The Create! Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Art Business Advice Nobody Tells You About Commissions, Burnout, and Actually Making It Work with Emily Jeffords Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

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

Daniel Arsham: How to Break Into the Art World and Build a Career Nobody Can Ignore Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

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

When Art Meets Craft: Color, Creativity, and Calling Yourself an Artist with Lisa Solomon Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

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

Astrology, Feng Shui and Owning All Parts of Your Creative Identity with Marina Granger Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Finding Your North Star: For Artists Who Refuse to Compromise Their Vision with Jessica Libor Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

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 Collectors Wish Emerging Artists Knew About the Art Market in 2026 with Sonia Borrell Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Is Art the Missing Fifth Pillar of Health? Proving the Science of Creative Life Force with Daisy Fancourt Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

Emi Avora: Mediterranean Light, Mythology, and the Art of Relocation Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

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

Mastering the Subconscious: Intuitive Painting and Global Art Career with August Vilella Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

Finding Your Collectors Without Galleries: Sharone Halevy on Commission Work, The Superfair, and Why Artists Need Hobbies Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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