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What does it actually feel like to build the career you always wanted — and then realize the hard part isn't over? Photographer Mei Tao has spent decades behind the lens for Apple, J.Crew, and major publications. But in this conversation, she gets honest about what commercial success doesn't tell you: that the work stays hard, that achievement keeps moving the goalpost, and that the most meaningful art she's ever made has nothing to do with her biggest clients. We talk about growing up as an immigrant in Brooklyn, finding herself in candy store magazine racks, and the moment she realized her father's private recordings were her most precious inheritance. And we get into the question every working creative eventually has to answer — how do you feel like yourself in your work?   Chapters 00:00 - Defining the Radical Art of Care 03:44 - Cultural Shock and the Move to New York 05:52 - Magazines as a Gateway to Fashion 08:05 - Navigating Parsons and the Practicality of Art 09:14 - Technical Mastery and the Business of Artistry 12:39 - Success as a Series of Failures 15:44 - Redefining Professional Achievement 18:15 - The Cost of Code-Switching 21:00 - Documenting Family and Artistic Influences 24:45 - Processing Grief and History Through the Lens 27:28 - Financial Freedom and Fine Art Discipline 29:19 - Diving into Motion and Radical Storytelling   Connect with Mei: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taomeitao/ Website: https://meitaophotographer.com/ Support the show Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives

There's a particular kind of dread that comes with sending someone to your website — you hit send on your portfolio link and immediately think: wait, is that still up? Did I ever update that bio? In this episode, we get into why your website might be the one thing standing between you and the clients you actually want, and the specific work of making it do what it's supposed to do: make the right people feel something, and then reach out. We cover what makes a compelling bio, the psychology behind why visitors stay or leave, and why hiding your personal projects is quietly costing you your biggest opportunities.   Chapters 00:13 The invisible artist at the gallery. 02:34 Losing a job over an outdated portfolio. 04:52 Crafting your digital handshake and bio. 07:16 The secret power of personal projects. 09:42 Podcast reviews and the Creative Matters newsletter.   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

If you have ever stared at a blank page and wondered whether you are actually a writer or just someone who wishes they were one, circle 'round. Dr. Eve L. Ewing (sociologist, poet, and Marvel Comics writer) offers an honest look at what a serious creative practice actually requires. Learn how she builds a community that sharpens her work, and hear exactly how she develops a new project from the first spark to the finished page. You'll leave this conversation with less mystery about what's been standing between you and the writer you want to become.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eve L. Ewing and her latest work, Original Sins 02:16 Growing up in Chicago: Artistic accessibility and public investment 05:24 Values and the necessity of chosen family 08:14 Multi-generational service: The Black church and mutual aid 10:21 The origin story: From fan fiction to being "seen" as a writer 15:14 The "Capital W" Writer: Nourishing craft and moving toward the light 17:32 Community and mimesis: Learning through the work of peers 21:21 Wrangle the idea: How poetry, prose, and comics demand different approaches 23:46 Stress-testing the argument: The anatomy of persuasive prose 26:11 Churning out the joints: The liberating structure of comic book writing 29:13 Pop culture overthinking and final reflections Connect with Eve: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eve.ewing Website: https://eveewing.com/ Support the show Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever felt that once the masterpiece is finished, the rest of the journey should belong to someone else? Many of us wait in the shadows of the "found artist" myth, hoping the right gallery or agent will simply stumble upon our genius. But what happens when the knocking never starts?  Today, we dive into the systems that turn cold outreach into warm relationship-building and explore why your story is the most valuable product you will ever sell. If you are ready to stop apologizing for your ambition and start owning your space in the industry, this conversation is your roadmap.   Chapters 00:13 The Artist's Role Beyond Creation 01:50 Dismantling the Myth of the Found Artist 02:38 Becoming Your Own Champion 04:00 Marketing Monday: Outreach as Relationship Care 05:01 Lessons in Networking and Relationship Marketing 06:50 The Reality of Representation and Agents 08:40 Selling the Sizzle: Tips for Product-Based Creatives 09:40 Owning Your Values and Your Sales Script 10:50 Three Actionable Steps for Your Creative Week    Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

In this episode, I sit down with Lex Marie, an artist whose work confronts the uncomfortable truth that Black children in America are often denied the luxury of innocence. She transforms the everyday remnants of her son's childhood into confrontation disguised as portraiture, and the materials she chooses will stop you in your tracks. We talk about building a career on your own terms, staying multidisciplinary, and what it really means to refuse the boxes the art world tries to put you in. Chapters 00:19 Introduction to Lex Marie 03:26 Realizing a Different Viewpoint Through Motherhood 05:11 The Decision to Pursue an MFA 06:23 Using Her Son as Muse and Material 08:00 Choosing Which Clothing Gets Immortality 10:31 Balancing Inspiration with Intimate Boundaries 12:12 Processing Big Feelings into Artwork 14:08 Knowing When a Piece is Finished 15:15 Cultivating Relationships in the Art World 16:47 The Lifelong Journey of an Art Practice 18:51 The Intentional Choice Behind the Name Lex Marie Connect With Lex Marie: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelexmarie Website: https://www.lexmarie.com/ Support the Show Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever had a to-do list as long as your arm but couldn't bring yourself to do the tasks on that list? What about your dreams to accomplish this or that? How many of them have you ignored? Whether you call it procrastination, a lack of discipline, or simple laziness, the truth behind our creative paralysis often hides in plain sight. In this episode, we explore the high cost of big dreams and why the very visions meant to inspire us might be the ones locking us in place. If you have ever felt like a deer caught in the headlights of your own ambition, this conversation offers a gentle way to thaw the ice and reclaim your momentum.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Deer and the Moment of Freeze 01:11 The Common Experience of Freezing in Goal Setting 02:10 Why Big Goals Cause Overwhelm and Paralysis 03:08 Misconceptions About Paralysis and Overwhelm 04:24 Reframing Goals: Focus on Inputs, Not Outcomes 05:20 The Power of 45-Minute Focus Sessions 06:18 Trusting Small Actions to Lead to Big Results 07:15 Practical Tips to Overcome Freezing and Start Small 08:09 Moving Forward Despite Fear and Uncertainty Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a creative empire from the ground up? In this episode, I sit down with the remarkable Tiffany Brooks, an interior designer whose journey is as inspiring as her stunning creations. From a bet that launched her career to designing for icons such as LeBron James, Tiffany's story is a powerful lesson in trusting your creative instincts.    Join us as we explore how she cultivated her signature style, navigated the pressures of building a design company, and redefined success on her terms.  This conversation is a candid look into the life of a design powerhouse, offering invaluable insights for anyone daring to build their own creative legacy.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Brooks and Transformative Design 02:09 Engineering a Creative Brain and Childhood Influences  04:35 The Big C versus Little C Creativity  06:36 Property Management as a Design Superpower  08:11 The Model Home and the Bet That Launched a Career  11:10 The Design Star Journey and Trusting the Timing  13:05 Taught by Experience and Finding an Artistic Voice  14:56 Trends and the Evolution of Style  16:47 Redefining Success through Choices and Peace  19:04 Managing Elective Stress and Client Expectations  21:04 The Walkthrough and Shuffling the Design Puzzle  23:26 Current Projects and the Season of Rejuvenation   Connect With Tiffany: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybrooksinteriors/?hl=en Tiffany's Website: https://www.tiffanybrooksinteriors.com/ Support the Show Website: Martine Severin Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever walked into a room where you belonged, yet felt like a total intruder? Even when surrounded by friends or longtime colleagues, that whisper of inadequacy—the one that claims you are "running a game" on everyone—often grows loudest just as you are about to shine. In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on a recent, that forced me to confront my own "elaborate dance of diminishment". We explore the terrifying possibility that we aren't actually afraid of being incompetent, but rather, we are terrified of being seen as someone who knows they are truly good at what they do. If you have ever felt the need to offer a disclaimer before sharing a brilliant idea, this conversation is your invitation to stop shrinking and start taking up the space you have already earned.   Chapters 00:13 The anatomy of an uninvited guest 01:15 Six seats and a drop in the stomach 02:34 The hammer in my chest 04:10 Why we make space for everyone but ourselves 05:50 Maya Angelou and the fear of being seen 07:14 Potholes, grandmothers, and unexpressed brilliance 09:37 Trading disclaimers for bravery   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Karl Ferguson Jr. never planned to be a photographer. He picked up a camera because he was following his interest in the burgeoning Hip Hop Scene. Years later, his portraits of Black culture have appeared in Vibe, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. In this conversation, Karl talks about what it really takes to build a creative life on your own terms, why he spent two decades at Verizon while quietly becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in entertainment, and what it means to be a visual historian when representation is still a fight. Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Karl Ferguson and the "Visual Historian" 02:20  From The Bronx to the Music Industry 04:02  Picking Up the Camera Out of Necessity 06:26  The First Byline: Validation from Vibe Magazine 08:32  Mastering the Art of Networking and Relationships 15:07  The Responsibility of the Visual Historian 17:07  Creating Intimacy in Celebrity Portraiture 23:31  Building Community at The Grand Studio 25:48  Demystifying the Role of the Digital Tech 31:40  Breaking the Starving Artist Myth: The Verizon Years 43:40  The Importance of Personal Work and Creative Play 49:55  Redefining Success Through authentic Connection Connect with Karl: Follow Karl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlfergusonjr Karl's website: https://www.karlfergusonjr.com/ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever wondered why a client chooses your lens over a thousand others? In this solo session, I dive into a transformative conversation that shifted my entire understanding of why I am hired as a photographer. We explore the "economy of vision" and how your unique cultural position creates a value that no standard rate card can capture. If you are ready to stop defending your fees and start educating your clients on the specific promise only you can deliver, this episode will help you reclaim your worth.   Chapters 00:00 The Ritual of the Ceramic Plate 01:30 More Than a Service: Why People Actually Hire You 02:31 Thelma Golden and the Economy of Vision 03:40 Defining Your Aesthetic Universe and Cultural Value 04:53 Moving Beyond Objects to Your Specific Promise 08:40 Productive Discomfort: Teaching People How to Want Your Work 10:00 Rehearsing Your Position Over Your Price 12:00 Homework: Identifying the Five Values of Your Work Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

What if art could serve as both a mirror to injustice and a sanctuary for the soul? What happens when the world tries to fit your identity into a narrow predetermined box? I sit down with multi-disciplinary artist Phoebe Boswell to explore the "porous space" between heritage and headline. From the lush landscapes of Kenya to the structured life rooms of London, Phoebe shares how she navigated a "rude awakening" in the West by building a visual language that refuses to be simplified. We delve into the power of multidisciplinary storytelling and the radical act of reclaiming one's voice after it has been challenged by the gatekeepers of industry.  Chapters 00:00 Exploring Identity Through Art 03:47 Childhood Influences and Cultural Displacement 07:05 Navigating Racial Identity in England 09:14 Finding Artistic Voice and Overcoming Criticism 16:48 The Complexity of Storytelling in Art 20:08 Community Engagement and Collaborative Art 26:34 Reclaiming Water and Personal Healing 31:51 The Evolution of Artistic Success 36:43 Redefining the Role of the Artist Connect with Phoebe:   Follow Phoebe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoebe.boswell/?hl=en Phoebe's website: https://www.phoebeboswell.com/ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives    

What does the advice, "Just be yourself," mean when you are still figuring out who you are as an artist? In this episode photographer, Martine Severin, shares her "prickly" journey to discovering her creative voice and why the path from imitation to authenticity is rarely a straight line. We discuss the "gap" between our taste and our abilities, the pressure artists of color face to be original yet palatable, and why a simple concept changed how she approaches her work. If you are tired of performing for applause and ready to find a voice that feels like home, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:13 The Taste Gap  02:29 The Portfolio Review 04:40 Imitation vs. Authenticity 07:02 The Trap of Originality 09:20 The Burden of Representation 11:38 Voice as a Garden Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever felt like your inability to master a technical skill was a sign you should quit? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant painter Shaina McCoy, who transformed a moment of classroom frustration into a profound artistic breakthrough. Shaina opens up about the courage it took to bypass traditional art school to protect her voice, the surprising way she colors her memories, and why she believes making a viewer feel is the ultimate measure of success. If you are struggling to embrace your unique limitations, this conversation might just change your perspective on what it means to be a master of your craft.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shaina McCoy and Her Visual Language  02:16 Early Creative Roots and The Dream of Art School  05:54 The Assignment That Changed Everything: 30 Paintings in 3 Weeks  09:00 Finding Validation in Unexpected Places  11:09 The Choice to Avoid Art School to Protect the Work  15:33 Developing "Blind Faith" in Your Creative Voice  17:16 The Breakthrough: Permission to Stop Painting Faces  19:18 Sculpting with Oil: Mastering the Impasto Technique  20:56 Pop Pop's Archive: The Keeper of Family History  24:29 Color Theory and The emotional Weight of Memory  29:27 Redefining Success: Connection Over Prestige   Connect with Shaina:  Follow Shaina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallflowermccoy   Shaina's Work: https://goodmothergallery.com/exhibitions/53-nice-to-finally-meet-you-group-exhibition-curated-los-angeles/works/ https://www.simchowitz.com/exhibitions/shaina-mccoy#tab:slideshow https://shop.simchowitz.com/products/harmonica-2023   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Welcome back, friend. We are stepping into Season Six with a fresh energy that I have been dying to share with you. Over the last nine months, my team and I have been working quietly behind the scenes, from the vibrant streets of Medellín to the design studio, to reimagine how this show looks, sounds, and feels. In this episode, I am pulling back the curtain on the major changes we have made, from our stunning new visual identity to the strategic shifts in our programming. I also share why we are pivoting away from our old format and the ambitious goals we have set for growing this community. If you have ever wondered what it takes to evolve a creative project while staying true to its core, this look ahead offers a glimpse into the joyful, sometimes messy work of leveling up. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back: Kickstarting Season Six from Colombia  01:30 A Visual Renaissance: Collaborating on Our New Identity  03:28 Sonic Shifts: Choosing the New Sound of the Show  04:25 The Strategic Pivot  06:10 The Mission: Growing an Audience to Support Artists  07:45 Season Preview: Creative Crushes and Upcoming Guests  09:15 Solo Episodes: Tackling Paralysis and Finding Your Voice  10:30 Behind the Scenes: Batch Recording and Team Dynamics Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Want to find out the secret to doing the scary things in life? Are you waiting for the right time or for a surge of confidence to finally send that pitch or apply for that residency. In this episode, we explore the psychological traps of "waiting to be ready" and share research-backed strategies to move from stagnant avoidance to meaningful action. If you have been keeping a scary dream on hold, this conversation might be the gentle push you need to start before you feel brave. Chapters 00:00 The internal draft: Why we wait for the right time 01:05 A snowy reflection on the dreams we haven't touched 02:17 The confrontation: When "someday" meets the calendar 03:10 Unlearning the fear patterns that keep us stuck 04:39 The "No Fear Month" challenge and the science of action 05:40 Why feelings follow actions: Insights from cognitive behavioral therapy 06:20 Utilizing temporal landmarks for a fresh start 08:00 Step-by-step: How to schedule your breakthrough 10:30 Keeping promises to yourself: A lesson from my son 12:50 The Pomodoro technique and the power of twenty-five minutes 14:40 Overcoming the discomfort of the "not right now" 16:26 Body doubling and shifting your creative environment   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.