This is How We Create

Are you struggling to maintain creative momentum when motivation disappears?

In this mini-episode, we chat about the neuroscience behind keeping promises to yourself. Through a battle with temptation at the grocery store, I share how small decisions rewire your brain and build creative resilience.

Tune in for practical strategies that may help you overcome seemingly impossible deadlines. This episode provides both scientific understanding and actionable wisdom for artists facing creative blocks, showing why each choice matters more than you realize.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Representation

01:26 Neuroscience of Keeping Promises to Yourself

03:15 The Battle of Impulses and Commitment

06:32 Building Neural Pathways Through Consistency

09:19 The Power of External Accountability

12:40 Creating a Supportive Community

14:10 Making Choices for Your Future Self

Website: Martine Severin

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to our newsletter, Creative Matters: Martine's Substack

Production Credits

This podcast episode is produced and written by Martine Severin and edited by Daniel Espinosa.

What drives you to translate your innermost thoughts into visual expression?

Visual artist Lana Abraham-Murawski shares her creative journey and how her unique cultural heritage shaped her artistic style.

In this intimate conversation, Lana reveals the transformative power of mentorship in her development and her thoughtful approach to balancing artistic ambitions with family life.

She takes us behind the scenes of her striking piece 'Meeting of the Mind,' exploring how she weaves themes of nature, society, and human connection into her work.

Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Lana illustrates how art becomes not just a form of self-expression but a powerful bridge between identity, community, and the natural world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lana Abraham Moravsky

03:03 Lana's Artistic Journey and Background

06:10 Exploring Identity Through Art

08:52 The Evolution of Artistic Style

11:56 Transitioning from College to Professional Art

15:02 Balancing Art and Life

17:50 Deep Dive into Specific Art Pieces

20:48 The Concept Behind 'Meeting of the Mind'

26:41 Exploring Imagination Through Art

27:47 The Evolution of Artistic Expression

29:30 Symbolism in Art: The Peregrine Orbs

35:20 Nature and Identity in Artistic Creation

40:25 Cultural Roots and Artistic Influence

45:04 Finding Community and Collectors

47:26 Advice for Aspiring Artists

Connect with Our Guest:

Lana's Website: Lana Abraham

Follow Lana on Instagram: Lana Abraham-Murawski on Instagram

Support the Show

Website: Martine SeverinFollow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We CreateSubscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Martine Severin. This episode has been edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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 one — where you're holding onto something beautiful, but fear, perfectionism, or just plain old procrastination keeps it tucked away.

This reflection was sparked by a recent conversation with my sister. She has an amazing idea she's been sitting on since the pandemic, and it got me thinking… How often do we do this to ourselves? How often do we protect our ideas so much that we stop them from growing?

In this episode, I talk about the power of small steps — the kind that might seem insignificant at first, but that slowly, steadily builds momentum. If you've been feeling stuck or overwhelmed about where to start, this one's for you. No pressure, just a gentle nudge to begin. Even the tiniest action matters.

Let's walk through it together.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Life

02:58 The Dangers of Limbo and Resistance

06:14 Navigating Procrastination and Community Support

09:04 Taking Small Steps Towards Momentum

11:54 Embracing Your Creative Journey

Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

Production Credits

This podcast episode is produced and written by Martine Severin and edited by Daniel Espinosa

Have you ever wondered how childhood obsessions evolve into creative careers? Fiction writer Pemi Aguda takes us on her journey from creating mini-magazines as a six-year-old in Lagos, Nigeria to publishing internationally acclaimed fiction.

In today's chat, Pemi reveals how her "lonesome" childhood with books transformed into a writing career that explores Nigerian women's experiences and the weight of ancestry.

Stay for Pemi's tips on how to become a better writer and on how to find your artistic voice as a author.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide as part of a fictional narrative. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know you are not alone. Resources for support are listed below. Chapters

00:00 Introduction 02:56 Pemi Aguda's Journey from Lagos to Writing 05:50 The Evolution of Pemi's Writing Process 08:55 Understanding Creative Voice and Teaching 12:01 The Art of Revision and Storytelling 14:52 Exploring Themes in Pemi's Work 17:59 The Influence of Ancestry on Writing 21:12 Literary Influences and Inspirations 24:11 Writing Habits and Routines 27:06 Life Beyond Writing: Hobbies and Interests 29:55 Conclusion and Future Works

Connect with Pemi Aguda

• Website: pemiaguda.com

• Instagram: @pemi.i

• Order "Ghost Roots" : Penguin Random House

Connect with Your Host

• Website: martineseverin.com

• Instagram:Instagram

• Newsletter:Creative Matters

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinoza.

Suicide Prevention Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

24/7 Crisis Hotline: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Veterans, press 1 when calling.

Crisis Text Line Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7

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 when opportunities arise. Drawing from personal observations and psychological research, Martine Severin examine the "upper limit problem" - our internal thermostat for success - and offer practical strategies to break through these self-imposed barriers.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to This Is How We Create

• 02:24 Understanding the Upper Limit Problem

• 04:38 The Grief of Transformation

• 06:52 How Social Media Amplifies Our Limits

• 09:10 Strategies to Overcome Upper Limit Problems

• 11:36 Invitation to Connect and Subscribe

Connect With Us

• Website: Martine SeverinFollow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We CreateSubscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

Support the Show

• Leave a review to help other creators of color discover the show

• Subscribe to the Creative Matters newsletter for weekly inspiration

Production Credits

Podcast produced and edited by Martine Severin.

