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346 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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On finding your niche... and feeling good about it. Margo's thoughts...
30 juni 2021 · 21 min
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! Lees meer
Learn more about Relish Your Creativity
Connect with Margo:
https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/
https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/
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Creative Business. Making it, and making it work, with Elizabeth Silver
23 juni 2021 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Growing and growing up creative. How a very successful business was created by saying YES.
16 juni 2021 · 1 uur 21 min
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. Lees meer
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://lorisi…
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What does your creative career path look like? Bethany Andrews-Nichols dishes on the importance of following your artful intuition, being brave & putting yourself out there!
9 juni 2021 · 49 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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What is your Visual Vocabulary? Lisa Congdon gives you tips on how to discover your creative style & voice, and permission to be YOU.
2 juni 2021 · 52 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Are you moving through your creative practice without pausing to take a breath? Give yourself time to think. Good things come of it. Beth Snyder on designing too much, and then doing just the right thing.
26 mei 2021 · 1 uur 9 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Licensing? Making? Creating? What's the Future? What's YOUR future? Molly Hatch shares how she made her way in the world of designing product, and how she'd really rather not leave any trace behind. (Plus, new CLOTHES!)
19 mei 2021 · 1 uur 9 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Creative Clarity. How do we find it? How do we navigate that constant & often illusive journey? AND news about a new Creative Community! With Nataley Shepherd
12 mei 2021 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
Learn more about Hello Chartreuse:
www.hellochartreuse.com
Connect with Nataley:
https://www.studioshepherd.com/
nat@studioshepherd.com
https://www.instagram.com/studio_shepherd/
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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.
5 mei 2021 · 1 uur 22 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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What if you based your creative choices on how they FELT, rather than what everyone else was doing? A super interesting journey and gratitude for what really matters, with Jamie Kalvestran
28 april 2021 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Finding Joy in Enough. What matters, really? It serves us well to dig down and find joy in the hard things and in the good things with Shauna Ahern
21 april 2021 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Forging a truly creative path, Melanie Stimmell now wants to use her colorful experience to add a fresh new chapter, and help other artists find their success as well.
14 april 2021 · 56 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Real life wisdom from a creative business PRO. Michael Schultz talks wholesale, retail, the trap of perfection, and the importance of listening to what matters.
7 april 2021 · 1 uur 2 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Permission to not be perfect. Sarah Hand talks play and color, working with our hands, and the tangible pursuit of happiness. And a new book!
31 maart 2021 · 38 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Creativity in full color... How Carolyn Gavin blends creative family business with her own artistic passions and stays colorfully true to what matters.
24 maart 2021 · 39 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Real life tips for starting your own business...Emily McDowell shares all the things she'd do differently if she could press the business rewind button.
17 maart 2021 · 47 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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"Do what you want, as long as you clean up when you're finished" How the messy bits move us forward with Katherine Quinn
10 maart 2021 · 38 min
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. Lees meer
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
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A true maker's maker- Jill Schwartz shares her literal gems, magic & a career full of stories with us.
3 maart 2021 · 54 min
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. Lees meer
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
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The Lisa Congdon Sessions - Who are the right customers and clients for your creative dreams & goals? Where are they?
24 februari 2021 · 39 min
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! Lees meer
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/
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From corporate suits to creative roots..tales of the journey with Rochelle Porter
17 februari 2021 · 51 min
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. Lees meer
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://w…
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How a painting a day took Jennifer from career creative to having her own creative career
10 februari 2021 · 38 min
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. Lees meer
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
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We love a brand new licensing agency! How Creative Sparrow quickly went from idea to a full nest with Hannah Curtis
3 februari 2021 · 37 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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How do you turn art into product? Michelle shares the ups & downs and colorful outcomes of her business, Allen Designs
27 januari 2021 · 55 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Down a flower-filled path. From having a small creative business to growing a big successful new vision with Christine Hoffman
20 januari 2021 · 42 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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People Buy your Joy; Tales of Licensing & Design with Lilla Rogers
13 januari 2021 · 59 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Start wherever you are. It's never too late to do something you love with Bex Morley.
6 januari 2021 · 51 min
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. Lees meer
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 m…
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Looking back & looking forward.. reminiscing about good creative details and what that means with Editor Jane Dagmi
30 december 2020 · 53 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Creative Courage...Coming back to who you are with Maria Over
23 december 2020 · 50 min
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. Lees meer
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
mariaov…
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YOUR questions for Lisa Congdon! All about the details of being a working artist, plus some surprises.
16 december 2020 · 1 uur 14 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Be an authentic artist, stand for what is important to YOU. You are your own creative brand with Esté MacLeod
9 december 2020 · 1 uur 7 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Lessons through the lens- How being flexible and willing gets you further. Creative life tips from a working photographer with Elise Giordano
2 december 2020 · 1 uur 9 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Putting yourself out there really WORKS! Stories, insights and Creative Biz PR scoop. A double interview with Beth Nydick & Margo.
25 november 2020 · 1 uur 14 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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The Magic Sauce? JUST DO IT. Say yes to your ideas, say yes to YOU. Leigh Standley of Curly Girl Design
18 november 2020 · 34 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Make, inspire, share, & add glitter. How standing for who you can be can be the most rewarding with Dayle Bennett.
11 november 2020 · 1 uur 9 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Keeping your art practice, fun, meaningful & relevant. Reflections on a fab colorful career with Lynn Whipple
4 november 2020 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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
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From the Trenches - Best ideator ever, Ingrid Liss shares what makes designing product really tick. Plus some unbelievable true tales!
28 oktober 2020 · 1 uur 3 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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Be willing to say yes. To your ideas, to collaboration, and to your own success with Mati Rose McDonough.
21 oktober 2020 · 43 min
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! Lees meer
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/
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The Visionary's Visionary; on staying true to your creative ideals with Gary McNatton.
14 oktober 2020 · 1 uur 39 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Finding a Way to be Creative is Always Worth It, Even When You Question Yourself. Conversations from Colombia with Eulalia Meija.
7 oktober 2020 · 53 min
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. Lees meer
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
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Collect, Notice, Appreciate, Inspire. Getting yourself in front of your people with Kate Endle.
30 september 2020 · 1 uur 6 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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From Gluten Free to Being Enough. How challenges define our path and lead to sharing with a generous heart with Shauna Ahern.
23 september 2020 · 56 min
#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. Lees meer
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
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When the Expectation is Doctor, Lawyer, or Engineer, and you want to be an Artist with Misha Zadeh Graham.
16 september 2020 · 1 uur 4 min
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. Lees meer
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/
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How to think business as a creative and become a sought after brand with Nataley Shepherd.
9 september 2020 · 57 min
#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. Lees meer
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/
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Honest talk about balancing all the things and still having room for creativity with Mandy Ford.
9 september 2020 · 53 min
#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. Lees meer
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
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What happens when you design a famous logo and try to find a job you really love with Nicole Larue.
9 september 2020 · 48 min
#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. Lees meer
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
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Come Sit with Me in My Sunny Windowsill
30 augustus 2020 · 7 min
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! Lees meer