In this illuminating episode of "This is How We Create," host Martine Severin sits down with Ube Urban, a multifaceted creative leader who brings his Pacific Islander heritage to the forefront of his design practice and mentorship approach.

Born in Hawaii with Japanese, Black, Native American, and Filipino roots, Ube shares his journey from island life to becoming a head of customer experience in corporate America. Through candid conversation, he reveals the challenges of maintaining cultural identity while navigating mainland expectations and professional environments where he is often "the only one."

• How Ube's upbringing in Hawaii shaped his approach to organization, presentation, and identity

• The concept of "invisible work" in both design and cultural navigation

• Ube's framework for mentorship helps others discover and maintain authentic personal brands

• The struggles of cultural displacement and the pressure to compartmentalize identity in professional settings

• Why "authenticity" can be a complicated concept for those with multicultural backgrounds

Ube offers valuable insights for creatives navigating multicultural identities, providing a compelling perspective on maintaining cultural roots while forging new professional paths. His story reminds us that true decolonization of design means embracing the full intersectionality of our experiences.

"When I came to the mainland, I was essentially this person kind of holding this gem... and then I had battle balloons over time and my shiny diamond turned into this rough rock."

"Being in Hawaii, you're just like, 'This is who I am, this is who we all are.' I don't have to prove to you my existence or my family or pride. We all share that."

"How can you control something that a corporation, an agency, or a company cannot control? That is the hardest part."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ube Urban and His Work

03:31 Ube's Background and Identity

10:07 Navigating Cultural Identity and Professional Spaces

16:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery

23:24 Transitioning from Hawaii to the Mainland

26:21 Ube's Framework for Authentic Branding

31:17 Questions for Self-Discovery

38:10 The Challenge of Individuality in a Conformist Society

46:08 Reflections on Growth and Future Generations

Website: https://www.ubeurban.com/

Linkedin: ubeurban

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.

What if the biggest creative breakthroughs come from breaking your own rules? In this Black History Month mini-episode, we explore the remarkable artistic journey of 97-year-old sculptor and painter Lillian Thomas Burwell, whose creative evolution spans nearly a century of American history.

• Growing up during the Great Depression, Burwell learned transformative creativity from watching her mother turn silk shipping sacks into elegant curtains

• Her artistic journey from realism to bold abstract expressionism during the Civil Rights era

• Her innovative techniques combining canvas, wood, and heated plexiglass

• Burwell's intuitive creative process: "I don't know what the second step is until the first step is completed"

"I've always believed in taking chances and going into unexplored territory." - Lillian Thomas Burwell

00:00 Introduction to Artistic Resilience

01:27 Lillian Thomas Burwell: A Journey Through Time

03:54 The Evolution of Artistic Expression

06:30 Transformation and Creative Courage

Lillian Thomas Burwell's work represents a lifetime of artistic innovation, from her early influences during the Depression to her current sculptural pieces that seem to grow from walls "like living things." Her art demonstrates the power of transformation and creative courage.

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

• Watch the Youtube Version of this video

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

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

• Episode 112: Roy de Carava

• Episode 114: Margaret Burroughs

Ever wonder how top creatives land those dream campaigns with GEICO, Target, and Old Navy? In this episode, art director Ashley Bozeman pulls back the curtain on the art of the perfect pitch.

In this episode of This Is How We Create, host Martine Severin sits down with art director Ashley Bozeman for an intimate conversation about creative collaboration, client presentations, and the art of the pitch. Ashley shares invaluable insights from her journey through major agencies including Martin Agency, Mother New York, and currently Mullen Lowe Los Angeles, where she's worked with brands like GEICO, DoorDash, Old Navy, and Target.

Key Highlights:

• How the Creative Circus transformed Ashley's approach to collaboration by replacing "I" with "We"

• The essential elements of a winning client deck: simplicity, clear hierarchy, and purposeful design

• Bringing personal stories into professional work, including featuring her activist mother in an Old Navy campaign

• Practical tips for creating impactful presentations and mood boards

• Applying creative direction skills to personal projects, including wedding planning

Memorable Quote: "Let's just try it out. I never want to be a person that's already knocking stuff down before we even get to present it. If somebody feels very passionate about an idea and they have a lot of excitement behind it, a lot of love - okay, great. How can I help you better it?"

Connect with Ashley Bozeman:

• Website: https://ashleybozeman.com

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

Support the Show:

• Follow Host Martine Severin on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

• Subscribe to Martine's Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com/

• Visit our Website: https://martineseverin.com/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help other creative professionals find our community.

Next Episode: Tune in next week as we continue our conversation with creative professionals who are reshaping the industry.

This week on our Mini Episode of This Is How We Create, we unpack the revolutionary story of Dr. Margaret Burroughs, who transformed her first-floor living room into the DuSable Museum—one of America's most significant institutions of African American history. This episode explores how creating the spaces we need can spark cultural movements that ripple through generations.

In This Episode

- The power of starting where you are - even if it's your living room

- How Dr. Burroughs built cultural institutions without waiting for permission

- The journey from home museum to Smithsonian-affiliated institution

- Why representation matters in preserving and sharing Black history

- The lasting impact of creating spaces for community art and culture

Key Moments

00:00 - Introduction and setting the scene

- Welcome to "This Is How We Create"

- Introduction to Dr. Margaret Burroughs (formerly Victoria Margaret Taylor)

02:30 - Early Years

- Born in Louisiana

- Migration to Chicago

- Marriage to Charles Burroughs in 1949

05:00 - Building Cultural Spaces

- Co-founding the Southside Community Art Center at age 22

- Hosting artists like Langston Hughes

- Eleanor Roosevelt's dedication of the center

08:00 - The Living Room Revolution

- Converting their first floor into a museum in 1961

- Growth into the DuSable Museum

- Current collection of over 13,000 artifacts

Notable Quotes

"I just couldn't see myself standing in front of a group of eager-eyed young Black people and not being able to tell them something very positive about themselves." - Dr. Margaret Burroughs

Resources Mentioned

- Southside Community Art Center (Still active today)

- DuSable Museum

- Dr. Burroughs' linocuts and paintings

Episode Takeaways

1. Don't wait for perfect conditions - start where you are

2. Community spaces can grow from humble beginnings

3. Personal spaces can become cultural institutions

4. Art and history preservation are acts of revolution

5. Creating space for others is a form of legacy building

 KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:

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 and edited by Martine Severin.

Want to know the real secret to turning your biggest fear into your greatest success? 

Today's episode covers the intersection of faith, fear, and artistry. In our conversation, Mojo shared something that stopped me in my tracks – his relationship with heights, a fear he hasn't so much conquered as befriended.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• A counterintuitive approach to fear helped Mojo scale buildings (despite his fear of heights!)

• The simple door technique that revolutionized his work-life balance

• Why setting boundaries increases your creative output

• The surprising connection between faith and artistic innovation

• How to know when your fear is pointing you toward your next big breakthrough

🎯 QUICK QUOTES: "The percentage of artists shrinks the higher you go up" - Mojo Reed "Taking a break is a part of work" - Mojo Reed

🔥 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Bear (TV Series)

• 73. How to Incorporate Storytelling in Your Artistic Practice - Part 1 - Mojo Reed II

• 74. How to Incorporate Storytelling in Your Artistic Practice - Part 2 - Mojo Reed II

•  

CONNECT WITH MOJO: Website: https://gotthemojo.com/bio Instagram: @gotthemojo Commission Art: https://gotthemojo.com/commissions

CONNECT WITH MARTINE: Instagram: @martine.severin Show Instagram: @thisishowwecreate_

ABOUT MOJO REED: Anthony "Mojo" Reed II is a Miami-based artist whose work has captured the attention of major brands like Nike and initiatives led by Michelle Obama. His murals at Wynwood Walls have become cultural landmarks, and his unique approach to storytelling through art has established him as a leading voice in contemporary Black American culture.

ABOUT THIS IS HOW WE CREATE: Join host Martine Severin as she explores the creative journeys of contemporary artists of color, uncovering the hidden stories and strategies behind their success. Produced and edited by Martine Severin.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

#CreativeSuccess #ArtistInterview #Creativity #PersonalDevelopment #FearlessBranding #ArtistLife #CreativeBusiness #ThisIsHowWeCreate #MojoReed #MartineSeverin

Did you get value from this episode? Screenshot & share it on Instagram - tag @thisishowwecreate_ and @martine.severin so we can thank you!

In this special mini-episode, we explore the extraordinary legacy of Roy DeCarava (1919-2009), one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. From the streets of Harlem to the stages where jazz giants performed, DeCarava revolutionized how we see through photography, especially in his groundbreaking representation of Black life and culture. Listen in to hear how you can apply some of his lessons to your own work.

Roy DeCarava

Roy DeCarava Fresh Air NPR

Roy DeCarava Charlie Rose 

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 and edited by Martine Severin.

This week's episode reminds us why authenticity is essential to artistic vision. Martine sits down with Adrian Octavius Walker, a mixed-media artist and photographer whose journey from St. Louis to the Smithsonian will inspire you to think differently about your creative path.

A note from the content team: In this episode, we discuss grief and the loss of a parent.

Episode Highlights

• Collaboration and networking are essential in the creative industry.

• Taking care of oneself physically and mentally is crucial for success.

• Balancing work and family requires prioritization and setting boundaries.

• Music can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for artists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adrian Octavius Walker

03:02 Childhood and Early Influences

05:56 Navigating Grief and Loss

09:13 The Role of Photography in Healing

12:04 Transitioning to College and Career

14:57 The Journey of a Mixed Media Artist

17:46 Touring with Lupe Fiasco

21:09 Becoming a Photo Editor and Beyond

24:56 The Journey Begins: From Editing App to Career

29:20 Building a Community: The Power of Connections

34:37 Artistic Growth: Discovering My Voice

39:41 Collaboration and Self-Care: Balancing Life and Art

46:27 Advice to My Younger Self: Financial Wisdom and Mental Health

48:50 The Role of Music: A Creative Lifeline

• QUOTABLE GEMS: "I wouldn't necessarily say I'm giving up anything. What I am doing is giving in and giving grace to life itself." - Adrian Walker 

• CREATOR'S TOOLKIT: Adrian shares his secret weapon for staying creative and centered: music! Stay tuned for his curated playlist dropping soon.

• REAL TALK MOMENT: When Adrian talks about scheduling his long runs before family time [42:30], he drops some serious wisdom about how to show up for your art AND your family. This conversation is a must-listen for any creator trying to balance it all.

• MARTINE'S TAKEAWAY: "What struck me most about Adrian's journey is how he's turned every experience – even the painful ones – into fuel for his artistic vision. His work reminds us that there's beauty everywhere, even in unexpected places."

• JOIN THE CONVERSATION: What resonated most with you from Adrian's story? Share your thoughts with us using #ThisIsHowWeCreate

• #Photography #ArtistJourney #CreativeLife #MixedMediaArt #ThisIsHowWeCreate

• PS: Like what you heard? Share this episode with a fellow creator who needs to hear it! 🎨✨

Get to know Adrian Octavius Walker

Website: Adrian Octavius Walker

Follow on Instagram: Adrian

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

Tags

#Photography #MixedMediaArt #BlackCreativity #Storytelling #ArtisticJourney #CreativeEntrepreneur #VSCO #WorkLifeBalance #MusicInspiration #Collaboration  #FreelanceLife #ArtistInterview #BlackArtists #VisualStorytelling #CreativeProcess

This episode unpacks a powerful truth about creativity: your path isn't linear, and that's exactly how it should be. Host Martine Severin breaks down how three groundbreaking artists navigated multiple streams of life while building their creative practice.

Elizabeth Catlett: Merged modernist training with accessibility

Charles White: Combined Chicago labor movement work with mastering his craft

Mary Sully: Dakota artist who challenged Western conventions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

01:52 Exploring the Lives of Influential Artists

06:11 The Importance of Technical Skills and Commitment

08:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 and edited by Martine Severin.

In this episode, photographer and U.S. Army veteran Chris Charles shares his remarkable journey from military service to creative entrepreneurship. His story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the unexpected ways our past experiences shape our future success.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How military discipline can transform your creative business

• The power of systems and automation in preventing burnout

• Why diversifying income streams is crucial for creative entrepreneurs

• The importance of establishing clear boundaries and rest days

• How to transition from service provider to strategic business owner

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Acuity Scheduling

• Square Payment Systems

• Model Mayhem

• Flickr

00:00 Introduction to Chris Charles' Journey 02:55 From Military to Creative Entrepreneur 06:10 Childhood Influences and Early Artistic Exposure 08:48 Transitioning from Military to Photography 11:45 Experiences as a Paratrooper 14:58 Rediscovering Photography in Iraq 17:53 Building a Creative Career 20:54 The Role of Education in Chris' Career 24:04 Combining Graphic Design and Photography 27:08 Military Precision in Creative Business 28:59 Establishing a Seamless Booking Process 34:29 Navigating Burnout and Work-Life Balance 39:30 The Importance of Delegation and Support 45:00 Rethinking Business Models and Income Streams

Website: Chris Charles

Follow on Instagram: Chris Charles

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.

"Trust Your Art in Troubled Times" - When democracy makes you uncertain, should you create or doom-scroll?

Host Martine Severin draws wisdom from Black artists who've turned constitutional tension into enduring work - from Baldwin to Amy Sherald.

Perfect for: Artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to deepen their creative practice while building sustainable success.

#CreativeStrategy #ArtistsOfColor #CreativeBusiness #PersonalDevelopment

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:

Website: Martine Severin

Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine’s Substack

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