Welcome to our 100th Episode! Cue the confetti! Thank you for being part of our community.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to sit down with Andrea Pippins—illustrator, author, and creative powerhouse—as she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic transformation. Andrea opens up about the defining moments that shaped her career and creative voice from her early influences to her bold decision to move to Sweden.

Through candid reflections and actionable advice, Andrea explores the challenges and rewards of building a freelance business abroad, navigating cultural differences, and staying connected in a virtual world. Whether you're a seasoned creative or just starting out, Andrea’s will story inspire you to embrace curiosity, prioritize your goals, and create with intention.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How curiosity fuels creativity and opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

• Why networking and mentorship are key to professional and personal growth.

• The importance of adapting to cultural differences when building connections in a new country.

• Tips for staying productive and setting meaningful goals in your creative practice.

• How Andrea balances freelancing with motherhood while living abroad.

• The value of keeping a physical idea book to track and organize your projects.

• Insights into financial transparency, including how Andrea shares her income breakdown.

• Why travel and cultural immersion are essential for expanding artistic perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Journey

04:57 Andrea Pippins: A Life in Art

19:06 Cultural Transition and Community Building

30:38 From Corporate to Freelance: A Transformative Leap

44:06 Navigating Income and Financial Transparency

48:16 Advice for Aspiring Artists

Get to know Andrea Pippins: https://www.andreapippins.com/aboutFollow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapippins/

Get to know Martine Severin

Website: https://martineseverin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/

Follow This Is How We Create: https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com

Book Mentioned: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

Income pie: Lola Akinmade https://www.instagram.com/lolaakinmade/?hl=en

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.