What happens when a pediatric nurse turned wedding planner discovers her ultimate calling in champagne? Join our conversation with Samantha Danielle, founder of LoveLuvv a sparkling wine brand. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurial tenacity, and building a purpose-driven luxury brand.

Samantha shares her remarkable journey from nursing to wedding planning to creating a social impact champagne brand that donates 10% of proceeds to domestic violence causes, proving that when vision meets determination, extraordinary things happen.

Chapters

• 00:00 - The Journey of Samantha Danielle

• 23:25 - Building a Social Impact Brand

• 20:11 - Navigating the Champagne Industry

• 25:28 - Sales and Marketing: A Dual Approach

• 27:11 - Translating Skills: From Nursing to Business

• 29:15 - Creativity in Branding: Telling Love Stories

• 32:42 - Future Plans: Education and Non-Alcoholic Options

• 35:41 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Lessons Learned

• 41:27 - Living Life: Balancing Work and Leisure

Connect with Samantha

• https://www.instagram.com/loveluvv_sparkling/

• LoveLuvv Experience

• Samantha Danielle

Connect with Martine

• Website: Martine SeverinFollow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We CreateSubscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona.

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, we talk about alcohol and anxiety, revealing how our emotions serve as powerful messengers in our creative lives. S

Chapters/Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Emotions as Messengers

• 02:52 - Personal Journey with Alcohol and Emotions

• 05:45 - Understanding Emotions in the Creative Process

Resources Mentioned:

• Huberman Lab podcast: What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain and Health

• The Triangle Method (as featured in Creative Matters)

Support the Show

Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

This episode of This Is How We Create is produced and edited by Santiago Cardona.

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.

Show Notes:

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.

Episode Highlights

• 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.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Violeta Encarnacion

• 02:55 Cultural Influences on Creativity

• 05:50 Journey from Cuba to the U.S.

• 08:48 Navigating Language Barriers

• 11:54 Artistic Development and Education

• 15:05 Tattooing and Its Impact on Art

• 17:50 Freelance Career and Illustration Work

• 21:01 Illustrating Children's Books

• 24:31 Navigating Relationships in Publishing

• 25:43 Surprising Lessons in Illustration

• 27:16 The Journey to Illustrating a Book

• 32:30 Understanding Project Timelines

• 36:14 Managing Cash Flow as a Freelancer

• 39:54 Developing a Unique Color Palette

• 46:28 Exciting Future Projects

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Website: Violeta Encarnacion

Instagram: Violeta

Support the Show

Website: Martine SeverinFollow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We CreateSubscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives

Do you feel uncomfortable with the sales process as a creative?

In this candid mini-episode, Martine Severin tackles the topic many creatives dread: sales. Martine breaks down practical strategies for artists to sell their work authentically without feeling like "used car salesperson."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Life

00:23 The Visibility to Sales Paradox

03:16 Understanding Sales for Artists

10:19 Building Community and Networking

14:00 Cultivating an Audience and Collectors

20:07 The Sales Process Explained

27:35 Transforming Sales Mindset

Perfect for: Artists, photographers, designers, and creatives who feel uncomfortable with the sales process but want to improve their results.

Danielle Chutinthranond: E28

Maria Bayer: https://members.mariabayer.com/2025-is/

Maria on Instagram

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE: Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

This episode of This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.

#CreativeBusiness #ArtSales #CreativeEntrepreneurship #SalesForArtists

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 film, wouldn't it be great if someone helped you buff your idea and make the end product simply spectacular?

Shannan E. Johnson is that someone! As a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel, Shannan left her full-time gig to become a storytelling expert who develops creatives and their ideas for the screen. As a script consultant, teacher, and therapist, she uses her innate understanding of storytelling to make compelling TV and movies.

In today's podcast, Shannan walks us through her wide-ranging career and shares what it's like to work in Hollywood. She offers invaluable tips on how to write and tell a great story. I walked away from our conversation with a framework on how to approach fear and how to position my vision to achieve my desired outcomes!

As you listen to the interview, the conversation will skip forward here and there - this is because Shannan's audio cut off at certain points, but the insights remain powerful throughout.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Shannan E. Johnson

• 02:09 The Journey into Storytelling

• 07:14 Understanding the Craft of Screenwriting

• 12:23 The Differences in Storytelling Mediums

• 18:19 Transitioning to Executive Roles in Hollywood

• 24:15 Navigating the Business of Hollywood

• 26:48 The Evolution of Storytelling in TV

• 35:03 Navigating the Transition from Executive to Entrepreneur

• 41:08 Building Confidence and Leadership Skills

• 47:09 The Professional Pen: Empowering Screenwriters

• 51:03 Introducing Truffle Sauce: A New Film Experience

Connect with Shannan:

• Website: http://www.shannanejohnson.com/

• The Professional Pen: https://www.awriterforyourwriter.com/bio.html

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanejohnson/

• The Professional Pen IG: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalpen/

Connect with your host:

• Website: Martine Severin

• Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create

• Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

This episode of This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie.