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

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

Margo and Brigida discuss:

• Leaving Social Media – Why Brigida walked away from Instagram and TikTok and how she continues to grow her business without them.

• Business Contentment – Shifting from a traditional success mindset to one rooted in sustainability and fulfillment.

• Managing Comparison – Softening the inner critic and embracing a more supportive creative process.

• The inspiration behind Her Plant Companion Tarot deck

• Her upcoming Contentment Over Content workshop, helping product-based business owners market beyond social media.

Connect with Brigida:

https://yardia.co/

https://plantcompaniontarot.com/

https://contentmentovercontent.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Margo and Courtney discuss:

• The freedom of independent filmmaking outside Hollywood

• Why waiting for validation hinders creativity

• How Courtney made her first feature film on a shoestring budget

• Tips for affordable filmmaking and getting started with minimal resources

• Turning a screenplay into a book: A Blind Date in NYC

• Overcoming fear and embracing the creative process

• Film festivals as stepping stones for indie filmmakers

• Building daily creative habits to stay inspired

• The importance of manufacturing surprise in storytelling

Connect with Courtney:

https://courtneydanielsfilms.com/

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Mentioned in this episode: 

Crayola Colors Reintroduced

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

Buzz Feed dipping into Social Media?

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

Ai being used to copy Atists’ Photos

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

Midjourney’s Artist Scraping List!!!

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

Luxury Social Media- Artist Driven

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

Target Shortens Go-to-Market Strategy

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

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

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

Mindmapping

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

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Margo and Sue discuss:

• Artist sales strategy: the power of a waiting list – Why exclusivity and demand can transform your business.

• The value of art and validation – How to separate external validation from true creative success.

• Creating your personal brand – The importance of storytelling and consistency in branding.

• Adapting to new creative tools – Staying relevant and innovative in a changing industry.

• Family portraits after loss – The emotional depth of photography and capturing meaningful moments.

• Empowering women entrepreneurs – Encouraging women to embrace leadership and financial independence.

Connect with Sue:

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

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

Follow Sue on Instagram: @suebrycephotographer

Learn more: https://suebryce.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Margo and Sue discuss:

• Overcoming self-worth in sales – Why self-doubt impacts pricing and success.

• Learning to monetize creativity – How to shift from a struggling artist mindset to a thriving business owner.

• Creative empowerment through online education – The power of learning and teaching in today’s digital world.

• Monetizing creative flow – How to align passion with profitability.

• Prioritizing personal creativity – The importance of making time for your own artistic fulfillment.

• Empowering artists to share their art – Overcoming fear and hesitation when putting work into the world.

Connect with Sue:

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

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

Follow Sue on Instagram: @suebrycephotographer

Learn more: https://suebryce.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Margo and Bonnie discuss:

• How growing up in her mom’s fabric shop shaped her approach to teaching pattern design

• The evolution of her vision in building a large and engaged creative community

• Taking big risks—like selling her car to invest in her dreams—and what she’d tell someone facing a similar crossroads

• Why 'action is the antidote' to imposter syndrome and a pivotal moment when this mindset made a difference

• The balance between creative techniques and business strategy in her upcoming nine-day workshop

• Helping students find their own authentic sources of inspiration, especially when feeling creatively stuck

• Why she firmly believes there’s room for everyone in the creative industry and how she’s seen that truth play out

• Challenging the notion that art doesn’t solve problems—especially in the world of pattern design

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

Connect with Bonnie:

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

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

www.bonniechristine.com

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

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

 In this episode, Lisa and Margo discuss:

• How Lisa managed her health journey while staying connected to her creativity.

• Managing the guilt that arose from stepping away from her team and work commitments.

• How she led and supported her team while recovering from surgery.

• The role of play and experimentation in sustaining artistic inspiration.

• The importance of consistency and how even small, daily creative practices can lead to big ideas.

• Balancing a thriving art career with the need for personal time and self-care.

• How slowing down can reignite passion and open doors to unexpected creative breakthroughs.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

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

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Erin Gallagher - Sponsor Families affected by the LA Fires

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

Her Spreadsheet

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

Pasadena Humane Society

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

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

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

Getty Open Content Images 

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

Getty Open Content Article 

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

Getty/Shutterstock Merger

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

All the astounding works that are entering the public domain!

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

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

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

Ikea’s New Old Releases

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

Conscientious Alkemis Paint

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

TikTok Ban

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

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

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

Jerry Seinfeld on Jimmy Fallon.. & AI thoughts

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

Fyxer AI

https://www.fyxer.com/

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

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

Here’s how to start reading & transcribing!

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

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

Topics Discussed:

• The beauty and significance of small, unseen creative acts

• How motherhood can ignite and shape creative pursuits

• Balancing creativity with the demands of family life, including parenting a child with special needs

• The concept of intentional creativity and finding inspiration in everyday tasks

• Brooke’s approach to translating passion into business, including her retreats and podcast, Wildly Creative Life

• The story behind Brooke's musical about motherhood and her journey pitching it to Broadway

• Practical strategies for fostering creativity amidst a busy lifestyle

• The value of creating art that comes from the heart, whether or not it gains recognition

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

Connect with Brooke:

Website: https://brookebschultz.com

Website: https://brookeschultzphotography.com

Instagram: @brookebschultz

Wildly Creative Life Podcast

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

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

Topics Discussed Include:

• Permission to Be Themselves: Encouraging authenticity and practical self-advice

• Individual Needs Over Formulas: Emphasizing unique personal wants and necessities

• Collective Experience: Recognizing shared struggles to combat feelings of isolation

• Tiffany's Podcast Journey: From the beginnings in 2014 to the evolution and authenticity of her show

• Re-evaluating "Yes": Considering the implications of commitment to avoid burnout

• Radical Self-Belief and the five pillars comprised in DFSTAG (discernment, faith, fear attending, acceptance, and grace)

• Reassessing Goals: Why Tiffany isn’t a believer in 5-year plans and how goals can sometimes put you in a box

• Gentle Productivity: Promoting joy, ease, and delight over traditional productivity metrics

• The challenges of social media use and its impact and ways to use it for good

• Creative Work vs. Day Jobs: Balancing creative pursuits with the reality of day jobs.

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

Youtube: @thetiffanyhan

Raise Your Hand Say Yes Podcast

Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

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

In Part 2, Margo and Sancha dive deeper into:

• The Creative Energy Cycle: Understanding the ebb and flow of creative energy and how to work with, not against, these natural rhythms.

• Burnout Recovery: Practical strategies Sancha used to overcome adrenal fatigue and how you can apply them to your life.

• Nurturing Your Inner Artist: Practices for creating a safe and supportive environment for your creativity to flourish.

• Mind-Body Connection: Exploring how physical health directly impacts artistic expression and vice versa.

• Nutrition and Movement for Creatives: Sancha’s tips on fueling your body with the right foods and incorporating movement into your routine to enhance focus and stamina.

• Boundaries and Balance: Why setting boundaries with your time and energy is essential for avoiding burnout.

• The Power of Connection: Building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires you.

• Rituals for Renewal: Simple daily habits to recharge your mind, body, and spirit.

• Sustainable Success: How to design a wellness plan that supports your creative dreams in the long term.

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

Connect with Sancha:

https://www.sanchaprowse.com

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

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

https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill