In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my recent trip to Spain—a trip that was both beautiful and unbelievably stressful, because polarity is such an (annoying) staple of the human experience. From co-curating the Emergency Exit exhibition in Menorca to getting frantic calls about my dog’s health, dealing with roof leaks back home, and managing the constant uncertainty of being an artist, this was a reminder that our highlight reels never tell the whole story. I also dive into what’s...
Jul 06, 2025•17 min
with me, Kat Popova – artist, coach, and founder of Create! Magazine and CreateU In this Q&A episode, I’m answering your real questions about what it actually takes to grow as an artist. We get into all the good stuff: how to price your work when you're just starting out, what to do when self-doubt creeps in, how to find collectors online (even if you have a small following), and ways to stay grounded when everything feels overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt unsure, discouraged, or just wanted...
Jun 20, 2025•37 min
This episode is a dream come true. Kat sits down with the extraordinary Maggie Smith —poet, bestselling author, and creative soul behind the viral poem Good Bones and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful . In this raw and inspiring conversation, they explore the messiness of the creative process, navigating visibility, staying true to your art in the age of AI, and how to keep going when the world (or your family) doesn’t get it. Whether you're an artist, writer, or creative entreprene...
Jun 15, 2025•33 min
In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms. Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with exp...
Jun 05, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Art & Cocktails , host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast . Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world. We discuss: How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends How to build your own creative p...
Jun 03, 2025•19 min
Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out. Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art. 🎯 You’ll Learn: How to audit your finances,...
May 29, 2025•23 min
In this uplifting and practical mindset episode, I’m joined by transformational coach and author Olga , whose new book It’s Already Yours offers a refreshing and accessible approach to identity, mindset, and aligned creation. We dive into: How your subconscious mind shapes your day-to-day reality The role of identity and nervous system regulation in reaching your goals Tools to gently shift out of doubt and into creative flow Why success comes from alignment—not from pushing harder How to move f...
May 19, 2025•32 min
In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails , Kat Popova sits down with artist, curator, educator, and coach Sergio Gomez to talk about what it truly means to be a successful artist in 2025. Sergio shares his incredible journey—from creating art while working a 9 to 5 job to launching a thriving gallery, curating international exhibitions, and mentoring artists through The Artist NXT Level . We explore: ✨ The power of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset 🎯 Becoming an opportunity creator , ...
May 15, 2025•50 min
In this honest chat, Kat shares an unfiltered look at what artists like you and me truly need in 2025 and beyond. From navigating overwhelm and distraction to embracing deeper purpose and aligned visibility, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that your art, your voice, and your vision still matter. This episode offers grounded encouragement to help you reconnect with your mission, regulate your nervous system, and create from a place of clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuc...
May 13, 2025•23 min
In this solo episode, host Kat — artist, certified coach, and founder of Create! Magazine — speaks directly to those navigating the in-between seasons of life and creativity: when the vision is clear, but momentum feels slow, and nothing seems to be moving fast enough. From reframing your challenges to trusting the pruning seasons, this episode is a reminder that you're not going backwards — you're evolving. You’ll learn how to stop over-identifying with obstacles, use tools like anchoring and “...
May 08, 2025•15 min
What makes a work of art resonate? Is it the colors, the subject, the symbolism—or something more elusive? In this episode, curator, author, and coach Gita Joshi returns to talk about her new book Framing the Invisible: How We See and Understand Art . We explore how perception, personal experience, and context shape the way we engage with artwork—whether you're an artist, collector, or simply a curious viewer. We also talk about why visual literacy matters, how to talk about your work with confi...
May 05, 2025•23 min
If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not getting featured?” —this episode is for you. Whether your pitches are met with silence, you’re dropping “feature me” comments under open calls, or you’re simply unsure how to approach editors, this is the (loving) tough-love conversation you didn’t know you needed. In this solo episode, Kat shares raw insight from her unique perspective as both a published artist and the editor of Create! Magazine. You’ll learn why some pitches get ignored (even when the art...
Apr 30, 2025•20 min
In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails , I’m (Ekaterina Popova) celebrating my nine-year self-employment anniversary—marking the moment I walked out of my corporate job and committed to building a life as a full-time artist and creative entrepreneur. This conversation blends personal storytelling with practical strategies for artists who are just starting out, those in the thick of building, and anyone dreaming of making their creative practice sustainable. I share what worked for me when I...
Apr 22, 2025•22 min
In this powerful conversation, Kat sits down with artist Sarah Detweiler to explore the intersections of motherhood, identity, and creative evolution. Sarah opens up about her journey from commercial art to fine art, the deeply personal work in her Hidden Mother series, and her most recent solo show Unmasquerade —a vibrant, layered exploration of ADHD, selfhood, and unmasking in midlife. Together, they unpack the beauty and the bravery of allowing yourself to evolve as an artist—even when it fee...
Apr 17, 2025•29 min
What if joy, trust, and intention were the most powerful tools in your art practice? In this illuminating episode of Art & Cocktails , Kat is joined by Ingrid V. Wells—an artist known for her vibrant, playful still lifes that explore deep themes like resilience, consciousness, and energetic alignment. Her work invites viewers to reconnect with joy as a revolutionary creative force. Together, they explore how to cultivate a powerful internal state before creating, why joy is a radical act, an...
Apr 10, 2025•32 min
In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat sits down with visionary landscape artist Jennifer Peart, whose work explores the intersection of nature, mid-century design, and science fiction. They dive deep into Jennifer's creative inspirations, her experience at the Superfine Art Fair, and how she seamlessly weaves sustainability, community, and imagination into every aspect of her art practice. Grab your favorite drink and join us for this lovely conversation! Highlights from the...
Apr 05, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Kat dives into a powerful and often emotional topic that touches every creative at some point—money. Whether you’ve struggled with pricing your work, avoided your bank account, or internalized the “starving artist” myth, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate space to begin rewriting your story. Drawing from personal experiences, years of trial and error, and psychology-backed tools, Kat walks you through how to heal your relationship with money, reframe limiting beliefs,...
Apr 01, 2025•29 min
In this episode of Art & Cocktails , host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) sits down with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez, a psychologist, author, and co-founder of The Art NXT Level Academy. Dr. Gomez is passionate about helping creatives and women entrepreneurs overcome mental and emotional hurdles that hold them back, including shame, self-sabotage, anxiety, and the ever-persistent inner critic. We dive into Dr. Gomez’s latest book, Today's Working Artist , which is designed to be a practical and thoughtful gu...
Mar 27, 2025•30 min
Ever find yourself unknowingly sabotaging your own dreams and wondering why? You're not alone! In this quick solo episode, Kat Popova shares heartfelt insights into how hidden desires, subconscious beliefs, and fears shape our lives—and what we can do to break free. In this episode Kat reflects on: Why we often self-sabotage based on what we secretly want—or fear. The science behind subconscious patterns and nervous system regulation. Practical exercises and compassionate questions to uncover an...
Mar 20, 2025•13 min
Join host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) as she reconnects with Alicia Puig, curator and founder of PXP Contemporary, fresh from their recent experience at Superfine Art Fair (The Super Fair). Alicia shares valuable insights and expert advice on how to make the most of your first or next art fair, whether you're an emerging artist, seasoned professional, or curator. In this episode: Practical strategies for exhibiting at art fairs Essential tips for artists on preparing and presenting their work How sto...
Mar 13, 2025•36 min
In this fresh episode of Art & Cocktails, Ekaterina Popova guides you through a gentle spring reset for your identity, creativity, and personal growth. Inspired by the season of renewal, Kat dives deep into the power of self-concept, visualization, and daily habits to help you achieve meaningful change. Learn practical techniques to reconnect with your ideal self, build sustainable habits, and leverage the support of community and accountability to maintain your momentum. Whether you're lett...
Mar 10, 2025•14 min
Hey, it’s Kat (Ekaterina Popova)! In this episode, I’m sharing how small, intentional upgrades have helped me build a more fulfilling and sustainable life and creative business. From moving into bigger spaces and setting better boundaries to learning when to say no to misaligned opportunities, I’ve realized that real growth isn’t about overnight success—it’s about the small, consistent changes that add up over time. I’ll also talk about why a holistic approach is key—success isn’t just about bus...
Mar 04, 2025•18 min
In this special Ask Me Anything episode of Art & Cocktails , I (Ekaterina Popova) answer your top questions about navigating the art world, growing a sustainable career, and protecting yourself from common pitfalls. From securing studio visits and avoiding art scams to social media strategies and the value of pop-up shows, this episode covers the realities of being a professional artist today. What You’ll Learn How to recognize and avoid art scams The importance of pop-up shows and how they ...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Emily McElwreath—art advisor, independent curator, educator, and host of The Art Career Podcast . With nearly two decades of experience, Emily has worked with some of the most influential figures in the art world, from Andy Warhol to Alice Neel. She shares how artists can reclaim their power, normalize ambition, and take control of their careers. We also explore what collectors are looking for today, how to navigate the art market, and the evolving ...
Feb 20, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Art & Cocktails , Kat and Marina Press Granger dive deep into how artists can shift from feeling powerless to fully embracing their creative potential—no matter what’s happening in the economy or art market. They break down common fears artists face, the mindset shifts needed for success, and the importance of taking control of your art career. From leveraging social media to redefining financial success, this conversation is packed with insights, strategies, and empowerin...
Feb 13, 2025•56 min
In a world that’s constantly shifting, how do you stay true to your creative vision while allowing room for growth? In this episode, bestselling author and branding powerhouse Cara Alwill joins us to share her wisdom on reinvention—both in business and in life. From pivoting with confidence to knowing when to let go of what no longer serves you, we dive into the mindset shifts that help creative entrepreneurs build careers that truly align with who they are today. Show Notes: Reinvention isn’t j...
Feb 04, 2025•38 min
In this episode, I (Ekaterina Popova) take you behind the scenes of my recent move and how it became a powerful metaphor for life, business, and creativity. I also open up about the chaos of a tech-glitched webinar launch, how I had to pivot fast, and the lessons I learned along the way. Plus, I answer insightful community questions on: How to structure your work schedule for productivity When to join artist-led art fairs Creating a clear pathway for selling your art as a solo artist Expanding a...
Jan 28, 2025•22 min
In this episode of Art & Cocktails , Ekaterina Popova shares her thoughts on building a sustainable art career in the unpredictable world of social media. After posting a thought-provoking quote about building on "rented land," Ekaterina dives into why relying solely on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be risky. She offers strategies for protecting your time, energy, and intellectual property, while emphasizing the importance of creating your own space—whether through newsletters, web...
Jan 21, 2025•16 min
Making a living as an artist can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re struggling with inconsistent income, low visibility, or wondering if financial stability is even possible. But hitting $10K months as an artist isn’t just a dream—it’s about having the right strategy and patience. In this episode, internationally exhibiting artist, founder of Create! Magazine , and certified master coach Kat Popova shares the exact roadmap for growing your art business in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and ...
Jan 16, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Art & Cocktails , Ekaterina Popova shares actionable strategies to help you position yourself as a sought-after professional artist. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode covers: The power of positioning and how it helps you stand out. Key steps to refine your brand, build meaningful connections, and present yourself professionally. Common mistakes to avoid when building your art career. If you’ve ever wondered how to attract galleries, conn...
Jan 07, 2025•16 min
