This is How We Create – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Explore the development of her distinctive color palette and artistic eye

Rhonda K Brown is an accomplished fine art painter whose work has garnered recognition for its distinctive style. Beyond her personal artistic practice, she's committed to creating opportunities for other artists.

• Rhonda K Brown: @rhondabrownfineart

• Rhonda’s Website: https://www.rkbfineart.com

• Martine Séverin: martineseverin.com | @martine.sev

This episode has been edited by Casandra Voltolina

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

Riverside.fm

Lately.ai

Napkin.ai

Canva.com

Veed.io

Audacity.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 and edited by Santiago Cardona.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives

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.

• 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.

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

Kyra's website: https://kyrajwells.com/

Connect with Kyra on Instagram: @kyrajwells

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.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives

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.

• 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

"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."

00:00 Reflecting on Goals and Progress

02:52 Overcoming Procrastination and Hesitation

06:08 Embracing Accountability and Personal Growth

"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."

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

• Watch the Youtube Version of this video

• This episode of This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.

Martine Severin produced and edited this episode of This is How We Create.

• Episode 112: Roy de Carava

• Episode 114: Margaret Burroughs

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."

• 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.

"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

00:00 Introduction to Ube Urban and His Work

03:31 Ube's Background and Identity

10:07 Navigating Cultural Identity and Professional Spaces

16:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery

23:24 Transitioning from Hawaii to the Mainland

26:21 Ube's Framework for Authentic Branding

31:17 Questions for Self-Discovery

38:10 The Challenge of Individuality in a Conformist Society

46:08 Reflections on Growth and Future Generations

Website: https://www.ubeurban.com/

Linkedin: ubeurban

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.

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.

• 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"

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

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

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.

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

• Watch the Youtube Version of this video

• This episode of This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.

Martine Severin produced and edited this episode of This is How We Create.

• Episode 112: Roy de Carava

• Episode 114: Margaret Burroughs

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: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

• Subscribe to Martine's Newsletter: https://martineseverin.substack.com/

• Visit our Website: https://martineseverin.com/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help other creative professionals find our community.

Next Episode: Tune in next week as we continue our conversation with creative professionals who are reshaping the industry.

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

- Converting their first floor into a museum in 1961

- Growth into the DuSable Museum

- Current collection of over 13,000 artifacts

Notable Quotes

"I just couldn't see myself standing in front of a group of eager-eyed young Black people and not being able to tell them something very positive about themselves." - Dr. Margaret Burroughs

Resources Mentioned

- Southside Community Art Center (Still active today)

- DuSable Museum

- Dr. Burroughs' linocuts and paintings

Episode Takeaways

1. Don't wait for perfect conditions - start where you are

2. Community spaces can grow from humble beginnings

3. Personal spaces can become cultural institutions

4. Art and history preservation are acts of revolution

5. Creating space for others is a form of legacy building

 KEEP UP WITH MARTINE:

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

This episode of This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.

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:

• The Bear (TV Series)

• 73. How to Incorporate Storytelling in Your Artistic Practice - Part 1 - Mojo Reed II

• 74. How to Incorporate Storytelling in Your Artistic Practice - Part 2 - Mojo Reed II

•  

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_

ABOUT MOJO REED: Anthony "Mojo" Reed II is a Miami-based artist whose work has captured the attention of major brands like Nike and initiatives led by Michelle Obama. His murals at Wynwood Walls have become cultural landmarks, and his unique approach to storytelling through art has established him as a leading voice in contemporary Black American culture.

ABOUT THIS IS HOW WE CREATE: Join host Martine Severin as she explores the creative journeys of contemporary artists of color, uncovering the hidden stories and strategies behind their success. Produced and edited by Martine Severin.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

#CreativeSuccess #ArtistInterview #Creativity #PersonalDevelopment #FearlessBranding #ArtistLife #CreativeBusiness #ThisIsHowWeCreate #MojoReed #MartineSeverin

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