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 whisper of inadequacy—the one that claims you are "running a game" on everyone—often grows loudest just as you are about to shine. In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on a recent, that forced me to confront my own "elaborate dance of diminishment". We explore the terrifying possibility that we aren't actually afraid of being incompetent, but rather, we are terrified of being seen as someone who knows they are truly good at what they do. If you have ever felt the need to offer a disclaimer before sharing a brilliant idea, this conversation is your invitation to stop shrinking and start taking up the space you have already earned.

00:13 The anatomy of an uninvited guest

01:15 Six seats and a drop in the stomach

02:34 The hammer in my chest

04:10 Why we make space for everyone but ourselves

05:50 Maya Angelou and the fear of being seen

07:14 Potholes, grandmothers, and unexpressed brilliance

09:37 Trading disclaimers for bravery

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. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

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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. Years later, his portraits of Black culture have appeared in Vibe, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. In this conversation, Karl talks about what it really takes to build a creative life on your own terms, why he spent two decades at Verizon while quietly becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in entertainment, and what it means to be a visual historian when representation is still a fight.

00:00 Introduction to Karl Ferguson and the "Visual Historian"

02:20 From The Bronx to the Music Industry

04:02 Picking Up the Camera Out of Necessity

06:26 The First Byline: Validation from Vibe Magazine

08:32 Mastering the Art of Networking and Relationships

15:07 The Responsibility of the Visual Historian

17:07 Creating Intimacy in Celebrity Portraiture

23:31 Building Community at The Grand Studio

25:48 Demystifying the Role of the Digital Tech

31:40 Breaking the Starving Artist Myth: The Verizon Years

43:40 The Importance of Personal Work and Creative Play

49:55 Redefining Success Through authentic Connection

Follow Karl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlfergusonjr

Karl's website: https://www.karlfergusonjr.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. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

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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 shifted my entire understanding of why I am hired as a photographer. We explore the "economy of vision" and how your unique cultural position creates a value that no standard rate card can capture. If you are ready to stop defending your fees and start educating your clients on the specific promise only you can deliver, this episode will help you reclaim your worth.

00:00 The Ritual of the Ceramic Plate

01:30 More Than a Service: Why People Actually Hire You

02:31 Thelma Golden and the Economy of Vision

03:40 Defining Your Aesthetic Universe and Cultural Value

04:53 Moving Beyond Objects to Your Specific Promise

08:40 Productive Discomfort: Teaching People How to Want Your Work

10:00 Rehearsing Your Position Over Your Price

12:00 Homework: Identifying the Five Values of Your Work

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. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

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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 narrow predetermined box? I sit down with multi-disciplinary artist Phoebe Boswell to explore the "porous space" between heritage and headline. From the lush landscapes of Kenya to the structured life rooms of London, Phoebe shares how she navigated a "rude awakening" in the West by building a visual language that refuses to be simplified. We delve into the power of multidisciplinary storytelling and the radical act of reclaiming one's voice after it has been challenged by the gatekeepers of industry.

00:00 Exploring Identity Through Art

03:47 Childhood Influences and Cultural Displacement

07:05 Navigating Racial Identity in England

09:14 Finding Artistic Voice and Overcoming Criticism

16:48 The Complexity of Storytelling in Art

20:08 Community Engagement and Collaborative Art

26:34 Reclaiming Water and Personal Healing

31:51 The Evolution of Artistic Success

36:43 Redefining the Role of the Artist

Follow Phoebe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoebe.boswell/?hl=en

Phoebe's website: https://www.phoebeboswell.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. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

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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, shares her "prickly" journey to discovering her creative voice and why the path from imitation to authenticity is rarely a straight line. We discuss the "gap" between our taste and our abilities, the pressure artists of color face to be original yet palatable, and why a simple concept changed how she approaches her work. If you are tired of performing for applause and ready to find a voice that feels like home, this episode is for you.

00:13 The Taste Gap

02:29 The Portfolio Review

04:40 Imitation vs. Authenticity

07:02 The Trap of Originality

09:20 The Burden of Representation

11:38 Voice as a Garden

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. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

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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 Shaina McCoy, who transformed a moment of classroom frustration into a profound artistic breakthrough. Shaina opens up about the courage it took to bypass traditional art school to protect her voice, the surprising way she colors her memories, and why she believes making a viewer feel is the ultimate measure of success. If you are struggling to embrace your unique limitations, this conversation might just change your perspective on what it means to be a master of your craft.

00:00 Introduction to Shaina McCoy and Her Visual Language

02:16 Early Creative Roots and The Dream of Art School

05:54 The Assignment That Changed Everything: 30 Paintings in 3 Weeks

09:00 Finding Validation in Unexpected Places

11:09 The Choice to Avoid Art School to Protect the Work

15:33 Developing "Blind Faith" in Your Creative Voice

17:16 The Breakthrough: Permission to Stop Painting Faces

19:18 Sculpting with Oil: Mastering the Impasto Technique

20:56 Pop Pop's Archive: The Keeper of Family History

24:29 Color Theory and The emotional Weight of Memory

29:27 Redefining Success: Connection Over Prestige

Follow Shaina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallflowermccoy

Shaina's Work:

• https://goodmothergallery.com/exhibitions/53-nice-to-finally-meet-you-group-exhibition-curated-los-angeles/works/

• https://www.simchowitz.com/exhibitions/shaina-mccoy#tab:slideshow

• https://shop.simchowitz.com/products/harmonica-2023

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. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives

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 and I have been working quietly behind the scenes, from the vibrant streets of Medellín to the design studio, to reimagine how this show looks, sounds, and feels. In this episode, I am pulling back the curtain on the major changes we have made, from our stunning new visual identity to the strategic shifts in our programming. I also share why we are pivoting away from our old format and the ambitious goals we have set for growing this community. If you have ever wondered what it takes to evolve a creative project while staying true to its core, this look ahead offers a glimpse into the joyful, sometimes messy work of leveling up.

00:00 Welcome Back: Kickstarting Season Six from Colombia

01:30 A Visual Renaissance: Collaborating on Our New Identity

03:28 Sonic Shifts: Choosing the New Sound of the Show

04:25 The Strategic Pivot

06:10 The Mission: Growing an Audience to Support Artists

07:45 Season Preview: Creative Crushes and Upcoming Guests

09:15 Solo Episodes: Tackling Paralysis and Finding Your Voice

10:30 Behind the Scenes: Batch Recording and Team Dynamics

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.

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 pitch or apply for that residency. In this episode, we explore the psychological traps of "waiting to be ready" and share research-backed strategies to move from stagnant avoidance to meaningful action. If you have been keeping a scary dream on hold, this conversation might be the gentle push you need to start before you feel brave.

Chapters

00:00 The internal draft: Why we wait for the right time

01:05 A snowy reflection on the dreams we haven't touched

02:17 The confrontation: When "someday" meets the calendar

03:10 Unlearning the fear patterns that keep us stuck

04:39 The "No Fear Month" challenge and the science of action

05:40 Why feelings follow actions: Insights from cognitive behavioral therapy

06:20 Utilizing temporal landmarks for a fresh start

08:00 Step-by-step: How to schedule your breakthrough

10:30 Keeping promises to yourself: A lesson from my son

12:50 The Pomodoro technique and the power of twenty-five minutes

14:40 Overcoming the discomfort of the "not right now"

16:26 Body doubling and shifting your creative environment

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.

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 the right fit?

I'm pulling back the curtain on a lesson that cost me months of energy and a piece of my confidence as a leader. You'll often know by week three or four when a new hire isn't going to make it, and waiting six months to act isn't just costly, it's a failure of leadership. I share the difference between a coachable skill gap and a fundamental values misalignment. Discover the two questions that immediately clarify your next move and the three clear, documented conversations you must have before making the final decision. This episode provides a clear, direct process to protect your creative work and act with grace and clarity, because your vision is worth protecting.

00:00 - An Expensive Lesson in Waiting: Why I Didn't Act for Six Months

01:30 - The Six-Month Rule: Knowing When It's Time to Make a Clear Decision

02:40 - Coaching vs. Cutting Loose: When to Invest in Skill vs. Values

04:05 - Making It Better or Just Different: The Two Defining Questions

04:55 - The Three Clear Conversations Before You Let Someone Go

07:05 - How to Have the Firing Conversation: Clarity is Kindness

08:45 - The Cost of Waiting and Why Acting Fast is Great Leadership

10:40 - Am I Coaching Because I Believe or Because I'm Afraid?

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.

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 first assistant, I'm pulling back the curtain on the first crucial 90 days and the art of proper onboarding. I'll be sharing the systems and intentional frameworks, honed from years of building teams in my photography business and overseeing a 120-person team in a co-owned company, that help a new hire fully absorb your vision, not just your tasks.

I'll walk you through the 30-60-90 framework for ensuring your new team member is set up for success. Learn why the first 30 days are purely for learning, when to flip the script on task ownership, and what to watch for by day 60 to prevent costly misalignments. This episode will provide you with the blueprint for creating an operating document, using tools for clear process transfer, and course-correcting early to ensure your future self (and your entire creative business) is amplified, not diluted.

00:00 - Introduction and Series Recap

02:23 - The Crucial 90 Days: Onboarding vs. Orientation

04:44 - Breaking Down the 30-60-90 Framework

07:04 - Why You Must Encourage "Dumb" Questions

09:16 - Honesty Check: Are You Micromanaging?

11:37 - A Concrete Example: Onboarding for Client Communication

14:02 - Creating Your Operating Document and Role-Playing Scenarios

16:21 - The Week Eight Check-in and the Importance of Documentation

18:48 - Setting People Up for Success: Coaching Versus Cutting Loose

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.