This is How We Create

In this mini-episode, we explore the unexpected parallel between toe yoga and creative practice. Through her personal experience with a daily exercises, our host, Martine Severin, reveals how small, consistent efforts lead to remarkable changes over time – both in physical flexibility and creative mastery.

Martine challenges the myth of natural talent, showing how persistence and consistent practice often triumph over innate ability. This episode serves as your permission slip to begin that creative project you've been postponing – no matter how small your daily commitment might be.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

00:27 Understanding Toe Yoga

04:22 The Metaphor of Toe Yoga in Creativity

08:10 Taking Action and Consistency in Practice

Key Takeaways:

• The benefits of toe yoga extend beyond foot health to our entire physical structure

• Just 1-5 minutes of daily practice can lead to significant improvements in any skill

• Consistent practice often trumps natural talent in creative pursuits

• You don't need expensive equipment or extensive training to begin your creative journey

• Stop waiting for permission and start with small, manageable commitments

Stay in touch:

Website: MartineSeverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack - Creative Matters

We welcome fine art painter Rhonda K Brown, whose artistic story is deeply intertwined with a remarkable family legacy in the art world. Join us as Rhonda pulls back the curtain on her creative journey - from the influential gallery environment of her youth to her eventual return to painting after exploring other paths. How did growing up surrounded by prominent artists shape her artistic vision? What drew her back to the canvas after time away? And what inspired her to create a new platform supporting fellow artists? Tune in for an intimate conversation about art, inspiration, and the mission to elevate diverse creative voices.

• Rhonda's personal journey as a fine art painter and how she developed her unique style

• The remarkable legacy of the Malcolm Brown Gallery and its influence on her work

• Her approach to selecting color palettes and how she trained her artistic eye

• A treasure trove of recommendations for both historical and contemporary artists worth following

• The story behind Critique House, a new venture co-founded with her son to support BIPOC artists

• 00:00 Introduction to Rhonda Brown's Creative Journey

• 01:31 The Malcolm Brown Gallery: A Family Legacy

• 10:59 Influences and Inspirations in Art

• 17:22 Honoring Everyday People Through Art

• 21:12 Navigating Artistic Challenges and Community Support

• 24:01 The Evolution of Rhonda's Color Palette

• 29:05 Sources of Inspiration and Artistic Growth

• 34:02 The Journey Back to Art and Critique House

• 38:57 Critique House: Supporting BIPOC Artists

• Discover how Rhonda approaches her creative practice and what fuels her artistic vision

• Learn about the influential Malcolm Brown Gallery and its place in art history

• Hear how Rhonda celebrates everyday people through her artistic expression

• Explore the development of her distinctive color palette and artistic eye

Rhonda K Brown is an accomplished fine art painter whose work has garnered recognition for its distinctive style. Beyond her personal artistic practice, she's committed to creating opportunities for other artists.

• Rhonda K Brown: @rhondabrownfineart

• Rhonda's Website: https://www.rkbfineart.com

• Martine Séverin: martineseverin.com | @martine.sev

This episode has been edited by Casandra Voltolina

In this essential episode, host Martine Severin draws from her experience creating an artist statement for Scope Miami to provide a practical roadmap for artists struggling with this crucial professional document. From understanding your audience to finding your authentic voice, this episode breaks down the process into manageable steps that will help your work connect with galleries, collectors, and grant committees.

• 00:00 Introduction to Artist Statements
• 03:13 Understanding Your Audience and Purpose
• 06:04 Essential Elements of an Artist Statement
• 09:09 Approaches to Writing Your Artist Statement
• 11:58 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
• 14:47 Refining Your Artist Statement

• How to tailor your statement for different contexts and audiences
• The five key components that make your statement effective
• Practical structural approaches to organize your thoughts
• Common mistakes that undermine your professional presentation
• Techniques to overcome writer's block and find your authentic voice

Get the Artist Statement Development Worksheet mentioned in this episode! This step-by-step guide walks you through targeted exercises that help you generate a compelling statement.

"Despite having AI at our disposal, writing an artist statement isn't a breeze. You still need to create a statement that helps collectors and curators understand the context of your work, creates a bridge between your artistic intentions and the viewer's experience, and distinguishes you in a competitive field."

"Your statement should sound like you, not an academic journal, not a marketing brochure, not what you think a 'serious artist' should sound like."

"The best artist statements aren't written in a single sitting. Give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and refine, just as you would with any creative project."

• Website: MartineSeverin.com
• Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate
• Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack - Creative Matters

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

This week on This Is How We Create: Award-winning photographer Tobi Shinobi reveals his fascinating journey from courtroom to camera lens. Discover the unique productivity framework that transformed his creative process and catapulted his career to global recognition.

