The Create! Podcast

The Create! Podcast (formerly Art & Cocktails) is your space for inspiration, encouragement, and practical insight at the intersection of contemporary art, creative business, and mindset. Hosted by artist, coach, and Create! Magazine founder Ekaterina Popova, the show is designed to help you grow your art career, expand your creative vision, and build a sustainable, joyful life. Through candid conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, writers, curators, and thought leaders—as well as empowering solo episodes—you’ll find tools, ideas, and stories that remind you that life itself is your canvas, and you have the power to create a career and future that truly supports you. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.

The 2025 Creator Stack for Artists: What's Working to Grow Business, How to Use Time Wisely, and Not Burn Out While Showing the F Up 09/23/2025

How to Talk About Art, Connect with Collectors Authentically, and Stay Nimble in Shifting Times with Liz Lidgett 09/17/2025

Our Next Chapter: Podcast, Magazine, and Community Together 09/13/2025

Fortifying Your Money and Success Mindset Despite the Times 09/06/2025

Reconnecting to Your Why and Finding Harmony in Art, Business, and Life 09/02/2025

The Club: Discovering the Forgotten Parisian Haven for Women Artists with Jennifer Dasal 08/21/2025

From Dream to Published: Kristy Gordon on Writing, Publishing, and Inspiring Artists 08/13/2025

From Dream to Published: Kristy Gordon on Writing, Publishing, and Inspiring Artists Kristy returns to Art and Cocktails to share the inspiring story behind writing and publishing her book. We talk about the dream that began in childhood, the process of bringing it to life, and the milestones that followed. These include holding the finished copy in her hands, receiving an endorsement from Jerry Saltz, and seeing her work translated into Taiwanese. Kristy also addresses the myths that hold artists back from writing, why you do not have to identify as a “real writer” to publish a book, and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing while keeping your vision intact. She shares details about her upcoming Essential Publishing Bootcamp with Frannie, a live two-day workshop that helps artists and creatives turn their book ideas into reality. Participants will learn about the different publishing paths, receive a step-by-step workflow for bringing a book to life, and review examples of real winning pitches that secured book deals. Whether you are interested in traditional publishing, indie presses, or self-publishing on Amazon, this workshop will provide the tools to make it happen. Kristy Gordon is a Canadian-born artist based in New York City whose paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Uris Center, the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, and the National Academy Museum in New York City. She is a three-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she now teaches. Her work appears in more than 600 collections worldwide and has been featured in Vogue, Hyperallergic, and Fine Art Connoisseur. She is represented by Garvey|Simon, Blumka Contemporary, and Grenning Gallery. Learn more about Kristy’s Essential Publishing Bootcamp and sign up at . Create! Magazine is now accepting submissions for our upcoming issue. Apply to the current call for art at . Publish your own art catalog: /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/37806435

Back to Basics: Falling in Love Again and Building a Fun Art Practice with Kat 08/09/2025

Danielle Clough: Painting with Thread, Embracing Craft, and Following Creative Instincts 08/04/2025

Thriving as an Introvert in the Art World: Openings, Exhibitions & Networking on Your Terms 07/22/2025

Make It Weirder: Maggie Smith on Poetry, Success, and Creative Survival in the Age of AI 06/15/2025

Let the Place Speak: On Art, Life After Academia, Building a Practice on Our Own Terms, and Starting Again with Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg 06/05/2025

Beyond Trends: Tatum Dooley on Making the Art World More Interesting, Accessible, and Artist-Driven 06/03/2025

The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters 05/29/2025

The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out. Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art. 🎯 You’ll Learn: How to audit your finances, time, and energy Why profit > revenue (and how to spot the difference) Simple tools to track what’s draining vs. energizing you When to delegate, hire, or pause offers How to shift from “doing it all” to working like a creative CEO 🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned: 📘 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz 📘 Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield-Thomas Optional: Use AI tools (like ChatGPT!) to analyze your bank statements and identify where income flows—and where you might be overspending 🔗 Featured Links: 👉 Build Your Art Career & Business at Create UTake instant-access micro-courses for artists and creative entrepreneurs. From press features to pricing and gallery strategy, get tools to grow your income, confidence, and visibility. 🎓 Start learning now at www.createu.co 👉 Submit to Create! Magazine's Fall 2025 IssueBe featured in print and digital, curated by art advisor Emily McElwreath. 🖼️ Apply now at www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art ✨ Let’s Connect: 🎁 Get free guides, templates, and artist tools to grow your creative career: 📸 Instagram: @createmagazine | @katerinaspopova 🌐 Website: 🎧 If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review on iTunes, and share it with a creative friend. Your support helps keep this show ad-free and packed with value. 💛 /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/36773480

There is Nothing Left to Prove – It’s Already Yours! Energy & Creating from Alignment with Olga 05/19/2025

From Artist to Opportunity Creator: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Submission Tips with Sergio Gomez 05/15/2025

What Artists Truly Need in 2025 (It’s Not More Content) 05/13/2025

What Artists Truly Need in 2025 (It’s Not More Content) In this honest chat, Kat shares an unfiltered look at what artists like you and me truly need in 2025 and beyond. From navigating overwhelm and distraction to embracing deeper purpose and aligned visibility, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that your art, your voice, and your vision still matter. This episode offers grounded encouragement to help you reconnect with your mission, regulate your nervous system, and create from a place of clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you. You’ll hear Kat’s personal take on what’s working right now (and what’s not), including why being seen, building intentional income streams, and honoring your energy are some of the most important things you can do as an artist in this season. This isn’t a marketing episode or a how-to—it’s a permission slip to be human and to keep going. This episode is sponsored by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Entries are now open for the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize! Now in its 8th year, this annual non-acquisitive international art prize is administered by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts—including all static mediums: traditional, digital, and photographic. From realism and hyperrealism to pop surrealism and lowbrow, this prize honors it all. With over $77,000 in cash and prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, this is an incredible opportunity to gain funding and global exposure for your work. Finalists will also have a chance to exhibit in the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Haven Gallery in New York, alongside 70 of the world’s top contemporary artists. You don’t need to submit a physical artwork—just upload an image of your favorite piece (even if it’s already sold). This year’s six award categories are: MPB Photography Award Digital Art Award The RAYMAR Painting Award Victoria Olt Gallery Drawing Award Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Catherine K. Gyllerstrom Emerging Artist Award There’s also a People’s Choice Award, offering a second chance to win with an additional $1,000 prize and a bespoke promotion package with Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. The team looks at every single entry—and many are shared online and on social media before the deadline—making this a powerful way to get noticed. 🗓 Entries close July 17, 2025 👉 Learn more and enter at Looking for support as you grow? Kat is now accepting new 1:1 and small group mentorship clients—ideal for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and art world professionals building their own path. Learn more and apply at Want to be published and featured? Create! Magazine’s latest Call for Art is now open—submit your work for a chance to be featured in print, online, and in upcoming exhibitions. Full details at Explore Create U For tools and support to build a sustainable, aligned creative career, check out —Kat’s digital school for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Inside, you’ll find micro-courses on selling your art, writing your bio, growing your audience, building income streams, and more. Kat also shares updates on her evolving coaching practice and her commitment to supporting creative leaders who are ready to build their own platforms and spaces in the art world. This is a raw, powerful episode that so many artists need to hear right now. /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/36552450

Shrinking the Problem, Expanding the Dream: Trusting the Next Level and Letting Go 05/08/2025

How We See and Understand Art with Gita Joshi 05/05/2025

Why Your Pitch Isn’t Landing—And How to Actually Get Published in Magazines, Podcasts, and More with Kat 04/30/2025

What 9 Years of Self-Employment Taught Me About Selling Art, Standing Out, and Scaling a Creative Life with Kat 04/22/2025

What 9 Years of Self-Employment Taught Me About Selling Art, Standing Out, and Scaling a Creative Life with Kat In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails, I’m (Ekaterina Popova) celebrating my nine-year self-employment anniversary—marking the moment I walked out of my corporate job and committed to building a life as a full-time artist and creative entrepreneur. This conversation blends personal storytelling with practical strategies for artists who are just starting out, those in the thick of building, and anyone dreaming of making their creative practice sustainable. I share what worked for me when I had fewer than 300 followers, no gallery representation, and no real roadmap—just passion, urgency, and the willingness to figure it out. You’ll hear what helped me sell my first artworks, grow beyond friends and family, and start showing up professionally long before I felt “ready.” Topics include: How I made my first sales with a small audience What to post and how to talk about your work Why local shows and early wins deserve celebration How I began getting noticed by curators and galleries What I did to prepare for opportunities before they happened Why I built Create! Magazine to support other artists like me The shift from doing everything to scaling through systems Why you don’t need to go viral to succeed How creative leadership changed my business and energy I also talk about growing Create U, embracing structure as a form of freedom, and what I’ve learned about building a business that allows for rest, alignment, and long-term joy—not just hustle. If you’re navigating a season of growth or feel like you're on the edge of something new, I hope this episode encourages you to take your next brave step. Explore resources mentioned in this episode: Sell From the Studio course at Create U: Submit to Create! Magazine: Read and subscribe to my Substack: Thank you so much for listening. I’m honored to be on this creative path with you. /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/36268220

Unmasking the Artist: Speaking Your Truth, Navigating Motherhood, and More with Sarah Detweiler 04/17/2025

Radical Joy, Creativity, and Abundance: Creating from Consciousness with Ingrid V. Wells 04/10/2025

Finding Your Voice and Visual Language with Jennifer Peart, Visionary Landscape Artist 04/05/2025

Finding Your Voice and Visual Language with Jennifer Peart, Visionary Landscape Artist In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat sits down with visionary landscape artist Jennifer Peart, whose work explores the intersection of nature, mid-century design, and science fiction. They dive deep into Jennifer's creative inspirations, her experience at the Superfine Art Fair, and how she seamlessly weaves sustainability, community, and imagination into every aspect of her art practice. Grab your favorite drink and join us for this lovely conversation! Highlights from the episode: Jennifer’s unique path from community college to a "Hogwarts for art" women's college. How teaching art to children transformed her understanding of creativity and brain development. Balancing her day job with her studio practice and the importance of rest and inspiration cycles. The powerful intersection of nature, sci-fi, and visionary storytelling in her stunning artwork. Books Mentioned: Octavia Butler’s novels – Exploring visionary futures through compelling narratives. Ursula K. Le Guin’s works – Imagining alternative societal structures and peaceful anarchies. Special thanks to our episode sponsor: Create! Magazine – Empowering contemporary artists through opportunities, visibility, and community. Stay connected with Jennifer: Boynes Artist Award Create! Magazine proudly announces the 12th edition of the Boynes Artist Award, dedicated to discovering, supporting, and celebrating visual artists worldwide. Submissions open April 1st, with an early bird deadline of May 30th and a final deadline of July 30th, 2025. The first-place winner receives a double-page spread in Create! Magazine, a $2,000 cash award, a dedicated social media ad campaign, and an exclusive interview. For more information and to submit your art, visit . Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support the Art & Cocktails podcast! /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/36021810

From Scarcity to Expansion: Healing Your Relationship with Money as an Artist with Kat 04/01/2025

Emotional Wellness Tools for Artists: Strategies to Overcome Your Inner Critic with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez 03/27/2025

Emotional Wellness Tools for Artists: Strategies to Overcome Your Inner Critic with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) sits down with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez, a psychologist, author, and co-founder of The Art NXT Level Academy. Dr. Gomez is passionate about helping creatives and women entrepreneurs overcome mental and emotional hurdles that hold them back, including shame, self-sabotage, anxiety, and the ever-persistent inner critic. We dive into Dr. Gomez’s latest book, Today's Working Artist, which is designed to be a practical and thoughtful guide to emotional wellness and creative resilience. Dr. Gomez shares insights on how to prime your day for success, build healthier habits, and develop emotional tools to navigate uncertainty. You'll also hear Dr. Gomez discuss: How to identify and work with your inner critic instead of fighting it Strategies for grounding yourself before making big decisions Why artists may feel irrelevant in today’s turbulent world and how to reclaim your creative purpose Practical tools for nervous system regulation, including breathing exercises, tapping, and movement Insights into the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and how it can help you understand and harmonize your inner parts Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, or just looking for practical tools to support your creative journey, this episode offers valuable guidance and encouragement. About Our Guest: Dr. A. Yanina Gomez holds a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and has completed Levels 1 & 2 of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model Training. She specializes in guiding creatives through emotional and mental obstacles, helping them develop a healthy mindset to thrive in their artistic careers. She is the co-founder of The Art NXT Level Academy and author of several books, including Today's Working Artist and Crush Self-Sabotage & Live Fully: The Artist Wellness Journey to Confidence & Success. Connect with Dr. Yanina Gomez: Website: Instagram: Art NXT Level Academy: Resources Mentioned: Today's Working Artist by Dr. A. Yanina Gomez (Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble) The Art NXT Level Academy If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share it with your artist friends who could use a dose of mindset magic and emotional wellness tools. /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/35887460

Uncovering Hidden Desires: Break Free from Self-Sabotage and Rewrite Your Success Story with Kat 03/20/2025

Navigating Art Fairs with Alicia Puig of PXP Contemporary 03/13/2025

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Identity Reset, Powerful Habits, and Lasting Growth 03/10/2025

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Identity Reset, Powerful Habits, and Lasting Growth In this fresh episode of Art & Cocktails, Ekaterina Popova guides you through a gentle spring reset for your identity, creativity, and personal growth. Inspired by the season of renewal, Kat dives deep into the power of self-concept, visualization, and daily habits to help you achieve meaningful change. Learn practical techniques to reconnect with your ideal self, build sustainable habits, and leverage the support of community and accountability to maintain your momentum. Whether you're letting go of draining activities or embracing new, empowering routines, this episode will equip you to transition gently and effectively into your next phase. Key Takeaways: Spring cleaning is a powerful opportunity for personal transformation. Identity and self-concept shape your ability to achieve lasting change. Visualization bridges your imagination with your ideal reality. Your self-image sets the limits of your achievements. Imagination can profoundly influence real-life outcomes. Community and accountability reinforce and sustain new habits. Letting go of activities that drain your energy makes room for growth. Approaching transitions gently prevents burnout. Small daily habits accumulate into significant identity shifts. Reflecting regularly aligns your life with your deepest desires. Join Kat for this inspiring reset—your best self awaits! Chapters: 00:00 – Spring Cleaning for the Soul 03:08 – Identity and Self-Concept 06:12 – Visualization and Aspirations 09:03 – Building Lasting Habits 11:53 – Community and Accountability 14:38 – Transitioning and Letting Go Ready for your own spring reset? Subscribe, rate, and review Art & Cocktails on iTunes and join the community to continue your journey of creative and personal growth! Need community? Check out my membership AQ Society Start learning with Create! U /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/35610885

The Power of Incremental Upgrades: How Small Changes Create a Thriving Life and Creative Business 03/04/2025

The Power of Incremental Upgrades: How Small Changes Create a Thriving Life and Creative Business Hey, it’s Kat (Ekaterina Popova)! In this episode, I’m sharing how small, intentional upgrades have helped me build a more fulfilling and sustainable life and creative business. From moving into bigger spaces and setting better boundaries to learning when to say no to misaligned opportunities, I’ve realized that real growth isn’t about overnight success—it’s about the small, consistent changes that add up over time. I’ll also talk about why a holistic approach is key—success isn’t just about business, it’s about nourishing all areas of life: creativity, health, relationships, and mindset. Plus, I’ll share how making space for the right opportunities has led to more ease, freedom, and alignment in my career. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to change everything at once—just start with one small upgrade. Sponsored by Create U This episode is brought to you by Create U, my micro-learning platform designed for artists who want to grow their careers with bite-sized, actionable courses. Whether you're looking to improve your creative practice, build a stronger brand, or learn how to sell your work, Create U gives you the tools to take the next step—one small upgrade at a time. Start learning today at . Takeaways Small, sustainable changes lead to a thriving life and business. Growth isn’t about one big leap—it’s about small, intentional upgrades. Creating a supportive environment (physically and mentally) enhances creativity. A holistic approach—nurturing health, relationships, and mindset—is essential. True success includes career fulfillment, creativity, and self-care. Learning to say no to the wrong opportunities makes space for the right ones. Investing in yourself, even in small ways, leads to long-term success. Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming—start with one upgrade at a time. Sound Bites "Growth happens step by step. You don’t have to change everything at once." "True nourishment isn’t just about food—it’s about creativity, relationships, and fulfillment." "What’s one small upgrade you can make today?" This episode is for anyone who wants to build a thriving, sustainable life and creative career without burnout. Let me know what small upgrade you're making this week—DM me on Instagram or share your thoughts in a review! Explore Micro-Learning on Create U at . /episode/index/show/artandcocktails/id/35530210

The Create! Podcast

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