Alle afleveringen
346 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
-
From Creator to Successful Artist; How to Navigate the Path to Your Ideal Customer with Julie Ager
3 mei 2023 · 59 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Stylish Attention to Detail: How Ted Kennedy Watson Curates a Well-Lived Life
26 april 2023 · 1 uur 9 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Living a Life Inspired and Designed with Heart and Soul with Leah Quinn
19 april 2023 · 1 uur 12 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Showing Up for Yourself and Finding Hope in the Journey. How Kelli May Krenz Lives a Creative and Positive Filled Life.
12 april 2023 · 1 uur 34 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
On the Business of Being Creative. Erin Cantwell Dishes on How to Stand Out and Advance Your Creative Business Ideas.
5 april 2023 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Art for Everyone: How Liz Lidgett Combines Her Curiosity, Desire for Accessibility, and Storytelling to Promote Great Art.
29 maart 2023 · 1 uur 11 min
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. Lees meer
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…
-
Jumpstart Your Creative Journey. Shannon Christiansen on Reinventing Herself as a Creative, Channeling Her Grief, and Finding the Strength to Live Up to Her Potential.
22 maart 2023 · 1 uur 16 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Amplifying the Creative Conversation: Mi'Jan Celie Shares Her Life as a Cultural Leader, Oral Historian, Visionary, Documentarian and Artist Residency Aficionado.
15 maart 2023 · 1 uur 17 min
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. Lees meer
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 Ne…
-
Art in Bloom: Kim Smith on the Power of Committing to a Creative Practice and Learning About Life Through Art
8 maart 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
How Can You Live a Richly Creative Life, Yet Simplify With Purpose and Meaning? Anna MacDonald Melds Minimalism and Intentionalism in Her Life and Art
1 maart 2023 · 1 uur 27 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
How to Evolve and Reinvent Yourself as a Creative Through Joys and Challenges with Linda Bleck
22 februari 2023 · 1 uur 15 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
What if We Put Creativity First? Lilla Rogers on Leaning Into Creative Passions, Thinking Outside the Box, and Being Uniquely You.
15 februari 2023 · 1 uur 15 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Getting Out of the Screen and Into Your Life: A Heartfelt Conversation With Sarah Walsh on Dream Projects, Self-Sabotage, and Creative Ruts (Part 2)
8 februari 2023 · 54 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Getting Out of the Screen and Into Your Life: A Heartfelt Conversation With Sarah Walsh on Dream Projects, Self-Sabotage, and Creative Ruts
1 februari 2023 · 1 uur 28 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
The Connection Between Human Design and Creativity. Gabriella Buckingham Shares on Loneliness, Finding Space, and the Personal Voyage of Discovery.
25 januari 2023 · 1 uur 10 min
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. Lees meer
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
https://www.instagram.com/gabriellabuckingham
https://www.braveinpaint.com/brave-in-paint-community
Learn more and sign up for From Line to Color Retreat
-
Learning the Power and Portability of Procreate: Beth Buffington on Creating a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Art Business
18 januari 2023 · 1 uur 15 min
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! Lees meer
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 Compounding of Community Building: Margo Shares What You Can Expect From Windowsill Chats in 2023
11 januari 2023 · 35 min
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. Lees meer
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!
-
How to Break the Cycle of Overthinking and Start Creating Your Best Work With Megan Auman
4 januari 2023 · 1 uur 18 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
It Goes by in the Blink of an Eye: Embracing Passions and Daring to Dream Bigger with Lori Siebert
28 december 2022 · 1 uur 24 min
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! Lees meer
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
-
Building Wealth and Treating Yourself: How Cortney Cruz Creates More Freedom, Flexibility and Fulfillment With Money Management Practices
21 december 2022 · 56 min
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." Lees meer
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!
-
Designing and Making Useful Treasures That Inspire Creative Living With Margaux Kent of Peg and Awl
14 december 2022 · 53 min
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. Lees meer
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!
-
Spreading Holiday Cheer Year-Round: Heather Donohue Shares on Finding Inspiration, Custom Crafting and All Things Vintage Christmas
7 december 2022 · 43 min
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. Lees meer
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 New Standards Holiday Show
Alt Summit Conference
John Derian Co.
Fair Play Projects and Toys.
Connect with Heather:
heatherdonohue.com
instagram.com/heathdon
facebook.com/heatherdonohuecrafts.com
-
The Unbecoming: What It Means to Discover Your Passion and Cultivate Unshakable Belief in Yourself with Anna Huff
30 november 2022 · 50 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Create the Work You Want to Attract. Be the You You Want to Be. Power Up Your Creativity with Rachael Taylor.
23 november 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
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. Lees meer
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!
-
Getting Your Juices Flowing and Inspiration Growing: Expanding Your Creativity with Ana Bianchi PLUS an Exciting Announcement!
16 november 2022 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Grief, Giving Yourself Grace, and the Power in Letting Go of Expectations and Taking a Chance on Your Own Creations With Zoë Ingram
9 november 2022 · 1 uur 7 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Creative Biz Q&A with Abby Campbell - We Answer YOUR Questions!
2 november 2022 · 39 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Learning How to Flex Your Creativity Through Intentional Self-Discovery Practices With Zoë Collins
26 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 14 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
How to Get Visible, Gain Confidence, and Grow Competence in Your Creative Business With Kelly Sinclair
19 oktober 2022 · 56 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Shaping Your Evolution as an Artist: How Shannon Snow Creates Colorful Art for the Colorful-At-Heart
12 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Finding the Balance Between a Personal Art Practice and Running an Art Business With Sarah Golden
5 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 2 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
The Scoop on the Origins of the Fab Windowsill Chats Theme and What It's Like to Be All Music All the Time - with Fab Duo Ben Braden & Nick Sadler of Strange Hotels!
28 september 2022 · 1 uur 24 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Death of an Artist: Ana Mendieta and Carl Andre Split the Art World
23 september 2022 · 10 min
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. Lees meer
-
Find Your Why & Get Intentional- How Editor Katie Anderson Makes Her Business Indispensable While Working Overseas and Writing Her Own Rules
21 september 2022 · 55 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Having Fun, Letting Go, and Staying True to You When It Comes to Business. How Abbey Trujillo Turns Her Dreams Into Reality
14 september 2022 · 1 uur 9 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Revive, Realize, Refine, Release: The Art of Finding Your Creative Process and Celebrating the Ordinary and Extraordinary in Everyday Life With Beth Buffington (Part 2)
7 september 2022 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Revive, Realize, Refine, Release: The Art of Finding Your Creative Process and Celebrating the Ordinary and Extraordinary in Everyday Life With Beth Buffington (Part 1)
31 augustus 2022 · 56 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Trust Your Inner Voice and Follow Your Heart. How Jessica Swift Uses Intuition to Guide Her Creative Journey and Allow Magic Into Her Life All While Helping Others Find Their Own Magic.
24 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
Creativity as a Stress Response, Winning the Lottery and Always Enjoying the Journey With Annie Galvin of 3 Fish Studios
17 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Sparking Curiosity Through Visual Narrative, Unique Forms of Inspiration, and the Power of Storytelling with Deborah Stein
10 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 28 min
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". Lees meer
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
-
Living Life More Simply and How One Guy Got There. Farm Life, Creative Baking, and Finding True Fulfillment with Tom Conway
3 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 6 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
A Deep Dive Into Product Development and How Allowing Yourself to Create as Well as Fail Is Really the Best Medicine with Jennifer Livingston
27 juli 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Curiosity, Consistency, and Community Within The Knack School. What It's Like to Learn and Dream With Lisa Congdon (Plus 100 Episodes of Windowsill Chats!)
20 juli 2022 · 1 uur 4 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Lisa Solomon Makes Color Not Only Understandable and Accessible, but Fun. Hear All About Her New Irresistible Project!
13 juli 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
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. Lees meer
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 …
-
When the Ah-Ha Hits.. And You Realize You Really Can Do What You Love. Musings From the Studio with Toni Santos
6 juli 2022 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
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
-
At the Intersection of Healthy Aging and Creativity. Lisa Murphy Shares Why You Can't Have One Without the Other and How She Reinvented Herself Through the Four Pillars of Wellness.
29 juni 2022 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Listen to This: Missy Elliot on Broken Record with Rick Rubin
26 juni 2022 · 56 min
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. Lees meer
-
When Community, Personal Connections & Passions Become the Cornerstones for Your Career with Christopher Dibble
22 juni 2022 · 56 min
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. Lees meer
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, an…
-
Growing Much More Than Flowers at 1818 Farms. Turning a Dream Into a Year-Round Business With Natasha McCrary
15 juni 2022 · 59 min
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. Lees meer
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/
-
Artmaking as a Response to Grief. Sophia Cosmas Embraces Artmaking as a Metaphor for Life Living Itself.
8 juni 2022 · 1 uur 7 min
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. Lees meer
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