The Create! Podcast

So much of what we hear right now is about what is changing, what is closing, what is shifting. In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova cuts through the noise to focus on what has remained true across every platform, every trend cycle, and every era of the art world: the core principles of getting paid for doing what you love. Kat takes us back to her teenage years, painting prom backdrops and dance team sets for a hundred dollars at a time, with no connections, no following, and a kind of blissful confidence that the work would find its people. That early experience shaped a belief system that carried her through years of building a creative business, and she traces exactly where that belief started to crack, what planted it back, and what she wishes she had known sooner. In this episode, Kat shares how her earliest art sales happened long before social media existed, why the doubt she absorbed in art school was some of the most expensive she ever entertained, what the relationship with your own work has to do with whether it ever sells, and how she hired a coach this week with nothing more than an Instagram DM and a clear sense of what she needed. This one is for the artist who keeps waiting for the right moment, the bigger audience, or the better strategy. The strategy, it turns out, has been the same all along. Work with Kat: https://espopova.com/home Connect with Kat at [email protected] and follow along at @createmagazine on Instagram. Submit to our current call for art: https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art

What does it actually take to make art and make a living at the same time? This week, Ekaterina Popova sits down with Mason Currey, author of the beloved Daily Rituals series and his brand new book, Making Art and Making a Living (Celadon Books), a rich, research-driven look at how artists across centuries have funded their creative lives. From day jobs and patrons to inheritances, government grants, and a few schemes that fall into grayer territory, Mason has compiled the stories so many of us have needed to hear. In this conversation, he and Kat explore why community matters more than most creatives realize, how constraints can actually be an artist's greatest asset, and the practical power of reverse engineering the career you actually want. If you have ever asked yourself whether you are doing this whole creative life thing right, this episode is your answer. Spoiler: you are in very good company. In this episode: Why community and creative scenes have always mattered more than solo genius How Mason's entire career grew from a blog post he wrote while procrastinating The surprising truth about artists who got everything they wanted, and still couldn't work Baudelaire, Whistler, and what history's most dramatic artistic money struggles can teach us about our own How to reverse engineer the career you want by studying the people who have it Why constraints, including financial ones, are often where the best work comes from The power of doing something, even a small, imperfect, DIY version of your vision Links and resources mentioned: Making Art and Making a Living by Mason Currey: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250824523/makingartandmakingaliving/ Mason Currey's website and newsletter (Subtle Maneuvers): masonwcurrey.com Best American Essays series (mentioned by Mason as a career research tool) Work with Kat + explore Create! Magazine: Create! Magazine celebrates working artists through features, interviews, and juried open calls. Submit your work, explore available articles, and join the community at createmagazine.co. Ready to grow your art career with step-by-step guidance? Explore micro courses on marketing, sales, visibility, and more at www.createu.co Visit www.createmagazine.co and click Programs to learn more. Private mentorship and coaching with certified master coach, Ekaterina Popova https://espopova.com

If you have been going through a funk, whether it is burnout, a creative slump, seasonal blues, or just feeling stuck, this episode is for you. Kat gets real about the challenges she faced this past winter, including some big personal changes, and shares the honest unglamorous things that helped her climb back out: taking care of her body, dropping what was not serving her, shifting her mindset around showing up, and finding people who cheer her on too. No toxic positivity here, just real talk and practical perspective for anyone ready to get back on track. Ready to stop navigating this alone? Kat works with working artists and creative entrepreneurs through private coaching at espopova.com. If you are ready to get back on track with someone genuinely in your corner, learn more and book a session at www.espopova.com.

You Don't Have to Choose Between Making Art and Building a Career. James Miille Proves It. Photographic artist James Miille has shown work in New York, Paris, Miami, and Mexico City, built two companies, and never stopped making the art that started it all. In this episode he pulls back the curtain on how he actually does it. James creates surreal composite photographs entirely from scratch, every element shot by him, every image sparked by a song. He breaks down his creative process, why documenting your work is now more important than ever, and how he thinks about the business of being an artist without letting it kill the passion. This one is packed with real, actionable insight for artists at any stage. Episode Highlights How a song becomes a surreal photograph and what James is building right now Why showing your process is your biggest competitive advantage in the age of AI The through line running through all his work: men having feelings and why that still feels radical His upcoming coffee table book mapping emotions through surreal portraiture The video game based on his art universe currently in the concepting phase How co-founding Superfine Art Fair led to launching Studio Chamiilleon The mindset shift that makes the business side of art feel less like a chore His plan to take entire exhibitions on the road in a single suitcase Connect with James jamesmiille.com studiochamiilleon.com Join the Create! Community Read artist features, discover new voices, and get resources built for working creatives at createmagazine.co

You invest in a mentor, a course, or a new skill, and instead of feeling excited, you feel exposed. You see the artist you admire and wonder if you will ever get there. Your ego wants you to quit before you even start. Sound familiar? This week Ekaterina gets honest about her own experience of evolving, trying new things in the studio, shifting her art, and the vulnerability, self-doubt, and resistance that showed up right alongside it. She turns that moment into the most important conversation you can have as a creative or entrepreneur: what to do with the gap between where you are today and where you want to go. This episode will shift how you see your progress, your timeline, and your worth as an artist right now, before you have it all figured out. In this episode: Why your brain treats learning a new skill like a threat, and how to push through anyway The one question that separates artists who grow from artists who stay stuck What the research says about how fast you can build real confidence in a new skill (it is faster than you think) How to stop comparing your Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 20 Why sharing your work before you feel ready is one of the highest-leverage moves you can make What taking responsibility for your own success actually looks like on a Tuesday night If you are an artist or creative entrepreneur who is learning something new, building something from scratch, or feeling behind, this episode is for you. You are not behind. You are not untalented. You are not too late. Ready to stop figuring it out alone? Kat has 3 spots open this season for one on one coaching. If you are an artist building a sustainable career, transitioning to full time, or growing a creative platform or mentorship practice, apply now at espopova.com. Applications are open and she is currently scheduling free discovery calls. Resources: One on one coaching: espopova.com Create Magazine: www.createmagazine.co Instagram: @createmagazine Substack: createmagazine.substack.com

Emily Jeffords is back on The Create! Podcast and this one is for every artist who is quietly wondering if there is a better way to do this. Emily is a painter, educator, and founder of the Making Art Work program - and she brings a level of honesty to this conversation that is genuinely rare. We talk about what it looks like to be in an "incubation year," the bravery it takes to begin again after you've already mastered something, and why the sale starts long before anyone opens their wallet - it starts when you fall back in love with your own work. She shares the real story behind her commission journey, from charging 5% of what she charges now to intentionally opening just three spots for large-scale work and selling them all. We get into how she structures commissions entirely on her own terms, the nervous system collapse that was her 2021 burnout, and why she chose to scale her business down from seven figures - and has never looked back. This episode is honest, practical, and genuinely grounding. I hope it gives you the permission slip you didn't know you needed. In this episode: What an "incubation year" actually looks like in your creative business The bravery of beginning again after you've already mastered something How Emily structures commissions so she stays creatively in charge Selling older work - three tips for falling back in love with your inventory Why she walked away from a seven-figure business and what she built instead Burnout as a nervous system issue, not a productivity problem The 1% a day mantra inside Making Art Work What profitability really means for artists beyond money Links mentioned: Emily's free 4-day Share Your Work Challenge - starts March 24 Emily's Making Art Work 9-week program Submit to Create! Magazine: - createmagazine.co/call-for-art

Most artists wait for the art world to invite them in. Daniel Arsham stopped waiting - and built his own gallery at 21 instead. In this episode, Kat sits down with Daniel Arsham, one of the most sought-after artists of his generation, to talk about his brand new book Future Relic - a brutally honest handbook written for his 17-year-old self who dreamed of being an artist but had no roadmap to get there. Daniel's iconic "eroded" aesthetic has made him a singular force in contemporary art, but behind that vision is decades of showing up, collecting failures, and building a career on his own terms - from gutting a Miami house to create a gallery space, to collaborating with Dior, Adidas, Pharrell Williams, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this conversation, we get into: Why art school teaches you to make the work but not build a career How Daniel got gallery representation with Perrotin after four years of showing up The mindset shift that makes walking into intimidating rooms possible Why nobody remembers your failures - and why you should collect them anyway How brand collaborations funded his practice without compromising his vision The power of writing down ultra-specific goals Why restraint is one of the most underrated tools in an artist's career Whether you're just starting out or wondering how to take your practice to the next level, this conversation will inspire you and give you real, actionable perspective on what building a sustainable art career actually looks like. Get the book: Future Relic by Daniel Arsham Daniel Arsham's exhibition "Just Various Thoughts" opens March 5th at Perrotin New York. Enjoying the show? Leave us a review on iTunes and share this episode with a fellow artist - it means the world. Explore Create! Magazine, open calls, exhibitions, and free resources: createmagazine.com Follow us on Instagram: @createmagazine Read new articles on our Substack: createmagazine.substack.com

What does it mean to call yourself an artist - and who gets to decide? In this episode, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist, educator, and author Lisa Solomon for a wide-ranging conversation about the blurry line between art and craft, creative experimentation, and the practical realities of building a sustainable creative life. Lisa's work spans embroidery, fiber, painting, and installation, and her new book is an absolute feast for the eyes - organized by color, featuring 20 artists working in 20 different mediums, with projects for all skill levels. We talk about: When you can (and should) start calling yourself an artist The art vs. craft debate - why it's still happening and whether it even matters How Lisa's grandmother's knitting and crocheting shaped her artistic identity The pioneers who were excluded from art history because of their mediums - and why that's finally changing Creative ADHD: how to balance experimentation with actually completing a body of work What to do when you have a vision but not yet the skills to execute it (hint: lean in and trust your gut) The Thousand Doily Project - a massive community collaboration How parameters and limitations can actually unlock more creative freedom Funding your creative projects, budgeting for big ideas, and why having a day job isn't a compromise - it can be a gift Why color is hard (especially purple) and what a Joni Mitchell retrospective taught Lisa about unexpected palettes Lisa's new book is available at bookstores everywhere - or request it at your local library! You can also find her on Instagram at @lisasolomon and at lisasolomon.com. She's also running a watercolor retreat in California through City College Extension in late May. Grab Lisa's new book: https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-us/books/art-craft-color-by-lisa-solomon/9781964786049 Links mentioned: Submit to a Create! Magazine Call for Art: createmagazine.co/call-for-art Join Create! Collective: createmagazine.co/collective

If you've ever felt like you had to hide certain parts of yourself to be taken seriously in the art world, this one is for you. I'm sitting down with my dear friend Marina Granger, founder of The Artist Advisory and host of the brand new MFA Podcast, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to step into your next level as an artist - from the inside out. Marina spent years working at the intersection of practical gallery strategy and deeper identity work, but kept the mystical side of her practice quietly in the background. In this episode she's fully out, and we get into all of it - astrology, feng shui, human design, manifestation, and the very real money blocks that keep creative entrepreneurs stuck even when the revenue is growing. This is part one of two because we simply had too much to talk about! We cover: Lunar New Year rituals and Marina's feng shui practice - including the 27-item trick for stirring prosperity in your home Why Marina hid the cosmic side of her coaching for years and what finally changed Being a manifesting generator and why doing many things is your superpower, not your flaw The three levels of abundance work - conscious, subconscious, and nervous system - and why most of us only work on one How your core identity shapes everything from the galleries you walk into to the clients you attract The immigrant experience and cash overflow - why earning more doesn't automatically mean keeping more Connect with Marina: The MFA Podcast - available wherever you listen 1:1 programs and free resources at theartistadvisory.com Also mentioned: Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland Current open call for Create! Magazine in partnership with Square One Gallery - submit at createmagazine.co/call-for-art

What happens when you feel outside pressure to make work that doesn't feel like you? In this episode, Kat sits down with Philadelphia-based artist and curator Jessica Libor for a deeply honest conversation about identity, persistence, and building a creative life on your own terms. Jessica shares the story of applying to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts several times before getting in, navigating the tension between her love of fairy tales and beautiful imagery and an academic environment heavily influenced by postmodern aesthetics. She opens up about making dark, tortured paintings to fit in - and how she eventually found her way back to the work she was always meant to make. They also dig into how Jessica launched Era Contemporary, her own gallery and curatorial project, and why creating your own opportunities is sometimes the most powerful move an artist can make. You'll also hear about the mindset tools Jessica swears by - from attending high-end exhibitions and imagining yourself in the room as an exhibiting artist, to journaling and scripting her ideal creative life. She also shares the manifestation story behind getting into Spring Break Art Fair, one of New York's most exciting independent art events. This episode is full of honest reflection on imposter syndrome, developing a personal aesthetic under pressure, and what it really means to stay connected to your North Star as an artist. ABOUT JESSICA LIBOR Jessica Libor is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work explores feminine identity, storytelling, and personal mythology through a lens deeply rooted in global fairy tales and folklore. She holds an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and has pursued classical training at the Grand Central Atelier and the Florence Academy of Art. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including solo shows in Paris and Philadelphia, and she was selected for the prestigious SPRING/BREAK Art Show in New York in 2025. Her paintings are held in private collections worldwide and have been featured in American Art Collector, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, and on WHYY/PBS. She is also the host of The Creative Heroine Podcast. Follow her work at jessicalibor.com and on Instagram at @jessicaliborstudio. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Leave a review on iTunes and share with a fellow artist or art lover. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and visit www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art to submit your work to our latest open call in partnership with Square One Gallery. Join our weekly newsletter: https://createmagazine.myflodesk.com/newsletter

What does it actually take to build a sustainable, global art career in 2026? As the market shifts away from the high-octane speculation of the early 2020s, a new era of radical transparency and artist autonomy is emerging. In this episode, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with visionary curator, collector, and entrepreneur Sonia Borrell to pull back the curtain on what the world's top collectors are looking for right now. Sonia shares the inspiration behind her newest venture, StudiotoGallery, a platform designed to dismantle traditional gatekeeping and return control to the creator. From the importance of "positioning over visibility" to navigating the rapid growth of the Chinese art market, this conversation is a masterclass in modern art business. Whether you’re an emerging painter or an established professional, Sonia’s insights offer a refreshing, high-level perspective on thriving in today’s selective ecosystem. Inside the Conversation The 2026 Market Recalibration: Sonia discusses why "hype" pricing is falling away and how artists can re-emerge by focusing on authentic connections and sustainable growth. The Sovereign Artist: A look at the StudiotoGallery model, where artists maintain full control over their pricing, inventory, and gallery representation. The Power of Positioning: Why your "human filter" and professional presentation matter more to a museum or serious collector than a viral Instagram reel. Global Expansion: Sonia shares her experience bridging the gap between Western creators and major corporate partners and institutions in China. Sustainable Partnerships: How to identify a "human-centric" gallery and why the future of the art world relies on collaborative, shoulder-to-shoulder work. Protecting Your Practice: Practical advice on avoiding scammers, managing mental health in the studio, and staying positive during market shifts. About Sonia Borrell Sonia Borrell is a prominent art world connector, collector, and founder of Art Belina and StudiotoGallery. With deep roots in the international market, she specializes in helping artists scale their businesses through IP collaborations, museum placements, and high-level mentorship. Sonia is a pioneer in the movement toward a more transparent and educator-led art market, providing artists with the tools they need to lead their own careers. Connect with Our Guest Website: soniabblondon.com Platform: studiotogallery.com Resources for Artists Create! Magazine

What if I told you that making art literally changes your DNA? In a world that often treats creativity as a luxury or a hobby, the data is finally catching up to what artists have always felt: art is essential medicine. In this episode, Kat sits down with Daisy Fancourt, a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London, whose groundbreaking research provides the "validation ammunition" every creative needs. We dive into her new book, Art Cure, which presents decades of evidence showing that arts engagement is a vital clinical intervention.From reducing stress hormones like cortisol to slowing biological aging and influencing gene expression, we explore why creative engagement should be recognized as the Fifth Pillar of Health alongside nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. In this episode, we discuss: The "Fifth Pillar" Concept: Why creative engagement is as vital to your longevity as diet and exercise. The Biology of Art: How making and viewing art creates measurable health benefits that accumulate over time. DNA & Gene Expression: The fascinating science behind how creativity affects our bodies at a cellular level. Validation for Artists: Why your work is a necessity for your collectors and the world, especially during turbulent times. The Psychobiology of Art: Daisy’s journey from professional pianist to leading researcher at UCL. Resources & Links Mentioned: The Book: Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt Daisy’s Research Group: SBPR Research Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.co Newsletter: Join the Weekly Newsletter Community: Follow Create! Magazine on Instagram Connect with the Guest: Daisy Fancourt is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London where she heads the Social Biobehavioural Research Group, and Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health. She has published 300 scientific papers, won over two dozen academic prizes and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world. Daisy is also a multi-award-winning science communicator and has been named a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and BBC New Generation Thinker.

In this episode, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) is joined by painter Emi Avora, a London-trained and Singapore-based artist whose work blends architectural structure with lush, dreamlike abstraction. Drawing from her upbringing in Greece, Mediterranean light, mythology, and lived experiences across cultures, Emi creates immersive interiors that feel both opulent and quietly haunting. www.emiavora.com In this conversation, we discuss: Emi's journey: From growing up in her father's studio in Corfu to her formal art education. The influence of light: How Mediterranean light remains a primary tool for creating clarity in her work. Finding roots through relocation: How moving to Singapore drew her back to symbols and mythology in her subject matter. Building a sustainable practice: Insights on balancing motherhood with a dedicated studio life and trusting the slow unfolding of your work. Professional milestones: Her recent recognition as the winner of the Women in Art Prize and what that visibility has meant for her career. Connect with us: Website: https://www.createmagazine.co/ Instagram: @createmagazine Substack: https://createmagazine.substack.com

What happens when you stop obsessively planning and trying to control the outcome in the studio and start letting your subconscious lead the way? In this episode of the Create! Podcast, host Ekaterina Popova chats with August Vilella, a self-taught artist whose intuitive approach has landed his work in Art Basel and major galleries across Asia and Europe. August reveals how he abandoned sketches and rigid concepts to find a "direct language" that transcends cultural and language barriers. We explore his "happy accident" move to Japan, his upcoming 10th-anniversary chronological exhibition, and why he believes the best career investment you can make is simply showing up in person. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Intuitive Method: Why August starts with a completely white canvas and no prior ideas or sketches to allow the subconscious and past experiences to take a leading role. The Self-Taught Advantage: How skipping art school allowed August to find his own unique style and "signature" before being influenced by a teacher’s perspective. Building a Career from Zero: The story of how a two-week trip for a show in 2020 turned into a five-year Japanese residency after a flight was cancelled during the pandemic. Being Your Own "Bad Boss": The discipline required to be strict with gallery deadlines while maintaining a meditative, improvisational creative process. The "Lottery" of Opportunities: Why traveling to openings and art fairs is essential for letting collectors and directors see your energy and story, not just the final work. Milestone Exhibitions: A look at his massive 500-square-meter 10th-anniversary show in Shenzhen and upcoming solo exhibitions in Tokyo and Ginza. Key Quotes: "All my past experience have some deep impact in my painting... my subconscious mind have a very important role in the creative process." — August Vilella "The best way to make an interesting career is to travel, to meet people, to talk with people... they not only see your work, they also see your energy." — August Vilella Connect with the Guest: Instagram: www.instagram.com/august_vilella_art/ Website: augustvilella.com About the Host: Ekaterina Popova is an artist and the founder of Create! Magazine. Explore more articles and opportunities for artists at www.createmagazine.co.

In this episode, I reconnect with Sharone Halevy nearly a year after our collector talk at Superfine (now The Superfair) in San Francisco. Sharone is an abstract expressionist painter who's built her entire practice around commission work and selling directly to collectors without gallery representation. We discuss her transition from theater directing to painting, why she works on sliding scales to make art accessible, and how she uses sound and storytelling to create "tangible memories," paintings that capture how moments felt rather than every detail. Sharone shares her approach to building confidence, why friends and family are your first important collectors, and how she leveraged social media to create direct audience connection. As lead curator and operations manager at The Superfair, Sharone coaches every exhibiting artist on booth curation, pricing strategy, and selling techniques. We discuss the fair's rebrand and refocus on attracting the right buyers rather than massive crowds, and why in-person events matter for artists, especially those in rural areas. We wrap up with Sharone's challenge for the year: find a hobby. Not another income stream or content for social media, something tactile and creative you do purely for joy. CALL FOR ART: CREATE! MAGAZINE 2026 WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EDITION Deadline: January 31st, 2026 Submit: https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art CONNECT WITH SHARONE: Instagram: www.instagram.com/art_by_sharone/ Website: https://www.artbysharone.com CONNECT WITH CREATE! MAGAZINE: Instagram: @createmagazine Collective: https://www.createmagazine.co/collective Website: https://www.createmagazine.co MENTIONED: The Superfair: thesuperfair.com 1000 Libraries coloring books

In this episode, Kat addresses the familiar "January tension"—the conflict between feeling ambitious about new goals while simultaneously exhausted from the past year. She explores what "sustainability" actually means for artists, moving beyond the buzzword to examine what emotionally and financially supports a creative career. Kat shares insights from Vadim Zeland's book Reality Transurfing, discussing the concept of "pendulums"—energy structures built on collective beliefs (like the pressure to post daily on social media) that feed off our energy. She explains why feeding these pendulums is a losing game and how true magic happens when you prioritize joy and flow over algorithms. Finally, Kat breaks down the difference between the "glamour" of the art world (museum shows, viral posts) and the reality of what actually pays the bills, encouraging listeners to conduct a "Sustainable Studio Audit" to track income, time, and energy costs. Key Takeaways: The January Tension: Navigating the split between wanting to force your career forward and acknowledging deep exhaustion Understanding Pendulums: How collective beliefs (like "real artists suffer" or "you must hustle 24/7") become energy vampires that distract us from our true desires Reality Transurfing: Insights from Vadim Zeland's book on how energy flows naturally when you do what you truly want, rather than what you think you should do Glamour vs. Reality: Why the things that look successful (fancy gallery representation, viral reels) are often not the things that pay the bills (print sales, teaching, direct sales) Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming the feeling that you aren't "legitimate" if your business is scrappy or doesn't fit the traditional art world model The Sustainable Studio Audit: A practical exercise to list your income sources, estimate time invested, and rate energy cost (low, medium, high) to eliminate what drains you Resources Mentioned: Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Grapevine. The secondary market already exists around your work—it's just happening without you. When art reappears on eBay or Craigslist, it loses context, and so do you. Grapevine is being built to change that, helping artists turn resale energy into momentum and value. Grapevine gives artists a simple page of their own where collectors can resell work peer-to-peer, with your approval, your context, and optional royalties if you choose. Learn more and reclaim your secondary market at grapevine.market. Connect with Create! Magazine: Website & Magazine: createmagazine.co Education & Resources: createu.co Newsletter: createmagazine.substack.com Instagram: @createmagazine

Welcome back to a brand new season! In this solo episode, Kat reflects on nearly a decade of navigating a full-time art career and the subtle traps that can stall creative growth. If you have ever felt busy but unfulfilled, or found yourself saying "yes" to every group show and opportunity out of a fear of missing out, this episode is for you. Kat discusses the concept that "good is the enemy of great" and how filling our schedules with "good" opportunities often prevents us from doing the deep, legacy-building work our souls actually crave. In this episode, we cover: The "Short-Term Giggle": Why we chase immediate dopamine hits (like small group shows) instead of waiting for the "full meal" of a cohesive body of work. Deep Work vs. Shallow Validation: Moving away from the pressure to look successful on Instagram and toward creating work that truly matters. The Fear of the Empty Calendar: Overcoming the survival-brain instinct that tells us we are failing if we aren't constantly busy. Career Reflection: Kat shares her personal decision to scale back on scattered commitments to focus on producing a body of work she is truly proud of. JOIN THE COMMUNITY We have officially opened the doors to our membership, The Create! Collective! This is our career membership for artists who want to grow together. What’s Inside: Twice-monthly Zoom calls, guest speakers, and support circles. New Opportunity: Active members are invited to participate in our exclusive Artsy exhibition coming up this March. Bonus: Join for the year and receive a special sweatshirt bonus gift. Join The Create! Collective here: https://www.createmagazine.co/collective CONNECT WITH KAT Email: [email protected] Substack: https://createmagazine.substack.com If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. Cheers to pursuing greatness together!

In this magical start to the new year, host Kat sits down with her dear friend—psychic medium, curator, and author Sarah Potter. As we step into 2026, Sarah shares wisdom from her life-changing new book, Sober Magic: Using the Tarot and Ritual in Your Journey Away from Drinking. Together, they explore the deep intersection of art and spirituality, discussing how to navigate the "party culture" of the art world while honoring your boundaries. Sarah opens up about her transition from full-time art curator to professional witch, the power of "Glamour Magic" to armor yourself for difficult social situations, and why asking for help is a brave creative act. Plus, we dive into a Tarot forecast for 2026! Sarah reveals why this is a "Magician Year," filled with manifestation power, and how you can harness this energy to create the life (and art) you desire. Whether you are sober, sober-curious, or simply seeking a spiritual reset, this episode is a nourishing guide for your soul. Key Takeaways: Sober Magic: How to replace the "ritual" of drinking with nourishing spiritual practices like Tarot and altar work. The Art World & Alcohol: Navigating gallery openings and networking events without the crutch of a drink. Glamour Magic: Using fashion and intentional adornment (like heirlooms or specific colors) as spiritual armor. The 2026 Forecast: Why 2026 is the "Year of the Magician" and what that means for your creative potential. Embracing Discomfort: Why sitting with uncomfortable feelings is actually a superpower for artists. About the Guest: Sarah Potter is a psychic medium, Tarot reader, and professional witch based in New York City. A former art curator, she now uses her intuitive gifts to help clients craft their dream lives through color magic, ritual, and Tarot. She is the author of Sober Magic and the creator of the Cosmo Tarot deck for Cosmopolitan. Her work has been featured in Refinery29, InStyle, and Teen Vogue. Connect with Sarah: Book: Sober Magic Instagram: @iamsarahpotter Website: iamsarahpotter.com Substack: iamsarahpotter.substack.com Mentioned in This Episode: The Witch Wave Podcast with Pam Grossman Create! Magazine’s Winter Solstice Issue (Curated by Sarah Potter) Supported by Create! Magazine: Join the Community: createmagazine.co/collective Submit Your Work (Women’s Issue): createmagazine.co/call-for-art Subscribe to our Substack: createmagazine.substack.com

In this special bonus episode of the Create! Podcast, Kat (Ekaterina Popova) sits down with artist and curator Victoria Fry, founder of The New Visionary Art Collective, for a grounded and nourishing conversation about creativity, intuition, and building a sustainable creative practice and career. Together, they explore the importance of making art for pleasure separate from career expectations, balancing multiple creative roles, and staying connected to intuition and inner joy. Kat also shares insights from her 100-Day Painting Challenge and reflects on how daily practice can transform both studio work and mindset. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with why you make art, and create from a place of trust rather than pressure. Topics Covered: • Making art for pleasure, not performance • Balancing creative business with studio practice • Letting go of perfectionism and expectations • Daily practice as devotion and self-trust • The role of intuition and the inner child in artmaking • Creating sustainable momentum as an artist Links & Resources: Create! Magazine https://createmagazine.co Paint With Kat https://paintwithkat.com 100-Day Painting Challenge https://www.paintwithkat.com/challenge Visionary Art Collective https://www.visionaryartcollective.com Connect with the Podcast: Subscribe to the Create! Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Leave a review to support the show and help more artists discover these conversations. About the Host: Ekaterina Popova is an artist, educator, and founder of Create! Magazine, an international platform supporting contemporary artists through publishing, education, and community.

In this solo episode of the Create! Podcast, host Ekaterina Popova explores why maintaining a personal art practice is essential not only for artistic growth, but for mental and nervous system regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether you are a professional artist navigating deadlines or a creative seeking to reconnect with your practice, this episode breaks down the neuroscience behind why our brains need art. Kat shares research-backed insights, practical studio strategies, and mindset shifts to help you build a sustainable creative routine, even with a busy life. This episode is both grounding and actionable, offering permission to create imperfectly and consistently, without pressure or performance. Join the 100 Day Painting Challenge: https://www.paintwithkat.com/challenge In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why art-making is a powerful tool for nervous system regulation. How creative flow quiets the inner critic and reduces anxiety. Why habit and process matter more than finished results. Simple ways to lower friction in your studio and make starting easier. How to separate the creator from the editor to protect your daily practice. Key Takeaways: The Science of Art Research from Drexel University found that just 45 minutes of art-making led to a significant drop in cortisol levels for 75 percent of participants, regardless of skill or experience. Silencing the Inner Critic Entering a creative flow state—a concept popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi—quiets the Default Mode Network (DMN), the part of the brain linked to rumination and self-judgment. The “Bad Art” Rule Strong bodies of work are built by allowing yourself to make "bad art" and prioritizing consistency over perfection. The focus should be on habit formation rather than a final product. Mise en Place for the Studio Borrowing from the culinary world, preparing your materials and workspace in advance (even if just a simple setup) reduces friction and makes it easier to begin your next session. Creator vs. Editor When you are in the studio, you are the creator; judgment and editing come later. Separating these roles prevents the pressure to produce "portfolio-ready" work from paralyzing your practice. Memorable Quotes: “When I say come home to your art, I mean physically altering your brain chemistry to reduce stress, silence your inner critic.” “The nervous system does not give a crap... it cares about the process, it cares about the meditative act of art making.” “The key isn't necessarily finding more time is protecting the time that you have and prioritizing your own work over everyone else's.” “At its core, [art] is a survival mechanism for sensitive people. It's the way we process life.” “Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” — Andy Warhol (referenced in episode) Mentioned in This Episode: Your Brain on Art (Book) Atomic Habits by James Clear Drexel University Cortisol Study Connect & Resources: Join the 100 Day Painting Challenge: https://www.paintwithkat.com/challenge Website: https://www.createmagazine.co Substack: https://createmagazine.substack.com

In this episode of the Create! Podcast, Ekaterina Popova sits down with Anna Denning, a multimedia artist and the founder of the NeuroArts School, to decode the powerful science behind creativity and healing. Anna shares her fascinating background—growing up with a psychotherapist mother who used drawing to analyze and soothe emotions—and how that evolved into her expertise in "Neuroesthetics," the study of how aesthetic experiences influence the brain. Together, they discuss her collaboration with Colette Baron-Reid on the "Art of Manifesting" book and how "intentional synchronicity" can help you co-create with the universe. Whether you are an artist facing creative blocks or simply looking for a way to process the noise of the outside world, this episode offers accessible tools to regulate your nervous system and manifest your desires through art. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: • Defining NeuroArts: How art therapy and neuroscience combine to balance hormones and emotions. • The Science of Manifestation: Using "intentional synchronicity" to switch on your brain's reticular activating system and spot opportunities. • Practical Self-Care: Why you should "start small" with tiny paper to overcome overwhelm and perfectionism. • The Witch’s Wound: Anna’s research into healing deep, unconscious wounds through the NeuroArts membership. • Daily Rituals: How simple practices like doodling before bed or lighting a candle can shift your mindset. QUOTES FROM THE SHOW: "Art is not just create something beautiful, a beautiful picture. It's also a very powerful tool to work with your mind, to calm down, to balance your emotions." — Anna Denning "When you're concentrating on something and trying to bring something positive into your life, you're also switching on the reticular activating system in your brain that helps you to look for opportunities." — Anna Denning "I always advise my students or people who start drawing, start really small, just take a tiny little paper... and just start drawing." — Anna Denning CONNECT WITH ANNA DENNING: YouTube: Anna Denning Arts (Weekly mini-classes and candle drawings) Instagram: @AnnaDenningArts NeuroArts School and A.M. Method Teacher Training www.annadenning.com CONNECT WITH CREATE! MAGAZINE: Website: https://createmagazine.co Substack: https://createmagazine.substack.com Instagram: @createmagazine Love the episode? If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review and share it with a friend! Don’t forget to subscribe to https://createmagazine.substack.com for more resources, interviews, and opportunities for artists.

In this insightful conversation, Kat sits down with celebrated realist painter, author and educator Todd M. Casey. Known for his bestselling books The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters’ Color Handbook, Todd opens up about the winding road that shaped his artistic life, from studying at MassArt to discovering the atelier system and developing a deep appreciation for classical training. He shares refreshing honesty about navigating art school, finding mentors, resisting social media pressure, and staying connected to the curiosity that fuels meaningful work. Whether you’re a painter refining your technique, a creative searching for direction, or an artist feeling overwhelmed in a content-driven world, this episode offers clarity and grounded wisdom for your path ahead. What We Cover • Todd’s early years discovering art alongside his brother and studying at MassArt • How returning to foundational training transformed his approach to painting • What traditional art education gets wrong, and what artists actually need to grow • Why guidance and consistent mentorship are essential for developing strong technique • The double-edged sword of social media for artists: visibility, burnout, and boundaries • How curiosity, awareness and everyday life become the fuel for new ideas • Navigating commercial expectations, artistic identity and pivoting when your work evolves • The importance of resisting fear-driven creativity and choosing work that feels true • Todd’s upcoming books and teaching philosophy About Today’s Guest Todd M. Casey is an artist, author and teacher whose work blends classical realism with a contemporary, introspective approach. Born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, he studied at MassArt, the Academy of Art University, and eventually trained under Jacob Collins at the Water Street Atelier. His paintings and teachings emphasize discipline, observation and a deep respect for the craft of oil painting. He is the author of bestselling books The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters’ Color Handbook, with two new books forthcoming in 2026 and 2027. Todd teaches at the Lyme Academy of Fine Art and through online programs offered worldwide. Links & Resources • Follow Todd M. Casey: Website / Instagram / Patreon • The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters’ Color Handbook • Learn with Todd: Online workshops and mentorship • Explore Create! Magazine: https://www.createmagazine.com • Support independent art publishing on our Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Want More Conversations Like This? Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a fellow artist who needs a dose of real-world wisdom and encouragement.

In this episode of the Create! Podcast, Kat sits down with painter and creative mentor Felicia Forte for a deep and refreshing conversation on creative flow, intuition, burnout, and finding your true pace as an artist. Felicia shares how she moved through a major creative block, rebuilt her relationship with painting, and allowed a slower, more intuitive rhythm to guide her back to the work. She speaks openly about dropping the hustle, choosing resonance over pressure, and trusting the quiet seasons where ideas grow underground. This conversation is full of warmth, honesty, and wisdom for anyone navigating their own creative path. In this episode, we explore How Felicia rebuilt her painting practice after burnout The difference between hustle driven output and intuitive flow Using intuition, resonance, and curiosity as your compass Why creative blocks often have internal roots The power of slowing down and listening to yourself Reframing mistakes as discovery Balancing ambition with compassion for your present season Allowing a body of work to unfold without forcing it Supporting artists through creative coaching and technique programs Connect with Felicia Website: https://www.feliciaforte.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/feliciaforte Connect with Create! Website: https://www.createmagazine.co Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Instagram: @createmagazine Submit Your Work to the Women’s International Edition Create! Magazine is thrilled to announce the open call for our 2026 Women’s International Edition. This annual print and digital issue highlights exceptional artists whose work contributes meaningfully to today’s creative landscape. This year’s edition is curated by Sonia Borrell, an internationally respected art collector, curator, and advisor known for her thoughtful global perspective and dedication to supporting artists. This special issue celebrates artistic excellence, clarity of vision, and the dynamic practices shaping contemporary art today. Submit your work: https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art

In this episode of The Create! Podcast, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) sits down with creative visionary Amy Griffith. Best known for founding the iconic pink Eaton House Studio in the UK, Amy shares the journey behind her latest, soul-stirring project: The Star Seed House in Marrakesh, Morocco. Amy opens up about the massive transition from creating a playful, celebrity-favorite party house in Essex to renovating an ancient, spiritual sanctuary in the heart of the Medina—a project requiring patience, donkeys for transport, and deep trust in the process. This conversation is a masterclass in letting faith be stronger than fear. Amy and Kat discuss the practicalities of funding long-term creative visions, the importance of diversifying income to protect your artistic joy, and how to design spaces that engage all the senses. Whether you are an artist planning a massive installation or an entrepreneur looking to pivot, Amy’s intuitive approach to life and business will inspire you to take the leap. In this episode, we cover: From UK to Marrakesh: The serendipitous story of how Amy fell in love with Morocco and decided to build her second immersive art installation there. The Star Seed House: Renovating a centuries-old property without cars, learning local craftsmanship, and honoring the "soul" of a building. Faith vs. Fear: How to navigate the anxiety of big, expensive creative projects and why Amy painted "Let your faith be stronger than your fear" on her walls. Creative Process & Neuroscience: Amy discusses her photographic memory, sensory filing system, and how she visualizes spaces before they exist. Financial Sustainability for Artists: The importance of having non-creative income streams to relieve pressure on your art practice. Slowing Down: What living in the Medina has taught Amy about patience, devotion, and the spiritual side of creativity. Guest Bio: Amy Griffith is an artist, creative director, and the founder of Eaton House Studio, a world-renowned, pink-hued art installation and location hire in the UK. Most recently, she founded the Star Seed House in Marrakesh, Morocco, a spiritual sanctuary and immersive design project. Amy is known for her intuitive design process, creating spaces that are not just visually stunning but emotionally resonant. She is currently launching a curated shop in Marrakesh featuring vintage caftans and natural perfumes. Connect with Amy Griffith: Website: Eaton House Studio Instagram: @eatonhousestudio Resources & Links Mentioned: Create! Magazine on Substack: Subscribe for fresh articles, art tips, and insights at createmagazine.substack.com Call for Art: Apply to our latest open calls, exhibitions, and publishing opportunities at createmagazine.co/call-for-art Create! U: Explore our online learning platform for artists at createu.co Support the Podcast: If this episode lit you up, please share it with a friend! We would also be so grateful if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more artists find the show. Website: createmagazine.co Instagram: @createmagazine

In this episode of the Create Podcast, Ekaterina Popova speaks with artist and creator Tammy Dinh, known online as Uncomfy. Tammy is a sculptor, storyteller, and YouTuber whose gentle clay characters and narrative films have reached millions of viewers. She shares how returning to polymer clay during college helped her reconnect with creativity and build an online art practice that blends play, comfort, and storytelling. Tammy discusses growing up during the 2008 recession, navigating scarcity, and learning to trust that a creative life can also be a stable one. She and Kat explore the role of routine, rest, and community, as well as the challenges of burnout and how Tammy rebuilt her practice with new boundaries and a more sustainable mindset. This conversation offers honest insight into starting from scratch, finding your creative voice, and building a long-term career that supports both your art and your well-being. Topics Discussed • Rediscovering polymer clay and reconnecting with childhood creativity • Building an online art career through storytelling and character design • Growing up with financial uncertainty and navigating scarcity • Burnout, recovery, and creating a sustainable art practice • Using small, consistent habits to rebuild creative momentum • The value of community, friendship, and in-person creative connection • Writing, Substack, and expanding creative identity • Returning to handmade work with new boundaries and care About Our Guest Tammy Dinh is an artist, sculptor, and storyteller creating imaginative clay characters and narrative videos under the name Uncomfy. She shares her process and creative practice through YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and her online shop. Find Tammy Online Website: https://www.uncomfy.store YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tammydinh Instagram: @uncomfyco TikTok: @uncomfyco Follow Create Magazine and Ekaterina Create Magazine: https://www.createmagazine.com Kat Popova: https://www.katerinapopova.com Instagram: @katerinaspopova

Welcome back to the show! We are thrilled to host the incredible Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax to talk about her new book, Taxes for Humans: A Simple Guide to the Taxes That Rule Your Life. This episode is must listen material for artists, curators, freelancers, and gallery professionals who want a kinder, clearer way to deal with money and taxes. Hannah is an exhibiting artist turned tax professional. She shares the personal story of being dismissed by an accountant and how that experience inspired her to build a more humane, accessible approach to taxes for creatives. If you have ever felt judged, confused, or “bad with money,” this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. You will hear Hannah reframe money as a tool for good, with examples like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and offer encouragement for anyone who has avoided looking at their numbers out of shame or fear. ✨ Current Open Call at Create! Magazine Share your work with us for upcoming issues and opportunities here: https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art In this episode, we talk about: ✍️ The inspiration behind Taxes for Humans and why Hannah put everything she teaches in her programs into one affordable, comprehensive book (just 27 dollars). 🚫 How being dismissed by an accountant pushed her to create Sunlight Tax and become an advocate for creative people who are tired of feeling talked down to. 🤯 Why the fear of “not having it together” is the number one thing creative entrepreneurs have in common and how it fuels imposter syndrome. 🎨 The artist and accountant divide, and how Hannah bridges two very different worlds so artists can step into their power as entrepreneurs. ✨ How to get good at taxes and money management while keeping your soul, your vision, and your unique creative spark. 💰 A simple mindset shift to see money as a powerful tool for impact instead of something scary or shameful. 📈 Hobby versus business, what the IRS actually looks for, and why the bar for being considered a business is much lower than most artists think. 🧾 The single most important first technical step you can take today to get organized and compliant, even if you feel behind. Hannah’s approach is a beautiful balance of order and creative chaos. She shows you that you can be a serious artist and also be excellent at money and taxes. Do not let fear keep you out of the studio or away from the career you really want. Connect with Hannah Cole and Sunlight Tax 📚 Get the Book Taxes for Humans: A Simple Guide to the Taxes That Rule Your Life https://www.sunlighttax.com/book 🌈 Free Tax Deduction Guide Download Hannah’s rainbow colored visual guide to tax deductions to print and pin above your desk: https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide 🌐 Website https://www.sunlighttax.com 📸 Instagram @sunlighttax

We’re celebrating one million downloads! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for tuning in, sharing the show, and leaving us love on iTunes. I’m so grateful to be able to share this program with you and our creative community. In this episode of Create! Podcast, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with Colombian artist and designer Leslie Braginsky to talk about gratitude, harmony, and the beauty of bringing art into communities. Leslie shares her inspiring journey from Colombia to the U.S., how gratitude shaped her perspective as an artist and mother, and how she began creating inclusive, meditative coloring books that celebrate women of all backgrounds and body types. Together, Kat and Leslie discuss how to reconnect with creativity for joy—not just productivity—and how to create harmony between art, business, and life. Leslie also shares how she’s using art to build connection in her local community through collaborative coloring gatherings. Before the interview, Kat reflects on balance and alignment and invites artists to submit their work to Create! Magazine’s Winter Solstice 2026 Print Issue, curated by Sarah Potter, celebrating transformation, renewal, and light through the dark. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How gratitude can transform your creative practice Finding beauty and self-acceptance through art The importance of making art for joy, not just results How to bring art into your community and create meaningful connections Leslie’s story of healing, motherhood, and creative flow Links Mentioned: ✨ Submit to the Winter Solstice 2026 Issue: https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art 🎨 Explore Create! Magazine: https://www.createmagazine.co 💖 Learn More About Leslie Braginsky: Website: https://www.the-pistils.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslie.braginsky/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/lesliebraginsky 🖌️ Connect with Kat: Website: https://www.katerinapopova.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katerinaspopova

Inspiring episode of The Create Podcast, host Ekaterina (Kat) Popova sits down with artist, author, and creativity coach Carrie Schmitt to explore what it means to fall in love with your creativity again — to trust it, surrender to it, and let it lead you toward healing and joy. Carrie shares her powerful story of transformation, from facing a life-threatening illness to rediscovering painting as a divine and loving force that carried her through darkness and back into light. Together, Kat and Carrie discuss creativity as a sacred relationship — one rooted in devotion, acceptance, and self-compassion rather than perfection or control. You’ll hear insights on: Reconnecting with your creative spirit through trust and love Letting go of judgment, pressure, and self-criticism Finding inspiration and meaning in difficult seasons Healing creative wounds and learning to create for joy, not approval Viewing creativity as a living, supportive presence in your life Carrie’s book, Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist, is an invitation to remember the beauty and wisdom that flow through you every time you create. 🕊️ Mentioned in This Episode Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist by Carrie Schmitt Create Magazine’s Winter Solstice 2026 Print Issue, curated by Sarah Potter → Submit your work: https://createmagazine.co/call-for-art Explore micro-courses and creative business resources at https://createu.co 🎧 Connect Follow Kat on Instagram: @katerinaspopova Follow Create! Magazine: @createmagazine Discover Carrie’s art, retreats, and programs: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com

Sometimes the most meaningful parts of our creative journey are the detours — the moments when we think we’ve failed or lost our way, only to realize we’ve discovered something new. Like a labyrinth, life guides us toward the next best thing, often better than we could have imagined. In this episode, host Ekaterina (Kat) Popova sits down with Nishant Jain, also known as The Sneaky Artist, to talk about curiosity, permission, and finding beauty in the everyday. Nishant shares how writer’s block led him to a thriving art practice, how he built a loyal global community through Substack, and why keeping secrets and creating privately can reignite your passion. If you’ve ever questioned your creative direction or struggled to share your art meaningfully in the digital age, this conversation will remind you that detours are destiny — and that creativity doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. 🖋️ About the Guest Nishant Jain is an artist, writer, and podcaster known as The Sneaky Artist. He sketches people and places in public spaces, capturing the quiet poetry of daily life. A former engineer and scientist, Nishant left academia to pursue storytelling full-time. His new book, Make Sneaky Art, invites readers to build a joyful sketchbook habit rooted in curiosity and play. Book Tour → The (Sneaky) Book Tour Buy the Book → Make Sneaky Art Follow Nishant → SneakyArt Substack ✨ Episode Highlights How creative detours become the path to purpose Reframing failure through curiosity and exploration Balancing art-making with building a creative business Why keeping a “secret sketchbook” protects your voice Building authentic connection through storytelling Thank you to Our Sponsor Welcome to the Jungle — Josh Brown’s immersive exhibition — opens in New York City this November. For two days only, canvases pulse with color, hidden gazes peek from the leaves, and the city transforms into something wild, alive, and untamed. 📍 147 Broome St, NYC 🗓️ November 14–16 Join Josh Brown’s studio list at joshbrownart.com for RSVP access, collector previews, and behind-the-scenes as the jungle comes to life. Interested in sponsoring The Create! Podcast or advertising with Create! Magazine? Contact [email protected] for information and options. 💖 About the Host Ekaterina Popova is an artist, certified master coach, and founder of Create! Magazine and Create U. Through her podcast and platforms, she helps artists and visionaries build joyful, sustainable careers on their own terms. Explore: createmagazine.co Learn: www.createu.co Read: Create! Substack https://createmagazine.substack.com Follow: @katerinaspopova @createmagazine

Hello, beautiful souls. Welcome back to The Create! Podcast with me, your host, Kat. In today’s episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s been deeply present in my own creative journey — the sneaky ways our ego can sabotage our growth and how to shift it. Our ego often shows up in disguise: through comparison, fear, doubt, or even the desire to “grow too fast.” It’s that part of us that tells us we need a certain number to feel safe or successful, that we “should be further ahead,” or that our current progress isn’t enough. I’ll share how these patterns have shown up in my own business and art career — and the lessons I learned while reclaiming gratitude, trust, and presence in the process. Then, I’ll be answering your amazing questions from our Create! community over at @createmagazine broadcast channel, including: How to handle taxes or debt while starting your creative business What to do during slower art seasons and how to prepare for them How to navigate criticism from friends or other artists And how to start attracting more collectors and buyers on social media Before we dive in, a quick reminder that enrollment is now open for my live coaching program, The Art of Money — a six-week experience designed to help you release money blocks, rewrite your money story, and step into a new level of abundance and confidence as a creative entrepreneur. We begin November 4, and I would love to guide you through this next chapter. 👉 Join here: www.thecreatecollective.com/money You can also explore Create! Magazine, discover featured artists, and stay inspired at www.createmagazine.co If this episode resonates, share it with a creative friend, tag me on Instagram @katerinaspopova, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new release. Thank you so much for tuning in — I’m so grateful for you. If this episode resonates, please leave us a review on iTunes, it means the world!

In this episode, host Ekaterina Popova talks with coach and author Emily Williams, founder of I Heart My Life and creator of the I Heart Money Method. Emily shares how belief fuels action, how to move through comparison and setbacks, and how simple micro upgrades can shift your relationship with abundance. This is a grounded conversation for artists and creative entrepreneurs who want growth without burnout. 💡 What You’ll Learn How to generate belief before results Practical ways to move through fear, doubt, and comparison Micro upgrades that shift money mindset without overspending Turning setbacks into leadership and service Blending simple strategy with mindset for sustainable growth 🔗 Links Join Art of Money Coaching with Kat → https://thecreatecollective.com/money Create! Magazine → https://www.createmagazine.com Ekaterina Popova on Instagram → @katerinaspopova Create! Magazine on Instagram → @createmagazine Emily Williams Website → https://www.iheartmylife.com Emily on Instagram → @emilywilliams The I Heart My Life Show Podcast → Listen on Apple Podcasts

Hello, beautiful friends. It’s spooky season, with cold mornings, hot coffee, and time to face the real ghosts that haunt artists and creative entrepreneurs: scarcity, unworthiness, dabbling, and fear of expansion. In this episode, we walk room by room through the haunted house of money. Kat shares practical tools, mindset reframes, and nervous system rituals to help you release fear, build self-trust, and transform your financial story into fertile ground for growth. Nothing is wasted. Even past mistakes can become compost for future abundance. In This Episode The ghost of scarcity and how to feel safe in success The phantom of unworthiness that hides behind perfectionism The spirit of dabbling and how to replace distraction with devotion The fear of expansion and how to stay grounded while growing Practical rituals for safety, clarity, and abundance Listen If You Want To Stop letting money anxiety control your art practice Reconnect with your creativity as a source of abundance Learn how to regulate your nervous system when success feels scary Feel empowered to charge your worth and grow sustainably Join The Art of Money If you’re ready to heal your relationship with money, worth, and abundance, join Kat’s live group program: 👉 The Art of Money: A Six-Week Coaching Program for Artists and Creatives Inside this experience, you will: Identify and release money blocks and old stories Build financial safety and self-trust Create practical structure for your creative income Learn tools to manage and grow your money with ease Program runs November through December. Spaces are limited. Connect & Learn More 🌐 Create! Magazine — Read new artist features, open calls, and creative career articles. 📚 Create! U Courses — Explore micro-courses for artists and creative entrepreneurs. 💌 Subscribe to Create! Dispatch on Substack — Weekly essays, artist spotlights, and creative business advice. 🎨 Follow Kat on Instagram — Daily art, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes updates. Disclaimer This episode is for educational and coaching purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personalized guidance.

In this week’s episode, Kat is joined by Chelsey Pippin Mizzi, author of The Shadow Path, to explore how shadow work can deepen your creative process and bring more honesty and depth into your art. Together, they discuss how the parts of ourselves we often avoid might hold the key to the work we’re truly meant to make. Discover gentle, practical ways to meet your shadow through tarot, dream journaling, and ritual—and learn how to see this work as a safe retreat rather than a confrontation. 🌒 Highlights What shadow work is and what it isn’t How to meet and name your shadow with curiosity and compassion The creative power of what’s hidden: why your “shadow” often holds your best ideas A gentle 10-week structure for working through The Shadow Path How shadow work can help you reconnect with authenticity, depth, and creative flow One simple daily practice to begin integrating your shadow today 🔮 Resources Mentioned The Shadow Path by Chelsey Pippin Mizzi Tarot for Creativity and The Tarot Spreads Yearbook by Chelsey Pippin Mizzi Tarot for Change by Jessica Dore The Artist’s Way and The Listening Path by Julia Cameron The Artemisian — an educator and writer guiding inner work through archetypal studies and Jungian psychology, offering structured yet intuitive frameworks and tools for personal growth Jungian Online courses on self-portraiture and shadow work Upcoming Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow by Shannon of The Tarot Diagnosis Chelsey’s website: tarotforcreativity.com Substack: The Shuffle Instagram: @pipcardstarot Sponsored by Create! Magazine This episode is brought to you by Create! Magazine, your destination for contemporary art, inspiration, and opportunity. ✨ Open Call: The Spirit World is now live! Submit your work to be part of our upcoming curated virtual exhibition and printed catalog exploring the mystical, spiritual, and uncanny. Deadline: October 31, 2025 👉 Submit your art at createmagazine.co/call-for-art 🖤 Connect Explore Create! Magazine: createmagazine.co Read our Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Join our learning platform: createu.co Follow Kat on Instagram: @katerinaspopova Follow Create! Magazine: @createmagazine

Welcome back to the Create Podcast. Just in time for the fall season, I am joined by Pam Grossman, a writer, curator, teacher, and practicing witch whose work beautifully bridges creativity, culture, and magic. Pam is the host of The Witch Wave podcast (called “the Terry Gross of witches” by Vulture), the author of Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power, and co-editor of Taschen’s Witchcraft volume in the Library of Esoterica series. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, and more. She has also organized exhibitions such as Language of the Birds: Occult and Art at NYU and spoken at institutions including MoMA and Columbia University. Her brand-new book, Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity (Penguin Life & Hay House UK, October 14, 2025), is a guide to connecting with the creative force through ritual, history, and practice. It explores how artists and visionaries such as Hilma af Klint, David Bowie, Octavia E. Butler, and Leonora Carrington have used magic as part of their creative process, and how you can do the same in your own life. In This Episode, We Discuss Pam’s creative roots and how she began merging her artistic and magical practices Misconceptions about witchcraft and how the archetype of the witch has evolved How Magic Maker links art and magic, showing that creativity itself can be a spiritual practice Practical rituals to protect your studio time and invite inspiration, from lighting candles to leaving offerings or simply asking for guidance The idea of “low frequency” and “high frequency” desires in art and business, and how to balance material needs with higher intentions Pam’s experiences speaking at institutions like MoMA and casting a love spell on stage at Carnegie Hall with Jinkx Monsoon The role of research, fascination, and intuition when writing a book Artists who inspire her including Leonora Carrington, Remedios Varo, Hilma af Klint, Max Ernst, and Kurt Seligmann Resources and Mentions Books by Pam Grossman Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity (Penguin Life & Hay House UK, 2025) → Pre-order here Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power (Simon & Schuster, 2019) What Is a Witch (Tin Can Forest Press, 2016) Witchcraft (Taschen’s Library of Esoterica series, co-edited with Jessica Hundley, 2020) Podcast The Witch Wave – Pam’s long-running podcast on art, culture, and magic Exhibitions and Projects Language of the Birds: Occult and Art (NYU, 2016) → languageofthebirds.org Art of the Occult by S. Elizabeth (recommended resource) The Spiritual in Art: Abstract Painting 1890–1985 (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1986) Artists Mentioned Hilma af Klint David Bowie Octavia E. Butler Leonora Carrington Remedios Varo Max Ernst Kurt Seligmann Create! Magazine Open Call We are now accepting submissions for our fall curated exhibition and catalog: The Spirit World. This virtual show explores the mystical, eerie, and uncanny, making it the perfect theme for the season. Deadline: October 31, 2025 What selected artists receive: inclusion in the curated online exhibition, a feature in the professionally designed print and digital catalog, a blog post on Create! Magazine, and a spotlight across our international platforms. 👉 Apply now at createmagazine.co

In this episode, I (host Ekaterina Popova) dive into what I call The 2025 Creator Stack for Artists. These are the four simple tools you need to build trust, grow your audience, and create consistent income without burning out. We are in what I call a trust recession. Algorithms keep changing, AI noise is everywhere, and collectors are more selective than ever. That does not mean your art business has to suffer. I am sharing what has been working for me this year, the lessons I have learned, and how you can lean into connection, trust, and real growth. 🎉 Special Announcement Create! Magazine is celebrating its ninth anniversary. To mark the occasion, we have opened our Call for Art for Issue #54, our anniversary edition. Selected artists will be featured in print and digital editions, on our blog, and across our social platforms. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025. Submit your work here: www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art 🎙 What You’ll Hear in This Episode I share what the trust recession means for artists and why it can actually be an opportunity. I break down the four pillars of the Creator Stack, including community platforms, email lists, AI workflows, and simple sales systems that support growth without leading to burnout. You will also hear how I have been using these tools in my own practice and how you can adapt them to fit your creative business. 🌐 Connect + Explore Create! Magazine → www.createmagazine.com Create U Courses → www.createu.co Instagram → @createmagazine | @katerinaspopova Substack → createmagazine.substack.com

Are people still buying art? The answer is yes. But how you talk about your work, connect with collectors, and navigate uncertainty can make all the difference. In this episode of The Create! Podcast, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with gallerist, author, and art advocate Liz Lidgett to discuss her upcoming book Art for Everyone, how to make art conversations more accessible, and the principles that keep artists and entrepreneurs resilient through shifting times. Liz shares powerful insights on: Why collectors are still buying and how to build trust in today’s market Simple, accessible ways to talk about your art without overcomplicating it The key role consistency, systems, and flexibility play in long-term success How to stay authentic and connected while showing up online and in person This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for artists and entrepreneurs ready to thrive in today’s art world. 📚 Resources & Links Pre-order Liz’s book Art for Everyone: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Art-for-Everyone/Liz-Lidgett/9781668078709 Collect art: www.lizlidgett.com Submit your work to Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art Explore on-demand courses at Create U: www.createu.co Read more stories, tips, and interviews: createmagazine.substack.com Connect with us on Instagram: @createmagazine

In this special solo episode, I, Ekaterina Popova, share important updates about the future of the podcast, the magazine, and our community. What began back in 2018 as Art & Cocktails has now grown into more than 400 episodes featuring painters, sculptors, writers, mystics, musicians, and healers. After all these years, it is time for the next chapter. I am bringing the podcast back under the Create! Podcast name, and this shift reflects my broader vision of uniting the magazine, the membership, and the podcast under one roof. For me, this is about simplicity, synergy, and building a stronger creative home for artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and seekers of all kinds. In this episode, I share the journey from Art & Cocktails to Create Magazine and now back to Create. I explain why simplifying brands makes creative work stronger, how this rebrand will make resources and community more accessible, what the future of our membership will look like as it evolves into the Create Collective, and why this is not an ending but a natural expansion. Whether you have been here since the beginning or you are tuning in for the first time, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of Create and where we are heading together. Explore Create Magazine’s Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Learn more about open calls and membership: createmagazine.com

In this episode, I, Kat Popova, founder and editor of Create! Magazine and certified master coach, share practical ways for artists and creatives to strengthen their money and success mindset, even during uncertain times. You will learn how to release what is outside your control, rewrite limiting beliefs, focus on your desires and goals, and take small but powerful actions toward the future you want to create. Connect with us: Instagram: @createmagazine Resources: www.createmagazine.co

Have you ever wanted to quit it all? The studio, the business, the endless to-do list? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of Art & Cocktails, I share how I nearly walked away, and what brought me back. From seeing members across the world to a simple but powerful reminder about harmony, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my own turning point. Inside, you’ll discover: How to identify your roots and branches and use pruning season to your advantage Why harmony (not balance) helps you integrate art, business, and life Five practical strategies to help you move forward with clarity and confidence Reflection exercises you can apply right away ✨ Special Invitation Enrollment is now open for Art Queens Society. Early bird closes September 15, 2025 Final day to join this year is September 30, 2025 This is your chance to step into a supportive, inspiring community of ambitious women artists. Learn more at aqsociety.com. Learn More & Connect With Us Create! Magazine Create! Substack Art & Cocktails Podcast Art Queens Society

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with art historian, author, and podcast host Jennifer Dasal to talk about her latest book, The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris (Bloomsbury, 2025). Jennifer shares the little-known story of the American Girls’ Club in Paris—a home-away-from-home for women artists during the late 19th century that became a vital hub for creativity, education, and connection. We dive into her passion for art history, her research process, and why community was just as important for artists in Belle Époque Paris as it is today. We also discuss: How Jennifer uncovers forgotten stories in art history Why Paris was a critical destination for American women artists The parallels between the struggles of 19th-century women artists and today’s ongoing inequities in the art world The importance of building supportive communities for artists at every stage ✨ Learn more about Jennifer and her work at jenniferdasal.com ✨ Order Jennifer’s new book The Club here: Bloomsbury ✨ Join the waitlist for the Art Queens Society, Kat’s community for ambitious women artists: createmagazine.myflodesk.com/aqsociety

Kristy returns to Art and Cocktails to share the inspiring story behind writing and publishing her book. We talk about the dream that began in childhood, the process of bringing it to life, and the milestones that followed. These include holding the finished copy in her hands, receiving an endorsement from Jerry Saltz, and seeing her work translated into Taiwanese. Kristy also addresses the myths that hold artists back from writing, why you do not have to identify as a “real writer” to publish a book, and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing while keeping your vision intact. She shares details about her upcoming Essential Publishing Bootcamp with Frannie, a live two-day workshop that helps artists and creatives turn their book ideas into reality. Participants will learn about the different publishing paths, receive a step-by-step workflow for bringing a book to life, and review examples of real winning pitches that secured book deals. Whether you are interested in traditional publishing, indie presses, or self-publishing on Amazon, this workshop will provide the tools to make it happen. Kristy Gordon is a Canadian-born artist based in New York City whose paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Uris Center, the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, and the National Academy Museum in New York City. She is a three-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she now teaches. Her work appears in more than 600 collections worldwide and has been featured in Vogue, Hyperallergic, and Fine Art Connoisseur. She is represented by Garvey|Simon, Blumka Contemporary, and Grenning Gallery. Learn more about Kristy’s Essential Publishing Bootcamp and sign up at https://www.down2art.com/Write-Your-book. Create! Magazine is now accepting submissions for our upcoming issue. Apply to the current call for art at https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art. Publish your own art catalog: https://www.createmagazine.co/art-catalog

Hello friends, and welcome to Art & Cocktails. In this solo episode, I’m Ekaterina Popova ( Kat), inviting you to return to the joy, curiosity, and grounding that comes from showing up for your art without overcomplication or pressure. This summer, I started a 100-day painting challenge that has completely reignited my love for the process. I share how working small, limiting my decisions, and committing to consistent daily practice has kept me inspired and overflowing with ideas. We discuss why slowing down and simplifying can help you create more, how to eliminate decision fatigue in your practice, the power of small daily creative commitments, using challenges to build confidence and spark inspiration, and how to protect your joy in art while still pursuing professional goals. Whether you’ve been in a creative rut or simply want to fall in love with making again, this episode will remind you why you started. Join the 100-Day Painting Challenge & Course. We start August 18, 2025. Learn alla prima techniques, get weekly demos, safe material tips, and join a supportive community committed to creating every day. Perfect for oil or acrylic painters. 👉 Enroll here: https://www.katerinapopova.com/100-day-painting-challenge-course Mentioned in this episode: Emergency Exit group exhibition at Cole Gallery, Menorca — available works on Artsy: www.artsy.net/show/cohle-gallery-emergency-exit Read on Substack: https://ekaterinapopova.substack.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review on iTunes. It helps us reach more creatives like you.

In this special episode of Art & Cocktails, artist Danielle Clough joins host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) to share her journey to becoming an internationally recognized embroidery artist. Known for her bold, painterly thread work and playful approach to fiber, Danielle opens up about finding her voice, building a creative career on her own terms, and embracing the power of intuition and process. She reflects on the evolution of her practice—from sewing plush toys and experimenting with “thread sketching” to creating intricate embroidered portraits that feel like paintings. Danielle also discusses her breakout moment with Colossal, the inspiration behind her newest solo show Crewel Intentions at Paradigm Gallery, and how she reimagines vintage imagery through a contemporary lens. This episode explores the value of craft in the art world, the importance of protecting what you love when working with commercial brands, and the joy of slowing down through hands-on making. Danielle offers heartfelt encouragement for emerging fiber artists and shares the story behind her iconic Instagram handle, @fiance_knowles. If you're in Philadelphia, don’t miss her solo exhibition Crewel Intentions, now on view at Paradigm Gallery. More info: paradigmarts.org/blogs/news/danielle-clough-crewel-intentions Stay Connected Follow Danielle Clough: Website: danielleclough.com Instagram: @fiance_knowles Apply to be featured in Create! Magazine’s 9-Year Anniversary Print Issue: createmagazine.co/call-for-art Subscribe to Create! Dispatch on Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Explore artist courses and resources at Create U: createu.co Follow us on Instagram: @createmagazine

In this episode of the Create! Podcast, artist, illustrator, and author Samantha Dion Baker joins host Ekaterina Popova to talk about building a sustainable art practice, finding joy in the everyday, and growing an authentic audience through her sketchbooks and writing. Originally trained as a designer, Samantha spent over two decades in the art world before reconnecting with her creative voice through daily sketchbook drawing. That personal practice became the foundation for her successful books, including her latest release Draw Your Adventures. This conversation explores the intersection of discipline and pleasure in creative work, and how consistency, simplicity, and presence can lead to powerful personal and professional transformation. In this episode, we cover: – How Samantha transitioned from designer to full-time artist and author – Why a sketchbook is a powerful tool for growth, memory, and meaning – Building a sustainable daily practice without burnout – Using drawing to stay present and connected to your life – Growing a community and creative platform through Substack Resources & Links: • Samantha Dion Baker’s website: www.sdionbaker.com • Samantha’s Substack: https:https://samanthadionbaker.substack.com • Read Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.com • Submit your work: www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art • Explore our courses: www.createu.co • Join us on Substack: createmagazine.substack.com Hosted by: Ekaterina Popova, artist, author, and founder of Create! Magazine and Create! U

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. Learn more about the podcast. 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? Recommended Resources: How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes Presence by Amy Cuddy The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron CreateU.co — online courses and community for 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.