Windowsill Chats

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

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• The notion of work life balance and Lisa’s current take on it

• The process of engangling herself from being a workaholic

• Creating a self care and wellness practice

• The importance of non-monetized hobbies

• The learning lessons that come from decision making

• Why she always says “every mistake is progress”

• The 80/20 rule when it comes to business income

• Print on demand

• How being disciplined has allowed her more freedom in her life

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

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

Art Inc. by Lisa Congdon

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Sarah discuss:

• Her personal journey with creativity and photography

• The inspiration and story behind Persephone Unleashed (stemming from her own Postpartum Depression) and how it’s evolved since its inception

• Using photography as a form of storytelling

• How she approaches photographing women with authenticity and self-compassion

• How she uses photography as a tool for empowering women and how self portraiture contributes to their sense of self and liberation

• Margo’s experience at Persephone Unleashed

• Creating an environment that encourages women to break free and embrace their authenticity

• Tips for how individuals can embrace their own unique beauty and tell their stories through photography (even if they're not professional photographers)

• The incredible team at Persephone Unleashed

• Upcoming events and more

Mentioned:

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

Connect with Sarah:

www.persphoneunleashed.com

www.instagram.com/persephoneunleashed

https://sarahkathleen.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Lori discuss: 

• The intersection of creativity and health and why you can’t have one without the other

• Discovering new creative passions that aid in wellness such as cooking

• Plank contests and pilates

• Unique art challenges and how they infuse their lives with inspiration

• How intergenerational relationships impact Lori’s creative process

• Prioritizing sleep

• Managing time and maintaining a healthy balance between work, self-care, and creativity

• Upcoming events and plans for Lori

• And more!

Connect with Lori:

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

http://www.pinterest.com/lorisie

http://www.facebook.com/lorisiebertstudio

www.lorisiebert.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Hannah discuss:

• The responsibilities that come with being a small business owner in the US

• Navigating self-employment taxes and optimizing deductions

• Personal struggles that Hannah faced within her own creative career and financial literacy

• What propelled her towards accounting education

• How she acts as a translator between the creative and tax worlds

• Simple advice artists can implement today when it comes to money management

• Her Money Bootcamp program and podcast

• How to save more money

• And more!

Connect with Hannah:

www.instagram.com/sunlighttax

www.sunlighttax.com

www.sunlighttax.com/podcast

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Suzy discuss:

• Her desire to create more Jewish products to represent her culture and heritage

• How personal struggles influenced her creative process and approach to life

• The self-growth and happiness that comes alive through creativity

• Using social media as a creative tool

• Rediscovering the joy of Shabbat and what it brought back in to her life

• The importance in finding time for creativity, self-reflection, and relationships

• Her new kids stationery collaboration

• And more

Connect with Suzy:

www.instagram.com/suzyultman

www.suzyultman.com

Connect with Margo: 

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Suzy discuss:

• Suzy’s creative path: transitioning from studying accounting to pursuing a career in graphic design

• Her experience of working in design for Adidas

• Prioritizing handwork, creativity, and inspiration in the creative process

• How personal identity and cultural heritage plays a role in her creative process

• Challenges she’s faced when integrating her Jewish identity into her work

• Lessons learned from finding representation and building artistic vision

• The importance of connection and community when it comes to doing creative work

• Staying true to one's story and identity

Connect with Suzy:

www.instagram.com/suzyultman

www.suzyultman.com

Connect with Margo: 

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Jules discuss:

• Attending Montana State University to discovering her passion for art and jewelry design

• The significance of music and its impact on her creativity

• How she’s embraced new opportunities and takes initiative in business

• Vulnerability, connection, and natures role in her creative journey

• How she continually pushes forward in trying new things (artistic endeavors, life, etc.)

• Storytelling through her art

• Collaborating with a designer like Michael Grey for Birkenstock

• Advice for artists navigating their own creative journeys

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

Connect with Jules:

https://www.julesgissler.com

https://instagram.com/julesAgissler

https://www.facebook.com/julesGisslerArtist

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

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

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Mandi discuss:

• Her Arkansas upbringing, Baptist background and her evolving desire to be a preacher's wife to becoming an artist

• The unique path and many jobs that took her to Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas, and Chicago before moving to Longview, TX

• What traveling taught her and how it inspired her first creative business name, Jetset Barbie

• Finding a new form of creativity through painting at the age of 46

• Making art profitable

• The Amazon FBA program: learning the ins and outs to sell her products on Amazon

• Learning to embracing her individuality and overcome societal norms

• Her new podcast and video show, Age Inappropriately

• And more!

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

Connect with Mandi:

https://champagnefab.com/

https://youtube.com/@champagnefab

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

https://www.facebook.com/ChampagneFabulousLLC

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

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

https://twitter.com/champagnefaboo

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Amy discuss:

• Her life crisis moment that led her to leave an industry she had great success in

• The importance of effective communication and emotional well-being

• Learning to find your voice and powerfully say 'No' as an artist

• Combatting people-pleasing in business

• Finding the right words, creating boundaries, and cultivating self-worth as an entrepreneur

• Navigating uncomfortable conversations

• The science behind our four fear responses (and how they hold creatives back)

• Her amazing Free-sources

• And so much more! 

