This is How We Create

How to Grow an Art Practice Without Losing Yourself - Lex Marie

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Lex Marie, an artist whose work confronts the uncomfortable truth that Black children in America are often denied the...

A Guide to Moving Through Creative Paralysis - Martine Severin

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a to-do list as long as your arm but couldn't bring yourself to do the tasks on that list? What about your dreams to accomplish this...

Finding Your Authentic Design Voice - Tiffany Brooks

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a creative empire from the ground up? In this episode, I sit down with the remarkable Tiffany Brooks, an...

Finding Your Authentic Design Voice - Tiffany Brooks

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a creative empire from the ground up? In this episode, I sit down with the remarkable Tiffany Brooks, an...

Rethinking Imposter Syndrome - Martine Severin

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever walked into a room where you belonged, yet felt like a total intruder? Even when surrounded by friends or longtime colleagues, that whis...

Funding Your Dreams on Someone Else's Dime - Karl Ferguson

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Karl Ferguson Jr. never planned to be a photographer. He picked up a camera because he was following his interest in the burgeoning Hip Hop Scene. Yea...

How to Communicate Your Creative Worth - Martine Severin

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why a client chooses your lens over a thousand others? In this solo session, I dive into a transformative conversation that shi...

Art as a Language of Resistance - Phoebe Boswell

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if art could serve as both a mirror to injustice and a sanctuary for the soul? What happens when the world tries to fit your identity into a narr...

The Struggle to Find Your Original Voice as an Artist

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What does the advice, "Just be yourself," mean when you are still figuring out who you are as an artist? In this episode photographer, Martine Severin...

194. When Your Biggest Failure Becomes Your Signature Style - Shaina McCoy

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like your inability to master a technical skill was a sign you should quit? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant painter ...

193. Welcome to Season Six: A New Look and a Bold Vision - Martine Severin

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back, friend. We are stepping into Season Six with a fresh energy that I have been dying to share with you. Over the last nine months, my team...

192. How to Do the Scary Things in Life - Martine Severin

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to find out the secret to doing the scary things in life? Are you waiting for the right time or for a surge of confidence to finally send that pi...

191. Letting Go with Grace: When It's Time to Make the Hard Call - Martine Severin

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our ongoing series about the creative process of building a studio, we've covered when and how to hire a team. But what happens when a hire isn't t...

190. From Solo Hustle to Successful Delegation: The Art of Onboarding - Martine Severin

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've made the hire and the contract is signed. Yay. Now we can begin the real work. In this final installment of our mini-series on hiring your firs...

189. The Creative's Guide to Screening Your First Hire - Martine Severin

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hiring your first helper is exciting, but it can also be terrifying. After keeping the wrong person on my team for far too long, I realized I had been...

188. Think you need to hire someone? Your exhaustion might be lying to you - Martine Severin

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some creatives hire when they're overwhelmed, not when they're ready to lead. Before you bring on that intern or assistant, you need clarity on what y...

187. What an Afro Comb Can Teach You about Design - Jomo Tariku

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to change an entire industry? Thirty years ago, Jomo Tariku, then an industrial design student, noticed something profound missing i...

186. The Quiet Persistence of Creativity - Martine Severin

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between the loud hustle culture of constant visibility and the profound power of simply refusin...

185. The Courage to Trust the Process - Bria Gladney

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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)....

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

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 j...

182. How Creatives Really Make a Living - Martine Severin

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 thr...

181. Capturing Authentic Emotion in Photography - Sage East

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Pum...

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

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 arr...

179. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to b...

178. How to Dance with Fear in Your Creative Life - Edwidge Danticat

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to keep creating, even after dozens of false starts? In this deeply insightful encore episode, I'm sharing my conversation with the ...

177. The Power of Community in a Creative Career - Nolis Anderson

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt the pull to leave a secure, conventional career for a more exciting path of as an artist?  In this encore episode, I'm revisiting ...

176. What To Do When Your Creativity Fades - Martine Severin

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time your creative energy faded away like mist? One season you're overflowing with ideas, and the next, you feel like you're trying ...

175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for art into a real, thriving career? In this episode, I'm delighted to sit down with Alex Craig...

174. Advice to Your Younger Self

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Think back to your younger self. What advice would you give to that version of yourself? In today's episode, I'm sharing a powerful compilation of adv...

173. The Secret to Getting Collectors Without Selling Out Online - Darnell Scott

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you move from showing your art in group exhibitions to building a loyal circle of collectors who not only buy your work but champion it? In thi...

172. Is Money Your Friend or Your Worst Enemy? - Martine Severin

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 thin...

171. The Unavoidable Path of a Creative Soul - Diana Hendrix

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find your creative voice when the world tries to quiet it? In this powerful episode, I sit down with artist Diana Hendrix, who shares her j...

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

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 hap...

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

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do the roles we observe as children shape the art we create as adults? In this conversation, I connect with painter and curator Yannie Gu, whose c...

168. Are You Showing Up for Your Future Self? - Martine Severin

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a tough-love truth that might sting a little. It all started during a recent hiring process, where I was struck by h...

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

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever given yourself a deadline to make a dream come true? For singer and actress Rashada Dawan, that deadline was one year. After being laid ...

166. Lessons From Our Creative Mentors - Martine Severin

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been at a crossroads, wishing for that one piece of timely advice to light the way? Recently, a conversation with my nieces got me think...

165. Painting for a Paycheck vs. Painting for Self-Discovery - Gina Tyquiengco

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when your creative process becomes a mirror, reflecting back the deepest parts of your identity? I sit down with abstract artist Gina Tyq...

164. How to Secure Grants for Your Art - Martine Severin

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like artist grants are just mysterious pots of money reserved for a select few? It's a feeling so many of us in the creative world ...

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

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

162. Navigating Growth Without Losing Yourself - Martine Severin

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered how success might change you? That as you grow, you might lose the very essence of what makes you, you?  In this solo episod...

161. Building a Sanctuary for BIPOC Writers - Lori Tharps

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 cr...

160. A Week in a Creative's Life - Martine Severin

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what a full week in the life of a professional photographer really looks like? I'm pulling back the curtain and taking you with me through...

159. From Ad Agencies to Art Fairs: A Painter's Journey - Ashley Buttercup

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-base...

158. Create Your Most Authentic Work Now - Martine Severin

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever sat down to create, only to find yourself endlessly scrolling for inspiration and losing your voice in the noise?  In this episode, I i...

157. Designing an Interior Design Career with Purpose and Resilience - Courtney Robinson

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes the job you've worked hard for breaks your spirit.  In this episode, I chat with interior designer Courtney Robinson.    Courtney shares ...

156. Simple Ain't Easy - Martine Severin

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hey friend, for today's mini episode, I'm sharing a poem I wrote in June called "Simple ain't easy." You know how it is when you're explaining your cr...

155. The Power of Self-Portraiture - Nana Frimpong Oduro

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

154. How Ritual and Design Shape Our Identity - Obiora Nwazota

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

153. Partnering with Time: How an Army Veteran Became an Artist - Ronald Jackson

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ja...

152. The Craft of Seeing: A Lifetime of Documenting Our Stories - Roy Lewis

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered that the most profound creative education might not happen in a classroom? What if it unfolds in the buzz of a print shop or ...

151. The Art of Slowing Down in the Kitchen - Murielle Banackissa

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 foo...

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

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wished you could write your happy ending? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a personal practice that has been a game...

149. From Side Hustle to Mastering a Signature Style - Mark Clennon

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Cle...

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

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

  Step back in time with me to 1977, to a cultural event so monumental it was dubbed the "Black World's Fair." In this episode, we journey to Lagos, ...

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

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a child prodigy channels divine inspiration into groundbreaking storytelling? I sit down with Sophia Stewart, a prolific writer who ...

146. Must-Read Summer Books by Black Women - Martine Severin

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you searching for stories that feed your creative spirit? In this solo episode, I share four incredible books by women of color essential to your ...

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

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when hip-hop methodology meets ancient glassblowing traditions?  In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Leo Tecosky, a glass ...

144. Navigating the Tension Between Rest and Responsibility - Martine Severin

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever woken up feeling inexplicably frustrated for no apparent reason? This morning, I found myself battling some serious irritation. Through ...

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

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a moment when everything you thought you knew about your path suddenly shifted? In today's episode, I sit down with textile artist Q...

142. How to Break Up with Procrastination - Martine Severin

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever needed to get your bum into gear but couldn't find motivation, this episode is for you.  In this mini-episode, I share my personal too...

141. The Art of Seeing People - Tafy LaPlanche

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you wondered how artists manage to capture the essence of their subjects?  In today's episode, I sit down with portrait artist Tafy LaPlanche, w...

140. The Science of Keeping Promises to Yourself - Martine Severin

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to maintain creative momentum when motivation disappears? In this mini-episode, we chat about the neuroscience behind keeping promi...

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

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What drives you to translate your innermost thoughts into visual expression?  Visual artist Lana Abraham-Murawski shares her creative journey and how...

138. From Resistance to Movement: Starting Your Creative Journey – Martine Severin

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode, I'm sharing something that's been on my heart lately: that uncomfortable place where our creative ideas get stuck. You know the ...

137. Challenges and Rewards of Writing Novels and Short Stories - Pemi Aguda

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how childhood obsessions evolve into creative careers? Fiction writer Pemi Aguda takes us on her journey from creating mini-mag...

136. Breaking Through Upper Limits - Martine Severin

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you self-sabotaging your creative success? In this mini-episode, we explore the psychology behind why we often set ourselves up for failure just w...

135. From Wedding Planning to Sparkling Wine Empire - Samantha Danielle

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a pediatric nurse turned wedding planner discovers her ultimate calling in champagne? Join our conversation with Samantha Danielle, ...

134. When Your Margarita Is Actually Anxiety - Martine Séverin

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever reached for a glass of wine after a stressful day, only to realize you're avoiding something important? In this intimate mini-episode, w...

133. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to b...

132. The Creative's Guide to Sales Without Being Icky - Martine Severin

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel uncomfortable with the sales process as a creative? In this candid mini-episode, Martine Severin tackles the topic many creatives dread: s...

131. How to Write a Screenplay - Shannan E. Johnson (2022)

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fi...

130. Stop Waiting, Start Creating- Lessons from an Unexpected Practice - Martine Severin

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini-episode, we explore the unexpected parallel between toe yoga and creative practice. Through her personal experience with a daily exercise...

129. Honoring Everyday People Through Your Art - Rhonda K. Brown (2020)

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Rh...

128. Crafting Your Artist Statement: A Comprehensive Guide - Martine Severin

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this essential episode, host Martine Severin draws from her experience creating an artist statement for Scope Miami to provide a practical roadmap ...

127. The Principle Can Make Your Unstoppable As an Artist - Tobi Shinobi

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on This Is How We Create: Award-winning photographer Tobi Shinobi reveals his fascinating journey from courtroom to camera lens. Discover th...

126. Navigating Doubt and Resilience - Martine Severin

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 explore...

125. How To Market Yourself and Your Artwork – Courtney Minor (2024)

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 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...

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

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever find yourself stuck in decision limbo, saying "maybe" to opportunities that deep down you know aren't right for you? In this episode of "This is ...

123. The Power of Creative Community - Ankita Das

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a medical student abandons her stethoscope for a camera, moves to a foreign country where she knows no one, and transforms an abando...

122. Attention Residue: What's Draining Your Creativity - Martine Severin

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini-episode, we dive into something we ALL struggle with as creatives - the hidden cost of context switching. Ever feel like you've run a men...

121. How to Develop a Unique Artistic Voice - Kianne Patrice Hutchinson

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

THIS IS HOW WE CREATE  PODCAST WORKFLOW  Episode Number: 121 Guest Name: Kianne Patrice Hutchinson   Title: 121. How to Develop a Unique Artisti...

120. The Digital Toolkit Behind Our Podcast - Martine Severin

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we pulls back the curtain on our creative process, revealing the digital ecosystem that brings the podcast interviews to life. If you...

119. The Truth About Design Careers No One Will Tell You: Kyra Wells' Radical Approach to Creative Confidence

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We chat with Kyra Wells, a graphic designer and advocate for creative community and mentorship. She reflects on her path from a young artist to her ro...

118. The Guilt-Free Approach to Those Goals You Haven't Touched - Martine Severin

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode, we reflect on our progress with the creative goals you set at the beginning of the year. We discuss the common challenges of pro...

117. Decolonizing Design: A Pacific Islander's Guide to Authentic Creative Practice - Ube Urban

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

116. How One Black Artist Turned Intuition into a 90-Year Career - Martine Severin

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the biggest creative breakthroughs come from breaking your own rules? In this Black History Month mini-episode, we explore the remarkable arti...

115. Replace I with We': Inside the Creative Director's Guide to Winning Client Pitches - Ashley Bozeman

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

114. How a Black Woman's Living Room Became a Cultural Revolution - Martine Severin

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

113. High Stakes Success: How Setting Boundaries Transformed This Artist's Career (and Life) - Mojo Reed, II

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ar...

112. Shadow and Light: How Roy DeCarava Captured Black Joy in 1950s Harlem - Martine Severin

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special mini-episode, we explore the extraordinary legacy of Roy DeCarava (1919-2009), one of the most influential photographers of the 20th c...

111. The Art of Seeing: From Street Photography to the Smithsonian - Adrian Walker

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode reminds us why authenticity is essential to artistic vision. Martine sits down with Adrian Octavius Walker, a mixed-media artist a...

110. The Comfort of Knowing Your Path Isn't Wrong - Martine Severin

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

109. A Former Paratrooper's Take on Creativity (And His Secret to Avoiding Burnout) - Chris Charles

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, photographer and U.S. Army veteran Chris Charles shares his remarkable journey from military service to creative entrepreneurship. Hi...

108. Create or Doom-scroll? An Artist's Guide to Political Uncertainty - Martine Severin

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Trust Your Art in Troubled Times" - When democracy makes you uncertain, should you create or doom-scroll? Host Martine Severin draws wisdom from Blac...

107. A Peek Into the Life of a Book Designer - Kieron Lewis

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Lewi...

106. Building Bridges to Your Future Creative Self (Part 3 of 3) - Martine Severin

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host Martine Severin shares her proven 10-year framework for creative reflection that treats your artistic journey with the gentlenes...

105. Finding Success as a Freelance Illustrator: The Power of Creating Art That Heals - Alex Cabal

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We sit down with Alex Cabal, a Los Angeles-based illustrator whose vibrant work celebrates cultural identity and diverse representation. From movie po...

104. Building Bridges to Your Future Creative Self (Part 2 of 3) - Martine Severin

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Latest Episode: Building Bridges to Your Future Creative Self (Part 2 of 3) Transform your creative practice through this theatrical three-act explora...