Art & Cocktails is a weekly podcast where contemporary art meets creativity, business, and real talk. Hosted by artist, Create! Magazine founder, and master coach Ekaterina Popova, each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations that blend passion and vulnerability with real-world strategies for thriving as a creative entrepreneur.
Created for artists, creatives, and artpreneurs, the show features inspiring stories and candid discussions with artists, curators, writers, and thought leaders in the arts and beyond. From navigating the art world to building a sustainable creative practice, each episode offers actionable tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes insights—served with your favorite drink in hand.
Whether you're in the studio, on a walk, or unwinding after a long day, Art & Cocktails is your go-to space for fresh perspectives and practical tools to support your artistic journey. Tune in weekly and be part of the conversation—because your creative life deserves it.
Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.
How to Draw Your Adventures, Stick with an Art Practice, and Grow on Substack with Samantha Dion Baker
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 40:24
In this episode, I speak with artist, illustrator, and author Samantha Dion Baker, whose work has inspired thousands through her books Draw Your Day, Draw Your World, and most recently Draw Your Adventures. We discuss the evolution of her creative practice, how she reignited her love of drawing after years in the design industry, and how she built a sustainable, joyful approach to daily artmaking.
Highlights from our conversation include:– Returning to art after years away and starting small– Choosing simplicity over overwhelm when selecting materials– Building a sketchbook habit that supports creative and emotional well-being– Turning a personal practice into published books and teaching opportunities– Navigating visibility on platforms like Instagram and Substack– Preserving the joy and purpose of making art in a professional context
This conversation is both practical and deeply inspiring for anyone looking to recommit to their creative work or reconnect with the joy of drawing.
About the Host:Ekaterina Popova is an artist, coach, and founder of Create! Magazine.
Sponsored by Create! Magazine:Discover new artists, inspiring features, and career-building opportunities in each issue. Use the code NEWREADER for 10% off your first digital issue or subscription at createmagazine.com.
Exploring Identity, Self-Portraiture, and Evolving Creative Seasons with Lauren E. Peters
Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 32:06
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, I sit down with Lauren E. Peters, a Delaware-based visual artist whose powerful self-portraits explore themes of identity, gender, performance, and creative evolution. Lauren reflects on her return to painting after a long hiatus, how she uses costumes and color to construct personas, and the deep emotional and intellectual layers behind her work.
We talk about what it means to be both an artist and arts professional, how to navigate creative slow seasons without guilt, and the mindset behind sustaining a meaningful, long-term practice. Lauren’s story is a reminder that growth in the studio—and in life—rarely happens on a straight timeline.
Lauren was also featured in Issue 51 of Create! Magazine.
About the ArtistLauren E. Peters is a visual artist based in Wilmington, Delaware. Working in self-portraiture, she explores identity and gender through costuming, vibrant color, and narrative references. She was awarded both Emerging and Established Artist Fellowships from the Delaware Division of the Arts and has attended residencies including the Vermont Studio Center and Soaring Gardens. Lauren is currently a studio artist at The Delaware Contemporary.
Topics Discussed
* Returning to art after a break and discovering self-portraiture
* Costumes as armor, persona, and storytelling devices
* Balancing artistic practice with a day job in the arts
* Using Greek mythology, vintage textiles, and color to build visual language
* The importance of creative seasons and rest
* Personal reflections on community, burnout, and sustainability
* Building a body of work over time without rushing the process
Connect with Lauren E. PetersWebsite: Instagram: @lauren.ed.petersNewsletter: Subscribe via her website
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Thriving as an Introvert in the Art World: Openings, Exhibitions & Networking on Your Terms
Monday, July 21, 2025 • Duration 14:50
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, awkward, or drained by art openings or networking events, this episode is for you. Host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) shares supportive and practical advice for introverted artists who want to show up with authenticity and confidence without sacrificing their energy.
You’ll learn how to prepare, what to say, and how to care for your emotional well-being before and after events. From conversation tips to grounding practices and confidence, this quick solo episode offers a gentle guide for navigating the social side of the art world in a way that honors your personality.
Whether you are just beginning to attend shows again or want to expand your network while staying true to yourself, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more empowered.
Topics Covered:• Mindset reframes for introverts• How to prepare for gallery events and conversations• Conversation starters and meaningful ways to connect• How to feel good in your body through wardrobe choices• Boundaries, exit strategies and post-event grounding• Alternatives to traditional networking
Helpful Questions to Ask at Openings:• What brought you out tonight?• Are you one of the artists in the show?• Which work stood out to you?• I follow your work. It's so nice to see it in person.• I'm new to this space. Do you come here often?
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The Hidden Work of Art Handling, Installation, and Building a Creative Career from the Ground Up — with Orlando Saverino-Loeb
Friday, July 18, 2025 • Duration 40:44
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova meets with artist and art handler Orlando Saverino-Loeb to uncover the hidden labor behind art presentation—and the creative mindset needed to thrive in both making and supporting art.
Meet Orlando Saverino-Loeb
Orlando is a Philadelphia-born artist with a BFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where he won the Senior Painting Award. He launched Philadelphia Art Handling LLC in 2021, applying over six years of experience moving, shipping, installing, and hanging artwork. As Technical Director at HOT•BED gallery since 2019, Orlando helped curate over 23 exhibitions and worked closely with appraisers at PALL MALL Art Advisors (now The Fine Art Group), gaining expertise in the fine art business and valuation processes.
His creative background spans technical theater, industrial design, construction, and art—all of which inform his precision and care. Orlando has handled pieces for organizations like Art Guard Art Security Solutions, Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Michener Museum, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Arts, and numerous galleries, interior design firms, and collectors.
As an artist, his surreal-inspired work combines Romantic 19th-century composition with extended stays in Italy. He builds immersive environments with characters, symbols, and visual metaphors. His art has been shown at Tyler Gallery, InLiquid Gallery, Fleisher Art Memorial, DaVinci Art Alliance, and internationally. In 2018, he spoke at a symposium in Ulassai, Italy, and during the 2020 pandemic, participated in an international exhibition in Paris. Recent shows include OFF THE WALL Gallery and the National Apartments via InLiquid. Explore his portfolio at orlandosaverinoloeb.com.
About Philadelphia Art Handling
Philadelphia Art Handling offers expert art installation, packaging, storage, and transportation across the East Coast and Canada—for private clients, museums, nonprofits, and commercial institutions. Services include:
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When It All Feels Like Too Much: Art, Survival, and Reinvention
Sunday, July 6, 2025 • Duration 17:27
In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my recent trip to Spain—a trip that was both beautiful and unbelievably stressful, because polarity is such an (annoying) staple of the human experience.
From co-curating the Emergency Exit exhibition in Menorca to getting frantic calls about my dog’s health, dealing with roof leaks back home, and managing the constant uncertainty of being an artist, this was a reminder that our highlight reels never tell the whole story.
I also dive into what’s happening in the art world right now: gallery closures, a cooling market, and the collapse of old systems that once felt so stable. But instead of seeing this as an ending, I see it as an invitation—an opportunity to reimagine what an art career can look like on your own terms.
We’ll explore:
* Why traditional gallery representation isn’t the only path (and often never was)
* A look at the art market’s cycles over the past decades—and why change is nothing new
* Practical ideas for diversifying your income and building more resilience
* How to reconnect with your purpose when everything feels like too much
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, questioning your worth, or wondering whether your dreams are still possible, I hope this conversation reminds you: you’re not alone.
Cheers to keeping going—no matter what.
Book Recommendations for Tough Times:✨ Start With Why by Simon Sinek✨ Grit by Angela Duckworth✨ Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong✨ Make Your Art No Matter What by Beth Pickens
In this Q&A episode, I’m answering your real questions about what it actually takes to grow as an artist. We get into all the good stuff: how to price your work when you're just starting out, what to do when self-doubt creeps in, how to find collectors online (even if you have a small following), and ways to stay grounded when everything feels overwhelming.
If you’ve ever felt unsure, discouraged, or just wanted someone to tell you it’s okay to take your time—this one’s for you.
What I talk about:
* How to start finding collectors online and build trust
* Why your first sales might come from people you already know (and why that’s totally valid)
* Early pricing tips that won’t make you feel like you’re selling yourself short
* What to do when your inner critic says “you’re not a real artist”
* Framing options I actually use for shows and online orders
* How I learned the hard way about quarterly taxes (plus what to do next)
* Letting go of someone else’s definition of “success” and making your own
* Residencies, local shows, co-ops, and building your artist community
* Staying grounded without rituals or overwhelm
* My go-to tools when intrusive thoughts show up
Helpful links and resources I mentioned:
For framing your work:
* Ambiance Gallery Wood Frames from Jerry’s ArtaramaI use these for works on paper — clean, professional, and affordable👉
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Make It Weirder: Poet Maggie Smith on Success, Vulnerability & Creating Through Uncertainty
Sunday, June 15, 2025 • Duration 32:38
This episode is a dream come true. Kat sits down with the extraordinary Maggie Smith —poet, bestselling author, and creative soul behind the viral poem Good Bones and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful. In this raw and inspiring conversation, they explore the messiness of the creative process, navigating visibility, staying true to your art in the age of AI, and how to keep going when the world (or your family) doesn’t get it.
Whether you're an artist, writer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a love letter to your weird, beautiful, evolving path.
In this episode, we talk about:
* How Good Bones changed Maggie’s life—and what came next
* The pain of success not being celebrated by the people closest to you
* Why consistency looks different for every artist (especially caretakers!)
* The trap of turning your creativity into a product
* How to write honestly without sacrificing safety or boundaries
* The importance of keeping your art for you—even when others are watching
💬 Favorite Quotes:
“Make it weirder. That’s the best writing advice I’ve ever given myself.”
“Sometimes you have to pretend no one is watching so you can make what’s real.”
“We don’t get health insurance from poetry. But we do get meaning.”
“I realized I was folding tiny socks while my poem was going viral.”
“You know who your real friends are not just when things go wrong—but when things go right.”
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Let the Place Speak: On Art, Life After Academia, Building a Practice on Our Own Terms, and Starting Again with Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg
Thursday, June 5, 2025 • Duration 37:23
In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms.
Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land.
This episode is a balm for any artist feeling overwhelmed, out of place, or unsure of what comes next. It’s a reminder that your work doesn’t have to be impressive—it just has to be yours.
In this episode, they discuss:
Life after academia and what changed in higher education
Making time for your art while raising a family or working full-time
How Cheryl approaches residencies, place-based work, and listening
Letting go of external pressure and creating from authenticity
The real markers of a fulfilling creative life
Advice for artists just beginning—or beginning again
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Beyond Trends: Tatum Dooley on Making the Art World More Interesting, Accessible, and Artist-Driven
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 19:04
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast. Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world.
We discuss:
How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio
Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends
How to build your own creative platform with purpose and integrity
Practical advice for writers, curators, and creatives entering the art world
Whether you’re an artist, curator, or collector, this episode will inspire you to think differently about visibility, community, and the future of contemporary art.
The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters
Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 22:36
Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out.
Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art.
🎯 You’ll Learn:
How to audit your finances, time, and energy
Why profit > revenue (and how to spot the difference)
Simple tools to track what’s draining vs. energizing you
When to delegate, hire, or pause offers
How to shift from “doing it all” to working like a creative CEO
🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned:
📘 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
📘 Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield-Thomas
Optional: Use AI tools (like ChatGPT!) to analyze your bank statements and identify where income flows—and where you might be overspending
🔗 Featured Links:
👉 Build Your Art Career & Business at Create UTake instant-access micro-courses for artists and creative entrepreneurs. From press features to pricing and gallery strategy, get tools to grow your income, confidence, and visibility. 🎓 Start learning now at www.createu.co
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Featured InLauren was featured in Create! Magazine Issue 51.View the issue at www.createmagazine.co
More from Create!To explore artist features, open calls, and resources, visit www.createmagazine.co or subscribe to this Substack for thoughtful conversations and insights from today’s contemporary artists.
Connect:If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow artist and tag @createmagazine or @katerinapopova on Instagram. We would love to hear what resonated with you or how you're learning to show up in your own way.
* Residential and institutional art transportation and installation
Orlando launched the business to solve challenges he faced as a working artist—like moving large-scale paintings without access to a suitable vehicle. His vision focuses on creating a bespoke, caring approach for individuals, artists, and organizations. He and assistant Ivan facilitate bookings via email (philadelphiaarthandling@gmail.com) or phone (215-901-8003). They take pride in asking the right questions, being intentional in every detail, and delivering equal care to private and large-scale projects.
🎧 What You’ll Hear
* Why art handling deserves more attention—and what usually goes unseen
* Orlando’s transformation from artist to art-handling entrepreneur
* How to sustain an art career when the career path isn’t clear
* Balancing creative practice with running a service-based business
* Real-world installation and shipping challenges, including international customs and museum-scale projects
* The value of craftsmanship, experimentation, and writing your own creative career playbook
For staying grounded and keeping a healthy mindset:
* Activations App by Mimi Bouchard (formerly Superhuman)Walking meditations that help me reset when I’m feeling stuck👉 activations.com
A few tools I shared in the episode:
* Saying “Spam!” to break a spiral of negative thoughts
* Snapping a rubber band on your wrist gently when self-talk gets too loud
* Mantra: “Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
The Creative Business Handbook
Co-authored by Ekaterina Popova and Alicia PuigWhether you're just getting started or looking to scale your art business on your own terms, The Creative Business Handbook delivers practical, no-fluff advice. Inside you’ll find clear strategies for pricing your work, growing your audience, managing finances, and building a creative career that supports your lifestyle—not the other way around.👉 Learn more: createmagazine.co/books
The Complete Smartist Guide
Co-authored by Ekaterina Popova and Alicia PuigThis is the book I wish I’d had early in my journey. The Complete Smartist Guide blends actionable advice, mindset tools, and insider know-how to help you confidently navigate your art career. From marketing and licensing to working with curators, securing grants, and building gallery relationships—everything you need to take your practice up a level is here.👉 Discover it here: createmagazine.co/books
Thanks so much for listening and for sending in your questions. I love making this space feel honest, useful, and full of support for wherever you’re at in your journey.
Maggie Smith is the author of several bestselling books, including You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Goldenrod, Keep Moving, and the viral poem Good Bones, which was called “the official poem of 2016” by Public Radio International and read by Meryl Streep at Lincoln Center. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Best American Poetry.
A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council, Smith is also the author of the forthcoming Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life (April 2025, Atria/Simon & Schuster). She teaches in the MFA program at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing and lives in Ohio.
* Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life
* You Could Make This Place Beautiful
* Good Bones
* Keep Moving
* Goldenrod
✨ Sponsor: Create! MagazineSupport artist-run, independent publishing. Submit your work or subscribe digitally to stay inspired.
📖 Transcript
(Lightly edited)
Kat: Maggie, welcome to Art & Cocktails. I am so unbelievably honored to have you on the show. I’ll tell you a fun story—I had jury duty in March, and I just grabbed a random book off my shelf… and it happened to be your memoir. I was so happy to have jury duty because I could binge-read it—I pretty much read the whole thing that afternoon.
Thank you for writing it. And now you have a brand-new book out—Dear Writer. Congratulations! It’s filled with incredible tools and lessons for the creative life. I can’t wait to jump in.
Maggie: Oh my gosh, that’s so kind. Thanks for having me!
On Becoming a Writer
Kat: For those who may not be familiar with your work, could you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?
Maggie: I’m primarily a poet—that’s probably how most people know me. But I also publish prose, picture books, and work in other genres. I’m a writer, teacher, sometimes an editor… and a Midwesterner.
Kat: I love that. How did you know you wanted to commit your life to writing?
Maggie: I always felt writing was the thing I was best at—and the thing that made me feel most like myself. I probably knew in college that I’d be writing poems the rest of my life. I had no idea how I’d pay my bills—but the writing part was never in question.
On Impractical Dreams and Real-World Pressure
Kat: What would you say to someone who loves creating but is stuck in a job that feels draining?
Maggie: I actually tell people to keep the day job. It gives you financial stability and protects your creativity from pressure. I had a 9-to-5 job for years after my MFA. It let me write at night and didn’t require grading or student emails.
Creativity doesn’t owe you a paycheck. When we force it to pay rent, it can shift the relationship—and not in a good way.
When “Good Bones” Went Viral
Kat: Tell me about when Good Bones went viral—where were you in life at that time?
Maggie: I was pushing a stroller around my neighborhood and folding tiny socks. I had two young kids and was very much in mom-mode. It was surreal. Suddenly people who had no idea who I was—musicians, actors, chefs—were sharing my poem.
I had to quickly decide how to keep writing and not get stuck in “performance” mode. I had to pretend it never happened and return to writing like no one was watching.
On Jealousy, Sabotage & Who Really Shows Up
Kat: You’ve written about unsupportive friends or family. How do you deal with that when your career starts to grow?
Maggie: It’s painful—but also clarifying. You really do learn who your people are. Not just when things go wrong, but when they go right.
Someone else’s success doesn’t take anything from you. It just adds more to the well. I try to keep that in mind, even when I’m personally disappointed.
On Redefining “Consistency” for Creative People
Kat: Your new book redefines consistency in such a refreshing way. Can you share your view?
Maggie: The creative process shouldn’t hurt. Some days are writing days, some aren’t. If I’m not writing, I do something in service of my writing—edit an old draft, submit work, organize.
It all counts. Taking a walk, calling a friend, doing yoga—those things fill the well too.
On Telling the Truth Safely
Kat: What advice do you have for someone who wants to tell a vulnerable story but is scared?
Maggie: Write it all—but don’t feel pressure to publish it all. Publishing is very different from writing. Ask: “Would I be okay answering questions about this publicly?” If not, can you revise or set a boundary while keeping the heart of the story?
Be honest, but protect your peace.
On Art, AI, and Why It’s Time to Get Weird
Kat: In this AI-saturated world, what’s your advice to creatives?
Maggie: I have a sticky note on my desk that says: “Make it weirder.” That’s my guiding principle. I want to feel the human behind the work—the mess, the quirks, the seams.
AI can’t grieve. It can’t love. It can’t dream. We can. That’s our power.
Closing
Kat: Maggie, thank you so much for your time and wisdom. Your work is such a gift.
👉 Submit to Create! Magazine's Fall 2025 IssueBe featured in print and digital, curated by art advisor Emily McElwreath. 🖼️ Apply now at www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art
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