What does the advice, "Just be yourself," mean when you are still figuring out who you are as an artist? In this episode, photographer Martine Severin shares her "prickly" journey to discovering her creative voice and why the path from imitation to authenticity is rarely a straight line. We discuss the "gap" between our taste and our abilities, the pressure artists of color face to be original yet palatable, and why a simple concept changed how she approaches her work. If you are tired of performing for applause and ready to find a voice that feels like home, this episode is for you.

This episode is a replay. You will also find it as episode 195.

00:13 The Taste Gap

02:29 The Portfolio Review

04:40 Imitation vs. Authenticity

07:02 The Trap of Originality

09:20 The Burden of Representation

11:38 Voice as a Garden

Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform!

Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ
Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs
YouTube:

Support the Show

Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

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Imagine the people you trust telling you that your lifelong dream is a dead end. I sit down with Curtis Santiago to discuss the difference between natural talent and an undeniable calling.

We tear apart his framework for manifesting realities, surviving criticism, and knowing when to blow up your current path to build something better. If you ever feel stuck in a comfortable routine or wonder if you are ignoring your real purpose, this conversation will hand you the tools to trust your internal compass and step into your true creative power.

Chapters

00:00 The Boy In The Creative Hub

04:43 Redefining Roles And The Retreat Of A Childhood Bedroom

06:35 The Difference Between Talent And Calling

11:36 Playing The Black Keys For Sadness

19:07 Colonial Trauma And Preserving Caribbean Roots

23:56 Putting Infinity Inside A Ring Box

27:18 The Master Manifester

32:11 The Renaissance Man Reimagined

36:48 Navigating The Critics And The Naysayers

Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform!

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ
Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs
YouTube:

Connect with Curtis

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

Website: https://www.curtissantiago.art/

Support the Show

Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives

What is the cost of inaction in your life? How many projects do you have as ideas but aren't putting any effort into? In this episode, I share the psychological framework you need to break free from fear patterns and stop waiting for motivation to strike.

You will uncover why action must precede confidence, how to leverage temporal landmarks to reset your mind, and the 25-minute strategy that dismantles creative resistance.

Reclaim your momentum, run your own no-fear month, and start keeping the high-stakes promises you make to yourself.

00:00 The Unsent Pitches Holding Us Back

01:29 Story Time: A Fireplace Epiphany in Saugatuck

03:48 The No-Fear Month Challenge

05:00 Unlearning #1: Action Precedes Confidence

06:13 Unlearning #2: The Fresh Start Effect

07:42 Unlearning #3: You Do Not Need Desire to Act

08:10 Step 1: Pick Three Specific, Completable Actions

09:30 Step 2: Put It on the Calendar

10:32 Keeping Promises to Yourself (The Swedish Fish Lesson)

12:56 Step 3: 25-Minute Timers and ADHD Strategies

15:24 Dismantling Brain Objections and Fear of Rejection

17:17 Environment Design and Body Doubling Tools

Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform!

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ
Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs
YouTube:

Support the Show

Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives