Have you thought about writing your memoir? Or better yet, how about an illustrative memoir? Jonell Joshua, author and illustrator, joins us to discuss her creative journey and the process of writing her memoir.   Jonell walks us through the process of writing her memoir and the specific tactics she used to accomplish her goal while holding down a full-time job.  You’ll walk away enthralled with Jonell’s story, and who knows, you might be inspired to write your memoir as well.   If you’re listening to this message, we’ll give away 3 books of Jonell via Instagram.  Follow us on @thisishowwecreate_ for more. Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on Instagram. ⁠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 Jonell Joshua: https://www.jonelljoshua.com/illustrations Instagram: jonell.joshua Buy Jonell’s Book: https://www.jonelljoshua.com/pre-order-my-debut-memoir

How can you unleash your creativity and defy limitations? Candice Tavares, is a palliative care pharmacist by day and artist off-the clock. 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

Ready to unleash your creative potential?  Are you curious about how to exhibit your work at major art shows? Join us as we chat with the incredible artist Tasanee Durrett about her journey of healing, resilience, and finding her artistic voice after a life-changing experience.   Tasanee participates in Chicago EXPO (April 11 - 14, 2024). Check out her piece "Have Some Faith" is showcased at the EXPO’s Artist Replete. Tune in for a dose of inspiration! ✨ Episode Overview: 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 with by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West. Get to know Tasanee Durrett: https://www.tasaneeart.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tasaneeart Buy Tasanee’s art: https://www.tasaneeartprints.com/

Ever dreamed of ditching your 9-5 for a life fuelled by passion? This week, meet our guest Tomesha Faxio – lawyer turned photographer – who did just that. Her book Wash Day is a love letter to Black hair, a story of reinvention and fearless creativity. Tomesha spills the beans on book deals, agents, and the winding path to finding your purpose.  Discover how Wash Day went from concept to reality, amplifying Black voices and shattering stereotypes. Get ready for a dose of hustle, as Tomesha reveals her plans for Wash Day on the big screen and her mission to combat texturism and colorism. This is for the dreamers and the doers! Episode Overview: 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 Braila West and Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Get to know Tomesha Faxio: https://www.meshaphotography.com/about Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomeshafaxio/ Buy Tamesha’s book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/715807/wash-day-by-tomesha-faxio/

Want to turn your creative passion into a thriving business? Meet Jeanetta Gonzales, a master of surface design and illustration who's done just that! Hear how Jeanetta left corporate work to become a sought-after freelancer.  Jeanetta shares the intricacies of licensing, the art of negotiation, and the joy of mentoring upcoming talent. Join us as we explore what it means to live a life dedicated to design and legacy building. Jeanetta has a new course up on Skillshare called: Rise to Your Artistic Potential: Boost Confidence and Conquer Negative Beliefs.  Check out the link below: 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. Get to know Jeanetta Gonzales https://www.jeanettagonzales.com/ Learn from Jeanetta Gonzales https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/rise-to-your-artistic-potential-boost-confidence-and-conquer-negative-beliefs/373810287?via=search-layout-grid Touch base with Jeanetta on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nettdesigns

Zoe Si, a talented cartoonist and illustrator with a unique journey from law to art, shares her story on "This is How We Create." Starting as a self-taught artist who used drawing as a stress reliever, Zoe transitioned from her career in law to pursue her passion for art full-time. She opens up about securing her first book deal, contributing to The New Yorker, and her nomination for a Pulitzer Prize. Zoe provides insight into her daily routines and habits that fuel her creativity, including the significance of consistent drawing practice and a structured schedule. She also gives a sneak peek into her future projects, such as a picture book and a graphic memoir, highlighting her ongoing journey in the art world. 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 edited by Casandra Voltolina and produced by Martine Severin. Keep up with Zoe Si and become a collector by visiting the sites below: Website: http://www.zoe-si.com/ Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/zoesees/Substack: https://zoesi.substack.com/

Show Notes Danielle Scruggs, a photo editor and founder of Black Women Directors, shares her journey from growing up in Rogers Park to becoming a successful photo editor and photographer. She discusses the role of a photo editor, the qualities that make a photographer successful, and how she approaches her own assignments. Danielle also talks about her love for film and the inspiration she draws from it. She shares the story behind Black Women Directors and her plans for the future. Finally, she discusses a profound lesson she learned about embracing failure as a learning experience. 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/⁠ Stay in touch with Danielle Scruggs:  https://daniellescruggs.com/ Black Women Directors: https://www.blackwomendirectors.co/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Production assistance was provided by Braila West.

Join us as Jennifer Turner reveals how she turned her artistic dreams into reality, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge AI. Learn about her inspirations, the evolution of her unique style, and how a background in graphic design paved the way for success. Jennifer's story is a treasure trove of insights and advice for anyone eager to push the boundaries of their creativity and share their art with the world. Jennifer will exhibit her work at the Venice Biennale in April 2024. Please check out her site for more information. Join us as Jennifer Turner reveals how she turned her artistic dreams into reality, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge AI. Learn about her inspirations, the evolution of her unique style, and how a background in graphic design paved the way for success. Jenn story is a treasure trove of insights and advice for anyone eager to push the boundaries of their creativity and share their art with the world. Jenn will exhibit her work at the Venice Biennale in April 2024. Please check out her site for more information. 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 and edited by Braila West, Alexis Sanchez and Martine Severin. Keep up with Jennifer Turner and become a collector by visiting the sites below: Website: https://fineartofjenn.com/ Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/fineartofjenn/

Summary On this week’s episode of This is How We Create, Tobi Shinobi shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a successful photographer.  He shares with us how discovered his passion for photography, and the challenges he faced in finding his style in that genre. Tobi emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships with gateholders and sponsors as a freelancer. He also shares his seven out of ten principle for creating impactful and consistent work.  Overall, Tobi's story highlights the power of self-belief, perseverance, and attention to detail in pursuing a creative career. Podcast Producer. Takeaways Building a network of talented and like-minded individuals is crucial for success in the photography industry. Balancing higher-profile shoots can be stressful, so it's important to find a balance and prioritize self-care. How to select your best work using the 7 out of 10 principle. Collaborating with other creatives, such as stylists and models, can enhance the quality and creativity of photography projects. The Sony Alpha program provides opportunities for recognition and support for photographers. Connecting with other photographers and creatives can lead to valuable collaborations and networking opportunities. 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 and edited by Braila West, Alexis Sanchez and Martine Severin. Get to know Tobi Shinobi better: Follow Tobi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobishinobi Website: https://www.tobishinobi.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tobishinobi

In this episode we remember and celebrate creative life of Lisa Hunt. Lisa was a graphic artist and designer. She shares her creative journey and the influences that sparked her interest in art. From her childhood experiences with her mother and aunt, to studying graphic design at Pratt Institute, to working in magazine publishing, Lisa's career was been a series of explorations and reinventions. She eventually embraced her identity as an artist and began creating screen prints and collages. Lisa's story highlights the importance of following one's interests and allowing oneself to stumble and define their own path. 00:55 Early Influences and Interest in Art 07:25 Art School and Pursuing Graphic Design 09:45 Career in Graphic Design and Magazine Publishing 13:05 Transition to Freelancing and Exploring Different Creative Paths 24:23 Transition to Full-Time Artist 28:00 Exploring Printmaking and Pattern 37:25 Promoting Artistic Work and Collaboration

Nicole Crowder is a Furniture Designer + Upholsterer.  As a so-called army brat, Nicole lived around the world, an experience that fostered her appreciation for design and how design is represented around the world.  Prior to finding upholstery, Nicole worked as photo editor an experience that taught her the skills of art direction and love of creating vignettes for her finished upholstery pieces so the customer can imagine the products in their home.  During our talk, Nicole talks of how to find and maintain your artistic voice.  More importantly she gives great advice on how to maintain your voice and vision particularly when negotiating brand partnerships. Nicole also hints at her upcoming project in textile design, promising even more exciting creations to come. 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 and edited by Martine Severin. Get to know Nicole Crowder https://www.nicolecrowderupholstery.com/    https://www.instagram.com/nicolemcrowder/

Let's create a personal strategic plan! Do you ever think about what your life is like in 5 years? Or even in 3 years? Are you feeling lost in a sea of big dreams and grand plans for your future? Do you find yourself constantly jotting down ideas for new projects, but unsure of how to make them a reality? What if you learned a system to create a personal strategic plan that helps you identify and create an action plan to achieve your dreams. In this episode, I’m happy to share a workshop that I created for American Photographic Artist, the Chicago. This lighthearted exercise helps you think about how you can craft a strategic plan for the next five years. During the 1.5-hour session, we'll explore ways to turn those big aspirations into actionable steps. Now is the time to turn those dreams into reality, together! In this talk I discuss: The importance of creating a roadmap and embracing the journey We discuss SMART goals, and how to use them to advance your career I also share Tools and techniques for staying on the path you've created Before we begin, let’s talk about what a goal actually is.  What is a goal? A goal is an end toward which you make strides. A long-term goal that’s going to take you years to accomplish. In this context, the goal should be aligned with your personal values and long-term vision. It should contribute to your overall well-being and personal growth. A good goal should be specific and measurable, enabling you to track progress and assess success. It should have a clear deadline or timeframe, which adds a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. For example, 10x your income in 5 years. Or apply to and graduate from a grad school program Or perhaps it’s find a cure for cancer.   When doing a strategic plan, your goal should be big enough that you can make strides towards it everyday or every week. If you find that your goal can be achieved in a few days or months, ask yourself if your goal is a short-term one or a long-term one.  Is your goal part of a larger theme of tasks/goals?  As you’ll see, in an example, someone talks about finding an agent. Perhaps finding an agent is part of a larger goal?  Download Gaining Clarity Document:  https://mailchi.mp/018dcb3c354a/fw02eausih 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 and edited by Martine Severin.

Some people wait to be chosen, hired, or validated. But others don't wait. They make their own path with determination. They use different tools, like guerrilla marketing, to get noticed. Dr. Fahamu Pecou is one of those people. Today on the podcast, you'll hear his inspiring journey from dreams of working as an animator to becoming an award-winning artist. Dr. Pecou studied painting, when he secured a job as a graphic designer, his artistic career changed course.  In our talk, Dr Pecou shares how his hip-hop influenced his work and how his work came to challenge societal views of Black identity and more specifically, Black masculinity. Get to Know Dr Fahamu Pecou: https://www.instagram.com/fahamupecou/ https://www.fahamupecouart.com/ 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 and edited by Martine Severin.

I’m so excited to welcome famed member of the group Kassav Jocelyne Beroard, to the podcast today! We truly never know what the future holds for us. The same can be said for Jocelyne who grew up on the island of Martinique in the 1950s and 60s. Though she played piano as a child, Jocelyne never had a career in music in mind as she grew up. As you’ll hear, Jocelyne attempted a career in medicine and in fine-art before finding singing. Tuck in, to hear how Jocelyne navigated more than 30 years as a musician. Jocelyne talks about how she came to cultivate and love her voice as a musician. Most recently she wrote her memoir in French, Jocelyne Bernard, Loin de L’amer. Get in touch with Jocelyne https://www.instagram.com/jenbewa/ https://www.instagram.com/kassav_official/ 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 and edited by Martine Severin.

I’m happy to host Jasmine Guillory in the guest chair.  Jasmine started her career out as a lawyer, but fell into writing books after participating in a National Novel Writing Month Challenge. Since then she has written over 8 books.  Her most page turning and delightful book, Drunk On Love is widely available.   During our time together, Jasmine and I talk about how she came to find her voice as a writer and we discuss her writing process.  Lastly, Jasmine talks about how she manages to maintains boundaries whether she’s collaborating with Amazon or with Hello Sunshine.  It was a treat to chat with one of my favorite contemporary authors. Please enjoy this conversation with Jasmine Guillory.   Get in touch with Jasmine https://www.jasmineguillory.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jasminepics/ 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.

Have you ever wondered how a movie gets made? Or better yet, where do the ideas from movies come from? And if you’re like me, a person who has her eyes set on making a short film, wouldn’t it be great if there were someone there to help you buff up your idea and make the end product simply spectacular? Shannan E. Johnson, is a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel. She left her full-time give to become a  storytelling expert who develops creatives and their ideas for the screen. As a script consultant, teacher + therapist. She uses her innate understanding of story telling to make compelling TV and movies as well. In today’s podcast, Shannan walks us through her wide-ranging career and shares what it’s like to work in Hollywood. Oh, and there are also the great tips, she shared on how to write and tell a story. I walked away from our conversation with a framework on how to approach fear and how to position my vision so that I can achieve my desirable outcomes! As you listen to the interview the conversation will skip forward, this is because Shannan’s audio cut off at certain points. Get in touch with Shannan: http://www.shannanejohnson.com/ Join The Professional Pen https://www.awriterforyourwriter.com/bio.html https://www.instagram.com/shannanejohnson/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalpen/ 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 Ray Abercrombie.

Have you ever wondered what an artist’s week looks like? In this episode, photographer and This is How We Create Host walks her through a week in her work life. How do your weeks go? Please share your favorite moment from this past week by sending us an email hello@martineseverin.com. 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 episode of This is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.

Welcome back to This is How We Create. My name is Martine Severin your host. I’m excited to welcome Lisa Hunt is artist and designer. Lisa has had a wide-ranging career as a creative, from doing work as a graphic designer, to becoming a magazine editor credits her aunts and mom in sparking her interests in art and in creating. In art school she sharpened her interests and while there took screen printing as an elective. Lisa says that during that time in her life, “I allowed myself to stumble and find what I was interested in.” Later that screen printing class would influence the work she would create as an artist waay down the line. Boy, did I love hearing about Lisa’s life and about why she made the decisions she made to get to where she is today. I could have talked to her for ages. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I do! Get in touch with Lisa:   https://www.lisahuntcreative.com/ https://www.instagram.com/creativehunt/?hl=en 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 Ray Abercrombie.

In this episode of the This Is How We Create podcast we talk with interior designer, Gail M Davis. Gail Davis Designs is renowned for crafting elegant interiors that feel soulful, livable, and personal. For 15 years, celebrated designer Gail M. Davis has applied her formal design training to homes across the country, transforming houses into her clients’ forever homes. With a background in the fashion industry, Gail is passionate about using color and textiles throughout her projects. Though her spaces are steeped in classical decorating principles, she is passionate about crafting interiors that are comfortable, functional living spaces. Each client is different, and each space must consider the reality of their lives, not just serve as a beautiful room. Gail studied at New York School of Interior Design and honed her craft interning at two of New York City’s most prestigious firms—Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates. Her projects have been published in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, AD Pro, Domino, and more. Get in touch with Gail:  https://www.gaildavisdesignsllc.com/portfolio https://www.instagram.com/gaildavisdesigns/ Listen to Gail's podcast:  https://www.gaildavisdesignsllc.com/podcast 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 Ray Abercrombie.

Today on the This is How We Create Podcast, international master photographer and Sony Artisan Scott Robert Lim joins us to talk about how he learned to spot and create a catalog of opportunities as an artist even when the unthinkable happens and income streams dry up. Scott Robert Lim is a certified educator and has over 70 international awards to his name. For the last decade, he has dedicated his career to developing world-class photographers and loves teaching photographers of all levels. As you’ll be able to tell, Scott has an energetic and charismatic speaking style and is an industry leader in photography education. Scott shares how he’s managed to create a life and career on his terms. Furthermore, he shares the thinking processes he uses to create a runway to success! Get to Know Scott Robert Lim: https://www.thisiscolossal.com/ IG https://www.instagram.com/scottrobertlim/ Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/  Follow This Is How We Create on IG. https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie This Is Colossal https://www.thisiscolossal.com/