The Create! Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How to Talk About Art, Connect with Collectors Authentically, and Stay Nimble in Shifting Times with Liz Lidgett Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Our Next Chapter: Podcast, Magazine, and Community Together Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Fortifying Your Money and Success Mindset Despite the Times Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

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

Reconnecting to Your Why and Finding Harmony in Art, Business, and Life Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

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

The Club: Discovering the Forgotten Parisian Haven for Women Artists with Jennifer Dasal Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

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

From Dream to Published: Kristy Gordon on Writing, Publishing, and Inspiring Artists Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Back to Basics: Falling in Love Again and Building a Fun Art Practice with Kat Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

Danielle Clough: Painting with Thread, Embracing Craft, and Following Creative Instincts Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

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

How to Build a Daily Drawing Habit and Grow a Creative Career with Samantha Dion Baker Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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

Thriving as an Introvert in the Art World: Openings, Exhibitions & Networking on Your Terms Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

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