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

Connect with Amy:

Amygreensmith.com

http://amygreensmith.com/free

http://instagram.com/heyamygreensmith

http://facebook.com/heyamygreensmith

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

http://twitter.com/heyamygreen

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Beth discuss:

• Beth’s creative path from in-house designer to entrepreneur

• The importance of making time for self-improvement and finding joy in learning something new

• Benefits of using technology, like Procreate, to create art anywhere

• Challenges of rejection and finding a supportive community in pursuing creative work

• How she discovered her passion for teaching

• Balancing creative pursuits with other responsibilities

• The power in consistent creativity and its effect on health

• Her upcoming course, free workshops and podcast

• And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Connect with Beth:

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

https://bdi-celebrate.today/

Create Today Podcast

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

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

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

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Ping discuss:

• What it was like growing up during cultural revolution in China and what it taught her

• Taking charge of your own destiny and understanding what you want out of your own life and business

• Considering your own business risks and personal aspirations

• Taking baby steps and being unafraid of your own possibility and potential

• Navigating health challenges for herself and her child and how they affected her business

• How she balances motherhood and a creative business

• The richness of opportunities that come from collaboration

• Passion, authenticity and self-belief

• And more!

Connect with Ping:

www.pinghe.art

www.instagram.com/pinghe.art

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Lynn Whipple’s 100 Bad Paintings

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

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

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

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

Margo and Jade discuss:

• Jade’s year of transformation that led her to shamanic and spiritual work

• What a Shamanic Practitioner is and does

• Use of practices like meditation and connecting with nature for healing

• The connection between creativity and spirituality

• Tapping into our inner-child through creativity

• The commonality of being an empath among highly creative people

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety in sharing creative work

• And more

Connect with Jade:

www.mudlotuslife.com 

www.instagram.com/jadelotuschen 

Illuminated Women’s Business Retreat

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Rukmini discuss:

• Her personal and artistic journey

• The connection between emotions and art

• How vulnerability can inspire others

• Recognizing and working through different forms of resistance such as self-sabotage and procrastination

• The links between art, emotions, and mental wellness

• The importance of creativity for individuals in corporate roles and the need for more humanity in the workspace

• Her journey with 100-day projects

• Overcoming creative challenges

• The beauty in naivety when you’re doing something for the first time

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram

The Art of War by Steven Pressfield

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Connect with Rukmini:

Draw Your Feelings by Rukmini Poddar

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

https://www.dearruksi.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Marisa discuss:

• Her creative path and how spirituality plays a role in her many creative mediums

• Cultivating creativity, finding support in a creative community, and connecting with one's authentic voice

• The challenges of balancing creative pursuits with jobs

• Creating a sacred space for creativity

• Her 9 month coaching program

• How we are intrinsically creative beings

• How we do our best creative work by becoming who we truly are

• Embracing our shadow

• Viewing our obstacles as allies

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

Connect with Marisa:

www.marisahandler.com

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

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

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

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

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

https://insighttimer.com/marisacreates

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Britta discuss:

• Her desire to be seen as someone different than she was typically seen as and how that was a catalyst in showing up in a new way

• The power in showing up without overthinking

• Creating a community versus creating following

• What it means to be authentic and step into your power

• Her role as a full time caregiver, special needs advocate and what it’s taught her

• Breaking the stereotype of what a plus size woman should wear

• Taking control of your own experiences and becoming an expert in your own life

• Finding a balance between making a profit and helping people

• Overcoming rejection before finding success on social media

• How paying it forward and helping others has resulted in unexpected rewards and joy

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

Connect with Britta:

www.instagram.com/britt_dazzle

www.facebook.com/Britta Borden-Tabor

www.tiktok.com/@brittatabor

https://thebeekeepher.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Robyn discuss:

• How Margo first discovered Robyn and how her creative path has evolved since that time.

• The transformative power of art and the importance of personal growth and experimentation

• Her artistic process and techniques as well as the challenges she has faced in the art world

• The importance of community and the power of bravery in supporting one another

• How her trauma has played a role in her creativity and even lends itself to her work

• Her upcoming book, storytelling through painting, musings, and poetry

• What it means to utilize rebel energy in creativity

• Intuitive art making

• And more!

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

Connect with Robyn:

https://www.instagram.com/robyn_thayer_fine_art

www.RobynThayer.com

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

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Cass discuss:

• Her creative entrepreneurial path and the many different niches she’s worked in

• Discovering and developing her own artistic style and how she helps others in discovering theirs

• Why collaborating is the backbone of her creative career

• Strategies and practices that have helped her maintain a positive and productive mindset 

• Her surface pattern design course and mentorship opportunities

• Following joy and curiosity. How she does it herself and how she encourages others to embrace their creative pursuits

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

Connect with Cass:

https://www.instagram.com/cassdellerdesign

https://www.cassdeller.com.au

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Ivy discuss:

• Her path from dental hygienist to full time creative artist and what helped her take the leap

• The impact that studying abroad in France had on her

• Her experience working with a mastermind group and with mentors

• Creating a wholesale catalog and why it was crucial in the success of her business

• Collaborating with local stores and businesses before casting a wider net 

• Ways to stand out in a world of digital communication, specifically with handwritten notes

• Building credibility, reputation, and experience as a creative

• Finding a supportive community 

• And more

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

Connect with Ivy: 

https://ivypaperie.com/

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

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

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• Lisa’s creative path and how she became involved with Procreate

• Discovering and creating new Photoshop brush styles

• Launching her daily art challenge

• The endless creativity and benefits of using procreate

• Procreate enhances art, replicates traditional techniques.

• The beauty of connection and collaboration when it comes to creating and how she nurtures her online communities

• Approachable techniques to improve artistic skills quickly.

• Drawing in Procreate and digitally versus pen to paper

• And her new book, Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide to Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

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

Connect with Lisa:

https://bardotbrush.com/

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

https://www.artmakersclub.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artmakersclub

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

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill