Have you ever wished you could write your happy ending? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a personal practice that has been a game-changer for me over the last decade: the quarterly review.

I share how a simple, strategic process, born from my days in program management, can help you track your progress and design a life and career that lights you up.

If you're ready to move from simply having goals to living them, this one's for you.

Chapters

00:00 A Look Back: On Growth

02:50 You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Valuable

05:22 The Power of a Quarterly Review

08:08 Writing Your Own Happy Ending

11:05 The Quarterly Check-In: A How-To Guide

12:15 The 7 Questions for Self-Reflection

15:10 Action, Obstacles, and Accountability

16:25 The Magic of a Supportive Partner

17:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

To follow along and to create your own Quarterly Review be sure to download the PDF handout her:

http://bit.ly/45Dkh73

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream?

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role in his journey, and how he built a new life and career after moving to Los Angeles.

I’m excited for you to listen to this conversation. I wish I had had this episode when I first started out as a commercial photographer. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of defining your artistic voice and building a sustainable creative life on your own terms. Mark’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Clennon and His Journey

01:59 Early Creative Influences and Curiosity

04:14 The Gift of Photography and Initial Struggles

05:54 Building Community and Transitioning to Full-Time Photography

10:12 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job

12:10 Navigating the Early Days of Freelancing

15:00 First Major Commercial Success and Learning the Trade

17:00 Relocating to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

19:03 Defining Artistic Identity and Signature Style

22:57 Creative Voice and Decision Making

30:26 Building Community in a New City

36:22 Learning from Challenges and Problem Solving

42:31 The Importance of Creative Play and Reflection

Connect With Mark:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.c/?hl=en

Mark’s Website: https://www.markclennon.com

Listen to Mark’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_clennon_finding_your_point_of_view

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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Step back in time with me to 1977, to a cultural event so monumental it was dubbed the "Black World's Fair." In this episode, we journey to Lagos, Nigeria, for FESTAC '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.

What made this month-long celebration a landmark of Black pride and unity, and why does its legacy still echo nearly fifty years later? I'll share insights from my conversation with Roy Lewis, the official photographer for the North American zone, who was there to capture it all. Join me as we explore the story of this incredible gathering of artists, thinkers, and performers from across the African diaspora and uncover a piece of our history that continues to inspire.

Chapters

(0:00) - Intro

(1:29) - A Journey Back to FESTAC '77

(6:15) - The Rigorous Road to Lagos

(7:05) - Inside the Festival: A Cultural Feast

(9:08) - The Lasting Legacy of FESTAC

(11:53) - A Juneteenth Reflection and a Call to Imagine

Learn About Roy Lewis

Festac 77 Documentary on YouTube: http://bit.ly/449xUIB

Ebony Magazine Festac Edition: http://bit.ly/3T3WGoy

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives