This is How We Create

Have you ever wished you could write your happy ending? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a personal practice that has been a game-changer for me over the last decade: the quarterly review.

I share how a simple, strategic process, born from my days in program management, can help you track your progress and design a life and career that lights you up.

If you're ready to move from simply having goals to living them, this one's for you.

00:00 A Look Back: On Growth

02:50 You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Valuable

05:22 The Power of a Quarterly Review

08:08 Writing Your Own Happy Ending

11:05 The Quarterly Check-In: A How-To Guide

12:15 The 7 Questions for Self-Reflection

15:10 Action, Obstacles, and Accountability

16:25 The Magic of a Supportive Partner

17:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

To follow along and to create your own Quarterly Review be sure to download the PDF handout her:

http://bit.ly/45Dkh73

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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How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream?

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role in his journey, and how he built a new life and career after moving to Los Angeles.

I'm excited for you to listen to this conversation. I wish I had had this episode when I first started out as a commercial photographer. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of defining your artistic voice and building a sustainable creative life on your own terms. Mark's journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding destinations.

00:00 Introduction to Mark Clennon and His Journey

01:59 Early Creative Influences and Curiosity

04:14 The Gift of Photography and Initial Struggles

05:54 Building Community and Transitioning to Full-Time Photography

10:12 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job

12:10 Navigating the Early Days of Freelancing

15:00 First Major Commercial Success and Learning the Trade

17:00 Relocating to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

19:03 Defining Artistic Identity and Signature Style

22:57 Creative Voice and Decision Making

30:26 Building Community in a New City

36:22 Learning from Challenges and Problem Solving

42:31 The Importance of Creative Play and Reflection

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.c/?hl=en

Mark's Website: https://www.markclennon.com

Listen to Mark's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_clennon_finding_your_point_of_view

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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Step back in time with me to 1977, to a cultural event so monumental it was dubbed the "Black World's Fair." In this episode, we journey to Lagos, Nigeria, for FESTAC '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.

What made this month-long celebration a landmark of Black pride and unity, and why does its legacy still echo nearly fifty years later? I'll share insights from my conversation with Roy Lewis, the official photographer for the North American zone, who was there to capture it all. Join me as we explore the story of this incredible gathering of artists, thinkers, and performers from across the African diaspora and uncover a piece of our history that continues to inspire.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:29) - A Journey Back to FESTAC '77

(6:15) - The Rigorous Road to Lagos

(7:05) - Inside the Festival: A Cultural Feast

(9:08) - The Lasting Legacy of FESTAC

(11:53) - A Juneteenth Reflection and a Call to Imagine

Festac 77 Documentary on YouTube: http://bit.ly/449xUIB

Ebony Magazine Festac Edition: http://bit.ly/3T3WGoy

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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What happens when a child prodigy channels divine inspiration into groundbreaking storytelling?

I sit down with Sophia Stewart, a prolific writer who began writing professionally at just 11 years old. From navigating the complex world of what it means to own your work, Sophia shares powerful insights about trusting your creative vision and the role of faith in artistic success.

We explore the importance of how spiritual guidance shapes artistic decisions and what it takes to stand firm in your creative truth. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own artistic journey or curious about the intersection of creativity and faith, this conversation offers profound wisdom about following your calling and never giving up on your dreams.

00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Artistic Voice

03:06 Sophia Stewart's Early Inspirations and Writing Journey

06:01 The Birth of Iconic Stories: The Matrix and Terminator

08:49 The Evolution of Writing Skills and Techniques

12:07 The Impact of Early Exposure to Creativity

15:11 The Role of Faith and Spiritual Guidance in Success

18:10 Reflections on Life Lessons and Personal Growth

21:01 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Email: [email protected]

Purchase Sophia's books: https://truthaboutmatrix.com/book-store/

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. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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Are you searching for stories that feed your creative spirit? In this solo episode, I share four incredible books by women of color essential to your summer reading list.

These books feature narratives of immigration, identity, and magical realism. These reads have resonated deeply with me. I hope they may fuel your artistic journey.

Join me as we explore these powerful voices in contemporary literature that promise to transport, challenge, and inspire you long after turning the last page.

00:00 Introduction to Creative Voices

00:28 Essential Summer Reads by Artists of Color

04:12 Encouragement for Support and Engagement

Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

Ghostroots by Pemi Aguda

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

Website: Martine Severin

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

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

What happens when hip-hop methodology meets ancient glassblowing traditions?

In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Leo Tecosky, a glass artist who's redefining what it means to honor craft traditions while pushing creative boundaries. From his childhood memories of watching a goldsmith neighbor work to discovering the mesmerizing world of molten glass in art school, Leo shares how early exposure to hip-hop culture became the driving force behind his unique approach to fine art.

