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 graduation caps (that then went viral) evolved into a story of artistic evolution, mental health healing, and finding purpose through creativity. In this episode, mixed media textile artist Bria Gladney reveals how the most meaningful art comes from the intersection of personal healing, community impact, and the courage to trust the process.

00:00 Introduction to Bria Gladney and Her Journey

03:02 From Class Clown to Pencil: Early Creative Exposures

08:46 The Viral Spark: Designing Graduation Caps in College

11:06 The Decision to Become a Full-Time Artist

11:37 The Spiritual Journey and the Humbling Transformation

17:05 From Canvas to Crochet: The Genesis of the "Dear Cleo" Bears

21:08 Redefining Success: From Chasing Fame to Seeking Impact

23:10 The Craft: Creating Mixed Media Textile Art

24:41 Full-Time Art: Income Streams and Pricing the Work

27:47 The Healing Power of the 'Lovie': Bears as Adult Comfort

29:50 Finding Inspiration Through Conversation and Designated Thinking Time

36:37 Art as Philanthropy: Partnering with the Too Fly Foundation

41:36 Advice on Finding Your Artistic Voice: Stay True to You

Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform!

Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ

Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs

iHeart Podcast: http://bit.ly/4lRHms3

Follow Bria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briagladney

Bria's Website: https://www.briagladney.com/

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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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). After pushing my body to its limits, I ended up on a massage table where an unexpected mantra changed my perspective.

This mantra made me ask: if we have mantras for meditation and our bodies, why not for our creative practice? We, as creatives, spend so much time battling imposter syndrome and the endless feelings of "not enough". Why not use mantras to help us dip into the springwell of our creativity.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome: A Mantra I Didn't Know I Needed

00:40 Hiking the Four Corners and a Body at Its Limit

01:20 The Mantra: "I Am Grounded in the Earth"

02:15 The Realization: Why Not a Mantra for Our Work?

02:45 Battling the "Not Enough" Voice

03:20 This Isn't Toxic Positivity

04:15 How to Find Your Own Creative Mantra

05:20 My Mantra (Right Now)

06:30 Your Turn: Let It Ground You

Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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 just that. His creative perspective was shaped by a childhood spent living across five continents. In our conversation, Navi' shares the inspiration behind his new Black Lotus trilogy, a futuristic world where men have been eradicated, and how real-world political events sparked the idea. We dig into his process as a "freestyle writer", his secrets to dynamic world-building, and the fearless habit he relies on to push the boundaries of his imagination.

00:00 - Introduction to Navi' Robins

01:47 - Releasing the Black Lotus Trilogy

03:08 - The Inspiration: From Trump's Escalator to Roe v. Wade

04:41 - Inside the Black Lotus: A World Without Men

07:56 - Early Influences: Reading Stephen King in Secret

10:31 - Writing the First Book: Combining 10 Stories into One

15:32 - The Approach to World-Building

19:00 - What Frightens People the Most?

20:38 - The Habit of Being Fearless

22:17 - Daily Routines: Afrobeat and Freestyle Writing

26:39 - Overcoming Writer's Block

28:00 - Finding an Artistic Voice

Follow Navi' on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navirobins/

Navi's Website: https://www.navirobins.net/

Website: http://www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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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 three incredible artists: illustrator Andrea Pippins, illustrator Alex Cabal, and photographer Chris Charles, who share their "income pie." They reveal that making it is a result of royalties, commissions, speaking gigs, and consulting that supports their creative life.

Chapters

00:00 - The Reality of Paying Rent as an Artist

02:15 - Understanding the "Income Pie" (Feat. Andrea Pippins)

04:28 - Andrea Pippins Shares Her Income Pie Breakdown

06:29 - Alex Cabal on a Fluctuating Creative Income

09:45 - The Importance of Asking for Help and Avoiding Burnout

10:30 - Chris Charles on Diversifying with Consulting and Film

12:07 - Final Thoughts

Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Puma campaign with perfectly lit, commercial-ready shots, she realized something was missing - soul.

In this episode, the photographer behind campaigns for Nike, Google, Netflix, and Dior reveals how she transformed her work from safe and sterile to moody and magnetic. Learn how she developed her mantra "I don't shoot what it looks like, I shoot what it feels like" and discover the specific techniques she used to find her signature warm, Caribbean-influenced style that makes clients like Don Cheadle and Simone Biles feel vulnerable in front of her lens.

00:00 Introduction to Sage East's Vision

04:04 From the Medical Field to a Camera

05:30 Starting Out: Finding a Muse and Shooting Weddings

06:29 The First Big Gig: PUMA

09:10 The Motto: "I Don't Shoot What It Looks Like, I Shoot What It Feels Like"

10:25 Evolving a Signature Style: Moody, Warm, and Experimental

15:15 The Power of Color Theory and Jamaican Heritage

17:30 How to Communicate Your Vision: The Art of the Treatment

24:43 Adding "Director" to the Title

28:51 Creating Vulnerability with High-Profile Talent

31:30 Defining "Main Character Moments"

Follow Sage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.east

Sage's Website: https://www.sageeast.com/

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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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 arrived, this episode is a reminder that you're building something sustainable, resilient, and entirely your own.

00:00 - The Secret Feeling of Being a Fraud

02:17 - The "Income Pie" Revelation

04:37 - Why Your Pie is a Source of Freedom, Not Failure

06:55 - How Bridge Work Sustains the Dream Work

09:09 - Homework: How to Draw Your Own Income Pie

11:34 - You Are Building Something Sustainable

If the idea of an "income pie" resonates with you, here are a few books that explore how to build a sustainable and multifaceted creative life:

• The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma Gannon: This book is a celebration of the modern portfolio career. Gannon argues that having multiple work streams isn't a distraction but a way to build a more resilient, passion-fueled, and future-proof career.

• Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon: A practical and inspiring guide for artists, this book covers everything from setting goals to diversifying income. Congdon is a master at turning creative passion into a thriving business and shares how multiple revenue streams (like licensing, teaching, and print sales) are key to a sustainable practice.

• Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins: Goins debunks the myth of the "starving artist" by showing how successful creators throughout history have embraced an entrepreneurial mindset. The book provides a framework for thriving, not just surviving, by strategically building multiple income sources that support your creative work.

• Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis: While not exclusively for artists, this book is perfect for any creative who wants to build a profitable, enjoyable, and sustainable business on their own terms. It challenges the traditional growth-at-all-costs mindset and champions a smarter, more intentional approach to work, which often involves focusing on a variety of profitable endeavors rather than scaling into a massive operation.

Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to becoming a book illustrator, her experience at SVA, and her shift into tattooing. Violeta opens up about the realities of freelancing, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and honing her distinctive color palette. She also shares how nature inspires her work, the significance of personal connections in art, and her upcoming projects.

We talk with Violeta Encarnación, a freelance illustrator, about her creative journey and experiences in book illustration. She shares memories of growing up in Cuba, the impact of her artistic family, and her transition to life in the U.S. Violeta reflects on her time at SVA, her path into tattooing, and the lessons she has learned as a freelancer. She opens up about managing an unpredictable schedule, coping with carpal tunnel syndrome, and staying authentic in her work. Violeta also discusses her distinctive color palette, nature's influence on her art, and the role of personal connections in creative careers.

• Childhood experiences and cultural background.

• Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture.

• Book illustration involves collaboration, patience, and the ability to convey complex emotions through images.

• Developing a unique color palette takes time and experimentation, and it can be influenced by nature and personal experiences.

• Finding one's voice in art and maintaining personal connections are essential for success.

00:00 - Introduction: A Collage of Moments Frozen in Time

02:45 - A Journey of Belonging: From Cuba to the U.S.

06:30 - The Language of Emotion: Finding Your Voice in a New Tongue

10:15 - Reclaiming Art as a Safe Space

13:05 - The Unexpected Path to Tattooing

17:01 - Illustrating a New Chapter: Breaking into Picture Books

22:30 - The Resilience of a First "No": Redrawing Her Way to a "Yes"

28:15 - Juggling the Freelance Life: Cash Flow and Creative Burnout

36:00 - A Journey with Color: From Fear to Harmony

42:50 - What's Next: Ceramics and Storytelling

Follow Violeta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_violeta.encarnacion_

Violeta's Website: https://www.violetaencarnacion.com/

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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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 legendary author Edwidge Danticat.

Edwidge shares how she found her own voice as a writer and offers a candid look into her artistic practice today. We talk about the "dance with fear", and the "20 notebooks of false starts" for her current novel, and the practical mindset it takes to push through creative blocks.

This is a powerful and reassuring conversation for any creator who has ever felt stalled by perfectionism or self-doubt.

00:00 - Introduction to Edwidge Danticat

02:30 - The Oral Storytellers of a Haitian Childhood

04:30 - From Listening to Writing: Discovering the Power of Books

06:55 - Finding a Voice and First Publications

09:20 - Choosing Art Over a Prescribed Path

11:30 - The Dance with Fear: Navigating Self-Doubt and Perfectionism

14:50 - The 20 Notebooks: A Look into the Creative Process

18:10 - Learning to Trust Your Own Process

20:10 - A Message to Her Younger Self

Edwidge's Website: https://edwidgedanticat.com/

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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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 my conversation with photographer Nolis Anderson, whose journey is a powerful lesson in following your creative intuition.

Nolis shares the incredible story of how he pivoted from pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to building a full-time photography career, not with a grand plan, but through organic growth and the power of community.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wondering if their 'hobby' could be something more.

00:00 - Introduction to Nolis Anderson

01:06 - From Kenwood Academy to a Creative Path

02:40 - The Surprising Leap: From Pharmacy to Photography

06:30 - Finding a Voice: From Parties to Portraits

11:50 - The Art of Capturing Ephemeral Moments

14:10 - The "Clean" Aesthetic: Editing and Process

17:15 - The Power of Mentorship and Community

19:20 - Navigating the Business of Creativity

25:50 - Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Follow Nolis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolis

Nolis's Website: https://www.nolisanderson.com/

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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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 to draw water from a dry well.

In this personal solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own creative rhythms. Tune in to hear how to use your natural creative lulls to your advantage. This episode is a gentle reminder that your river of creativity is always flowing, even when it goes underground for a while.

00:00 - My Not-So-Secret Creative Cycle 02:21 - The Dry Spell: When the Well Runs Empty 04:49 - The Return of the River: Embracing the Flow 07:15 - Beyond Hustle: Challenging the Myth of Constant Creation 09:33 - What to Do When the Ideas Aren't Flowing 11:46 - Mapping Your Own Creative Seasons 14:10 - Your River is Always Flowing

Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/

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