The Create! Podcast

• Finding Your Voice: Todd M. Casey on Art Education, Social Media Fatigue and Staying Curious

  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.

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• When the Hustle Falls Away: Finding Your Creative Flow with Felicia Forte

  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

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• Faith Over Fear: Creating Immersive Art Installations in the UK and Marrakesh with Amy Griffith

  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

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• From Fear and Scarcity to Abundance: Overcoming Burnout and Building a Creative Life That Feels Safe with Uncomfy (Tammy Dinh)

  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

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• Tax and Money Conversations for Sensitive Creatives with Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax

  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

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