In an industry steeped in exclusivity and rigid hierarchies, Ekaterina Popova is shaking up the art world. As the founder of Create! Magazine and the Art Queens, Popova is on a mission to make the art scene accessible to all, empowering underrepresented artists to find success on their terms. Her approach is a breath of fresh air, a bold step away from the gallery-centric, gate-kept paths artists are typically told to follow.
Breaking Tradition with Create! Magazine
Growing up with a global perspective and a passion for art, Popova knows firsthand the frustrations of trying to break into the elite, often inaccessible art world. She saw how emerging and underrepresented artists struggled to find exposure and professional opportunities, leading her to launch Create! Magazine in 2013. The magazine isn’t about following trends; it’s about redefining who gets to participate in the art conversation.
With an unapologetically inclusive mission, Create! Magazine showcases artists from all walks of life and corners of the globe, flipping the script on an art world that’s often been closed to outsiders. The magazine’s digital-first approach makes art accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between artists and audiences worldwide. For Popova, it’s about breaking down elitist barriers and giving artists the visibility they deserve without needing approval from traditional institutions.
The Art Queens: A Global Community for Women Artists
In 2020, as the pandemic pushed artists further into isolation, Popova doubled down on her mission to challenge the status quo, launching the Art Queens, a membership community specifically for women artists. The Art Queens isn’t just another networking group; it’s a space where women in the arts find empowerment, mentorship, and access to the business tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Popova created Art Queens as a platform to dismantle the “starving artist” myth and prove that artists—especially women—can build profitable, fulfilling careers without compromising their unique voices. Members benefit from workshops, live events, and one-on-one mentorship, equipping them with the resources they need to take control of their creative journeys. By helping women artists navigate the business side of art, Popova is empowering a generation of creatives to build the careers they’ve always dreamed of but never thought possible.
Redefining Success in the Art World
Through Create! Magazine and the Art Queens, Popova is redefining what it means to be a successful artist. Her platforms emphasize authenticity, self-worth, and an unfiltered creative voice—qualities often overshadowed in a market obsessed with big-name galleries and auction prices. Popova’s message is clear: Artists shouldn’t have to “fit in” to succeed. In fact, the art world is better when they don’t.
Create! Magazine’s blog, digital courses, and Art Queens workshops cover essential skills, like pricing artwork, building an online presence, and marketing on social media, challenging the idea that artists must rely on galleries to validate their work. Instead, Popova encourages artists to connect directly with audiences through digital platforms and to embrace new forms of visibility.
A Digital-First Approach That’s Shifting Power
At the heart of Popova’s work is a powerful message: the traditional art world isn’t the only way to make an impact. By embracing digital tools, Popova and her community are challenging the idea that art must exist within the confines of brick-and-mortar galleries. Instagram, websites, and online exhibitions have become central to her platforms, making it possible for artists to build international audiences and redefine what success looks like.
Popova’s initiatives tap into a global hunger for community and connection, drawing artists from all corners of the globe. Create! Magazine has been instrumental in spotlighting artists from underrepresented regions, especially women and creatives from diverse backgrounds. Through these digital channels, like her Yotube channel, Popova is paving the way for a decentralized, inclusive art ecosystem that values innovation over tradition.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for a Radically Inclusive Art World
Ekaterina Popova’s mission is disrupting more than just the way art is shared—it’s redefining who gets to make a living from it. Through Create! Magazine and the Art Queens, she’s tearing down old-school notions of what it takes to “make it” in the art world. Her work is a call to artists everywhere: take control, build your community, and challenge the industry that’s tried to keep you out.
Popova’s legacy is likely to inspire countless others to step outside the traditional paths and create their own platforms, networks, and businesses. For the art world, this shift is nothing short of revolutionary. By giving artists the power to set their terms, Popova is helping build an art ecosystem that reflects the diverse, dynamic world we live in—and that’s a disruption worth celebrating.
Explore More:
As Popova continues to break down barriers in the art world, readers can explore related resources to dive deeper into these themes:
- Ekaterina Popova’s Journey – Discover more about Popova’s background and contributions.
- Create! Magazine – Explore how Create! Magazine empowers emerging artists.
- Art Queens – Learn about the Art Queens, a supportive community for women artists.
- Empowering Underrepresented Artists – Read about inclusive voices in the art world.
- Digital Tools for Artists – Find resources on leveraging digital platforms for art.
- Redefining Art Careers – Explore tips for building a successful art career.
