The Create! Podcast

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my recent trip to Spain—a trip that was both beautiful and unbelievably stressful, because polarity is such an (annoying) staple of the human experience.

From co-curating the Emergency Exit exhibition in Menorca to getting frantic calls about my dog’s health, dealing with roof leaks back home, and managing the constant uncertainty of being an artist, this was a reminder that our highlight reels never tell the whole story.

I also dive into what’s happening in the art world right now: gallery closures, a cooling market, and the collapse of old systems that once felt so stable. But instead of seeing this as an ending, I see it as an invitation—an opportunity to reimagine what an art career can look like on your own terms.

We’ll explore:

* Why traditional gallery representation isn’t the only path (and often never was)

* A look at the art market’s cycles over the past decades—and why change is nothing new

* Practical ideas for diversifying your income and building more resilience

* How to reconnect with your purpose when everything feels like too much

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, questioning your worth, or wondering whether your dreams are still possible, I hope this conversation reminds you: you’re not alone.

Cheers to keeping going—no matter what.

Book Recommendations for Tough Times:✨ Start With Why by Simon Sinek✨ Grit by Angela Duckworth✨ Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong✨ Make Your Art No Matter What by Beth Pickens

with me, Kat Popova – artist, coach, and founder of Create! Magazine and CreateU

In this Q&A episode, I’m answering your real questions about what it actually takes to grow as an artist. We get into all the good stuff: how to price your work when you're just starting out, what to do when self-doubt creeps in, how to find collectors online (even if you have a small following), and ways to stay grounded when everything feels overwhelming.

If you’ve ever felt unsure, discouraged, or just wanted someone to tell you it’s okay to take your time—this one’s for you.

What I talk about:

* How to start finding collectors online and build trust

* Why your first sales might come from people you already know (and why that’s totally valid)

* Early pricing tips that won’t make you feel like you’re selling yourself short

* What to do when your inner critic says “you’re not a real artist”

* Framing options I actually use for shows and online orders

* How I learned the hard way about quarterly taxes (plus what to do next)

* Letting go of someone else’s definition of “success” and making your own

* Residencies, local shows, co-ops, and building your artist community

* Staying grounded without rituals or overwhelm

* My go-to tools when intrusive thoughts show up

Helpful links and resources I mentioned:

For framing your work:

* Ambiance Gallery Wood Frames from Jerry’s ArtaramaI use these for works on paper — clean, professional, and affordable👉 jerrysartarama.com/ambiance-gallery-wood-frames

For pricing your art:

* PXP Contemporary Art Pricing CalculatorSuper helpful if you're not sure where to start with pricing👉 https://www.pxpcontemporary.com/blogs/news/art-pricing-calculator

* CreateU CoursesI’ve got mini courses on how to price, sell, pitch your work, and more👉 createu.co

For taxes and money stuff:

* Sunlight Tax by Hannah ColeArtist-focused tax education, including her Money Bootcamp👉 sunlighttax.com

* IRS Quarterly Tax Due Dates (U.S.)

* Q1: April 15

* Q2: June 15

* Q3: September 15

* Q4: January 15👉 irs.gov

For residencies and opportunities:

* New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)

* College Art Association

* Res Artis

For staying grounded and keeping a healthy mindset:

* Activations App by Mimi Bouchard (formerly Superhuman)Walking meditations that help me reset when I’m feeling stuck👉 activations.com

A few tools I shared in the episode:

* Saying “Spam!” to break a spiral of negative thoughts

* Snapping a rubber band on your wrist gently when self-talk gets too loud

* Mantra: “Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better.”

The Creative Business Handbook

Co-authored by Ekaterina Popova and Alicia PuigWhether you're just getting started or looking to scale your art business on your own terms, The Creative Business Handbook delivers practical, no-fluff advice. Inside you’ll find clear strategies for pricing your work, growing your audience, managing finances, and building a creative career that supports your lifestyle—not the other way around.👉 Learn more: createmagazine.co/books

The Complete Smartist Guide

Co-authored by Ekaterina Popova and Alicia PuigThis is the book I wish I’d had early in my journey. The Complete Smartist Guide blends actionable advice, mindset tools, and insider know-how to help you confidently navigate your art career. From marketing and licensing to working with curators, securing grants, and building gallery relationships—everything you need to take your practice up a level is here.👉 Discover it here: createmagazine.co/books

Thanks so much for listening and for sending in your questions. I love making this space feel honest, useful, and full of support for wherever you’re at in your journey.

You’re doing great — keep going.

xo,Kat

This episode is a dream come true. I sit down with bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith, whose viral poem Good Bones captured hearts around the world. We talk about navigating creative life with honesty and resilience—from managing unsupportive friends to staying grounded when the world starts watching.

We also dive into her newest book, Dear Writer, and how artists can protect their joy, set boundaries, and thrive in the AI era by getting weird, staying real, and honoring their process.

If you're a writer, artist, or creative soul trying to stay true to your work in a noisy world—this one's for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What happened when Good Bones went viral (14:40)

• Why you don't need to monetize everything you make (18:25)

• Dealing with unsupportive family and friends (30:00)

• How to write personal stories safely and honestly (42:10)

• Maggie's approach to creative rhythm vs. consistency (52:30)

• Why imperfection, eccentricity, and "making it weirder" matter now more than ever (1:02:00)

Guest Bio: Maggie Smith is the author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, Goldenrod, and Keep Moving. Her poems and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Best American Poetry. A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and Ohio Arts Council, her next book Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life will be released in April 2025.

Connect with Maggie Smith: Website: maggiesmithpoet.com Instagram: @maggiesmithpoet Substack: For Dear Life

Presented by Create! Magazine Submit to our open calls or subscribe to the digital edition at createmagazine.co

Let's connect: Instagram: @createmagazine Host: @katerinaspopova

This episode is a dream come true. Kat sits down with the extraordinary Maggie Smith —poet, bestselling author, and creative soul behind the viral poem Good Bones and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful. In this raw and inspiring conversation, they explore the messiness of the creative process, navigating visibility, staying true to your art in the age of AI, and how to keep going when the world (or your family) doesn’t get it.

Whether you're an artist, writer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a love letter to your weird, beautiful, evolving path.

In this episode, we talk about:

* How Good Bones changed Maggie’s life—and what came next

* The pain of success not being celebrated by the people closest to you

* Why consistency looks different for every artist (especially caretakers!)

* The trap of turning your creativity into a product

* How to write honestly without sacrificing safety or boundaries

* The importance of keeping your art for you—even when others are watching

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“Make it weirder. That’s the best writing advice I’ve ever given myself.”

“Sometimes you have to pretend no one is watching so you can make what’s real.”

“We don’t get health insurance from poetry. But we do get meaning.”

“I realized I was folding tiny socks while my poem was going viral.”

“You know who your real friends are not just when things go wrong—but when things go right.”

🎤 About Maggie Smith:

Maggie Smith is the author of several bestselling books, including You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Goldenrod, Keep Moving, and the viral poem Good Bones, which was called “the official poem of 2016” by Public Radio International and read by Meryl Streep at Lincoln Center. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Best American Poetry.

A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council, Smith is also the author of the forthcoming Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life (April 2025, Atria/Simon & Schuster). She teaches in the MFA program at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing and lives in Ohio.

Find her at www.maggiesmithpoet.com and @maggiesmithpoet on social media.

📚 Books Mentioned:

* Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life

* You Could Make This Place Beautiful

* Good Bones

* Keep Moving

* Goldenrod

✨ Sponsor: Create! MagazineSupport artist-run, independent publishing. Submit your work or subscribe digitally to stay inspired.

📖 Transcript

(Lightly edited)

Kat: Maggie, welcome to Art & Cocktails. I am so unbelievably honored to have you on the show. I’ll tell you a fun story—I had jury duty in March, and I just grabbed a random book off my shelf… and it happened to be your memoir. I was so happy to have jury duty because I could binge-read it—I pretty much read the whole thing that afternoon.

Thank you for writing it. And now you have a brand-new book out—Dear Writer. Congratulations! It’s filled with incredible tools and lessons for the creative life. I can’t wait to jump in.

Maggie: Oh my gosh, that’s so kind. Thanks for having me!

On Becoming a Writer

Kat: For those who may not be familiar with your work, could you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

Maggie: I’m primarily a poet—that’s probably how most people know me. But I also publish prose, picture books, and work in other genres. I’m a writer, teacher, sometimes an editor… and a Midwesterner.

Kat: I love that. How did you know you wanted to commit your life to writing?

Maggie: I always felt writing was the thing I was best at—and the thing that made me feel most like myself. I probably knew in college that I’d be writing poems the rest of my life. I had no idea how I’d pay my bills—but the writing part was never in question.

On Impractical Dreams and Real-World Pressure

Kat: What would you say to someone who loves creating but is stuck in a job that feels draining?

Maggie: I actually tell people to keep the day job. It gives you financial stability and protects your creativity from pressure. I had a 9-to-5 job for years after my MFA. It let me write at night and didn’t require grading or student emails.

Creativity doesn’t owe you a paycheck. When we force it to pay rent, it can shift the relationship—and not in a good way.

When “Good Bones” Went Viral

Kat: Tell me about when Good Bones went viral—where were you in life at that time?

Maggie: I was pushing a stroller around my neighborhood and folding tiny socks. I had two young kids and was very much in mom-mode. It was surreal. Suddenly people who had no idea who I was—musicians, actors, chefs—were sharing my poem.

I had to quickly decide how to keep writing and not get stuck in “performance” mode. I had to pretend it never happened and return to writing like no one was watching.

On Jealousy, Sabotage & Who Really Shows Up

Kat: You’ve written about unsupportive friends or family. How do you deal with that when your career starts to grow?

Maggie: It’s painful—but also clarifying. You really do learn who your people are. Not just when things go wrong, but when they go right.

Someone else’s success doesn’t take anything from you. It just adds more to the well. I try to keep that in mind, even when I’m personally disappointed.

On Redefining “Consistency” for Creative People

Kat: Your new book redefines consistency in such a refreshing way. Can you share your view?

Maggie: The creative process shouldn’t hurt. Some days are writing days, some aren’t. If I’m not writing, I do something in service of my writing—edit an old draft, submit work, organize.

It all counts. Taking a walk, calling a friend, doing yoga—those things fill the well too.

On Telling the Truth Safely

Kat: What advice do you have for someone who wants to tell a vulnerable story but is scared?

Maggie: Write it all—but don’t feel pressure to publish it all. Publishing is very different from writing. Ask: “Would I be okay answering questions about this publicly?” If not, can you revise or set a boundary while keeping the heart of the story?

Be honest, but protect your peace.

On Art, AI, and Why It’s Time to Get Weird

Kat: In this AI-saturated world, what’s your advice to creatives?

Maggie: I have a sticky note on my desk that says: “Make it weirder.” That’s my guiding principle. I want to feel the human behind the work—the mess, the quirks, the seams.

AI can’t grieve. It can’t love. It can’t dream. We can. That’s our power.

Closing

Kat: Maggie, thank you so much for your time and wisdom. Your work is such a gift.

Maggie: Thank you. This was a joy.

In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms.

Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land.

This episode is a balm for any artist feeling overwhelmed, out of place, or unsure of what comes next. It's a reminder that your work doesn't have to be impressive—it just has to be yours.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Life after academia and what changed in higher education

• Making time for your art while raising a family or working full-time

• How Cheryl approaches residencies, place-based work, and listening

• Letting go of external pressure and creating from authenticity

• The real markers of a fulfilling creative life

• Advice for artists just beginning—or beginning again

Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg Website: www.cherylagulnick.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhochberg

✨ Resources to Support Your Creative Path:

• Submit to Create! Magazine's open call: createmagazine.co/call-for-art

• Explore free artist tools + micro-courses at Create U

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast. Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world.

We discuss:

• How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio

• Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends

• How to build your own creative platform with purpose and integrity

• Practical advice for writers, curators, and creatives entering the art world

Whether you're an artist, curator, or collector, this episode will inspire you to think differently about visibility, community, and the future of contemporary art.

Learn more about Art Forecast: https://artforecast.substack.com

📷 Follow Tatum on Instagram: @artforecast

Sponsors:

🎁 Get free guides, templates, and artist tools to grow your creative career: createu.co/free Submit or subscribe to Create! Magazine: https://createmagazine.co Start learning with micro-courses on Create U: https://createu.co

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: createu.co/free

📸 Instagram: @createmagazine | @katerinaspopova 🌐 Website: www.createmagazine.co www.katpopova.com

🎧 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. 💛

In this uplifting and practical mindset episode, I'm joined by transformational coach and author Olga, whose new book It's Already Yours offers a refreshing and accessible approach to identity, mindset, and aligned creation.

We dive into:

• How your subconscious mind shapes your day-to-day reality

• The role of identity and nervous system regulation in reaching your goals

• Tools to gently shift out of doubt and into creative flow

• Why success comes from alignment—not from pushing harder

• How to move forward without needing everything to be "healed" first

If you've been feeling stuck or unsure of your next step, this episode is a reassuring reminder that you're not broken—and your next level might be closer (and simpler) than you think.

✨ Brought to you by CreateU.co – On-demand micro-courses designed to support creative entrepreneurs.

📖 Order Olga's book and explore her programs: It's Already Yours on Amazon www.itisalreadyyours.com

🎧 Subscribe to Art & Cocktails and follow @createmagazine + @katerinaspopova for more inspiration. 🖼️ Submit your work or read the magazine at: www.createmagazine.co

In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with artist, curator, educator, and coach Sergio Gomez to talk about what it truly means to be a successful artist in 2025.

Sergio shares his incredible journey—from creating art while working a 9 to 5 job to launching a thriving gallery, curating international exhibitions, and mentoring artists through The Artist NXT Level.

We explore:

✨ The power of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset 🎯 Becoming an opportunity creator, not just a seeker 🖼 What curators actually look for in juried shows and proposals 🌀 How to balance a multi-passionate art career 💡 Real-world tips for building a sustainable and soulful creative business

Whether you're applying for open calls, refining your art career path, or seeking clarity in your next move—this episode is packed with grounded advice and encouragement.

🌿 Artist Opportunities Mentioned:

Lightness of Being — Now accepting submissions at createmagazine.co/call-for-art Presented by Create! Magazine and juried by Sergio Gomez. Selected artists will be featured in a curated virtual exhibition and beautifully designed print catalog. Deadline: May 30.

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize — Global award for emerging and established artists across all mediums. Submit at beautifulbizarreartprize.art

🔗 Explore More: Sergio Gomez's art and projects: sergiogomezart.com theartistnextlevel.com

Kat's personal website & coaching: katpopova.com

Submit your work or read more at: createmagazine.co

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.

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 beautifulbizarreartprize.art

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 katpopova.com/mentorship

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 createmagazine.co/call-for-art

For tools and support to build a sustainable, aligned creative career, check out Create U—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.