitting the Day Job and the Power of Community 16:08 - The Balancing Act: A Creative's Routine as a Mother and Artist 17:44 - The Harlem's Fashion Row Challenge: Painting 30 Portraits in a Month 28:01 - Evolving a Creative Voice: From Abstract to Documentary Figurative Art 30:25 - The Art of Observation: Capturing Tender Moments in Brooklyn 39:49 - The Traveling Shirt: A Project of History and Connection Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! Connect with Ashley: Follow Ashley on Instagram: Ashley’s website: 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/37593695

158. Create Your Most Authentic Work Now - Martine Severin 07/25/2025

157. Designing an Interior Design Career with Purpose and Resilience - Courtney Robinson 07/24/2025

156. Simple Ain’t Easy - Martine Severin 07/17/2025

155. The Power of Self-Portraiture - Nana Frimpong Oduro 07/16/2025

155. The Power of Self-Portraiture - Nana Frimpong Oduro A single moment changed everything for Ghanaian visual artist Nana Frimpong Oduro. It began with a quiet walk, a dying tree, and a gifted camera from a stranger. That moment led him away from architecture and toward a new life in photography. In this episode, I sit down with Nana to explore how he built a career rooted in emotion, storytelling, and self-discovery. He shares how he creates powerful images without technical equipment. Instead, he relies on instinct, connection, and the people closest to him. His work is raw, painterly, and deeply human. This conversation is for artists seeking clarity on their path. Nana’s story offers insight, encouragement, and a reminder that your creative voice is worth following. Listen in and reconnect with the reason you started creating in the first place. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Nana Frimpong Oduro 02:15 - Early Creative Influences in Ghana 03:48 - The Path to Architecture 05:12 - The Dying Tree: A Journey into Photography Begins 07:34 - Finding a Subject: The Power of Self-Portraiture 08:45 - From Idea to Image: Inside the Creative Process 12:20 - A Sign from the Universe: The Adobe Rising Star Award 14:35 - Finding a Visual Style: Light, Tone, and Emotion 16:30 - Family, Support, and Blossoming as an Artist 18:40 - The Myth of Originality and Unexpected Lessons 20:00 - Describing the Indescribable: Emotions Brought to Life 22:00 - Redefining Success and What's Next Connect with Nana: Follow Nana on Instagram: Nana’s Portfolio: 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/37427665

154. How Ritual and Design Shape Our Identity - Obiora Nwazota 07/11/2025

154. How Ritual and Design Shape Our Identity - Obiora Nwazota How do we build a world that truly reflects who we are? In this profound conversation, I sit down with architect and design tastemaker Obiora Nwazota, a powerful voice reshaping our understanding of culture, identity, and design. Obi shares his journey from a childhood in Nigeria, dreaming beyond the prescribed path, to becoming a cultural force in Chicago. We explore how he challenges the singular narrative of design by asking a simple yet powerful question: If someone walked into your home, would they know an Igbo person lives there? This question opens up a deep dialogue about the importance of ritual, the stories our spaces tell, and the critical mission of his venture, Okpara House, to reclaim and elevate Igbo cultural assets for contemporary life. This episode is a call to all creatives to look deeper into our own heritage and harness our gifts to build a richer, more inclusive world. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Obiora 'Obi' Nwazota 02:50 - Growing Up Igbo: A Childhood of Daydreams 05:05 - The Surprising Link Between Igbo Culture and Haiti 09:12 - Finding Freedom Through Architecture in a New Land 14:42 - Redefining Architecture as the Architecture of Life 20:12 - The Genesis of Okpara House: Filling the Cultural Void 29:59 - The Power of Rituals in Defining Who We Are 34:16 - Reclaiming the African Image: The Story Behind the Book 'Nkemdiche' 44:53 - The Collaborative Process of Creating a Visual Narrative 48:00 - A Final Word on Being a Light for Culture Connect with Obi: Follow Obi on Instagram: Obi’s Website: 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/37380440

153. Partnering with Time: How an Army Veteran Became an Artist - Ronald Jackson 07/08/2025

153. Partnering with Time: How an Army Veteran Became an Artist - Ronald Jackson Have you ever considered a dramatic career change, a leap from a structured path into the wide-open world of creative expression? Our guest, Ronald Jackson, embodies this very journey. Growing up in the rural Arkansas Delta as the youngest of eleven children, Ronald's early life was steeped in a family legacy of challenging norms. After a distinguished 21-year career in the U.S. Army, a profound "aha moment" set him on an entirely new course. Join us for an intimate conversation with Ronald as we explore his incredible transition from military life to a celebrated self-taught artist. Discover the story behind the spiritual epiphany that reshaped his path as an artist, how he "partnered with time" to develop his craft without formal training, and the deeply personal inspiration behind his striking mask paintings. If you’re looking for inspiration and action steps to redefine your life's purpose, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Ronald Jackson 03:15 - A Creative Childhood in the Rural South 05:00 - The Power of Play and Imagination 07:00 - An Unexpected Welcome to the Art World 10:30 - The Epiphany: A Spiritual Awakening 18:50 - The Decision to Partner with Time 24:40 - From Behind the Scenes to Best in Show 27:30 - The Story Behind the Masks 33:00 - Finding Your Artistic Voice Through Self-Discovery 36:15 - Redefining Success: From Being an Artist to Being Authentic 38:15 - Conclusion Connect With Ronald: Follow on Instagram: Ronald’s Website: 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/37272675

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

This is How We Create

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