• The Name: How a playground nickname evolved into one of photography's most recognizable brands

• The Pivot: Why Tobi abandoned a successful legal career to pursue photography

• The Symmetry Connection: How childhood Lego obsessions influenced his distinctive visual style

• The Game-Changer: Tobi's intriguing "7 out of 10 principle" that revolutionized his workflow

• The Success Story: From Instagram experiments to Sony ambassador and TikTok creative strategist

Tobi introduces his enigmatic productivity framework that helped him post 3-4 quality images daily while maintaining his signature high standards. What are the ten elements he considers, and why is hitting just seven of them the sweet spot? Tune in to find out how this approach might transform your creative practice.

• Why photographing buildings became Tobi's specialty (hint: they're never late to photoshoots)

• The small details that separate amateurs from professionals in client relationships

• How self-taught photographers can bridge the knowledge gap when transitioning to professional work

"The worst piece of advice I've ever received was 'don't become a photographer'... I've been able to travel the world, make long-term friendships, change my life... all because I believed in myself."

Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/

Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/

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

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

This is How We Create is produced by and edited by Braila West, Alexis Sanchez and Martine Severin.

Follow Tobi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobishinobi

Website: https://www.tobishinobi.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tobishinobi

Have you ever committed to creating even when you didn't believe in yourself?

In this mini-episode of 'This Is How We Create,' Martine Severin explores the quiet yet persistent power that drives artists to create even when faced with doubt, external pressures, and self-criticism. She shares a profound revelation from a cinematographer who admitted there were times in her successful career when she simply didn't believe in herself - yet continued moving forward.

Episode Highlights

• There's a gap between creative dreams and current reality that can feel like failure
• Creative resilience isn't flashy - it's about honoring the contract you made with yourself to be an artist
• The difference between orchestrating success versus influencing it
• How separating actions from fluctuations in self-perception can liberate your creative process
• What if the next level of your art requires stillness rather than hustle?
• Embracing your unique way of being and seeing the world
• How generosity and genuine connection can help navigate the "valley of doubt"

Key Takeaways

• Creative resilience is essential for navigating the natural ebbs and flows of artistic life
• External metrics shouldn't overshadow the simple joy of creating
• Stillness and quiet can lead to deeper creative insights than forced productivity
• Community support makes navigating doubt easier - we're not meant to walk this path alone
• Your creativity is defined by commitment, not belief in yourself

Your Creative Assignment

1. Reconnect with the original contract you made with yourself about making art
2. Carve out time for deliberative practice - 15 minutes of just being
3. Ask yourself: "How might I be if I believed in myself every moment of the day?"
4. Reach out to someone in your community with genuine curiosity - not to get something, but to give your full attention

Sound Bites

"What if the next level to your art requires something that's counterintuitive? What if it requires stillness?"

"Generosity turns out is a secret passcode and a password that opens doors, especially for those of us who find traditional networking exhausting."

"Your creativity isn't defined by beliefs or doubts, it's defined by your commitment."

Episode Chapters

00:00 The Creative Journey Begins 02:45 Navigating Doubt and Resilience 06:12 The Power of Stillness 09:01 Community and Connection in Creativity 11:54 Commitment Over Belief

Support the Show Website: Martine SeverinFollow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreateSubscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

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

Struggling to get your art in front of the right people? Then this episode is your roadmap.

Join multidisciplinary artist Courtney Minor on "This Is How We Create" as she unveils the emotional underpinnings of her creative journey—from finding fresh inspiration in Vietnam to transforming personal therapy into powerful art. Courtney doesn't just inspire; she delivers actionable strategies for marketing your work, building a devoted email list, experimenting with unexpected materials, and connecting with collectors who truly value your vision.

This isn't just about making art—it's about making making a place for your art in the world

Here's what we discuss:

• Courtney Minor is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in collage, photography, and film.
• Her trip to Vietnam was a pivotal moment that reignited her creative spark.
• Art serves as a therapeutic outlet for Courtney, helping her express emotions she struggles to verbalize.
• She combines various mediums, including collage and graffiti, to convey her messages.
• Courtney's journey reflects the importance of embracing one's identity and creative voice. Courtney creates prototypes in her head before starting.
• She collects artifacts and photographs for inspiration.
• Plexiglass allows viewers to see their reflection in her work.
• Prototyping is essential for her larger art pieces.
• Sourcing materials often involves unconventional places like Home Depot.
• Understanding her audience has been crucial for her sales.
• Building an email list is vital for artist outreach.
• Social media algorithms reward video content over static images.
• Connecting all platforms is important for artist visibility.
• Artwork Archive simplifies the inventory process for artists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Courtney Minor and Her Art Journey

02:04 The Turning Point: Vietnam Trip and Creative Rebirth

12:08 Childhood Influences and Early Artistic Aspirations

16:57 Emotional Expression Through Art: The Therapeutic Process

20:06 Navigating Personal Loss and Its Impact on Creativity

30:03 The Artistic Process: From Emotion to Creation

31:07 The Art of Prototyping

36:47 From Ideas to Canvas

40:01 Sourcing Materials for Art

43:13 Marketing and Selling Art

55:26 Exploring New Mediums and Techniques

Get to know Courtney: https://thecmdstudio.com/pages/copy-of-about-courtney-minor

Courtney's Instagram: heyitscourtneyminor

Buy Courtney's Art: https://thecmdstudio.com/collections

Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/

Follow This Is How We Create ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com

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

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

Ever find yourself stuck in decision limbo, saying "maybe" to opportunities that deep down you know aren't right for you?

In this episode of "This is How We Create," Martine Severin unpacks her game-changing "Waffle Rule," a powerful framework that will transform how you make decisions in your creative career and beyond.

You'll discover:

• Why indecision is actually a form of decision-making (and what your brain is trying to tell you)

• How to interpret that "static" feeling when you're waffling between choices

• The surprising connection between hesitation and your true values

• A practical 5-step plan to build your "no muscle" and reclaim precious creative energy

• Real-world examples from creatives like photographer Anastassia Withey and web designer Elsa Omri who made tough choices to honor their creative voices

• Download the workbook that goes along with this episode: Waffle Rule Workbook

This episode grew from one of our most popular Creative Matters newsletter pieces, proving that decision paralysis is something so many of us struggle with as creative professionals of color. Whether you're considering a career pivot, evaluating collaboration opportunities, or simply trying to protect your creative time, the Waffle Rule offers the clarity you've been searching for.

Hit play to reclaim your decision-making power and discover why sometimes your most powerful creative tool is simply saying "no."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Life

00:25 Understanding Indecision

05:12 The Waffle Rule Explained

07:42 Applying the Waffle Rule

09:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 Martine Severin.

What happens when a medical student abandons her stethoscope for a camera, moves to a foreign country where she knows no one, and transforms an abandoned garage into a thriving art collective?

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of communication designer and photographer Ankita Das, whose work transcends traditional medium boundaries to create powerful narratives around identity, health, and community.

Ankita shares how being the daughter of academics (a mathematician mother and surgeon father) initially set her on a medical path before discovering her artistic talents. She discusses her unique professional identity, describing herself as "juggling between a designer who photographs and a photographer who designs."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ankita Das and Her Creative Journey

02:56 The Duality of Identity in Creativity

05:56 Artistic Influences from Childhood

09:07 Exploring Dating Culture Through Art

11:55 The Intersection of Performance and Design

15:14 Navigating PCOS Through Artistic Expression

18:02 Creating Community Through Espace Tricote

21:01 Understanding Space and Communication Design

24:05 Collective Chimera: Building a Supportive Community

27:01 Funding and Sustainability of Artistic Spaces

29:55 The Impact of Community on Creativity

32:52 Sharing Work Beyond the Community

36:05 Balancing Work and Personal Life

38:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Website: https://ankitadas.com/

Instagram: Herecomesthepotato

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.

In this mini-episode, we dive into something we ALL struggle with as creatives - the hidden cost of context switching. Ever feel like you've run a mental marathon without actually finishing anything substantial? Turns out there's a name for that overwhelmed feeling: attention residue.

Martine shares her personal struggles with toggling between creator, marketer, and business manager modes - and how neuroscience shows our brains simply aren't designed for these rapid-fire transitions. (Did you know it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully regain focus after an interruption? Whew!)

But don't worry! This isn't just about naming the problem - we've got practical solutions in her context switching survival kit:

• Time-blocking with buffers (separate your maker days from your manager days!)

• The two-minute reset ritual for those unavoidable transitions

• The threshold technique that creates clean breaks between work sessions

If you're a creative entrepreneur feeling stretched in a million directions, this episode is your nudge to protect your creative focus.

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.

THIS IS HOW WE CREATE

PODCAST WORKFLOW

Episode Number: 121

Guest Name: Kianne Patrice Hutchinson

Title: 121. How to Develop a Unique Artistic Voice - Kianne Patrice Hutchinson

Description:

Learn how digital artist Kianne Patrice Hutchinson balances pharmacy and art, blending vibrant textures, augmented reality, and AI. She reflects on her journey from Jamaica, creative themes, and future projects in licensing and collaborations.

Show Notes:

We chat with Kianne Patrice Hutchinson, a digital artist balancing a career in pharmacy with her passion for art. She shares her journey from Jamaica, where early exposure to photography and painting sparked her creative path. In this conversation, we explore how to incorporate augmented reality, AI, and unique textures into your vibrant work. Don't miss the part of our conversation where Kianne talks about how an opportunity to license her work came about.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kianne Patrice Hutchinson

02:39 The Duality of Art and Science

05:41 Early Influences and Artistic Beginnings

09:02 Navigating Career Paths: Pharmacy and Art

12:19 The Early Days of Artistic Pursuits

15:18 Developing a Unique Artistic Voice

19:30 Building a Client Base and Gaining Recognition

23:53 Incorporating Augmented Reality in Art

26:33 Exploring Themes in 'The Church Bells Toll'

38:15 Advice to My Younger Self

41:03 Passions Beyond Art

43:05 Future Projects and Collaborations

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Instagram: https://www.kiannepatrice.com/

Website: kianne.patrice

Support the Show

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

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