This is How We Create – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

This is How We Create

Martine Severin

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 218

The This is How We Create podcast digs deeper into the creative life of contemporary artists of color. Discover what feeds their creativity and how they found (or are finding) their artistic voice. Through these intimate and candid conversations, you will gain insights into the lives of creative professionals of color that are hard to find anywhere else.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - visualArts
16/07/2026
#86
🇬🇧 Great Britain - visualArts
15/07/2026
#53
🇨🇦 Canada - visualArts
20/04/2026
#99
🇨🇦 Canada - visualArts
19/04/2026
#65
🇨🇦 Canada - visualArts
18/04/2026
#38
🇨🇦 Canada - visualArts
13/04/2026
#84
🇨🇦 Canada - visualArts
11/04/2026
#36
🇺🇸 USA - visualArts
03/04/2026
#74
🇺🇸 USA - visualArts
02/04/2026
#53
🇺🇸 USA - visualArts
01/04/2026
#43

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 83%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

130. Stop Waiting, Start Creating- Lessons from an Unexpected Practice - Martine Severin

Season 5 · Episode 130

Thursday, April 17, 2025 • Duration 09:53

In this mini-episode, we explore the unexpected parallel between toe yoga and creative practice. Through her personal experience with a daily exercises, our host, Martine Severin, reveals how small, consistent efforts lead to remarkable changes over time – both in physical flexibility and creative mastery.

Martine challenges the myth of natural talent, showing how persistence and consistent practice often triumph over innate ability. This episode serves as your permission slip to begin that creative project you've been postponing – no matter how small your daily commitment might be.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

00:27 Understanding Toe Yoga

04:22 The Metaphor of Toe Yoga in Creativity

08:10 Taking Action and Consistency in Practice

Key Takeaways:

The benefits of toe yoga extend beyond foot health to our entire physical structure
Just 1-5 minutes of daily practice can lead to significant improvements in any skill
Consistent practice often trumps natural talent in creative pursuits
You don't need expensive equipment or extensive training to begin your creative journey
Stop waiting for permission and start with small, manageable commitments

Stay in touch:

Website: MartineSeverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack - Creative Matters

Read moreCollapse

129. Honoring Everyday People Through Your Art - Rhonda K. Brown (2020)

Season 5 · Episode 129

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 51:20

We welcome fine art painter Rhonda K Brown, whose artistic story is deeply intertwined with a remarkable family legacy in the art world. Join us as Rhonda pulls back the curtain on her creative journey - from the influential gallery environment of her youth to her eventual return to painting after exploring other paths. How did growing up surrounded by prominent artists shape her artistic vision? What drew her back to the canvas after time away? And what inspired her to create a new platform supporting fellow artists? Tune in for an intimate conversation about art, inspiration, and the mission to elevate diverse creative voices.

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR:

Rhonda's personal journey as a fine art painter and how she developed her unique style
The remarkable legacy of the Malcolm Brown Gallery and its influence on her work
Her approach to selecting color palettes and how she trained her artistic eye
A treasure trove of recommendations for both historical and contemporary artists worth following
The story behind Critique House, a new venture co-founded with her son to support BIPOC artists

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Rhonda Brown's Creative Journey
01:31 The Malcolm Brown Gallery: A Family Legacy
10:59 Influences and Inspirations in Art
17:22 Honoring Everyday People Through Art
21:12 Navigating Artistic Challenges and Community Support
24:01 The Evolution of Rhonda's Color Palette
29:05 Sources of Inspiration and Artistic Growth
34:02 The Journey Back to Art and Critique House
38:57 Critique House: Supporting BIPOC Artists

KEY MOMENTS:

Discover how Rhonda approaches her creative practice and what fuels her artistic vision
Learn about the influential Malcolm Brown Gallery and its place in art history
Hear how Rhonda celebrates everyday people through her artistic expression

ABOUT RHONDA K BROWN: CONNECT & FOLLOW:

120. The Digital Toolkit Behind Our Podcast - Martine Severin

Season 5 · Episode 120

Thursday, March 13, 2025 • Duration 14:48

In this episode, we pulls back the curtain on our creative process, revealing the digital ecosystem that brings the podcast interviews to life. If you've ever felt intimidated by the technical side of podcasting, tune in to discover a your new favorite tool.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Journey

00:27 Behind the Scenes of Podcasting

02:53 Tools of the Trade

05:46 Visual and Interactive Elements

09:10 Editing and Publishing Process

11:59 The Courage to Create

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 and edited by Santiago Cardona.

Tools mentioned

Support the Show

Website: Martine Severin
Follow on Instagram: | Subscribe to the Newsletter:

119. The Truth About Design Careers No One Will Tell You: Kyra Wells' Radical Approach to Creative Confidence

Season 5 · Episode 119

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 39:33

We chat with Kyra Wells, a graphic designer and advocate for creative community and mentorship. She reflects on her path from a young artist to her role at American Greetings and leadership at AIGA Cleveland.

Kyra explores the role of playfulness in design, supporting emerging creatives, and her course, You Are Not an Imposter, which helps designers gain confidence in their careers.

Episode Highlights

Kyra's journey reflects the value of mentorship.
She started her own business during the pandemic.
Injecting fun into work is a core value at American Greetings.
Kyra emphasizes the importance of community in design.
Sustainability in design is a growing focus for AIGA Cleveland.
The course 'You Are Not an Imposter' addresses common struggles
Balancing personal projects with professional responsibilities is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kyra Wells and Her Creative Journey

05:12 Kyra's Early Inspirations and Path to Graphic Design

12:23 Navigating the Job Market and Building a Career

18:34 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

23:03 Finding Creative Voice Through Client Work

26:33 Creating Fun and Engaging Content at American Greetings

29:11 AIGA Cleveland: Building Community and Opportunities

32:21 Inspiration from Local Designers and Educators

34:10 Creating the Course: You Are Not an Imposter

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Support the Show

118. The Guilt-Free Approach to Those Goals You Haven't Touched - Martine Severin

Season 5 · Episode 118

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 06:53

In this mini episode, we reflect on our progress with the creative goals you set at the beginning of the year. We discuss the common challenges of procrastination and hesitation while offering practical strategies to overcome these barriers and reconnect with creative intentions.

Key Points

Take time to honestly assess your progress on goals set earlier in the year
Recognize that people approach their creative journeys differently - some change directions like rivers, others face procrastination
Transform obligation into joy by infusing your creative journey with playfulness
Consider seeking accountability partners to witness your struggles and celebrate victories
Remember that these challenges are universal - even the host creates these episodes based on her own struggles

Quote

"We are not our delays, nor are we our detours. Some of us manifest our intentions with natural grace, and other people they discover that certain goals like jumping from great heights don't really align with their inner, their deeper wisdom."

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Goals and Progress

02:52 Overcoming Procrastination and Hesitation

06:08 Embracing Accountability and Personal Growth

Closing Message

"Whatever approach you choose, let it resonate with your spirit and with your gut. You have full permission to embrace whatever you choose... Please stay creative and above all, be tender with your magnificent self."

Connect With Us:

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

Production Credits: Previous Episodes in This Series:

117. Decolonizing Design: A Pacific Islander's Guide to Authentic Creative Practice - Ube Urban

Season 5 · Episode 117

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Duration 49:28

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."

In this episode, you'll discover:

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.

Quotes from the episode:

"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

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Support the Show

116. How One Black Artist Turned Intuition into a 90-Year Career - Martine Severin

Season 5 · Episode 116

Friday, February 21, 2025 • Duration 08:27

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.

Episode Highlights:

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"

Key Quote:

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

Chapters:

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

About the Artist:

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.

Connect With Us:

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

Production Credits: Previous Episodes in This Series:

115. Replace I with We': Inside the Creative Director's Guide to Winning Client Pitches - Ashley Bozeman

Season 5 · Episode 115

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • Duration 44:12

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: |

114. How a Black Woman's Living Room Became a Cultural Revolution - Martine Severin

Season 5 · Episode 114

Friday, February 14, 2025 • Duration 05:25

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

113. High Stakes Success: How Setting Boundaries Transformed This Artist's Career (and Life) - Mojo Reed, II

Season 5 · Episode 113

Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Duration 17:44

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:

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_

This is How We Create – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

This is How We Create – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Instagram99+

Youtube25

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Instagram99+

Youtube25