The Create! Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Create, Don't Produce: Trusting the Process with Rebecca Campbell Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) welcomes the incredible artist, writer, and mystic Rebecca Campbell. Dive into an inspiring conversation that explores the profound intersection of creativity and spirituality. Rebecca shares her journey from a successful career in advertising to fully embracing her soul's calling, offering powerful insights on trusting the creative process, navigating change, and the importance of creating from the heart rather than producing for external validation.

Kat and Rebecca delve into the challenges artists face in today's fast-paced, content-driven world and how to reconnect with the deeper essence of creation. Rebecca's mantra "Be the mystic, not the machine" serves as a guiding light for creatives feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures. Discover how to honor your unique pace, embrace the cyclical nature of creativity, and find the courage to release what no longer serves you.

Tune in to hear about Rebecca's latest book, Your Soul Had a Dream, Your Life Is It, a powerful exploration of change, rebirth, and the sacredness all around us. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to align with their true creative path.

Powerful Quotes:

"Create, don't produce. The world may push you to keep producing, but true magic comes from creating from within."
"Our time here is precious; trust the spark and let your creations originate from you, not from external demands."
"Be the mystic, not the machine. Stay in your potency and create for yourself, not for validation."

Connect with Rebecca Campbell:

Website: RebeccaCampbell.me
Preorder Your Soul Had a Dream, Your Life Is It here https://rebeccacampbell.me/yoursoulhadadream/
Follow Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccacampbell_author

Wowing Your Collectors: Building an Independent Art Career without a Gallery and Growing Your Business with Sara Glupker Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with Michigan-based artist Sara Glupker for a powerful conversation on how to build and grow an independent art career without relying on galleries. Sara, who operates her art business from a lovely remote studio next to a cornfield, shares her journey of becoming a successful artist while balancing the roles of a mother and wife. Her vibrant, nature-inspired paintings and her ability to thrive outside of a traditional urban art scene serve as a testament to the possibilities for artists everywhere.

Kat and Sara explore essential strategies for building an independent art career, focusing on the importance of cultivating a strong email list, leveraging personal relationships, and embracing collaboration as key tools for success. Sara reveals how she transitioned from working with galleries to selling directly from her studio, discussing the freedom and challenges that come with this shift. She offers practical advice on how to maintain work-life balance, stay motivated, and create meaningful connections with collectors.

Sara also introduces her upcoming workshop, "How to Create and Sell Your Artist Calendar," where she shares her proven methods for generating a new income stream through artist calendars. She discusses the benefits of pre-sales, the importance of creating memorable customer experiences, and how to strategically market art products without overwhelming oneself with inventory.

Whether you're an artist looking to take control of your career, find new ways to connect with collectors, or explore alternative income streams, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Sara built a successful art business outside of a major city.
The importance of an email list and personal relationships in growing an art career.
Strategies for transitioning from gallery representation to independent sales.
Tips for balancing family life with a thriving art business.
How to collaborate with other industries to expand your reach.
Details on Sara's workshop on creating and selling artist calendars.

Resources mentioned:

Use Code: CREATE at checkout to receive 20% off the workshop (before August 20th)

Find Sara Glupker here:

Website: https://www.saraglupkerart.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraStrongGlupkerArtist

I Like Art Podcast: https://ilikeart.libsyn.com

Follow I Like Art Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilikeart.podcast

Connect with Ekaterina:

Visit Create! Magazine for more inspiration and resources.
Follow Ekaterina on Instagram: @katerinaspopova

Tune in to hear how you can wow your collectors and build a thriving, independent art career on your own terms!

What to Consider When Planning and Getting Ready For Your Solo Exhibition Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) dives into the essentials of planning a solo exhibition. Whether you're a new artist or have been exhibiting for decades, Kat shares her personal tips and experiences to help you make your exhibition a resounding success.

Episode Highlights:

The importance of mindset and visualization in planning your show.
Practical steps to take from journaling ideas to gathering references.
Setting a realistic timeline and routine that fits your life.
Tips on working with galleries, selecting themes, and maintaining a cohesive body of work.
How to handle nervousness and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
Recommendations for calming your nervous system and staying inspired.

Additional Resources:

Kat's ebook "How to Create Your Best New Series of Art and Build Your Artist's Portfolio" - Get it here.
EFT tapping resources by Brad Yates on YouTube and Yes Supply.

https://youtu.be/UBKCQO0i4Hw?si=l78BGN8pZnpO9uKC

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiHZMZejDS4RIxDdBwoie9A

Your Own Art Show program by Gita Joshi and Ekaterina Popova - Learn more here.
Free checklist on how to market your show - Download here.

Action Steps:

Start with a clear vision and theme for your show.
Journal your ideas and visualize your dream exhibition.
Gather your references and supplies, and create a realistic timeline.
Show up consistently, trust the process, and maintain a positive mindset.
Share your journey and invite your audience to be part of it.

Connect with Kat:

Instagram: @katerinaspopova @createmagazine
Tag Kat in your exhibition events and show your progress!

Thank you so much for tuning into Art & Cocktails. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It means so much! See you next time!

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here Are Tips to Help Balance Studio Time and Marketing for Artists Without Going Insane or Burning Out Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) delves into the all-too-familiar challenge of balancing studio time with marketing efforts. With over a decade of experience as an artist and creative entrepreneur, Kat shares practical tips and strategies to help artists manage overwhelm and stay productive without burning out.

Key Takeaways:

Scheduling and Blocking Days: Discover how to create a weekly rhythm that supports both your creative flow and business needs.
Setting Timers to Avoid Rabit Holes and Doom Scrolling: Learn how the Pomodoro Technique and other tools can help you maintain focus and avoid distractions.
Tuning Out Distractions: Tips for creating a distraction-free workspace and setting boundaries with loved ones.
Energy Management Across Platforms: Prioritize quality over quantity and focus on the platforms that matter most to your audience.
Working in Sprints and Batching Content: Leverage your creative energy by batching tasks and working in focused sprints.
Reconnecting with Your Body: Understand the importance of taking breaks and engaging in physical activities to refresh your mind and body.

Join The Artist Navigation Waitlist and Get Special Savings and Bonuses!

https://createmagazine.myflodesk.com/treasure

Kat also discusses the value of repurposing content and setting realistic expectations based on your current life situation. Whether you're navigating motherhood, health challenges, or a busy schedule, these insights will empower you to find balance and fulfillment in your creative journey.

Mentioned:

Timer cube: https://amzn.to/4c8a5mx

10 Alternative Platforms for Emerging Artists and Creators to Market Their Work Beyond Instagram: https://www.createmagazine.com/blog/10-alternative-platforms-for-emerging-artists-and-creators-to-market-their-work-beyond-instagram

Join the Conversation:

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review on iTunes, and share it with fellow creatives. Your support keep us going!

Connect with Us:

www.createmagazine.com

www.theartqueens.com

Thank you for tuning in, and remember to show up with intention and kindness to yourself. Have a beautiful day!

Grow Your Art Career and Small Business with Seasonality and Balanced Energy Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Art & Cocktails! I'm your host, Ekaterina Popova artist and founder of Create! Magazine. In this episode, I (Kat) discuss how to structure your marketing efforts for networking, visibility, sales, and connections by honoring seasonality and balancing masculine and feminine energy. I share my approach in my art career and business, and provide insights on how to honor your pace and know when to slow down and when to show up.

Episode Highlights:

Leveraging Seasonality: Embrace seasonality both personally and with nature.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy: Combine proactive and receptive strategies.
Networking Tips: Connect with people you genuinely admire and build lasting relationships to conserve energy and feel supported year-round.
Sustainable Growth: Balance pushing and letting go, trusting the process.

Join the Artist Navigation Course Waitlist: Save your seat for exclusive savings and support to grow your art career on your own terms. https://createmagazine.myflodesk.com/treasure

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow artists. Tag us on Instagram @createmagazine or @katerinaspopova to continue the conversation!

Links Mentioned:

Artist Navigation Course Waitlist: https://createmagazine.myflodesk.com/treasure

Instagram: @createmagazine
Website: www.createmagazine.com
Sbstack: https://artandcocktails.substack.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Embracing the Slow Summer Season: Tips for Artists and Creative Entrepreneur Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Hello friends, and welcome to another episode of Art and Cocktails. I'm your host, Kat (Ekaterina Popova). Today, we're talking about the love-hate relationship with the slow summer season. If you're an artist or entrepreneur, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If not, consider yourself lucky and share your tips for avoiding the summer slump!

Key Takeaways:

- Trying New Techniques and Mediums: Experiment with new artistic techniques and mediums to fuel creativity.
- Exploring New Platforms: Engage with new social media platforms or art communities to diversify your audience.
- Breaking Patterns and Expanding: Try different styles or themes and attend workshops for fresh perspectives.
- Planning and Reflecting for the Rest of the Year: Use downtime to plan future projects and reflect on achievements.
- Reflecting on What's Working: Analyze successful strategies and adjust your approach moving forward.
- Pivoting and Revisiting Early Year Goals: Revisit and adjust goals set at the beginning of the year.
- Resting and Recharging: Importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout and replenish creativity.
- Focusing on Higher Ticket Items: Develop and market higher-value offerings.
- Exploring New Ideas: Brainstorm and develop new creative concepts.
- Utilizing Time for Personal Development: Invest in personal growth and continuous learning.

Join The VIP Waitlist!

Artist Navigation Course: My signature program for artists and creative entrepreneurs looking to design an art career or business on their own terms. Join the waitlist for special bonuses, including free masterclasses, resources, and scholarship opportunities. BE A VIP: Artist Navigation Course Waitlist

Links:

Thank You: Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more inspiring content.

How to Become a Better Writer with Zafira Rajan: Infusing Personality, Sensory Storytelling, and Balancing Creativity & Business Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat interviews the talented Zafira Rajan, a seasoned copywriter and digital marketer with over a decade of experience supporting leading online entrepreneurs and course creators. Known for her personality-driven copy and sensory storytelling, Zafira has helped countless clients transform their marketing from "stiff and boring" to something that truly resonates and feels authentic.

What We Discuss:

Tips for Creatives to Become Better Writers: Simple yet powerful strategies to enhance your writing skills, whether it's for your art, business, or personal projects.
Using Your Voice: How to authentically express yourself in your writing and connect deeply with your audience.
Reconnecting with Reading and Writing: The importance of reading for writers and how it can inspire and improve your writing practice.
Personality-Driven Copy: Infusing your words with your unique personality to create engaging and relatable content.
Sensory Storytelling: Techniques to make your stories come alive, creating a full-body experience for your readers.
Balancing Creativity and Business: Navigating the challenges of being a creative entrepreneur and maintaining your artistic voice while achieving business success.

Free Resources:

Design Your Custom Writing Ritual: Does sitting down to write feel more like a chore than a joy? In this mini-journal, Zafira guides you towards uncovering a writing ritual that gets you "in the zone," excited and inspired... So that you can create a nourishing writing practice that truly feels good! Access the resource at zafirarajan.com/writing-ritual.

Join Zafira's Membership:

The Tide Pool: A creative writing membership where you can practice writing in real-time, receive prompts to keep you inspired, and gain tips and book recommendations. Find out more at tidepool.zafirarajan.com.

Connect with Zafira Rajan:

Tune in to discover how you can elevate your writing, engage your audience, and balance your creative and business endeavors with expert insights from Zafira Rajan. Enjoy the episode!

https://www.createmagazine.com

Behind The Scenes of Running an Indie Art Magazine and Platform Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a new episode of Art & Cocktails. I'm your host, Ekaterina Popova, and today we're celebrating a significant milestone—our eight-year anniversary of running an indie artist-run magazine and platform, Create! Magazine.

In this episode, I'll take you behind the scenes and share the journey, challenges, and triumphs of running an indie magazine dedicated to supporting contemporary emerging and established artists. We'll explore the logistical and creative aspects of producing each issue, from the initial concept and call for art to the final layout and distribution.

Highlights:

Introduction: Celebrating the eight-year anniversary of Create Magazine and reflecting on the journey from its inception as Fresh Paint to its rebranding and growth.
Challenges: Discussing the challenges of running a print magazine in a digital age, including fluctuating paper prices, adapting to new technologies, and navigating the impacts of COVID-19.
Sustainability: How we've managed to create a sustainable pace by balancing creative passion with practical business strategies, and why it's essential to avoid comparing ourselves to larger, well-funded organizations.
Curating and Publishing: The process of curating artists' work, collaborating with guest curators, and the meticulous steps involved in editing, designing, and promoting each issue.
Community Support: The importance of community support, both from our team and from the artists and readers who make it possible to continue this work. Celebrating the connections and opportunities created through our platform, including artists being discovered by curators and gaining solo shows.
Financial Insights: Lessons learned about managing finances, investing wisely, and the significance of community-driven growth over flashy investments.
Call for Art: Announcing the open call for our special anniversary issue, inviting all artists to submit their work by July 30, 2024. This issue will be curated by our team, including myself, Alicia, and Christina.

Key Takeaways:

Building an indie magazine requires passion, resilience, and a strong support system.
Sustainable growth comes from balancing creative projects with practical business strategies.
Community and collaboration are at the heart of creating meaningful opportunities for artists.
Financial management is crucial for maintaining and growing an independent platform.

Links & Resources:

Support & Reviews:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on iTunes and share it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more artists and continue providing valuable content.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We appreciate your support and look forward to many more years of celebrating art and creativity together!

Making Art Education Accessible, Navigating Economic Insecurity, and Embracing Creativity in Business with Sari Shryack (Not Sorry Art) Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) welcomes back Sari Shryack, known as @not_sorry_art on Instagram. Sari shares her journey and insights from her new book, Modern Still Life From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls. They discuss the importance of making art education accessible, growing up below the poverty line and choosing to pursue an art career, overcoming creative challenges, and finding inspiration in the everyday.

Highlights:

Sari's New Book: Discussion on Modern Still Life From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls, an instructional guide designed for artists of all levels.
Journey to Publication: Insights into how Sari's book came to be, emphasizing patience, kindness, and continuous learning.
The Value of Art Education: Addressing misconceptions about artistic talent and the importance of making art education accessible.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated: Tips on maintaining self-respect, pushing through "ugly paintings," and staying consistent.
Managing Multiple Interests: Strategies for balancing various creative interests while maintaining a consistent art practice.
Navigating Economic Insecurity: Personal stories of overcoming economic hardships and pursuing a career in the arts.
Encouraging Self-Belief and Continuous Learning: The importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and creativity in the business side of art.

Links Mentioned:

Follow Sari Shryack:

Instagram: @not_sorry_art
Website: Not Sorry Art

Follow Ekaterina Popova:

Instagram: @katerinaspopova
Website: Create! Magazine

Infusing Your Art and Business with Spirituality and Intuition with Marina Press Granger Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, host Ekaterina Popova chats with Marina Press Granger, about the powerful blend of spirituality, intuition, and business. Marina shares how artists can build an unshakable sense of self-worth and lean into their spiritual gifts to navigate their careers with confidence, no matter the external circumstances.

Episode Highlights:

Meet Marina Press Granger: Get to know Marina's inspiring journey from working in New York City's museums and galleries to becoming a certified Reiki master and spiritual guide.
Deep Dive into Spirituality: Learn how Marina integrates spirituality into her coaching and programs, helping artists tap into their intuition and overcome limiting beliefs.
Raw Stories & Spiritual Awakening: Ekaterina and Marina share personal stories from their post-Soviet childhoods, highlighting the significant role of spirituality in their lives.
Tips for Artists: Gain practical advice on connecting with your intuition and incorporating spirituality into your creative processes.
Breathwork & Mindset: Discover the transformative power of the box breath technique and mindset shifts to help manage stress and manifest your goals.
Navigating the Art World: Insightful discussions on how the internet and social media are empowering artists to take control of their careers.

Key Takeaways:

Spiritual Growth: Embrace spiritual practices to build courage and resilience.
Practical Spirituality: Simple techniques like the box breath can help regulate your nervous system and unlock your creativity.
Power Shift: The internet has democratized the art world, offering artists more opportunities to showcase their work independently.
Manifestation: Cultivate a mindset of neutrality and openness to attract the opportunities you desire without the pressure of neediness.

Sponsor Shoutout:

A big thank you to our sponsor, Create! Magazine. If you're interested in getting access to our digital archive and upcoming issues, consinder supporting independent artist-run publishing by becoming a digital subscriber at createmagazine.com/subscribe and save 20% with the code NEWREADER.

Connect with Marina:

Instagram: instagram.com/the_artist_advisory
Website: theartistadvisory.com
Podcast: theartistadvisory.com/podcast

Join Marina's Free Training:

Marina is hosting a three-day live training on how to get into galleries that don't accept submissions. Learn what galleries are looking for, how to show them, and how to get out of your own way to achieve your creative goals. Sign up at theartistadvisory.myflodesk.com for the training on July 10, 11, and 12.

Listen & Subscribe:

Tune in to this enriching conversation and subscribe to Art & Cocktails on your favorite podcast platform for more inspiring episodes.

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with fellow artists and creatives who would benefit from these valuable insights.

Listen to Marina's podcast, The Artist Advisory Hotline: theartistadvisory.com/podcast.

Follow Marina on Instagram: instagram.com/the_artist_advisory.

Learn more at: theartistadvisory.com.