This is How We Create – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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

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.

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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.

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

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

Tiffany's Website: https://www.tiffanybrooksinteriors.com/

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

In our ongoing series about the creative process of building a studio, we've covered when and how to hire a team. But what happens when a hire isn't the right fit?

I'm pulling back the curtain on a lesson that cost me months of energy and a piece of my confidence as a leader. You'll often know by week three or four when a new hire isn't going to make it, and waiting six months to act isn't just costly, it's a failure of leadership. I share the difference between a coachable skill gap and a fundamental values misalignment. Discover the two questions that immediately clarify your next move and the three clear, documented conversations you must have before making the final decision. This episode provides a clear, direct process to protect your creative work and act with grace and clarity, because your vision is worth protecting.

00:00 - An Expensive Lesson in Waiting: Why I Didn't Act for Six Months

01:30 - The Six-Month Rule: Knowing When It's Time to Make a Clear Decision

02:40 - Coaching vs. Cutting Loose: When to Invest in Skill vs. Values

04:05 - Making It Better or Just Different: The Two Defining Questions

04:55 - The Three Clear Conversations Before You Let Someone Go

07:05 - How to Have the Firing Conversation: Clarity is Kindness

08:45 - The Cost of Waiting and Why Acting Fast is Great Leadership

10:40 - Am I Coaching Because I Believe or Because I'm Afraid?

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.

In cased you missed it, we're replaying our most popular episode of 2024 with Candace Tavares.

Candace joins us to talk about how can you unleash your creativity and defy limitations.

Candice embraces the rich textures of wood to create powerful works that celebrate Black beauty and shatter negative stereotypes. Her art is a warm embrace, reminding viewers of their inherent value and strength.

Tune in for a dose of inspiration! ✨

Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/

Follow This Is How We Create on IG.⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠⁠

Follow Martine on Instagram: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠⁠

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West.

Get to know Candice's work:  ⁠https://www.noellerx.com/⁠

See Candice's work on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/noellerx

Welcome to our 100th Episode! Cue the confetti! Thank you for being part of our community.

In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Andrea Pippins—illustrator, author, and creative powerhouse—as she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic transformation. Andrea opens up about the defining moments that shaped her career and creative voice from her early influences to her bold decision to move to Sweden.

Through candid reflections and actionable advice, Andrea explores the challenges and rewards of building a freelance business abroad, navigating cultural differences, and staying connected in a virtual world. Whether you're a seasoned creative or just starting out, Andrea's will story inspire you to embrace curiosity, prioritize your goals, and create with intention.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How curiosity fuels creativity and opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

• Why networking and mentorship are key to professional and personal growth.

• The importance of adapting to cultural differences when building connections in a new country.

• Tips for staying productive and setting meaningful goals in your creative practice.

• How Andrea balances freelancing with motherhood while living abroad.

• The value of keeping a physical idea book to track and organize your projects.

• Insights into financial transparency, including how Andrea shares her income breakdown.

• Why travel and cultural immersion are essential for expanding artistic perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Journey

04:57 Andrea Pippins: A Life in Art

19:06 Cultural Transition and Community Building

30:38 From Corporate to Freelance: A Transformative Leap

44:06 Navigating Income and Financial Transparency

48:16 Advice for Aspiring Artists

Get to know Andrea Pippins: https://www.andreapippins.com/aboutFollow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapippins/

Get to know Martine Severin

Website: https://martineseverin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/

Follow This Is How We Create: https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com

Book Mentioned: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

Income pie: Lola Akinmade https://www.instagram.com/lolaakinmade/?hl=en

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

99.  How to Trust Your Creative Evolution: Holly McWhorter on Moving Between Art Forms

In this conversation, Holly McWhorter shares her journey as an artist, writer, and entrepreneur, discussing her childhood influences, her experiences living between Copenhagen and Brooklyn, and her transition from running a skincare business to rediscovering her passion for painting during the pandemic. She reflects on her creative process, the importance of color theory, and offers advice to her younger self about focusing on her passions without spreading herself too thin.

GET TO KNOW HOLLY:

Website: https://hollymcwhorterart.com/

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

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:Website: martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severinFollow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

CREDITS:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

On today's episode, we sit down with Sherrod Faulks, founder of Deep Black Ceramics. From tech screens to pottery wheels, Faulks shares his remarkable transition from UX design to establishing his ceramics brand. We explore how authenticity shapes his creative process, from custom glaze formulation to collection development.

Faulks discusses finding creative courage through his partner's support and how his background in user experience informs his artistic vision. Through our conversation, he reveals how each ceramic piece becomes part of a larger narrative, creating distinct eras within his work.

Join us for an intimate look at reinvention, artistic integrity, and the transformative power of following your passion.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity is the secret to standing out in a crowded creative landscape.

2. Centering oneself is crucial for producing your best, most meaningful work.

3. Building a cohesive brand identity and infusing personal emotions into your creations can leave a lasting impact.

4. Embrace your unique vision and don't be afraid to be bold and take creative risks.

5. Conceptualizing collections and eras can be powerful for creative projects.

6. Create work that brings joy and pleasure to yourself and others.

7. Understand the deeper "why" behind your creations to align with your values.

8. Custom design and formulate glazes to produce unique, beautiful pieces.

9. Discover your passion and create meaningful work that reflects who you are.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Sherrod Faulks and His Journey

• 04:45 The Influence of Cooking on Sherrod's Life

• 10:20 The Evolution of Slice and Tort

• 13:11 The Birth of Deep Black

• 16:59 The Connection Between Clay and Self-Discovery

• 21:45 Creating a Centered Environment for Creativity

• 25:01 The Art of Collections in Clay

• 32:37 Finding Authenticity and Inspiration

• 39:14 Designing with Purpose and Emotion

• 45:51 Future Endeavors and Creative Visibility

• 52:47 - Conclusion and Sherrod's Parting Thoughts

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Discover more of Sherrod Faulk's work: deepblack.shopShop Deep Black: https://deepblack.shop/ 

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:Website: martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severinFollow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

CREDITS:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

If you've ever considered dipping your toes into a creative field, tune in to hear the journey of Ayanah George, a digital and film photographer who masterfully bridges the worlds of engineering and photography. 

From mastering double exposure techniques to embracing the beautiful imperfections of film photography, she shares intimate insights into her creative evolution. Ayanah discusses how she built a thriving side business while staying true to her artistic voice.

This episode offers a glimpse into how technical precision and artistic vision can merge to create something extraordinary while highlighting the transformative power of self-belief in pursuing creative passions.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How Ayanah transitioned from engineering to photography while juggling her day job.

• The inspiration she draws from Kehinde Wiley's powerful depictions of people of color.

• Techniques for experimenting with double exposure and the minimal editing required for film photography.

• The evolution of her photography style and how she captures intentional and elevated portraits.

• The importance of self-confidence and exposure to art in fueling creative growth.

• Ayanah's approach to travel photography, selling prints, and exploring new opportunities for assignments.

• The value of community, collaboration, and continuous learning in the creative field.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ayanna George's Creative Journey

• 01:53 Early Influences and Exposure to Photography

• 04:12 Building a Photography Career While Balancing Engineering

• 08:27 Developing a Personal Style in Portraiture

• 11:48 Travel Photography: Capturing the Essence of Places

• 17:11 Transitioning from Weddings to Portraits

• 19:05 Inspiration from Kehinde Wiley and Double Exposure Techniques

• 23:48 Evolving Style and Intentionality in Photography

• 27:09 Confidence and Creative Growth

• 28:35 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Stay Connected with Our Guest: 🔗 Follow Ayanah George on Instagram: @ayanahgeorge

Keep Up With Martine:

Website:martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severin

Follow This Is How We Create: @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to our Newsletter 

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

In this episode of This Is How We Create, we sit down with the talented photographer Kelly Marshall to explore the journey of turning passion into purpose. 

Throughout our conversation, Kelly emphasizes the power of building strong networks and lifting up other creatives, especially within the Black community. She reveals practical strategies for balancing personal projects with commercial work, managing client expectations, and creating multiple income streams. 

But it's not all about business—Kelly opens up about the importance of prioritizing self-care, taking risks, and believing in yourself to navigate the highs and lows of a creative career.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why cultivating a strong network is crucial for creatives, particularly artists of color.

• How can you bring your personal passions into your commercial work for a fulfilling career

• Strategies for setting boundaries, managing client expectations, and maintaining your well-being.

• The value of supporting fellow creatives and how referrals can open new doors.

• Why taking risks and betting on yourself can lead to unexpected opportunities.

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction to Kelly Marshall's Creative Journey

• 02:50 Growing Up Mixed-Race in Philadelphia

• 06:07 The Impact of Racial Identity on Art

• 09:04 Exploring 'Birthing of a Nation' Project

• 11:57 The Evolution of Kelly's Photography Career

• 14:53 Navigating the Commercial Photography Landscape

• 18:12 Building a Supportive Network in New York

• 21:06 Finding Your Unique Style in Photography

• 24:04 Balancing Client Expectations and Creative Vision

• 27:04 Financial Insights and Revenue Streams

• 29:56 Advice for Young Creatives

• 32:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Discover more of Kelly Marshall's work :sans.mursExplore Kelly's portfolio: https://www.kellymarshallphoto.com/  

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:Website: martineseverin.comInstagram: @martine.severinFollow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Kelly's documentary BIRTH

CREDITS:This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona. Episode research by Braila West.

In this soul-stirring episode, Sheffield-based artist Rashna Hackett shares her extraordinary journey from a 35-year career in psychiatric nursing to discovering her calling as an artist at age 50. 

Born in Tanzania with memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, Rashna reveals how art became her sanctuary during a period of workplace bullying and depression. 

Through her uniquely intuitive approach to large-scale abstract paintings and her joyfully chaotic studio practice, she explores themes of mixed-race identity, cultural heritage, and creative liberation. A testament to the healing power of art and the fact that it's never too late to discover your passion.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How childhood experiences shape an artist's unique style and voice.

• The beauty of intuitive painting and the unexpected discoveries it can spark.

• Strategies for marketing your art and leveraging social media for visibility.

• The power of embracing chaos and accidents in the studio for creative breakthroughs.

• Why art is more than just a craft—it's a journey of self-discovery and joy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rashna Hackett

00:54 Childhood Influences and Early Memories

04:15 The Journey to Painting

10:03 Artistic Process and Intuition

14:59 Exploring Identity Through Art

19:49 Marketing and Selling Art

24:11 Future Projects and Exciting Ventures

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Get to know Rashna Hackett: rashnahackettExplore Rashna's portfolio: https://www.artbyrashna.com/about

KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:

Website: martineseverin.com

Instagram: @martine.severin

Follow This Is How We Create: thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Martine's Substack

CREDITS: This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Santiago Cardona.  Episode research by Braila West.