Windowsill Chats: Recent Episodes

Margo Tantau

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

Margo is joined by author, creative writing coach, and video creator Abbie Emmons for a conversation about the power of storytelling and why our ability to tell meaningful stories is more instinctive than we might think. Abbie is the author of three novels and YouTube's most-watched creative writing coach, with a community of more than half a million writers worldwide. Margo and Abbie explore storytelling as something fundamentally human, why compelling stories begin with internal conflict, and how we can move beyond rigid rules, perfectionism, and self-doubt to reconnect with our natural creativity. Abbie's nonfiction debut, Make Your Story Matter, releases August 11, 2026.

Margo and Abbie discuss:

Why storytelling is fundamentally human and helps us make sense of life
The three pillars of relatable characters: desire, fear, and false belief
Why internal conflict drives compelling stories and meaningful transformation
How rules, expectations, and self-doubt can disconnect us from our natural creative instincts
What neuroscience and creativity research reveal about losing—and rebuilding—creative confidence
Creating from joy and curiosity rather than trends or external validation
Moving through perfectionism, overwhelm, fear, and other creative blocks
How to trust your instincts, reignite your storytelling spark, and create work that matters

Connect with Abbie: www.youtube.com/abbieemmons www.abbieemmonsauthor.com www.makeyourstorymatter.com

Margo is joined by Amy Wilderson, Brenda Olson, and Katy St. John—three artists whose distinct creative practices come together in Objects Through Time: Connection, Story, and Legacy, an exhibition exploring memory, heritage, and the unexpected stories hidden within everyday objects.

Amy is a multi-media visual artist whose metalsmithing and wirework transform forgotten treasures into meaningful jewelry and sculpture. Brenda is an illustrator, mixed media artist, and founder of Blueberry Road Cards, whose work celebrates storytelling, community, and creative connection. Katy is a Minneapolis-based photographer whose imaginative images blend artistry and narrative to capture what lies beneath the surface.

Together, the three discuss how collaboration across disciplines has challenged, inspired, and transformed each of their creative practices. They share how family heirlooms, found objects, and personal histories became the foundation for this exhibition, why vulnerability is essential to meaningful collaboration, and how art can preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Margo and Amy, Brenda, and Katy discuss:

How three artists from different creative backgrounds came together to build a shared exhibition.
Why ordinary objects often hold extraordinary stories of family, identity, and legacy.
The role of trust, vulnerability, and honest conversation in successful creative collaboration.
How working across different artistic mediums expanded each artist's perspective.
The balance between honoring the past while creating something entirely new.
Why taking small creative risks often leads to the biggest breakthroughs.
How they hope visitors will reflect on their own treasured objects and personal histories.
The power of art to spark conversation, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the stories we all carry.

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill Connect with Katy, Brenda, and Amy: www.amyajewelry.com www.instagram.com/amyajewelry www.brendaolsonart.com www.instagram.com/brendaolsonart www.saintphoto.org www.instagram.com/_saintphoto

In this re-aired episode Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz's passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn't being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries.

It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is "Art For Everyone." Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don't have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art.

Margo and Liz discuss:

What led Liz to start her own gallery
The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art
How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals
Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires
How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.)
How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc.
Her approach to buying and selling art

Connect with Liz:

https://www.lizlidgett.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/

Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett

Margo is joined by Lisa Bardot, an illustrator, author, and Procreate educator who has spent the past decade helping people discover the joy of drawing digitally. She's the founder of Art Maker's Club, a thriving online membership for Procreate artists, creator of the Making Art Everyday drawing challenge, and the artist behind Bardot Brush, known for its popular Procreate brushes and tutorials. Lisa is making her second appearance on Windowsill Chats, and this time she's digging into what she's learned after years of building online creative communities — and why consistency and connection matter more than raw talent.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

What Lisa has learned after years of running Making Art Everyday and Art Maker's Club, two of the most active creative communities in the Procreate space
Why people join Art Maker's Club thinking they're there to learn Procreate — and why they actually stay for the consistency, encouragement, and friendships
Why so many adults stop making art as they get older, and what it takes to reconnect with that creative side of themselves
How small, sustainable creative habits can have a bigger impact than sporadic bursts of inspiration
Why curiosity is often more valuable than talent when it comes to building a lasting creative practice
Reflections on Founder's Month and four years of Art Maker's Club — what's changed, what's stayed the same, and what Lisa's most proud of
Practical encouragement for anyone who's been wanting to try Procreate but doesn't know where to start
A look at what's coming up during Art Maker's Club's Founder's Month celebration, including live tutorials, community events, and creative challenges

Connect with Lisa Bardot:

Art Maker's Club: https://artmakersclub.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisabardot
Procreate Brushes: https://bardotbrush.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BardotBrush

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist and entrepreneur Reese Emry for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and following the unexpected twists of life. From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, through adventures in Waco, Round Top, and Austin, Texas, then North Carolina and Connecticut, Reese has woven creativity into every chapter of her life—flipping a "hoarder house," opening an antique shop, building a candle business, and ultimately finding her way to ceramics. Reese shares how she's learned to trust her own timing, embrace imperfection, and let her art evolve slowly and honestly, even when it doesn't fit a tidy narrative.

Margo and Reese discuss:

How raising kids in a creatively infused home shapes their resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit
The leap from the Pacific Northwest to Texas, opening (and later closing) a beloved antique shop in Waco to prioritize family
Falling in love with ceramics, building a practice around what sells and what inspires, and living in a camper to keep the dream alive
The courage to pivot, move, and explore without apology—including gap years and creative breaks
Taking a chance on a booth at the Round Top Antique Show and the joy of finally connecting with the right audience
Pushing back against the pressure for fast, algorithm-driven art in favor of slow, intentional creative evolution
The influence of artists like de Kooning and Joan Mitchell, and finding inspiration in local makers and unexpected encounters
Trusting your gut over outside perceptions of what a "clean" creative story should look like

Connect with Reese: ReeseEmry.com www.instagram.com/reeseemry

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by comedy writer, creator, and entrepreneur best known as the founder of The Onion, Scott Dikkers. Scott served as editor-in-chief and co-owner during its first two decades, helping shape one of the most influential satire publications of all time. In this episode, Margo sits down with Scott to explore the surprising mechanics behind creativity and why inspiration isn't something you wait for—it's something you build. Drawing from decades of experience creating successful entertainment, Scott shares practical insights on developing creative habits, embracing constraints, overcoming self-doubt, and creating work that connects with people.

Margo and Scott discuss:

Why creativity is less about talent and more about building repeatable systems and habits.
How constraints, deadlines, and structure often produce stronger creative work than unlimited freedom.
The importance of creating lots of ideas instead of waiting for the perfect one to appear.
How humor can become a powerful tool for resilience, connection, and making sense of difficult experiences.
Practical strategies for quieting your inner critic and separating the creative process from the editing process.
Why sharing your work, seeking honest feedback, and surrounding yourself with a creative community are essential ingredients for long-term growth.
His new book, Creativity Machine

Connect with Scott: https://www.instagram.com/itsscottdikkers/ https://scottdikkers.substack.com/ Creativity Machine: How to Innovate, Brainstorm, and Hatch Great Ideas on Command

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined once again by Jade Chen, a healer, guide, and space-holder whose work centers on helping people navigate transformation, uncertainty, and growth. With over a decade of experience in somatic and lineage-based healing practices, Jade helps others reconnect to their inner voice and creative resilience. Living on Hawai'i Island, her work is deeply inspired by the rhythms of nature, the wisdom of ancestry, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.

In this returning conversation, Jade shares the profound changes that have unfolded since her last appearance on the podcast, including her move to the island, her work with a herd of horses at a healing sanctuary, and the unexpected ways life can transform when we learn to trust our intuition.

Margo and Jade discuss:

The concept of the "dreams behind the dreams" and how unexpected opportunities emerge when we follow our intuition
Why beginning again often requires letting go of identities, comforts, and plans that no longer fit
The role of courage in both life-changing decisions and everyday choices
Simple practices for reconnecting with your inner voice through breath, mindfulness, and intention
What living on Hawai'i Island has taught Jade about change, surrender, and transformation
How horses became an unexpected part of her healing work and what they teach about presence, empathy, and connection
Why discomfort is often a necessary part of growth and creating space for what's next
How nature, water, and stillness can help us reconnect with our own wisdom

Connect with Jade:

www.mudlotuslife.com www.instagram.com/mud.lotus.life Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by designer and storyteller Ariadne Kritonos, whose work brings centuries-old Greek folk motifs into contemporary life. Drawing inspiration from historic embroideries, textiles, and museum archives, Ariadne shares how studying the creative traditions of the past has shaped her approach to design, color, and inspiration today. Together, they explore the hidden stories embedded in traditional folk art, the value of looking beyond digital culture for creative inspiration, and what we can learn from the women whose stitches carried meaning across generations.

Margo and Ariadne discuss:

How Greek folk embroidery became the bridge between Ariadne's love of art, design, and cultural heritage
The hidden symbolism and storytelling woven into traditional textile motifs
Why researching archives, museums, and historic objects offers a different kind of inspiration than online algorithms
The remarkable women behind these textiles and what their work reveals about creativity, community, and everyday life
What traditional embroidery can teach us about imperfection, resourcefulness, and finishing our work
The bold use of color in historic Greek textiles and why modern creatives should be less afraid to experiment
How Ariadne is reimagining centuries-old motifs through contemporary design and wearable art
Why preserving cultural traditions isn't about nostalgia, but about creating meaningful connections between past and present

Connect with Ariadne: Website: https://ariadnekritonos.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariadnekritonos/ Newsletter: https://ariadnekritonos.com/newsletter-sign-up Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Sashiko artisan, educator, and storyteller Atsushi Futatsuya for a conversation about creativity, cultural heritage, and the stories carried through handmade work. Born into a family deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of Sashiko, Atsushi shares his journey from resisting the craft he grew up around to becoming one of its most passionate advocates and teachers. Through his work with Sashi.Co, Sashiko Story, and Upcycle Stitches, he helps people understand that Sashiko is far more than a stitching technique—it is a living cultural practice woven together by history, community, and care.

Margo and Atsushi explore the role of rhythm, repetition, and mindfulness in creative practice, as well as the challenges of preserving cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the responsibility that comes with sharing inherited knowledge, and why stories matter just as much as skills.

Margo and Atsushi discuss:

What Sashiko is and the cultural history behind the traditional Japanese stitching practice
Growing up in a Sashiko family and why Atsushi initially resisted the craft
How the 2011 earthquake in Japan became a turning point in his relationship with his heritage
The importance of sharing cultural traditions so they can continue to evolve and survive
Why rhythm, repetition, and handwork can become powerful forms of mindfulness
The distinction between visible mending and the deeper cultural context of Sashiko
Navigating conversations around cultural appreciation, appropriation, and acknowledgment
The stories, values, and human connections woven into every stitch
How creativity helps us connect with history, identity, and community
Why letting go of control is often an essential part of both stitching and life

Connect with Atsushi:Website: https://sashikostory.com Instagram: @sashikostory Instagram: @upcyclestitches

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Lauren Henkin, founder of The Humane Space, a mindfulness and lifelong learning app designed to boost wellbeing and reduce stress by sparking curiosity, wonder, and awe. In this conversation, Lauren shares her journey from architecture and fine art photography to tech founder, and how following her own curiosity led her to create a platform built on the belief that wonder, awe, and lifelong learning are just as essential to our wellbeing as physical health.

Together, they explore the role curiosity plays in creativity, personal growth, and human connection. They discuss how our environments shape the way we think, why many modern systems discourage curious thinking, and what we lose when we outsource our voices and ideas to technology. Lauren also shares the values that guide The Humane Space, including intellectual integrity, collaborative creativity, and a commitment to creating content made by humans, for humans.

Margo and Lauren discuss:

Lauren's unconventional path from architecture and photography to founding The Humane Space
Why curiosity is a lifelong practice that supports wellbeing, creativity, and resilience
How physical and digital spaces can be designed to inspire wonder and exploration
The mission behind The Humane Space and its alternative approach to social media and technology
The role of intellectual integrity, collaboration, and human-made creativity in an AI-driven world
Practical ways to cultivate more awe, wonder, and curiosity in everyday life

Connect with Lauren

The Humane Space App: https://www.thehumane.space/
Lauren Henkin: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhenkin/

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Abby for another edition of Creative Current Events—the series where they unpack the stories, launches, trends, and internet conversations shaping the creative world right now. This episode covers everything from the rise (and critique) of the "beige epidemic" in interiors to unexpected retail collaborations, bold beauty marketing, shifting brand landscapes, and artists doing interesting work outside the algorithm. Along the way, they discuss what these moments reveal about creativity, originality, accessibility, and where culture seems to be headed next.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Beige Epidemic – House Beautifulhttps://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a71336893/the-next-issue-beige-epidemic/
Colorful interiors and inspiration – The House That Lars Builthttps://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/
Jonathan Adler collection at Michaels https://www.michaels.com/shop/jonathan-adler
Review video of the Jonathan Adler collection https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXkZqF7kvtv/
GIMP's redesign: Photoshop familiarity without the subscription https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/open-source-gimp-reskin-gives-it-a-familiar-photoshop-look-without-the-hefty-fee/
Explore GIMP https://www.gimp.org/
Create! Magazine – Call for Art Submissions https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art
Garden & Gun Magazine https://gardenandgun.com/
Cover artist feature – Brian Steely https://www.instagram.com/p/DYe7ldUx2YO/
The Bitter Southernerhttps://bittersoutherner.com/
The Ordinary's skewered beauty marketing approach https://www.creativereview.co.uk/the-ordinary-markup-marche-pop-up-supermarket-uncommon/
"The Most Valuable Place a Brand Can Be Right Now Isn't Online" https://www.instagram.com/p/DWZzckqEYuM/
Shein acquires Everlane discussion https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfcq7Ik49Y/
The "tone deaf" commencement speech conversation https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYNfbyEP82q/
Wylie Welling × Carhart https://wyliewelling.com/blogs/journal
Artist & listener spotlight: Renee Reid https://www.instagram.com/reneereidcreations

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by interior designer, mentor, and entrepreneur Rebecca Ward for a conversation about creativity, career pivots, and the impact our homes have on daily life. As the CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design, Rebecca has spent more than 20 years creating contemporary spaces that help families live beautifully and function intentionally. She shares how her love for interiors started in childhood and eventually evolved into a thriving design career and mentorship platform. Margo and Rebecca explore the many paths into interior design, including second-career transitions and turning creative passions into sustainable businesses. They also discuss the psychology behind our environments, the realities of running a design business, and why mentorship and boundaries matter so much for creatives. It's an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative career that supports both artistry and real life.

Margo and Rebecca discuss:

Rebecca's early creative influences and path into interior design
Why interior design is often a second or third career for creatives
The emotional and psychological impact of our homes
How thoughtful design improves everyday life and wellbeing
The realities of running a successful interior design business
Setting boundaries and managing client expectations
The value of mentorship for aspiring designers
Encouragement for creatives considering a career pivot or side hustle

Connect with Rebecca:

Website: Rebecca Ward Design
Mentorship & Bootcamp: My Design Mentor
Instagram: @rwarddesign
Podcast: Design Curious Podcast

Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by illustrator and children's book artist Natalie Lundeen for a candid conversation about creativity, motherhood, burnout, and redefining what it means to be a "successful" artist. Based in Clearwater, Florida, Natalie specializes in children's books, greeting cards, and licensed artwork, with illustrations spanning indie publishing, Etsy products, and now traditional publishing through Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her newest books, Dear Mom and Dear Dad, were released this spring.

Natalie shares the winding path that led her from fine art and gallery work into illustration, how becoming a mother completely reshaped her creative process, and the surprising timing of landing a two-book publishing deal just days after deciding to step away from illustration professionally. Margo and Natalie explore the freedom that can come from releasing pressure, the realities of balancing creative work with financial stability, and why having a part-time job outside the art world doesn't make someone any less of an artist. It's an honest and refreshing conversation about building a creative life that actually supports your wellbeing—not just your résumé.

Margo and Natalie discuss:

Natalie's transition from oil painting and gallery work into children's book illustration
How motherhood reshaped both her artistic style and creative priorities
Building early illustration opportunities through Etsy, Instagram, and indie authors
The realities of self-publishing projects, client boundaries, and revision expectations
Landing a traditional publishing deal after deciding to step away from illustration full time
Why returning to part-time cleaning work helped her enjoy art again
Redefining success outside of the "full-time artist" narrative
The importance of flexibility, creative friendships, and sustainable creative cycles
How personal projects and experimentation can open unexpected doors
Why artists shouldn't feel shame around taking outside work to support their creativity

Connect with Natalie:

Website: https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: @natlundeen

Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she's built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing.

Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing.

Margo and Nicki discuss:

Nicki's unexpected path from corporate work and makeup artistry to becoming a full-time artist and educator
The importance of embracing a "twisty, turny" creative journey instead of chasing overnight success
How comparison and curated social media can hold artists back from starting
Why messy sketchbooks and imperfect practice are essential to creative growth
Letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy the tactile experience of making art
The evolution from artist to teacher and building an online creative community during COVID
The pressure to "find your style" and why multi-passionate creativity deserves space
Practical ways to restart a creative practice and make art feel approachable again

Connect with Nicki:

Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign Substack: https://lifeidesign.substack.com

Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In this replay episode, Margo is joined by multi-passionate creative Kim Bloomberg, the joyful force behind Studio Art Beat. A fine artist, educator, and self-proclaimed art supply nerd, Kim brings a refreshing perspective to the creative journey—one that's less about staying in your lane and more about following curiosity wherever it leads. With a background in both fine art and education, over two decades of teaching experience, and years running her own jewelry business, Kim shares how she ultimately found fulfillment by embracing her ADHD-fueled love for switching mediums and diving headfirst into new materials.

After leaving behind the New York hustle for the artistic charm of Chicago's North Shore, Kim launched Studio Art Beat as an inclusive space to demystify art and make creativity accessible to all ages. She now leads workshops, partners with brands like Gelli Arts, and teaches online courses—including one that brings rhinestone bedazzling to the masses. Through her story, Kim reminds us that freedom, play, and experimentation are not distractions—they're the path.

Margo and Kim discuss:

Growing up in an art-loving family and the creative influence of her parents and grandfather.
Letting go of a long-term jewelry business and the guilt that came with that decision.
How embracing her neurodivergent brain led to business clarity and personal joy.
Turning her natural desire to switch mediums into a strength rather than a struggle.
Building an online art education platform that's welcoming, inclusive, and non-intimidating.
Why sharing her process openly (rather than gatekeeping) has helped her business grow.
Collaborating with brands while maintaining authenticity and community connection.
The value of playful creativity for both kids and adults—and why it's never too late to start.
How she's made rhinestones cool again with her Cricut-powered online course.
The beauty in allowing your creative identity to evolve—and giving others permission to do the same.

Connect with Kim: www.studioartbeat.com

www.instagram.com/studioartbeat

Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Lisa Solomon to discuss her newest book, Art, Craft, Color—a thoughtfully curated collection of essays, reflections, and creative projects designed to inspire a more playful, hands-on approach to making. Lisa's work explores the intersection of art, craft, and personal history, often blending unexpected materials and techniques to challenge traditional boundaries. Alongside her studio practice, she teaches at the college level and has authored several books on color and creativity.

In this conversation, Lisa offers a behind-the-scenes look at her process while reflecting on experimentation, perfectionism, and the power of community.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

The origin story behind Art, Craft, Color and how the project came to life
The collaborative process of curating artists, materials, and color palettes
Blurring the lines between art and craft, and why that distinction matters less than we think
Embracing experimentation and stepping outside your creative comfort zone
Letting go of perfectionism and focusing on process over outcome
The impact of social media on creativity—both the inspiration and the pressure
Why working with your hands is more important than ever in today's world
Building community and connection through shared creative practices

Connect with Lisa: Website: www.lisasolomon.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisasolomon

Connect with Margo:www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this replay episode, Margo is joined by tax expert Hannah Cole who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she's helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. She is the founder of Sunlight Tax. As artists carve their paths through various industries, they encounter a myriad of challenges, yet financial literacy is rarely addressed, leading to feelings of failure and shame. Today's conversation with Hannah sheds light on this systemic failure and turns it into a journey of empowerment and self-compassion (something all creatives should have)!

Margo and Hannah discuss:

The responsibilities that come with being a small business owner in the US
Navigating self-employment taxes and optimizing deductions
Personal struggles that Hannah faced within her own creative career and financial literacy
What propelled her towards accounting education
How she acts as a translator between the creative and tax worlds
Simple advice artists can implement today when it comes to money management
Her Money Bootcamp program and podcast
How to save more money
And more!

Connect with Hannah:

www.instagram.com/sunlighttax

www.sunlighttax.com

www.sunlighttax.com/podcast

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo sits down with artist, writer, and creator Emily Gaines Demsky for a conversation centered on creativity, perspective, and the quiet power of noticing what's good. Emily makes vibrant floral paintings (symbols of hope and possibility), and is the founder of Tell Me 3 Good Things, a Substack community practice centered on noticing, naming, and sharing simple moments of goodness each day. Through her work, she invites others to shift their perspective in meaningful, life-giving ways.

Emily's approach blends art, writing, and daily ritual into a powerful reminder: even in difficult seasons, we have the ability to choose where we place our attention. From her father's lasting influence to the organic growth of her community, this conversation explores how small, intentional practices can create profound change.

Margo and Emily discuss:

How perspective is a daily choice—and how it shapes both creativity and resilience
The origin and impact of the "Tell Me 3 Good Things" practice
The role of grief, joy, and life transitions in shaping creative work
How authenticity fosters deep, meaningful community
The symbolism of flowers as hope, possibility, and light
Toxic positivity versus building resilience
How noticing and naming goodness can shift the way we experience our lives

Connect with Emily:

Website: www.emilygainesdemsky.com
Tell Me 3 Good Things on Substack: emilygainesdemsky.substack.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilygainesdemsky

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Madison Phipps, the creative force behind Madison Phipps Studio. Known for her feminine, timeless botanical artwork rooted in nostalgia and storytelling, Madison shares how she's built a growing art business while balancing motherhood and a full-time job. From painting in the quiet margins of her day to landing dream collaborations and launching collections, this conversation is a refreshing and honest look at what it really takes to pursue creativity in the "messy middle."

Margo and Madison explore the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and courageous decisions that helped her turn a personal creative practice into a thriving business, without waiting until everything felt "ready."

Margo and Madison discuss:

Using the question "what's the best that could happen?" as a roadmap for growth and decision-making
How sharing her journey on TikTok helped her grow a community and gain visibility
Pitching yourself before you feel ready—and how cold outreach led to major opportunities
The inspiration behind her nostalgic, botanical artwork rooted in childhood memories
Launching and sustaining a snail mail print club as a recurring revenue stream
Lessons from collaborations, including her botanical collection with Paloma & Co
Balancing ambition, creativity, and family life without burning out

Connect with Madison

Madison Phipps Studio: https://www.madisonphippsstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madison.phipps.studio/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonphippsstudio

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined once again by Abby Campbell for a Creative Current Events catch-up episode, and this one is packed. After a short hiatus, the two dive right back into the ever-evolving world of art, design, and creative business—starting with Margo's firsthand experience exhibiting at the Birmingham Spring Fair's new Licensing Lab. She shares what stood out, from booth design trends to the shifting landscape of licensing and wholesale in a post-SurTex world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where the industry is heading.

From there, Margo and Abby broaden the conversation into a curated mix of resources, trends, and cultural observations shaping creative work right now. They explore everything from artist-friendly AI tools and art competitions to trend forecasting, retail evolution, and immersive brand experiences.

Mentioned in this episode: https://www.entrythingy.com/blog/best-art-calls-2026 https://business.pinterest.com/pinterest-predicts/ https://www.fastcompany.com/91504420/claude-can-turn-your-handwriting-into-a-font https://www.powderartfoundation.org/ http://southernliving.com/michaels-fresh-flowers-11920325 https://www.retaildive.com/news/aritzia-acquires-fred-segal/812686/

Margo is joined by artist, author, and teacher Sam Dion Baker for a conversation about creativity, sketchbook practice, and finding meaning in the everyday. Originally from Philadelphia and now based in Brooklyn, Sam spent over two decades as a graphic designer before returning to drawing in her forties—ultimately building a deeply personal and widely loved sketchbook diary practice. Through her books, teaching, and artwork, Sam encourages others to slow down, observe their lives, and express themselves in their own unique way.

Margo and Sam discuss:

How a lifelong exposure to art shaped her creative path (and why it didn't follow a straight line)
The transition from graphic design to a personal, sketchbook-based art practice
Why sketchbooks can act as a form of therapy, reflection, and emotional processing
Finding beauty and inspiration in everyday moments, not just big adventures
Letting go of perfection and embracing messiness as part of the creative process
Simple exercises to loosen up creatively (like continuous line drawing and using your non-dominant hand)
How to develop your own unique creative voice through observation and consistency
Sam's books and upcoming projects, including her new coloring book Color Your World

Connect with Sam: Website: www.sdionbaker.com Substack: www.samanthadionbaker.substack.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/sdionbakerdesign

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by illustrator, creative community builder, and industry champion Salli Swindell, who has spent nearly five decades in the illustration world. Salli began her career at American Greetings before co-founding several beloved platforms with her brother Nate Padavick—including They Draw, The Illustrator's Circle, and Illustrators For Hire—all dedicated to celebrating and promoting illustrators around the globe. Margo and Salli explore Salli's creative evolution, from decades of client-driven illustration work to embracing a more personal, self-directed creative practice.

Margo and Salli discuss:

The power of starting small and following curiosity instead of waiting for a master plan
How Salli and her brother Nate built global platforms from the ground up
Why partnerships with people who have different strengths can open unexpected doors
Salli's shift from decades of client-driven illustration work to developing a personal creative practice
The origin story of Snack + Sketch, a gathering that blends creativity, food, and meaningful connection
Why community, creativity, and shared meals can be powerful pillars of wellness
How simple gatherings around your kitchen table can spark inspiration and lasting creative friendships

Connect with Salli:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallistyle/

Website: https://freshfoodillustration.cargo.site

Illustrators For Hire: https://illustratorsforhire.com

The Illustrator's Circle: https://www.illustratorscircle.com

They Draw: https://www.they-draw.com

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined once again by celebrated illustrator, author, and educator Mike Lowery for a lively conversation about the realities of building a creative career. Mike is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of more than 80 books for children and he's spent decades navigating the ups and downs of freelance illustration and publishing.

In this episode, Margo and Mike pick up where their first conversation left off—diving into the lessons Mike has learned over twenty years as a working illustrator, what it actually takes to build a portfolio that attracts clients, and why being "good at drawing" isn't always the same as being hireable. They also talk about Mike's new course, Get Paid to Draw, designed to help illustrators create strategic portfolios, understand what art directors are really looking for, and turn their creative skills into real opportunities.

Margo and Mike discuss:

What Mike's younger self would think of his career today
The behind-the-scenes work of running a creative business
Why a strong portfolio matters more than raw talent when it comes to getting hired
Portfolio tips to help art directors understand how your work fits their needs
The difference between creating art for yourself versus creating work that attracts clients
The power of community in a freelance creative career
Mike's Get Paid to Draw course and how it helps artists build portfolios that actually lead to work
The upcoming Portfolio Challenge starting March 11 and how creatives can participate

Connect with Mike: Join the Illustration Portfolio Challenge: https://bit.ly/illoportfoliochallenge Website: https://www.mikelowery.com/ Course: https://www.gettingpaidtodraw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio/

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo Tantau is joined by educator, researcher, and national leader in creativity, arts integration, and STEAM education, Susan Riley. As the founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM and author of Creativity's Edge, Susan brings a refreshing, deeply human perspective on creativity — not as an artistic gift or innovation buzzword, but as a decision-making skill essential for navigating uncertainty, complexity, and an increasingly AI-influenced world.

Susan shares her journey from growing up as a self-described "farm girl" in Pennsylvania to becoming a pioneer in arts integration. She reflects on the early creative influences that shaped her, the role of music in her life, and the challenges of forging a nontraditional career path.

Margo and Susan discuss:

Why creativity is a cognitive skill rather than a personality trait or talent
How uncertainty and complexity actually activate creative thinking
The hidden cost of optimization, efficiency, and "best practices"
What "Create Before You Consume" looks like in everyday life
How curiosity becomes a uniquely human advantage in the age of AI
The connection between creativity, judgment, and human agency
Susan's path from educator to national thought leader

Connect with Susan: susanmriley.com

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by award-winning PR strategist, community builder, and host of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou. Known for disrupting traditional PR by helping creatives, founders, and small business owners land top-tier media using AI tools instead of big budgets or insider connections. In this episode, Gloria joins Margo to unpack how PR now fuels AI search visibility, why press and podcasts act as modern trust signals, and how artists, makers, and small brands can use accessible tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to pitch with clarity, credibility, and relevance.

Margo and Gloria discuss:

Why visibility—not talent—is often the biggest hurdle for creatives
Reframing PR as relevance-driven storytelling (not self-promotion)
Gloria's CPR Method: Credibility, Point of View, Relevance
How cold pitching works—even without contacts or PR experience
Using AI tools to research angles and draft pitches in minutes
Press & podcasts as critical trust signals in AI-driven search
The shift from traditional SEO to AI shopping and discovery
Mindset shifts to overcome imposter syndrome and "not newsworthy" thinking

Connect with Gloria:

Website: www.gloriachoupr.com

Instagram: @gloriachoupr

YouTube: @smallbusinesspr

LinkedIn: in/gloriaychou

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Ashley Lohr, an artist, educator, and community builder based in Petersburg, Alaska—a small fishing island town where she has taught art for nearly two decades. Working across painting and enamel jewelry, Ashley has built a creative life rooted in place, curiosity, and long-term commitment. From sustaining robust school art programs to teaching workshops far beyond the classroom, her path is a testament to what can unfold when artists design lives that support both their work and their values.

Ashley shares how moving to Alaska at 23 shaped her identity as both a teacher and artist, how she continues to grow her own practice alongside full-time teaching, and what she learned from intentionally stepping away during a self-created sabbatical.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Moving to Petersburg, Alaska for a teaching job—and how place can deeply shape creative alignment
Teaching art in ways that feel authentic, expansive, and student-centered
How Ashley builds, sustains, and evolves art programs within a school setting
Maintaining a personal art practice alongside full-time teaching and family life
Taking a self-designed sabbatical and what it revealed about community, creativity, and pace
Teaching outside the classroom: workshops, travel, and non-gallery ways to share work
Finding and proposing workshop opportunities—locally and farther afield
Trusting a slow, steady creative path and allowing your work to change over time

Connect with Ashley:

Website: https://ashleylohrart.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashleylohrart

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Jill Labieniec, an illustrator, designer, and endlessly curious maker living on Vashon Island in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Working primarily with watercolor, Jill's whimsical illustrations and patterns have found homes on everything from fabrics and home goods to books, stationery, and editorial projects. Alongside her illustration practice, she has a deep love for working with her hands—sewing dresses, making shoes, and shaping clay—guided by a belief that art should help people create spaces where they can rest, daydream, and grow.

In this episode Jill reflects on her winding creative path—from a homeschooled childhood centered on making, through art school and freelance work, to building a creative career that prioritizes curiosity, balance, and day-to-day happiness over rigid labels or prestige.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Jill's creative beginnings and how family life and early making shaped her career
Moving through art school, freelance work, and product-focused creative paths
What it really means to build a sustainable creative career over time
Letting go of fancy titles and external validation in favor of daily fulfillment
Balancing freelancing, creative freedom, and personal happiness
Jill's thoughtful, intuitive approach to social media and sharing work online
Working both digitally and analog—and the joy of seeing art come to life on physical objects, especially ceramics
Embracing curiosity, trusting the creative process, and tuning out the noise

Connect with Jill:

Website: https://www.jill-labieniec.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill.labieniec/

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In this 300th episode of Windowsill Chats, Margo sits down for a special solo conversation—answering thoughtful listener questions that span creativity, confidence, career longevity, leadership, and the magic that keeps artists going.

With over two decades of experience in the creative industry, Margo reflects on how her relationship with art has evolved, what she's learned from running The Foundry, and the advice she returns to again and again when mentoring artists.

Margo shares:

How she makes space for her own creativity—and what her personal art practice looks like now
Ways to quiet imposter syndrome and trust decades of lived creative experience
The artistic work she'd most love to take to marketplace and why
Her favorite and most challenging parts of creative work and leadership
How the rise of AI has shifted client interest in traditionally created artwork
The advice she gives artists most often—and what truly matters day to day
Lessons from trade shows, licensing, and running The Foundry
What keeps her going, where she finds creative magic, and why it's never too late to begin

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first month of The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/offers/XVKbuygV/checkout

www.homeawaystudio.co

Connect with Margo: * Website: www.windowsillchats.com * Instagram: @windowsillchats * www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill * https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Judith Henry joins Margo for a deeply honest and life-affirming conversation about caregiving, creativity, and what can unfold when we stay open to possibility at every age. A writer, artist, and podcaster, Judith shares how caring for her parents in the final chapter of their lives became the unexpected catalyst for an expansive creative journey—one rooted in humor, grit, color, and connection.

At 61, Judith wrote The Dutiful Daughter's Guide to Caregiving, a practical and compassionate resource born from lived experience. In her late 60s, she picked up her mother's paintbrushes and fell in love with visual art. And at 71, she launched One Mouthy Dame, a podcast empowering women to embrace aging with honesty, gratitude, and good humor. Margo and Judith discuss:

How caring for aging parents became a powerful (and unexpected) creative catalyst
The emotional realities of caregiving, including grief, guilt, humor, and deep connection
Writing The Dutiful Daughter's Guide to Caregiving as both memoir and practical support
Using humor as a survival tool during difficult seasons
Transitioning from writing into painting and mixed media later in life
Letting go of judgment and reclaiming creativity at any age
Launching a podcast in her 70s to speak honestly about aging, anxiety, and visibility
Falling in love with Kawandi-style quilting and how stitching, mending, and making can be deeply healing

Connect with Judith: * Book & Writing: https://www.JudithDHenry.com * Creative Work: https://www.JudithHenryCreative.com * Podcast: https://www.JudithHenryCreative.com/One-Mouthy-Dame

Connect with Margo: * Website: www.windowsillchats.com * Instagram: @windowsillchats * www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill * https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Daisy Fancourt—Professor of Psychobiology & Epidemiology at UCL and a globally recognized leader in understanding how creativity and social connection influence our health. From her early days designing arts programs inside hospitals to directing major WHO initiatives and publishing over 250 papers, Daisy has spent her career documenting the profound, measurable impact of creative engagement on stress, aging, recovery, cognition, and community wellbeing. In a world that often treats the arts as extra or a luxury, Daisy reframes them as essential—showing how even the simplest creative rituals can foster joy, resilience, health and a deeper sense of belonging in our everyday lives.

Margo and Daisy discuss:

How Daisy's early work in hospitals revealed the power of creativity as a health tool
What research shows about the arts reducing stress and supporting cognitive resilience
Why we're conditioned to see creativity as a luxury—and how to reframe it as necessity
The role of music, movement, and environment in emotional and physical healing
Innovative approaches like dance for Parkinson's and creative play for children with disabilities
How small, accessible creative habits can improve daily wellbeing
Why talent doesn't matter—process is what delivers the benefits

Mentioned in this episode: https://sbbresearch.org/

Connect with Daisy: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/44526-daisy-fancourt Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In the first episode of 2026, Margo invites listeners to join her in a conversation about beginning the year with intention—rather than pressure. Inspired by a recent Substack article by writer Suleika Jaouad, Margo reflects on themes of release, gentleness, and honoring the creative process over rigid resolutions and why this approach is so important for creatives. She also shares real responses from the Windowsill Chats community about what they're letting go of this year, from comparison and self-doubt to perfectionism and "shoulds." Margo explores why finite, manageable containers—like daily sketching, journaling, or mindful walks—can create scaffolding for a sustainable and supportive creative life. Mentioned in this episode: The Isolation Journals (Suleika Jaouad's Substack): https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/ Against resolutions - Suleika Jaouad on ritual, repetition, and the fantasy of starting over: https://post.substack.com/cp/182964621 Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh for part two of their heartfelt conversation where they discuss finding inspiration, committing time and energy to yourself, slowing down, and Sarah's Domestika class amongst more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping into mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans.

Connect with Sarah

www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends
www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh in this two part conversation where they go in-depth on finding motivation, leaning into intuition, how you can work on your true dream project today, by taking ahold of your time, and your yeses. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping in to mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Her creative upbringing and the influence her mom and grandma had on her
How having a child at a young age impacted her creative journey
Why creative ruts are actually important to our process and story
Being led intuitively
Having compassion for ourselves and giving grace
How to slow down and learning to say NO
Social media and self sabotage
What defines a dream project to Sarah
Learning what we could accomplish if we treated ourselves like we do our clients

Mentioned in this episode:

I Didn't Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore

I Just Like to Make Things: Learn the Secrets to Making Money while Staying Passionate about your Art and Craft by Lilla Rogers

Connect with Sarah

Www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends

www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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Margo Tantau is joined by artist, tax expert, and founder of Sunlight Tax, Hannah Cole, for a refreshingly human conversation about money, creativity, and her new book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed.

Hannah brings compassion, clarity, and humor to a topic many creatives carry shame, fear, or confusion around—and reframes taxes as something that can actually support creative, mission-driven work rather than stifle it.

Margo and Hannah discuss:

Why creative work is economically vital and plays a real role in shaping culture
How the tax system is designed for humans—not perfection—and includes room for forgiveness
Simple, realistic systems that make taxes easier for self-employed creatives
Tax incentives that actually exist to support artists and independent workers
How money shame shows up for creatives, and why it's completely normal
Why making mistakes with taxes doesn't mean you're "bad at money"
How compassion and clarity can coexist with practical financial systems

Connect with Hannah:

Book + Workbook: https://www.sunlighttax.com/book
Website: https://www.sunlighttax.com
Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn: @sunlighttax

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by watercolor landscape artist and muralist Juliene Sinclair, a creative whose passion for color runs as deep as the mountains she paints in. Juliene is dedicated to helping painters finally understand color—why it behaves the way it does, how to mix it with intention, and how mastering it can completely transform artistic confidence. She believes that once you grasp how color truly works, your entire creative world opens up. Juliene lives in the mountains with her husband, son, and two cats, and when she's not painting, she's likely geeking out about color theory or hiking steep trails with bear spray in hand.

Together, they explore the emotional and technical layers of color, the courage it takes to follow your creative curiosity, and why making art—imperfect, vibrant, deeply human art—is essential to feeling whole. Margo & Juliene Discuss:

Juliene's winding path to watercolor and murals, and how she found her creative voice
Why color feels intimidating for so many artists—and how to move from confusion to confidence
The power of intentional mixing and creating palettes that feel authentic to you
How limiting your palette can actually expand creativity and harmony
The emotional side of color—self-doubt, breakthroughs, and trusting the process
Creativity as essential human expression, not just a career path
Painting with her young son, and what kids teach us about fearless creativity

Submit Your Questions for Margo Tantau & Emily McDowell Connect with Juliene:

Website: www.julienesinclair.com
Instagram: @juliene.sinclair
YouTube: @julienesinclair

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: @windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist and joy-maker Kate Smith, the creative force behind Kate Smith Co.™, a brand dedicated to finding "the happy that's already here" in everyday moments. Kate has built a thriving career in greeting cards and art licensing, working with beloved partners in the U.S. and U.K. to create products that make people smile. From early success with her first brand, From Frank, to a full reimagining of her creative path, Kate's journey is filled with bold decisions, reinvention, and a commitment to following what feels joyful. She also spent seven years living and working full-time in an Airstream, a chapter that deeply shaped her artistic voice and philosophy.

Margo and Kate discuss:

Kate's early beginnings—from advertising to accidentally launching a greeting card line that landed in Target within a year
The rise of From Frank, her wildly popular first brand inspired by her French bulldog, and what it taught her about licensing, growth, and creativity
The pivotal decision to sell everything, hit the road in an Airstream, and shift her business fully into licensing
How travel, imperfection, and "found letters" influenced her signature design style and approach to joyful, approachable art
Navigating the fear phases of a creative career and learning to make decisions from hope instead of worry
How she thinks about long-term partnerships in licensing, staying authentic, and evolving her brand without losing its heart
What reinvention looks like now—new art prints, new mediums, and giving herself permission to embrace being an "artist"

Submit Your Questions for Margo Tantau & Emily McDowell

Connect with Kate:

www.katesmithcompany.com

www.instagram.com/katesmithcompany

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo sits down with Edgeworth Johnstone — a musician, painter, printmaker, and the unconventional creative force behind The Camden Market Free Art Man. With deep roots in the raw and gritty culture of Camden, Edgeworth has built a life around instinct-driven art, spirited collaboration, and connection through creativity.

He shares how a childhood love of music evolved into multiple bands, how discovering painting later unlocked a new artistic identity, and why giving away his work in exchange for stories has become one of his most meaningful projects yet. From working with the Black Ivory art collective to dreaming up a future artist commune in Thailand, Edgeworth reminds us that creativity thrives when we allow it to take us somewhere unexpected. Margo and Edgeworth discuss:

Camden's role in shaping underground music culture
The beauty and honesty of demo recordings, cassettes, and physical media
How falling into painting later in life opened a new world of creative expression
Joining the Stuckist art movement and experiences with outsider art at Tate Modern
Collaboration as a life-force: bands, collectives, and finding your people
The origins and growth of The Camden Market Free Art Man project
Trading art for connection — and what you learn from strangers
Unexpected adventures in Thailand and the dream of an artist commune
Trusting your gut, embracing risk, and following the path that feels alive
Why imperfection is often the truest mark of creativity

Connect with Edgestone:Website: https://edgeworth.blogInstagram: www.instagram.com/edgeworth.blog Inspired by lately: Ron Throop, Emma Pugmire

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo sits down with artist, writer, and creative director Amy Lohr to talk about the nonlinear, magical, and sometimes messy journey of reclaiming your creative voice. Amy shares how a personal "creative awakening" helped her move through body dysmorphia and social anxiety, and how painting, writing, and photography became tools for healing and deeper self-understanding.

They explore the spiritual and practical sides of creativity—from living off-grid in Hawaii, to writing her book Like the Sun at Midday, to embracing curiosity in all its unexpected forms (yes, including papier-mâché and xylophones). Amy also dives into the power of branding and storytelling, and how she helps entrepreneurs and visionaries express the heart of their work with clarity and soul.

Margo and Amy Discuss: * Amy's personal creative awakening and how it reshaped her life * Moving through body dysmorphia and social anxiety via self-expression * Following odd, intuitive creative pulls (like new mediums and playful experiments) * Her time living off-grid in Hawaii and the spiritual experiences that shaped her artistry * The influence of mentors—including a counterculture elder with childhood ties to Bobo the gorilla * Writing Like the Sun at Midday and what it taught her about listening, presence, and surrender * The real "soft skills" behind creative confidence: courage, slowness, vulnerability, being seen * How branding and storytelling help creatives express their essence and connect with their audience * Why your art matters not just for you, but for the world

Connect with Amy: Website: www.amyinfullcolor.comBook: www.likethesunatmidday.com Instagram: @amyinfullcolor

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo sits down with internationally bestselling poet and storyteller Courtney Peppernell. Known for her Pillow Thoughts series and many other beloved poetry collections, Courtney has spent nearly a decade writing about love, healing, and the resilience that carries us through life's hardest moments. Her words have reached millions across the globe, offering comfort and connection through the power of honest storytelling.

In this conversation, Courtney shares how her creative journey has evolved—from "accidental poet" to global literary voice—and how her newest book, Out of the Ashes, explores rising after trauma, recognizing emotional abuse, and learning what healthy love truly looks like. She and Margo also discuss community, vulnerability, and the whimsical characters (yes, jellyfish!) that make her work so unique.

Margo & Courtney Discuss: * How Pillow Thoughts went from Tumblr blog to international bestseller * Recognizing emotional abuse and reclaiming your voice * Why vulnerability in storytelling fosters connection and healing * Building a creative career rooted in authenticity * The importance of community — online and IRL * Using anger and grief as catalysts for growth * The charming characters that have become symbols throughout her books * What's next: fiction, exciting new projects, and a whole lot of dogs

Connect with Courtney: Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtneypeppernell TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@courtneypeppernell Website: www.peppernell.com Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Join the Confident Creative Workshop (November 17th-20th)

Margo welcomes internationally acclaimed lettering artist, illustrator, author, and creative mentor Martina Flor to the show. Originally trained as a graphic designer in Argentina, Martina took a leap of faith that led her to Berlin — and eventually to building one of the most recognized lettering studios in the world. Through bold choices, ongoing experimentation, and a belief in the power of claiming your identity, she has carved out a career filled with artistry, entrepreneurship, and community.

Martina opens up about what it really looks like to follow your passion before the world has validated it — from printing "lettering artist" on her business cards long before she had clients, to trusting that the right environment and relationships can transform everything.

Margo and Martina discuss: * Martina's journey from Argentina to Berlin and how a new environment shaped her career * The moment she claimed the title "lettering artist" — and the ripple effect it created * Why community, mentorship, and visibility are essential for creative growth * How to charge confidently and build a financially sustainable art career * Key business strategies for finding clients and marketing your work authentically * The importance of a supportive team behind any thriving creative business * Balancing commercial work with personal projects and ongoing learning * Using storytelling to build a magnetic brand that attracts aligned clients * Navigating transitions and creative risk with curiosity and courage * Her advice for artists who want to turn passion into profession — without burning out

Connect with Martina: Website: https://www.martinaflor.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/martinaflor The Golden Secrets of Lettering Book Make It Book

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo sits down with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum—better known as The Brownstone Boys—a Brooklyn-based couple, award-winning interior designers, and renovation experts known for their ability to breathe new life into historic homes while keeping design fresh, livable, and true to their roots.

What began as a shared passion project to restore their first brownstone quickly became a creative business built on authenticity, approachability, and an unshakable belief in learning by doing. Without formal design training, Barry and Jordan leaned on curiosity, community, and sheer persistence to grow their brand into one of the most trusted names in renovation. Along the way, they've worked with clients like Kerry Washington and Peloton's Anna Greenberg, launched collaborations with brands like Blueprint Lighting, and released their debut book For the Love of Renovating.

Together, they share what it means to build a business (and a life) together, how to stay grounded in your values, and why the most beautiful spaces often come from imperfect beginnings.

Margo, Barry and Jordan discuss:

How a bike ride through Brooklyn led to a shared dream of restoring a brownstone—and building a creative business from the ground up.
The early days of The Brownstone Boys and how posting their real-life renovation journey online unexpectedly launched a design career.
Learning by doing—why neither formal training nor perfectionism are prerequisites for success.
The power of authenticity on social media and how showing the real moments built their loyal community.
Finding balance and clarity in a creative partnership—how Barry and Jordan divide roles, communicate, and keep their vision aligned.
Their signature design philosophy: honoring history while adding a clean, modern touch.
How playlists and personal stories inspire their design process and make every project feel soulful and lived-in.
The importance of humility, collaboration, and staying curious in creative work.

Connect with Barry + Jordan: https://thebrownstoneboys.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brownstoneboys/ https://www.tiktok.com/@brownstoneboys https://www.pinterest.com/BrownstoneBoys/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OJXUbPjR8JqoE099QwUOw

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In Part 3 of the Dawn Dusk series, where Margo explores the creative forces behind the documentary, she sits down with Emmy-winning composer Silas Hite, whose music spans blockbuster films, hit TV shows, museum installations, bestselling video games, and award-winning commercials. With over two decades of experience and an unmatched ability to move between genres, Silas shares how an early love of rhythm and melody grew into a multifaceted career in composing and recording.

They explore how the industry has shifted over the years — from strikes to the rise of AI — and how Silas balances commercial projects with deeply personal creative work. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at his collaborative process, translating visual stories into sound, and the joy of creative experimentation.

Margo and Silas discuss:

Silas' early inspirations and how his musical path evolved from performing to composing
Navigating major industry shifts and the impact of AI on music creation
The art of translating visual storytelling into sound, including scoring Dawn Dusk
Balancing commercial projects with personal artistry and creative fulfillment
Why being a musical generalist has been key to Silas' success
Insights into composing for short formats like commercials and TV segments
The inspiration and creative process behind Chicha Macabre and My Happy Place
Upcoming projects and how personal work keeps his creativity thriving

Connect with Silas:https://www.silashite.com/ https://www.instagram.com/silas_hite https://soundcloud.com/satincowboy https://www.facebook.com/SilasHiteComposer/

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In Part 2 of a special Dawn Dusk series, Margo sits down with designer and maker Chelli Look, whose story is at the center of the documentary Dawn Dusk. Directed by Jason and Blue Gerber, the film follows Chelli's journey through grief and healing after the devastating loss of her sister to domestic violence.

In this conversation, Chelli shares how creating leather handbags under her brand CHC became both a lifeline and a language for navigating profound loss. She offers her perspective on how the documentary came to be, what it means to create beauty amidst grief, and how creativity continues to shape her work as a designer, advocate, and visual storyteller. Through her story, we're reminded of the resilience found in making and the quiet strength of simply being.

Margo and Chelli discuss:

How the documentary Dawn Dusk unfolded from Chelli's perspective
The role of creativity and design in navigating grief and emotional recovery
Why beauty is a necessity—not a luxury—in the healing process
How CHC handbags became a vessel for processing and storytelling
The evolution of Chelli's work as an advocate for domestic violence survivors
Learning to slow down, be present, and allow healing to unfold over time

Connect with Chelli: https://www.dawnduskfilm.com/trailer https://www.chellilook.com/ www.instagram.com/chelli_look www.instagram.com/dawnduskfilm

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In this episode of Creative Current Events, Margo and Abby dive into a whirlwind of fascinating stories and fresh perspectives from the worlds of creativity, tech, and everyday life. They chat about the accidental invention of the snow globe and the surprising rise of art fairs hosted in U-Haul trucks — celebrating human resourcefulness and the scrappy side of creativity.

They also dig into AI and authenticity — from lawsuits against media companies accused of data theft, to AI-generated actors in Hollywood, and the ethical gray areas of algorithm-driven platforms like Spotify. Together, Margo and Abby unpack how these developments are reshaping creative industries and what it means to stay human in a data-driven world.

Whether you’re a maker, dreamer, or just looking for a new lens on today’s creative headlines, this episode proves that inspiration is everywhere — sometimes in the most unexpected places.

Articles Mentioned:

AI Lawsuits: Japanese Media Giants vs. Perplexity
AI Actor Sparks Outrage in Hollywood
Cities & Memory: Global Sound Mapping Project
The Sphere: Wizard of Oz Experience
Magnopus: Storytelling Through Immersive Tech
Banana Republic’s Vintage Catalog Revival
Carhartt x Bethany Yellowtail Collaboration
Coach’s Coffee Shops Connect with Gen Z
Ugmonk: Intentional Design Meets the Analog To-Do List

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by husband-and-wife directing duo Jason & Blue Gerber, an award-winning team working across films and commercials. Their creative synergy has led them to direct for brands like Walgreens, 7UP, Chipotle, Intelligentsia, and LOEWE, while also producing heartfelt storytelling work for organizations such as The Boys & Girls Clubs, Athletes Unlimited, and Lincoln Park Community Services. Their short film Otis’ Dream, about voter suppression, was shared by Oprah as an official Super Soul Sunday short film, and their commercial and nonprofit work has been recognized with industry honors including a Silver Telly Award. Together, Jason & Blue bring both tactful precision and deep feeling into everything they create, evoking imagination and authentic human narratives as one voice.

In this conversation, Margo, Jason, and Blue dive into the power of collaboration, storytelling that heals, and the journey of their new feature documentary, Dawn Dusk.

Margo, Jason & Blue discuss:

From college pals to co-directors: how their friendship at Columbia College Chicago grew into a collaborative career.
What it takes to truly direct as a duo—prep, trust, communication, and playing to each other’s strengths.
Choosing projects that center the human spirit, resilience, and creativity.
How a short five-minute idea evolved into the four-year feature documentary Dawn Dusk, following artist Chelli Look’s journey of grief and healing through her leather goods business, CHC.
The role of composer Silas Hite’s score as the “unseen narrator” guiding the emotion of the film.
Why experimentation, patience, and deep listening are essential for creative work that connects.
Lessons from navigating both commercial and narrative filmmaking, and how storytelling always comes back to empathy.

Connect with Jason & Blue Website: jasonandblue.com Film Website: dawnduskfilm.com/trailer Instagram: @jasonandblue, @dawnduskfilm

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by the ever-creative and generous Tamara Honaman. Tammy is a passionate jewelry artist, educator, mentor, and connector who has spent more than 30 years inspiring others to explore their creativity. From publishing and television to workshops, books, and now her own podcast and maker community, Tammy’s career has been defined by helping others feel empowered to make something beautiful.

As the host of Heart & Hands of a Maker and founder of the Mixed Media Makers community, Tammy shares stories, resources, and techniques that make art more approachable for everyone. She’s also the author of several books—including her newest release, Projects and Techniques for Metal Clay Jewelry—and continues to teach across the U.S. and internationally. With a brand-new studio space and a full calendar of workshops and shows ahead, Tammy is embracing this next chapter with her trademark heart and enthusiasm.

Margo and Tammy discuss:

How one color-filled polymer clay project (and a “no torches in the house” rule!) changed the trajectory of her life
Decades in publishing: from Lapidary Journal and Interweave to producing 13 series of Beads, Baubles & Jewels for PBS
Why teaching and mentorship are at the heart of everything she does—and how she helps others feel confident and creative
Tips for aspiring teachers and anyone who wants to carve out more time for creativity
The story behind her brand-new studio and her latest book, Projects and Techniques for Metal Clay Jewelry
Why “permission to try”—and to fail—is one of the most powerful tools a maker can have

Connect with Tammy: www.tamarahonaman.com

instagram.com/tamarahonaman

https://www.facebook.com/TamaraHonaman

https://open.spotify.com/show/1DRnpkazZDNFScrZ03pLnU?si=8f110053efc1445d

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAUEiuRH8Q-bykMuxsnJAnA

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Anna Holzman, a therapist-turned-coach who helps sensitive creatives and entrepreneurs move through the fear of visibility and launch the work that feels most true to them. After 15 years in TV and publishing—and many false starts on her own creative dreams—burnout and chronic pain led Anna to discover nervous system tools that helped her unblock her voice and show up for the work she loves. Now she helps others melt through imposter syndrome, bring their creative visions to life, and share them boldly. She also hosts the podcast How to Trust Yourself.

Margo and Anna discuss:

What’s happening in your nervous system when you want to launch something but feel stuck
How to dialogue with fear instead of fighting it
Why squashing fear often backfires
The importance of social support and safety when showing up visibly
Why sensitive voices are needed in today’s noisy world
The perniciousness of comparison among creatives
Graded exposure therapy
Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and creative blocks
Understanding customer's perspectives

Connect with Anna: www.annaholtzman.com https://www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/ How to Trust Yourself podcast: https://pod.link/1679033028

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist and founder behind Beenanza Design, Bethany Andrews Nichols. A returning friend of the show, Bethany shares how her creative practice has evolved over the past few years—expanding her Burlington, Vermont studio into a hub for block printing workshops and collaborations with brands like King Arthur Flour and Cabot Cheese, developing her new DIY printing kit Coverall, and launching a block-printed fabric line with Stash Fabrics. Along the way, she opens up about navigating feedback, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the persistence it takes to keep moving forward.

Margo and Bethany discuss:

How Bethany’s studio has evolved into a creative hub for workshops and collaborations
Developing a DIY block printing kit
Using feedback (even tough feedback) to refine ideas and keep creativity alive
Building accountability and creative connections that move projects forward
Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and creative exploration
Why starting before you’re “ready” is often the best way forward

Connect with Bethany:

https://www.beenanzadesign.com/partnerships https://www.instagram.com/beenanza.design/ https://www.beenanzadesign.com/monthly-calendar/sept-25

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

Margo is joined by Cassie McDaniel, Head of Design at Medium, where she leads product design, brand, and research. Cassie has also brought her design expertise to companies like Lattice, Webflow, Glitch, and Mozilla Foundation, and she’s passionate about simplifying complex workflows while creating space for more meaningful design. Beyond her professional roles, Cassie is a painter, writer, DIY renovator, and environmental conservation group member—someone who embodies the importance of building a life rich with creativity both in and outside of work.

In this conversation, Cassie and Margo explore what it means to be a well-rounded creative leader, how personal passions fuel professional innovation, and why design belongs at the leadership table. Cassie also gives us a peek behind the curtain at Medium’s evolving design approach, including how her team thinks about content consumption, new UX navigation, and experiments with AI.

Margo and Cassie discuss:

The case for doing things outside your job and how hobbies unlock new creative potential
How writing serves as “exercise for the brain” and a counterbalance to a busy design career
Cassie’s approach to mentorship, including hiring, coaching, and guiding designers at all levels
A behind-the-scenes look at design at Medium, from flat minimalism to layered storytelling
How a family legacy of persistence, from chicken farming to dentistry, shaped Cassie’s approach to creativity and leadership
Lessons from Cassie’s career across Webflow, Glitch, Mozilla, and Medium, and why foundational creative skills translate to digital spaces
What makes Medium unique as a platform for authentic stories, connection, and community
The value of saying yes to new opportunities, co-designing with communities, and learning from every experience
Balancing leadership, writing, and motherhood while still making time for passion projects at home

Learn more about Cassie here:

Website: cassiemcdaniel.com
Medium: cassiebegins.medium.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cassiemc
Instagram: @cassiebegins

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Save the date for Medium Day 2025: https://medium.com/blog/save-the-date-for-medium-day-2025-50b1f15de07d

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

In episode two of this two-part series, Margo continues her conversation with watercolor artist, creative mentor, and founder of Blue Pine Arts, Trupti Karjinni. In part one, Trupti shared her journey from building a thriving art supply and teaching business to experiencing burnout and rebuilding a more aligned, sustainable creative life. Here, the conversation shifts into the how: the mindset, methods, and strategies behind building a soulful teaching business that truly supports artists both creatively and financially.

Margo and Trupti discuss:

Why “Big Box Mentor” launch advice often fails creative, heart-centered artists.
Trupti’s Artist’s Launch Blueprint for burnout-free, spacious course launches.
Building community and creative sovereignty through teaching.
Navigating the emotions of entrepreneurship as a neurodivergent, heart-led artist.
How teaching can be the most liberating and profitable step for artists.
Encouragement for the artist who secretly dreams of teaching but feels overwhelmed.

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat Connect with Trupti:

Download Trupti’s free ebook Creative Teaching Stories Blue Pine Arts Follow Trupti on Instagram Follow Blue Pine Arts on Instagram Watch Trupti on YouTube

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by watercolor artist, creative mentor, and founder of Blue Pine Arts, Trupti Karjinni. Since 2017, Trupti has taught over 45,000 students worldwide, guiding them to fall in love with watercolor while building confidence and creative joy. Today, she paints serene landscapes from the Canadian Rockies, creates handcrafted art supplies, and mentors artists who dream of teaching their art through courses, memberships, and retreats.

Together, they unpack Trupti’s journey from burnout to building a soul-aligned creative business that supports both artistic expression and financial freedom.

Margo and Trupti discuss:

The path from making paints by hand to building Blue Pine Arts.
Trupti’s transition from teaching on platforms like Skillshare to creating her own courses.
What caused her creative burnout and how she rebuilt on her own terms.
Why artists get stuck in hustle-mode (and how to break free).
The importance of aligning your teaching business with your creative energy.
How artists can honor both their creativity and financial goals.

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat Connect with Trupti:

Download Trupti’s free ebook Creative Teaching Stories Blue Pine Arts Follow Trupti on Instagram Follow Blue Pine Arts on Instagram Watch Trupti on YouTube

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby are back with another round of Creative Current Events—covering design awards, the state of the creative industry, the role of AI in unexpected places, massive murals, and even Christmas tree tariffs. They share thought-provoking articles, fun finds, and the latest creative headlines worth your attention.

Mentioned in this episode:

2025 London Design Award Season 2
Why You Shouldn't Give Up on the Creative Industry Just Yet
How AI Infiltrated Perfume
The Death of Industrial Design and the Era of Dull Electronics
Tallest Mural in Phoenix – Leila Parnian’s Record-Breaking Work
Leila Parnian Instagram
Fewer Fake Firs, Higher Prices: China Tariff Delay Does Little to Save the Holidays
HBO Logo Flaw Reel
Sundance Closure

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the modern revival of punch needle rug hooking, Micah Clasper-Torch. Based in Los Angeles, Micah’s work blurs the lines between art, craft, and design, creating one-of-a-kind textile pieces that range from coats and accessories to wall hangings and soft sculpture.

With a background in fashion design from both The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Micah weaves together her love of fine art, heritage craft, and wearable design. In 2019 she became a certified Oxford Punch Needle Instructor and, in 2020, launched Punch Needle World, an online community, shop, and educational platform dedicated to uplifting the craft and its history. Her debut book, Punch Needle Fashion (Quadrille, June 2025), brings punch needle into the world of contemporary fashion with 15 original projects and a beautifully photographed exploration of the medium.

Margo and Micah discuss:

Micah’s journey from fashion design to punch needle leadership
The revival of punch needle and its fascinating history
How tailoring and handmade construction shape her work
The inspiration behind Punch Needle Fashion and what sets it apart
Building creative community through Punch Needle World
Tips for beginners (including her go-to needle size!)
Embracing the blur between art, craft, and fashion

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat Connect with Micah

https://www.micahclasper-torch.com/

https://www.punchneedleworld.com/

https://www.instagram.com/claspertorch

https://www.instagram.com/punchneedle.world Punch Needle Fashion Book - https://tinyurl.com/mrx5rmez

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

What if color could completely change the way you see the world? This week Margo is joined by Ana Bianchi—artist, designer, illustrator, and now the author of Color Curious, her vibrant new book with Chronicle Books. Ana’s lifelong love of color has taken her from children’s books to ceramics to joyful, intuitive “color harvesting” everywhere from gardens to street markets. Her work spans disciplines, but the throughline is always color—how it inspires, connects, and transforms.

Part visual diary, part creative toolkit, Color Curious is packed with gorgeous photography, illustration, patterns, paintings, ceramics, and colorful bakes. Alongside the images, Ana weaves in her deep curiosity for art history, world cultures, and creative ideas, making it a true celebration of the colorful threads running through everyday life.

Margo and Ana discuss:

How to train your “color eye” in everyday life
Why curiosity is the root of creative confidence
Fun, approachable ways to experiment with color (even if you don’t consider yourself an artist)
How she’s turning decades of creative experience into resources like her Color Curious Substack and theCONSULTORY—her creative “ask me anything” help desk for artists and makers

Pre-order bonus: Everyone who preorders Color Curious and emails a copy of their receipt to colorcuriousbook@gmail.com or DMs it to Ana on Instagram @AnaLovesColor will receive a link for a private art class with her via Zoom on September 19th.

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat Connect with Ana: Website: AnaLovesColor.com Instagram: @AnaLovesColor | @AnaBakesColor Pre-order the book: Color Curious TheConsultory: AnaLovesColor.com/theconsultory

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by illustrator, surface designer, educator, and art business mentor Vanessa Stoilova—better known online as Art Business with Ness. Since 2015, Vanessa has navigated the creative industry from mobile games to picture book illustration to surface design, and now shares her hard-earned insights with thousands of aspiring artists through her courses, YouTube channel, and mentorship programs.

Vanessa has a knack for making the business side of art feel approachable, actionable, and even exciting. In this conversation, she and Margo dig into how to position yourself for real opportunities, land clients without waiting to “be discovered,” and build a sustainable creative career.

They discuss:

Building a client-ready portfolio before you get hired
What actually works when pitching yourself (and why Instagram isn’t enough)
Why niching down doesn’t limit you—it frees you
Creating her own online art business summit with 20+ teachers
How to stop overthinking and start making moves toward your goals

Sign Up for the Sylva Solace Creative Resilience Retreat: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat Links & Resources:

Free 3-day training: Your First Step to Illustration Clients
YouTube: Art Business with Ness

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by color-obsessed illustrator and joyful creative spirit, Andrea Campos. Known to many as the talent behind Drea’s Doodles, Andrea shares her unconventional journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a full-time visual artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator. What started as a personal art challenge during the pandemic turned into an extraordinary pivot—leading to illustrating a bilingual children’s book co-authored by none other than Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon.

Margo and Andrea talk about the magic of starting before you’re ready, the power of creative challenges, and how community can shift your entire trajectory. Andrea shares on embracing her playful voice, navigating imposter syndrome, and showing up authentically as a first-generation Mexican American artist. Margo and Andrea discuss:

Andrea’s path from corporate marketing to full-time creative work
How an art challenge sparked a major publishing opportunity
Embracing a joyful, playful art style despite industry expectations
Building creative confidence and community on Instagram
Illustrating Con Pollo and being featured on The Tonight Show
The value of representation and storytelling through a bilingual lens
Using art to invite empathy and spark connection
Her upcoming solo book project and the character that inspired it
The importance of creative “side quests” and making art just for fun

Connect with Andrea: https://instagram.com/dreasdoodles

dreasdoodles.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@dreasdoodles

Tips for Kids Books!

https://dreasdoodles.substack.com/p/new-to-kidlit-here-are-my-favorite Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by photographer, slow stylist, and storyteller Katie Howie. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Katie brings a thoughtful, refined eye to everything she touches—whether she’s capturing a family in motion, styling a cozy and intentional home, or consulting with small businesses on creative strategy. Katie shares her journey from studying psychology and women’s studies, to a decade in retail marketing, and ultimately to finding her creative footing as a visual storyteller. Margo and Katie explore the power of slow living and how Katie’s “slow styling” philosophy helps people reconnect with what truly matters in their homes and their lives. Margo and Katie discuss:

Katie's transition from psychology studies and retail marketing to creative entrepreneurship
The origins and meaning of "slow styling" and bringing personalized, accessible touches to home design
The power of storytelling in both portrait photography and interior styling
Building authentic creative businesses through community engagement rather than paid advertising
The importance of staying true to your unique style over following trends
How family legacy, history, and personal objects inspire and shape creative work
Katie's community photo projects, including her "By a Thread" series profiling downtown Saint Paul residents
Working with families and real people to capture genuine moments rather than posed perfection
The therapeutic value of using and repurposing family heirlooms in daily life
Practical advice for creatives on finding their voice, sharing their work, and creating from authenticity

Connect with Katie: http://katiehowie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_katiehowie https://www.instagram.com/by_a.thread_saintpaul

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker—two powerhouse painters, illustrators, authors, and beloved art teachers whose friendship and creative partnership has taken them (and their students) around the world. Jennifer and Gayle each spent years in fast-paced industries—Jennifer as a textile designer in NYC, Gayle as a fashion illustrator and editorial artist—before embracing slower, more intuitive practices rooted in daily sketchbooking, storytelling, and teaching. Together, Jennifer and Gayle lead collaborative retreats and online workshops that encourage creative exploration and self-expression. Their work is joyful, bold, and filled with heart—and they’re deeply committed to helping others find their voice. In this rich and honest conversation, they talk about letting go of “shoulds,” walking away from stale opportunities, and trusting their own timing—whether that meant leaving agents behind, stepping into teaching, or creating space for personal transformation. Margo, Jennifer, and Gayle discuss:

How daily sketchbook practice became their creative anchor
Why process is more important than perfection
How their retreats have opened doors for their students—and for themselves
The power of artistic community and creative friendship
Why five minutes a day can change everything
How their individual journeys led them to a shared mission in teaching and creating

Mentioned in this episode: July 27th Class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-faces-florals-and-pattern-play-with-gayle-jennifer-registration-1459034243699

Portugal Retreat: https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-portugal

Chloe Ward Yoga: https://www.chloeward.yoga/

Zig Markers: https://www.markersupply.com/zigartgrtwma.html?srsltid=AfmBOop1y1ZX-zYJX7i3b7ByZnqncJPHQ7NZ9tRDzucQ3KLAc-YukjFU

Tombow Markers: https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-dual-brush-pens/?srsltid=AfmBOorG6HNbBOGAP7igbmAxApp9GwjjeT6vqaJn0B7EBkt-IFO7SS5j

Connect with Jennifer:

https://www.augustwren.com/

https://augustwren.substack.com/subscribe

https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/

Connect with Gayle:

www.gkabaker.com

https://gaylekabaker.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/gaylekabake

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby are back with another installment of Creative Current Events, a special segment of Windowsill Chats where creativity, culture, and community collide. This episode spans a range of creative topics—from Beloved Asheville’s heartfelt relief efforts in Kerrville, Texas, to the ripple effects of rising postage costs and UPS layoffs on small creative businesses. They dig into a major fair use ruling involving Anthropic that could impact the future of AI-generated content, and explore how tools like Canva’s Magic Write are giving small businesses fresh ways to create with confidence. They also spotlight sustainability-minded artists turning trash into treasure—and an unexpected art gallery found in a Texas truck stop bathroom. As always, it’s a curious and timely mix of what’s happening now and what it means for the creative world. Articles Mentioned:

UPS offers buyouts to drivers as it shutters 73 sites, laying off 20,000 jobs
Anthropic wins a major fair use victory for AI — but it’s still in trouble for stealing books
How to use AI as a small entrepreneur
Summerween - It’s back!
Octogenarian Says Joy Is Contagious
Turning glass into sand!
https://glasshalffull.co/
Visualising Britain's fashion waste problem with cyanotype photography
A world first in size and scale, V&A East Storehouse immerses you in over half a million works from every creative discipline.
Texas’s Hottest Art Gallery Is the Buc-ee’s Bathroom
Unwasted transforms local waste streams into tiles

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Andee Hart, a former Fortune 500 sales executive turned thriving creative entrepreneur, candle maker, and coach who helps women overcome sales anxiety and grow their businesses with integrity. As host of the She Sells Differently podcast and founder of Hart Design Co., Andee brings her bold, heart-centered approach to entrepreneurship—and in this episode, she shares her powerful journey from side hustle to full-time business ownership.

Margo and Andee discuss:

Making the leap from corporate sales to creative entrepreneurship
Building a thriving product-based business from the kitchen up
Navigating fear and perfectionism when starting something new
Why selling doesn’t have to feel “icky” and how to reframe it as service
The power of email marketing and why it trumps social media
Strategies for pricing your work with confidence and integrity
Approaching retailers for wholesale partnerships
Knowing who your customers aren’t (and why that’s freeing)
Andee’s counter-cultural approach to sales and marketing

Connect with Andee:

Website: https://andeehart.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andeehart/

Hart Design Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartdesignco/

Andee’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andeehart/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shesellsdifferently/

She Sells Differently Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-sells-differently-authentic-selling-business-growth/id1731402504

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by rising country artist Krystal King, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with roots in North Carolina and a background in music therapy. With her raw, emotionally laced vocals and vivid, imagery-rich storytelling, Krystal brings a fresh take on a classic country sound—infused with folk, soul, blues, and rock.

After studying music therapy at Appalachian State University and working in psychiatric care, Krystal made the bold move to Nashville in 2017 with nothing but her guitar and a calling she couldn’t ignore. Since then, she’s self-produced her debut album Pretty Poison, performed on iconic stages like the Bluebird Café, and become a DJ on SiriusXM’s Radio Margaritaville.

Margo and Krystal discuss:

The emotional layers behind songwriting
How music therapy shaped her creative approach
Producing her own album + building a supportive team
Performing across the country and trusting the process
Courage, creativity, and the nervous system connection
Staying honest, quirky, and grounded in the country music world

Connect with Krystal: www.krystalkingmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/krystalkingmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/Krystalkingmusic/

https://www.tiktok.com/@krystalkingmusic

https://www.youtube.com/@krystalkingmusic

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

This week on Windowsill Chats, Margo is joined by Mary McGreevy, the creative mind behind the viral TikTok account Tips From Dead People. What began as a curious, ironic hobby—reading obituaries for life advice—has blossomed into a meaningful exploration of what it means to live well. With a background in public policy and a penchant for heartfelt storytelling, Mary has built a community around the simple idea that there’s wisdom in the words left behind.

Margo and Mary explore how obituaries—whether poignant, irreverent, funny, or achingly honest—reveal what really matters at the end of the day. They talk about how quirks, flaws, and tiny joys shape the legacies we leave behind, why zigzagging through careers and passions can be more fulfilling than following a set path, and how embracing our humanity—mess and all—creates space for connection.

Mary and Margo discuss:

The beginnings of Tips From Dead People and how it evolved from a personal hobby into a viral phenomenon
Why traditional career advice like “find your passion” can be misleading
How reading obituaries illuminates the richness of so-called “ordinary” lives
The value of quirks, humor, and imperfections in shaping how we’re remembered
Shifting our definition of success from accolades to meaningful details
Creating inclusive spaces built on shared humanity
Why being a generalist in life and career can be a strength, not a weakness
What obituaries can teach us about writing (and rewriting) our own life stories
How weird, one-off ideas often turn out to be the most impactful
The healing, grounding power of stories—especially those from unexpected places

Connect with Mary: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tipsfromdeadpeople

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tipsfromdeadpeople/

Substack: https://substack.com/@tipsfromdeadpeople

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby are back and diving into mosaic mania, bold color trends, and major shakeups in the creative world in this episode of Creative Current Events, a special segment of Windowsill Chats. This curious and timely conversation covers everything from headline-making news to the creative tools and trends shaping what’s next. They unpack the big story of Michaels acquiring Joann Fabrics and what it could mean for artists, crafters, and small-town makers alike. They also explore the surprising team-up between Disney and Universal in a lawsuit against MidJourney that could reshape the future of AI-generated art, along with the rise of biophilic design, the comeback of mosaics, and Sherwin-Williams’ new “loneliest” color.

Articles Mentioned:

Michaels acquires Joann Fabrics
Disney & Universal sue MidJourney over AI use
Ariadne AI toolkit for arts education
Top wall art trends for 2025
Biophilic design and color drenching
Sherwin-Williams: The Loneliest Color
Pantone Color of the Year in review
Why mosaics are having a moment
Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring in 108 gigapixels
Extreme mold threatening museum collections
12 traits of creative people
Traits that will define next-gen creative leaders
Meta used my book for AI training... and I didn’t mind
Find artist calls and open submissions
Artwork Archive: Call for Entry
My Friends by Hisham Matar
James Clear’s 3-2-1 Thursdays

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Carolyn Gavin returns to Windowsill Chats for a joy-filled conversation about painting, purpose, and the evolution of her creative life. Based in Toronto by way of South Africa, Carolyn is a painter, illustrator, designer, and teacher known for her joyful use of color and pattern across mediums from watercolor to acrylic. She’s also the principal designer for Ecojot, her family’s eco-friendly stationery brand, and a beloved teacher to students around the world.

In this episode, Carolyn shares the winding path of her creative journey—from childhood painting sessions to licensing her artwork for textiles and books, designing products, and leading retreats in beautiful locations. She opens up about the meditative power of painting, how travel and nature influence her process, and what it means to show up again and again for your art with playful curiosity.

Margo and Carolyn Discuss:

Transitioning from advertising to co-founding Ecojot, a sustainable stationery brand
How travel and living across cultures shaped her creative perspective
Embracing bold, joyful color and large-scale experimentation
The meditative power of painting as daily grounding Overcoming creative ruts and finding flow again
Her playful balance between structure and spontaneity in art-making
Translating flowers, landscapes, and real-world inspiration into distinctive work
Building community through teaching—both online and at global retreats
Advice for artists pursuing teaching, licensing, and product-based careers
Navigating the business of art while maintaining personal joy and family life
The ongoing importance of learning, evolving, and being inspired by others

Connect with Carolyn:

www.carolyngavin.com

www.instagram.com/carolynj

https://www.facebook.com/carolynjennygavin

https://ca.pinterest.com/carolyn_gavin/_saved/

https://www.threads.com/@carolynj

Connect with Margo: https://www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/

https://www.patreon.com/c/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Swedish designer, illustrator, and educator Tina Backman for an inspiring conversation about creativity, self-discovery, and the winding path of a creative life.

From a shy childhood filled with drawing, journaling, and music, Tina shares how creativity became her truest language—and how that expression evolved into an international career in design, education, and branding. Margo and Tina explore the realities of navigating a creative career: the pressure to pursue “practical” paths, the challenges of freelance life, and the courage it takes to follow your inner voice.

Tina also opens up about rebuilding her creative presence after losing her Instagram account, the magic of physical creative spaces, and why gathering with other women has been essential to her journey. It’s a rich, vulnerable, and empowering episode filled with lessons on resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming creative joy.

Topics discussed by Margo and Tina:

Using creativity as a safe space and communication tool in childhood
The tension between societal expectations and following an artistic path
Tina’s experiences studying in the UK vs. Sweden—and how that shaped her work
Transitioning from international freelance work to teaching design
How to recognize when a project isn’t the right fit (and why that matters)
Why Tina created her own studio—and how it reignited her inspiration
The importance of community and local creative gatherings for women
Balancing creative work with full-time roles, like branding for a Swedish municipality
Tips for presenting creative ideas in a way that resonates with clients
Honoring your past creative work, even when life gets busy

Connect with Tina:

https://tinabackman.se/

https://www.instagram.com/tinabackmandesignstudio/

Connect with Margo: https://www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/

https://www.patreon.com/c/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In this episode of Windowsill Chats, Margo is joined by the brilliant and multifaceted Vincent Wanga—an international design thought leader, award-winning creative executive, keynote speaker, and author of The Art of Direction. With a career spanning two decades, Vince has not only built brands but built pathways for creatives to rise into leadership, blending vision, empathy, and business acumen. Margo and Vince dive deep into the rarely talked about pivot from doing creative work to leading it—unpacking the realities behind creative direction and what it truly takes to thrive in high-impact leadership roles.

Margo and Vince discuss:

What creative directors actually do—and why no one talks about it
The soft skills that define strong leadership (spoiler: empathy leads the pack)
Navigating the blurred line between creativity and strategy
How to lead with integrity and inspiration in fast-paced, tech-forward industries
Vince’s personal journey from designer to executive at a billion-dollar startup
The importance of mentorship and representation in creative leadership
How creatives can stay grounded in their artistry while scaling their careers
Actionable tips from The Art of Direction for moving beyond individual contributor roles
Why AI won’t replace the creative soul—but how we do need to adapt

Whether you’re a designer, artist, or creative professional wondering what’s next, this conversation will equip you with clarity, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Connect with Vince: https://www.vincentwanga.com

Book: The Art of Direction

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga

Connect with Margo: https://www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/

https://www.patreon.com/c/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Molly Balint, creative entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of the SOFT Business movement. Molly helps women break away from hustle culture to build businesses that are as nourishing as they are profitable—centered around heart, balance, and alignment. With a background in storytelling, community-building, and soulful mentorship, Molly brings a grounded, compassionate lens to what it means to show up authentically in business today.

In this heartfelt conversation, Margo and Molly explore what it really takes to create a business rooted in your values, especially in a digital world that often prizes noise over nuance. Molly opens up about the inner work required to break free from old patterns, the difference between performative vulnerability and authentic presence, and how redefining success through softness can be a powerful act of creative leadership.

Margo and Molly discuss:

Molly’s personal evolution from hustle-fueled creative to SOFT Business mentor.
The deeper inner work needed before brand strategy can be effective.
Why “just be yourself” advice often misses the mark—and how to do it in a way that feels safe and true.
What the SOFT Business model looks like in practice (and how it doesn’t mean being less ambitious).
Letting go of productivity pressure and embracing cycles, seasons, and boundaries.
Instagram storytelling as a tool for connection, not performance.
Navigating vulnerability, visibility, and personal boundaries online.
How motherhood, farm life, and creative business coexist on Molly’s 300-acre Maryland farm.
Why softness isn’t weakness—it’s a radical, sustainable strength.

Connect with Molly: www.mollybalint.com

https://www.instagram.com/molly.balint

https://softbusinessclub.co/

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by multi-passionate creative Kim Bloomberg, the joyful force behind Studio Art Beat. A fine artist, educator, and self-proclaimed art supply nerd, Kim brings a refreshing perspective to the creative journey—one that’s less about staying in your lane and more about following curiosity wherever it leads. With a background in both fine art and education, over two decades of teaching experience, and years running her own jewelry business, Kim shares how she ultimately found fulfillment by embracing her ADHD-fueled love for switching mediums and diving headfirst into new materials.

After leaving behind the New York hustle for the artistic charm of Chicago’s North Shore, Kim launched Studio Art Beat as an inclusive space to demystify art and make creativity accessible to all ages. She now leads workshops, partners with brands like Gelli Arts, and teaches online courses—including one that brings rhinestone bedazzling to the masses. Through her story, Kim reminds us that freedom, play, and experimentation are not distractions—they’re the path.

Margo and Kim discuss:

Growing up in an art-loving family and the creative influence of her parents and grandfather.
Letting go of a long-term jewelry business and the guilt that came with that decision.
How embracing her neurodivergent brain led to business clarity and personal joy.
Turning her natural desire to switch mediums into a strength rather than a struggle.
Building an online art education platform that’s welcoming, inclusive, and non-intimidating.
Why sharing her process openly (rather than gatekeeping) has helped her business grow.
Collaborating with brands while maintaining authenticity and community connection.
The value of playful creativity for both kids and adults—and why it’s never too late to start.
How she’s made rhinestones cool again with her Cricut-powered online course.
The beauty in allowing your creative identity to evolve—and giving others permission to do the same.

Connect with Kim: www.studioartbeat.com

www.instagram.com/studioartbeat

Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby catch up on emerging art fairs, AI-fueled creativity, and an unexpected Spotify collab in the latest episode of Creative Current Events, a special segment of Windowsill Chats. This round of curious and creative conversation touches on everything from practical tips for artists and makers to heartwarming stories and pop culture fun.

They dig into the impact of recent tariff shifts on small businesses, celebrate alternative art fairs that uplift emerging artists, and spotlight muralists transforming both interiors and cityscapes. You’ll also hear about a cross-country artist on a mission, royalty-free music with a mission, and a billion-dollar design app you probably use (but may not know the backstory of). Plus: AI tools worth trying, Stanley's branding genius with Post Malone, and what happened when a kid got too close to a Rothko.

As always, there’s a little something for everyone—whether you're looking for inspiration, useful resources, or just a reason to smile. Don’t forget to let us know what sparked your creativity this week!

Articles Mentioned:

Tariff Chart

https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/2019/us-china-trade-war-tariffs-date-chart

The alternative art fairs championing emerging artists

https://www.wallpaper.com/art/best-art-fairs-for-emerging-artists

Murals have moved indoors

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/style/murals-interiors-wall-art.html

Kreh Mellick

https://www.instagram.com/krehmellick/

Murals Outdoors

https://www.instagram.com/mantrarea/?hl=en

50-50 Project

https://www.cheyennerenee.com

Artivive App allows augmented reality Tracy Dawn Brewer

https://www.artivive.com/

7 genius chatbot prompts that will instantly boost your ideas

https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/7-genius-gemini-prompts-that-will-instantly-boost-your-ideas

Child damages Rothko work at Rotterdam museum

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/29/child-damages-rothko-work-at-rotterdam-museum

V & A East Storehouse

https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/about-va-east-storehouse?srsltid=AfmBOooad4l6QVnVru427Vuem0kb6PpKDh0ZLLWpF3J1AaRpxFwdgIhK

The Story of Canva

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHSgugYIE02/?hl=en&img_index=1

Royalty Free Music by Moby

https://mobygratis.com/

Stanley & Post Malone Collaboration

https://www.stanley1913.com/collections/post-malone-stanley-collab-2025

Barilla pasta playlist

https://open.spotify.com/user/w2p1oq867ns7jele6g3lw66fk

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by business coach and podcast host Nikita Williams in a conversation on building a business—and a life—that honors your whole self. Living with multiple chronic illnesses, Nikita has learned how to redefine success, make peace with limitations, and turn her lived experience into a source of power and purpose. She and Margo explore what it looks like to craft a creative path that makes space for rest, joy, and authenticity—without burning out or hiding who you are. They discuss the real and raw journey of navigating health challenges as a creative woman of color, how podcasting became a lifeline and legacy, and the importance of building businesses based on actual capacity. Nikita invites listeners to rethink hustle culture and embrace the art of doing what you can, when you can—with intention, honesty, and hope.

Margo and Nikita discuss:

How living with chronic illness shapes identity, business, and self-advocacy
Turning your limits into superpowers—what resilience really looks like
The unique layers of being a woman of color with invisible illnesses
The three phases of chronic illness: “newbie,” awareness, and OG
Designing a business around your capacity (not your ideal self)
Why storytelling and being witnessed are critical for healing
Moving from hustle to harmony: redefining productivity and rest
Structuring your work and life to honor flare days and energy rhythms
Managing comparison, creative permission, and celebrating your own pace

Connect with Nikita: www.thrivewithnikita.com

www.instagram.com/thrivewithnikita

https://www.craftedtothrive.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by creative couple Steve and Mary Jo Hoffman for a tender, thought-provoking conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the art of intentional living. In the wake of losing their family home to a fire, Steve and Mary Jo open up about what it means to rebuild—not just a house, but an entire way of living. They share how their individual creative practices continue to evolve, how they support one another through parallel play and creative autonomy, and how loss clarified what truly matters.

About Mary Jo Hoffman: Mary Jo is an artist and photographer best known for her project STILL, a daily nature photography practice that blossomed into a decade-long blog and the book STILL: The Art of Noticing. Her images and essays capture the quiet beauty of everyday natural objects and invite readers to see the world with fresh eyes. She lives in Shoreview, Minnesota, with her husband Steve and their puggle Jack, who joins her on daily foraging walks.

About Steve Hoffman: Steve is a James Beard Award–winning writer whose debut memoir, A Season for That, chronicles his family’s relocation to southern France and the unexpected beauty found in ordinary food, people, and rhythms. A tax preparer by day and food writer by heart, Steve’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, Food & Wine, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune. He lives with Mary Jo on Turtle Lake, surrounded by bees, cranes, and creative inspiration.

Margo, Steve, and Mary Jo discuss:

Navigating loss and rebuilding with intention after the fire that destroyed their home and studios
How daily creative rituals can ground and guide us through upheaval
The power of noticing: Mary Jo’s journey with STILL and the discipline of paying attention
Writing memoir and confronting vulnerability in Steve’s A Season for That
What it means to live in a “total work of art” and create a life aligned with your values
How partnership and creativity intertwine without merging
Embracing slow living, meaningful routines, and the grace found in the everyday

Previous Episodes with Mary Jo & Steve

Episode 197: "Finding Beauty in Everyday Life: The Power of Creative Practice and the Art of Noticing with Mary Jo Hoffman"
Episode 209: "A Season for Change: Steve Hoffman on New Perspectives, Culture, and Finding a Sense of Belonging"

Connect with Steve Hoffman:

www.sjrhoffman.com

https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman/

Connect with Mary Jo Hoffman:

https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/

STILL: The Art of Noticing

http://eepurl.com/bTvh4n (Newsletter)

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo and Abby catch up on pink taxes, party store shakeups, and grandma hobbies making a comeback in the latest episode of Creative Current Events. This special segment of Windowsill Chats dives into cultural shifts, small business realities, and brand storytelling that’s catching their creative eye. They also explore how big-box stores like Michaels are filling retail voids left by Party City, how hobby shops in the UK are struggling, and what all this means for the crafting world. The conversation also dives into the rising conversation around the Pink Tax and Pink Tariffs—and how these unseen costs hit both consumers and creative entrepreneurs. Plus: a fresh look at niche content creation, a POD platform for artists, why Uniqlo is serving coffee now, and the nostalgic charm of slow, tactile hobbies like embroidery, crochet, and calligraphy.

Articles Mentioned:

Michaels & Party City https://finance.yahoo.com/news/michaels-seeing-void-left-party-133819782.html

HobbyCraft Decline in the UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y651327eko

The Pink Tax https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/taxes/articles/the-pink-tax-costs-women-thousands-of-dollars-over-their-lifetimes

Pink Tariffs on Women’s Clothing https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/16/business/womens-clothes-pink-tariffs/index.html

eeBoo Founder on Tariffs Impacting Small Businesses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBRplSmhI-8

Canvastry Print-on-Demand Platform https://www.canvastrywholesale.com/

Grandma Hobbies Are In https://theeverymom.com/grandma-hobbies/

Uniqlo’s NYC Coffee Shop & Lifestyle Strategy https://ny.eater.com/2025/3/19/24388687/uniqlo-coffee-open-nyc-cafe-manhattan https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/contents/lifewear-magazine/styling/

Den of Pin (Hyper-niche Community Building) https://www.instagram.com/den_of_pin/

Yeti Product Storytelling Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSpdnXWlgJg

Huckberry’s Cinematic Product Launch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFtu6Bi-blY

Amy Poehler & Rashida Jones Launch “Good Hang” Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF-p8z_R2q0

Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ Instagram: @ajcampkcPinterest: @ajcampbell

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill The Foundry at Tantau Studio

Margo is joined by writer, coach, and retreat leader Maria Bowler for a conversation about redefining creativity beyond the limits of productivity. Maria helps creatives transform resistance into clarity and insight, drawing on her background as a magazine editor, creative writing teacher, and holder of a master's degree in religion and the arts from Yale University. Originally from Canada, she now lives with her family in the Driftless region of the U.S., where she continues to explore and teach a more holistic approach to creative living.

Margo and Maria discuss:

Maria’s creative journey, from childhood passion to overcoming major blocks
How to redefine resistance as a valuable teacher rather than an obstacle
The differences between productivity and creativity—and why confusing the two leads to burnout
Seeing creativity as a collaboration with life, not just a series of tasks
The impact of perfectionism on creative expression and how to loosen its grip
Embracing whole-life creativity as part of daily living, not a separate act
Balancing creative output with essential intake and inspiration
Giving yourself permission to make mistakes and stay curious
Practical strategies for reconnecting with creativity during stuck periods
Highlights from Maria’s new book Making Time: A New Vision for Crafting a Life Beyond Productivity

Connect with Maria:

www.mariabowler.com

www.mariabowler.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/mariaevbowler

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

@windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Monika Forsberg, an award-winning illustrator and surface pattern designer known for her playful, colorful, and striking work across books, fabrics, homewares, toys, and more. Born and raised in a small coastal town in Swedish Lapland, Monika moved to London in 1995 where she now lives with her husband, two children, and a delightful mix of pets. She’s a keen swimmer, aspiring stamp collector, and former animator who believes in being versatile over niche. Her work is rich with curiosity, imagination, and a deep love for creative exploration. In this warm and meandering conversation, Monika and Margo dive into the layered realities of a creative career—one that doesn’t always follow a linear path but is all the more beautiful for it.

Margo and Monika discuss:

Monika’s upbringing in Swedish Lapland and how it shaped her worldview
Moving to the UK and studying art in multiple forms
Embracing versatility over specialization in creative work
The joys (and challenges) of working with client briefs
Why personal projects are essential to her process
How she uses Instagram and Substack to share more authentically
Dreaming up whimsical projects—like a fantastical fair
Approaching tricky client relationships with honesty and grace
Continuing to grow, shift, and stay creatively energized

Connect with Monika:

Website: walkyland.com

Instagram: @monika_forsberg

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Brian Selznick, the wildly imaginative author and illustrator whose groundbreaking books have redefined how we tell stories. Known for seamlessly blending text and image in powerful, cinematic ways, Brian shares the origins of his creative process, the stories behind his best-known works, and the magic of collaborative art-making. Together, they explore what it means to honor both the reader and the story, why grief and love are ever-present themes in his work, and how he approaches retelling iconic tales through fresh and inclusive lenses. From The Invention of Hugo Cabret to Run Away With Me, Brian’s work invites readers into deeply felt worlds where art and narrative become one.

Margo and Brian discuss:

The start of Brian’s creative process and how he moves from words to illustration
His unique storytelling style and cinematic inspirations
What it was like to have The Invention of Hugo Cabret adapted by Martin Scorsese
Collaborating with director Todd Haynes on the Wonderstruck film adaptation
His philosophy on creative ownership and openness in adaptations
Designing the 20th anniversary covers for the Harry Potter series and grappling with the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling.
The importance of telling authentic queer love stories in his new novel Run Away With Me
Exploring universal themes of love, grief, and time in narrative
The reimagining of The Nutcracker with a historical, class-conscious twist
How Brian sees the future of storytelling as both expansive and inclusive

Connect with Brian:

https://brianselznick.com

https://instagram.com/thebrianselznick

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Jaime Townzen, a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international acclaim. Jaime’s creative talents span both visual art and the written word—her essays and microfiction have been featured in Light Magazine and Fairfield Scribes, and her debut novel Absorbed was released in January 2025. When she’s not painting or writing, Jaime enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach with her family and their dogs or catching live music performances.

Margo and Jaime discuss:

The intersection of writing and visual art in Jaime’s creative practice
The journey of publishing her debut novel, Absorbed
How she built an art career with watercolor as her medium
The role of intuition and emotion in both painting and storytelling
How grief has shaped Jaime’s creative process and how she walks alongside it
The way her lived experiences inform and enrich her writing
How motherhood and family life influence her artistic expression
The importance of honoring slow seasons and creative rest
Jaime’s thoughts on community, connection, and what success really means

Connect with Jaime:

http://www.instagram.com/jaimegetscreative

https://www.facebook.com/jaime.townzen/

https://tiktok.com/@jaimegetscreative

jaimetownzen.com

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby catch up on colorful collections, creative conferences, and curious cultural trends in the latest episode of Creative Current Events. This special segment of Windowsill Chats dives into all the artful oddities, thought-provoking news, and heartwarming discoveries that have recently caught their attention.

They touch on how color is used intentionally in media like the show Severance, the healing potential of museums (including Switzerland’s bold move to prescribe them for mental well-being), and the magic of virtual museum visits. They also explore current concerns around learning, attention, and AI search tools, all wrapped up in their signature blend of insight and humor.

As always, listener submissions help fuel the fun—so keep sending those articles their way!

Articles Mentioned:

Crayon Collector

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/community/crayon-collection-texas-torch-red-colors-strange/273-adc66c54-6598-429b-9f80-c600038034b5#

Colors of Severance

https://www.instagram.com/movieluts/reel/DFNePz-iCXL/

https://www.polygon.com/tv/539421/severance-season-color-theory-red-green-blue

10 Best Art Museums

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-art-museum/

Art as Therapy

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/art-therapy-swiss-doctors-prescribe-museum-visits-2025-03-12/

Google Arts & Culture! Free Museums Visits & so much more

https://artsandculture.google.com/

Human Intelligence Sharply Declining

https://futurism.com/neoscope/human-intelligence-declining-trends

PISA Results

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/pisa-scores-by-country

AI gets it wrong

https://futurism.com/study-ai-search-wrong

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by talented writer, editor, and marketing strategist Jessica Suggs. With 19 years of experience in copywriting and a background as Director of Media Services for a top faith-based media agency, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge about the enduring power of email marketing. These days, she helps entrepreneurs and authors craft messages that sound like them—with services spanning from brand voice development to full-scale book editing and publishing support. As a wife, mom of two, and creative business owner, Jessica is no stranger to balancing big ideas with real-life connection.

Margo and Jessica discuss:

Why email is still one of the most powerful marketing tools
How to develop and maintain a strong, authentic brand voice
The magic of welcome sequences and consistent, heartfelt communication
Transitioning from a corporate career to creative entrepreneurship
Building connection and community through words
How AI can enhance—not replace—human messaging
Tips for balancing work, creativity, and motherhood
The value of mastermind groups and creative support systems

Get 50% off your Flodesk Subscription by visiting www.flodesk.com/c/tantaustudio

Join the Greater Goods Alliance: A small group virtual mentorship, mastermind community, and in-person retreat for product-based business owners with Lisa Congdon & Emily McDowel (Applications Closing 3/28) https://thegreatergoodsalliance.com/

Connect with Jessica: www.jessicasuggsmarketing.com

https://www.facebook.com/jessicasuggsmarketing

https://www.instagram.com/jessicasuggsmarketing/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by transformational coach, team support facilitator, and organizational specialist Lacy Young for an honest and heart-expanding conversation about healing, creativity, and stepping into your zone of genius. For over 15 years, Lacy has guided women through radical self-discovery, creating spaces where they can embrace deep healing, foundational belief work, and personal autonomy. She blends soul-level healing with practical business wisdom, helping high-performers and founders step into their most powerful and joyful work. But before she could hold space for others, Lacy had to embark on her own healing journey—one that led her to confront deep-rooted suffering, redefine what it means to be whole, and ultimately transform her approach to both life and work.

Margo and Lacy discuss:

Lacy’s personal healing journey—how she went from being in deep pain to holding space for others, and what she learned about the power of radical permission
The necessity of filling your own cup first and why prioritizing self-healing isn’t selfish but essential
The creative awakening happening now—how art, expression, and creative play are unlocking something crucial in our collective healing and remembering
Finding and tending to the roots of suffering—why traditional self-improvement often focuses on symptoms, and how Lacy helps people go deeper
The shift in her work toward founders and high-performing teams—why she’s drawn to supporting leaders in creating aligned, sustainable success
Why women supporting women is more important than ever—the power of collective healing and what it looks like in action
How to right-size “Big Things”—shifting overwhelming life challenges into manageable, joyful transformations

Connect with Lacy:

https://shiftwithlacy.com/

http://www.instagram.com/lacyannyoung

https://insighttimer.com/ShiftWithLacy

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by illustrator, author, and sketchbook enthusiast Mike Lowery, a New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator whose work spans over 80 books, greeting cards, magazines, and even food trucks. Known for his playful, humor-infused drawings, Mike shares his creative journey and insights into the business of illustration. In addition to making books, Mike is an avid sketchbook-keeper and has taught classes worldwide, including more than 30,000 students in-person and online, and encourages others to join him in starting a daily drawing habit and in the business of illustration.

Margo and Mike discuss:

How Mike’s childhood passion for drawing superheroes in a Filipino grocery store led to a career in illustration
The moment he received his first check for his art (and why he still keeps it)
His love for humor in art and how it shaped his path in children's book illustration
The importance of maintaining a consistent sketchbook practice for creativity and career growth
How to build a portfolio that speaks directly to potential clients by focusing on project-based ideas
The evolving role of social media for artists and how he approaches it today
Finding inspiration through travel, daily life, and keeping curiosity alive
Teaching and encouraging others to start a daily drawing habit
The intersection of art and business—how to navigate the industry and create a sustainable career

Connect with Mike:

www.gettingpaidtodraw.com

www.mikelowery.com

www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Brigida Swanson, a botanical artist, product designer, and the founder of Yardia, to discuss creativity, business contentment, and forging your own path as an artist. Brigida shares her journey from teaching middle school art to building a thriving product business—without relying on social media. Her nature-inspired watercolor stationery and home goods celebrate identity, belonging, and a deep connection to place, all created from her backyard garden studio in Seattle.

Brigida opens up about redefining success on her own terms, the decision to leave Instagram and TikTok, and the unexpected creative doors that opened as a result. Whether you're an artist, maker, or small business owner, this conversation will inspire you to explore new ways of marketing and growing your work—while staying true to what brings you joy.

Margo and Brigida discuss:

Leaving Social Media – Why Brigida walked away from Instagram and TikTok and how she continues to grow her business without them.
Business Contentment – Shifting from a traditional success mindset to one rooted in sustainability and fulfillment.
Managing Comparison – Softening the inner critic and embracing a more supportive creative process.
The inspiration behind Her Plant Companion Tarot deck
Her upcoming Contentment Over Content workshop, helping product-based business owners market beyond social media.

Connect with Brigida:

https://yardia.co/

https://plantcompaniontarot.com/

https://contentmentovercontent.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by independent filmmaker and writer Courtney Daniels to discuss the joys and challenges of creating outside the Hollywood studio system. Courtney shares her journey from writing spec scripts as a receptionist at Warner Brothers to producing her own feature films, including What Other Couples Do. She opens up about the power of not waiting for validation, making films on a budget, and turning her latest screenplay, A Blind Date in NYC, into a short novel. Together, they explore the freedom of independent creativity and why success comes from taking action rather than waiting to be chosen.

Margo and Courtney discuss:

The freedom of independent filmmaking outside Hollywood
Why waiting for validation hinders creativity
How Courtney made her first feature film on a shoestring budget
Tips for affordable filmmaking and getting started with minimal resources
Turning a screenplay into a book: A Blind Date in NYC
Overcoming fear and embracing the creative process
Film festivals as stepping stones for indie filmmakers
Building daily creative habits to stay inspired
The importance of manufacturing surprise in storytelling

Connect with Courtney:

https://courtneydanielsfilms.com/

https://www.instagram.com/courtneydanielstoyou/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-daniels-9abb0864

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFenMHq7I8

https://www.amazon.com/What-Other-Couples-Michael-Friedman/dp/B00QLZRLKK

https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-You-Courtney-Daniels/dp/B0CJJZ9VTG

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In this episode of Creative Current Events, Margo Tantau and creative collaborator, Abby Campbell, are back with another insightful chat exploring the latest news from the art field. From retired Crayola colors with cult followings to the resurgence of vintage art supplies and cassette tapes, they unpack why these blasts from the past still spark creativity today. Plus, they dive into how AI is influencing artists like photographer Tim Flach, Target’s fast-paced approach to trend-driven merchandise, and what color trends are set to define 2026. And if you’ve been curious about using mind mapping to unlock new creative ideas, Margo and Abby share practical tips to get started.

Mentioned in this episode:

Crayola Colors Reintroduced

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/toy-reviews/a63653059/crayola-dandelion-limited-edition-retired-colors/

Buzz Feed dipping into Social Media?

https://slate.com/technology/2025/02/buzzfeed-social-media-network-island-ai-jonah-peretti.html

Ai being used to copy Atists’ Photos

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/technology-uk/article/photographer-says-ai-copied-his-work-can-you-spot-the-difference-q6hr5jfs2

Midjourney’s Artist Scraping List!!!

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.407208/gov.uscourts.cand.407208.129.10.pdf

Luxury Social Media- Artist Driven

https://alexandrarabbitte.substack.com/p/luxury-social-media-a-case-study?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Target Shortens Go-to-Market Strategy

https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-shortens-go-to-market-strategy-trends/737307/

Coloro x WGSN introduce the Key Colours for S/S 26

https://www.wgsn.com/en/blogs/coloro-x-wgsn-introduce-key-colours-ss-26

Mindmapping

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-mind-mapping?_hsmi=340884926

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In the second part of their conversation, Margo and Sue dive deeper into the mindset shifts, strategies, and creative breakthroughs that help artists and entrepreneurs build thriving businesses. Sue shares personal stories of transformation, the challenges creatives face in valuing their work, and how to create sustainable success through branding, sales strategies, and embracing new tools. This episode is packed with insights on overcoming fear, finding confidence, and stepping into your creative power.

Margo and Sue discuss:

Artist sales strategy: the power of a waiting list – Why exclusivity and demand can transform your business.
The value of art and validation – How to separate external validation from true creative success.
Creating your personal brand – The importance of storytelling and consistency in branding.
Adapting to new creative tools – Staying relevant and innovative in a changing industry.
Family portraits after loss – The emotional depth of photography and capturing meaningful moments.
Empowering women entrepreneurs – Encouraging women to embrace leadership and financial independence.

Connect with Sue:

Download Sue’s free 3x3 Bio Guide: https://suebryce.com/write-your-3x3

Download Sue’s Timeplate Guide: https://suebryce.com/timeplates-guide

Follow Sue on Instagram: @suebrycephotographer

Learn more: https://suebryce.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by the incredible Sue Bryce for a two-part conversation on creativity, self-worth, and business success. With over 35 years as an award-winning photographer and 25 years in business, Sue has dedicated her career to empowering creatives and solo-preneurs to step into their full potential. From overcoming fear to monetizing creativity, Sue shares invaluable insights on how artists and business owners can truly thrive.

Margo and Sue discuss:

Overcoming self-worth in sales – Why self-doubt impacts pricing and success.
Learning to monetize creativity – How to shift from a struggling artist mindset to a thriving business owner.
Creative empowerment through online education – The power of learning and teaching in today’s digital world.
Monetizing creative flow – How to align passion with profitability.
Prioritizing personal creativity – The importance of making time for your own artistic fulfillment.
Empowering artists to share their art – Overcoming fear and hesitation when putting work into the world.

Connect with Sue:

Download Sue’s free 3x3 Bio Guide: https://suebryce.com/write-your-3x3

Download Sue’s Timeplate Guide: https://suebryce.com/timeplates-guide

Follow Sue on Instagram: @suebrycephotographer

Learn more: https://suebryce.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by internationally renowned Surface Pattern Designer, entrepreneur, and award-winning online educator, Bonnie Christine. With a self-taught journey that began in 2009, Bonnie has built a thriving creative business, helping over 50,000 students turn their artistic passions into sustainable careers. In this episode, she shares the mindset shifts, strategies, and inspirations that have shaped her path and continue to guide her community.

Margo and Bonnie discuss:

How growing up in her mom’s fabric shop shaped her approach to teaching pattern design
The evolution of her vision in building a large and engaged creative community
Taking big risks—like selling her car to invest in her dreams—and what she’d tell someone facing a similar crossroads
Why 'action is the antidote' to imposter syndrome and a pivotal moment when this mindset made a difference
The balance between creative techniques and business strategy in her upcoming nine-day workshop
Helping students find their own authentic sources of inspiration, especially when feeling creatively stuck
Why she firmly believes there’s room for everyone in the creative industry and how she’s seen that truth play out
Challenging the notion that art doesn’t solve problems—especially in the world of pattern design

This episode is packed with encouragement, actionable insights, and inspiration for anyone navigating a creative career. Whether you're just starting or looking to take the next big leap, Bonnie's wisdom will remind you that your dreams are worth pursuing—one step at a time.

Connect with Bonnie:

2025 Workshop: Pattern Design Playbook- bit.ly/WindowsillDesignPlaybook

2025 Course: Surface Design Immersion- https://bit.ly/WindowsillImmersion

www.bonniechristine.com

https://www.instagram.com/bonniechristine/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by celebrated artist, illustrator, and creative powerhouse Lisa Congdon for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about what she’s learned while navigating a challenging chapter of her life. Lisa opens up about her journey through two total knee replacements and how this period of physical recovery sparked a creative rebirth.

During her recovery, Lisa embraced a slower pace of life, diving into a new sketchbook practice focused on collage and cut paper. What began as a meditative and playful exploration quickly evolved into a rich source of inspiration, reminding Lisa of the joy of creating art simply for art’s sake. She candidly shares how stepping away from client work allowed her to reconnect with her artistic roots and experiment in ways that felt healing, liberating, and transformative.

In this episode, Lisa and Margo discuss:

How Lisa managed her health journey while staying connected to her creativity.
Managing the guilt that arose from stepping away from her team and work commitments.
How she led and supported her team while recovering from surgery.
The role of play and experimentation in sustaining artistic inspiration.
The importance of consistency and how even small, daily creative practices can lead to big ideas.
Balancing a thriving art career with the need for personal time and self-care.
How slowing down can reignite passion and open doors to unexpected creative breakthroughs.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lauri Hopkins https://www.laurihopkins.co.uk/

Lisa’s 30 day art challenge w Creative Bug https://www.creativebug.com/instructors/lisa-congdon?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1p28BhCBARIsADP9HrNXhEYWUo8t0lx_kNJAOnhMMwWKu6YLgTralGQO8q3Jjg7r6sm4V90aAjHCEALw_wcB

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/#

https://www.pinterest.com/lisacongdon/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby cover a dynamic mix of topics on this episode of Creative Current Events, from the devastating fires in Los Angeles and their impact on communities and the arts, to creative business trends and lessons from the sudden closure of Kansas City Canning Company. They share updates on the Getty’s initiatives, including their Open Content Program and merger with Shutterstock, delve into IKEA’s revival of ‘70s design, and spotlight eco-friendly Alkemis Paint. Plus, they explore the potential TikTok ban, Seinfeld’s take on AI, and a call for volunteers to help preserve historical documents.

Mentioned in this episode:

Erin Gallagher - Sponsor Families affected by the LA Fires

https://www.instagram.com/erin.gallag.her/

Her Spreadsheet

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10yby5fqb4OdqhhakJBN-6ZYWh7nyJ2ZoEWGoOUESDSo/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabsc3b7pNXns-8dAKsp_LktE87Au26EVj4Z0BvaH_TbqjRhKaQoYHRtcBU_aem_3GiEBeXCFqhQKZtg-FIioQ&gid=0#gid=0

Pasadena Humane Society

https://www.instagram.com/pasadenahumane/

Article- How to help artists and art workers devastated by Los Angeles wildfires

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/01/14/los-angeles-wildfire-fundraisers-support-artists-art-workers

Getty Open Content Images

https://www.getty.edu/projects/open-content-program/faqs/

Getty Open Content Article

https://www.openculture.com/2024/03/the-getty-makes-nearly-88000-art-images-free-to-use-however-you-like.html

Getty/Shutterstock Merger

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/shutterstock-merge-with-getty-images-deal-valued-37-billion-2025-01-07/

All the astounding works that are entering the public domain!

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/public-domain-matisse-frida-kahlo-robert-capa-works-1234729194/

An interesting article on copying via Aeolidia, (because the Emily McDowell article on Public Domain is not available)

https://aeolidia.com/what-to-do-when-someone-copies-your-design/

Ikea’s New Old Releases

https://www.dezeen.com/2024/12/17/ikea-nytillverkad-collection-byakorre-shelf-2025-design/

Conscientious Alkemis Paint

https://alkemispaint.com/collections/all#

TikTok Ban

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyng762q4eo

What to know about RedNote (where TikTok users are flocking)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/01/16/what-is-rednote-tiktok-ban/77725672007/

Jerry Seinfeld on Jimmy Fallon.. & AI thoughts

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXoj66OXMU/

Fyxer AI

https://www.fyxer.com/

The National Archive is looking for people who can read cursive!!

https://people.com/national-archives-is-looking-for-volunteers-who-can-read-cursive-8775099

Here’s how to start reading & transcribing!

https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Brooke Schultz, a multi-passionate creator and advocate for embracing creativity in all aspects of life, especially within motherhood. Brooke shares her inspiring journey of weaving artistry into everyday life and discusses how creativity can be a powerful tool for transformation and connection. Her photos have been featured in Oprah, Martha Stewart, and Parents. Whether she’s writing a musical about motherhood, leading retreats like her upcoming program Resurgence, or photographing families, Brooke is deeply passionate about using creativity to transform life's challenges into meaningful art.

Topics Discussed:

The beauty and significance of small, unseen creative acts
How motherhood can ignite and shape creative pursuits
Balancing creativity with the demands of family life, including parenting a child with special needs
The concept of intentional creativity and finding inspiration in everyday tasks
Brooke’s approach to translating passion into business, including her retreats and podcast, Wildly Creative Life
The story behind Brooke's musical about motherhood and her journey pitching it to Broadway
Practical strategies for fostering creativity amidst a busy lifestyle
The value of creating art that comes from the heart, whether or not it gains recognition

Brooke’s wisdom and relatable approach remind us that living a creatively fulfilling life doesn’t require fame or perfection—it’s about finding joy and purpose in the art of everyday moments.

Connect with Brooke:

Website: https://brookebschultz.com

Website: https://brookeschultzphotography.com

Instagram: @brookebschultz

Wildly Creative Life Podcast

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Tiffany Han, life coach, business strategist, and host of the long-running Raise Your Hand Say Yes podcast, to explore the journey of self-discovery and creative authenticity. Tiffany shares her insights on navigating personal growth without rigid formulas and the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s unique needs. Together, Margo and Tiffany discuss Tiffany’s podcasting journey, her breaks from the medium, and how her themes and approaches have evolved over the years. Tiffany’s practical wisdom and her radical self-belief framework promise to inspire and empower high achievers and creatives alike.

Topics Discussed Include:

Permission to Be Themselves: Encouraging authenticity and practical self-advice
Individual Needs Over Formulas: Emphasizing unique personal wants and necessities
Collective Experience: Recognizing shared struggles to combat feelings of isolation
Tiffany's Podcast Journey: From the beginnings in 2014 to the evolution and authenticity of her show
Re-evaluating "Yes": Considering the implications of commitment to avoid burnout
Radical Self-Belief and the five pillars comprised in DFSTAG (discernment, faith, fear attending, acceptance, and grace)
Reassessing Goals: Why Tiffany isn’t a believer in 5-year plans and how goals can sometimes put you in a box
Gentle Productivity: Promoting joy, ease, and delight over traditional productivity metrics
The challenges of social media use and its impact and ways to use it for good
Creative Work vs. Day Jobs: Balancing creative pursuits with the reality of day jobs.

Connect with Tiffany: Website: tiffanyhan.comInstagram: @thetiffanyhan

Youtube: @thetiffanyhan

Raise Your Hand Say Yes Podcast

Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Margo continues her conversation with Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. Drawing from her experiences as a performer and her transformation into a wellness advocate, Sancha offers actionable advice and heartfelt insights for creatives looking to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their passions.

In Part 2, Margo and Sancha dive deeper into:

The Creative Energy Cycle: Understanding the ebb and flow of creative energy and how to work with, not against, these natural rhythms.
Burnout Recovery: Practical strategies Sancha used to overcome adrenal fatigue and how you can apply them to your life.
Nurturing Your Inner Artist: Practices for creating a safe and supportive environment for your creativity to flourish.
Mind-Body Connection: Exploring how physical health directly impacts artistic expression and vice versa.
Nutrition and Movement for Creatives: Sancha’s tips on fueling your body with the right foods and incorporating movement into your routine to enhance focus and stamina.
Boundaries and Balance: Why setting boundaries with your time and energy is essential for avoiding burnout.
The Power of Connection: Building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires you.
Rituals for Renewal: Simple daily habits to recharge your mind, body, and spirit.
Sustainable Success: How to design a wellness plan that supports your creative dreams in the long term.

Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.

Connect with Sancha:

https://www.sanchaprowse.com

https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/

https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives

https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this two-part episode Margo is joined by Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. With a background as a professional singer, vocal coach, and visual artist, Sancha has spent years immersed in the creative world, experiencing both its highs and its challenges. After facing intense burnout and adrenal fatigue while striving to excel, Sancha felt a calling to help other creatives navigate similar struggles. Her journey from performer to wellness coach was inspired by a serendipitous moment helping her sister through a health scare, leading her to channel her passion and lived experience into supporting artists in thriving holistically.

Margo and Sancha discuss:

The importance of tuning into your body and listening to what it’s telling you.
How prioritizing self-care positively impacts your creativity.
Identifying what gives you energy and recognizing areas where you may be losing power.
The transformative power of making small positive changes in your daily routine.
Cultivating stillness as a way to dive deeper into your artmaking.
Letting go of limiting beliefs that hold you back from optimal health and creativity.
Breaking through long-standing blockages to achieve a sense of wellness.
Why sleep is critical for both your overall health and your creative output.
The role of self-compassion and celebrating small wins in your wellness journey.
Building an essential wellness toolkit tailored for creatives.

Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.

Connect with Sancha:

https://www.sanchaprowse.com

https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/

https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives

https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo shares a personal episode, reflecting on the incredible four-year journey of the podcast and its vibrant community. She opens her heart about her own transformative experiences, the courage it takes to embrace life's uncertainties, and the magic of real connections. Whether you're a loyal listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is an invitation to celebrate growth, creativity, and the beautiful moments yet to come.

Topics Discussed:

Reflecting on Growth: Finding new perspectives and embracing the lessons from the journey.
Trust in Connection: The value of real conversations and authenticity in building bonds.
Navigating Change: Margo's move to Vashon Island and the power of trusting her inner knowing.
Vulnerability and Handling Doubts: The role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating pivotal life decisions.
Impactful Feedback: How listener feedback continues to move and motivate Margo.
Defining Success: Encouraging listeners to focus on how they want to feel rather than what they want to achieve.
Celebrating Diversity: The importance of inclusivity and creating supportive environments in our communities.

Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney and author of The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation. With 30 years of experience working with Disney's Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and more, Duncan brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering groundbreaking ideas and creating magical experiences. In this episode, he shares practical tools and insights to reignite creativity, embed innovation into everyday life, and solve problems in revolutionary ways. From sending Buzz Lightyear into space to teaching innovation at Yale and Harvard, Duncan's expertise in Design Thinking has helped organizations like Apple, the NBA, and Spotify redefine how they innovate.

Margo and Duncan discuss:

Why our creativity often fades by age six—and how to reignite it
Simple, actionable tools to unlock imagination and achieve revolutionary results
Employable skills that the next generation can use to thrive in an AI-driven world
How The Imagination Emporium makes innovation accessible to everyone
Real-life examples of using Design Thinking to drive creativity and innovation
Stories from Duncan’s time at Disney and the lessons learned along the way

Connect with Duncan:

duncanwardle.com

theimaginationemporium.com

instagram.com/duncanjwardle

linkedin.com/in/duncanwardle

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby are back with a packed episode of Creative Current Events, spotlighting creativity, community, and cutting-edge trends. They kick things off with news from Asheville, where Tanger Outlets is supporting displaced artists with a stunning 2,000-square-foot gallery. Next, they explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art's fascinating employee art show featuring over 600 works, tying it to insights from Patrick Bringley’s book, All the Beauty in the World.

They also dive deep into design trends for 2025, reviewing Canva’s latest article and insights, discuss the rising influence of AI in content licensing, the power of human connection in media, and how bold, textured aesthetics are reshaping design. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or creative enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration and insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tanger Outlets Donate Gallery Space in Asheville

https://www.wlos.com/news/local/tanger-outlets-asheville-donates-gallery-space-for-artists-displaced-helene-local-arts-community-creative

Orbit Gallery Space

https://theorbitspace.com/

Met Museum Staff Show

https://hyperallergic.com/969864/over-600-works-by-met-museum-workers-go-on-view-in-largest-ever-staff-show/

Canva’s 2025 Design Trends

https://www.creativebloq.com/design/canva-predicts-these-will-be-the-hottest-design-trends-of-2025

More Canva

https://www.canva.com/design-trends/?clickId=XjSTp1T3dxyKRYeUaAwyfw4HUkCVl82OPWmnQI0&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Future%20PLC._221109&irgwc=1

Open AI & Meredith Corp

https://www.adweek.com/media/openai-dotdash-meredith-licensing-payment/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_11752201_ADWEEK_Daily_241119&lctg=5b82c665-7b66-4670-ae7c-17cb22d1753e

The People who Helped Resurrect Notre Dame

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-people-who-helped-resurrect-notre-dame-60-minutes/

Windowsill Chats Episode 83 - St Germaine de Pres

https://margotantau.com/83-a-fascinating-conversation-about-the-magnificent-church-of-saint-germain-des-prs-and-what-is-being-done-to-preserve-its-rich-and-layered-history-with-david-sheppe/

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892

Flowers & Projects by CJ Hendry

https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Ashley Gould, the founder of Âme Atendre™, a brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed everyday tabletop objects that foster connection and empathy. After a decade-long career as a lawyer and executive, Ashley pivoted toward a more personal mission—bringing people together through intentional design and meaningful conversation.

Margo and Ashley discuss:

Ashley's journey from law and corporate leadership to launching Âme Atendre™.
How her mother's passion for community and gathering inspired her vision for an elevated tabletop brand.
The philosophy behind Âme Atendre™, including the role of thoughtfully crafted objects in building deeper human connections.
The fascinating field of neuroaesthetics and its connection to Ashley's work.
The power of conversations often left off the table and how respect and curiosity can bridge gaps in understanding.
Sneak peeks into exciting Âme Atendre™ projects in development, including a "death box" for intentional legacy planning, a sleek metal wastebasket, and a new hand-blown crystal vase.
Insights from Ashley's podcast, On the Table with Ashley, and its mission to foster curiosity and reduce judgment.

Connect with Ashley Gould: www.ameatendre.com

www.instagram.com/ameatendre

www.tiktok.com/@ameantendre

https://www.youtube.com/@ameatendre

https://www.facebook.com/ameatendre

reachoutanytime@ameatendre.com

Connect with Margo:

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Jade Chen, a Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Public Speaker, and Activist, dedicated to helping women transform their lives through inner healing and self-empowerment. With expertise in Shamanism, mindfulness, and artistic expression, Jade shares her mission to guide women on journeys of self-discovery while emphasizing the power of creativity as a tool for healing and change.

Margo and Jade discuss:

The pivotal moment when Jade left her corporate career and long-term relationship to embark on a healing journey.
How creativity and art can serve as powerful forms of expression and spiritual practice, especially in challenging times.
Practical mindfulness techniques, like mindful breathing and connecting to heart and sacral spaces, to unlock authentic creative expression.
The role of community in fostering personal growth and supporting creative risks.
The necessity of embracing raw truths and prayers through artistic work.
Overcoming societal conditioning to honor your true self and prioritize self-care.
Jade’s upcoming projects, including her new podcast, The Mud Lotus, focused on healing and transformation.

Connect with Jade:

Website: www.mudlotuslife.com

Connect: mudlotuslife@gmail.com

Connect with Margo:

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Matt Jacob, a photographer, educator, and former pilot whose journey has taken him from flying private jets to capturing the world’s most compelling human stories through his camera lens. Matt’s work focuses on celebrating cultures and traditions, with a deep commitment to authenticity and respect, particularly when documenting Indigenous communities. Based in Bali, Matt’s love for storytelling extends beyond photography; he also hosts The MOOD Podcast, where he dives into the lives of creatives, exploring their artistic journeys and insights. With a recently released ebook and an upcoming video course, Matt is dedicated to helping others develop their visual storytelling skills while building a meaningful connection with their craft.

Margo and Matt discuss:

Matt’s transition from commercial pilot to cultural photographer.
How travel has shaped his artistic vision and personal growth.
The challenges and ethics of documenting cultures authentically.
Navigating imposter syndrome and finding creative confidence.
The role of photography in preserving and celebrating global traditions.
Matt’s move from Hong Kong to Bali and its impact on his lifestyle and career.
The creative process behind his new ebook and video course.

Connect with Matt:

www.mattjacobphotography.com

www.instagram.com/mattyj_ay

https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay

Connect with Margo:

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo and Abby are back with the latest and diving into the intersection of creativity, technology, and community in this episode of Creative Current Events. They share surprising insights, like how 35% of leaders feel most creative early Monday mornings, and explore how routines like the "4 AM club" or late-night bursts can impact productivity. They also discuss Blue Sky, an emerging, community-driven alternative to Twitter, and the fascinating rise of AI art (we’re sensing a theme!), including a million-dollar painting created by a humanoid robot.

Lastly, they highlight the value of community in creative work, featuring initiatives like the Foundry (by Margo, herself), a membership program designed to inspire, how to shop mindfully this holiday season, branding with agencies like Outline, and why gifting Steve and Mary Jo Hoffman's books is a must this season.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.fastcompany.com/91227308/the-surprising-time-of-day-youre-most-creative

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/article295604429.html

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-12/robot-painted-artwork-soethbys-million-dollar-auction/104585102

https://claude.ai

https://gemini.google.com/

https://www.printmag.com/type-tuesday/positype-declares-independence-with-a-refreshed-website-new-typefaces/

https://www.positype.com/

https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/outline-ky-allport-of-the-south-carolina-studio-on-xxx/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200634843-a-season-for-that

https://www.amazon.com/Season-That-Found-Southern-France/dp/0593240286

https://www.amazon.com/STILL-Noticing-Mary-Jo-Hoffman/dp/1580936334/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BMZ1AKZFDR2W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xjtLqEK7CzKM2l-zl3yeLanI1o8KaUW_f6v7vq10V6vwAHA3N06_uB0HqF3NgnuCm73kDgVprJolpL7tLD3lxqAHolkGAgLQAgd2ULsGPxCm_A1AitP3AVS7nqmRWAa6yiKzykBGb5opB-ZZ8OwzEw.4Pr0khKk13_eVTTAWJKo3xJEDqB2gcIth_FgiFPmyfA&dib_tag=se&keywords=still+the+art+of+noticing&qid=1732062346&s=books&sprefix=still+the+art+of+noticing%2Cstripbooks%2C141&sr=1-1

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by calligraphy artist and educator Shinah Chang. Shinah spent her life following the "proper" path: attending an Ivy League college, graduating from a prestigious law school, and working tirelessly at a top international law firm. However, after countless uninspiring days and sleepless nights under her desk, she decided to reclaim her life. Shinah left her legal career and explored various creative outlets—knitting, woodworking, drawing, and graphic design—until she fell in love with calligraphy.

Over the past nine years, she built Crooked Calligraphy into a million-dollar business, only to intentionally scale it back to create a simpler, more spacious life. Shinah has collaborated with brands like Disney, Anthropologie, and Johnson & Johnson and taught thousands of students how to master calligraphy and launch their own creative ventures.

In this episode, Margo and Shinah discuss:

Shinah's journey from corporate law to founding Crooked Calligraphy.
How burnout shaped her decision to leave a high-powered legal career.
The structured yet expressive nature of calligraphy as an art form.
Tools she used to challenge societal expectations and reclaim her joy.
Her innovative teaching philosophy, which prioritizes strategic creativity over technical perfection.
The pressures of scaling a creative business and why she chose to simplify.
The importance of mindfulness, self-kindness, and collaboration in personal and professional growth.
Lessons on balancing practicality with creativity and the power of authentic connections.

Connect with Shinah:

Website: https://www.crookedcalligraphy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crookedcalligraphy

Free "How to Become a Calligraphy Pro" Workshop: https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/register/

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Sarah Helen More, a Seattle-based artist and designer with a vibrant, kaleidoscopic style rooted in her personal history and love for textiles. Originally from Portland, OR, and Houston, TX, Sarah grew up surrounded by her mother’s handmade quilts—a key inspiration in her colorful work today. She studied textile design at the Rhode Island School of Design and has had a varied creative career, including roles as an art history teacher, studio assistant for Takashi Murakami, and more. In 2023, Sarah received her first public art commission with the Port of Seattle, set to debut at SeaTac International Airport in 2025.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Taking on big challenges before feeling “ready”
Sarah’s creative process: from digital sketches to final painting
Using change as a creative catalyst
Finding joy and inspiration, even during difficult times
The role of nature in her creative process
Overcoming creative blocks and learning new skills for public art
Influences of the Pattern & Decoration movement and folk art traditions
Maintaining joy in creativity during tough times

Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-driven path by joining The Foundry, a monthly membership for creatives. Visit yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry today to lock in the Foundry Member rate!

Connect with Sarah:

www.sarahhelenmore.com

www.sarahmore.com

www.instagram.com/sarahhelenmore

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by friend of the pod, Asheville, NC resident, artist and tax expert Hannah Cole to bring a powerful story of survival, community, and the unwavering support for artists affected by recent devastating floods in Asheville. Together they explore the harrowing events that led to severe flooding, destroying homes, businesses, and cherished creative spaces. They also touch on the importance of financial strategies, particularly for creatives, with insights from Hannah at and how her expertise has been a beacon of hope for many small business owners navigating the treacherous waters of disaster recovery (and those outside of the flood zone).

Margo and Hannah discuss:

What it was like to experience Hurricane Helene first hand
Support efforts and challenges post hurricane
The loss of Hannah’s art studio in Asheville
Campaigns and efforts to support those in and around Western North Carolina
The need for increased grant funding in the River Arts District
Managing tax liabilities and leveraging deductions.
"1% for Asheville" support grants
Hannah’s offering, Money Boot Camp for creatives and how she makes financial education non-intimidating.

Connect with Hannah:

https://www.sunlighttax.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sunlighttax/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by designer and illustrator Kay Wolfersperger, based in Savannah, GA. Known for her lively, colorful work infused with humor and positivity, Kay’s designs have appeared in advertising, stationery, branding, children’s books, and surface design. She has extensive experience partnering with brands to craft unique, memorable campaigns. When not at her desk, Kay enjoys strength training, running, traveling, and catching up on films. In this episode, they explore Kay’s journey from a young art enthusiast to a respected creative professional, reflecting on the importance of experiential learning, maintaining physical and mental wellness, and using positive affirmations to navigate both personal and professional challenges.

Margo and Kay discuss:

Kay's early artistic influences, including her stepmother, an art teacher
Her transition from graphic design to fibers and screen printing at SCAD
The challenges and autonomy of running a small business vs. corporate roles
Creative practices for overcoming creative block in daily routines
The role of mind-body wellness in enhancing creativity
Using therapy and affirmations to manage anxiety and build a positive outlook
Collaboration in creative projects, balancing personal vision with teamwork
Embracing imperfection with the mantra, "done is better than good"
Kay's upcoming wholesale collection and the key moments that inspired its development

Connect with Kay:

https://www.kaywolfersperger.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kaywolfersperger/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Lisa Murphy, a guest with an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. Raised in small-town Iowa, where her family grew their own food, Lisa followed a traditional path—earning a degree in Actuarial Science and securing a lucrative corporate job. But life shifted when she left her career to travel the world, study Eastern philosophy, and teach yoga, even to members of the royal family in Dubai, while supporting her now-ex-husband.

After her divorce at 47, Lisa realized her best years were still ahead. Now, at 57, she’s a healthy aging expert and has been running her own successful business since 2013. Her mission is to help women and business leaders move away from common health fears and adopt proactive habit changes. Through her signature RAV protocol, Lisa empowers professionals to optimize their health, allowing them to live vibrant, active lives while reaching their biggest goals.

Lisa and Margo discuss:

Lisa’s life in Asheville and the impact of Hurricane Helene
How the wellness industry can better incorporate mental awareness and balanced nervous systems into mainstream narratives
The four pillars of healthy aging: food, mood, rest, and movement
Lisa’s critique of the Standard American Diet
Strengthening community support systems to better cope with natural disasters
The power of mindset in the aging process
Holistic health practices that have worked for Lisa
Device addiction, digital detoxes, and maintaining a balanced nervous system for well-being

Connect with Lisa:

https://www.lisamurphyllc.com

https://www.instagram.com/lisamurphyllc/

https://www.facebook.com/lisa.murphy.kc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-murphy-health-coach/

https://www.youtube.com/@LisaMurphyLLC

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this episode of Creative Current Events, Abby and Margo tackle the ups and downs of navigating social media as a creator. Margo opens up about her recent Instagram suspension and the ripple effect it’s had on her business, leading to a bigger conversation about algorithm frustrations, lack of transparency, and how social media companies fall short in supporting creators. They also discuss the devastating impact of natural disasters on our global community, focusing on how Florida-based artists are recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and how listeners can help from afar. Abby and Margo then share practical tips for diversifying communication outside of social media, dig into recent tech updates from Apple and Microsoft, and explore how creativity can thrive in even the most challenging conditions—like making art in the dark.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.youtube.com/@dewintonpaperco

https://tantaustudio.com/windowsillchat219/

https://www.annieatkins.com/

https://www.melissaweisspottery.com/

https://www.sunlighttax.com/

Microsoft’s Notepad gets spellcheck and autocorrect 40 years after launch

Use Zoom’s AI Companion to Take Notes and Summarize Meetings

Why Make Art in the Dark?

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Elise and Halee, the dynamic duo behind the Easy Bake Coven podcast, where spooky meets sass. What began on a Halloween night with a bottle of Kim Crawford wine and board games has evolved into a podcast that explores the weird, creepy, and unexplainable. Elise’s background in journalism and Halee’s experience in social work bring a unique blend of nuance and humor to their conversations about paranormal activity, true crime, and mysterious events. Known for their playful banter and easy rapport, listening to them feels like hanging out with friends as they dive into the world’s greatest mysteries—from cryptids to whodunnits—with a side of comedic relief.

In this episode, Margo, Elise, and Halee discuss:

The origin story of Easy Bake Coven and what sets them apart
How family traditions or rituals can influence a child's understanding of spirituality or the supernatural
Spooky stories about signs from passed loved ones
Finding balance between humor and sensitivity when discussing heavy topics without undermining victim stories
Managing burnout and streamlining podcast production as a duo
The responsibilities and ethics of content creation
Why children might be more perceptive to spiritual experiences
Research methods for preparing in-depth historical dives for podcast episodes
The importance of listener engagement and effective ways to build and maintain it
How personal histories and passions shape their podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch Watch: YouTube linkBook: Amazon link
Radio Rental podcast: Radio Rental
Spooked podcast: Spooked
The Forager’s Daughter Tarot Deck: The Forager’s Daughter
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston: The Hot Zone
Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth: Call the Midwife

Connect with Elise and Halee:

Website: Easy Bake Coven Podcast
Instagram: @easybakecovenpodcast

Connect with Margo:

Website: Windowsill Chats
Instagram: @windowsillchats
Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The Last Lecture

In this revisited episode, Margo reintroduces her thought-provoking conversation with Australian artist and surface pattern designer Kirsten Katz, highlighting the enduring relevance of authenticity in creative work. Kirsten’s journey from ballerina to surface designer showcases how following your passion can lead to a unique artistic style. Since this original conversation, Kirsten’s work continues to evolve, and her insights into creating from a place of intuition and authenticity remain as important as ever.

Kirsten shares how her background in Textile Design has shaped her bold, modern, and botanical-inspired creations, which continue to catch the eye in today’s world of contemporary design.

Margo and Kirsten explore:

The importance of staying true to yourself and creating art that you love
How to focus on your style and confidence as an artist
Experimenting with mediums and techniques to stay inspired
The role of intuition in honing color combinations
Why commission work might not always align with your creative vision
And so much more!

This conversation is packed with timeless advice for creatives navigating their own artistic paths. Tune in for fresh takeaways on how to honor your authentic self as an artist, no matter the trends.

Kirsten’s work can be found on: apparel, home décor, fabric, stationery, giftware, and more.

Connect with Kirsten: Website: kirstenkatz.com.auInstagram: @kirstenkatzartFacebook: kirstenkatzartLinkedIn: Kirsten Katz Design

Connect with Margo:

Website: windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by versatile mixed-media artist and designer, Kayla Ackelson. Kayla holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a focus on non-traditional photography from Millersville University. After completing her studies, she gained valuable experience as a Gallery Assistant and Art Instructor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She later worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, first in Visitor Services and then in the Development department. In 2021, Kayla fully committed to her artistic and interior design endeavors, turning them into her full-time career. Her passion for fostering creativity continues through her role as an instructor at ArtFusion in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where she teaches students of all ages. Alongside teaching, Kayla actively exhibits her work in local galleries and maintains a strong online presence to engage a broader audience. She is also a mother, creator, and lover of plants, design, and nature.

Margo and Kayla discuss:

Her career shift to full-time artistry and interior design
Claiming your power as an artist and creative
The role journaling and meditation play in her art and work
Insights into creating inviting, personal spaces
The power of vision boards
The importance of incorporating childhood inspirations and personal mementos into your environment
How her book extends a decade-long journaling practice
How meditation influenced her decision to share personal experiences to help others
Her commitment to a flexible and evolving creative practice
Her philosophy on art and perfection, and how creating daily supports mental health
Embracing multiple creative roles

Connect with Kayla:

Website: www.kaylaackelson.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylaackelson
Her new book: https://amzn.to/47wktUw
Kayla’s Workshop: https://www.kaylaackelson.com/store/p85/mixedmediaworkshop.html

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tantaustudio
Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Annie Atkins, a graphic designer and legendary prop maker for film and television. She is known for her work with Wes Anderson on The Grand Budapest Hotel, which won the Academy Award for Best Production Design at the 87th Academy Awards. Since then, she has worked again with Wes Anderson on Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch as well as on Steven Speilberg's West Side Story and Bridge of Spies. Annie’s first book, Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps, was published in 2020 by Phaidon. In her first children's book, Letters From The North Pole, five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back! Through five letters from Santa that children can pull out and read, the hidden world of the North Pole is revealed, from how reindeer can sleep standing up to what snacks Santa would like left out on Christmas Eve, and how he gets round the world so quickly. This is a nostalgic and festive tale, reminiscent of the classic The Jolly Postman and Annie's iconic work on such films as The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Margo and Annie discuss:

How Annie’s upbringing in a creative household influenced her decision to pursue graphic design and the pivotal moments that led her into the film industry
Her impressive portfolio working on films and specific challenges and joys she encountered while working with distinctive styles of directors
Hand-lettering vs. digital design
Film prop details and some of the various intricate props she crafted
Learning through mistakes, how using a 50-star flag instead of a 48-star flag in Bridge of Spies taught her to ensure historical accuracy
Personal Projects vs. Commissioned Work
What the job of a graphic designer on a film set typically involves and how it contributes to the overall storytelling in a movie
Her captivating and interactive new children's book, Letters from the North Pole

Connect with Annie:

www.instagra.com/AnnieAtkins

www.annieatkins.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this previously aired episode, Margo is joined by (former) Productivity Coach & Online Business Consultant Chelsea Wessman. Chelsea is a popcorn obsessed, mom of 3, living next to the Utah mountains and is passionate about empowering ambitious mompreneurs to take back their time, make more money without putting in more hours, and create a life that aligns with their values. She helps ambitious women to optimize time, money, and mindset without sacrificing sanity through systems, financial freedom, and time management hacks.

They discuss:

The difference between productivity and being busy and how to figure out which one you’re spending more of your time being
Why you don’t have to time block or map out your entire day, week, or month to be productive
When you should have a template or system for certain things in your life or business
How she helps creatives and other business owners map out online product and service promotional launches
Reverse engineering goals
The importance of clarity and structure
How mindset plays into productivity

Chelsea is passionate about inspiring others to see more for their life, do more of what matters most, and be more of who you’re meant to be because you’ll never regret investing the time and effort required to reach your potential.

Resources Mentioned:

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard

Connect with Chelsea:

https://view.flodesk.com/emails/63caebcf75888582c8c6b579

www.instagram.com/chelseawessman

Chelsea’s Jumpstart Checklists Resource

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by travel designer, leader of design trips & retreats, and the author of Paris by Design: An Inspired Guide to the City’s Creative Side, Eva Jorgensen. Eva is also a 17 year design industry veteran with an MFA degree who has taught art, ran an artisanal stationery company for a decade, curated an independent gift shop, and worked as a freelance creative director. Eva grew up in California and lived in France, Belgium, and Ohio for much of her 20s. She now lives in the Utah mountains with her husband, Kirk, and their 2 kids.

Margo and Eva discuss:

Eva's upbringing in California and early artistic inspiration.
How both her Mother’s stories and influence and her Father’s entrepreneurial background guided her creative path.
How she went from operating a letterpress business to organizing exclusive creative retreats.
Her exciting plans for upcoming design-focused trips to Belgium and the Cotswolds.
Balancing artistic dreams with family life.
Her Ambition to one day write and direct an independent feature film.
Finding inspiration through nature, travel, and being offline.
How writing a magazine turned into a book.
The importance of connection and how her retreats bring people together.
Eva’s upcoming retreats.

Connect with Eva:

https://www.evajorgensen.com/

https://www.evajorgensen.com/letters-from-eva

www.instagram.com/evajorgensentravel

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by dynamic artist, entrepreneur, and the visionary CEO, Amber Byers Amber is the CEO and founder of Tadpole Press. She leads with creativity and inclusivity, serving as the head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international competition that celebrates the power of words and fosters a vibrant community of writers. Her passion for writing extends beyond the contest; she regularly blogs at Living a Life Imagined, where she shares her commitment to positivity and authenticity as a creative force. Amber’s literary works reflect her imaginative spirit and diverse background, including The Magic Door Origin Story, a sci-fi tale inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which garnered a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in 2019. Amber shares her journey from attorney to influential writer and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of creativity, authenticity, and diverse voices in literature and shares her cultural roots with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and her mission to foster inclusivity through her work.

Margo and Amber discuss:

Her transition from legal career to writer and entrepreneur
The internationally loved 100-word writing contest
Her cultural roots with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and how they shape her creative expression
How influences like Simone Biles and Liz Gilbert shape her philosophy
The significance of cultural heritage, gender identity, and the inclusive mission of Tadpole Press
Being unafraid to stand out by not following the rules
Discovering abundance in limitless creative expression and joy
How identity as an agender and biracial person influenced their approach to writing and editing

Connect with Amber:

https://www.tadpolepress.com/welcome

https://www.tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest

https://www.tadpolepress.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj35X6TwPVA

https://www.tadpolepress.com/post/my-pronouns

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined for another Creative Current Events catch up with the one and only Abby Campbell. They dive into a rich blend of creative insights and practical tips to boost productivity and brand presence - and of course, a little AI. Join them as they discuss their latest favorite articles from the interwebs including Jenna Kutcher's approach to mastering Instagram, complete with her valuable hacks for time management and content organization, a groundbreaking AI copyright infringement case featuring artist Jenga Zhang, and its potential impact on the art world, a creative cat named Momo who aids in the marketing behind a pottery brand, the latest in color-matching technology with the Nix eyedropper tool, how companies like West Elm are redefining Halloween decor, and a whole lot more.

Mentioned:

Reels from Hans Lorei Design

https://www.instagram.com/hansloreidesign

Copyright infringement case against AI Image Generators

https://venturebeat.com/ai/artists-celebrate-as-copyright-infringement-case-against-ai-image-generators-moves-forward/

Momo the Cat’s pottery is selling out!

https://www.instagram.com/feeeuuhh/

New color-matching-capturing gadget, Nix

https://www.nixsensor.com/mini-3-color-sensor/?_gl=11lqdpt6_upMQ.._gaMTk0MDgxMjAyMC4xNzIzODM2Mjky_ga_9615G94BKR*MTcyMzg0MzM1NS4yLjAuMTcyMzg0MzM1NS4wLjAuMA..&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjOC-8OZ8yR2qT1KMBGyCUspMN-TpK-7_5IEECCQCPHkuw0-fqjKEDBoCM2QQAvD_BwE

Jenna Kutcher on Instagram Productivity hacks that actually WORK

https://jennakutcher.com/

Article:

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/instagram-productivity?_hsmi=318394396

Replacing the word “Unfortunately“ in the workplace

https://www.thecandidly.com/2019/lets-stop-using-this-one-word-in-professional-settings

Summerween

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween

https://www.westelm.com/shop/holidays/halloween/?Kenshoo=_k_CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjFUqGEkX43GdLtzJqsTqyBzf_E5Lalh1H9fJjkon2LtxPyclOzl8mBoCnDYQAvD_BwE_k_&cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Brand_Search_Holiday_Exact&cm_ite=west%20elm%20halloween_18579335980_kwd-929824583416&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjFUqGEkX43GdLtzJqsTqyBzf_E5Lalh1H9fJjkon2LtxPyclOzl8mBoCnDYQAvD_BwE

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Kenzie Elston, the whimsical artist behind Snippets of Whimsy. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, Kenzie began her career designing for Procter & Gamble's Pampers and Always brands. Now freelancing, she licenses her joyful illustrations and playful hand lettering to gift, garden, stationery, and home decor companies. Known as a "positivity artist," Kenzie’s creative identity shines through her love for color, florals, and uplifting designs. Beyond art, she enjoys collecting sketchbooks, antique tchotchkes, and novels, and she lives for daily dance parties with her two young sons.

Margo and Kenzie discuss:

Her journey from working for Proctor and Gamble to finding her unique voice as an illustrator
Growing up in a creative atmosphere & finding your own way.
Using elements to create, and building a design bank.
What playing with your art & creativity opens up
Her intuitive approach to art
Finding a knack for blending family life with a flourishing creative career
Drawing inspiration from her children
The importance of creating cohesive collections
Navigating market trends
The necessity in holding strong boundaries as a creative
Upcoming retreats that promise to build a close-knit community of like-minded creatives

Connect with Kenzie:

www.snippetsofwhimsy.com

www.instagram.com/snippetsofwhimsy

ReStart Make Art (Retreat!): https://www.restartmakeart.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Sonoma Valley-based artist Alex Cole, whose paintings are inspired by her travels and the Northern California landscapes. Her work has been featured in RUE magazine and published in “Wild Lands” and “Artist of the Bay Area” by Jen Tough. With over twenty years of experience, Alex’s art is characterized by her love of contrast in color, texture, and pattern, and her pieces can be found in collections across the US, Europe, and Canada.

Born in Bronxville, New York, and raised in Paris and Ibiza, Alex was exposed to diverse cultures that greatly influenced her artistic style. After earning a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, she moved to Sonoma, California, where she began teaching at the Sonoma Community Center. Her workshops and retreats, held both locally and internationally, encourage others to tap into their creative potential by exploring nature and embracing experimentation. Alex's work, including her public art project for The City of Santa Rosa, showcases her dedication to inspiring creativity in others.

Margo and Alex discuss:

Her creative path and how growing up abroad impacted her creative journey
Embracing vulnerability and creativity through art and teaching
Saying yes to new opportunities in art and life
Creative freedom and the power of play
Building authentic connections
Embracing the unknown in artistry
Giving back through art
The power of saying YES
How facilitating workshops in Spain shaped her approach to teaching and learning simultaneously
How non-verbal communication can enhance the exchange of creative ideas in an artistic setting
Finding alignment in personal core values when it comes to creating
How she inspires others to be brave in art making and business

Connect with Alex:

https://www.alexcolestudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/alexcolestudio/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

It’s time for Creative Current Events! Margo and friend Abby Campbell are diving into the creative realm and catching up on the latest articles and happenings and giving you the footnotes so you don’t have to! They discuss the joys of creating art on walls vs traditional canvas, the importance of pushing creative boundaries, Canva’s report on creativity and AI, Apple’s new AI partnership, a controversial olympic ad, Anthropolgie’s new adaptive clothing line, and more.

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!

Mentioned: Lori Siebert’s Windowsill Workshop

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/lorisiebert2024?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourtantaustudio.com%2Fa%2F2147917190%2FQzSoxhML

Garance Dore (Instagram Post)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C328nZyN5kc/?hl=en&img_index=1

Kit Kemp Design (Instagram Post)

https://www.instagram.com/kitkempdesignthread/?hl=en

Kelly O’Neal/Design Legacy Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/design_legacy

The Canva Report on Creativity in the Workplace

https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/hbr-creativity-report/?li_fat_id=94056869-ea57-4646-ba01-e9b51f8ba7ce

The News so far on “Apple Intelligence” https://www.theneurondaily.com/p/apple-intelligence-finally?utm_source=www.theneurondaily.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=apple-s-ai-tease

Google Olympics ad sparks new ire over generative AI

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/31/google-olympics-ad-ai-gemini-ire?_hsmi=318224684

Swiss army knife maker to produce range without a blade

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/07/swiss-army-knife-maker-to-produce-version-without-a-blade

Anthropologie Adaptive Clothing Collection

https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/anthropologie-adaptive-clothing-collection/

https://www.anthropologie.com/stories-adaptive-fashion-for-everyone

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Ana Bianchi, an artist, designer, illustrator, children's book author, and color enthusiast. Ana shares her journey from her early beginnings in art to her diverse range of creative projects. Originally from Mexico and having spent many years in New York, Ana now resides in the Bay Area, where she uses her garden as a natural color lab for her photography and color project, Color/Flora. Ana's work spans branding, illustrated graphic design, the PaperGirl Collection, surface design, and ceramics, with color as the unifying element throughout. She has exhibited her art globally, including in Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Greece, and New York City. Margo and Ana discuss:

Understanding Trends: design versus fashion and the average lifespan of a trend
Audience: Who follows trends, and who pays attention to them?
The Origin of Trends: how trends are initiated, spotting them early, and identifying emerging trends
Engaging with Trends: when to engage, maintaining individuality, and is it possible to ignore trends as creative business owners?
Color Trends: Pantone, industry specific color trends, color of the year
Era-based color cycles and navigating trends you don’t care for
Navigating trends you dislike
Impact on artistry: Do color trends hinder artistic individuality?
Timeless colors, desired trends, and finding inspiration

Connect with Ana:

https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

https://www.analovescolor.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by award nominated content creator with over a decade of experience in social media marketing and Canva design, Georgia Williams. She is also the host of "Content Tea with G," her popular global podcast, where she delivers a unique blend of creativity, social media content and northern charm, inspiring listeners worldwide to embrace their own authenticity, and stand out through content creation. She also performs regularly as a professional singer and has been featured in The Mirror, The Daily Mail, the BBC and others. As a singer, she has entertained crowds of up to 7,000 people. With her unique blend of marketing knowledge and stage performance, Georgia is on a mission to help business owners create social media content with more joy and show up exactly as they are, both online and off.

Margo and Georgia discuss:

her creative journey and decade-long experience in social media marketing
How her upbringing in a creative environment shaped her career
What it means and looks like to be a Canva ambassador
Her time on The Voice UK and being mentored by Tom Jones
The highs and lows of public perception and what it has taught her in business (and showing up online)
Leveraging personal interests for content creation
Authenticity and mental health
Thoughts on AI and creativity
Motherhood and how it’s influenced her professional aspirations and creative pursuits

Connect with Georgia:

https://www.instagram.com/rayofsocial/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiawilliamsrayofsocial/

https://www.facebook.com/rayofsocial

https://www.tiktok.com/@rayofsocial

https://www.threads.net/@rayofsocial

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Gza4gxFeCElcNS0UDsLP3

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/content-tea-with-g-content-tips-and-ideas/id1727143437

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by middle-aged Minnesotan, Author, creative, and Tax Preparer Steve Hoffman. Steve who has always been in love with France, both the country and the idea of it as a place where he can be a better version of himself moved together with his family to the small village of Autignac in southern France, where he quickly realized life there was far from his romanticized expectations. Through cooking what the local grocer suggested and learning winemaking from a neighbor, he discovered the true beauty of a culture deeply connected with its landscape. Steve is a Minnesota tax preparer and award-winning food writer, with his work published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune. His memoir, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France, will be published in July 2024. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly puggle, 80,000 honeybees, and a pair of sandhill cranes

Margo and Steve discuss:

Steve’s creative journey and the inspiration that found him
The transformative aspects of his family's extended stay in the Languedoc Region of Southern France
Impact of working in the vines and a village winery on perspective towards wine and winemaking
Changes in travel philosophy after the experience in France
The challenges and rewards of parenting both abroad and at home
How he inspires and encourages his kids in their creativity
Sneak peek of upcoming appearance on The Splendid Table on July 18
Where to find Steve’s work, follow his journey, and purchase his new memoir

Connect with Steve:

www.sjrhoffman.com

https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Catching up on all things creative current events and highlighting some fun and interesting articles, Margo is joined by friend and current event co-host Abby Campbell. This week they are discussing the growth challenges Cara has been facing and how we can give grace, Etsy’s updated stance on AI, Sticker Mule's political controversy, how a baseball hit made a beer company millions, and finding inspiration outside of our own online algorithm.

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!

Mentioned in this episode:

Cara Facing New Challenges

https://www.fastcompany.com/91157162/the-cara-app-went-viral-now-it-faces-new-challenges

Etsy’s stand on AI from their Handbook

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1275449912004

More on Etsy & New Naming Categories

https://www.fastcompany.com/91153074/etsy-is-using-humans-to-stand-out-in-an-ai-obsessed-world

Etsy’s Ad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUFvwHBZOgo

A Dramatic Reading of a Small Business Customer Service Email

Leigh Standley of Curly Girl Cards

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9nJezDON6E/

Ariadne Kritonos on Instagram!

Thanks for the thoughtful discussion, Ariadne.

https://www.instagram.com/ariadnekritonos/

Coopers Light - Coors Light’s OUT Campaign

Unintentionally started by Angels Player Shohei Otani

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5GQvqfqRSU

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Arianne Foulks. Arianne is the founder of Aeolidia, a Shopify development agency that's been working with creative shop owners since 2004. Her team blends strategy and design to create super-effective Shopify sites, email marketing, and branding. She is also a popular educator and small business enthusiast. As a champion for creative brands, she has a 17+ year reputation for thoughtful redesigns that help businesses level up. She loves having a problem to solve, and has focused throughout her career on building online homes for fascinating people. She is also a mom of two teenagers, enjoys walking, and always has a pile of books by her bed.

Margo and Arianne discuss:

Arianne’s creative history of crafting beaded jewelry and zines in her childhood to transforming the online presence of creative e-commerce businesses
How she cultivated her niche in the e-commerce industry
The challenges of selling unique products in a market flooded with mass-produced items
The power of storytelling in e-commerce.
Core values and how they guide Aeolidia
the significance of having a minimum viable product
continuous evolution of brand voice
How and why her team switched to a four day work week
how to avoid scope creep and set good expectations when working with clients
Using the Entrepreneurial Operating System to run a business

Connect with Arianne:

https://aeolidia.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aeolidia/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannefoulks/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by friend and former guest, Michael Schultz. Michael is the co-owner and creative eye of Cursive New York, which operates 2 stores in New York City. Cursive is a tightly focused concept with the simple mission of cultivating joy. Michael, along with his husband, Douglas Duncan, have established Cursive as a strong and forward voice in the industry where they offer gift, stationery, home and lifestyle products and is constantly evolving. Cursive operated in New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal for 11 years and within ABC Carpet & Home for 15 years, until the Covid-19 pandemic upended those long runs. Making lemonade out of lemons, Schultz and Duncan doubled down on New York and opened 2 shops in New York’s West Village neighborhood, 4 blocks apart. One shop is true to the original Cursive vision, while Cursive Home is the brand's extension into home goods.

Margo and Michael discuss:

Going all in on yourself, trusting your gut and having confidence in your creativity
The thin line between inspiration and imitation within the digital landscape
The risks of looking too closely at others' work and what it can lead to
The importance of developing a unique point of view
The patience and vulnerability required to pave your own path in the creative industry
Maintaining confidence in one's original work even if it isn't immediately recognized
Strategies that artists and designers can use to cultivate their own original ideas
Setting yourself apart as a leader and visionary by thinking two steps ahead

Connect with Michael:

www.instagram.com/cursivenewyork

www.instagram.com/curisvenyhome

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Join Margo and Abby Campbell for another creative current events catch-up! They discuss boosting self-confidence by ditching "imposter syndrome," explore innovative product design, and highlight the winners of Penguin Books' 2024 Cover Design Contest. They also delve into the latest trends in the art world and share personal anecdotes on overcoming creative blocks. Tune in for insightful discussions and actionable tips to fuel your creative journey.

Mentioned:

https://www.reddit.com/r/DefendingAIArt/comments/1da6ctq/cara_was_doomed_to_fail_from_the_beginning/ https://www.creativeboom.com/tips/how-to-be-more-confident-as-a-creative/

https://www.creativeboom.com/news/penguin-reveals-the-winners-of-its-2024-cover-design-award/

https://www.bandanaofthemonth.club/

https://hudsonvalleyseed.com/pages/call-for-art

https://sowtrueseed.com/pages/art-call

https://www.westcoastseeds.com/pages/artist-packet-contest

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by one man band, Dan Checkers otherwise known as Dan & Drum. Releasing his debut album in 2017 with no label, connections, or many friends for that matter, he was surprised to see it get millions of streams in the first year, thanks to creators like Jenna Marbles featuring the music. Since then, he's been consistently releasing music, earning 10s of millions of streams across platforms, while touring across the US. Since COVID, he's been selling personalized songs to fans that are then publicly released later- which he finds to be his most artistically fulfilling venture to date!

Margo and Dan discuss:

His path into music and niching into personalized music
The power of networking and connections in the music industry
How he transformed challenges brought on by the pandemic into an opportunity
His process of songwriting
His belief in the personal being universal
Personal struggles with depression and how a gift from his mom became a crucial outlet
How social media algorithms can be leveraged to build an audience
Potential benefits and limitations of signing with a music label

Connect with Dan:

https://www.dananddrum.com/personalizedsongs

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZajCRAa7VEcTytwxzr20a

https://www.instagram.com/dananddrum/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In part 2 of 2, Margo is joined by calligrapher and author, Brittany DeSantis. Brittany is most well known for her focus on mindfulness and the sensory experience of writing and creating: the sound of the pen on the paper, the way the ink flows on the page, the concentration it takes to form each stroke and how to find a "flow" by doing something just beyond your comfort zone. Journaling has become Brittany’s main focus. She pairs art and writing to show others a barrier-free way of expressing themselves and feels the outcome is always less important than the act of creating itself.

Margo and Brittany discuss:

Her path from rediscovering her love for art in a watercolor calligraphy class to founding Peak Paper Co
Transitioning from an advertising job to full-time artistry
How creating simple forms helped her in combating creative block
Art as a tool for navigating grief
Strategies that Brittany has found to be effective in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities like motherhood and entrepreneurship
The value of reaching out for mutually beneficial relationships
The importance of creating a supportive space for creativity
Finding inspiration from neuroaesthetics and the science-backed benefits of art-making
How she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on teaching beginners
Her groundbreaking grief journal proposal and what it’s led to
What it’s been like to partner with a renowned brand like Montblanc
The therapeutic benefits of art and journaling
An upcoming retreat in Portugal that promises to be a haven for creative minds
And so much more

Connect with Brittany:

www.peakpaperco.com

www.peakpaperco.com/my-book

https://www.amazon.com/Forget-You-Not-Keepsake-Navigating/dp/1958803375

www.instagram.com/peakpaperco

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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Margo is joined by artist, calligrapher, and avid journaler, Brittany DeSantis. After making a big cross-country move to Alberta, Canada nearly a decade ago, Brittany fell in love with the mountains and back in love with art. This move inspired the "peak" in her business name, Peak Paper Co. Through global brand partnerships and from Brittany’s tiny home studio, she's taught the art of calligraphy, watercolor and journaling to over 50 thousand people worldwide. One of Brittany's very cool teaching roles is that of global luxury brand, Montblanc's, Inspire Writing instructor. She focuses on the "beginner" stage as she believes we're all inherently creative and our own handwriting is a gift. Brittany is the proud mother of two young daughters and now, a published author who still deeply misses her dad. Art and writing inadvertently helped her cope with his loss 20 years ago, and still does to this day. It's why she created a guided grief journal to help others find the power of putting pen to paper when we're going through hard times.

Margo and Brittany discuss:

Her path from rediscovering her love for art in a watercolor calligraphy class to founding Peak Paper Co
Transitioning from an advertising job to full-time artistry
How creating simple forms helped her in combating creative block
Art as a tool for navigating grief
Strategies that Brittany has found to be effective in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities like motherhood and entrepreneurship
The value of reaching out for mutually beneficial relationships
The importance of creating a supportive space for creativity
Finding inspiration from neuroaesthetics and the science-backed benefits of art-making
How she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on teaching beginners
Her groundbreaking grief journal proposal and what it’s led to
What it’s been like to partner with a renowned brand like Montblanc
The therapeutic benefits of art and journaling
An upcoming retreat in Portugal that promises to be a haven for creative minds
And so much more

Connect with Brittany:

www.peakpaperco.com

www.peakpaperco.com/my-book

https://www.amazon.com/Forget-You-Not-Keepsake-Navigating/dp/1958803375

www.instagram.com/peakpaperco

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Back with a creative current events update, Margo is joined by Abby Campbell. They dive into the latest social media app, Cara, and its mission to filter out generative AI images so that people who want to find authentic creatives and artwork can do so easily, Meta’s somewhat scary new AI policies and the difficulty in opting out, and Adobe versus the Ansel Adams Estate - what went wrong and what kinds of processes should be in place to ensure it doesn’t happen in the future.

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by seasoned artist, designer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the creative industry Paul Pape. Paul’s journey began with a passion for education stemming from a need to escape an abusive childhood. Eventually, he found his way to design and fabrication, which led to the creation of thousands of personalized products for clients worldwide as well as industry giants such as Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon and more.. In recent years, he’s pivoted to empowering Creatives, Companies and Corporations, sharing his expertise and insights to help them embrace innovation, reverse the Creativity Crisis and make life and work FUN again. As a speaker, educator, and mentor, he inspires others to unleash their creative potential and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

Margo and Paul discuss:

Pauls personal creative journey and how an abusive childhood played a role from inspiration to career
How the industrial revolution shifted jobs towards more creative pursuits and how technology now frees us for even greater imaginative endeavors
How customized creations can touch lives in unexpected ways
The incredible impact creativity can have on our lives
Dealing with copyright and trademark challenges
Empowering the next generation of creatives
The importance of failing with purpose
Nurturing creativity in education
The evolving role of technology and AI in artistic expression
His unique framework to foster creativity called PLAY (Ponder, Learn, Apply, Yield)
Joy and importance of teaching without gatekeeping

Connect with Paul:

https://paulpape.it/

https://www.youtube.com/paulpapedesigns

https://www.instagram.com/paulpapedesigns/

https://www.facebook.com/paulpapedesigns

Freebie! https://talk.ac/paulpape?code=WINDOWSILL

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Jewelry Designer Dani Paquin. Dani founded Agapantha Jewelry in April of 2004 after 6+ years of living as a touring singer-songwriter. While it was an incredible, dream fulfilling time, people don't love paying for music and the hustle was unsustainable. Between tours, Dani started working for a couple of designers, assembling jewelry and found that it was fun, creative, she was good at it, and people were willing to pay for it. She did music and jewelry for a while, semi-retired from music, opened an adorable vintage shop in Brooklyn, and eventually found her way into the full time flow of entrepreneurship. In 2010 she moved back to her home state of California and Agapantha has been headquartered in Torrance (Los Angeles County) for the past 14 years. In that time, the style of jewelry has changed dramatically and landed where it is currently - delicate, modern, layering jewelry - handmade in her production studio using primarily sterling silver and 14k gold filled materials.

Margo and Dani discuss:

Her journey from music to crafting exquisite, delicate, and modern jewelry
How she built a successful business through innovative strategies, combining wholesale, retail, and unique events
Diversifying offerings so all the eggs aren't in one basket
The future of her brand as she ventures into fine jewelry
The intricacies of running a creative business
The importance of customer interaction and the challenges of navigating tough economic times
Hiring a team and the importance of finding people that are better than you
The incredible community she's built through initiatives like "Flash Sale Friday" and the Agapantha VIP club
And more

Agapantha is carried in boutiques all over the world, including the Agapantha showroom. Dani’s business model is fluid, allowing for change and flexibility, but combines wholesale, retail, online, and events including activities such as piercing, laser engraving, and forever jewelry.

Connect with Dani Paquin:

www.agapantha.com

www.instagram.com/agapanthajewelry

www.tiktok.com/@agapanthajewelry

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist and designer for the gift & home decor industry, Jennifer Brinley. Jennifer has been in the industry for over 20 years with a degree in Studio Art from UC Santa Barbara and she believes well designed products can bring moments of joy. Her creative path took her to graduate school for architecture before promptly dropping out after learning advanced math was involved to pass "structures." She then bounced around with a variety of jobs to save money to go to Europe for 3 months with a childhood friend. After Europe, came the quandary of what to do next and decided she would go back to school to become an art teacher. A want ad looking for a T-shirt designer led to quickly creating a fake portfolio and she began designing T-shirts for Crazy Shirts as well as getting a business license to sell her own T-shirts. She met her licensing agent by chance making color copies at Kinkos and today her designs have been on everything from tableware, gift mugs, kitchen textiles, rugs, fabrics, placemats, trays, coasters, gift bags, flags, art poles and planters.

Margo and Jennifer discuss:

Finding inspiration in nature and how one of her best selling products is a nature inspired design
Balancing creativity and business in the art world
The importance of staying informed and interested within one's industry
Fueling passion through seeing others' work and new trends
The impact of art and design on behavior and well-being
The benefits of engaging in art daily for brain stimulation
Biophilic design and nature's calming effect on the brain
Studies on neuroaesthetics (the measurable changes that occur in the brain while looking at art, design, architecture, interior design, etc)

Connect with Jennifer:

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrinley/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist, photographer and author Mary Jo Hoffman. In her previous life, Mary was an aerospace engineer until one day she decided to take up a daily practice of photographing something in nature. This daily practice turned into STILL Blog, profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life. Her new book, STILL: The Art of Noticing, features 275 of the most stunning photographs Mary Jo has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice. Mary Jo has enlisted the help of her husband, Steve, and their two children on this creative endeavor. What started out as a way to practice for retirement, has turned into a second career! Mary Jo's photos will have you looking at your own backyard in a different way and noticing much more than you ever did before.

Margo and Mary Jo discuss:

Her creative path and how she went from aerospace engineer to photographer and author
The importance of continuing the creative process despite life events
Creating a memory grid
The concept of 72 microseasons and how it impacts her creativity and photography
Benefits and challenges of committing to long-term creative projects
Licensing Deals, her experiences in working with Target and West Elm
Maintaining a creative life while raising a family and the impactful legacy that can leave for children
The intricacies of finding beauty in everyday life,
Her new book, Still: The Art of Noticing

Connect with Mary Jo Hoffman:

https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/

STILL: The Art of Noticing

http://eepurl.com/bTvh4n (Newsletter)

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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Trying something new this week with a new little episode format! In this episode, Margo is joined for a short conversation with fellow creative and friend of the Windowsill, Abby Campbell. They explore a few recent articles and subject matter that they’ve been chewing on such as the recent FTC ruling banning non-compete agreements, a Harvard Business Review article on combating burnout, and a fascinating tech piece on Nightshade—a new tool designed to protect artists' works from AI exploitation.

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by friend of the Windowsill, Emily McDowell. As an advisor, thought partner, and coach, Emily McDowell helps save creative entrepreneurs’ time, money, and sanity, and helps product-based brands succeed. As founder of the stationery brand Em & Friends, she created Empathy Cards, a more honest and supportive alternative to traditional sympathy cards, which drew organic coverage by hundreds of major media outlets in 22 countries and inspired a sea change to the industry. As a writer and illustrator, her work has gone viral countless times, and for over a decade, she’s been known for creating products that make people wonder if she’s been reading their diaries. Emily is also the co-author and illustrator of There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life Gets Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love, and offers unsolicited advice, cautionary tales, and missives from the great adventure of midlife in her Substack newsletter, Unqualified.

Margo and Emily discuss:

Her experiences in going viral unexpectedly
the mental shift from creating for joy to creating for profit and how it affects the process and output
The transition from owning a stationary company to creative coaching
Challenges and revelations in manufacturing
Keeping creativity alive amidst business endeavors
Inclusivity and diversity in creative communities
The psychological and creative benefits of engaging in non-monetizable creative activities
Her experience in exiting/selling a business and having a non-compete agreement
Licensing creative work

Connect with Emily:

www.withemilymcdowell.com

www.thegreatergoodsalliance.com

www.emilymcdowell.substack.com

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

There is No Good Card for This: What To Say and Do When Life Is Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love

Margo is joined again by tax expert for creatives, Hannah Cole. Hannah specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she’s helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements, and through her podcast. Margo and Hannah unpack the complex world of finances, exploring the impactful financial habits that can safeguard your future, the emotional hurdles around financial literacy, and how shifts in mindset can lead to financial empowerment. They also dive into the importance of IRA contributions and the significant tax advantages they offer, the impact of non-compete laws on wages and even some antitrust law news.

Margo and Hannah discuss:

Why understanding and managing finances can feel particularly hard for creative businesses
Some of the mental shifts necessary for artists to tackle financial understanding and planning effectively
Non-compete agreements
Antitrust laws and how small businesses are currently being impacted
Understanding state business licensing and quarterly taxes for freelancers
Daily investment tips to potentially reach a million-dollar retirement fund
Hannah’s advocacy for basic, proven investment methods over complex strategies
Why you should focus on minimizing fees and long-term wealth building

Sign up for Money Bootcamp with Hannah and receive $100 off by using code WINDOWSILL at checkout!

Connect with Hannah:

https://www.sunlighttax.com/

https://www.sunlighttax.com/podcast

https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide

Free class on-demand: go.sunlighttax.com/register

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by the incredibly talented Leigh Standley, founder of Curly Girl Design. Lee has been making waves in the greeting card industry since 2003, creating beautifully crafted cards that resonate deeply. In this episode, Leigh opens up about the evolution of her business through the seismic shifts in technology and consumer behaviors over the past two decades. From the early days of e-commerce to dealing with the challenges brought on by the pandemic that forced a business model shift from wholesale to direct sales, Leigh shares her journey of adaptability, passion, and persistence. She also shares her thoughtful approach to business, emphasizing personal values, the importance of meaningful connections, and why she remains committed to crafting products that genuinely speak to the heart.

Margo and Leigh discuss:

The history of Curly Girl Design since its inception in 2003
How her personal values have influenced the decision-making process in her business
Why she pivoted from wholesale to direct sales and challenges that arose during the shift
Advice for creative entrepreneurs and the importance to think beyond the “just start” phase
The evergreen business model
Selling meaningful, consumable items that you’re proud of as a creative
The importance of interacting directly with your customers
Business success beyond the financial aspect
Her new mystery box product offering
And more!

Connect with Leigh:

https://www.curlygirldesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/curlygirldesign

https://www.instagram.com/leigh.standley/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Aussie Surface Pattern Designer Rachael King. Obsessed with pattern from an early age, Rachael King grew up watching her talented mother making clothes not only for her and her siblings but for bridal and formal events too. While working in her mom's fabric shop, she mused over how the pattern repeated over the fabric and wondered how fabric was printed and wouldn't it be wonderful to design fabric too? It took another 23 years before Rachael was able to start a diploma in graphic design that would then lead into her dream of becoming a surface pattern designer. Represented by Nerida Hansen at Surtex in 2017 led to her first licensed collection with Spotlight stores and since then she has worked with fashion, homewares and greeting card companies, been a part owner in a print-on-demand fabric business, self-published two books, and is now teaching and mentoring in her much-loved industry. Rachael adores the connection she makes with fellow designers through her various touchpoints and feels very privileged to be able to inspire and nurture emerging surface designers.

Margo and Rachael discuss:

Rachael’s creative path and how her mom instilled a love for creativity in her
Self-publishing her book, Pattern Pulse, after initial rejection
Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic, and how it catalyzed her creative endeavors
Tribulations and triumphs of women in the creative business landscape: asserting value, advocating for fair compensation, and having a network of peers and mentors
The importance of physical art in a digital age
Why individuality and authenticity are crucial to the art industry
How artists can stay true to their unique style while also being commercially viable
Challenges of building a creative community in Australia
The influence and support that often comes from maternal figures in fostering creativity
Thoughts and tips for artists facing low payment offers

Connect with Rachael:

www.rachaelking.com.au

www.patternpulse.com.au

www.instagram.com/rachaeldoesdesign

www.instagram.com/australiansurfacedesigners

www.facebook.com/rachaelkingdesignsbrisbane

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this part 2 of 2 episode, Margo is joined by founder of Lonesome Pictopia, Melanie Nead. Rooted in American tattooing, the wild spaces of the Pacific Northwest, and the belief that all work should be a force for good, Lonesome Pictopia is a woman-owned design collective creating magical worlds with original wallpapers, textiles, and murals. After fifteen years as a custom tattoo artist, Melanie turned her love of plants and pattern to creating one-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals, with an eye on releasing a house line in the spirit of historic wallcoverings. Their deeply designed wallpapers are traditionally printed in the UK by a sustainable manufacturer of some of the finest wallpapers in the world. Her work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, Casa Vogue Brazil, and the Business of Home podcast, among many others.

Margo and Melanie discuss:

How to manage project expectations, setting clear boundaries and communication with clients
The power in systems in order to save time and costs
How building in a margin of error to the cost of projects has helped her team
Infusing personal values and making a social impact into her work
Math and knowing your numbers as a creative business owner
Positioning yourself and how it can build confidence
And more!

Connect with Melanie:

www.lonesomepictopia.com

www.instagram.com/lonesomepictopia

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by founder of Lonesome Pictopia, Melanie Nead. Rooted in American tattooing, the wild spaces of the Pacific Northwest, and the belief that all work should be a force for good, Lonesome Pictopia is a woman-owned design collective creating magical worlds with original wallpapers, textiles, and murals. After fifteen years as a custom tattoo artist, Melanie turned her love of plants and pattern to creating one-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals, with an eye on releasing a house line in the spirit of historic wallcoverings. Their deeply designed wallpapers are traditionally printed in the UK by a sustainable manufacturer of some of the finest wallpapers in the world. Her work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, Casa Vogue Brazil, and the Business of Home podcast, among many others.

Margo and Melanie discuss:

Her creative path and the transition from tattoo artist to surface pattern designer
navigating the balance between tradition and innovation within her art
How to manage project expectations, setting clear boundaries and communication with clients
Infusing personal values and making a social impact into her work
The difficulty that comes with shifting career paths
Discovering a passion for design after tattooing
The impact of design and creativity on mental health
The magic that comes from authenticity and experimental drive
Business systems for creative entrepreneurship and how platforms like Instagram can still be a powerhouse for business growth
Balancing the need for creative mental space with the business demands of schedules and deadlines
Maintaining and revitalizing historic crafts and artistic expressions
Cinema as a design inspiration

Connect with Melanie:

www.lonesomepictopia.com

www.instagram.com/lonesomepictopia

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined once again by surface pattern designer, intuitive art maker, and course creator Jessica Swift. As a child, Jessica sported a nearly-permanent Crayola marker stain on her left arm, from pinky to elbows so, naturally, she became an artist. She creates colorful, uplifting artwork and manufactures her own products in her studio in Portland, Oregon. She also collaborates with inspiring companies and publishers to create branded products such as fabric, stationery, puzzles, books, and more. She's the author of 3 books and teaches online classes on topics including pattern design, color, and intuitive art-making.

Margo and Jessica discuss:

The pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of Jessica’s career as an artist
How she combines outer art mediums with an inner focus for healing
Using art making as a portal for personal discovery and self expression
How to tune out external noise in order to trust your inner voice better
How engaging with art can impact decision-making
Jessica’s approach in how she uses art as a vehicle for personal growth and insight rather than just an aesthetic outcome
Authentic expression online
Her upcoming course, Unleashed: A Creative Journey to Inner Freedom

Connect with Jessica:

www.jessicaswift.com

www.instagram.com/jessicaswift

https://www.artforselfcare.com/unleashed

Windowsill Chats Episode 105

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined once again by artist, metalsmith, teacher, creative business coach, writer, and entrepreneur Megan Aumen. Megan has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for art, design, and creativity. In addition to her eponymous jewelry line and various other creative pursuits (including textile design, painting, and sculpture), she runs Designing an MBA, where she talks and teaches about the intersection of art and business, and Artists and Profit Makers, an online mentorship program for creative business owners. She is the author of four books, including Try It & See and Permission to Be an Artist.

Margo and Megan discuss:

The importance of experiential art
Understanding the seasonality of a business and why it’s important
Her journey with both self-doubt and self-empowerment when it comes to valuing creative work
Rest and relaxation for creatives and how she integrates principles into her own life to maintain a healthy creative process
Traditional advice that’s often given to artists regarding problem-solving and how it can limit their creative expression and the impact of their work
Generative AI: ethical considerations and its impact on creative workers

Connect with Megan:

shop.meganauman.com

instagram.com/meganauman

youtube.com/meganauman

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by book-loving, notebook-hoarding literacy teacher educator who is on a mission to change lives one book and one notebook at a time, Stephanie Affinito. Stephanie blogs about the power of leading literate lives and podcasts weekly on books and reading, writing and notebooks and everything in between. Stephanie shares about the transformative power of reading and writing and how her own personal journey of rediscovering creativity through self-expression and the joy of literature.

Margo and Stephanie discuss:

Reading and writing as a form of therapy
Understanding restorative reading practices
The science behind reading for mental and physical health
The connection between literacy and emotional well-being
Encouraging joyful reading habits
Building a book apothecary
The importance of starting with achievable goals
Establishing rituals around reading
And so much more

Connect with Stephanie:

www.alitlife.com

www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

www.threads.net/@affinitolit

www.getliterate.co

stephanie-affinito-0cab.mykajabi.com/envelopesofliteratelove

stephanie-affinito-0cab.mykajabi.com/workwithstephanie

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The one and only Lisa Congdon is back in the windowsill for an honest conversation on work life balance, creating harmony and ease in life, and what she’s given up in order to have more of what she wants. Illustrator and author Lisa Congdon is best known for her colorful, graphic drawings and hand lettering. She works for clients around the world including Comme des Garçons, Crate and Barrel, Facebook, MoMA, REI, and Harvard University among many others. She is the author of ten books, including the starving-artist-myth-smashing Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist and her latest book Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

The notion of work life balance and Lisa’s current take on it
The process of engangling herself from being a workaholic
Creating a self care and wellness practice
The importance of non-monetized hobbies
The learning lessons that come from decision making
Why she always says “every mistake is progress”
The 80/20 rule when it comes to business income
Print on demand
How being disciplined has allowed her more freedom in her life

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

Art Inc. by Lisa Congdon

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by California photographer and retreat creator and host, Sarah Leader. Sarah received her first camera at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped photographing since but her why and who she photographs has evolved several times over while still saying true to her own style and uniqueness. She found a passion for empowering women through the art of photography in 2010, which evolved into a retreat offering called "Persephone Unleashed.” Persephone Unleashed was born from Sarah’s belief that women are magic, as well as her fiery passion to document beautiful creatures as they break free of their chrysalis. Her approach to photographing women is founded on authenticity & self-compassion, and she practices it by showing up to that space with you, unapologetically herself — awkward, messy bits and all.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Her personal journey with creativity and photography
The inspiration and story behind Persephone Unleashed (stemming from her own Postpartum Depression) and how it’s evolved since its inception
Using photography as a form of storytelling
How she approaches photographing women with authenticity and self-compassion
How she uses photography as a tool for empowering women and how self portraiture contributes to their sense of self and liberation
Margo’s experience at Persephone Unleashed
Creating an environment that encourages women to break free and embrace their authenticity
Tips for how individuals can embrace their own unique beauty and tell their stories through photography (even if they're not professional photographers)
The incredible team at Persephone Unleashed
Upcoming events and more

Mentioned:

Exploring the Interwoven Journey of Spirituality and Creativity: Jade Chen on Shamanic Practices, the Potency of Nature, and Personal Evolution (Episode 174)

Connect with Sarah:

www.persphoneunleashed.com

www.instagram.com/persephoneunleashed

https://sarahkathleen.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by former Windowsill Chats guest, Lori Siebert. Lori, an accomplished artist with a rich background in graphic design and art licensing, shares the evolution of her creative journey, reflecting on the major shifts in her life post turning 60, from handling significant losses to prioritizing joy and self-care. Together, they share insights into recent personal health discoveries and why they’ve decided to prioritize their health now and how they hope to encourage you to do the same. Lori also shares on the shift in her career, choosing projects that resonate personally after selling her studio building and relieving financial pressures. She discusses how this pivotal decision, along with a newfound pursuit of happiness through self-care, led her to acknowledge her chameleon-like adaptability as a signature mark in her art.

Margo and Lori discuss:

The intersection of creativity and health and why you can’t have one without the other
Discovering new creative passions that aid in wellness such as cooking
Plank contests and pilates
Unique art challenges and how they infuse their lives with inspiration
How intergenerational relationships impact Lori’s creative process
Prioritizing sleep
Managing time and maintaining a healthy balance between work, self-care, and creativity
Upcoming events and plans for Lori
And more!

Connect with Lori:

http://www.instagram.com/lorisiebert.studio/

http://www.pinterest.com/lorisie

http://www.facebook.com/lorisiebertstudio

www.lorisiebert.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by tax expert Hannah Cole who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she’s helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. She is the founder of Sunlight Tax. As artists carve their paths through various industries, they encounter a myriad of challenges, yet financial literacy is rarely addressed, leading to feelings of failure and shame. Today's conversation with Hannah sheds light on this systemic failure and turns it into a journey of empowerment and self-compassion (something all creatives should have)!

Margo and Hannah discuss:

The responsibilities that come with being a small business owner in the US
Navigating self-employment taxes and optimizing deductions
Personal struggles that Hannah faced within her own creative career and financial literacy
What propelled her towards accounting education
How she acts as a translator between the creative and tax worlds
Simple advice artists can implement today when it comes to money management
Her Money Bootcamp program and podcast
How to save more money
And more!

Connect with Hannah:

www.instagram.com/sunlighttax

www.sunlighttax.com

www.sunlighttax.com/podcast

Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $130k in Your Savings https://go.sunlighttax.com/free

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In part two of this two-part episode, Margo is joined by illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight young and old alike, Suzy Ultman. from graphic design to creating educational content for children, Suzy emphasizes the importance of infusing personal beliefs into professional projects and how hardships in her life such as her divorce and the loss of her sister played a role in her own creativity and imparting it on children. Make Time for Play is the main philosophy behind everything that she does as an artist and her signature products celebrate play, creativity, connection, and community in the world around us.

Margo and Suzy discuss:

Her desire to create more Jewish products to represent her culture and heritage
How personal struggles influenced her creative process and approach to life
The self-growth and happiness that comes alive through creativity
Using social media as a creative tool
Rediscovering the joy of Shabbat and what it brought back in to her life
The importance in finding time for creativity, self-reflection, and relationships
Her new kids stationery collaboration
And more

Connect with Suzy:

www.instagram.com/suzyultman

www.suzyultman.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this two-part episode, Margo is joined by illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight young and old alike, Suzy Ultman. from graphic design to creating educational content for children, Suzy emphasizes the importance of infusing personal beliefs into professional projects and how hardships in her life such as her divorce and the loss of her sister played a role in her own creativity and imparting it on children. Make Time for Play is the main philosophy behind everything that she does as an artist and her signature products celebrate play, creativity, connection, and community in the world around us.

Margo and Suzy discuss:

Suzy’s creative path: transitioning from studying accounting to pursuing a career in graphic design
Her experience of working in design for Adidas
Prioritizing handwork, creativity, and inspiration in the creative process
How personal identity and cultural heritage plays a role in her creative process
Challenges she’s faced when integrating her Jewish identity into her work
Lessons learned from finding representation and building artistic vision
The importance of connection and community when it comes to doing creative work
Staying true to one's story and identity

Connect with Suzy:

www.instagram.com/suzyultman

www.suzyultman.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by fantastical and whimsical artist, Jules Gissler. Jules doesn’t color in the proverbial lines, and she is proud to create art that has a voice and a story. Over the years, my work has taken different shapes, as has she. Jules believes in being braver, bolder, and unafraid to take up space and also the important role humor and connection plays in our evolution. Jules' art is an embodiment of who she is. It’s how she lives her magic, the combination of vulnerability, attachment to nature, courage, and her voice that make her unlike any other being under the sun. She is grateful to have discovered these qualities and hopes the many layers of emotions and experiences she has, shows up in her work in a way that inspires smile-ish-ness (her Dr. Seuss made-up word) and connection.

Margo and Jules discuss:

Attending Montana State University to discovering her passion for art and jewelry design
The significance of music and its impact on her creativity
How she’s embraced new opportunities and takes initiative in business
Vulnerability, connection, and natures role in her creative journey
How she continually pushes forward in trying new things (artistic endeavors, life, etc.)
Storytelling through her art
Collaborating with a designer like Michael Grey for Birkenstock
Advice for artists navigating their own creative journeys

Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

Connect with Jules:

https://www.julesgissler.com

https://instagram.com/julesAgissler

https://www.facebook.com/julesGisslerArtist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-gissler

https://www.pinterest.com/julesgissler/

https://www.amazon.com/Save-Earth-Daisy-Sleeve-T-Shirt/dp/B09NTQ2SZW/

https://www.illustratorsforhire.com/featuring/jules-gissler-illustrator-for-hire

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by the cheeky glam ma'am behind the Champagne Fabulous brand of gifts and home decor, Mandi Blackford. Through her brand, Mandi encourages people of all ages to unabashedly be exactly who they WANT to be with her motto "Age Inappropriately.” A watercolor & acrylic artist previously selling under the brand Jetset Barbie Art, Mandi took her creative career to the next level in 2022 when she launched the Champagne Fabulous brand with her first two original products on Amazon in the US, UK, and Australia. A pool float in the shape of a champagne bottle, and a doorbell frame that says "Press for Champagne". All while maintaining her demanding full-time day job as a hotel software product manager. Mandi recently launched The Age Inappropriately Show – a weekly video podcast where hilarious content will always come back to the underlying message of encouragement to have self-love, confidence, and live authentically.

Margo and Mandi discuss:

Her Arkansas upbringing, Baptist background and her evolving desire to be a preacher's wife to becoming an artist
The unique path and many jobs that took her to Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas, and Chicago before moving to Longview, TX
What traveling taught her and how it inspired her first creative business name, Jetset Barbie
Finding a new form of creativity through painting at the age of 46
Making art profitable
The Amazon FBA program: learning the ins and outs to sell her products on Amazon
Learning to embracing her individuality and overcome societal norms
Her new podcast and video show, Age Inappropriately
And more!

Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

Connect with Mandi:

https://champagnefab.com/

https://youtube.com/@champagnefab

https://www.instagram.com/champagnefabulousllc/

https://www.facebook.com/ChampagneFabulousLLC

https://www.tiktok.com/@champagnefab

https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/mandiblackford

https://twitter.com/champagnefaboo

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and courageous communication expert Amy Green Smith. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor.

Margo and Amy discuss:

Her life crisis moment that led her to leave an industry she had great success in
The importance of effective communication and emotional well-being
Learning to find your voice and powerfully say 'No' as an artist
Combatting people-pleasing in business
Finding the right words, creating boundaries, and cultivating self-worth as an entrepreneur
Navigating uncomfortable conversations
The science behind our four fear responses (and how they hold creatives back)
Her amazing Free-sources
And so much more!

Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

Connect with Amy:

Amygreensmith.com

http://amygreensmith.com/free

http://instagram.com/heyamygreensmith

http://facebook.com/heyamygreensmith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyamygreensmith

http://twitter.com/heyamygreen

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by listener favorite guest Beth Buffington. Beth is a licensed illustrator, and an online digital illustration instructor, creative coach, and podcaster. Like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold her favorite red crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, Beth began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments.  After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her own business. Her work has grown into several facets including home decor products, course creation and her latest creative outlet, adventure exploring and podcasting.

Margo and Beth discuss:

Beth’s creative path from in-house designer to entrepreneur
The importance of making time for self-improvement and finding joy in learning something new
Benefits of using technology, like Procreate, to create art anywhere
Challenges of rejection and finding a supportive community in pursuing creative work
How she discovered her passion for teaching
Balancing creative pursuits with other responsibilities
The power in consistent creativity and its effect on health
Her upcoming course, free workshops and podcast
And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen

Connect with Beth:

https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

https://bdi-celebrate.today/

Create Today Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by botanical watercolor artist, teacher and podcast host Ping He. Ping made a career change from flower consultant to botanical artist in 2019 and shortly thereafter launched a successful stationary and gift brand, Ping He Art where she turned her intricate designs into beautiful paper products. Today, her art is available in 150 stores across 12 counties. In 2021, Ping was diagnosed with breast cancer which is when she realized her need and desire to live a life with purpose and she created Thriving Women Artists, a podcast by Ping and two friends sharing their tips and knowledge when it comes to working as a freelance artist and encouraging other women in creative industries. Amongst her work, Pink is currently working on designing a creative app called Botany Works where creative expats can share their passion for botanical art as well as live a creative and fulfilled life on their own terms.

Margo and Ping discuss:

What it was like growing up during cultural revolution in China and what it taught her
Taking charge of your own destiny and understanding what you want out of your own life and business
Considering your own business risks and personal aspirations
Taking baby steps and being unafraid of your own possibility and potential
Navigating health challenges for herself and her child and how they affected her business
How she balances motherhood and a creative business
The richness of opportunities that come from collaboration
Passion, authenticity and self-belief
And more!

Connect with Ping:

www.pinghe.art

www.instagram.com/pinghe.art

https://www.facebook.com/pingheartstudio/

https://www.instagram.com/twapodcast/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

This week Margo and her sister play a bit of a role reversal and Margo is interviewed In the Windowsill! As the creator and host of the podcast, Margo rarely shares intimately about herself but she figured it was time to change that. Margo shares her experience with wire art and the moment a piece of art went from an act of creativity to monetized creativity, working in wholesale, collaborating with artists to create unique retail products, and bridging the gap between creatives and their businesses. She also discusses her love of music, the personal growth she’s experienced over the past year, and her current pursuits in silversmithing and jewelry making. With the help of Shelley, Margo explores her insights on reinvention, self-reflection, and her plans for 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lynn Whipple’s 100 Bad Paintings

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

See full show notes at www.windowsillchats.com/podcast

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China

The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding

Margo is joined by Shamanic Practitioner and Spiritual Guide Jade Chen. Jade supports and assists people on their healing journey and believes everyone has the capacity to activate the healer within. Her own awakening journey began in 2016 when life took some major turns and she left both a highly financially secure career and a relationship of over 6 years. She felt she had been living her life in a dazed dream; just going through the motions and trying her best to maintain surface happiness. She began to pray a lot and then reconnect to the spirit world through those prayers, and began to receive some answers. The messages she received included to acknowledge her own experience, pain and trauma and to go inward and hold space for herself in a way that felt real. Since 2016 she’s continued to receive messages that have allowed her to grow and evolve while helping others do the same. She works with people one on one and in group settings and also leads healing retreats throughout the year.

Margo and Jade discuss:

Jade’s year of transformation that led her to shamanic and spiritual work
What a Shamanic Practitioner is and does
Use of practices like meditation and connecting with nature for healing
The connection between creativity and spirituality
Tapping into our inner-child through creativity
The commonality of being an empath among highly creative people
Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety in sharing creative work
And more

Connect with Jade:

www.mudlotuslife.com

www.instagram.com/jadelotuschen

Illuminated Women’s Business Retreat

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist, designer, and educator Rukmini Poddar. Rukmini’s creative passion lies at the intersection of emotional wellness and creative storytelling which she helps others connect to through her new book Draw Your Feelings: A Creative Journal to Help Connect with Your Emotions through Art. Rukmini found her creative voice through participating in the #100DayProject for over 9 consecutive years and has grown her instagram community to over 100,000 followers. She is best known for her drawings that give life to her personal emotions.

Margo and Rukmini discuss:

Her personal and artistic journey
The connection between emotions and art
How vulnerability can inspire others
Recognizing and working through different forms of resistance such as self-sabotage and procrastination
The links between art, emotions, and mental wellness
The importance of creativity for individuals in corporate roles and the need for more humanity in the workspace
Her journey with 100-day projects
Overcoming creative challenges
The beauty in naivety when you’re doing something for the first time

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram

The Art of War by Steven Pressfield

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Connect with Rukmini:

Draw Your Feelings by Rukmini Poddar

https://www.instagram.com/rockinruksi/

https://www.dearruksi.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by writer, singer-songwriter, teacher, and coach Marisa Handler. Marisa is the author of Loyal to the Sky, which won a Nautilus Gold Award for world-changing books and her essays, fiction, and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. Her music is also streamed across large platforms such as Spotify and iTunes. Marisa earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and has received many fellowships in Creative Writing, including a Fulbright and an Elizabeth George Foundation grant. On the spiritual side, Marisa has been studying Insight Meditation in retreats and daily life since 2002, and instructing since 2012. She is a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, and has long-term practices in Authentic Movement, Somatic Experiencing, and various forms of dance. Marisa is the founder of Live Your Creative Genius, an in-depth coaching program offering a new paradigm for creative work, and she teaches on creativity, writing, and transformation at places like Stanford University, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Esalen, and the California Institute for Integral Studies.

Margo and Marisa discuss:

Her creative path and how spirituality plays a role in her many creative mediums
Cultivating creativity, finding support in a creative community, and connecting with one's authentic voice
The challenges of balancing creative pursuits with jobs
Creating a sacred space for creativity
Her 9 month coaching program
How we are intrinsically creative beings
How we do our best creative work by becoming who we truly are
Embracing our shadow
Viewing our obstacles as allies

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Marisa:

www.marisahandler.com

"Alchemize Your Creative Vision" on December 12th: https://marisahandler.com/programs/aycv/

Live your Creative Genius (9 month coaching): https://marisahandler.com/programs/lycg/

https://marisahandler.com/programs/firing-up-the-engines/

https://www.facebook.com/marisa.handler.3

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q6NM99n37Lch8xG4Rjkfx?si=YqGdYLUaSo-JnGgyF_qbww

https://insighttimer.com/marisacreates

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Britta Borden-Tabor, a trailblazing digital influencer and empowerment coach whose passion knows no bounds. Britta has dedicated her life's mission to inspiring and uplifting women over 40, helping them uncover their passions and turn their dreams into reality. She isn't just a coach; she's a beacon of motivation, a force of nature, and a true inspiration to countless souls. Through her powerful words and magnetic presence, Britta ignites a flame within her audience, urging them to embrace their full potential and conquer any obstacles in their path. Her infectious enthusiasm and unshakeable belief in the power of women's dreams make her a compelling force in the realm of personal development.

Margo and Britta discuss:

Her desire to be seen as someone different than she was typically seen as and how that was a catalyst in showing up in a new way
The power in showing up without overthinking
Creating a community versus creating following
What it means to be authentic and step into your power
Her role as a full time caregiver, special needs advocate and what it’s taught her
Breaking the stereotype of what a plus size woman should wear
Taking control of your own experiences and becoming an expert in your own life
Finding a balance between making a profit and helping people
Overcoming rejection before finding success on social media
How paying it forward and helping others has resulted in unexpected rewards and joy

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Britta:

www.instagram.com/britt_dazzle

www.facebook.com/Britta Borden-Tabor

www.tiktok.com/@brittatabor

https://thebeekeepher.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by fine artist Robyn Thayer. Robyn has been making the world a more appealing place as a beauty maker and storyteller since her first smile. Robyn’s art education is informal and profuse; a daily act. Her favorite artwork is large in scale and she prefers to use acrylics, water-soluble graphite and crayons, to create representational, contemporary abstract paintings. In this way she is able to convey a dreamlike quality- reflecting the innocence and grandeur of where the private inner world and the wild outside meet.

Margo and Robyn discuss:

How Margo first discovered Robyn and how her creative path has evolved since that time.
The transformative power of art and the importance of personal growth and experimentation
Her artistic process and techniques as well as the challenges she has faced in the art world
The importance of community and the power of bravery in supporting one another
How her trauma has played a role in her creativity and even lends itself to her work
Her upcoming book, storytelling through painting, musings, and poetry
What it means to utilize rebel energy in creativity
Intuitive art making
And more!

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Robyn:

https://www.instagram.com/robyn_thayer_fine_art

www.RobynThayer.com

https://m.facebook.com/RobynThayer-ProfessionalArtist

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by watercolor artist and surface pattern designer Cass Deller. Most notably known for her modern, coastal art style, Cass blends the beauty of her natural surroundings and beach holiday nostalgia. Imbued with the subtle, relaxed tones of hazy beachside summers, her hand-painted watercolor artwork evokes understated luxury and effortless style. With over 10 years of experience as a designer and a passion for collaboration, Cass has worked with many Global Companies as well as some of Australia's most well-known brands to bring a fresh, modern edge to the lifestyle and fashion industry.

Margo and Cass discuss:

Her creative entrepreneurial path and the many different niches she’s worked in
Discovering and developing her own artistic style and how she helps others in discovering theirs
Why collaborating is the backbone of her creative career
Strategies and practices that have helped her maintain a positive and productive mindset
Her surface pattern design course and mentorship opportunities
Following joy and curiosity. How she does it herself and how she encourages others to embrace their creative pursuits

Join the waitlist for Surface Pattern Design for Creative Entrepreneurs. Get 10% off eligible offers using code MARGO.

Connect with Cass:

https://www.instagram.com/cassdellerdesign

https://www.cassdeller.com.au

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by dental hygienist turned water color illustrator, Ivy Zellmer. With a lifelong love of paper and artful entertaining, Ivy created her first stationary series at the age of nine. She bundled up the papers and shipped them across the country—an early love letter to hand-lettered correspondence. Then, in her formative years of early womanhood, Ivy traveled to France, an experience that forever influenced her artistic aesthetic. These passions artfully combined, and what started as hand-painted gift tags and a holiday card with Ivy’s signature bicycle has transformed into Napa Valley’s premier watercolor house. After dedicating 15 years to dentistry, Ivy shifted back to her childhood passions, keeping the art of a handwritten note alive, and is now running a full-time design and luxury "paperie" gift collection. Today, Ivy Paperie is dedicated to providing a portal to an elevated life—sharing beauty, spreading joy, and creating genuine connection through elegant gifting.

Margo and Ivy discuss:

Her path from dental hygienist to full time creative artist and what helped her take the leap
The impact that studying abroad in France had on her
Her experience working with a mastermind group and with mentors
Creating a wholesale catalog and why it was crucial in the success of her business
Collaborating with local stores and businesses before casting a wider net
Ways to stand out in a world of digital communication, specifically with handwritten notes
Building credibility, reputation, and experience as a creative
Finding a supportive community
And more

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Ivy:

https://ivypaperie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ivypaperie/

https://www.instagram.com/ivypaperie/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

This week, Margo is joined by illustrator, artist, teacher, and all-around creative person, Lisa Bardot. With the iPad and Procreate as her medium of choice, she creates industry-leading digital brushes, tutorials, and art-making resources to help beginners and experienced artists alike find joy in creating. Her tutorials and classes have been viewed by millions, with high praise for her thorough, concise, and fun teaching style. Additionally, she runs Making Art Everyday, providing drawing prompts and challenges to help people overcome fears and develop an art-making practice, as well as Art Maker’s Club, a joy-filled creative community and learning hub for digital art-makers.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

Lisa’s creative path and how she became involved with Procreate
Discovering and creating new Photoshop brush styles
Launching her daily art challenge
The endless creativity and benefits of using procreate
Procreate enhances art, replicates traditional techniques.
The beauty of connection and collaboration when it comes to creating and how she nurtures her online communities
Approachable techniques to improve artistic skills quickly.
Drawing in Procreate and digitally versus pen to paper
And her new book, Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide to Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Lisa:

https://bardotbrush.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisabardot/

https://www.artmakersclub.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artmakersclub

Order Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide for Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by renowned author, artist and designer, Annie Sloan who is one of the world’s most popular experts in the field of decorative painting. After studying Fine Art at university in the 1970s, Annie went on to write her first book, The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques – which is considered to be the industry bible on the subject. Since then, she has published 26 books on paint effects, color, and interior design. In 1990 Annie invented her revolutionary no-prep Chalk Paint, which transformed the world of furniture painting. Wall Paint and Satin Paint were added to the range and today Annie Sloan has a huge following of interior designers, professional painters and up-cyclers who love to bring Annie’s color expertise to their homes. Her creative flair has led her to being named one of Britain’s most influential female designers and she was awarded a CBE for services to Interior Design in 2023.

Margo and Annie discuss:

Annie’s creative path and studying different mediumships of art
Her process for mixing colors
Decorative paint techniques
How being an early adopter to social media has played a role in the success of her business
The process of creating her revolutionary chalk paint
How and why she began to sell her paints beyond her own shop and what makes her stockists successful
Being awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to Interior Design
And more!

Connect with Annie:

www.instagram.com/anniesloanhome

www.instagram.com/chalkpaint

www.instagram.com/anniesloanstagram

https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieSloanHome

https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSloanHome/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

Margo is joined by Nurse Practitioner, mentor, guide and coach for midlife-ish women (and her sister!) Shelley Tantau. Shelley has a superpower for empowering others to see beyond their perceived boundaries in order to find healing, clarity, and incite positive change within their lives. Her journey through grief after the loss of a dear friend was the catalyst to challenging cultural and societal norms as well as the stories she told herself to find healing and joy within. Shelley believes that the world needs people that are living their most full and vibrant lives…not ones that are “just fine” and that your joy matters just as much as the person next to you.

Margo and Shelley discuss:

Putting a stop to the glorification of busyness
Fear around exposing ourselves to vulnerability
Understanding trauma in order to heal from it
Creativity and its relation to healing
Liberation work and why it’s been so important in Shelley’s own journey
Habits: the bad and the good, the learning and unlearning
Finding joy after loss and grief
Stepping into authenticity and finding one's true path

Connect with Shelley:

https://www.shelleytantau.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stantau

https://www.facebook.com/shelley.tantau/

https://www.pinterest.com/stantau/

Margo is joined by interior designer Karen Nepacena and photographer Christopher Dibble to discuss mid century modern design, approaching creativity in their own ways, and how their fun and unique collaborative partnership came to be.

Karen is the founder of Destination Eichler which began as a design blog chronicling her and her husband's journey renovating their Eichler home in Northern California. Soon after it started, the blog gained national attention and they began taking on clients who were attracted to their modern design aesthetic and focus on mid-century modern architecture. In 2016 Destination Eichler transitioned from an online blog into a full service interior design firm helping homeowners re-imagine and transform their homes.

Christopher is a photographer, husband, and dog guy, and loves to use color in unpredictable ways that surprise and contribute to a great image. He doesn’t shy away from visual experimentation and loves collaborative projects where challenging situations motivate him to stretch his creativity and vision. Chris is passionate about photographing interiors and people within those spaces - connecting with people and earning their trust in front of the lens being his #1 goal. He captures images that span between clean elegance and whimsical fun with a range landing somewhere between editorial storytelling and catalog crispness. His work has been featured in editorial publications including House Beautiful, Dwell, HGTV, Country Living, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Paper, and People Magazine, among others.

Together, Karen Nepacena and Christopher Dibble's have recently released a new book, Midcentury Modern Style which takes readers on a visual journey through 12 real and down-to-earth midcentury inspired homes, offering a practical guide to incorporating the style into any space. The two artists have been collaborating for several years to capture Karen's interior design work, and an artistic partnership and friendship blossomed. The pair created Midcentury Modern Style for anyone curious to learn more about the design period or anyone who wants to incorporate midcentury flair into their homes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Store Market Market in Palm Springs https://www.shopmarketmarket.com/

Modernism Week https://modernismweek.com/

Dev Heyrana https://www.heyrana.studio/

John Henry - Stranger Fruit https://www.jonhenryphotography.com/#1

Alys Tomlinson http://www.alystomlinson.co.uk/

Jessica Poundstone https://www.jessicapoundstone.com/

Connect with Karen and Chris:

https://www.instagram.com/destinationeichler/

https://www.instagram.com/dibblephoto/

https://www.destinationeichler.com/book

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator, Megan Price, otherwise known by her business name The Darling Fig. Megan feels like she has had many creative incarnations but it wasn't until she dusted off her paintbrushes and embraced the fact that she was an artist, that she finally found a medium through which she could fully express her full creative vision. Megan paints by hand to capture the joy in life’s everyday moments. She believes in slowing down and finding the magic in the little things. Her work can be seen as a collection of sustainably printed greeting cards and fine art prints, or as bespoke artwork commissions for clients.

Topics discussed:

Her journey of creativity and why she started The Darling Fig

Finding enjoyment in the process of artistic creation

The sweet spot of creative flow

Her experience with art challenges

What art is really all about to her and why she doesn’t necessarily care if people love or hate her work but rather how it makes them feel

Gratitude and how journaling fosters a positive mindset as well as posts her creativity

Finding stillness in her creative practice

And more!

Connect with Megan:

www.thedarlingfig.com.au

www.instagram.com/thedarlingfig

Margo is joined by fellow PNW island dweller, Rachel Phillips. Rachel is a mama to three boys, 32 chickens, and a 'robust' amount of art supplies. She refers to herself as a little Anne of Green Gables with a dash of Pippi longstocking and a side of Laura ingalls and holds a master's degree in wildflower picking, a doctorate in smearing paint and has studied extensively under the likes of mother nature, Grandfather Twilight and Bob Ross YouTube videos. Rachel has been practicing heART journaling for over a decade as a way for her to tell her story and the stories of people she meets along the way. They are jam-packed full of art, artifacts (heARTifacts), quotes, lists, collages, illustrations and pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. Her creative niche is joy and she does and makes whatever she feels like, whenever she feels like while giving others permission to do the same.

Topics discussed:

[10:27] Why Rachel was led to journaling and the nostalgia it brought

[16:14] Moving to an island helped me relax.

[22:59] Storytelling: how stories connect generations and spark magical experiences.

[28:30] Fitting your creativity in as it works for you. Why Rachel does pick-up pages instead of morning pages.

[29:33] Rachel’s new online course and unique way of sharing creative tips for journaling.

[34:58] How she’s manifested her current life and what she hopes to manifest in the future.

[45:06] Living authentically and honestly and the pros and cons that come with it.

[46:29] Being multi passionate

[56:02] Who inspires Rachel

Connect with Rachel:

www.instagram.com/rachelphillips3

www.plantingmarigolds.com

https://plantingmarigolds.teachable.com/p/heart-journal-course

Margo is joined by artist, illustrator and quintessential creative entrepreneur, Becky Dawson. Becky started screen printing t-shirts in her spare bedroom 12 years ago with a little knowledge and a lot of hope (and creativity) and has since evolved into designing and manufacturing her own line of paper and gift products sold in 100’s of stores worldwide. She paints, draws, and makes ceramic creations on top of owning and managing a brick and mortar gallery & gift shop that exclusively carries her art and products. Becky’s art is a creative world full of mythical creatures, farm animals and pets, plants and flowers and she’s inspired by the beautiful, the unusual, joy, and fun.

Topics Discussed:

[00:55] Becky’s early creative path going from hairstylist to graphic tee designer and Etsy shop owner

[07:55] Discovering creative potential and consistent income through new endeavors

[18:06] Finding new ways to manage and ship products in order to focus on her art

[20:03] How Becky built her brand locally and why she opted out of most trade shows

[27:48] Finding connection through art and conversations with others

[36:13] Getting into ceramics

[42:29] How slow periods have led to artistic growth and expansion

[44:17] Getting creative during the pandemic and opening her self-serve gift shop

[51:19] Advice for emerging artists and creatives on finding their own path

[54:22] People inspiring Becky

Mentioned in this episode:

Morgen Barrett

Budgie Goods

Connect with Becky:

http://onelaneroad.com/

www.instagram.com/onelaneroad

www.facebook.com/onelaneroadart

Margo is joined by elementary school art teacher Faigie Kobre. Faigie uses a choice based method called TAB (teaching for artistic behavior) and has recently developed a program for schools called Beyond Copycat Crafts that helps other teachers aid in how to give children developmentally appropriate, creative art instead of copycat, cookie cutter crafts. Faigie also has taught adult creativity through mixed media and alcohol inks. She teaches the difference between creativity and artistic ability and how our own thoughts on this subject likely stems from our childhood experiences.

Topics discussed:

[02:53] How a business course unexpectedly sparked creativity in Faigie

[08:34] Why she was initially rejected from a coaching program and how taking initiative changed her coaches mind

[12:02] How perfectionism stifles creativity; art is problem-solving.

[21:04] How and why creativity develops differently in us and when we begin to see self-doubt with our own creative abilities

[22:27] How mixed media art has been both transformational and liberating for Faigie

[27:39] Teaching for artistic behavior. Faigie’s choice-based program that teaches drawing, collage, painting and creates an exciting learning environment for kids

[31:36] Guiding kids to embrace challenges in creativity

[33:11] Integration of art in education and curriculum

[37:06] Teaching art concepts with freedom, not restrictions

[47:49] How she got involved with alcohol inks and her course

Connect with Faigie:

www.eduart4kids.com

www.eduart4kids.com/beyond

www.instagram.com/eduart4kids

https://www.pinterest.com/faigie/

https://www.facebook.com/eduart4kids/

Margo is joined by co-founder and creative director of El Extraordinario, Marcus Hurst. El Extraordinario is an award winning creative outfit specialized in audio fiction and podcasts making timeless long form content with high production values and a strong emphasis on sound design. Looking more to music record labels like XL Recordings as inspiration for creating podcasts rather than traditional podcasting, El Extraordinario is anything but traditional.

Marcus shares his experiences in the world of blogging, journalism, and now podcasting, and how he’s found success in being adaptable, assembling a solid team, brand partnerships, how he manages social media personally and professionally and much more.

Topics discussed:

[02:23] Blogging and its impact on journalism

[06:57] The monopolization of blogging

[11:49] Developing a different approach to journalism

[19:08] The importance of high production values and audio engineering with the types of content he produces

[23:16] Creating a successful sponsored brand podcast in partnership with Switzerland Tourism

[25:48] Coming up with new ideas and how to execute them. Exploring the freedom and risk-taking that comes into play at El Extraordinario

[33:13] Spanish elegance and politeness with ground rules.

[38:26] Benefits of having a small team and understanding each person's unique values

[39:45] Connections and creativity within the podcasting realm

[48:07] Spanish speaking markets versus English speaking markets

[50:03] Upcoming podcast projects

[54:22] People and things currently inspiring Marcus

Connect with Marcus:

https://www.instagram.com/elextraordinario.wtf/

https://twitter.com/marcushurst/

Margo is joined by certified empowerment coach, Sheila Kamuda. Sheila was inspired to become a coach through her own healing journey after the loss of her husband, and leadership experience where she directed a team of 20 creatives and eventually started Live Out Loud Coaching. She is passionate about helping professionals value who they are and what they "bring to the party" and recognize they have not been put here to just take up space but to realize their full potential.

In this episode, Sheila opens up about her own healing journey and how it led her to create her coaching company, her creative practices that helped aid in her healing journey, how to embrace your own brilliance, the power of gratitude, her books and a whole lot more.

Topics discussed:

[04:31] How grieving led to writing letters to her husband and where she received the message to become a coach.

[09:23] Boosting your own confidence and recognizing your accomplishments.

[22:25] Her innovative journal with empowering and simple prompts.

[23:49] Choosing happiness, gratitude, kindness, and self-love. Magical, life-changing principles in a gratitude journal.

[29:20] Overcoming self-doubt, releasing blocks, and trusting intuition.

[32:55] The power in reflecting on past actions and seeking improvement.

[37:39] Her book and how it helps individuals embrace being alone and heal.

[48:41] Who inspires Sheila

Connect with Sheila:

https://www.liveoutloudcoaching.com/

www.instagram.com/liveoutloudcoach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-kamuda-a056882/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by contemporary visual artist and illustrator Melissa Lakey. Melissa is based in Joshua Tree, California, where the windows of her art studio look out into the Mojave Desert. Her colorful work celebrates the landscape and animals of the American Southwest and her love of cowboys, road trips, and summer vacations. Melissa shares on observing others and how it can inspire our own creative processes, the concept of using sketchbooks with specific themes and approaching journaling, overcoming creative obstacles and more.

Topics discussed:

[01:32] An introduction to Melissa

[05:12] Her unique art journey: finding passions and discovering new possibilities

[12:25] Exploring different techniques and materials in vibrant art

[13:13] Her love for art supplies and some of her favorite tools

[20:21] Her first residency experience and the inspiration and motivation she found in attending

[26:29] First show in Joshua Tree and the feedback she received

[35:39] Thoughts on self-identification and artistic work

[39:20] Her sketchbook practice and how it aids in her projects and bigger works

[42:42] The value she finds in exploring other artists methods

[47:59] Thoughts on teaching

Margo and Melissa also discuss why she took a break from creating and the fears that come up when taking a break, her number one tip for 100-day projects, why social media friends have been pivotal in her career and why she doesn’t live post her work but rather waits a month or so to post.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sarah Dyer (https://www.sarahdyer.com/)

Sou'wester Lodge Artist Residency (https://www.souwesterlodge.com/art/artist-residency/)

Hey There Projects (https://www.heythereprojects.com/)

Wyatt Hersey (https://www.wyatthersey.com/)

Emma Carslile (https://www.emmacarlisle.com/)

Natalie Lundeen (https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/)

Connect with Melissa:

https://www.melissalakey.com

https://www.instagram.com/melissa.lakey

"Colors of the Sun, Songs of the Moon" in Taos, NM from August 19th - September 20th (https://www.instagram.com/lunojo_gallery/)

Sketchbook Workshop (https://inkygoodness.samcart.com/products/sketchbook-workshop-melissa-lakey/)

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by talented artist and writer, Caitlin Metz. Caitlin is an illustrator and designer, cloud watching feeler, new poetry convert, wayward design professor, and a queer gentle parent. She’s also irreverent, silly, and deeply romantic about what art-making and feeling your feelings can do for oneself and the world. From drawing to photography, poetry to collaging, Caitlin explores various mediums to express herself and invites others to do the same.

Throughout the conversation, Caitlin shares about the power of the body map and how it can help us understand and navigate pain and other feelings as well as how it’s been a transformative practice for herself. She also shares insights into her creative process, including the importance of making space to get bored, engaging in activities that fill us back up, and recognizing the value of small snippets of writing and record-keeping.

Caitlin has an amazing new book just out, (her second) called Feel Something Make Something; a guide to collaborating with your emotions.

Episode Topics:

[00:00] Introduction to Caitlin

[06:09] How art making is a gift as well as a form of relief and self-care

[14:39] The concept of the body map and its impact on understanding chronic pain

[24:42] Finding resilience in personal practices and the power of returning to them over and over again

[29:17] Using curiosity, attention, and storytelling to drive creative practices

[36:22] How making space to get bored fuels creativity

[41:28] Melding her teaching practice with self-care and how she teaches her students

[47:18 ] Learning the rhythm of your body and using it to your advantage

[58:49] Where to find her online, her amazing new book Feel Something Make Someting, social media, Patreon, Etsy and loads more

Mentioned in this episode:

Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza, Sophie Miller

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown

Allison Kunath Art

Connect with Caitlin:

www.caitlinmetz.com

www.patreon.com/caitlinmetz

www.instagram.com/caitlinhasfeels

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Brandi Kincaid for a chat on finding inspiration, the power of journaling, and the art of sending extravagant hope by mail. Brandy, a tiny treasure seeker and paper lover, shares her experiences as a designer, creator, and curator of monthly hope packages as they delve into the creative process behind these packages, the importance of personal connections, and the impact they have on both the sender and the recipient. Brandy's passion for journaling and her thoughtful, empathetic approach to her work shines through as she shares insights, tips, and glimpses into the art of finding meaning in the world.

Margo and Brandi discuss:

Showing up unapologetically
What it means to bring your tender self to the table
Why she keeps a commonplace book and notebook with her everywhere she goes
How she customizes her Extravagant Hope designs for what her community needs each month
Gentle softness and quiet vs. motivation and a call to action
What her journal pages reflect
Her different art supply preferences
Creating and sharing work as personal expression, not for validation or commercial purposes
Why she still sends physical products instead of going 100% digital
Her process of designing, making, packaging for Extravagant Hope package
Her internal battles when it comes to marketing and promoting
Sourcing inspiration

Mentioned in this episode:

Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell

The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor by Flannery O'Connor and Sally Fitzgerald

Quilts of Gee’s Bend

Connect with Brandi:

https://www.instagram.com/brandi_kincaid

Www.theshinybits.com

Www.Brandikincaid.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor

Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell

In this episode, Margo is joined by her very own Social Media Manager, Mackenzie Jones. With a diverse and fascinating creative journey of her own, she has become an invaluable resource for artists and makers seeking to harness the power of social media marketing to propel their artistic careers. She dives into her own creative experience and how she became a self-taught social media expert, fostering authentic connections through different platforms, fostering authentic connections and tons of tangible tips for using social media in your own creative business.

Margo and Mackenzie discuss:

Understanding the social media landscape
The challenge of self-promotion that many creatives face
How to choose which platforms to use in your business
Creating an impactful online presence
Brand voice and exposure
Common pitfalls she sees creatives (including herself!) make
Content pillars
Aligning with your audience

Send Mackenzie a DM that says "1:1" @socialcreativebrand to get all the details on her special offering!

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.instagram.com/socialcreativebrand/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this episode, Margo dives into the habits of successful creatives - the habits that she’s navigated herself and what she sees in the many other creatives she’s both worked with and learned from. Finding consistency in practices, embracing failure and iteration, collaborating and networking through different mediums and experiences, and building genuine relationships, explore with Margo what sets creatives apart!

Learn more about Shared Studio Sessions with Margo and get on the waitlist!

 **Connect with Margo:** www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by two creative powerhouses, Erin Drews and Leigh Standley to discuss their collaboration of art, words, and working together. Erin Drews is a Michigan based artist inspired by nature and Fauvism. She loves using color to create visual excitement and play, most typically through the subject of flowers. She's been described as "pink lemonade with a shot of whiskey," and when she's not creating, you can find her laughing, connecting, collecting art, immersing herself in nature, and enjoying the people she loves.

Leigh Standley is the artist, writer and owner of Curly Girl Design, Inc. where her line of clever and colorful greeting cards and gift items have taken the industry by delightful storm. Focused on the magic of the small moments, her product peeks into the corners of life and taps into the hearts of all.Founded in 2003, the company began with just 12 greeting cards and grew steadily. In 2005, Leigh was the recipient of her first LOUIE award for greeting card excellence and was nominated for 3 more in 2010. Her work and studio have been featured in creative publications like Where Women Create, Stationery Trends, Boho Magazine. Leigh believes firmly in the power of a creative community and the power of that community to unlock our truest selves.

Margo, Leigh and Erin discuss:

Their own creative businesses and a beautiful collaboration they’re working on
Mental health, adult ADHD, depression, PTSD, and how it has informed their art
The loneliness that can come from being a solo creative and how they work through that
Some of Erin’s unique art collections
Why she currently has a career outside of her art
What it means to live in wonder and curiosity
The intersection of the creative act and faith or spirituality
The very unique funding model that Erin works on through Hope College and how it can be a difference maker in many people’s lives

Connect with Erin:

www.isntagram.com/drews_barrymore

www.erindrewsart.com

Connect with Leigh:

https://www.curlygirldesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/leigh.standley/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by independent artist and art business agency owner, Sarah Lörenk. Sarah graduated with a BFA in 2011 and has worked as an independent artist since then. She first began her creative business as a stationary designer moving from retail into wholesale before venturing into street art. She learned through several iterations of her business the difference between artist and entrepreneur and realized there was a big gap in the market for supporting artists as entrepreneurs. Now, through her company, The Time Art, she provides artists with the essential tools and support to help them run successful and sustainable creative businesses.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Her creative journey from stationary to graffiti and business management
Selling wholesale versus retail as a paper goods creator
Setting goals in relation to who you’re marketing to
Visual intelligence
The fundamental differences between artists and entrepreneurs and why you have to have business structure if you want to turn a profit from your art
The pros and cons of social media as an artist
Why you need to have content pillars and what they look like
Visibility versus profitability
And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy Herman

Connect with Sarah:

https://www.thetime-art.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thetime.art/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetime.art

Business Model Template

Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life

Margo is joined by artist, art retreat facilitator, and author Carrie Schmitt. Carrie began painting in 2009 while bedridden after being diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to heat. She paid attention to a very poignant internal message. Since then she has devoted her life to creativity in many facets and allows herself and creativity to continue to evolve. Her mission is to teach students not only how to paint, but more importantly to have a loving relationship with your art because it has the power to heal, empower, and transform us when we offer it our tenderness instead of our criticism.

Carrie teaches online classes and in-person retreats at her home and artist sanctuary called House of Miracles in Steilacoom, Washington. She also licenses her art for products, including stationary, home décor, clothing, and more. She has written several books, including The Story of Every Flower, a 10 year celebration of her journey as an artist. Her picture book A Flower in Her Heart: The True Story of an Artist Who Bloomed, won the Mom’s Choice Award in 2022.

Margo and Carrie discuss:

How creativity has guided her through big life changes and transitions
Her life changing diagnosis and how it really became the catalyst to her spiritual and creative journey
The story of what she calls her “accidental spiritual pilgrimage” and what she learned from it
Creating the House of Miracles and how it came to be
Her experience of working through feelings of shame and silent suffering and how things changed when she became more vulnerable and spoke on her struggles
Honoring the feminine
Why she talks and listens to her paintings and encourages others to do the same
Finding freedom and non-judgement within herself
Getting to know creativity in a new way

Mentioned in this episode:

Puget Sound Plungers

Chromophobia by David Batchelor

Ilarion Merculieff

Connect with Carrie:

www.carrieschmittdesign.com

www.instagram.com/carrieschmitt

www.facebook.com/CarrieSchmittArtAndDesign

Margo is joined by former teacher & blogger turned entrepreneur, and second time guest in the Windowsill, Anna Huff. As a business mindset coach, Anna works to empower women to pursue their passions and live in authentic alignment with who they were divinely designed to be. Through years of burnout and struggling to find alignment, Anna played small. Thinking that if she just did more, worked harder, learned more, and achieved more she would find what she was looking for. What she discovered was that nothing she could ever do, earn, or say would make her any more worthy of becoming who she was divinely designed to be. Through the process of fully discovering her purpose, she now helps others master their own mindset practice in order to live in alignment and acceptance of who they really are.

Margo and Anna discuss:

Permission and acceptance to be multi passionate
Human design and how it allows you to go deeper in self-discovery
How to sit in the discomfort and feel your way through fear
The mindset shift that made meditating easier for her
What success mindset is and how to operate from it
Detaching from the outcome
Not letting fear have all the fun
Vulnerability, openness, and growing awareness to one's thoughts

Connect with Anna:

www.instagram.com/theannahuff

www.facebook.com/theannahuff

www.theannahuff.com

Join the Mindset & Marketing Facebook Group

Margo is joined by sisters Kim and Terry of Hearts on Fiber out of Davidson, North Carolina. Kim and her three daughters were of the belief that every small town needs a local yarn store so when the Davidson craft center closed, an empty space for fiber arts opened. The urge was so strong to try and fill the “space” that they quickly began planning a way to open a new kind of craft store.

Hearts on Fiber started with little more than an idea, late nights dyeing yarn out of their kitchen which became the laundry room and eventually the attic until their passionate mission to be so much more for their town came to fruition. Since moving into their current location in downtown Davidson, the business has expanded and Kim’s sister Tracy has taken on a role within the business. Hearts on Fiber provides kits and tools for a range of fiber arts, along with the space to learn, inspire, explore fiber arts, build community, and so much more.

Margo, Kim and Tracy discuss:

The stars aligning and how Hearts on Fiber really came to be
Instilling creativity in her daughters from a young age
How working with family impacts their business and managing different personalities
How Tracy came into the business
How to cultivate community through inspiring and teaching
Making knitting/fiber arts accessible to people of all levels
Demystifying knitting techniques
Private class offerings versus group classes
Where to start if interested in knitting for the first time
And so much more

Connect with Kim & Tracy:

https://www.heartsonfiber.com/

www.instagram.com/heartsonfiber

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by self-taught polymer clay artist Rachael Skidmore. Rachael’s passion for self-expression, penchant for artistic creativity, and dedication to hard work have been the foundation of her success as a small business owner for over 13 years.

She established MadebyMaeberry in Aug 2019 and has inspired large audiences through her social media presence online and delivered hands-on teaching by hosting intimate classes in person.

While she is widely recognized in the polymer clay community for producing high-quality pieces, her voice of genuine support for inclusivity is what makes her stand out as a creator. A curator of color with a knack for original design and tantalizing patterns, Rachael takes inspiration from all aspects of her life; from her passion for vintage clothing to her love for hiking in the mountains with her family.

Margo and Rachael discuss:

Her journey from social work to polymer clay creativity
Her mental health journey: therapy, medication, and living with ADHD
The importance of having people to lean on to aide in your success
How to scale when you like to work for yourself and by yourself
Finding harmony between creative work and family life
Risk taking and growing her audience
Her experience in publishing a book
And more

Connect with Rachael:

http://madebymaeberry.com/

www.instagram.com/madebymaeberry

Polymer Clay Jewelry; The Ultimate Guide to Making Wearable Art Earrings

Polymer Clay Jewelry Design for Beginners (Dometika Course)

Margo is joined by self-taught artist, writer, and internationally recognized best-selling author Meera Lee Patel. Meera writes books that help people connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Her books & journals for everyone have sold well over a million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. In 2021, Meera was awarded the Olin Fellowship to pursue her MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After spending many years waiting for “the right time” to pursue her first love, children’s literature, she’s finally following her heart. In the forthcoming years, while continuing her advocacy for greater mental health awareness through her work, she hopes to write and illustrate for children and the grownups who care for them.

Margo and Meera discuss:

Meera’s journey from feeling disconnected in her career to finding fulfillment through creativity
Upholding the values instilled by her immigrant parents
Managing her full time job and her creative career for 8 years and what it taught her
The importance of building resilience and discipline
What she believes is the main difference between people who are successful or not successful
Having dedication to your vision
The vulnerability and unknown involved in deciding to work on oneself
Imposter syndrome as a self-taught artist and author
Why she decided to go to school for her MFA, how it’s been challenging, and how she’s used it as a unique opportunity
Navigating motherhood, marriage, and multiple family businesses

How It Feels to Find Yourself: Navigating Life's Changes with Purpose, Clarity, and Heart

Connect with Meera:

www.meeralee.com

www.instagram.com/meeraleepatel

https://twitter.com/meeraleepatel

https://meeraleepatel.substack.com/

Margo is joined by printmaker, surface designer, textile artist, and author Jen Hewett. Jen’s work combines her love of loud prints, 1970s maximalism, and saturated colors with the textures and light of the landscapes that surround her. In addition to creating her own products, Jen designs fabric for the quilting and home sewing market, and home collections for national manufacturers and retailers. Her clients include: Moda Fabrics, World Market, Anthropologie, Blue Sky Planners, and Brewster Home Fashions. She is the author of Print, Pattern, Sew, and This Long Thread: Women of Color on Craft, Community and Connection.

Margo and Jen discuss:

Her creative path from HR consulting to creative and where she got the courage to change career paths
Creating creative momentum
Finding harmony as a self-employed artist
Keeping your day job until your business is viable
Why she shares her income sources and breakdown publicly
When and where she started to notice a lack of diversity within the craft community
Why she believes in selling her misprints (and why they often sell quickly)
Working in digital versus analog and her process for each
Some of her new collections and projects she’s looking forward to
And so much more

Connect with Jen:

https://jenhewett.com/

www.instagram.com/jenhewett

Margo is joined by Utah based photographer Justin Hackworth. Working throughout the United States for a variety of wedding, portrait, corporate and editorial clients, Justin's work has been shown in galleries throughout Utah and in publications such as Parade, Glamour, American Photo, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, along with many others. In addition to his photography work, Justin is a sought-after speaker and educator, offering workshops and events, and even teaches as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University.

Justin's unique style and engaging approach to photography have earned him a loyal following on social media, where he shares his insights and experiences with fellow photographers and enthusiasts. He is always trying new ideas, exploring what is possible with his camera and discovering new creative avenues, making him one of Utah's most sought after photographers.

Justin and Margo discuss:

His creative path and how he ended up in the field of photography (thanks to elective credits)
His longtime mentor and inspirer, Kent Miles
Learning and understanding what makes great light
The drawback to knowing what works and finding your style
The importance of not caring what others think in certain scenarios when it comes to creativity
His approach and process of getting to know his subjects before shooting
Overcoming fear when it comes to your creativity
How a clear vision is critical to quality
And much more

Connect with Justin:

www.justinhackworth.com

www.instagram.com/justinhackworth

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by productivity expert, author, and host of the "Take Tiny Action" podcast, Monique Malcolm. Monique helps overwhelmed women take control of their lives, one tiny action at a time. Her approach to coaching and personal development is holistic, taking into account the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of well-being. With her book "Don't Let Fear Have All the Fun" and one-on-one coaching, Monique helps clients overcome their fears and achieve their goals. Monique's larger mission is to help people see a greater possibility for their lives.

Margo and Monique chat about:

Her creative path and how she brings her ideas to life
The importance in building sustainable businesses that feel good
Having self-awareness around creating your own process
Releasing the “how” and trusting in your higher power
Owning the things that cause you fear
Creating structure and strategy in order to spend time being creative
Tuning into your greater possibility and opportunities
And more

Connect with Monique:

https://taketinyaction.com/

https://www.instagram.com/taketinyaction/

https://www.instagram.com/moniqueemalcolm/

Don't Let Fear Have All the Fun (Book)

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by self-taught artist Tammy Smith. Tammy founded her studio in 2009 after designing gifts, giftwrap and partyware at Hallmark Cards Inc. Her first art teachers being her father and grandmother, Tammy’s first business was making large scale stained glass windows in her parents basement. After Hallmark, she began making mixed media wire and clay sculptures that she sold at art fairs around the country and the desire for stability eventually led to the online business she runs today.

In the past, Tammy has also illustrated children's books for Henry Holt, designed wire garden accessories and holiday collections for Studio M and Midwest CBK and licensed her surface pattern designs to Graphique de France and Unique Industries to name a few.

Margo and Tammy discuss:

Her creative and multi-faceted career
How she thinks up new concepts and why it’s her favorite part of the creative process
Winning best in show at multiple art fairs
Having resilience in the art industry
Running an Etsy shop (Small Ideas Studio)
Creating authentic connections within the art community
And more

Connect with Tammy:

https://www.tammysmithdesign.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/smallideasstudio

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by art agency owner and founder, Julie Ager. Julie started her career with twelve years of consulting on consumer product buying behavior with major mass merchandisers, department stores and other manufacturers and retailers throughout the United States, as well as Mexico and South Africa. From there she started the ADG agency in 1997 in partnership with a few close artist friends. Julie knows that developing great products requires more than great art and design; it requires teamwork, collaboration and a comprehensive understanding of today’s market which is why she built ADG on the foundation of partnership, creativity, integrity, and longevity.

Margo and Julie discuss:

Her path from consultant to agency founder
What she looks for in artists she represents
What it’s like to run a small, sustainable art agency
Navigating the customer journey as an artist and understanding the different roles required
Manufacturing relationships
How to move the consumer along and knowing who you’re selling to
The ecosystem of agent-artist-product manager relationships within her own business
What a product manager thinks about when trying to create a product that their customers will buy
And more

Connect with Julie:

https://artsdg.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by tastemaker, blogger, and author Ted Kennedy Watson. After a childhood spent in Kansas City Ted moved to the Pacific Northwest, first to college in Portland, Oregon, and later to Seattle where he was instantly enchanted by the dramatic scenery. Once a long time tennis teacher and connoisseur of the game, Ted began his career in the visual arts by representing some of the friends and people he knew who were creating interesting objects. In the early 90s, Ted opened a wholesale showroom selling to retailers all over the country. Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Gump’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom to name a few.

Visitors have been flocking to Watson Kennedy Fine Living in Seattle’s Pike Place Market for 17 years to shop the just-right mix of treasures for the bed, bath, table, and home. The allure continues at its sister store, Watson Kennedy Fine Home, with an even larger selection of furnishings, one-of-a-kind finds, and little luxuries including botanically scented home fragrances and beauty products. From the framed artwork on the walls to the inventive vignettes that fill every corner, both shops are more than simple inventory—they are the expression of a particularly refined point of view, one that has been evolving Watson’s entire life.

Margo and Ted discuss:

How his identity motivated him change career paths
The influence Seattle has had on him and his business
The necessity to always be learning and growing within the retail industry
How he was chosen to be on the creative team for the Bill and Melinda Gates wedding festivities
Repetition: how he’s used it as a tool to gain knowledge on many things
Being an early adapter to blogging
His latest book, Ted Kennedy Watson’s Guide To Stylish Entertaining
Having intention behind everything he does and offers
And so much more

Connect with Ted:

https://www.tedkennedywatson.com/

https://watsonkennedy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/watsonkennedy/

Ted’s Curated Spotify Playlists

Margo is joined by the multi-passionate maker and designer, Leah Quinn. Self employed for 20+ years, Leah started as a web designer and event photographer and prior to that worked as a landscape & interior designer for both commercial and residential properties. Now, after moving from New York to slow rural village life in Southern Vermont, she is remodeling an 1865 Victorian Farmhouse with her own designs.

Leah’s first memories of surface pattern design fascination came when she was five and she knew at that time she was to be an artist. As her journey continued she eventually discovered Make It in Design courses with Rachael Taylor that would finally allow her to dive into learning all about surface design. When she saw that her creative maker’s business was at a challenging stage of scaling and growing, she knew she had to create a life that supported what she could and wanted to do in the future.

Margo and Leah discuss:

Her winding journey that has included creative outlets such as music, interior design, web design, apothecary products, and more
How she scaled her apothecary business
Saying yes to your own interests and listening to your intuition
Quieting the noise
How courses changed her business
Challenges and lessons she learned from scaling
Her motivators to create every day
And more

Connect with Leah:

www.LeahQuinn.com

www.Instagram.com/leahquinndesign

www.HeartandSoulApothecary.com

Margo is joined by artist, designer, illustrator, maker, and teacher Kelli May Krenz. For Kelli, creating is like breathing, she simply must do it. She believes in creating every day and has many interests when it comes to doing so. She has a deep love for painting, stitching, graphic design, illustration and everything she can possibly make in her studio and spends her days dreaming up things that make her happy hoping that by sharing, others will fill their happy cup too. Kelli likes to use vintage materials, all things found in nature, and is a huge believer in finding joy in creating with very little - using what she already has.

Margo and Kelli discuss:

Kelli’s creative journey, and the twists within her personal life that shaped her professionally
Her love for details and type fonts
Creating more unique art by using what you already have on hand
Creating online courses and her tips for others interested in teaching
Her experience in finding and working with a representative
Creating a stationary line
An aneurysm, divorce, deceit, and how she stayed hopeful when her life felt like it was unraveling
The power in showing up for oneself and leaning into your core beliefs
What it means to live a positive filled life
And more

Connect with Kelli:

https://www.kellimaykrenz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kellimaykrenz/

https://www.facebook.com/kelli.maykrenz/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/kellimay

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by graphic designer and business extraordinaire Erin Cantwell. After working at a branding firm in NYC, Erin quickly discovered she had a knack and passion for the business side of the creative industry and has since then specialized in business operations and client experience, helping to grow and run successful creative agencies. She has served in COO and Director level positions in branding and marketing agencies and today, is a partner at Clearbridge Branding Agency, an award-winning branding agency with multiple locations.

Through her own company, Erin Cantwell Co., and her volunteer work, Erin continues to work with designers, makers, and other creative entrepreneurs as business coach, helping them to start and scale successful and profitable businesses while doing the work they love.

Margo and Erin discuss:

Her creative path and how she discovered her knack for the business side of things
How her knowledge of both sides of the business has helped within her career and launching her own business
Burnout, failure, and how to create a sustainable creative business
Vision setting, finding clarity, and defining our own meaning of success
When to niche
And more!

Connect with Erin:

https://erincantwell.co

http://www.instagram.com/erincantwellco

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativecoo

Business Building for Creatives

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz’s passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn’t being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries.

It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is “Art For Everyone.” Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art.

Margo and Liz discuss:

What led Liz to start her own gallery
The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art
How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals
Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires
How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.)
How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc.
Her approach to buying and selling art

Connect with Liz:

https://www.lizlidgett.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/

Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by stay at home mom (of nine children) turned licensed artist, creative author, and educator, Shannon Christensen. After being home with her children most of her early life, Shannon turned to creativity when grief struck which turned into a reinvention of herself and a creative career came along with it. Although her home base is in the U.S.A., she’s spent the past four years living abroad in Jordan, Sweden, and currently Montenegro accompanying her husband's career as a contractor. Shannon’s creative road trip has taken many twists (a BFA Illustration degree at 42, featured in Western Art Collector magazine spread, her studio as an inspo spot on HGTVs Rate My Space) – and turns (acrylic magazine illustration work to Fine Art oil painting in museums, private collections & juried exhibitions to licensing contemporary watercolorist). Shannon is now embarking to help others reach their creative potential with a Creative Roadmap for others to follow.

Margo and Shannon discuss:

Her creative path and a long standing desire to be able to support her family outside of motherhood
Grief, loss and finding joy again
Why vulnerability is necessary when it comes to healing
The feeling of home and how she finds it while living abroad
The 8 Creative Power Habits
Building confidence in your creations and changing your neural pathways
Her approaches to finding fitting opportunities
Outsourcing tasks and skills you’re not confident or comfortable in
Her Build Your Body of Work Membership
And more!

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.shannonsstudio.com

Creative Roadtrip Passport

Jumpstart Your Creative Engine Book

http://www.shannonsportfolio.com

Build Your Body of Work Membership

Connect with Margo:

Join the In the Windowsill Patreon Channel

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.tantaustudio.com

Margo is joined by cultural leader, oral historian and documentarian Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Ed.D. who shares narratives of personal transformation and community change.To say this historian’s own history is distinguished is an understatement: Mi’Jan curated and hosted Unfinished Network’s first 2022 public salon on the theme of multiracial democracy, with CNN’s Van Jones and MSNBC’s Maria Teresa Kumar. She also designed and led the Gloria Steinem Initiative’s public policy digital storytelling pilot at Smith College, and served as a New Mexico Humanities Council Scholar. Mi’Jan has held Visiting Scholar appointments at Columbia University and New York University and served as faculty in the Cultural Leadership program at The Banff Centre in Canada. Currently Mi’Jan serves as faculty with Omega Institute, co-host for the National Art Education Association’s podcast, as well as principal oral historian and public art curator for Policy Link’s California BIPOC Liberation Stories Project. She works with communities across the themes of sovereignty, transformation, liberation, healing and love.

Margo and Mi’Jan discuss:

What it means to be an oral historian
What her work and creative practice looks like
California BIPOC liberation stories
How she designs her year
Out of body experiences she would have during keynote storytelling
The art of slowing down and why it became critical to her practice
The intersectionality of creative and spiritual practices

Mi’Jan is best known for connecting with audiences through her visionary, story-rich talks at a range of institutions, from Carnegie Hall to the Institute of American Indian Arts to SXSW. Her goal? To make the historical contemporary and personal, while surfacing the marginalized stories that need to be heard.

Connect with Mi’Jan:

www.mijancelie.comakers/mijan-celie-tho-biaz/

Mi’jan’s Monthly Newsletter

Bimonthly Professional Development Interview Series:

National Art Education Association's Connected Arts Networks 8-part podcast series:

www.freshspeakers.com/spe

https://www.eomega.org/people/mijan-celie-tho-biaz

Margo is joined by Kim Smith - a Lancaster County native born with the love of art in her soul. Kim earned her BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University and has owned TCG Design, a marketing and design firm for more than 30 years. Even though she is in a creative business, something was always missing. After the last of her three children became more independent, she felt drawn to pursue her love of painting. Now she commits to a daily practice of painting before the sun rises. Over the past several years, Kim has grown her art practice to participating in outdoor art shows, having her work represented by several galleries and also teaching workshops, online, at home and abroad.

Margo and Kim discuss:

Her creative path and why she began to paint
How her painting led to sharing her work, becoming represented, and now teaching
How she got past the preciousness
Why being creative means making ugly things sometimes
How to know when it’s time to lean in versus wait on a project or passion
The many parallels of art and life
Finding harmony between running a business, creative pursuits, and family life
How she fuses intention and intuition into her art
Her 6-week course, Art in Bloom as well as her monthly membership and workshops
And more!

Connect with Kim:

https://www.kimmyerssmith.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kimmyerssmith/

https://www.facebook.com/kimsmithfineart

https://www.youtube.com/c/KimSmithar

Art in Bloom: a six-week online floral oil painting course

Inspiring Art Collective: a monthly membership and creative space curated to nurture creativity and confidence

Oil painting workshop

Margo is joined by minimalist abstract artist, Anna Macdonald. Anna works in water based media on paper, canvas and wood and her work delves into the importance of negative space and the Zen philosophy "Ma" - the spatial relationship between structural elements. Her paintings and drawings incorporate Shibumi principles; a complex process not evident in the outcome, creating works of unobtrusive beauty. Anna’s interpretation of Minimalism also incorporates influences from Abstract Expressionism, mid-century Abstraction and Japanese calligraphy with an inclination towards Constructivism.

Margo and Anna discuss:

Her creative path
How and why she went from shopaholic to intentionalist
Intentionalism versus minimalism and the melding of the two
Managing motherhood, a full-time career as a teacher, and her creative entrepreneurial work
Her ADHD diagnoses and why she actual feels it’s her superpower
Her online courses
How she teaches others to be intentional in their own creative pursuits
Living more meaningfully
And more!

Connect with Anna:

www.annafmacdonald.com

www.instagram.com/annafmacdonaldart

www.Facebook.com/annafmacdonaldart

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Linda Bleck. Linda began her illustration career in 1987 after moving to New York with a fresh degree in graphic design. For the first 15 years of her career she was an Editorial Illustrator before shifting into more corporate collateral work. Her illustration style has evolved several times over the course of her career as well as her inspiration behind projects. While early on in illustrating she was told her work was too sophisticated for a children’s book but as the market shifted and she looked to reinvent herself years later, she decided no was not an option and once again pursued children’s illustration. In 2012 Linda had a life altering health issue that once again forced her to change the way she worked which resulted in new creative mediums as well as a more renewed colorful palette. The last three years she has been working for Eeboo on product design and toys along with getting back into editorial illustration.

Margo and Linda discuss:

Her creative path and the impact of family with creative roots
Resiliency and decision making, how to know when to keep trying something and when to change lanes
Her experiences with agents and agencies (the good and the bad)
Finding balance and harmony within her career
How she instilled creativity in her kids and instilling resourcefulness
Chronica and invisible illnesses, comfort zones, and reinventing yourself

Connect with Linda:

www.Lindableck.com

www.instagram.com/lindableckillustration

www.Eeboo.com

Margo is joined by none other than Lilla Rogers. With a degree in fine art from San Francisco and a second degree in illustration, Lilla spent the 1980s working as a full-time, highly successful illustrator, whose art has featured in publications including the New York Times Magazine, Vogue magazine, the Grammys and many more. She then went on to found Lilla Rogers Studio, a visionary art agency that represents over three dozen artists from around the world and has sold art for products worth over $300 million. As well as representing some of the most sought-after artists worldwide, the Studio has licensed artwork on a huge variety of products, including best-selling children’s books, home décor, major ad campaigns, magazines, wall décor, and greetings cards: their client list includes Crate & Barrel, Chronicle, the New York Times, Blue Q, Godiva, Barneys New York, Warner Brothers, IKEA, Target, Paperchase, Anthropologie, and hundreds more.

Margo and Lilla discuss:

How she encourages finding your own voice and power
Opportunities and access to success for everyone
Where she found the strength to live life on her own terms and encouraging others to do the same
Amplifying marginalized voices
How the creative landscape has changed over time
Making creativity mandatory
Battling and balancing cultural overwhelm
Finding fulfillment and pride in creative work
Her assignment bootcamp
Creating a better future for creatives
Upcoming projects and more

Connect with Lilla:

www.lillarogers.com

www.makeartthatsells.com

https://www.instagram.com/lillarogers/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh for part two of their heartfelt conversation where they discuss finding inspiration, committing time and energy to yourself, slowing down, and her Domestika class amongst more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping into mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans.

Listen to Part 1 with Sarah and Margo

Connect with Sarah

www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends

www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings

Learn more and sign up for the ‘From Line to Color’ Art Retreat

Get notified about Patreon episodes, workshops, and other events

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh in this two part conversation where they go in-depth on finding motivation, leaning into intuition, how you can work on your true dream project today and so much more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, and folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Her creative upbringing and the influence her mom and grandma had on her
How having a child at a young age impacted her creative journey
Why creative ruts are actually important to our process and story
Being led intuitively
Having compassion for ourselves and giving grace
How to slow down and learning to say NO
Social media and self sabotage
What defines a dream project to Sarah
Learning what we could accomplish if we treated ourselves like we do our clients

Mentioned in this episode:

I Didn't Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore

I Just Like to Make Things: Learn the Secrets to Making Money while Staying Passionate about your Art and Craft by Lilla Rogers

Connect with Sarah

Www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends

www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings

Learn more and sign up for the ‘From Line to Color’ Art Retreat

Get notified about Patreon episodes, workshops, and other events

None

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Gabriella Buckingham. Gabriella has been creating beautiful paintings to grace walls all over the world with a riot of color since 1990 along with inspiring budding artists to follow their desires for their own painting. Through her online courses and mentoring, students realize that beyond the practical how-to's there are no rules. Her students feel the excitement of their own power to choose what to explore in the way they want to. They become braver, discovering their own art without comparison and fall in love with their own potential. Gabriella has two teenagers and lives with her freelance photographer husband near the sea in North Norfolk, England. She's currently studying Human Design and has been able to make many connections between her design type and creative being.

Margo and Gabriella discuss:

Her creative path
The loneliness that often comes with being a solo creative business owner
Why you can’t take things personally in business
How to find the right people to get in front of and get noticed
Human design: what it is and how it works
Getting comfortable with the unknown and giving yourself space
Her courses and offerings and where she intends to spend her time this year
The never ending personal voyage of discovery
And more!

Connect with Gabriella:

http://gabriellabuckingham.com/

www.braveinpaint.com

Brave In Paint Facebook Group

https://www.instagram.com/gabriellabuckingham

Learn more and sign up for From Line to Color Retreat

Margo is joined by Windowsill Chats friend and former guest, Beth Buffington to discuss the art of Procreate in depth. Beth learned of Procreate when she was gifted an iPad and has since learned the ins and outs of the program and teaches it to others! Beth is a licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online digital illustration instructor and like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She studied art in college and graduated with a degree in graphic design and illustration. After working in several corporate communications departments, she decided to focus on her personal passions—and started her “TODAY” businesses: Bdi-Celebrate-Today, and  Bdi-Create-Today!

Beth and Margo discuss:

The many ways to use and create in Procreate
Making Procreate more approachable and to work for you
Workshops to get a taste of her course
Celebrating where you’re at and how to get out of comparison traps
What can happens when you quiet the noise around you creatively
Procreate on the go
Moving the needle forward in creative endeavors
And more

Beth teaches the power and portability of Procreate through her online course “Learn the ART of PROCREATE” - but also stresses the importance of being visionary about where and how creatives can achieve a healthier, happier, and more prosperous art business.

Sign up for Learn the ART of PROCREATE

Learn more and sign up for From Line to Color Retreat

Mentioned in this episode:

The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan

Connect with Beth:

https://www.bdi-create.today/

https://bdi-celebrate.today/

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.pinterest.com/bdiboss/

The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success

Margo sits down solo to chat about her favorite episodes, lessons shared, and what’s to come for Windowsill Chats in 2023. Art, business, money making, community building, and finding alignment are just a few of Margo’s passions and she aims to do even more of that in the coming months - from new workshop opportunities to potential in person meet ups, and a new surprise endeavor! Help out Margo and her team by sharing your suggestions and thoughts on what you’d like to see, hear, learn, and participate in this year.

Windowsill Chats Feedback Form

Mentioned in this episode:

When the expectation is Dr. Lawyer or Engineer, and you want to be an Artist

Gary McNatton. The Visionary's Visionary; on staying true to your creative ideals.

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Sign up for Margo's newsletter and be the first to know about offerings!

Margo has a conversation with artist, metalsmith, teacher, creative business coach, writer, and entrepreneur, Megan Auman. Megan has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for art, design, and creativity and in addition to her eponymous jewelry line and various other creative pursuits (including textile design, painting, and sculpture), she runs Designing an MBA, where she talks and teaches about the intersection of art and business, and Artists and Profit Makers, an online mentorship program for creative business owners. She is the author of Try It & See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything, which is her answer to the question of "how do you get so much done?" She believes in the power of art & craft to enhance our everyday lives.

Margo and Megan discuss:

Why it’s important to get comfortable with asking people for money
Minimum viable product
Learning opportunities versus failures
Giving yourself permission to explore other revenue streams and new creative mediums
Normalizing NOT monetizing all hobbies
Understanding that every business is different and how she teaches and coaches to that
Why she things organization is overrated
Getting inspired in the new year
Her book, Try It & See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything
Lazy marketing tactics (why social media is a lottery and not a business strategy)
And more!

Learn the ART of PROCREATE with Beth Buffington

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Connect with Megan:

www.meganauman.com

www.designinganmba.com

www.artistsandprofitmakers.com

www.instagram.com/meganauman

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Margo is joined by friend and former guest, Lori Siebert. Lori has experienced and made some significant changes in her life over the past few years that have pushed her to go after the things she’s always dreamed of. From business changes to grief and aging, Lori is now following a new path that includes retreats, painting (and thinking) big, leaning into Instagram challenges, collaborations and more. Since her revelations, she’s grown a sincere passion for encouraging other women to embrace their own dreams and passions regardless of their age!

Margo and Lori discuss:

How the loss of her parents affected her on both a personal and professional level
Learning how to put yourself first and how it actually benefits others in your life
Simple ways to fill your own cup when you’re used to putting others needs above yourself
Having your own identity outside of work, motherhood, etc.
Mind mapping and a holistic approach to goal setting
Stepping outside of your comfort zone
And more!

Learn the ART of PROCREATE with Beth Buffington

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Mentioned in this episode:

Growing and growing up creative. How a very successful business was created by saying YES. (Episode 43 with Lori Siebert)

https://www.chateauorquevaux.com/

Connect with Lori:

https://lorisiebert.com/

http://www.instagram.com/lorisiebert.studio/

http://www.pinterest.com/lorisie

http://www.facebook.com/lorisiebertstudio

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Margo is joined by Millennial Money Coach Cortney Cruz. After a decade-long career in finance, Cortney took her experience both from her corporate background and her personal financial transformation and built a business teaching women what they weren’t taught in school and empowering them to use money as a tool to create the lives they want. She is passionate about helping women take back control of their finances to create more freedom, flexibility & fulfillment in their lives and lives by the motto “You can build wealth and #treatyoself.”

Margo and Cortney discuss:

Cortney’s personal money and entrepreneurial journey
Misconceptions and stigmas around money management
The mindset, intention, and action required for changing your relationship with money
How money aids in creativity
Breaking generational curses and building generational wealth
Things you can start doing today to your money habits and increase your wealth
How you can build wealth and treat yourself at the same time

Connect with Cortney:

https://www.instagram.com/moneywithcortney/

https://www.tiktok.com/@moneywithcortney

Download the Rich Girl Cheat Sheet

The Financial Glow Up

Connect with Margo Tantau:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Margo is joined by Margaux Kent, Co-Founder of Peg and Awl. Margeaux and her husband Walter created Peg and Awl without a plan but rather a fortunate pairing of two minds, different but in sync. Together with a team they create from olde things, treasures found and recovered from misfortune and neglect, relics of the unusual, the confused and the macabre, cut and pulled and built into wearable curiosities, inscribable keepsakes and usable, long-lasting treasures.

Margo and Margaux discuss:

How Peg and Awl began and the first product they listed on Etsy
How she manages a creative business, working with her husband, homeschooling, and more
The importance of tooting your own horn and promoting oneself and how she tries to instill this into her kids
Peg and Awl jewelry creation and why they do everything in house
Discovery: of new mediums and of understanding new and different topics
How listening to poetry brings her a sense of peace
Aphantasia and hyperphantasia
And more!

After nearly bursting their house with the weight of materials, makers, and ideas, in 2012 Margaux and Walter decided to move Peg and Awl to the Atlas Casket Factory and in 2017, growing pains led them to seek new land. During their voyages, they discovered their new home, the Foundlings Building, in Port Richmond, Philadelphia which they consider an inspiring place to create more treasures, photographs, jobs, and joyful days.

Connect with Margaux Kent:

Pegandawlbuilt.com

https://www.margauxkent.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pegandawl/

https://www.instagram.com/thebrotherskent/

https://margauxkent.substack.com/

Connect with Margo Tantau:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Margo is joined by craft maker, Heather Donohue. Heather has been crafting since childhood and is known for her vintage-inspired Christmas stockings and tree skirts from felt and sequins as well as other creative commissions. She creates original content and craft projects for companies including Handmade Charlotte and Benzie Design. Her work has been featured in magazines, on stage, and online and although she considers herself an introvert, she loves leading in-person craft workshops. Her craft lab is in Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, their twins, and cavalier king charles spaniel.

Margo and Heather discuss:

Her creative path and how she runs and manages a business built on Christmas products
How she went about monetizing her creations and a go-getter personality
What success looks and feels like and how she’d like her business to evolve
Advice and tips for others wanting to put themselves out there
Working through introvertedness to leading workshops
Creative burnout
And more!

Sign up for Windowsill Workshops with Heather Donohue - Creating a Bejeweled Felt Tree Ornament!

Mentioned:

The Holiday Standards

Alt Summit Conference

John Derian Co.

Fair Play Projects and Toys.

Connect with Heather:

heatherdonohue.com

instagram.com/heathdon

facebook.com/heatherdonohuecrafts.com

Margo is joined by former teacher & blogger turned entrepreneur, Anna Huff. As a business empowerment coach, Anna works to empower women to pursue their passions and live in authentic alignment with who they were divinely designed to be. Determined to make a difference, but burnt out and struggling to find alignment, for years, Anna played small. Thinking that if she just did more, worked harder, learned more, and achieved more she would find what she was looking for. What she discovered was that nothing she could ever do, earn, or say would make her any more worthy of becoming who she was divinely designed to be. That, in fact, it wasn’t about becoming anything at all. But rather, Unbecoming. Which was how she developed her coaching philosophy of Unbecoming, the work of peeling back the layers of who you have had to be in order to reveal who you were divinely designed to be.

Margo and Anna discuss:

Her career path and listening to the things that excite and light her up
The importance in recognizing our lifelong evolution
How our thoughts and feelings are intertwined
What it means to be in authentic alignment and how she helps others get there
Her top tips for someone feeling stuck
The Unbecoming framework
Therapy vs coaching and understanding the difference
How to figure out what’s keeping you stuck
And more!

Connect with Anna:

www.instagra.com/theannahuff

www.facebook.com/theannahuff

www.theannahuff.com

Margo chats with Make it in Design Co-Founder, Art Director, Author, Mentor and Print and Pattern Designer, Rachael Taylor. Rachael is a renowned creativepreneur who is most known for her quirky style, daring use of color and unique innovation. Her style is infectious, friendly, honest, informative and motivational and as a mentor she approaches her students and clients with a sense of relatability and her services are often described as “talking to an old friend who has the answers”. Rachael has developed an educational online platform, delivered many comprehensive online design courses along with a members’ club and taught over 25,000 individual students across 100 countries.

Margo and Rachael discuss:

Creating work that attracts aligned clients and customers
Using intuition and gut instinct while also being a realist
Linkedin and other social marketing platforms
Scheduling in and making time for creativity
Her transition into creative education as a mentor and instructor
Her upcoming book, Power Up Your Creativity
Choosing the right course or mentorship program as a creative
And more!

Connect with Rachael:

rachael@makeitindesign.com

www.instagram.com/makeitindesign

www.instagram.com/rachaeltaylor_

www.instagram.com/rachaeltstudio

Sign up for the Tantau Studio Newsletter and be the first to receive tips on growing your creative biz, brand, or practice and hear about community events!

Margo is joined once again by Ana Bianchi. First heard on episode 37 of Windowsill Chats, Ana is a designer, artist, illustrator, children book author and a maker of all kinds of things. Once tethered to keeping each of her creative worlds neatly separated, she now allows them to flow together and pour into one another all connected by her love for color. She has been drawing, painting and making colorful stuff her whole life. Ana sees each project as an art-making opportunity to make something special.

Episode Highlights:

Ana’s story and creative background
Why she doesn’t like when people say things like “I’m not creative” and how to reframe your mindset and perspective
How to maintain a creative mindset in everyday activities
Her multi-passionate personality
Cookie decorating
An upcoming retreat with Ana & Margo!

Sign up for cookie decorating with Ana (Windowsill Workshops)

Learn more about From Line to Color Art Retreat in France with Ana & Margo

Connect with Ana:

Creating with color, passion and purpose as your muses. Ana Bianchi has literally designed for the skies, and now gets to focus on things more down to earth. (Episode 37)

www.analovescolor.com

https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

Margo is joined by designer, artist, author, illustrator Zoe Ingram. Zoe has been illustrating since she could hold a pencil and professionally since 2013 after winning representation with her agent, Lilla Rogers. Zoe’s forte is in designing patterns for textiles but she also enjoys editorial and book illustration. Animals and nature play a huge part in her work. Margo and Zoe discuss her experience in winning Lilla’s competition for agency representation, how grief and loss has played a role in her creative journey, working full time on top of creative work, and much more.

Episode highlights:

Entering Lilla’s agency competition on a whim and without expectations and her agency experience since winning
The power in taking chances on yourself
Her first book deal for illustration (and other book projects)
The grief of losing her husband and becoming the sole income provider
Why she works full time on top of her creative work
Making your days work for you (not vice versa)
Giving yourself grace and letting go of the outcomes

Mentioned in this episode:

Oh My Gouache!: The beginner's guide to painting with opaque watercolour by Zoe Ingram

All books by Zoe Ingram

https://www.instagram.com/publicdomainrev/

Connect with Zoe:

www.zoeingram.com

www.instagram.com/_zoeingram_

www.ello.co/zoeingram

www.behance.net/zoeingram_

www.spoonflower.com/profiles/zoe_ingram

www.society6.com/zoeingram

Sign up for the November Windowsill Workshops - Illustrated Cookies with Ana Bianchi

Margo is joined once again by the lovely Abby Campbell for a Q&A session! Together, Margo and Abby answer questions submitted by listeners and discuss topics such as what to do when you struggle with sharing your art, the underutilization of LinkedIn, how to tailor your messaging to reach the right people, and more. Abby has always had a passion for photos of all kinds and the love of visual art took her to the University of Central Missouri where she received a BS in Broadcasting and Film. This is where she began to really learn the art of storytelling through photos and video. Fast forward, she spent time working on an outdoor television show, producing national and regional television commercials, and informational/how-to videos before moving on to other projects that continued to hone her craft in visual storytelling.

Margo and Abby discuss:

What to do when you struggle with self promotion and social media marketing
Finding motivation, owning your craft, and authenticity
Knowing and understanding your audience
How to tailor your message
Using LinkedIn to create connections
How to get your work out when you’re feeling discouraged
Getting the attention of an agent or companies
And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 78: Doing it your way... Social Media deconstructed. Connect with others in the way that feels right for YOU with Debbie Saviano

Episode 93: Permission to Show Up and Grow. Standing Up for Your Potential with Abby Campbell

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

www.instagram.com/ajcampkc

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

Sign up for Windowsill Workshops

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/

Margo is joined by the very serious, but never solemn, creative ball of energy, Zoë Collins. Zoë believes that color is not to be wrestled with, but spun like magic, that art cures the troubled soul and that taxes are a privilege, not a curse. Her work has been described as colorful, powerful, fresh, quirky, witty and mad. She writes, draws, paints, prints, collages and teaches and believes that peace comes from within, from working out who you are and being gentle with your perceived failings. She loves showing people how to be creative, both in person and online and is a firm believer that creativity is a muscle we are all capable of flexing.

Margo and Zoe discuss:

The common feeling of loss or lack of purpose when you don’t have a plan or path
The strong desire or wanting to be good at everything you do
Why recognition is important to her and how she realized this
Creativity as a muscle
Problem solving as a form of creativity
What she’s learned through therapy, meditation, and other intentional practices
How to find your authenticity advice for tapping into your own creativity
Self-discovery and her latest project, You: Artfull Self-Discovery

Zoë currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, two kids, favorite girl dog, and a large elderly cat.

Mentioned in this episode:

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Taking Your Creative Practice From Undiscovered to Unforgettable Through PR With Beth Nydick

Connect with Zoë:

https://zoecollins.art

https://www.instagram.com/zoecollinsart/

https://facebook.com/hoodlumfriends

https://www.skillshare.com/r/user/zoecollins

Sign up for Zoë’s Newsletter

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

The Artist's Way: 25th Anniversary Edition

Margo is joined by Fairy Brand-Mother and friend Kelly Sinclair. Kelly radiates a bright energy while equipping passionate entrepreneurs with the magic wand to get visibility for their business brands so they can make more impact. In a world where people work on average a third of their lives, Kelly believes it’s so important that work is a source of joy instead of drain. When entrepreneurs run successful businesses, the world is a happier place, and Kelly brings the combination of strategy and magic required to help others transform their business to the next level with confidence.

Margo and Kelly discuss:

Kelly’s path and why she jumped off the corporate career ship
What PR, visibility, marketing have in common and how it relates to you as a creative
The power in taking action to get results
Making connections and building relationships
How to get past the nervousness of taking a risk
Gaining confidence and competence through repeat processes
How you can start to get visible in your business today with her 100-day visibility challenge!

Corporate PR girl turned entrepreneur, Kelly has taken her big-brand experience and brings it to small businesses. She’s a national award-winning communications professional, best-selling author, small town, girl-mom of two, and past president of her local Chamber of Commerce.

Connect with Kelly:

https://ksco.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/ksco_kelly/

https://www.instagram.com/ksco_entrepreneurschool/

Get The 100-Day Visibility Challenge for FREE using code MARGO at checkout

Margo is joined by illustrator and designer Shannon Snow. Shannon makes colorful art for the colorful-at-heart and since starting her design career, she's been nurturing her love for highly illustrative surface design, maximalist color, and bold typography. Currently, she finds herself in the world of product development as Senior Graphic Artist at Natural Life alongside licensing her work. Born and raised in rural Georgia, Shannon loves an ice-cold cocktail on a humid day. She lives in the beautiful city of Savannah, GA with her husband and two daughters.

Margo and Shannon discuss:

Internal perfectionist tendencies and how Shannon manages it
How to get noticed (beyond social media)
The good and bad sides of social media and how she uses it intentionally
Using her art as a way to bring people together rather than divide
How she learned the skill of finding quick, creative solutions and problem solving when it came to creating
Her favorite mediums for creating
The importance of flexibility, adaptability, and be willing to say yes to things that are scary
Why 30-day challenges can be life changing
Balancing life and what moves your art into a place that feels good to you
Truths and myths around licensing

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.instagram.com/hello.shannon/

https://helloshannon.shop/

https://www.naturallife.com/

Margo is joined by fine artist and surface pattern designer, Sarah Golden. Based out of Sacramento, California, Sarah paints abstracts, botanicals, and designs fabric for Andover Fabrics. She loves working on multiple projects and getting paint on her hands as well as the freedom and intuitive workflow of abstract painting. For her surface design work, block-printing, painting both traditionally and digitally, and pen on paper are her mediums and she has a deep love for Scandinavian design, a simple and clean aesthetic, vintage fabrics, geometrics, and low-volume prints. Sarah is a habitual maker and learning enthusiast. Her studio practice is dedicated to deep work, experimenting, working in a series, and play.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Her creative path and making it work when life throws curves
How and why she follows her gut
The power of consistency and how it’s played a role in her own creative evolution
What it means to have a good foundation in order for people to discover you
How her work has translate into licensing
What work-life balance means to her
How she dedicates her time to deep work and experimentation

Connect with Sarah:

www.sarahgolden.org

www.instagram.com/sarahgoldenart

www.tiktok.com/@sarahgoldenart

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.instagram.com/mtantau

Margo is joined by cousins Ben Braden and Nick Sadler, otherwise known as Strange Hotels - the writers and producers of Need Your Trouble, featured in the introduction for every episode of Windowsill Chats! After touring for years as a part of Portland’s iconic touring band The Lower 48, Ben and Nick formed their indie-electro duo Strange Hotels in early 2018, and within weeks of forming the duo, they had the opportunity to open for Billie Eilish and Finneas at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. Their songs have been featured in several TV shows including Shameless, Viceʼs King Of The Road, and Conan O’Brien’s Needs a Friend. Nick & Ben describe Strange Hotels as the most collaborative project they have been a part of- and are a sonic blend of dance, R&B, vintage pop, and indie rock. They have taken a very DIY approach to recording their songs, recording and producing their music solely on iPads. They moved to Los Angeles in 2019 quickly booking a residency at their favorite club, writing new songs, and releasing their second EP, Mixtape II.

Margo, Ben and Nick discuss:

The transition from The Lower 48 to Strange Hotels
Moving to LA 5 months before the pandemic heat and how it affected their work
How being able to do what they enjoy at an early age benefitted them
Their willingness to be broke and commonality for being bad at having a boss and how it aided in their success down the road
Finding different ways to share their music
How the music industry currently works, streaming platforms, and finding new ways to be financially successful
The unglamorous side of the entertainment industry

Connect with Strange Hotels:

Get Mixtape III for free by texting ‘Heard you on WC I’d love Mixtape III’ to 651-538-6961

Listen to Strange Hotels on Spotify

https://www.instagram.com/strange_hotels/

Here’s a preview from a new podcast, Death of the Artist, that explores a tragedy in the art world. For more than 35 years, accusations of murder shrouded one of the art world’s most storied couples: Was the famous sculptor Carl Andre involved in the death of his up-and-coming artist wife Ana Mendieta? Host Helen Molesworth revisits Mendieta’s death, taking a closer look at how she might have fallen out of the window of Carl’s 34th floor New York apartment, and the following trial which has divided the art world since 1985. Hear more from Death of an Artist at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/artist?sid=chats.

Margo is joined by her podcast producer and editor Katie Anderson. Katie is the founder behind HomeAway Studio - a creative studio dedicated to supporting business leaders, content creators, and impact driven entrepreneurs through branding, web design, and podcast production. Formerly known as Katie J VA, her business stemmed from the desire to have her own outlet while being able to support her hockey-playing partner in his career overseas. Through persistent curiosity and a never ending desire to learn new skills, she has enabled coaches and creatives to focus on growing and improving their own services by outsourcing time-consuming, digital marketing tasks.

Margo and Katie discuss:

The path to launching her own business from Europe
Leaving a career path she didn’t love but learned a lot from
How she’s allowed her business to evolve over time
Getting intentional, finding your why, and doing the work
How living in other countries has helped her business
Mixing the analytical, technical, and creative skills required for a business
And more!

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, before moving to Arizona for college in 2011, Katie now considers herself a part-time expat splitting her time between the U.S. and Europe. Outside of the U.S., she has lived in Norway, Finland, Austria, and Slovakia but her true home is wherever the Wi-Fi is. When she’s not busy supporting businesses behind the scenes, you can find her getting into nature, cooking, enjoying a glass of wine, or expanding her passport stamp collection.

Connect with Katie:

www.homeawaystudio.com

www.katiejva.com

www.instagram.com/homeaway.studio

www.tiktok.com/@katiejaine111

Margo is joined by vintage lover, flower whisperer, slow fashion enthusiast and small business owner, Abbey Trujillo. In 2020, Abbey’s love and joy for thrifting quickly transformed into creating a sustainable in house label called Peach Vintage as well as finding traction online through Instagram Reels. Abbey believes the best way to make your dreams a reality is to simply start. Action causes reaction and we are ever evolving. Always recreating ourselves into the next best version. Always finding our new purpose.

Margo and Abbey discuss:

Abbey’s creative background, career path and how it’s grown and evolved over time
How her theater background helps in her reel creation
Her growing interest in sustainability and the role it plays in her business
The learning curve and unique challenges that comes with fast growth
Her advice on who to take (and not take) criticism and advice from
Connecting with her online community
Letting go of being precious, launching before you feel ‘ready’, and imposter syndrome
Vulnerability and the gift in being you

Connect with Abbey:

https://www.peachvintage.com/

PV Small Business Reels Course

https://www.instagram.com/thepeachvintage/

https://linktr.ee/Thepeachvintage

In this two part interview, Margo is joined by licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online course digital illustration instructor, Beth Buffington. Like many creatives, Beth has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, she began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments.  After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her business, BDI-Celebrate-Today, and BDI-Create-Today.

Margo and Beth discuss:

Wellness when it comes to working and taking care of yourself as part of the creative process
Diving deeper into the four R’s as it pertains to her creative process and what she teaches
Mind mapping
Giving yourself permission to step away from work
Student accomplishments after taking her course
How she removes overwhelm in her own life and within the course
Celebrating life everyday

Beth’s work is two-fold. She creates illustrations and home decor products—and she also instructs college and online students how to be curious about trends, color, texture, and materials—through the creation of digital illustration. She is also passionate about sharing with students her thoughts on being a healthy artist who is confident and brave about their artistic skills and their artwork.

Connect with Beth:

https://bdi-celebrate.today/ (Illustration & Product Design)

https://www.bdi-create.today/ (Learn the ART of PROCREATE)

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

In this two part interview, Margo is joined by licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online course digital illustration instructor, Beth Buffington. Like many creatives, Beth has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, she began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments.  After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her business, BDI-Celebrate-Today, and BDI-Create-Today.

Margo and Beth discuss:

The necessity of understanding your clients and their pain points
The importance in being able to be flexible
Perfection paralysis
How she got into the creative education space
Confidence: how to grow it in your creative practices because it plays a huge role in how your art work will perform
Trusting in your talent
Learning Procreate
The creative process that she takes her students through

Beth’s work is two-fold. She creates illustrations and home decor products—and she also instructs college and online students how to be curious about trends, color, texture, and materials—through the creation of digital illustration. She is also passionate about sharing with students her thoughts on being a healthy artist who is confident and brave about their artistic skills and their artwork.

Connect with Beth:

https://bdi-celebrate.today/ (Illustration & Product Design)

https://www.bdi-create.today/ (Learn the ART of PROCREATE)

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

In this two part interview, Margo is joined by licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online course digital illustration instructor, Beth Buffington. Like many creatives, Beth has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, she began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments.  After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her business, BDI-Celebrate-Today, and BDI-Create-Today.

Margo and Beth discuss:

The necessity of understanding your clients and their pain points
The importance in being able to be flexible
Perfection paralysis
How she got into the creative education space
Confidence: how to grow it in your creative practices because it plays a huge role in how your art work will perform
Trusting in your talent
Learning Procreate
The creative process that she takes her students through

Beth’s work is two-fold. She creates illustrations and home decor products—and she also instructs college and online students how to be curious about trends, color, texture, and materials—through the creation of digital illustration. She is also passionate about sharing with students her thoughts on being a healthy artist who is confident and brave about their artistic skills and their artwork.

Connect with Beth:

https://bdi-celebrate.today/ (Illustration & Product Design)

https://www.bdi-create.today/ (Learn the ART of PROCREATE)

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

Margo is joined by artist, fabric + surface pattern designer, and mother of two creative beautiful kiddos, Jessica Swift. Jessica creates colorful, uplifting artwork that inspires others to live colorful, unique, and hope-filled lives. She creates and manufactures her own products in her studio and also licenses her artwork to others for branded products such as fabric, stationery, puzzles, books, and more. Her online classes include pattern design, color, and intuitive art-making.

Margo and Jessica discuss:

Her creative journey and how it’s evolved
Mindset shifts and fears she’s worked through around burnout and taking breaks
How she uses her intuition in art and life
How her husband’s unexpected death plays a role in her creations and work
Valuing her own thoughts, opinions, and self as much as she does others
Managing multiple income streams and projects at once
Giving yourself grace and figuring out what works for you
Comparing current self to past self: finding radical acceptance and learning to trust yourself
Finding belonging exactly as you are

Jessica makes things because when she does, she feels more hopeful, happy, and alive. Simple as that. She believes that art that speaks to your heart is not frivolous; it's vital. Sometimes we all need a hand, a reminder that we’re not alone in this big crazy world. When you start to see that we've all got some version of messy truth alive and kickin' in our own lives, you start to realize you're not actually alone. In fact, other people get what you're going through! Making art and sharing her own real + imperfect life reminds Jessica that life is hard for everyone and we're all in this together. It comforts her to know that her work might make you feel a little more connected, too.

Connect with Jessica:

https://www.jessicaswift.com

https://www.instagram.com/jessicaswift

https://www.jessicaswift.com/pages/subscribe

https://www.skillshare.com/user/jessicaswift

Jessica’s Animal Allies Oracle Decks

Margo is joined by Annie Galvin of 3 Fish Studios based out of Northern California. Annie was born and raised in Ireland, where she went to art college and then worked as an illustrator in Dublin before winning the green card lottery at the age of 23 and emigrating to the United States. Annie moved to San Francisco in 1989 (two weeks before the earthquake), and she is still happily living in California. A natural daydreamer and doodler, Annie has a constant impulse to create and spends her days making drawings, paintings, and collages that feature juicy colors and salty humor. She picked up a degree in English literature from UC Berkeley which adds a layer of storytelling to her work.

Margo and Annie discuss:

Winning the lottery and coming to America
Her personal creative process and what she does when she isn’t connecting to her creative side
Her inevitable love for California
Why downsizing and/or being willing to switch things up isn’t a bad thing
The power in not being precious about one's work
Being an accessible and affordable artist
The mindset behind enjoying the process and the ride of a creative business
Working with her husband
And more!

Annie is endlessly inspired by the people and loveliness of the Golden State — the magical energy, the enormous diversity of people and ideas, as well as the natural beauty of her adopted homeland. Annie and her husband, Eric Rewitzer, also an artist, started 3 Fish Studios in 2006 and ran a gallery and studio in San Francisco for many years. In 2020 they relocated along with the studio to Amador City, CA.

Connect with Annie:

Www.3fishstudios.com

www.instagram.com/3fishstudios

https://www.pinterest.com/3fishstudios/

Margo chats with Deborah Stein who lives, paints and writes in NYC and the Embudo Valley in New Mexico. Deborah is a fine artist who teaches visual narrative workshops, runs (usually) twice a year artist residencies and is one of the proud hosts of folktale week along with illustrator-friends she admires. She ran her first creative live retreat at the lovely Highlights Foundation in rural PA this past Spring and is working on book projects (and possibilities for projects) and getting ready to show her work in August at The LDBA Studio in Santa Fe who she also designed a watercolor palette for called “Imagined Landscapes".

Margo and Deborah discuss:

Following your own skills and ideas
The power of art, music, and storytelling
Having your work copied and how to come out on top
How she encourages people to be themselves and follow their passions
Ways to spark your own curiosity
Experiencing sorrow and grief and how it in a way inspires her
StoryCamp Disco: what it is and how she came up with it

When she’s not drawing, painting, writing or leading workshops and live art classes for kids and adults on and off-line, she can be found writing down her thoughts, looking closely at the complexities of nature and/or imagining the curious interplay between talking animals and observant children, looking at art, hiding in bookshops, poking in gardens and in apricot trees, walking down to rivers, hiking up hills and through museums, and watching not-scary movies and well-made documentaries, and being with folks and animals she loves. She is working on writing and making art and books that express new ways of seeing the world and our roles in it and loves projects that challenge her imagination and skills!

Connect with Deborah:

www.deborahjstein.com

www.Instagram.com/Deborah.j.Stein/

www.instagram.com/storycamp_disco

Storycamp Disco Fall 2022

Art + Workshop Shop

Sign up for August Windowsill Workshops - Pie Making Class with Tom Conway

This week it’s all about being intentional and finding true fulfillment with Tom Conway. Margo sits down in person with Tom in his 1888 farmhouse located on Vashon Island, the same one where he pens a blog called Tall Clover Farm. Tom shares projects, island life, farm duties, and the joy of growing fruit, flowers, and good food. He embraces the beauty of the bulldog, succumbs to the power of pie, worships the peach, contends summer is never long enough, and has never met a hammock he didn't like. His home and property are his canvas where he paints with words and photography to share putting in a good day and keeping life neighborly.

Margo and Tom discuss:

Life before moving to Vashon Island and his experience living in just about every neighborhood in Seattle prior
The character and stories behind his 1888 farmhouse and how he’s gone about renovating it
All things baking pies and why it’s actually more simple than you’d think
Growing flowers for floral trade and wedding events
The power of a blog and why he chose that particular medium for sharing
The importance of of having systems and structure in place before the ‘pretty stuff’
Being able to learn along the way and allowing yourself to try new things
Being intentional with your involvement in just about anything
Standing for your own values while also being able to listen and hear someone else
How to find true fulfillment in life

Mentioned in this episode:

Tom’s favorite roses: Compassion, Eddie’s Jewel, Nootka Rose, Alchymist

Christianson’s Nursery

My Father’s Glory (movie)

My Mother’s Castle (movie)

Connect with Tom:

www.tallcloverfarm.com

www.instagram.com/tall.clover.farm

Inspired by simple gestures, purposeful forms and honest craftsmanship, today’s guest, Jennifer Livingston’s phone storage is usually maxed out with beauty in the market and in her life. She has equal photos of her family as she does of a great ad campaign, ceramic glaze, or nature’s seasonal colorway. She is intrigued with the process of design and the story behind each item. Jennifer got an early start in product design the summer when she was 13. “My mom introduced me to sewing. She showed me how to thread the machine and load the bobbin, and let me have free range.” Jennifer made a pair of shorts every day that summer out of fabric scraps and old clothes lines. From there her creative curiosity was born.

Margo and Jennifer discuss:

Allowing yourself and others to make mistakes and then being able to learn from them
Networking and why it’s important (even if you’re an introverted creative)
How her curiosity helps her engage with artists and collaborate with manufacturers
Permission to fail (or grow, adapt, and be vulnerable)
Having a representative for your work
Right vs. left brain operations
How she fills her cup and manages to not lose sight of herself despite challenges and busy schedules

Being a mom of three active kids has helped Jennifer develop strong organization skills and she is a better project manager because of it. She has successfully led product design teams, linking with procurement, logistics and international along the way.

Connect with Jennifer:

jenniferlivingstoncreative.com

www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferelivingston

https://www.instagram.com/jlivin2/

Inspired by simple gestures, purposeful forms and honest craftsmanship, today’s guest, Jennifer Livingston’s phone storage is usually maxed out with beauty in the market and in her life. She has equal photos of her family as she does of a great ad campaign, ceramic glaze, or nature’s seasonal colorway. She is intrigued with the process of design and the story behind each item. Jennifer got an early start in product design the summer when she was 13. “My mom introduced me to sewing. She showed me how to thread the machine and load the bobbin, and let me have free range.” Jennifer made a pair of shorts every day that summer out of fabric scraps and old clothes lines. From there her creative curiosity was born.

Margo and Jennifer discuss:

Allowing yourself and others to make mistakes and then being able to learn from them
Networking and why it’s important (even if you’re an introverted creative)
How her curiosity helps her engage with artists and collaborate with manufacturers
Permission to fail (or grow, adapt, and be vulnerable)
Having a representative for your work
Right vs. left brain operations
How she fills her cup and manages to not lose sight of herself despite challenges and busy schedules

Being a mom of three active kids has helped Jennifer develop strong organization skills and she is a better project manager because of it. She has successfully led product design teams, linking with procurement, logistics and international along the way.

Connect with Jennifer:

jenniferlivingstoncreative.com

www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferelivingston

https://www.instagram.com/jlivin2/

Margo catches up with good friend and internationally known illustrator Lisa Congdon for episode 100! That’s right, there are now 100 episodes of Windowsill Chats. Lisa and Margo chat about consistency, coaching, podcasting, experimenting in business, and a whole lot more.

Lisa is self-taught and didn’t achieve momentum in her career until she was nearly 40 years old. Despite her untraditional path, she has achieved recognition, not just as an artist, but as a leader in the industry for her work in social justice, knowledge sharing, mentoring and teaching. In March of 2021, she was named “One of the 50 Most Inspiring People and Companies According to Industry Creatives” published by AdWeek. She lives and works in Portland, Oregon.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

Coaching people from different backgrounds
Stepping back from what typically brings the most revenue in her business
Lisa’s new group coaching program, The Knack School
Creative thinking, creative action, and monetizing your offerings
Collaboration over competition
Why group coaching can be so powerful
Taking breaks and disconnecting from your work (yes, it’s necessary and healthy!)

Connect with Lisa:

The Knack School & Coaching Program for Visual Artists

Follow @theknackschool on Instagram

Other classes with Lisa

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

Margo is joined by Lisa Solomon. A teacher by trade, it took Lisa years to call herself an artist first. As a half Japanese, half Jewish [Eastern European] Caucasian woman, hybridization is literally a part of her DNA and shows itself often in her practice. Lisa’s mixed media works revolve thematically around discovering her heritage, the notion of domesticity, craft, feminism, and the pursuit of art as science/research. She is frankly obsessed with color/color theory and is drawn to found objects, tending to alter them conceptually so that their meanings and original uses or intents are re-purposed. She often fuses “wrong” things together – recontextualizing their original purposes, and incorporating materials that inherently question and skirt the line between art and craft. Lisa received her BA in Art Practice from UC Berkeley in 1995 and her MFA from Mills College in 2003. Her work is shown internationally and is in numerous public and private collections.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

Her path and what she’s learned along the way
Finding comfort in consistency
Why grad school was pivotal for her career while simultaneously seeing the challenges brought on by going to University today and mitigating the pressures and costs
Why art is one of the last spaces you can really share anything and put it all on the table
Color Theory: Understanding colors, creating colors, and teaching color
Her color meditation deck: how and why she came up with it and the many ways it can be used
Her mixed media work and where she finds inspiration for it
Time management and figuring out a system that works for YOU
Reframing your schedule and allowing for flexibility
Making space for yourself and your creative practices

Mentioned in this episode:

The Subversive Stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine by Rozsika Parker

Lisa’s highly curated Amazon shop list

Get 30% off The Color Meditation Deck and/or A Field Guide to Color by purchasing through www.shambhala.com and using code MARGO30 at checkout (valid through 8/13/22)

Connect with Lisa:

www.lisasolomon.com

www.instagram.com/lisasolomon

The Subversive Stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine

Margo is joined by Toni Santos, otherwise known as Baby Buddha of Baby Buddha Studio out of Seattle, WA. Storefronts, portraits, and beloved images of everyday ordinary life are the subjects for Toni’s art that are then used for cards and other handmade products. After practicing architecture for 28 years, there was a drop in design work for a few years and so she took the opportunity to learn the wholesale gift trade. She fell in love with sales, product development and especially fine crafted toys. Her motto has always been 'Spying Beauty'. Influenced as a young design student by Berger's 'The Ways of Seeing', she draws and paints from everyday objects and snapshots taken while traveling. She works in watercolor and gouache in a loose whimsical style. Immersing herself in the illustration world with classes, social networking, marketing and exploring technique all in preparation for licensing opportunities.

Margo and Toni discuss:

Her career path and why she doesn’t consider herself an architect after spending 28 years in the industry
Unique ways to tap your creativity
How she mentors people with diverse backgrounds (real estate, medical, etc.) to tap into their own creativity
Staying inspired in everyday life
Mixing practicality with creativity
The importance of bringing back play
Her life motto, Spying Beauty, and how she incorporates it into her everyday

Connect with Toni:

Www.BabyBuddhastudio.com

www.instagram.com/babybuddhastudio

Margo chats with Healthy Aging Expert, Lisa Murphy. You may be wondering what that has to do with creativity but Lisa has reinvented herself several times throughout her life and encourages and empowers her clients to do the same. Creator of the RAV (Relevant, Active and Vibrant) Protocol, her programs help curious and open-minded women feel better with age, not worse, so that they can remain relevant, active and vibrant. She uses a science-backed method and looks at the four pillars of wellness: Food, Mood, Rest and Movement.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

Her career path and how she went from corporate mathematician to teaching yoga and living in Dubai
How life as an expat broadened her creativity
How creativity takes on many different forms
Why life shouldn’t always be smooth sailing and sometimes change is messy and painful
Overwhelm in the health and wellness industry
Investing in ourselves and how to make helpful habit changes
Why you have to have and find fun when it comes to wellness or it won’t work the way you want it to
Reducing energetic clutter
Being brutally in love with the present

Connect with Lisa:

https://www.lisamurphyllc.com

Veg with Lisa Live on Facebook

www.instagram.com/lisamurphyllc

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-murphy-health-coach/

Sharing an episode from our friends over at Broken Record. On Broken Record, acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, bestselling author Malcom Gladwell, and former New York Times editor Bruce Headlam talk with the musicians you love about their lives, inspiration, and craft. Rick Rubin has interviewed so many great artists over the years—including Andre 3000, Nas, and Neil Young. Today we will hear Rick’s conversation with one of the most innovative artists in music, Missy Elliot. This year is the 25th anniversary of Missy’s classic debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. When that album dropped, Missy’s unconventional rhyme schemes paired with her childhood friend Timbaland’s futuristic production set a precedent for what was creatively possible in hip-hop. And throughout her career, Missy’s maintained that same level of playful creativity. Missy broke records this year when she was recognized as having more platinum albums than any other female rapper. She’s also the first female MC to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for songs she's written for Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah’s biggest hits: “One In A Million,” and “If Your Girl Only Knew.” Today Rick Rubin talks to Missy Elliott about her wide-reaching influence and creative process. She explains what it was like writing for Aaliyah, who was one of the first artists to embrace Missy and Timbaland’s unique style. She also talks about why she and Timbaland made a pact not to listen to any other music while recording her debut album. You can listen to more episodes of Broken Record wherever you listen to podcasts.

Margo sits down with West Coast based photographer Christopher Dibble.Chris studied at Art Center College of Design and has spent his career photographing projects for commercial and editorial clients, designers, artists, and architects. Specializing in lifestyle interiors and portraiture, he has been interviewed by Popular Photography Magazine about his environmental portraiture and was selected as one of The Advocate’s 40 under 40. His work has been featured in editorial publications including House Beautiful, Dwell, HGTV, Country Living, Entertainment Weekly, and People Magazine. He’s also produced work for manufacturers including Sunbrella, The Shade Store, and Framebridge. While portraiture and interior design are considered two different photographic genres, Dibble works to combine his understanding of both with the intent of creating imagery that tells a story.

Margo and Chris discuss:

How his formal education has informed and influenced his work
Why he finds community and personal connections to be so important and how they have paid off in his career
How his work has evolved and how how he applied his knowledge from portraiture to interiors
Imposter syndrome, the comparison trap, and how you can have appreciation for artists in your field without falling into a trap
Giving yourself grace, especially when it comes to our creative businesses
Why he believes in having hobbies that you're not trying to make a business out of
His passion for weaving
And a whole lot more

Chris’ first book, Modern Americana was released in 2021 and features over 100 photographs. He is currently working on a new book with designer Karen Nepacena of Destination Eichler. He is also balancing several projects beyond his own commercial photography business including a small product photography studio creating assets for brands, a community building project focusing on artist street fairs and pop up events as well as an online boutique featuring local makers of all levels, and a personal portraiture series of large format portraits.

Mentioned in this episode:

Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Weaving The Future: Contemporary Diné Weavers

4Kinship

Connect with Chris:

christopherdibble.com

www.instagram.com/dibblephoto

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Margo is joined by Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms. After one of Natasha's sons became interested in raising his own sheep, she began to dream of her own plans for a small profitable farm where she could teach her children to appreciate the land and animals and to be good conservationists as well as learn the importance of sustainability and eating local "real" food.

Located on three acres in the northwest corner of the historic village of Mooresville, AL (pop. 58), 1818 Farms is named for the year Mooresville was incorporated, one year before Alabama became a state. 1818 Farms is home to many happy animal residents, over 14,000 flowers having been lovingly and carefully tended to and also offers events of all types and popular handmade bath and beauty products.

Margo and Natasha discuss:

The depth of entrepreneurship and why it often means working 7 days/week (especially on a farm)
The inspiration in starting 1818 Farms and how creativity has played a role in the development of the farm
Her background in marketing and how she uses that knowledge now
Managing cash flows
Staying committed to their values amongst growth and challenges
The small-batch, handmade products created on site
How she avoids burnout when there is always something to tend to
Staying true to your own path and awareness around the work and effort of entrepreneurship

Connect with Natasha:

https://1818farms.com/

https://www.instagram.com/1818farms/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.istagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

Margo is joined by Sophia Cosmas to discuss the subject of artmaking as a response to grief stemming from her own personal experiences. Sophia observed that over the last 20 years, with five significant losses, her grief has been compounded, but her response has, each time, been to immerse herself in intensive art making. In her experience grief takes innumerable forms and is not something that is "gotten over", "worked through" or necessarily ever resolved. She aims to create and to celebrate the perfect imperfection of life by being fully immersed in process learning and problem solving. Artmaking as a metaphor for life living itself. She finds inspiration everywhere but is heavily influenced by her Hellenic ancestry.

Margo and Sophia discuss:

The complicated relationship between grief and loss
Her experience with significant loss and why she doesn’t fear death
The importance in allowing people to have their own process in creativity and grief and finding active ways to mourn
How she holds boundaries within her work and honors the people she’s lost
The evolution of practice and getting past “I can’t”
Art Making as a Response to Grief: Sophia’s formal exploration of the relationship between creation and loss
The value of being in control of our own perceptions

With an artistic voice heavily accented by her heritage, Sophia is self-taught and self-directed. She is happily rejecting the concept of "perfection" and says “life is a quality I always seek to capture in my artwork.” Her practice now encompasses painting, drawing, collage, digital design and ceramics (hand building). Sophia works from a home studio and one of her greatest achievements has been learning to adapt her endeavors to accommodate her physical limitations.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

Drawing with your non-dominant hand

Connect with Sophia:

www.sophandson.com

www.instagram.com/sophcosmas_art

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China

Margo is joined by friend and creative whom she met while working at Hallmark in Kansas City, Abby Campbell. Abby has always had a passion for photos of all kinds and the love of visual art took her to the University of Central Missouri where she received a BS in Broadcasting and Film. This is where she began to really learn the art of storytelling through photos and video. Fast forward, she spent time working on an outdoor television show, producing national and regional television commercials, and informational/how-to videos before moving on to other projects that continued to hone her craft in visual storytelling.

Margo and Abby discuss:

Her creative journey, why she may be considered a generalist, and her experience working within an agency/corporate model and freelancing
The direct to consumer and social selling business models and what she finds most interesting about each
Retail casualties and how the standard consumer shopping experience has changed
Finding the true cost of your time as an artist
The double edged sword of social media
Being authentic to yourself and finding balance as a creative
Breaking the rules in creativity
Their joint passion for helping others succeed

Mentioned in this episode:

Demdaco

Willowtree

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

www.instagram.com/ajcampkc

Margo chats with friend, author, cocktail connoisseur, and PR expert Beth Nydick. Beth is a former TV producer and New Jersey-based publicity and business strategist who develops entrepreneurs and media personalities, to go from “Undiscovered to Unforgettable”. The term PR can be a bit daunting or may even sound like something you don’t need at this point in your creative career but Beth will assure you that’s not the case. Her definition of PR is creating the opportunity for success for yourself through visibility so while you don’t need the desire to go on the TODAY show to hire a PR person, you could use them to help you find other opportunities. Margo and Beth discuss:

Trusting your own expertise and being an expert of your own experience
How to get really clear on your messaging without getting caught up in the wording
What it means to create warm leads and why it’s easier than you think
The importance of sharing vulnerabilities
Removing some of the mystique and confusion around PR
Quick, simple tips for creating opportunities for yourself
The “7 layers deep” exercise to help you understand your why
Why she likes to focusing on making an impact on one person versus the whole world

Beth is a big believer in the power of potential to catapult your business forward. She shows her clients how to intentionally prepare their business and leverage exposure through collaboration and media so they can make their potential possible, increase credibility, and make their mark on the world.

Connect with Beth:

www.bethnydick.com

www.instagram.com/bethnydick

https://www.facebook.com/Bethnydick/

Margo is joined by Hannah Curtis and Bev Cunningham, together known as the Creative Card Collective. Founded in 2019 and then re-launched in 2021, they teamed up to take the collective to a new level. The Creative Card Collective is an online membership for any creative working or wishing to work in the greeting card industry. The membership not only offers invaluable information, advice, inspiration and insights about the card industry but also provides a community of supportive, like minded creatives.

Margo, Bev and Hannah discuss:

Their respective backgrounds and why they decided to team up
The original collective and how it’s evolved in the last year
The vision behind the Creative Card Collective
The three key things they aim to do within the collective: support, inform, inspire
Power in numbers and community
How they support members in increasing industry knowledge
Finding inspiration in collaboration and partnership

Bev’s background in photography and working as a Creative Director for a greeting card publisher matched with Hannah’s expertise as an art licensing agent and agency founder makes them the perfect pairing with a wealth of knowledge that they bring in supporting the creative masses.

Use code WINDOWSILLCHATS25 for 25% off a 12-month membership with the Creative Card Collective (code active through June 31st, 2022)!

Connect with Hannah & Bev:

https://creativecardcollective.com/

https://www.instagram.com/creative_card_collective/

https://creativesparrow.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/creativesparrowart/

https://gingerbeestudios.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeestudiosuk/

This week, Margo chats with Minneapolis-based mixed media artist Amy Rice. Amy’s nostalgic, subtly street-art influenced works are deeply defined by her Midwestern roots and growing up in a rural area, she found inspiration in the surrounding flora and fauna. Over the course of her career she has developed an appreciation for the simplistic yet beautiful things in life. While exhibiting her work extensively at galleries in the US and beyond she has received multiple grants and commissions.

Margo and Amy discuss:

How 4-H and the family farm has impacted her creative path and influenced her work and life
Why she doesn’t have a lot of rules within her process
How etsy and a printing press she paid $200 for helped her quit her job
How her goals are displayed in the form of her artwork
Art constipation and how she finds time to manage different projects
Her love for gardening, hiking, and exploring nature
Thinking creatively and being creative when you have limited resources
What she learned from working with artists with disabilities

Amy’s artwork has really become a manifestation of her stretch goals which can be seen in her work presented in Root Down. She says “I’m not satisfied anymore with a big garden; I want acres of stripes of living colors. I want my fields to be my canvas and flowers to be my paint. Slowly, year by hard-working year, it's happening. My paintings are just a few steps ahead of my reality.”

Connect with Amy:

http://grovelandgallery.com/artist/amy-rice/

http://amy-rice-qvit.squarespace.com/

https://lanesboroarts.org/calendar/a-few-steps-ahead-exhibition/

https://www.instagram.com/amyriceart/

https://www.instagram.com/countylinegardens

Margo is joined by Holly Thomas Stein, the artist behind HTS Studios. Holly has been an artist for as long as she can remember, from crayons to computers and everywhere in between. In 30+ years as a self-employed artist, Holly has been a graphic designer, illustrator, metalsmith and mixed media artist as well as owned an art gallery and taught jewelry making. She's been fortunate to work with amazing international companies creating marketing and advertising campaigns, products and packaging. Her work has been featured in books and magazines and won numerous awards.

Margo and Holly discuss:

Feeding interests, trying new things and adding depth to your portfolio
Continuing education and always “doing”, never becoming sedentary
The original art class her mom took pre-computer days (and getting feedback from artists like Norman Rockwell!)
Where she got the idea to license her artwork
Pursuing interests even if they’re challenging
Creating across a variety of mediums
Understanding client needs and expectations
Stretching creativity and fueling artistic passions
And more!

Currently Holly licenses her art to a variety of manufacturers in the decor, paper, gift and textile markets. She also makes and sells handcrafted jewelry and dabbles in ceramics.

Connect with Holly:

https://htsstudios.net

ttps://www.instagram.com/htsstudios/

Patternfield App: Holly Thomas Stein

I’m sharing a special preview of a podcast I’ve been enjoying, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, from Pushkin Industries. Talk Easy is a weekly interview podcast, where writer Sam Fragoso invites actors, writers, activists, and politicians to come to the table and speak from the heart in ways you probably haven't heard from them before. Driven by curiosity, he has revealing conversations with guests like Margaret Atwood, David Byrne, Holland Taylor, and more. In this preview, Sam talks to Rupi Kaur ahead of her international tour. Rupi talks about processing trauma through writing, her very successful self-published poetry collection, milk & honey, and reckoning with her critics. You can hear the full episode, and more from Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/tewindowsillrupi.

In this episode, Margo chats with art director, writer, and editor in chief of The New Maturity, Heath Brockwell. Heath’s work synthesizes motivational and accessible ideas on how to create a life you love sharing a range of ideas from making a great meal for your family to ways you can have a fantastic day. When Heath was young he was obsessed with magazines. He would devour them, tear them apart, and make giant collages on his bedroom walls. As a young undiagnosed dyslexic, he had a hard time with reading comprehension. However the images and words in magazines kept Heath engaged for hours. It was this passion that led him to a career art directing some of the top magazines of the late 90’s and early aughts. Then the internet killed the magazine star in 2008. With a quick pivot, a digital designer rose from the ashes. The solid design foundation heath had established back in his childhood bedroom was put to new use building tablet apps and websites.

Margo and Heath discuss:

His creative path, how The New Maturity came to be, pros and cons of corporate clients versus self-employment
How age has played a role in “the new maturity”
Being multi-passionate and how he continues to advance his skillset
Advice for creatives and artists who want to advance their own skill sets
The importance of owning your time and how he manages his
Why he considers his dyslexia a superpower
Creating a live well lived
And more

Heath shows you how kindness wins and takes you on a journey to discover simple ways to shift your point of view, improve your mood, make yourself a great meal, get better with age, and more. The New Maturity is a toolkit and a resource of ideas that excites him and he wants to share those resources with you. He takes most of the pictures, does the illustrations, concepts and writes the stories. Heath believes that together we can create a better world where people are kinder to each other.

Connect with Heath:

https://www.thenewmaturity.com

https://www.instagram.com/thenewmaturity

Download the free book: 10 Ways to Improve Your World

https://www.thenewmaturity.com/newsletter

https://www.thenewmaturity.com/magazine

Margo is joined by Katie Johnson and Ilana Griffo who are the co-owners at Goodtype, an inclusive community for people who love the art of typography, providing a collection of educational resources, unique perspectives, and inspiration to support their personal and professional growth. Katie and Ilana are not here for added fluff, but get right to the point and share transparently about how to build a sustainable business from your art. Episode Highlights:

Katie & Ilana’s connection: how they met and how working together has given them the opportunity to figure out what they're good at, where their strengths lie, and leaning into the things they’re passionate about
Brand perception, teaching challenges, and meeting people where they’re at
Why you have to have touchpoints as a creative
Their first licensing deals and how art licensing has changed the way they run their businesses
Their licensing course
How to get the most out of your creative process
Being productive and efficient with your time
Community, connection, and how they’re utilizing community based resources to grow theirs

Katie and Ilana have made it their mission to help other artists pursue their creative passions and build a business around their work. They strive to be honest, share struggles and build a community where we can all lift each other up.

This episode is sponsored by Relish Your Creativity. Visit https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/ to join the RYC Membership and access resources today

Connect with Katie and Ilana:

https://goodtype.us/

https://www.instagram.com/goodtype/

https://www.tiktok.com/@lovegoodtype

https://www.facebook.com/lovegoodtype

https://www.pinterest.com/lovegoodtype/

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

Margo is joined by English artist, Lucinda Kidney. Lucinda is from Surrey, UK but was born in Kenya which has shaped much of her life today. Her work is inspired by nature, the history of found objects and family heirlooms and she carries on a rich family legacy of exploration and discovery. Lucinda’s art conveys a nostalgic yet modern charm giving the viewer a certain comfort, belonging and stillness.

Margo and Lucinda discuss:

Her path from monotonous, digital work to drawing and painting by hand
What her ideal creative work day looks like
Imposter syndrome and perseverance
Her childhood and life in Kenya and how it contributes to her artwork
Family history: her great grandfather as a renowned botanist and great, great grandfather as a linen dealer
How our experiences inform us
Bringing awareness to causes that are important to her while still keeping her work positive and light

Lucinda says “I see my art as heirlooms, exuding a sense of mystery and belonging. Every piece tells a story which I hope reminds people of their own special memories and treasured keepsakes.”

This episode is sponsored by Windowsill Workshops. Sign up for the next workshop or learn more about Windowsill Workshops here

Connect with Lucinda:

https://www.lucinda-kidney.com/

https://www.instagram.com/luckidney

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

Margo is joined by the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of lines and color aka Dave Arcade. Dave is an Illustrator with a degree in graphic design and his style is born of his inner designer doing its best to talk down the numerous influences of his youth. He left behind a 10 year career as an art director to pursue freelance illustration. He has a true depth of style that delivers a one-two punch of strong thinking couched in elaborate and colorful compositions.

Margo and Dave discuss:

His background in ad agency work and spending 10 years as a Creative Director
When it why it can be good to “be the problem”
The messy middle, and appreciating the process that takes place to complete a project
Allowing yourself to have fun with your work
Storytelling in art
Transitioning out of ad work and some of his first big freelance projects
NFT’s

Dave’s pieces are absurd and conceptually complex and demand more than a passing glance. If he's not pining over music gear he’s doing work for brands like Google, Nickelodeon, Disney, Adobe, Activision and Discovery Channel.

Connect with Dave:

https://www.davearcade.com/

https://www.instagram.com/davearcade/

I’m sharing a special preview of a podcast I’ve been enjoying, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, from Pushkin Industries. Talk Easy is a weekly interview podcast, where writer Sam Fragoso invites actors, writers, activists, and politicians to come to the table and speak from the heart in ways you probably haven't heard from them before. Driven by curiosity, he’s had revealing conversations with everyone from George Saunders and Cate Blanchett to Ocean Vuong and Gloria Steinem. In this preview, Sam talks with performance artist Marina Abramović about her relationship to Ukraine, creating art out of hardship, the curiosity that propels her forward, and how her seminal piece, The Artist Is Present, lives on today. You can listen to Talk Easy at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/tewindowsill.

Margo is joined by the multi-faceted, passionate, creative genius Kate Shepherd. Kate spent her whole life busily and successfully manifesting all the things. Money. A great jewelry brand. An expensive home in a big city. But still there was something missing... and it wasn't material. As a lifelong artist, creativity has been her greatest friend and constant companion, the one thing that has never left her. It has walked beside her through some very dark times and always led her back to the light. Kate one day realized that not everyone has the same relationship with creativity and it hit her. She knew at that moment that at the deepest level of her being, she wanted to be in service to something and she realized exactly how.

Margo and Kate discuss:

Kate’s creative path and the hardships she faced within it
Dealing with and facing uncertainty
How and when she realized creativity is her superpower
What it means to be creatively free
What happens when you ignore desire and curiosity
How she’s helping others to allow their own creativity to emerge
Why willingness and vulnerability is so important in creativity

Kate knows from her own life that a healthy relationship with creativity is as important as breathing or thinking and when we activate creativity we access deep wisdom and intelligence that has the power to help us build the lives of our dreams. Kate launched The Creative Genius Podcast this past October as an answer to the calling in her heart. It is 100% devoted to the emergence of creativity in people, all the people, everywhere. It is a love letter to everyone who has ever wished they could be more creative but believed they couldn't.

Sign up for the next Windowsill Workshops or get on the list and be the first to know more!

Connect with Kate:

https://kateshepherdcreative.com/

www.lovemorningmoon.com

Listen to The Creative Genius Podcast with Kate Shepherd

www.instagram.com/kateshepherdcreative

www.instagram.com/thecreativegeniuspodcast

www.instagram.com/lovemorningmoon

Margo has a fascinating and unique conversation about the magnificent Church of Saint Germain des Prés, and what is being done to preserve its rich and layered history with David Sheppe. David has enjoyed a long career in international banking and was living and working in Paris in the 1980s when he first took an interest in the church of Saint Germain des Prés, and he has been a frequent visitor ever since. The Church of Saint Germain des Prés—the building and its artwork—reflects many eras of French history, art and culture. As the oldest church in Paris, it has influenced and shaped people, places and ideas throughout history, including the famous philosopher Descartes, and Sorbonne students and teachers. David is the President and Board Chairman of American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés, a non-profit organization working to fund the restoration of Paris' oldest church. Its mission is to foster an appreciation for French culture and arts among the public in the United States. It works to achieve this, in part, by participating in the restoration of the Church of Saint Germain des Prés so it may continue to serve its parishioners and welcome hundreds of visitors who come each day to see its unparalleled beauty. The foundation works with its French counterparts in Paris at The Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés to fund the restoration of Paris' oldest church and preserve its rich history. He is now leading the charge on the current Adopt A Saint Germain Star™ Campaign in the United States.

Margo and David discuss:

How the conservation and restoration effort is led and handled
The strong american connection to the church
How and why David got involved in the restoration originally
Where funding comes from and how you can donate
How being creative has evolved over time and will continue to do so
The rich and extensive history of the church
The history of the church’s preservation and restoration
How being so passionately involved in the efforts has shaped David

American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to fund the restoration of Paris' oldest church. The foundation works with its French counterparts in Paris at The Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Foundation to garner donations in the pursuit of preserving history.

Connect with David and learn more about the preservation of the Saint Germain des Prés:

https://www.preservesaintgermain.org/

https://www.facebook.com/preservesaintgermain/

https://preservesaintgermain.onlinepresskit247.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgsheppe

Margo has a wonderful conversation with visual artist and cat lover Terry Runyan where they dig into the inner critic conversation that comes up no matter how experienced you are and granting yourself permission. For many years, Terry has lived with a very strong inner critic and tied her personal value to the art that she created but deep into her career at Hallmark she realized how greatly this affected her own well-being and her art. Today, she still has an inner critic (as we all do) but she’s learned how to navigate those negative thoughts gracefully and disassociate herself from her work, allowing her to live more joyfully.

Margo and Terry discuss:

Terry’s creative career path and what having a creative mother instilled in her
Her time at Hallmark and how it allowed her to see the value in diversification
Letting go of self-judgment and the moment she realized her work doesn’t correlate with her personal value
Conditioned and programmed thinking
How she’s expanding her skill and broadening her comfort zone
Leaning into the play aspect of creating and not treating everything as though it’s an assignment
Stepping into joy

Terry is a creative encourager and loves sharing with others about creativity and being an artist. She sees creativity as the means to connect, communicate and share with each other! In addition to her YouTube channel, she has several classes available on Skillshare from discovering your art style to learning the Procreate app. She lives in Kansas City with her two sweet kitties Rylee & Tucker, who are a huge inspiration in my work.

Mentioned in this episode:

Liz Steel

Connect with Terry:

https://www.terryrunyan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/terryrunyan/

https://www.facebook.com/terryrunyancreative/

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

Margo is switching gears this week to discuss intuitive wisdom, self-care, and wellbeing through the development and deepening of self-awareness and how it ties into your creative practice. She is joined by Kristen Elizabeth of In Wild Bloom who combines coaching strategies with elements of creative expression and yoga to help individuals create their own version of wellness. She knows through experience that a life rooted in self-care and compassion creates a foundation for a life that is meaningful and deeply fulfilling. Her work centers on supporting clients as they redefine their self-care practices, rediscover who they are, and reignite their belief in themselves. Margo and Kristen discuss:

Her creative journey and how she combines wellness and creativity
Infusing movement, breath and intention into our creations
Refining the voice in our head and shifting the tone of it to be more self-accepting
The significance in giving yourself permission to be human
How to break down our own needs in striving for perfection
Navigating comparison and appreciating our own uniqueness
Finding our own optimal form of wellness and living a meaningful life

Kristen is a lover of nature and a seeker of joy. She feels the most fulfilled when she is connecting deeply with others, hiking through a forest, exploring creative practices, and laughing with her loved ones. She is an advocate of pausing throughout this journey of life to breathe deeply as we begin again and again.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo

Insight Timer (Sarah Blondin)

Connect with Kristen:

https://www.inwildbloom.com/

www.instagram.com/in.wild.bloom

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

Margo is joined once again by artist, designer and creator of online art and creativity courses, Este MacLeod. Este was previously on episode 16 to discuss being an authentic artist and understanding your own creative brand and this time she’s back to chat about all things color. Este’s paintings are informed by the real and the imaginary. A background in textile and ceramic design is evident in the stylised, abundant and colorful forms used in still life, landscape and floral paintings.

Margo and Este discuss:

Mixing colors, color creation, and learning from ‘happy accidents’
Portfolio building
The perks and benefits of participating in challenges
Her upcoming challenge that you can participate in
Color tips, tricks, and fun facts
Developing your style and skill through play
Colors that inspire her, her favorite combinations, and naming colors
And much more!

Este draws inspiration from travel, nature, dreams, seasons, sentiments and thoughts as well as everyday surroundings. Her artwork is presented to convey intrinsic beauty, a feeling or memory of a place or impression. She loves doing research and exploring options that fit in with her emphasis to help others to develop creative confidence and expanding knowledge of materials and techniques.

Join the March COLORICOMBO Instagram creative challenge

Connect with Este:

https://www.instagram.com/estemacleod/

https://www.estemacleod.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

This week, Margo chats with Annie McGee, a history loving illustrator and pattern designer. Annie currently lives in Cheshire, England with her husband and two children and loves to feather her nest by exploring all kinds of crafts, declaring herself to be a renaissance soul who loves to dive into multiple mediums. Her creative journey has been driven by her experience of chronic illness, disability and the long journey of seeking diagnosis. She's started a podcast for artists, illustrators and makers called The Chronic Artist Podcast where she chats about the creative's journey, living with chronic illnesses and raising a family. She shares strategies for time management, planning and techniques that have helped her to stay creative in the most stressful of times. Margo and Annie discuss:

Living with an undiagnosed chronic illness
How her chronic illness plays into her creative practices
Being denied support and ignored by doctors
How it her illness affects the way in which she works with certain mediums
Learning and trusting how to advocate for herself
Her desire to be more loose, free, and intuitive in her creativity
How she finds finds balance between life, family and responsibilities
Her upcoming podcast, The Chronic Artist Podcast
And more!

Annie’s passion for storytelling and creativity has led her from stitching alternative embroidery as "Scavenger Annie", to the wonderful world of illustration created under the studio name of Northern Bird Designs. Her art supply ammunition includes watercolors, inks, pastels and digital techniques which she uses to create her patterns and illustrations. She is inspired by historic tales, murder mysteries, comic book adventures, retro pop art and science fiction.

Connect with Annie:

www.northernbirddesigns.com

https://www.instagram.com/northernbirddesigns/

https://www.instagram.com/chronicartistpodcast/

This week, Margo is joined by Debbie Saviano who represents individuals who wish to transition into another career as she has done it successfully three times herself. Her first transition was from a rewarding career in education into the sphere of social media, then she co-launched a women’s education platform to expand their businesses, and finally, she now focuses on how to use social media to grow a business. In today’s market, it is all about being seen & heard on the various digital platforms that everyone carries around on their mobile devices Margo and Debbie discuss:

How the line between physical and digital has disappeared
The importance of doing it your way and leaning into authenticity
Understanding trends in social media
How to choose who you decide to learn new skills from
Finding clarity and consistency
The amount of time you have to get someone’s attention
Why and how to optimize your social profiles
Traditional learning versus life skills learning
And more!

Debbie is truly intense about helping others use Social Media BUT doing it in their way - within their comfort zone!

Connect with Debbie:

https://bit.ly/DebbieSaviano

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiesaviano/

Margo chats with Deane Christiansen of Deane Beesley Designs. Deane is a self taught artist, illustrator, designer and painter living in beautiful Alberta Canada. Her creative story started early as a child with influences from her Mom and Gramma. Interested in a variety of crafts, she quickly learned how to sew, crochet, paint and draw. Deane has been in the creative industry for over 25 years, starting out in quilting and a love for fabric. Deane licenses her artwork for products such as fabric, stationery, wall decor and bedding, to name a few. Knowing her artwork can make someone smile or change their day is why she continues to create. Margo and Deane discuss:

Her creative path and later start to making a career out of her creativity
The highs and lows of running a business
Being brave enough to dive into her passions
Business partnership gone wrong
Allowing your creativity and practices to evolve
Understanding and accepting that you won’t love every piece and process of running a business
How putting herself out there led to opportunities
Not being in such a hurry for things to happen
And more!

Connect with Deane:

https://www.deanebeesley.com/

https://www.instagram.com/deanebeesleydesigns/

https://www.deanebeesley.com/courses

In this episode Margo is joined by Tamisha Anthony. Tamisha is an illustrator working for various clients such as Penguin Random House, Macmillan Publishers, Little Brown, and Chronicle Books. She finds that educating little ones or the young at heart always inspires her art. She has been an educator for the past several years teaching at institutions such as the New-York Historical Society and the Harlem School of the Arts. Currently she is teaching an art history + illustration class called Redrawing Black History with Lilla Rogers for Make Art That Sells.

Margo and Tamisha discuss:

Her exploration and discovery of many creative mediums before landing on illustration work
How creative projects allow her to embrace herself
Personal stories of racism and overcoming adversity
What it was like being the first black valedictorian in her town
Her love for black history and how she incorporates it into her art
How she approaches creativity
Her illustration class, Redrawing Black History
And so much more!

Originally from Texas, Tamisha received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Visual Arts from Rice University and moved to New York City for her Master’s Degree in Computer Art from School of Visual Arts. She is currently a member of Black Creators in KidLit, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Children’s Book Illustrators Group. When she isn’t illustrating, you can find her enthusiastically and joyfully swing dancing with her husband! She adores vintage clothes, gardening, and singing sweet jazz standards.

Connect with Tamisha:

www.tamishaanthony.com

www.instagram.com/tamisha.anthony

https://twitter.com/tamishaanthony

In this episode, Margo is joined by the creative mind and heart behind UK-based Illustration Agency Jehane Ltd., Jehane Boden Spiers. Jehane is a successful designer in her own right and has several designs licensed all over the world. Born in Brighton, UK, she graduated with a degree in Textile Design from Winchester School of Art in the early 1990's. Jehane was one of the first designers to use quotes and lettering in surface patterns inspiring a trend which is commonplace today. Jehane founded her Illustration Agency in 2018 with a vision to be the most imaginative, most alive, and most loved Artist's Agency. Jehane personally represents twenty stunning artists from the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Margo and Jehane discuss:

Family life and her creative parents
Being one of the first artists to use words in surface pattern
Understanding how we stand out in order to follow our own authenticity
Representing heritage artists
Her process for taking on new artists as an agent
Balancing agency work and her own creative work
Following instincts
And so much more!

Her client-list includes Anthropologie, Museums & Galleries, The National Trust, Scholastic, Galison, Roger la Borde, Olympia Le Tan, and many more. She is known for her exceptional eye and dedication to outstanding quality, artistry, and creative ideas. Jehane is an active partner for her artists, clients, and the artistic community.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ned Hoskins

EM Dinkel

Cosimo Dinkel

Cloth of Gold

Harvester Press

Edward Everett Root Press

Gallerie 5

Liberty of London

Connect with Jehane Boden Spiers:

www.jehane.com

www.instagram.com/jehane_ltd

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest - jehane_ltd

Margo chats with Karin Lauria is an independent artist and illustrator, Karin Lauria. Karin is from Massachusetts and works mainly in digital, but also creates mixed media digital and watercolor art and illustrations. Her style is vibrant, colorful, whimsical, and thoughtful. She has licensed work and collaborations with several companies including Moi & Toi Studio, Amber Lotus Publishing, and GreenBox Art and Culture. She’s represented by Creative Sparrow.

Margo and Karin discuss:

Her start in art and early encouragement from family
How running and dogs changed her world and opened up her creativity
Why exploring is so important: exploring nature, new skills, and curiosity
Why she credits her husband with getting her into digital art
Trusting your path and taking it one step at a time
Her hobbies outside of her art and how they help in her passions
The doors that can be opened from participating in creative challenges
Continuing education and courses

When Karin’s not making art, she’s hanging out with her husband and kitty, baking homemade bread, hiking the local trails, playing word games, or Zillow surfing over a giant mug of coffee.

Mentioned in this episode:

Liz Kohler Brown

Tracey Capone Connect with Karin:

https://www.karinlauria.com

https://www.instagram.com/blackcoffeeplease/

https://creativesparrow.co.uk/creatives/karin-lauria

Previous guest, Bethany Andrews-Nichols joins Margo once again to discuss their upcoming Windowsill Workshop event! In 2017, Bethany took a trip to Jaipur, India to learn about the ancient art of block-printing in which she was immediately hooked. Now, she’s a pattern designer and block-print artist and will be teaching others how to block print during the workshop.

Windowsill Workshops has been a long time goal of Margo’s as a way for listeners to be able to interact, learn, and be in community with her and her guests so join her as Bethany walks you through the basics of block printing and leave with your very own pair of ‘Big Girl Pants’ (or other item of choice). The first workshop will take place on January 29th at 11am PST and will run for approximately 2.5 hours and you do not need any experience to join in on the fun!

Bethany often block-prints her highly graphic repeats to embrace the uniqueness inherent in the process. Whether the design stays a graphic repeat or becomes a block-printed mural, a hand-printed pattern on leather, fabric or paper, or a washi-tape repeat in her sketchbook, she believes the addition of pattern anywhere & everywhere helps add an element of humanity.

Get creative with Margo and Bethany - sign up for Windowsill Workshops

Connect with Bethany:

https://www.beenanzadesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beenanza.design/

Margo is met by owner and active principal of Licensing Liaison, Alicia Dauber. Licensing Liaison is a full-service art licensing agency based in the Pacific Northwest that has been in business for the last 17 years. Alicia represents talented artists who develop imaginative concepts that are unique and specific for manufacturers who need them. As a “hands-on” principal agent, Alicia, her staff and the artists she represents are adept at going beyond an image-only presentation to maximize design ideas and concepts for a client’s needs and product collections.

Margo and Alicia discuss:

How she got her start as an agent
How words affect making sales and evoke emotions
Artist-agent-manufacturer relationships
Why time management is so important in the role of artist and agent
What should go into pitching and things to consider beyond your portfolio
Why bigger isn’t always better
Ways to be successful as an artist without licensing

In her home life, Alicia is mother to two amazing kids, now college students and also the mother to two Boston Terrier fur babies. She lives with her commercial fisherman husband, George in Bellingham, Washington.

Connect with Alicia:

www.licensingliaison.com

alicia@licensingliaison.com

Margo chats with self-taught graphic designer/illustrator, Bron Alexander. Bron has over 20 years of experience along with a never-ending passion for her craft and a curiosity that never rests, dubbing herself the Curious Illustrator. Over the years she has struck a happy relationship between her illustration and design work where her design background influences her illustrations and vice versa. This has manifested in being able to become an effective editorial designer for magazines, create her own range of limited edition prints, greeting cards and stationery and most recently the creation of digital resources for designers and product developers. She describes her style as being eclectic and ever evolving and she is inspired by artists both historic and contemporary.

Margo and Bron discuss:

How young pregnancy and marriage shaped her early life
Blurring the lines between traditional and digital mediums
Making money via affiliates
Trusting the timing and full circle moments in her career
Giving yourself the opportunity to pivot and change
Why she loves Rebelle for surface pattern design
Appropriation versus inspiration
Her equal love for minimalism and maximalism

Join the Relish Your Creativity Community Today!

Sign up for award-winning, hyper-realistic painting software, Rebelle

Connect with Bron:

https://www.thecuriousillustrator.co

https://www.instagram.com/thecuriousillustrator_nz

Lisa Congdon is back in the windowsill with Margo to share all the fun details on her Rockefeller Center Christmas Art Installation as well as a bit of reflection on 2021 and what she hopes to accomplish in 2022! This installation is part of Art in Focus, a series of art exhibitions produced in partnership with Art Production Fund and is on view around the Rockefeller Center campus through January 9th, 2022. When people open her holiday map or encounter her artwork in the gilded art deco halls of the campus, Congdon aspires for her artwork to spark a sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy that will encourage visitors to explore and discover all the magical places illustrated on the map. “My hope is that people will open the map and squeal, the way you would when you open a children's book,” she said. “I hope that everyone who adventures over there takes away — not just from my decorations and my map, but everything at Rockefeller Center — a sense of warmth and coziness, because we all need that right now.”

Lisa and Margo discuss the timeline for this project and others that she works on, the logistics, the satisfaction of quick turnaround times, some ways in which her style has evolved yet is still clearly hers, why delegation has been such a key part in her business this year, how hiring a coach has immensely helped her in her work, and why we should all be taking time to rest during the holidays.

Lisa’s art installation, which expands upon the festive imagery of her map, can be spotted throughout the campus. Approximately 30 vinyl murals are installed inside 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and the street and concourse levels of 45 Rockefeller Plaza.

Connect with Lisa:

Read more about the Rockefeller Art Installation

https://campsite.bio/lisacongdon

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

Art in Focus

This week Margo sits down with lettering artist Lynn Giunta. Lynn has been with Hallmark Cards for 37 years and discovered her fascination for cutting letters by hand during her tenured journey. She has always been drawn to positive phrases and never tires of seeing kind messages come to life. Lynn is also a graphic designer and children’s book illustrator and she and Margo discuss finding inspiration, stepping out of comfort zones when called to, and finding joy in opportunities you maybe didn’t see for yourself.

Margo and Lynn also share in:

Lynn’s family history of creating things by hand
The art teacher that changed things for her and the lightbulb moment that began her career path
Calligraphy and the art of making words
How she lost her creative practice because she wasn’t doing creative work outside of work (and then found it again)
The importance of getting good at listening and understanding the voice inside your head
How she got the opportunity to illustrate a children's book
Building confidence through repetition
And more

Lynn is a maker of things, creating happy art and positive words with scissors and cut paper. She is always looking for the magic in the scraps and unexpected pieces left behind and she hopes her art inspires and encourages you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Morgan Harper Nichols

Poppy Dodge

Terry Runyan

Connect with Lynn:

Follow Lynn on Instagram

Follow Lynn on Etsy

Margo chats with world traveler and natural connector, Kimber Leblicq who brings her experience as an artist, metalsmith, jewelry designer, curator, and entrepreneur together with her passion for people and the natural world. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Arizona University, she launched her art career as a professional union scenic artist in the entertainment industry. After a decade of painting and sculpting large-scale film, television, and theatre sets, she transitioned her focus to supporting the arts through nonprofit management and fundraising. As an executive leader in the nonprofit sector, Kimber has worked for many well-respected national and international arts and environmental organizations, which include Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Audubon, American Institute of Architects, and currently World Animal Protection.

Kimber is also the founder of a female-forward jewelry social enterprise, kimber elements. Using traditional colors, textures, and patterns, kimber elements amplifies the voice and visibility of indigenous women in geographic locations where wildlife is most at risk. She currently co-designs and collaborates with 30 Maasai women in rural Kenya who create unique modern jewelry that celebrates traditional craft and promotes wildlife conservation.

Margo and Kimber discuss:

How her business and creativity has evolved 10 fold over the years
The transitioning process into a social/do good business
Communicating impact, power dynamics, and recognizing privilege
Working with global artisans
How she found mentorship, business support and resources when opportunities arose
Rebuilding and engineering her business model
The importance of wildlife conservation and animal protection
How kimber elements integrated a scholarship program into the business model
How she hopes to work with more global artisans in the future
Slow fashion versus fast fashion
And much more

Mentioned in this episode:

Big Life Foundation

Cura Co

Business Impact Northwest, Women’s Business Center

Connect with Kimber:

kimberelements.com

https://www.instagram.com/kimberelements/

This week, Margo is joined by Jody Collins of Feral Giant. Feral Giant is a collective of brand developers, designers, illustrators, photographers, videographers, social media strategists, writers, digital marketers, podcasters, and website designers to which Jody brings 25+ years experience. At the age of 13 he started in printing and continued with design and branding experience through a multitude of companies. A severance plan led him to testing the waters in creative entrepreneurship and he hasn’t looked back since. In addition to serving clients, Jody has also sat on over 30 non-profit Board of Directors and Executive Committees.

Margo and Jody chat about:

How his youth plays into his the many things he advocates for today like wealth and equality
Why sometimes creativity isn’t necessarily about having your own unique style but rather being adaptable to someone else's vision
Mental health
What their ultimate creative days would look like respectively
The timeless advice he received from his grandfather just before he passed away
How to stand out in a crowd
Allowing yourself to be multifaceted and to have fun with it
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Snakes & Aceys

Drawcember Prompts

Cormac McCarthy

Aaron Draplin

Connect with Jody:

http://feralgiant.com

https://www.instagram.com/feralgiant/

https://www.instagram.com/ramblinmanpod/

Listen to Ramblin Man Podcast

On the eve of Thanksgiving Margo goes solo to talk about her thoughts on gratitude and how they play a role in creativity. She shares some tips to help you step into gratitude such as writing a gratitude letter, shifting perspective, and avoiding comparison (aka the thief of joy) as well as some quotes and poems that are relevant to gratitude and the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Do you have a gratitude practice that’s aided in your creativity? Let Margo know by sending her a DM at @windowsillchats!

Mentioned in this episode:

https://morganharpernichols.com/

https://chopra.com/articles/cultivate-the-healing-power-of-gratitude

https://native-land.ca/

https://www.joyharjo.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

In this episode, Margo is joined by Productivity Coach & Online Business Consultant Chelsea Wessman. Chelsea is a popcorn obsessed, mom of 3, living next to the Utah mountains and is passionate about empowering ambitious mompreneurs to take back their time, make more money without putting in more hours, and create a life that aligns with their values. She helps ambitious women to optimize time, money, and mindset without sacrificing sanity through systems, financial freedom, and time management hacks. Chelsea has worked with Margo and several other creatives and is even launching some offers specifically for creatives before 2022!

They discuss:

The difference between productivity and being busy and how to figure out which one you’re spending more of your time being
Why you don’t have to time block or map out your entire day, week, or month to be productive
When you should have a template or system for certain things in your life or business
How she helps creatives and other business owners map out online product and service promotional launches
Reverse engineering goals
The importance of clarity and structure
How mindset plays into productivity
And much more!

Chelsea is passionate about inspiring others to see more for their life, do more of what matters most, and be more of who you’re meant to be because you’ll never regret investing the time and effort required to reach your potential.

Connect with Chelsea:

www.chelseawessman.com

www.instagram.com/chelseawessman

Chelsea’s Jumpstart Checklists Resource

Chelsea’s 2022 Business Blueprint Planning Intensive

Resources Mentioned:

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard

This week Margo sits down with dear friend Paula Joerling. Paula is an illustration and product designer whose art has been used for fabric, calendars and all kinds of home decor. To put it simply, Paula just likes making things; sometimes for profit but more often, just for the joy of it. For that reason, She thinks of herself as more of a maker than an artist or illustrator. Her inspiration most often comes from childhood memories and life experience.

Margo and Paula discuss:

The intricacies of licensing
Tapping into your own memories and experiences when creating
Rules of life such as don’t over complicate things
What to consider when it comes to building your portfolio
Tips for getting out of frustration when you feel stuck in a project
Finding positioning as an artist
Creating for your own joy and happiness
And so much more!

Paula loves problem solving and brainstorming. Much like life, her artwork is constantly changing. When she tries to take control, chaos will ensue, so she tries to go with the flow and follow the path as best she can. Life is more interesting this way. You can discover her work on a wide variety of products from fabric and garden flags to calendars and ceramics; sold throughout the world.

Mentioned in this episode:

Creative Co-Op

Chad Barrett

Connect with Paula:

paula@paulajoerling.com

https://www.instagram.com/paulajoerlingstudio/

https://etsy.me/3q4CVQe

https://etsy.me/3CwavCe

This week Margo is sitting down with her lovely mother, Sally Tantau. Sally is a former interior designer and all around creative being and instilled so much of her talents in Margo as well as many others. Sally and Margo have a fun and lighthearted conversation around sourcing creativity, how she got her start in interior design, what it was like to be an interior designer during that era (sourcing wasn’t as easy and there wasn’t a home goods right around the corner!), and the many fabulous clients she was able to work with. Sally’s big dream mentality and ability to trust in her path is truly an inspiration.

Mentioned in this episode:

Howard Backen Architecture

Peter Collins Architect

The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses by Jeffrey Dungan

Marisa Martinez Jewelry

Connect with Sally:

https://instagram.com/sallytantau

The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses

This week Margo chats with the lovely Annabella Sardelis, the founder of INDIGO & SNOW an atelier dedicated to zero waste in Minneapolis. Annabella is a multidisciplinary artist and designer whose working mediums include calligraphy, natural dyes and textiles. Her focus aesthetically is on the creation of functional items, and seeing the beauty in utility. She launched INDIGO & SNOW in 2013 and specializes in hand-dyed and painted accessories, apparel and décor.

Margo and Annabella discuss:

Her winding path and the crossroads she’s currently at
Being open to possibility and giving yourself and your business permission to evolve
Intersectional environmentalism: what it means and why it’s important
Her commitment to zero waste in her business
Recognizing the toxicity in hustle culture
Ways you may be playing small without even realizing it
Being open to receiving and operating a creative business on your own terms
And so much more

Annabella is also a surface design instructor and enjoys teaching natural indigo and snow-dyeing workshops. She exhibits nationally and her work has been featured by the NYT, ELLE, and Apartment Therapy among others. Her goal is to make the world a more beautiful place.

Connect with Annabella:

https://www.indigoandsnow.com/

https://www.instagram.com/indigoandsnow/

This week Margo is chatting about finding joy, spreading joy, and ways in which we can seek more joy with author and illustrator, Kimberley Kay. After a busy career in the travel industry running press offices for big travel companies she decided to pursue art and illustration, partly prompted by a serious knee injury which was the catalyst for a new perspective. Her bright, colorful illustrations illustrate positive emotions and happy times. She loves working with vibrant watercolor paints, free motion embroidery and intricate paper cutting techniques. Through her work under the brand of Inspire by Kim she encourages people to find joy.

Margo and Kim discuss:

Life before illustration and why skiing is the main theme across all of her work
Trusting in your own path and finding joy along the way
The best lessons she’s had from working with a coach
Flexing her courage muscle and putting in the work
The important role accountability and community have played in her success
Immersing into courses and opportunities to release blocks and learn new techniques
How and why she distracts her conscious mind while she works
Using LinkedIn as it pertains to her career as an artist
And more!

Kim’s Ski A to Z work is part of a wider intention to encourage people to seek joy, to endeavour to find their joy and to go deep into what and where joy is for them. Joy and smiling makes the body release endorphins which are happy chemicals and natural pain killers. Her goal is to make the joy of skiing and being in the mountains more accessible by providing information and advice.

Connect with Kim:

Order Ski A to Z

http://inspirebykim.com/

https://www.instagram.com/inspirebykim/

https://www.facebook.com/inspirebykim

This week’s conversation will have you holding on to your windowsill as Margo and her guest have an honest and expansive conversation around creativity - from distractions to mindset, habits, and so much more. Margo is joined by Maria Brito who is an award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, author, and curator. For several years, Maria has taught her creativity course in companies large and small and, in 2019, she launched “Jumpstart”, an online program on creativity for entrepreneurs based on years of research and observation in both the areas of business and art.

Margo and Maria discuss:

Why she quit her lofty six-figure career as a lawyer to become an art advisor shortly after giving birth to her first child
The importance of her work to enforce the idea that anyone can be creative (and other facts rooted in science)
How our distractions nullify our creativity
The advantages of being an outsider to an industry or field you want to be in
How to actually allow and embrace change in your life
How creativity is closely related to abundance and success
Rewriting habits
Finding middle ground, civil discourse, and the art of listening

Maria is a Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, her first monograph “Out There”, was the recipient of the Best Book Awards in both the Art and Design Categories. Maria was selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World and she was named by ARTNEWS as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world. She has written for publications such as Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Elle, Forbes, Artnet, Cultured Magazine, goop, Departures, and the Gulf Coast Journal of Literature and Fine Arts from the University of Houston, Texas.

Connect with Maria:

http://www.mariabrito.com

https://blog.mariabrito.com/

Jumpstart: Creativity for Entrepreneurs (Online Course)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabrito-ny/

https://www.instagram.com/mariabrito_ny/

This week, Margo is joined by Australian artist and award winning designer Chris Chun. Chris has an appetite for fun, adventure and great food and when he’s not creating, you can probably find him traveling to some exotic destination, shopping for vintage textiles or eating something delicious. His creativity and ‘say yes to everything’ attitude has taken him all over the world, working for renowned textile studios Diane Harrison Designs in Manchester and Faro Disegni in Rome. Since 2005, Chris has been licensing his artwork to a select group of companies worldwide in tabletop, stationery, home decor and gift accessories. He also exhibits as a fine artist.

Margo and Chris chat about:

Allowing old work to inform new directions (and why you always have to start somewhere)
How traveling and living abroad has impacted his life
His less is more attitude and philosophy on designing
How life experience will contribute to your unique style
The ebbs and flows of inspiration
How he got his foot in the door as a textile designer
Where he sees mediocrity in the surface pattern industry and how he wants to change that
His mentorship program
And much more

Chris is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand which has provided him with everyday inspiration for painting and creating new work. He collaborates with local artisans & craftspeople to produce limited edition products.

Resources Mentioned:

Dead Poets Society (Movie)

Sheridan Bedding

Diane Harrison Designs

Florence Broadhurst

Faro Disegni

Connect with Chris:

Coaching with Chris: Sign up before 10/15/21 and receive a 10% discount using code WINDOWSILLS

thepatterncoach@chrischun.com

https://instagram.com/chrischunstudio

https://www.chrischun.com

https://www.facebook.com/chrischunart

This week Margo brings on Certified Life & Business Coach for interior designers, Desi Creswell. Desi is a former interior designer and found herself at a crossroads when she was exhausted from the hamster wheel and wanted to get out of the hustle in her career, especially as a new mom. From there she found a way to get out of her busy work and became the person she wished she had in the beginning - a coach and mentor for creatives. She coaches designers through mindset tools and practical strategies so that they can make the time to build meaningful progress toward their business and life goals.

Margo and Desi discuss:

Desi’s journey and what led her to becoming a coach
Why mindset is such a big focus for both her business and her clients
How to gain insight into yourself (and how she guides her clients through this process)
Letting yourself dream with permission to not act on it
Time management and people pleasing
Why your planner doesn’t produce results
How to embrace discomfort as a creative entrepreneur
How your identity shapes what you are able to create in your life and business
And so much more!

Desi’s background training makes her uniquely equipped to empower her clients with an essential blend of industry specific expertise and mindset coaching. She has been featured on popular podcasts and is also a co-author in LuAnn Nigara’s latest book A Well Designed Business, Power Talk Friday Experts: Volume 2.

Connect with Desi:

https://www.desicreswell.com/

https://instagram.com/desicreswell

Get It Done Daily Planner

Margo sits down with community co-creator and handmade business consultant, Nataley Shepherd. Margo and Nataley co-lead a dynamic membership called Relish Your Creativity where they aim to help each member move their own creative needle, find community and clarity, and balance mindset and business goals. Both Margo and Nataley believe true wealth comes from shared growth, building an intentional business you love and the chance to shine in your creative space and today they are discussing how to measure success for you in your own unique way and then tips on how to get there.

Margo and Nataley chat about:

What the pandemic has taught them about success
What achieving success looks like to each of them, both inside and outside of business
Why we talk ourselves out of getting started
Creating a game plan for the fourth quarter of the year
Being present where your feet are planted
Stepping away from imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and other things that may be holding you back
Community, friendship, and connection
And so much more!

She brings a fresh and insightful eye to what you're putting out into the world and gives you the steps to take your creative based business to the next level.

Her favorite thing is to see you thrive and continue to find your way along your own creative path.

Join the Relish Your Creativity Community today!

Connect with Nataley:

https://www.studioshepherd.com/

nat@studioshepherd.com

https://www.instagram.com/studio_shepherd/

This week Margo is joined by Abby Jacobs. As far back as she can remember, art making has always been her favorite thing to do and the happiest times in her life are when she’s had some kind of creative routine. Abby believed in art making as a way of life so deeply that she pursued a master’s degree in transpersonal counseling and art therapy from Naropa University in Boulder after studying art and psychology/human services as an undergraduate. Any time something doesn’t feel right in her life, she asks herself, “Am I making art work daily?” and if the answer is no, then she likely has a solution.

Margo and Abby discuss:

Why pattern clashing isn’t a bad thing
Her art therapy background and how she uses it in her daily creative practices
The importance of working with clients that feel in alignment
Having an outlet for yourself, beyond paid work
Client and people pleasing
Creating work that’s authentic to you
Insights that she gained from a 100 day project
And much more!

After many career twists and turns, Abby is now a licensed artist creating artwork for a range of products and companies and loving it.

Connect with Abby:

www.abbyjacdesigns.com

https://www.instagram.com/abbyjacdesigns

Margo has a thought provoking conversation with Australian artist and surface pattern designer Kirsten Katz. Kirsten’s passion for art, color, nature and design took her on a journey into the world of surface design but prior to her art career she was a ballerina and came from a family of artists and performers. Kirsten studied Textile Design and Printing at The Fashion Design School in 2012, this has enabled her to create a range of contemporary art and surface pattern designs that are modern and have a recognizable style. She specializes in designs that incorporate botanical motifs, bold patterns, geometrics and modern florals. Her work combines traditional art practices, hand drawn illustrations, mixed media painting, vibrant colors and textures to create designs that are bold and on trend.

Margo and Kirsten discuss:

Authenticity and the importance of creating art that YOU like
Why you’re only as good as the last piece of art you made
Keeping a narrow focus and how it helps with confidence
Mixing mediums and trying new techniques
How she hones in on color combinations
Allowing intuition into the creative process
Why she doesn’t feel in alignment with commission pieces
And so much more!

Kirsten’s designs can be found on a variety of products including apparel, home décor, fabric, stationery, greeting cards, giftware and wall art.

Connect with Kirsten:

https://www.kirstenkatz.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/kirstenkatzart/

https://www.facebook.com/kirstenkatzart/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenkatzdesign/

Margo is joined by London based illustrator, Tracey English. Tracey loves to create her designs out of hand colored papers and can often be found creating colorful collages in her home based studio. Tracey is represented by Jehane Ltd and her work can be found on many items including greeting cards, gift wrap, fabric, books and home products.

Margo and Tracey discuss:

Tracey’s background and why she always thought she would be a creative
Her lengthy break from her creative career to raise her children (and why it’s never too late to make something of yourself)
Giving yourself grace
Agency experience and why you don’t always get it right the first time around
Creating a masterclass experience along with its challenges and rewards
And much more!

Tracey’s clients include Quarry books, Bloomsbury Publishing, Seller Publishing, Design House Greeting, Deva Designs, The Art Group, Clothworks, Calypso Cards, Robot Foods, Lions of Windsor and many more.

Connect with Tracey:

https://www.tracey-english.co.uk

www.instagram.com/traceyenglish

https://www.tracey-english.blogspot.com

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OneAppleDesigns

https://www.facebook.com/traceyenglishillustration

https://minervaworkshop.thinkific.com/courses/collage

Join the Relish Your Creativity Community today!

This week, Margo is joined by illustrator and business owner Sarah Watts. Sarah graduated from Ringling College in 2008 with a BFA in Illustration but not without overcoming many struggles as a child including poverty. Luckily, her upbringing is what shaped her desire to have a creative (and successful) career. She landed her first job at Carter's/OshKosh, and then went on to design for International Greetings. In 2011, Sarah left the corporate world to pursue her work in art licensing and book illustration. She has collaborated with over 30 major clients ranging from brands like American Greetings and Hallmark, to publishing houses like Penguin Books and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

How her childhood shaped her career and why she knew she always wanted to making a living as an artist
The people that have shaped her within her career
Why Photoshop is such a big part of her process
The need to be willing to break rules
Dismantling everything you were taught
Incorporating fun into the workplace
Her long term goals
And much more!

Sarah's current work is focused on teaching Photoshop and drawing online, designing fabric for Ruby Star Society and running the stationery brand called Craftedmoon. She lives in Georgia with her husband and two daughters.

Sign up for 2021 From Paint to Pattern with Sarah Watts

Sign up for Explore Photoshop with Sarah Watts

Connect with Sarah:

sarahwatts.com

www.instagram.com/wattsalot

schoolformisfitmakers.com

Craftedmoon.com

Resources Mentioned:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

From wholesale home furnishings, to wholesale and retail artist, to tv host, to actor, to restaurateur, there aren't many things Aaron Foster hasn’t dipped his toes into as a serial entrepreneur. Aaron and Margo go way back to a time where Aaron didn’t even consider himself creative. That was until he began making license plate art which has been his main gig for the last 17 years. Aaron likes to keep things interesting as you will hear in this episode.

Margo & Aaron discuss:

The traits of a good business partner
The 80/20 rule and why it’s not always a good thing
Hitting his big break through creating the license plate map
Why high standards can sometimes become an obstacle
The importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses
Why you can be multi passionate and successful
And much more!

Join the Relish Your Creativity membership today!

Connect with Aaron:

https://aaronfoster.myshopify.com/

@aaroncharlesfoster

@thefoodanddrink

This week, Margo is joined by multi-passionate creative, middle-aged first-time mama, impostor syndrome warrior, Korean BBQ connoisseur and the CEO and creative director at Dear Handmade Life, Nicole Stevenson. Nicole's desire to help other creatives pursue their dream business and discover the joy of making led her away from her own handmade business and into teaching, consulting, running her own workshop studio and eventually co-founding Dear Handmade Life in 2007. Now, she connects, educates and shortens the learning curve for other creatives by sharing what she's learned through the Dear Handmade Life events like Craftcation Conference, Patchwork Show and Camp Dear Handmade Life, blog and podcast.

Margo & Nicole chat about:

Holding on to old stories/needing to change
Shifting perspectives
Treating social media as an opportunity instead of an obligation when it comes to business as a creative
Why finding community and connection is so important for creatives and how Nicole’s contributing to hers
The benefits and challenges that have come with becoming a mom later in life
Why you have to using the analytical and logical side of your mind when writing your dream story
Allowing your business to expand, evolve, pivot, and change
And so much more!

She has a BA and an MA in English from San Francisco State University and a dual “PhD” in crafting to keep your sanity and badass business skills from the School of Life.

Connect with Nicole:

https://dearhandmadelife.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dearhandmadelife/

Dear Handmade Life Podcast

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/raymond-carver

https://www.heymavens.com/

Join the Relish Your Creativity Community today!

Playing small will rarely get you far but Nedira Hansen is living proof of what can happen when you trust your gut, invest in yourself, and believe in your work whole-heartedly. In this episode, Margo speaks with Nerida about her early career in textiles, business as both a creative and an agent, working with major design houses such as Disney, Mattel and Warner Brothers, and her newest endeavor, app creation.

Margo and Nerida discuss:

Her start in textiles and what it was like working as a junior buyer for Target Australia
The birth of Nerida Hansen Fabrics
How to continuing to believe in yourself after facing rejection
The challenges she faced in her career as well as the biggest challenges she sees for artists in the surface design industry
Resources for ensuring your creative business is sound in all facets
Her new app for connecting artists with buyers
And so much more!

Nerida Hansen is at the top of her game in the textiles market and building a stand-alone business through representation of artists from all corners of the globe. She continues to work closely with local and international illustrators and surface art designers and her integrity and commitment to her brand and her team is inspiring.

Connect with Nerida:

www.neridahansen.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/neridahansenfabrics

https://patternfieldapp.com

Join the Relish Your Creativity Community today!

This week, Margo chats with artist and illustrator, Mara Penny. Mara’s love of art began when she was young and spending days with her grandmother, an artist and astrologer, further fueled her artistic leanings. She eventually went to study both jewelry design and interior design in college, and now runs her own successful art business and is represented by Lilla Rogers Studio. Her artwork starts with pen on paper and making her own watercolor washes, and then she assembles each one digitally. Her clients and collaborators include Moda, American Greetings, and The Boston Globe. Mara lives with her husband and two children in Oakland, CA.

Margo and Mara discuss:

Owning your style
Progress by way of doing the work and honing your skills
Putting yourself out there, facing rejection and stepping up to the challenges
Long term goals
Her manifesting skills
Some of her favorite projects
How to get licensing deals when you know nothing about licensing
And so much more!

Connect with Mara:

www.marapenny.com

www.instagram.com/mara.penny

Resources Mentioned:

Make Art that Sells

Finch & Foxglove

Zoe Ingram

Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year

Join the Relish Your Creativity Community today!

In this episode, Margo is joined by jewelry maker and owner of Grace Gow, Cat McCadden. Inspired by where the city meets the sea, Cat McCadden transforms oceanic forms into an extension of her modern and sophisticated style. Cat’s art practice draws inspiration from the natural environment, the sea, and coastal culture. In her work, she mixes traditional metalsmith fabrication techniques, the lost wax casting process and an edgy eye for design with other traditional gemstone and jewelry references. The result is a hybrid contemporary style with textural motifs and lively depictions of oceanic forms.

Margo and Cat discuss:

Her original hopes of being an architect
Her journey from high end print and into art directing before having her entrepreneurial epiphany
Her favorite part of the creative process
How she got into teaching courses and why she loves it so much
The three buckets to balance as a jewelry designer
Her favorite mediums to create with
The feeling she strives to create for her customers
And so much more!

Cat has exhibited on the West and East coasts and currently sells her collection in over a dozen different cities from Boston, MA to Hanalei, HI. She maintains a retail e-commerce website, develops commissioned sculptural pieces, develops private-label product design solutions and re-imagines family heirlooms into new modern pieces for private clients. She currently lives and works on Vashon Island, Washington.

Connect with Cat:

https://www.gracegow.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gracegowjewelry/

In this episode, Margo is joined by maker and creator of Urban Craft Uprising, Kristen Rask. Kristen opened her first store, Schmancy in downtown Seattle in 2004 just before she started curating an annual show titled Plush You! at the shop that soon got international recognition. In its second year she received a book deal with f+w publishing to publish Plush You!: Loveable Misfits to Sew and Stuff. Since then she has come out with 7 more books. She started her first craft business when she was just 12 and has loved crafting and small business ever since.

Kristen and Margo discuss:

Kristen’s first creations and getting burned (and burnt out) by her largest buyer
Sage advice for creatives interested in being vendors at craft show events
Navigating in-person events in a COVID/Post-COVID world and the challenges that come along with it
Why Lisa Congdon had her first show at Shmancy
The importance of understanding logistics yet still jumping before you’re ready
The Artist’s Way
And much more!

Connect with Kristen:

Purchase books by Kristen Rask

Learn about Urban Craft Uprising

https://www.instagram.com/schmancytoys/

https://www.schmancytoys.com/

Margo is joined once again by Lisa Congdon. This time, to discuss pushing past your limiting beliefs and doing the hard things. Lisa specifically shares her experience of getting involved in gravel racing and recently competing in one of the hardest gravel races in the world - The Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder Race. Although this challenge was not directly related to her career necessarily, there is so much that can be taken away and compared to the challenges of getting creative, entrepreneurship, learning new skills, and so much more.

Lisa and Margo discuss:

The importance of detaching from your work at times
Challenging yourself in new ways
Resilience and how we’re often much more resilient than we think
Feeding both your mental and physical endurance
Why you have to get uncomfortable in order to level up
And more!

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

Learn more about the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder Race

Margo goes solo in this episode and shares all about niching down. From practicing what you like, to understanding what you’re good at, finding success in your creative career will require a niching of some sort. Margo dives into the many challenges of feeling novice in your business and how niching can actually help you expand as well as ways to reflect growth and the old adage, practice makes ‘perfect’. Niching down is one of the many topics discussed in the Relish Your Creativity membership community which you can join today!

Learn more about Relish Your Creativity

Connect with Margo:

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/

This week Margo is joined by Elizabeth Silver, a professional surface pattern designer and a licensed artist for the stationery, gift, and textile markets. With 18 years in the industry and hundreds of designs in her portfolio, she also teaches beginner surface pattern designers how to move past overwhelm and obstacles to create a profitable creative business in her 'Start Your Surface Pattern Design Business' course, a straightforward blueprint to help artists find clients, pitch their work with confidence, and build the business of their dreams. Elizabeth is passionate about design trends, keep-it-real business advice, and sugary treats.

Margo & Elizabeth discuss:

How she honed her skills and the art of collaboration
Her experience working with many well-known names in home and apparel
Why she started her own business and the things necessary to make a creative business successful
Understanding business finances and structuring
The importance of connection within the art industry
Awareness around personal wants and needs
And so much more!

After diving head first into running her own business, Elizabeth branched out from textile design and now spends her days creating art for all kinds of industries, including stationery, dinnerware, stamps and socks. Working with clients to come up with trend forward illustrations and prints and then seeing those drawings become products on the shelf never loses its appeal. By designing for so many different end products she’s learned a versatile set of skills that clients love. She is always looking for new ways to decorate the world.

Connect with Elizabeth:

http://www.elizabethsilver.com/

https://www.instagram.com/esilverdesign/

https://www.youtube.com/c/ElizabethSilver

This week, Margo is joined by not one but two guests, mother daughter creative duo, Lori Siebert and Kenzi Elston. Lori has a very whimsical design sense and loves to play with color to give each collection that and she designs its own unique personality. She started taking private art lessons at the age of 7 and continued to study art throughout high school. This led to a degree in graphic design from the University of Cincinnati. Lori opened her own design firm, Olika Studios, just 3 years out of college in 1987 which has developed branding and design programs for influential clients such as Target, Bath & Body Works, Nickelodeon and Universal Studios. Kenzie is a born creative who loves color, pattern and all things floral. As the daughter of a graphic designer, she has been surrounded by creativity since she was born. Some of her earliest memories are crafting with her mom, making physical dolls out of her quirky childhood drawings and creating stories through tag team doodles. Growing up in a creative environment fueled Kenzie to follow her lifelong passion and pursue a degree in graphic design (she also attended the University of Cincinnati and even had many of the same professors as her mother). Now she works part time for her parents’ design and licensing firm. When she's not illustrating, she is home with her 3 and 5 year old sons so you’ll most likely find her slinging fake Spider-Man webs or making room sized blanket forts.

In this episode, Margo, Lori, and Kenzi discuss:

How Lori’s fearlessness landed her many big opportunities
The right time to take on work that you may not be ready for
Hiring and growing an agency and design firm
The importance of community and collaboration
Advice for designing products
The ‘puppy in the window’ hiring technique
How to manage comparison traps
And so much more!

Resources & Artists Mentioned:

Chris Sickles of Red Nose Studio

Chair Whimsy

ArtBizJam

Artists Rising

Connect with Lori & Kenzi:

https://lorisiebert.com

http://www.instagram.com/lorisiebert.studio/

http://www.pinterest.com/lorisie

http://www.facebook.com/lorisiebertstudio

https://www.instagram.com/snippetsofwhimsy/

https://moitoistudio.com/collections/kenzie-elston

Sign up for Lori’s Weekly Newsletter

Margo sits down with pattern designer, block-print artist, and the owner of BEENANZA, Bethany Andrews-Nichols. After graduating with her BFA in 2006, Bethany worked several graphic design jobs rounding out her corporate career as the Associate Creative Director for an in-house agency that supported several breweries in the U.S. In 2017, she took a trip to Jaipur, India to learn about the ancient art of block-printing. She was immediately HOOKED & that is where the BEENANZA story begins.

Margo and Bethany discuss:

Listening to intuition and knowing when it’s time to step away from projects/jobs/etc
How Bethany got into block printing
Why should should actually mean no (i.e. I ‘should’ do x, y, z)
Rediscovering oneself through creative practices
Putting yourself and your art or interests out there
Not being precious with your work
The importance of community
And so much more!

She often block-prints her highly graphic repeats to embrace the uniqueness inherent in the process. Whether the design stays a graphic repeat or becomes a block-printed mural, a hand-printed pattern on leather, fabric or paper, or a washi-tape repeat in her sketchbook, she believes the addition of pattern anywhere & everywhere helps add an element of humanity.

Connect with Bethany:

https://www.beenanzadesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beenanza.design/

Margo is once again joined by the wonderfully creative Lisa Congdon to discuss what it means to have a visual vocabulary, accepting and giving yourself permission to be you, and ways to hone in on your own creative voice and style. Lisa Congdon is a Portland, Oregon-based fine artist, illustrator and author known internationally for her colorful drawings and hand lettering. Her playful work is recognized for its vibrant palettes, geometric patterns and uplifting messages.

In this episode, Margo and Lisa discuss:

How to organize your portfolio
Developing your own visual vocabulary
What makes your work consistent
The process of discovering yourself as an artist
Giving yourself permission to be you and giving yourself grace
Authenticity
And more

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

www.instagram.com/lisacongdon

Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic (Art Book for Artists, Creative Self-Help Book) by Lisa Congdon

Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic (Art Book for Artists, Creative Self-Help Book) (Lisa Congdon x Chronicle Books)

All of Beth Snyder’s life she’s been driven by her creative impulse to be a maker. As a teen in the mid-nineties, her first business "Beth's Bauble & Beads" was successful enough to put her through college, while her sisters both worked at the local truck stop. Between then and now, the great creative project of starting and growing a business has inspired multiple endeavors including iconic stationery company 1canoe2, Hemlock Goods: a bandana company, and a couple of management companies to rule them all. Margo chats with Beth about her creative business endeavors and the many lessons she’s learned from them.

Margo and Beth relish in:

Her entrepreneurial path (where it started and how it served her)
How she earned herself an Emmy Award
The job that took her back home and gave her a love for farm families
The importance (and basic requirement) of having a job where you feel like you’re contributing
Why her sisters call her ‘Old Happy Ass’ (and the distinction her mom makes between her and her sisters)
The delight of choice versus the burden of choice
Culture and management of creative teams
Creativity in a product driven world
Civic involvement and how to make a difference

To Beth, nothing is more satisfying than creating a product that people love, crave, and can't wait to purchase, but by far her biggest triumph is gathering a team of smart, scrappy people (mostly women) and providing them just enough guidance to take off and help the company soar.

Connect with Beth:

https://www.callmeliz.co/

https://1canoe2.com/

https://hemlockgoods.com/

https://www.instagram.com/1canoe2

https://www.instagram.com/hemlockgoods

https://www.instagram.com/hemlockgoods/

https://www.instagram.com/1canoe2beth/

Margo chats with artist, designer, and ceramicist, Molly Hatch. Molly began her career as a studio potter, infusing her tableware and home decor items with contemporary sensibilities and classical charm. With a formal education in ceramics and drawing, Molly launched her first tableware collection from her home studio in 2010. Her signature blend of 18th century aesthetics with modern whimsy quickly garnered a loyal following, launching her brand into a wide range of lifestyle products for the home.

Margo and Molly chat:

How she went from living off of food stamps to licensing with Anthropologie
Being unafraid to ask questions and stand up for what you believe in when it comes to creating
Sustainability and fair trade in the creative realm
Her unique ways of making things old, new again
Living up to your big, lofty goals
Her new clothing line collaboration

Molly Hatch collections can be found through the brand's partnerships with retailers worldwide. Molly works from her studio in Florence, Massachusetts, where she continues to hone her craft and make the traditional new again.

Connect with Molly:

https://www.mollyhatch.com

https://www.mollyhatchstudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mollyhatch/

https://www.instagram.com/mollyhatchstudio/

www.joanieclothing.com

Margo chats with previous guest Nataley Shepherd. Nataley is a handmade brand consultant and owner of Studio Shepherd where she helps makers elevate their businesses into sought after brands through simple, intentional, and scalable practices. Margo and Nataley are discussing action taking, creative business, creative community, and the things it takes to push forward and find your success. Together, Margo and Nataley are launching Hello Chartreuse, a Monthly Creative Community, to give everyone a chance to have a vibrant vision for their own creative future.

Learn more about Hello Chartreuse:

www.hellochartreuse.com

Connect with Nataley:

https://www.studioshepherd.com/

nat@studioshepherd.com

https://www.instagram.com/studio_shepherd/

This week Margo is joined by Ana Bianchi, an artist, designer, illustrator and children's book author. Ana started creating when she was 5 and first learned printmaking from a master printer. From branding and illustrated graphic design projects to personal art projects and everything in between, color is the common thread. Ana has exhibited her art in Mexico, Italy, Netherlands, India, Greece and New York City.

Margo and Ana discuss:

Connecting your art practice with practical application
Treating and using color as a form of entertainment
How Ana feeds her own creative mojo
Her dreams of entering the story telling space (in a very unique way)
Treating each project she takes on individually (and not tying it to herself or her client)
How her creativity has changed and evolved over the years
Some of the many incredible and different projects Ana has had the pleasure of parking in
Her “diagram of influence” chart
Being inspired by her daughters art

Originally from Mexico, Ana is currently living in the Bay Area where (finally) she has a garden she uses as a natural color lab.

Connect with Ana:

https://www.analovescolor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

https://www.papergirlcollection.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AnaLovesColor/

Joining Margo in her windowsill is published illustrator, product designer, and artist, Jamie Kalvestran. Jamie brings her inspiring artwork to life making "creativity" a daily practice. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Jamie is known for her skillful use of color and pattern, authentic design, and integrity of materials. Her expansive portfolio includes 3 design patents and original products spanning many industries, equestrian accessories, textiles, quilting, home fashions, toys, sporting goods, children’s products to name a few.

They discuss:

Jamie’s career path that took her from bank teller to creative artist
Going by feel and following intuition versus look (and the many ways she was taught this skill)
Three f’s and an h
Jamie’s ‘Gratitude up and gratitude out’ ritual
Chinese medicine
What Jamie learned from the quilting industry
How staying in your lane or bubble can allow growth
Going from 3D design to 2D design
Licensing and more!

Jamie lives and works at her scenic lakeside Engelwood Studios in Tomahawk, Wisconsin where she creates, runs an Airbnb, and shares her extraordinary works of art worldwide.

Connect with Jamie:

https://www.jamiekalvestrandesign.com/

https://www.patreon.com/jamie_kalvestran_creative_daily

https://www.instagram.com/jamiekalvestran/

This week Margo is joined once again by her neighborhood friend, Shauna Ahern to discuss finding joy in enough and the things that really matter. Shauna has won a James Beard award for one of her three cookbooks as well as awards for teaching. She currently runs her own teaching, coaching, and editing business on Vashon Island. The best of all her experiences is the joy of creating and being in community.

Margo and Shauna discuss:

Why there is no room for joy if there is fear in the mind
Swapping your to-do list for a joy list
How Shauna practices joy and sticks to her joy list
Starting with your why (before the what or the how)
The many systems of society and how none are built for joy
Inspiring people to find joy in enough
That each of us are the heroes of our own lives
Why trauma can’t be released without movement

These days, Shauna is continuing the work she started with ENOUGH through her subscription newsletter, where she writes and talks with people about prioritizing joy to heal from trauma. Focusing on joy gives us enough energy and compassion to help others heal as well. Through joy, we can change our culture.

Connect with Shauna:

Shauna’s Newsletter- Finding Joy in Enough

Dan Ahern’s Fab Food Newsletter

Margo is joined by artist, designer, and creative coach, Melanie Stimmel. Melanie spent 20 years as a freelance street painter and muralist and has been awarded top prizes in some of Europe’s most prestigious competitions, including the title of Maestra Madonnara (Master Street Painter) in both Italy and Germany. In 2012, Melanie and her husband founded We Talk Chalk, a 3D street painting company. Since its inception, they have created over 900 paintings throughout the world. Melanie more recently discovered Surface Design and just landed her first licensing deal.

Margo and Melanie discuss:

Melanie’s first post-college career as a Technical Director for South Park (yes, the show!)
How she discovered and fell in love with street painting
Finding representation
Being intentional and having a sound business mind in the world of art
How Melanie works with other artists to find balance, productivity, paid work, and more
How to create whimsical imagery for any surface
And more

Melanie can usually be found in her studio painting at her easel, illustrating on her iPad, or in illustrator creating a new pattern collection. She believes you can create what you love, spread positivity, and inspire beauty in the world.

Connect with Melanie:

https://melaniestimmell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/melaniesvl/

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistMelanieStimmellVanLatum/

This week Margo is joined by Michael Schultz. Michael is the co-owner and creative eye of Cursive New York, a retail shop based in New York City. Cursive is a tightly focused concept with the simple mission to Cultivate Joy. Michael along with his partner and husband Douglas Duncan have established Cursive as a strong and forward voice in the industry. Cursive offers gift and lifestyle products of all types and is known for its eclectic stationery selection. With former locations inside ABC Carpet & Home and Grand Central Terminal, Cursive has a large and diverse audience for their newest addition in Manhattan’s West Village.

Margo and Michael discuss:

Opening and running a store during the pandemic
The cultural shift and human connection that Michael has witnessed over the last year
Unique ways to make yourself visible and get your art noticed
The many ways Michael cultivates joy
Inevitable struggles that have made them stronger
Their love and appreciation for supportive and creative mothers
The perfection trap
Lessons learned and the importance of living life to your own standards

In addition to Cursive, Michael and Douglas, operated a wholesale company, Motel Deluxe, for 16 years. Motel Deluxe was born as a maker of handmade goods including lighting, pillows and greeting cards; and evolved into a distributor of both European and domestic products. With over 30 years of experience in the design and gift industry, working in wholesale production and sales, as well as retail, Michael has vast knowledge of the industry as a whole.

Connect with Michael:

https://cursivenewyork.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cursivenewyork/

This week Margo is joined by artist, illustrator, and teacher, Sarah Hand. Sarah teaches at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, art retreats, and online. Her work has been featured in Somerset Studio magazine, and she has had many solo exhibits of her art. She is the author and illustrator of the book, Art Makers - Papier Mache: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating More Than a Dozen Adorable Projects!, from Quarto Creates.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

How Sarah got into papier mache
Why she finds paper mache to be a soothing art & craft
The difference between the children and adults she teaches paper mache to
Letting go of perfectionism
Things that have kept her going throughout the pandemic
Not being afraid to take time off or away
And much more!

When she's not elbows deep in paste and paper, you can find Sarah painting, drawing, and dreaming up stories and images for picture books. Sarah lives and creates in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and their three-legged cat, Roger.

Connect with Sarah:

http://www.sarah-hand.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarah.hand_art.and.wonder/

Margo is joined by Toronto based painter, illustrator, and designer Carolyn Gavin. A flower child of the 60’s, Carolyn grew up in South Africa, left to travel and relocated to Canada where she currently lives with her family. She is a principal designer for Ecojot. A family run eco-friendly paper business. She also freelances and licenses her work for fabric, house-wares, packaging, bedding and books. Carolyn works in Gouache, water-colour, pen and ink and her style can be described as vibrant, playful and happy.

Margo and Carolyn discuss:

Becoming introspective
Why licensing doesn’t solve all problems
How Carolyn works through creative blocks
Why ‘play’ is so important in life and work
Painting bigger
Some of Carolyn’s favorite and standout project
And more!

Carolyn finds inspiration in travel, flowers, exotic color and pattern, and makes sure her life is filled with beauty and creativity every day.

Connect with Carolyn:

https://www.carolyngavin.com/

https://www.instagram.com/carolynj/

Learn more about Carolyn’s Upcoming Retreats:

https://www.carolyngavin.com/retreats

Margo is joined by Emily McDowell to discuss the less glamorous side of running a creative business. Emily is a writer, illustrator, speaker, and entrepreneur who is fiercely committed to NOT doing all of those things at the same time. In 2012, after a decade working in advertising, Emily founded the stationery and gift brand, Emily McDowell Studio. In January of 2021, the brand changed its name to Em & Friends, to reflect its expansion into partnerships with additional artists and writers. She currently serves as the brands creative director.

Emily and Margo chat about:

Taking stock of what you want your life to look like
Entrepreneurship and burnout
Taking self-care into your own hands (because no one else is going to do it for you)
How Emily began to separate her self-worth from her productivity, success, and business
Why she rebranded and changed her business name
Things she would do differently if she could go back in time
Taking a holistic approach to ‘work-life balance’
Some tough lessons she’s learned over the last 10 years as a creative entrepreneur

Emily’s work has been featured by The New York Times, Good Morning America, BBC News, and NPR's All Things Considered, among many others, and in 2015, she was named one of Slate's 10 Designers Who Are Changing the World.

Connect with Emily:

www.emandfriends.com

https://www.instagram.com/emandfriends/

Margo is joined by Katherine Quinn of New Zealand. For as long as she can remember she has loved drawing and making things and was lucky to grow up with parents who said she could do whatever she wanted as long as she cleaned up when I was finished. Through years of working a full time job outside of being an artist she always found time and energy to also focus on her art daily and put one foot in front of the other.

Margo and Katherine chat about:

Katherine’s drive to always keep going and progressing
How taking classes opened doors and allowed her to experiment with her art
Finding success and an agent
Her upcoming projects
Why you should always be experimenting as well as putting yourself out there
Connecting with other artists
And more

Katherine is represented by Jehane Ltd and lives in Pakipaki on a little hill in the New Zealand countryside.

Connect with Katherine:

https://www.katherinequinn.nz/

https://www.instagram.com/katherinequinnillustration/

https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/katherine_quinn

Margo is Joined by jewelry designer Jill Schwartz of Elements Jill Schwartz. Jill’s career as a jewelry designer began when she was just 3 years old. Forbidden to have pierced ears, she craftily resorted to gluing beads to her ears. While her design education from Cornell and Pratt gave her discipline, it was her travels through Europe in her early 20s that ignited her passion. Her love for shopping led her to bead stores, and her talent for putting them together in unique ways found her first admirers as she travelled on trains. It was then she realized that she could be making money to buy her an extra day in Europe. That extra day turned into a year, and a business.

Margo & Jill discuss:

How having pierced ears changed her personality
Her european travels and getting her start
Licensing
Creating unique, unmistakably Jill jewelry
How her career and designs have evolved
Silver linings in life
What she sees for her business in the future
And more!

Although her jewelry is no longer sold on the beaches of Mykonos or hawked at cafés in Amsterdam, Elements can now be found in boutiques and major chains around the world. And while her mixture of unusual vintage and modern materials has evolved over the years, each piece is still unmistakably, inimitably “Jill.”

Connect with Jill:

https://elementsjillschwartz.com

https://www.instagram.com/elementsjillschwartz/

Faire Wholesale

Margo is once again joined by Lisa Congdon to kick off a series of interviews to discuss different topics surrounding creativity, business, and life. In this episode they discuss how to get yourself in front of the right people as a creative and what that even means!

Margo and Lisa chat about:

Exercises Lisa gives to her creative entrepreneur students
The difference between dreams and goals
Having intermediary goals
Lisa’s belief in two parts of self-promotion and why you need to do both
Several approaches to go about finding contacts
Authentic engagement and using social media strategically
The difference between audience and customers (and why they’re both important!)
Self-advocacy and community
And more!

If you have a topic of conversation you’d like to hear Lisa and Margo discuss, be sure to send a DM on Instagram to @windowsillchats or @tantaustudio!

Connect with Lisa Condon:

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/lisacongdon/

Margo chats with Rochelle Porter of Rochelle Porter Design. A lifelong lover of global design traditions, the Atlanta-based artist takes cues from the breezy hues of her Caribbean roots, the stark simplicity of Scandinavian design and the bold geometrics of West African weaves to create vibrant, eye-catching textiles for the home décor and apparel markets. Her travel-inspired patterns feature joyful, unexpected bursts of color and classic motifs with a fresh, modern twist. Upon learning of the unethical and environmentally hazardous labor practices of today’s globalized “fast fashion” industry, Rochelle nearly abandoned her dream of becoming a designer. That is, until she figured out that style could also be sustainable. Combining her passion for patterns with her commitment to social responsibility, she formed Rochelle Porter Design (RPD), a lifestyle brand specializing in thoughtfully made, eco-friendly home and fashion accessories.

Margo and Rochelle discuss:

Rochelle’s unconventional journey to becoming an artist
Suppression of her creativity before going all in
Her collaboration with West Elm and how it came to be
The importance of staying true to her core values as a creative
Making sustainable fashion fashionable
Trusting in your inner knowing
Her exciting upcoming projects and where to find her work!

True to its tagline, “Design for abundant living,” the company believes everyone along the value chain should have the chance to live well—from the farmer who picks the pesticide-free organic cotton for its textiles, to the customer who puts them on her sofa. RPD prioritizes fair pay and sustainable production practices. RPD has recently collaborated with West End and The Happy Planner. Rochelle's designs have also been featured in Elle DECOR, Essence, BuzzFeed, Popsugar, HGTV, and a host of other media outlets.

Connect with Rochelle:

www.rochelleporter.com

https://www.instagram.com/roporterdesign/

https://www.facebook.com/roporterdesign

https://www.pinterest.com/roporterdesign/

@roporterdesign (Clubhouse)

Margo is Joined by Jennifer Orkin Lewis. A deep love of color, pattern and nature are the foundation of Jennifer's work as an artist, illustrator, author and teacher. Her joyful gouache paintings of flowers, random objects, people and occasional meditative abstract musings open a colorful and enticing window onto a detail of the day one might ordinarily overlook.

Jennifer and Margo discuss:

How she got into painting and making the transition from textiles
Not being precious about your work and why it’s so important
What Jennifer does when she feels stuck creatively
What she loves about teaching
The power of not giving up on yourself even when you do feel stuck
Her experience with licensing
And where she finds everyday inspiration

Ten years ago she made the move to switch careers from textile design to illustration, to fulfill a long held goal, and began a rigorous daily sketchbook project, doing a 30 minute painting every day. The looseness and intuitiveness of those paintings became her signature style and they are the source of much inspiration to herself and others. She is endlessly amazed and satisfied to see her shelf filling up with completed sketchbooks.

Connect with Jennifer:

www.augustwren.com

https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/

https://www.pinterest.com/augustwren/_created/

Resources:

100-Days-Drawing-Guided-Sketchbook

Sketchbook Idea Generator

Draw-Every-Day-Guided-Sketchbook

Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way (Guided Sketchbook): Sketch, Paint, and Doodle Through One Creative Year

The Sketchbook Idea Generator: Mix-and-Match Prompts for Your Art Practice

100 Days of Drawing (Guided Sketchbook): Sketch, Paint, and Doodle Towards One Creative Goal

Margo is joined by the founder of creative agency, Creative Sparrow, Hannah Curtis. Having been in the industry for over fifteen years Hannah has worked as an Artist Agent & Creative Director, developing long term relationships with clients globally across various industries.Hannah works closely with artists developing their portfolio, with art direction at her core she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to ensure a standout and highly sellable portfolio of designs for each artist. Primarily from the Art Licensing background she works with artists to develop new ranges & styles including one-off designs available to license.

Margo and Hannah discuss:

Hannah’s path to starting a creative agency
How she’s doubled the size of her agency in just seven weeks
How she helps creatives outside of agency representation
Her main focuses within the agency
Using LinkedIn as a creative as well as an agent
Sifting through the talent of creatives that she seeks out and vice versa
And more!

Since graduating from Art School Hannah has managed and mentored creatives. She is known for her diligent, patient and fair nature and is highly respected within her industry. Clients know her to be reliable and organized. With a good dose of humor and a flair for all things beautiful Hannah enjoys a full life and always has time for everyone. After a long and successful career across various industries Hannah set up Creative Sparrow to meet the growing demands from clients and artists.

Connect with Hannah:

https://creativesparrow.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/creativesparrowart/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-curtis-9b19ba36/

Margo is joined by Michelle, the creative and business brain of Allen Designs. She has always had the dream of doing something big with her art, and at a Saturday Market, years ago, Michelle marked the start of what would become Allen Designs, a World of Whimsy. Her lack of schooling did not stop her from learning everything she needed to know to grow a successful business. There is no shortage of getting her hands “dirty” because she believes that is where the magic happens.

In this episode Michelle & Margo chat about:

Why Michelle originally hated art classes
The book that changed her career trajectory
Her first of many trips to China (which was her first trip out of the country!)
Meshing problem solving and creativity
How she oversees quality control
The challenges she’s overcome as a small business creative
Her can-do, figure it out attitude
And more!

In her free time, she cherishes being with her family and grand babies. She also enjoys traveling, exploring and cycling with her husband, Gary. Michelle is always inspired by the beautiful and imperfect world around her.

Connect with Michelle:

www.allendesignsstudio.com

www.michelleallenart.com

https://www.instagram.com/allendesignsstudio/

https://www.instagram.com/michelleallenart/

https://www.instagram.com/vanwanderings/

Margo is joined by Christine Hoffman, owner and designer at Foxglove, the Twin Cities first exclusively local and chemical-free flower studio. In 2017, Christine also founded Twin Cities Flower Exchange, a cut flower market for wholesale buyers. As a local flowers advocate, Christine is striving to form a strong community of sustainable flower farmers, small business owners, and folks who care about supporting these mindful endeavors. By providing a local, sustainable option to traditional flowers, putting a premium on collaboration, and reaching out to the community, she hopes to foster change in the floral industry.

Margo & Christine Discuss:

The original path Christine had planned for herself and how it quickly changed
How she got involved in merchandising
Why and how she came up with the idea for Foxglove
The things you don’t always think about before starting a business
Embracing new skills and tasks that come along with going from a solopreneur artist to a more community centric business
How breathwork and meditation has been pivotal in Christine’s business journey
The silver linings of COVID
And more

Since her days growing up in a river valley, gathering endless bunches of wildflowers from the woods surrounding her childhood home, Christine has been in love with flowers. Her parents are both gardeners, and their knowledge of plants and flowers settled into Christine with each bed she helped prep (grumbling all the way), and each garden picked bouquet brought into their house. She still holds those fresh picked blooms as the standard for what flowers should be.

Connect with Christine:

foxglovemarket.com

Tcflowerexchange.com

https://www.instagram.com/foxglovemarket/

https://www.instagram.com/tcflowerexchange/

Margo is joined by the infamous Lilla Rogers. With a degree in fine art from San Francisco and a second degree in illustration, Lilla spent the 1980s working as a full-time, highly successful illustrator, whose art has featured in publications including the New York Times Magazine, Vogue magazine, the Grammys and many more. She then went on to found Lilla Rogers Studio, a visionary art agency that represents over three dozen artists from around the world and has sold art for products worth over $300 million. As well as representing some of the most sought-after artists worldwide, the Studio has licensed artwork on a huge variety of products, including best-selling children’s books, home décor, major ad campaigns, magazines, wall décor, and greetings cards: their client list includes Crate & Barrel, Chronicle, the New York Times, Blue Q, Godiva, Barneys New York, Warner Brothers, IKEA, Target, Paperchase, Anthropologie, and hundreds more.

Lilla & Margo chat about:

How Lilla got her start in art and was inspired by her mother
How and why she decided to become an agent
Nurturing artists with her warm and whimsical teaching style
Her biggest pieces of advice for artists
Breaking down creative ideas into manageable steps
How to go about finding an agent
Overcoming fear and putting oneself out there
And much more!

Lilla Rogers Studio has become one of the most respected illustration agencies in the US, serving clients all over the world who count on her deep knowledge of trends. Being an illustrator and teacher gives Lilla the unique ability to help her artists grow, as she fully understands the creative process and how to nurture the best in each artist.

Connect with Lilla:

www.lillarogers.com

www.makeartthatsells.com

Margo is joined by Bex Morley, a British-Canadian artist living on Vancouver Island with the two teenage sons and daft dog. Bex creates joyful digital art for a variety of products including bolt fabric, stationery and home decor. Her work is inspired by the lighter side of life and nature, often featuring fun animal characters and colourful botanicals. She is also drawn to nostalgic colour palettes and funny or meaningful hand lettering.

Bex came late to her art career. She got her degree in Creative Arts many MANY years ago but her artwork was criticised by art professors for being "too commercial", which discouraged her from continuing after university. Whilst Bex remained creative and always kept a sketchbook, it took her 25 years to finally embrace making art again when she found the Make Art That Sells classes online. It suddenly dawned on her that being "too commercial" might actually be an asset, instead of a fault. That was in late 2015. Since then Bex has done lots of online classes to learn the technical aspects of the surface design industry. In late 2017 she signed on with her agent Brenda Manley and has now sold and licensed her work all over the world.

Bex & Margo discuss:

Bex’s unusual path to making a career in art
Why she originally pursued a degree in music instead of art
Her personal mantra of Create, Share, Repeat
How her mom is a source of inspiration and has reinvented herself several times over
Repressing creativity due to comments and opinions from others and how to block out the noise
Her experience of working with an agent and how that relationship came to be
Repressing her own creative desires and working a ‘9-5’ for several years before making a living from art
Why creating is better than meditating and acts as a source of therapy
And more

Bex turns 50 next year and feels happier, smarter and braver than ever before. She is a passionate believer that it is never too late to reinvent your life and career, however scary that may seem. She also knows that so many creative people repress their creativity owing to one small comment or opinion during childhood from an adult, which makes them feel that they aren't good enough. This is such a shame as she feels that finding a creative outlet you enjoy is like therapy, but cheaper. It has certainly helped her through some tough times in the past 5 years. It's never too late to change the direction of your life and start doing something you love.

Margo is joined by Jane Dagmi, editor-in-chief of Designers Today magazine, a B2B magazine for interior design professionals, and also host of the brand’s SAID podcast, and an avid participant in industry events and panels. Jane launched her editorial career at Country Living magazine (where we met!), which was followed by several years of freelance writing and content development for designer-focused technology platforms.

Jane and I discuss:

The winding path Jane’s creative career has been on
Giving back and inspiring the creative community
Her time at Country Living Magazine
Why they put art on the cover of Designers Today magazine
Stepping out of your comfort zone to make an impact
Interior designers she’s recently spoke with and has been inspired by
And so much more!

Jane has a B.A. in American Studies from Tufts and an AAS in Interior Design from Parsons.

Connect with Jane:

www.Designerstoday.com

https://www.instagram.com/designerstoday/

https://www.instagram.com/jdagmi

Margo is meeting Maria Over in her windowsill. Maria is an artist, children's books and surface illustrator. Part Dutch, part Greek, she is now based in Munich, Germany. She comes from a Fine Arts background with studies in painting, sculpture and digital art, and her journey has taken her from the Netherlands and Sweden for her BFA to New York City, where she earned a Master of Arts degree at NYU. She then spent a couple of years working as a designer and art director in NYC, mostly doing web design and ID for big name agencies. After a move back to Europe and more years of digital agency work, her desire to combine on-screen with off-screen work grew, and she created her one-of-a-kind jewelry label indígena that has grown to sell online and in several boutiques across Germany.

Margo and Maria discuss:

How many moves and cultures has shaped Maria’s art
How she got inspired to start children’s illustrating
How Maria finds daily inspiration
Finding balance between digital and hand drawn art
Legendary artist, Georgia O’Keeffe
The power of marching to the beat of your own drum
Creating connections throughout COVID

In the past 4 years, Maria has immersed herself in illustrating and returned to the kind of work that she had always been most passionate about, enriched by the wealth of knowledge and experience that she gathered across the fields of art and design over the years. Today, she loves illustrating with watercolors, inks and gouache, with a keen eye for the smallest details, colors and a good composition. She enjoys exploring surface patterns with lush watercolor florals and cherishes the challenge of working large scale on shop windows and murals.

Maria recently finished work on her first fully illustrated children's book for cbj (an imprint of Random House) blending in her favorite motifs of flowers, birds and people to tell a story about why happiness lives in our hearts.

Connect with Maria:

www.mariaover.com

www.instagram.com/maria.over

mariaover@yahoo.com

Margo chats with the one and only Lisa Congdon to answer questions submitted by you and fellow Windowsill Chats listeners! Lisa is an American fine artist, author and illustrator and has worked for clients including MoMA, Harvard University, Martha Stewart Living, REI, and Chronicle Books among several others.

Lisa delves on:

Finding your artistic voice
Boundaries and commitments
How she manages her work and productivity using spreadsheets and time blocking (and how you can too!)
Making time and space for both digital and analog work
Ways to get work with dream brands and clients
How she goes about setting visions and goals for all aspects of her life
Making space for work just for you and allowing yourself to be messy and imperfect
And sooo much more!

Lisa works for many clients around the world and she is the author of eight books, including the starving-artist-myth-smashing Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist and her latest book Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic. She was named one of 40 Women Over 40 to Watch in 2015 and she is featured in the 2017 book, 200 Women Who Will Change the Way you See the World. She lives and works in Portland, Oregon.

Want more Lisa? Good news, she will be coming back for more in depth topics on Windowsill Chats in the new year!

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/lisacongdon/

200 Women: Who Will Change The Way You See The World (Personal Growth Books for Women, Coffee Table Books, Women of the World Books)

Margo chats with Artist & Designer, Esté MacLeod. Esté’s paintings are informed by the real and the imaginary. Her background in textile and ceramic design is noticeable in the stylised, abundant and colourful forms used in still life, landscape and floral paintings. Although shapes are distorted and altered, there is a strong sense of the familiar. The variety of techniques Esté uses to layer colour and shapes adds an ethereal element to her work.

Margo & Este talk:

The importance of ongoing learning and how it affects her teaching
Being selective with collaborations and partnerships
Why you should think of yourself as a brand as soon as you start creating
Being versatile, resourceful, and THINKING as a creative versus just being a creative
Authenticity
The necessity in understanding your own likes and dislikes and how you can benefit as an artist
Sourcing inspiration
And so much more

Esté’s Paintings are inspired by travel, nature, dreams, seasons, sentiments and thoughts as well as everyday surroundings. Working intuitively, she allows a painting to develop over time. By experimenting with the layering of colours, patterns, textures and mark making, and by using her trademark floral and simplified plant forms, Esté’s work always retains a freshness. Her creative process often involves painting over areas of detail and colour, revealing just a section of what was painted below. These vibrant and energetic artworks are presented to convey intrinsic beauty, a feeling or memory of a place or impression.

Connect with Esté:

https://www.estemacleod.com/

https://www.instagram.com/estemacleod/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/estemacleod/

https://www.facebook.com/EsteMacLeodArtist

Margo chats with Elise Giordano. The long and short of it is, Elise is a photographer. But also a content creator, magic maker + natural light lover based in the PNW and she has some incredible stories. After eventually letting go of the possibility of becoming a veterinarian, she pursued both journalism and marketing, which is what gives her the edge to tell a compelling narrative through photos. And after spending a summer working as a tour guide in Skagway, Alaska she took over running the local newspaper for a few years before taking a job with Outdoor Research.

Elise and Margo discuss:

Elise’s go and grow spirit that led her to Alaska
How she went above and beyond to take a job with Outdoor Research
Cancelled opportunities due to COVID and how her business has changed in the last 9 months
How she finds creativity outside of photography and her business
The beauty, magic, and fun in NOT niching down
Why she finds photography to be important whether it be for people or a brand
And some really unique people that inspire her!

Most importantly, Elise loves what she does and can't believe that she’s fortunate enough to take photos every day and follow her passion wholeheartedly. When she’s not photographing wonderful people, she’s capturing products and places for brands like Eddie Bauer, NEMO Equipment, Good + Well Supply Co. and more.

Connect with Elise:

https://www.elisegiordano.com/

https://elisegiordanophotography.com/

http://instagram.com/elisegiordano

In this episode of Windowsill Chats, it’s a dual interview with go-to PR gal, Beth Nydick. Beth has spent over 10 years working as an online entrepreneur and health coach, her acumen for business had been sought out by other solopreneurs that wanted to increase their authority, but their businesses were not set up for success. Beth saw a hole in the foundations of her communities’ businesses and knew that what she had learned over the last 10 years could not only help them increase their bottom line but with a direction she could guide them to work in collaboration to increase their visibility and credibility.

Margo and Beth discuss:

How they know each other
Margo’s tales of business in China
Bringing out the best in others and how they each do that in their own ways
Being unafraid of the messy
The importance of being truly authentic
Margo’s (organic) creative process
Why home is Margo’s most important place of being
What brings Beth joy when it comes to PR and business
The importance of connection and community
And so much more

Today, Beth helps entrepreneurs to strategically prepare their business and gain exposure through collaboration and visibility so they can reach their full potential, establish credibility and their bottom line.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.chelseawessman.com/

Connect with Beth:

https://bethnydick.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Bethnydick/

https://www.instagram.com/BethNydick/

Margo is joined by Leigh Standley, the artist, writer and owner of Curly Girl Design, Inc. In its seventeen years, Curly Girl Design and Leigh’s line of clever and colorful greeting cards and art have taken the industry by delightful storm. Focused on the magic of the small moments, her product peeks into the corners of life and taps into the hearts of all.

Leigh graduated from college around the dot com boom and was blessed to have a few great jobs until the 2008 recession and 9/11. From there she decided to work at a friends yoga studio but decided she needed to stay creative so she started making greeting cards which were sold at the studio and did exceptionally well. Her friend (and yoga studio owner) knew she had more in her and fired her from the studio in a way to force her into doing something more with her creative talents.

Leigh shares:

Her secret sauce that propelled her self-made career
The 12 original greeting cards created and her first trade show experience
Why greeting cards are the most fulfilling creations of her career
Experiencing burnout and how she’s healing from it
The importance of community and sharing wins and failures
And so much more

Leigh earned a BFA from the University of Kansas School of Design, holds two LOUIE awards for greeting card excellence and has been a nominee for 5 others. Leigh now finds herself back in her St Louis stomping grounds with her husband and her two antic-filled charming 7 year old twins Ruby & Graham. She believes firmly in the power of creativity and community to unlock our truest selves and is proudly “Living imperfectly with great delight.”

Connect with Leigh:

www.curlygirldesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/leigh.standley/

Margo chats with the beautiful, colorful, and wildly creative Dayle Bennett. Dayle hails from Baltimore Maryland and resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She has Bachelor of Arts in fiber/textiles and color theory from Towson University and attended post grad studies at the Portfolio Center where she studied design and art direction and has left her mark on companies such as Hallmark, West Elm, and Center for Civic Innovation before more recently stepping out on her own to help others problem solve and inspire people to make, inspire, and share.

Margo & Dayle go back to the beginning discussing:

Dayle’s start as a creative
How she learned how to embrace her strong energy
How large corporations can build better relationships with their employees
The more challenging times in her life including her attendance at the Portfolio Center
Alt Summit
Embracing her own story
The significance of having a mentor
And so much more!

Dayle is a consultant, speaker, and glitter sprinkler that provides a fresh perspective to help teams and individuals find joy in their daily lives. She is a creative innovator that uses design thinking with her experience, expertise, and creative energy to solve problems and believes that we are all creative and need a little nudge to unleash our inner creativity. She has been designing wonderful things all her life and loves teaching creative workshops, speaking about design and how to unleash your spark.

Connect with Dayle:

https://number4designstudio.com/

linkedin.com/in/dayle-bennett-77239b8

https://www.instagram.com/designstudio.no4/

https://www.facebook.com/number4designstudio

Margo chats with a dear friend, Contemporary Artist and Author, Lynn Whipple. Lynn is deeply grateful to live her life as an artist. Play and discovery are her dearest and most constant companions. There are a zillion tiny challenges in each art making experience and she often finds, just as many victories. Lynn and her husband John are a part of the founding family that established McRae Art Studios, a vibrant art collective in Central Florida, that is home to 23 artists.

Lynn & Margo share stories on:

Ways that Lynn follows a creative heart
One of Lynn’s biggest art inspirations
Finding excitement in everyday details
The benefits of working with 23 other artists
Lynn’s superpower of not caring what others think
Humorous tales of travel
And more

Lynn’s mixed media work has been featured in over twenty art books and her work has won many awards over the years as she travels nationally showing her work in juried art shows, galleries and museums. She authored her first book, “Expressive Flower Painting for Bold Beautiful Blooms” with Quarry Books in 2017.

When not creating big, messy flower paintings Lynn is completely engaged in learning abstraction, by drawing and painting, with her dog Daisy, in The Art Fort, her small backyard studio. She also deeply enjoys encouraging creativity and play with her online art classes over at CarlaSonheim.com.

Connect with Lynn:

http://lynnwhipple.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lynnwhipple/

https://twitter.com/lynnwhippleart?lang=en

https://www.pinterest.com/lynnwhippleart/

https://www.facebook.com/Lynn-Whipple-Art-346136962142796/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPKvHgunyfY

https://www.illustrationhistory.org/artists/mary-blair

Margo meets a dear friend and mentor in her windowsill, Ingrid Liss. Ingrid is the VP of Product Development & Design at Ganz Midwest CBK - one of the largest wholesale gift holiday and home decor companies in the United States. With over 28 years in the industry and extensive experience in product design and sourcing she has honed her creative talents as an inspiring mentor and leader. Her career has taken her all over the world to work with artisans and partner suppliers to bring innovative and unique products to the market. Ingrid works with independent artists, illustrators, graphic designers, and an experienced team of product designers and she delights in the joy of fostering creative spirits and dynamic partnerships.

Margo and Ingrid discuss:

The intricacies and interpretations of art
Repurposing art from 2d to 3d art
The question of “is licensing dead?”
Fun and harrowing stories of international work travel
Ingrid’s start as a product designer
And more!

Connect with Ingrid:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingridliss/

https://www.pinterest.com/ingridaliss/

https://www.ganz.com/Midwest-CBK/

Mati Rose McDonough joins the Windowsill to talk all about her journey from legal assistant, to artist, to teaching art, and mentoring. Mati (pronounced Matey, like Ahoy!) is an artist and daring adventurer. After wanting to be an artist for many years, but feeling like it was “impractical,” at 29 years Mati took the leap and went back to art school at the California College of the Arts. Now over ten years later, she is still excited and terrified every time she sees a blank canvas, but embraces the adventure of life as an artist— penning her first book with this philosophy called “Daring Adventures in Paint”. She has had dozens of art shows, taught painting classes internationally in Italy, Morocco, Costa Rica and more to come!

Mati shares:

How a divorce and grief opened up new doors for her career
How her career has evolved many times over
What keeps her grounded
Trusting your intuition and that the next step will present itself
Ways we can get better at trusting our intuition
Allowing ourselves to have confidence in the things we are good at and enjoy rather than disowning what we are good out
Why it’s never too late to show the world your magic
And more!

Mati’s illustrations grace all sorts of products from camera cases to giant elephant billboards as well as her own home decor line and dress line too— dreams come true! She is pinching herself after all those years that she is making her living as an artist. Mati has illustrated four children’s books and through her workshops, books, and popular online course, she spreads a warm message of creative courage.

Connect with Mati:

https://www.matirose.com/

https://www.instagram.com/matirose/

Margo takes to her virtual Windowsill to chat with THE Gary McNatton. In simplicity, the best way to describe Gary is the nose that knows, as for him, every scent tells a story. After studying art history and psychology at Vanderbilt University, Gary lived in Chicago and Los Angeles but now resides in Marin County. His resume notes launching product design firm Mottura, Senior Vice President at Gap Inc., and Co-Owner of Hudson Grace to name a few.

Margo and Gary have a lengthy discussion about:

Gary’s impressive career history
The stories that inspired the scents Gary has created
The power of scent
Gary’s passion for wheeling and dealing
His path of entrepreneurship to the corporate realm, and back to entrepreneurship
How Hudson Grace came to be
The Napa Valley Fires
And much more

Gary has three decades of experience delivering award-winning design and production in personal care, ﬁne fragrance, home product and package design. He is passionate about the authenticity and simplicity of Hudson Grace products. “There’s a comfort in holding something beautiful and chunky and not at all delicate,” he says. “We choose items that are meant to be worn, to be used, to be loved.”

Connect with Gary:

Hudson Grace

LinkedIn

A Nose that Knows

Meeting Margo on her windowsill today is Eulalia Mejia. Eulalia is an illustrator, graphic designer and mixed media artist living in the rural mountains of Colombia. Eulalia’s painterly illustrations are a well balanced mix between traditional and digital mediums, ranging from watercolors, gouache, acrylics and collage to Illustrator, Photoshop and Procreate. Having the ability to work in both worlds brings her a sense of freedom and joyous exploration that is tangible in her designs.

Margo and Eulalia discuss all things around:

Eulalia forging her own path to being a creative artist while being surrounded by a family of engineers.
Life and work in Colombia, South America
The pros and cons to working on your own
Working with an agent that keeps your best interests in mind
Giving yourself permission to create without boundaries (not everything has to be sellable when you’re an artist)
Where Eulalia finds inspiration
And so much more!

Eulalia’s artwork is often inspired by the exotic and magical tropical land she lives in, making it both alluring and enchanting. She believes that we are never too old to be amazed by everyday life and that surrounding ourselves with beauty is the best way to remember there can be magic in the world.

Most days you can find Eulalia in her studio creating. Her interests are diverse and encompass a wide variety of creative projects like: doll making, embroidery, book binding, mixed media painting, collaging and art journaling. When she is not creating she enjoys riding her bicycle through the mountains and watching horror movies while hiding under the cushions.

Connect with Eulalia:

Website: www.eulaliamejia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happychinchilla/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyChinchillaShop

Creative Market: https://creativemarket.com/HappyChinchilla

3 People that Inspire Eulalia:

Mati Rose

Natlie Lété

Monika Forsberg

On this episode, Margo speaks with Illustrator and Fine Artist, Kate Endle. Kate has been illustrating professionally for over twenty five years, but art has been her main focus since her toddler years. In 1995 she moved to Seattle to pursue her art career and her early illustration work, rendered in a painterly graphic style, can be found in beginning reader books for children, editorial work for travel and education magazines and advertising materials. In 2001 she began to collect decorative papers which set her on a major art style shift that included collaging hand painted and decorative papers to a stretched canvas. With this new style, she began illustrating picture books and licensing her images to home decor and paper products.

Kate and Margo discuss:

Kate’s path to professional artistry starting at a young age
Why patience is truly a virtue and can pay off in the long run
Possibilities that can come from working with an agent (good & bad)
The power of community
Reasons to not put all your eggs in one basket in the art industry
Why sometimes it’s necessary to allow yourself breaks
Feeling uninspired (we all go through it!)
And much much more!

Kate has had the good fortune of working with dream clients like American Greetings, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Hallmark, Klutz, Land of Nod, Madison Park Greetings, Modern-twist, Papyrus, Sasquatch Books, Sesame Street Workshop, Utne Reader and Washington Mutual. She is currently working in several different mediums (burlap paintings, punch needle and ceramics) and you can find her selling her work at her online shop at KateEndle.com, Etsy, Pike Place Market, Caspar Babypants shows and various craft shows around the Pacific Northwest.

Connect with Kate:

Kate Endle Illustration & Fine Art

https://www.instagram.com/kateendleillustration/

https://www.facebook.com/kateendleillustration/?ref=ts

https://www.instagram.com/seattleladymakers/

005: Margo sits down with the one and only, Shauna Ahern. Some may know Shauna as Gluten Free Girl, others may know her as Author of Enough. To Margo, she is a dear friend along with being an extremely creative and amazing writer. She has a massive heart, a fascinating curiosity, and holds many titles - mom, teacher, advocate for humans, and so many others.

Shauna shares about:

Being raised in a toxic and abusive environment
Toxic positivity
What gluten free and writing have in common
Being authentically ‘enough’
The importance of connection over everything else (and her household quote - “we are for each other, not just ourselves”)
Using and sharing her vulnerabilities to create
Abandoning anyone and everyone else’s definition of success
And so much more

Not only is Shauna a beautiful writer but she also speaks passionately and with eloquence. You don’t want to skip this one!

Connect with Shauna -

www.OnBeingEnough.com

Enough.substack.com

Enough: Notes From a Woman Who Has Finally Found It

Enough: Notes From a Woman Who Has Finally Found It

Joining Margo in her windowsill today is Misha Zadeh Graham. Misha sketches, paints, and collages from her home studio in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, overlooking the Puget Sound. She is the founder of Turquoise Creative, whose unique line of handmade, cut-paper greeting cards and letterpress note cards debuted at the 2002 National Stationery Show and were soon picked up by high-profile boutiques throughout North America and Europe such as Barneys New York, Kate's Paperie and Liberty London. Her cards have been featured in many publications including RealSimple, Lucky, Sunset, and O, the Oprah Magazine and she has also licensed artwork to online and established printed stationery leaders.

Margo and Misha chat about:

Misha’s unclear path to finding graphic design and where she found it
The rigorous design school at University of Washington
Some different experiences with licensing
Dealing with copyright infringement
The willingness and confidence to push for work you believe in
Creating quality over quantity
And much more!

Misha draws inspiration from her childhood spent poring over Persian miniatures and weavings, as well as the modern and Nordic influences she picked up in her studies at the University of Washington and beyond. She loves to play with color, pattern, quirky animals, and all sorts of flora. You can find her creating bold imagery adorning textiles, housewares, and of course, paper goods.

Connect with Misha:

http://www.mishazadeh.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mishazadeh/

003: On this episode, Margo is joined by Nataley Shepherd. Nataley is a handmade brand consultant and owner of Studio Shepherd. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with an art degree (with an emphasis in weaving) and after a few random jobs she found herself landing a job on the ground floor of a local handmade start up company, Two Guys Bow Tie Co. She went from maker to operations manager and was an integral part of growing and scaling TGBT straight onto ABC’s Shark Tank. (Yes, they got a deal!) Nataley continued on to become the marketing director for another handmade start up, Plank and Mill and thoroughly enjoyed helping to scale this business as well except this time through creative marketing.

Margo & Nataley discuss:

Nataley’s post-college career path
The importance of understanding your “why” as a creative
Keeping a separation between hand making and personal worth
Nataley’s shift from hand maker to coach/consultant
Curating your brand around the vision you have for your life
Finding alignment, purpose, and intention in business
And much more

Today, Nataley helps makers elevate their businesses into sought after brands by connecting the products to a deeper mission and message, developing a business roadmap conducive for scaling, and marketing simply and strategically to reach the next level of success.

Connect with Nataley:

https://www.studioshepherd.com/

nat@studioshepherd.com

https://www.instagram.com/studio_shepherd/

002: Margo and Mandy get real and honest when it comes to creativity and finding a balance. Mandy Ford is a licensed illustrator, lettering artist, teacher, and all around creative soul living in Indiana with her husband Dan, twin boys Ben & Landon, and Siamese cat Chloe. She specializes in honest & whimsical artwork that encourages living a life grounded in authenticity.

Some topics discussed include:

Being described as an artist at a young age
Being your worst critic
Finding time and balance to make a career being creative while also managing being a mom and wife
Working with an agent
Giving yourself permission to learn and experience new hobbies
And much more!

When she isn’t drawing, Mandy loves to art journal, pay attention to (and be surprised by) nature, and has never met a nap she doesn’t like. She’s currently obsessed with moon phases,

the enneagram (she’s a 4), and sending snail mail covered with stickers. Mandy keeps herself running on equal doses of hope and coffee.

Connect with Mandy:

https://www.mandyford.co/

https://www.instagram.com/mandyfordart/

Creating a Vision Board in Procreate

001: On this episode, Margo chats with Nicole LaRue, a graphic designer and illustrator whose own adventures have taken her across the world from California to South Korea to Japan and more. Now residing in Salt Lake City UT, she spends her days as the Art Director, Designer & Illustrator for Gibbs Smith Publisher & Spumoni Studio.

Nicole and Margo discuss:

Nicole’s graphic design journey
The trickiness of managing business and creativity
Creating the Women’s March on Washington logo and how the opportunity found her
The trickle effect of opportunity that arose after creating the logo
How understanding human design has helped her as a freelance designer
The importance of learning our own creative processes
And more!

Some of her clients include: The Women’s March on Washington, Chronicle Books, Abrams Books, Gibbs Smith Publisher, Oxford University Press, Compendium, Inc., Madison Park Greetings, Johnson & Johnson, Spumoni, Chatbooks, Tiny Prints, DC Shoes, American Eagle & more.

Connect with Nicole:

www.smallmadegoods.com

https://www.instagram.com/smallmadegoods/

https://www.facebook.com/nicole.larue.509

https://spumonistudio.com/

Small and Mighty - An Activist's Guide for Finding Your Voice & Engaging with the World

Girl Almighty - An Interactive Journal for Being a Mighty Activist of the World & Other Utterly Respectable Pursuits

In this introduction episode to Windowsill Chats, Margo Tantau introduces herself and tells us the premise and goals behind creating it. A podcast for artists and other creatives, Margo tells stories, shares interviews, and gives a behind the scenes glimpse into real people and their creative paths!