This is How We Create

Welcome to our 100th Episode! Cue the confetti! Thank you for being part of our community.

In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Andrea Pippins—illustrator, author, and creative powerhouse—as she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic transformation. Andrea opens up about the defining moments that shaped her career and creative voice from her early influences to her bold decision to move to Sweden.

Through candid reflections and actionable advice, Andrea explores the challenges and rewards of building a freelance business abroad, navigating cultural differences, and staying connected in a virtual world. Whether you're a seasoned creative or just starting out, Andrea's will story inspire you to embrace curiosity, prioritize your goals, and create with intention.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How curiosity fuels creativity and opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

• Why networking and mentorship are key to professional and personal growth.

• The importance of adapting to cultural differences when building connections in a new country.

• Tips for staying productive and setting meaningful goals in your creative practice.

• How Andrea balances freelancing with motherhood while living abroad.

• The value of keeping a physical idea book to track and organize your projects.

• Insights into financial transparency, including how Andrea shares her income breakdown.

• Why travel and cultural immersion are essential for expanding artistic perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Journey

04:57 Andrea Pippins: A Life in Art

19:06 Cultural Transition and Community Building

30:38 From Corporate to Freelance: A Transformative Leap

44:06 Navigating Income and Financial Transparency

48:16 Advice for Aspiring Artists

Get to know Andrea Pippins: https://www.andreapippins.com/aboutFollow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapippins/

Get to know Martine Severin

Website: https://martineseverin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/

Follow This Is How We Create: https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com

Book Mentioned: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

Income pie: Lola Akinmade https://www.instagram.com/lolaakinmade/?hl=en

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

In this conversation, Holly McWhorter shares her journey as an artist, writer, and entrepreneur, discussing her childhood influences, her experiences living between Copenhagen and Brooklyn, and her transition from running a skincare business to rediscovering her passion for painting during the pandemic. She reflects on her creative process, the importance of color theory, and offers advice to her younger self about focusing on her passions without spreading herself too thin.

GET TO KNOW HOLLY:

Website: https://hollymcwhorterart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollymcwhorterart

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:Website: martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severinFollow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

CREDITS:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

On today's episode, we sit down with Sherrod Faulks, founder of Deep Black Ceramics. From tech screens to pottery wheels, Faulks shares his remarkable transition from UX design to establishing his ceramics brand. We explore how authenticity shapes his creative process, from custom glaze formulation to collection development.

Faulks discusses finding creative courage through his partner's support and how his background in user experience informs his artistic vision. Through our conversation, he reveals how each ceramic piece becomes part of a larger narrative, creating distinct eras within his work.

Join us for an intimate look at reinvention, artistic integrity, and the transformative power of following your passion.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity is the secret to standing out in a crowded creative landscape.

2. Centering oneself is crucial for producing your best, most meaningful work.

3. Building a cohesive brand identity and infusing personal emotions into your creations can leave a lasting impact.

4. Embrace your unique vision and don't be afraid to be bold and take creative risks.

5. Conceptualizing collections and eras can be powerful for creative projects.

6. Create work that brings joy and pleasure to yourself and others.

7. Understand the deeper "why" behind your creations to align with your values.

8. Custom design and formulate glazes to produce unique, beautiful pieces.

9. Discover your passion and create meaningful work that reflects who you are.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Sherrod Faulks and His Journey

• 04:45 The Influence of Cooking on Sherrod's Life

• 10:20 The Evolution of Slice and Tort

• 13:11 The Birth of Deep Black

• 16:59 The Connection Between Clay and Self-Discovery

• 21:45 Creating a Centered Environment for Creativity

• 25:01 The Art of Collections in Clay

• 32:37 Finding Authenticity and Inspiration

• 39:14 Designing with Purpose and Emotion

• 45:51 Future Endeavors and Creative Visibility

• 52:47 - Conclusion and Sherrod's Parting Thoughts

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Discover more of Sherrod Faulk's work: deepblack.shopShop Deep Black: https://deepblack.shop/

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:Website: martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severinFollow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

CREDITS:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

If you've ever considered dipping your toes into a creative field, tune in to hear the journey of Ayanah George, a digital and film photographer who masterfully bridges the worlds of engineering and photography.

From mastering double exposure techniques to embracing the beautiful imperfections of film photography, she shares intimate insights into her creative evolution. Ayanah discusses how she built a thriving side business while staying true to her artistic voice.

This episode offers a glimpse into how technical precision and artistic vision can merge to create something extraordinary while highlighting the transformative power of self-belief in pursuing creative passions.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How Ayanah transitioned from engineering to photography while juggling her day job.

• The inspiration she draws from Kehinde Wiley's powerful depictions of people of color.

• Techniques for experimenting with double exposure and the minimal editing required for film photography.

• The evolution of her photography style and how she captures intentional and elevated portraits.

• The importance of self-confidence and exposure to art in fueling creative growth.

• Ayanah's approach to travel photography, selling prints, and exploring new opportunities for assignments.

• The value of community, collaboration, and continuous learning in the creative field.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ayanna George's Creative Journey

• 01:53 Early Influences and Exposure to Photography

• 04:12 Building a Photography Career While Balancing Engineering

• 08:27 Developing a Personal Style in Portraiture

• 11:48 Travel Photography: Capturing the Essence of Places

• 17:11 Transitioning from Weddings to Portraits

• 19:05 Inspiration from Kehinde Wiley and Double Exposure Techniques

• 23:48 Evolving Style and Intentionality in Photography

• 27:09 Confidence and Creative Growth

• 28:35 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Stay Connected with Our Guest: 🔗 Follow Ayanah George on Instagram: @ayanahgeorge

Keep Up With Martine:

Website:martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severin

Follow This Is How We Create: @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Credits:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

In this episode of This Is How We Create, we sit down with the talented photographer Kelly Marshall to explore the journey of turning passion into purpose.

Throughout our conversation, Kelly emphasizes the power of building strong networks and lifting up other creatives, especially within the Black community. She reveals practical strategies for balancing personal projects with commercial work, managing client expectations, and creating multiple income streams.

But it's not all about business—Kelly opens up about the importance of prioritizing self-care, taking risks, and believing in yourself to navigate the highs and lows of a creative career.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why cultivating a strong network is crucial for creatives, particularly artists of color.

• How can you bring your personal passions into your commercial work for a fulfilling career

• Strategies for setting boundaries, managing client expectations, and maintaining your well-being.

• The value of supporting fellow creatives and how referrals can open new doors.

• Why taking risks and betting on yourself can lead to unexpected opportunities.

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction to Kelly Marshall's Creative Journey

• 02:50 Growing Up Mixed-Race in Philadelphia

• 06:07 The Impact of Racial Identity on Art

• 09:04 Exploring 'Birthing of a Nation' Project

• 11:57 The Evolution of Kelly's Photography Career

• 14:53 Navigating the Commercial Photography Landscape

• 18:12 Building a Supportive Network in New York

• 21:06 Finding Your Unique Style in Photography

• 24:04 Balancing Client Expectations and Creative Vision

• 27:04 Financial Insights and Revenue Streams

• 29:56 Advice for Young Creatives

• 32:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Discover more of Kelly Marshall's work :sans.mursExplore Kelly's portfolio: https://www.kellymarshallphoto.com/

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:Website: martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severinFollow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Kelly's documentary BIRTH

CREDITS:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

In this soul-stirring episode, Sheffield-based artist Rashna Hackett shares her extraordinary journey from a 35-year career in psychiatric nursing to discovering her calling as an artist at age 50.

Born in Tanzania with memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, Rashna reveals how art became her sanctuary during a period of workplace bullying and depression.

Through her uniquely intuitive approach to large-scale abstract paintings and her joyfully chaotic studio practice, she explores themes of mixed-race identity, cultural heritage, and creative liberation. A testament to the healing power of art and the fact that it's never too late to discover your passion.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How childhood experiences shape an artist's unique style and voice.

• The beauty of intuitive painting and the unexpected discoveries it can spark.

• Strategies for marketing your art and leveraging social media for visibility.

• The power of embracing chaos and accidents in the studio for creative breakthroughs.