We explore how travel, cultural investigation, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge fuel his creative process. Leo opens up about the challenges of bridging technical mastery with artistic vision, and how he uses what he calls "hip-hop methodology" to remix centuries-old techniques for contemporary expression. This is a conversation about finding your creative voice when it exists at the intersection of multiple worlds.

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

03:08 Childhood Influences and Early Artistic Exposure

06:01 Education and the Path to Art School

08:54 Discovering Glassblowing and Artistic Techniques

12:02 Creative Process and Finding Artistic Voice

15:14 The Influence of Hip-Hop on Art

17:57 Exploring Graffiti and Material Aesthetics

21:07 Personal Passions and Lifelong Learning

Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG). (2021, December 2). Leo Tecosky, 36th Rakow Commission Recipient [Video].

YouTube. Leo Tecosky, 36th Rakow Commission Recipient

Website: Leo's Website

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. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

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• Share with fellow creatives

Have you ever woken up feeling inexplicably frustrated for no apparent reason?

This morning, I found myself battling some serious irritation. Through this raw, relatable moment, I discovered something important about what happens when our deepest values start pulling us in opposite directions.

In this mini-episode, I share a simple but powerful approach to navigating those moments when you feel torn between what you want and need to do. Sometimes the most profound insights come from the most ordinary moments.

00:00 - Welcome to This is How We Create

00:30 - The Unexplained Frustration: A Morning Quiche Story

01:45 - Discovering Two Warring Values

02:20 - The Framework: Pause, Identify, and Plan Ahead

03:30 - Honoring Both Values While Moving Forward

04:15 - Call to Action and Closing

Website: Martine Severin

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

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

Have you ever had a moment when everything you thought you knew about your path suddenly shifted?

In today's episode, I sit down with textile artist Qualeasha Wood, whose innovative work bridges digital imagery with traditional craft techniques. She reveals the unexpected moments that led her from a completely different path into textile art. Qualeasha also shares the profound encounter that changed the trajectory of her art practice.

Through stories about family, creativity, and finding her authentic voice, Qualeasha offers powerful insights for any artist navigating their creative journey.

00:00 Introduction to Qualeasha Wood and Her Art Journey

02:57 The Impact of Family and Community on Creativity

06:06 Early Influences and the Search for Representation in Art

08:53 Navigating the Art World: From Discouragement to Discovery

11:47 Finding a Medium: The Shift from Illustration to Printmaking

15:02 The Role of Textiles in Qualeasha's Artistic Expression

18:08 The Influence of Faith Ringgold and Career Shifts

21:09 Exploring Printmaking and the Intersection of Art and Identity

24:35 The Journey into Textile

27:50 Exploring Identity through Art

32:08 The Evolution of Artistic Mediums

37:12 Navigating Graduate School Decisions

41:00 Redefining Success in Art

47:35 Legacy and Impact through Textiles

Website: Qualeasha's Website

Instagram: Qualeasha Wood

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. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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If you've ever needed to get your bum into gear but couldn't find motivation, this episode is for you. In this mini-episode, I share my personal toolkit for getting things done. Listen in for the tools and leave knowing that next time your brain tries to lure you with procrastination, you'll be able to resist temptation.

00:00 The Struggle with Procrastination

02:44 Understanding the Cognitive Behavioral Triangle

04:08 The Power of Accountability

06:46 Finding the Right Accountability Partner

07:44 Creative Accountability Techniques

09:33 Tools for Enhanced Focus and Productivity

The platform that connects you with work partners worldwide: Focusmate

Pomodoro timer app/website for task management: Pomofocus

My favorite work with me videos: Celine and why not work with Marie Forleo

Website: Martine Severin

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

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

Have you wondered how artists manage to capture the essence of their subjects?

In today's episode, I sit down with portrait artist Tafy LaPlanche, whose cultural background shapes her distinctive artistic approach. She shares why certain creative detours—including a complete break from art ultimately strengthened her artistic voice.

Through personal stories and artistic insights, Tafy offers powerful inspiration for anyone navigating their own creative path while searching for authentic connection in their work.

00:00 Introduction to Tafy LaPlanche

02:54 The Journey of an Afro-Latina Artist

06:11 Finding Artistic Voice Through Diverse Experiences

09:02 The Influence of Cultural Background on Art

11:51 Rediscovering Passion During a Pandemic

14:58 The Impact of Fashion Photography on Portraiture

17:47 Creating Authentic Connections Through Portraits

21:07 The Process of Capturing Subjects

23:54 Dreams of Mural Art and Community Engagement

27:02 Balancing Flight Attendant Life with Art

30:01 The Importance of Focus in Artistic Creation

33:04 Advice to Younger Self and Conclusion

Website: https://lepouf-art.com/

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

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 and Daniel Espinosa.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives