How do the roles we observe as children shape the art we create as adults? In this conversation, I connect with painter and curator Yannie Gu, whose creative vision was formed by the women in her life in Shanghai. 

Tune in to hear how Yannie leveraged the power of community to create an experimental pop-up gallery. Yannie offers a beautiful perspective on her use of color and the symbolism of flames in her work, creating a world where her characters are protected and powerful. This episode explores how our past, our passions, and our communities can intertwine to create a voice that is uniquely our own.

00:00 - Introduction to Yannie Gu

00:51 - Growing Up in Shanghai

03:03 - From Professional Ballet to Visual Art

05:20 - Finding Her Voice and Community at SVA

07:10 - The Genesis of Museum 54: A Platform for Peers

12:20 - The Gaze in the Age of Technology

17:30 - Painting with Fire: The Symbolism of Flames and Color

23:45 - Balancing a Studio Practice with Commercial Work

30:40 - Capturing Ideas in the Notes App

32:00 - Final Reflections on the Creative Journey

Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/fgH4xiLL0v0

Follow Yannie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanixgu/?hl=en

Yannie’s Website: https://yannieyiyanggu.com/

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

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

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In this solo episode, I'm sharing a tough-love truth that might sting a little. It all started during a recent hiring process, where I was struck by how many candidates showed up unprepared for a life-changing opportunity. It got me thinking: how often do we, as creatives, fail to do the basic work our dreams require?

I’m digging into the idea of "permission to play" as the baseline preparation and knowledge that’s your ticket into the game. We’re not talking about perfection; rather, we’re focusing on honoring your future self with the simple act of showing up ready. We'll explore why talent without preparation is just potential and how over-preparing is one of the most profound acts of self-love you can practice.

 If you're ready to stop abandoning your future and start building earned confidence, this one's for you.

00:00 - The Interview Story That Stung

01:43 - What Is Your 'Permission to Play?'

02:30 - The Real Cost of Being Unprepared

03:25 - Sending a Love Letter to Your Future Self

04:25 - How Preparation Changes Your Identity

05:15 - What People Say When You're Not in the Room

06:20 - A Final Word: Your Future Self is Counting on You

Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel!

https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI

Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: 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 given yourself a deadline to make a dream come true? For singer and actress Rashada Dawan, that deadline was one year. After being laid off and with bills piling up, she made a 12-month commitment to pursue her art full-time before turning to a more “practical” career. Just days before she was set to take an exam to become a police offer, she received a life-altering phone call. 

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rashada Dawan to talk about her journey from Chicago church choirs to national stages. This is a story about faith, resilience, and the courage to bet on yourself, even when the clock is ticking.

00:00 - Introduction to the Multifaceted Rashada Dawan 02:22 - Saturday Mornings and Church Choirs: Early Musical Memories 06:06 - "Singing Doesn't Pay the Bills": The Advice That Shaped a Career 10:07 - Finding Her Voice: Lessons from Mimicking the Greats 17:28 - The One-Year Challenge and a Life-Changing Bathroom Call 21:21 - A Family Affair: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation 31:02 - The Swinging Pendulum: Finding Contentment in the Dance of Life 37:05 - More Than an Artist: The Freedom of Creating Without Pressure

Rashada’s Website: https://rashadadawan.com/

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

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

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Have you ever been at a crossroads, wishing for that one piece of timely advice to light the way?

Recently, a conversation with my nieces got me thinking about the incredible wisdom our guests have shared on this podcast. In this special episode, I'm doing things a little differently. I’ve gathered insights from three amazing creators: bestselling author Jasmine Guillory, photographer Amanda J. Cain, and muralist Dorian Sylvain who share the advice they wish they could give their younger selves. 

Get ready to hear hear tried-and-true tips on the writing process, the power of mentorship, and how to reframe so-called mistakes into opportunities for growth.

00:00 - The Power of Timely Advice 03:26 - Jasmine Guillory on Finding Your Voice as a Writer 05:14 - Amanda J. Cain on Mentorship and the Gift of Authenticity 09:27 - Dorian Sylvain on Embracing "Mistakes" and Lifelong Learning 13:46 - A Final Word on Making Advice Stick

Tune in to Jasmine Guillory’s episode 50.

Tune in to Amanda J Cain’s episode 70.

Tune in to Dorian Sylvain’s episode 77. 

Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: 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 happens when your creative process becomes a mirror, reflecting back the deepest parts of your identity? I sit down with abstract artist Gina Tyquiengco to discuss her winding creative path, from teaching herself graphic design to finding her voice as a painter. 

Gina explains how her signature black, white, and gold palette is a deliberate reflection of her Guamanian and African American heritage, duality, and spirituality. This is a powerful conversation about trusting the process and the joy of making art alongside your children.

00:00 - Introduction to Gina Tyquiengco

01:50 - A Multicultural Upbringing Fueled by Creativity 

04:00 - The Clever Kid Who Drew Inside the Cabinets 

05:20 - How Bob Ross Sparked a Lifelong Passion for Painting 

07:25 - The Winding Road from Graphic Design to Fine Art 

10:00 - Painting for a Paycheck vs. Painting for Self-Discovery 

14:10 - The Meaning Behind a Black, White, and Gold Palette 

18:00 - Exploring and Mastering a Signature Style 

21:00 - Knowing When a Painting is Truly Finished 

27:00 - The Beautiful Collaboration of Painting with Her Daughter 

31:30 - Advice for Aspiring Artists on Mastering Your Craft 

35:30 - The Key to Getting Your Work Seen by the Right People

Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel!

Follow Gina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ginatyquiengco/

Gina’s Website: https://www.ginatyquiengco.com/

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

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

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Have you ever felt like artist grants are just mysterious pots of money reserved for a select few? It’s a feeling so many of us in the creative world know all too well. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the world of grant funding to show you that it’s not about luck or secret connections. 

Being awarded a grant has everything to do with understanding the system. I’ll walk you through the essentials: what grants are, where to find the right opportunities for you, and how to strategically prepare yourself for success. 

If you're ready to stop throwing applications into the void and start intentionally building a path to fund your creative practice, this conversation is your first step.

00:00 - Welcome to the World of Artist Grants. 01:03 - What Exactly Is an Artist Grant? 02:47 - From Local Councils to "Genius" Grants: Understanding the Money 04:22 - Where to Find the Right Grants for You 05:40 - The Strategy That Works: Why Starting Local Matters. 06:37 - The Most Important Work: Figuring Out What You Truly Need. 07:50 - How to Move from a Vague Wish to a Specific Plan. 09:05 - The Power of Tracking and Timing. 09:47 - Don't Overlook This Funding Gem: Residencies. 10:20 - A Little Homework to Get You Started.

Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel!

https://youtu.be/HiigpPmF7oQ

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: 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 a divine nudge? Or maybe a full-on nudge that pushed you toward a life you didn’t plan for? In this episode, I’m talking with the incredible interior designer Beth Diana Smith, who made the courageous leap from a successful career in corporate finance to founding her own celebrated design firm.

Beth shares the story of how she went from being the kid who organized her toybox and dreamed of becoming an accountant to a leading voice in contemporary design, known for her bold, eclectic, and maximalist style. We get into the pivotal moment of peace that led her to leave her stressful corporate job and how the skills she honed with spreadsheets and budgets became the secret weapon for her creative business. This is a candid conversation about listening to the signs, redefining your path, and the magic that happens when a client points out your signature style before you’ve even seen it yourself.

00:00 - From Aspiring Accountant to Acclaimed Designer

06:56 - Juggling Two Worlds: The Hustle of Corporate Life and Design School

12:50 - The Divine Slap: Finding Peace and the Courage to Quit

18:40 - Building a Business: First Clients and Finding Momentum

22:15 - Discovering a Signature Style by Accident

28:08 - The Psychology of Design: Creating for a Client’s Future Self

34:20 - How Corporate Skills Shape a Creative Business

38:30 - On Pride, Passion, and Finding the Right Collaborators

https://youtu.be/JJ9aqXU1J74?si=2bPo8ZEwIQTFpEcv

Follow Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethdianasmith

Beth’s Website: https://www.bethdianasmith.com/

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

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

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

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Have you ever considered how success might change you? That as you grow, you might lose the very essence of what makes you, you? 

In this solo episode, I share a story of a startling comment that made me confront my own evolution. We’ll explore the balance between evolving and losing yourself, between growing your craft and abandoning your voice. Join me for a conversation about change, authenticity, and embracing the magnificent artist you are destined to become.

00:00 - A Story About Becoming 01:10 - A Car Ride and a Startling Question 03:00 - The Pressure to Change as an Artist 04:00 - The Real Question: Who Will You Become? 04:42 - Staying True Isn't Staying Still 05:30 - Your Roots Are Your Foundation 06:10 - Change is Natural, Like a River 06:30 - A Call to Your Own Magnificent Self 07:07 - Final Thoughts on My Own Evolution

Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: 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 leap into the unknown for the sake of your creative calling? In this episode, I talk with Lori Tharps, a writer, educator, and creative catalyst who did just that. 

Lori shares the powerful story behind her decision to leave a tenured professorship at Temple University to start a new life in Southern Spain. 

We explore her journey to create The Sanctuary, a vital community for BIPOC women writers, and dig into her profound belief that storytelling is a tool with the power to change the world. This conversation is a moving testament to the magic that unfolds when you have the courage to build the life you've always imagined.

00:00 - Introducing Lori L. Tharps 02:52 - The Childhood Friendship That Sparked a Creative Life 07:25 - From "Lying" to Storytelling: The Gift of a Typewriter 09:47 - What Truly Makes a Good Story? 16:04 - "Watch Me": Defying the Myth That Motherhood and Writing Don't Mix 17:47 - The Physical Feeling of Purpose: Flow vs. Frustration 21:17 - The Leap of Faith: Why She Left a Tenured Professorship for Spain 28:28 - Making Time to Create, Inspired by Our Literary Ancestors 32:53 - The Birth of The Sanctuary for BIPOC Women Writers 37:04 - The Myth of the Solitary Writer and the Power of Community 47:17 - What Does a Real Writing Practice Look Like? (It's More Than Just Writing) 53:34 - The Gospel of Storytelling: How New Narratives Can Save the World

Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/2mwUOzh-wGk

Follow Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriltharps/?hl=en

Lori’s Website: https://www.loriltharps.com/

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

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

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

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Ever wonder what a full week in the life of a professional photographer really looks like? I'm pulling back the curtain and taking you with me through a jam-packed week of creative hustle and real-life moments. From juggling four different photoshoots centered on Black Joy to managing client proposals and sneaking in family time, this episode is a raw, honest look at the daily dance of a working artist.

I’m sharing it all—the early morning meditations, the last-minute changes, the on-set surprises, and the quiet moments of reflection that keep everything grounded. This isn’t about a picture-perfect schedule; it’s about the messy, beautiful reality of building a creative career, one day at a time. Join me for a different kind of episode where you’ll hear what it truly takes to get the work done while keeping your creative soul nourished.

00:00 - A Week in the Life of a Creative

03:55 - Monday Morning: Prepping for a Day of Shoots

06:17 - Monday Evening: A Full Day's Recap

08:59 - Tuesday Morning: Finding the Shot in a South Side Church

11:29 - Tuesday Evening: Unpacking an Inspirational Day

16:13 - Wednesday Morning: Best-Laid Plans

20:43 - Wednesday Evening: When the Day Goes Sideways

22:49 - Thursday Morning: An Easier Day

25:05 - Thursday Evening: Admin, Selects, and a Surprise Race

29:25 - Friday Morning: Getting It All Done

34:07 - Friday Evening: The Week’s Wrap-Up

Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/GrtjD7ZZ_AQ

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