• Why art is more than just a craft—it's a journey of self-discovery and joy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rashna Hackett

00:54 Childhood Influences and Early Memories

04:15 The Journey to Painting

10:03 Artistic Process and Intuition

14:59 Exploring Identity Through Art

19:49 Marketing and Selling Art

24:11 Future Projects and Exciting Ventures

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Get to know Rashna Hackett: rashnahackettExplore Rashna's portfolio: https://www.artbyrashna.com/about

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:

Website: martineseverin.com

Instagram: @martine.severin

Follow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

CREDITS: This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

Have you ever considered using Augmented Reality in your work? Meet creator, writer, and Augmented Reality developer Steven Christian as he shares his journey from a love for cartoons and video games.

Steven shares how he came to find Iltopia Studios, where he blends storytelling with cutting-edge augmented reality (AR). He recounts how a pivotal Adobe Max conference ignited his interest in using AR to create immersive tech-forward experiences.

During our time together, Steven discusses his productivity strategies, including the Pomodoro Technique, and emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and self-motivation in the creative industry. With a unique approach to being a generalist, he talks about navigating the diverse AR landscape and shaping his career by staying adaptable and curious.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

- How to turn a passion for cartoons and video games into a career in animation and AR

- Tips on starting a creative business and building an impactful portfolio

- How the Pomodoro Technique can improve focus and overcome creative blocks

- The advantages of being a generalist in the tech-creative field

- Tools and resources for anyone interested in learning AR, from YouTube tutorials to Unity and Skillshare

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Explore Iltopia Studios: https://iltopiastudios.com/

Follow Steven on Instagram: stuckonaneyelnd

View more of Stevens work: https://stuckonaneyeland.com/projects

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:

Website:https://martineseverin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/

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

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

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

- Adobe Max Conference

- Unity Learn

- Skillshare and Udemy for AR tutorials

CREDITS:

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

Join us for a transformative conversation with multidisciplinary artist Malene Barnett, who shares her evolution from commercial textile designer to ceramicist, researcher, and cultural preservationist.

In this episode, Barnett reveals how embracing her authentic artistic voice led to founding the Black Artists and Designers Guild (BADG), securing a Fulbright grant to research African-Caribbean pottery traditions, and authoring Crafted Kinship, a groundbreaking book featuring 60+ makers across the diaspora.

Through personal anecdotes and practical wisdom, she offers invaluable insights on building a sustainable creative practice while honoring cultural heritage.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to transition from commercial design to fine art while maintaining financial stability

• Why rest is a non-negotiable part of the creative process, not a reward

• The importance of building multiple income streams through licensing and collaboration

• How to use research to deepen your artistic practice and cultural connections

• Strategic approaches to property ownership and financial planning for artists

• The power of documenting and preserving cultural traditions through art

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Get to know Malene Barnett: https://www.malenebarnett.com/ Follow Malene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malene.barnett/ Pre-order "Crafted Kinship" (Coming October 29, 2024)

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE: Website: https://martineseverin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ Follow This Is How We Create: https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Black Artists and Designers Guild (BADG)

• Ruggable Collection by Malene Barnett

• Tyler School of Art and Architecture

• Fulbright Research Grant

• Hambidge Residency

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

In this soul-stirring episode of This Is How We Create, Townsend takes us behind the lens, sharing how she went from shooting personal projects in Chicago to commanding commercial sets – all while staying true to her roots. Through her surrealist-inspired imagery, Akilah isn't just making pictures; she's rewriting narratives and reclaiming Black stories.

"Photography is my form of resistance," Townsend says. Through her work, she crafts visual love letters to Black culture that challenge mainstream perspectives and celebrate authentic experiences. Whether you're a budding photographer or simply dream of turning your side hustle into your main stage, this conversation will inspire you to pick up that camera and tell BIPOC stories, your way.

Episode Overview:

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

Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠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.

Get to know Akilah :https://www.killls.com/contact

Akilah's Instagram: killls

Book Akilah: https://www.killls.com/contact

Some people wait to be chosen, hired, or validated. But others don't wait. They make their own path with determination. They use different tools, like guerrilla marketing, to get noticed. Dr. Fahamu Pecou is one of those people. Today on the podcast, you'll hear his inspiring journey from dreams of working as an animator to becoming an award-winning artist.

Dr. Pecou studied painting, when he secured a job as a graphic designer, his artistic career changed course. In our talk, Dr Pecou shares how his hip-hop influenced his work and how his work came to challenge societal views of Black identity and more specifically, Black masculinity.