Episoder
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Margo is joined by Annie Atkins, a graphic designer and legendary prop maker for film and television. She is known for her work with Wes Anderson on The Grand Budapest Hotel, which won the Academy Award for Best Production Design at the 87th Academy Awards. Since then, she has worked again with Wes Anderson on Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch as well as on Steven Speilberg's West Side Story and Bridge of Spies. Annie’s first book, Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps, was published in 2020 by Phaidon. In her first children's book, Letters From The North Pole, five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back! Through five letters from Santa that children can pull out and read, the hidden world of the North Pole is revealed, from how reindeer can sleep standing up to what snacks Santa would like left out on Christmas Eve, and how he gets round the world so quickly. This is a nostalgic and festive tale, reminiscent of the classic The Jolly Postman and Annie's iconic work on such films as The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Margo and Annie discuss:
How Annie’s upbringing in a creative household influenced her decision to pursue graphic design and the pivotal moments that led her into the film industry
Her impressive portfolio working on films and specific challenges and joys she encountered while working with distinctive styles of directors
Hand-lettering vs. digital design
Film prop details and some of the various intricate props she crafted
Learning through mistakes, how using a 50-star flag instead of a 48-star flag in Bridge of Spies taught her to ensure historical accuracy
Personal Projects vs. Commissioned Work
What the job of a graphic designer on a film set typically involves and how it contributes to the overall storytelling in a movie
Her captivating and interactive new children's book, Letters from the North Pole
Connect with Annie:
www.instagra.com/AnnieAtkins
www.annieatkins.com
Connect with Margo:
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.windowsillchats.com
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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In this previously aired episode, Margo is joined by (former) Productivity Coach & Online Business Consultant Chelsea Wessman. Chelsea is a popcorn obsessed, mom of 3, living next to the Utah mountains and is passionate about empowering ambitious mompreneurs to take back their time, make more money without putting in more hours, and create a life that aligns with their values. She helps ambitious women to optimize time, money, and mindset without sacrificing sanity through systems, financial freedom, and time management hacks.
They discuss:
The difference between productivity and being busy and how to figure out which one you’re spending more of your time being
Why you don’t have to time block or map out your entire day, week, or month to be productive
When you should have a template or system for certain things in your life or business
How she helps creatives and other business owners map out online product and service promotional launches
Reverse engineering goals
The importance of clarity and structure
How mindset plays into productivity
Chelsea is passionate about inspiring others to see more for their life, do more of what matters most, and be more of who you’re meant to be because you’ll never regret investing the time and effort required to reach your potential.
Resources Mentioned:
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard
Connect with Chelsea:
https://view.flodesk.com/emails/63caebcf75888582c8c6b579
www.instagram.com/chelseawessman
Chelsea’s Jumpstart Checklists Resource
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Manglende episoder?
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Margo is joined by travel designer, leader of design trips & retreats, and the author of Paris by Design: An Inspired Guide to the City’s Creative Side, Eva Jorgensen. Eva is also a 17 year design industry veteran with an MFA degree who has taught art, ran an artisanal stationery company for a decade, curated an independent gift shop, and worked as a freelance creative director. Eva grew up in California and lived in France, Belgium, and Ohio for much of her 20s. She now lives in the Utah mountains with her husband, Kirk, and their 2 kids.
Margo and Eva discuss:
Eva's upbringing in California and early artistic inspiration.
How both her Mother’s stories and influence and her Father’s entrepreneurial background guided her creative path.
How she went from operating a letterpress business to organizing exclusive creative retreats.
Her exciting plans for upcoming design-focused trips to Belgium and the Cotswolds.
Balancing artistic dreams with family life.
Her Ambition to one day write and direct an independent feature film.
Finding inspiration through nature, travel, and being offline.
How writing a magazine turned into a book.
The importance of connection and how her retreats bring people together.
Eva’s upcoming retreats.
Connect with Eva:
https://www.evajorgensen.com/
https://www.evajorgensen.com/letters-from-eva
www.instagram.com/evajorgensentravel
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by dynamic artist, entrepreneur, and the visionary CEO, Amber Byers Amber is the CEO and founder of Tadpole Press. She leads with creativity and inclusivity, serving as the head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international competition that celebrates the power of words and fosters a vibrant community of writers. Her passion for writing extends beyond the contest; she regularly blogs at Living a Life Imagined, where she shares her commitment to positivity and authenticity as a creative force. Amber’s literary works reflect her imaginative spirit and diverse background, including The Magic Door Origin Story, a sci-fi tale inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which garnered a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in 2019. Amber shares her journey from attorney to influential writer and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of creativity, authenticity, and diverse voices in literature and shares her cultural roots with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and her mission to foster inclusivity through her work.
Margo and Amber discuss:
Her transition from legal career to writer and entrepreneur
The internationally loved 100-word writing contest
Her cultural roots with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and how they shape her creative expression
How influences like Simone Biles and Liz Gilbert shape her philosophy
The significance of cultural heritage, gender identity, and the inclusive mission of Tadpole Press
Being unafraid to stand out by not following the rules
Discovering abundance in limitless creative expression and joy
How identity as an agender and biracial person influenced their approach to writing and editing
Connect with Amber:
https://www.tadpolepress.com/welcome
https://www.tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest
https://www.tadpolepress.com/blog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj35X6TwPVA
https://www.tadpolepress.com/post/my-pronouns
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined for another Creative Current Events catch up with the one and only Abby Campbell. They dive into a rich blend of creative insights and practical tips to boost productivity and brand presence - and of course, a little AI. Join them as they discuss their latest favorite articles from the interwebs including Jenna Kutcher's approach to mastering Instagram, complete with her valuable hacks for time management and content organization, a groundbreaking AI copyright infringement case featuring artist Jenga Zhang, and its potential impact on the art world, a creative cat named Momo who aids in the marketing behind a pottery brand, the latest in color-matching technology with the Nix eyedropper tool, how companies like West Elm are redefining Halloween decor, and a whole lot more.
Mentioned:
Reels from Hans Lorei Design
https://www.instagram.com/hansloreidesign
Copyright infringement case against AI Image Generators
https://venturebeat.com/ai/artists-celebrate-as-copyright-infringement-case-against-ai-image-generators-moves-forward/
Momo the Cat’s pottery is selling out!
https://www.instagram.com/feeeuuhh/
New color-matching-capturing gadget, Nix
https://www.nixsensor.com/mini-3-color-sensor/?_gl=1*1lqdpt6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTk0MDgxMjAyMC4xNzIzODM2Mjky*_ga_9615G94BKR*MTcyMzg0MzM1NS4yLjAuMTcyMzg0MzM1NS4wLjAuMA..&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjOC-8OZ8yR2qT1KMBGyCUspMN-TpK-7_5IEECCQCPHkuw0-fqjKEDBoCM2QQAvD_BwE
Jenna Kutcher on Instagram Productivity hacks that actually WORK
https://jennakutcher.com/
Article:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/instagram-productivity?_hsmi=318394396
Replacing the word “Unfortunately“ in the workplace
https://www.thecandidly.com/2019/lets-stop-using-this-one-word-in-professional-settings
Summerween
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween
https://www.westelm.com/shop/holidays/halloween/?Kenshoo=_k_CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjFUqGEkX43GdLtzJqsTqyBzf_E5Lalh1H9fJjkon2LtxPyclOzl8mBoCnDYQAvD_BwE_k_&cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Brand_Search_Holiday_Exact&cm_ite=west%20elm%20halloween_18579335980_kwd-929824583416&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjFUqGEkX43GdLtzJqsTqyBzf_E5Lalh1H9fJjkon2LtxPyclOzl8mBoCnDYQAvD_BwE
Connect with Abby:
https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/
https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by Kenzie Elston, the whimsical artist behind Snippets of Whimsy. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, Kenzie began her career designing for Procter & Gamble's Pampers and Always brands. Now freelancing, she licenses her joyful illustrations and playful hand lettering to gift, garden, stationery, and home decor companies. Known as a "positivity artist," Kenzie’s creative identity shines through her love for color, florals, and uplifting designs. Beyond art, she enjoys collecting sketchbooks, antique tchotchkes, and novels, and she lives for daily dance parties with her two young sons.
Margo and Kenzie discuss:
Her journey from working for Proctor and Gamble to finding her unique voice as an illustrator
Growing up in a creative atmosphere & finding your own way.
Using elements to create, and building a design bank.
What playing with your art & creativity opens up
Her intuitive approach to art
Finding a knack for blending family life with a flourishing creative career
Drawing inspiration from her children
The importance of creating cohesive collections
Navigating market trends
The necessity in holding strong boundaries as a creative
Upcoming retreats that promise to build a close-knit community of like-minded creatives
Connect with Kenzie:
www.snippetsofwhimsy.com
www.instagram.com/snippetsofwhimsy
ReStart Make Art (Retreat!): https://www.restartmakeart.com/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by Sonoma Valley-based artist Alex Cole, whose paintings are inspired by her travels and the Northern California landscapes. Her work has been featured in RUE magazine and published in “Wild Lands” and “Artist of the Bay Area” by Jen Tough. With over twenty years of experience, Alex’s art is characterized by her love of contrast in color, texture, and pattern, and her pieces can be found in collections across the US, Europe, and Canada.
Born in Bronxville, New York, and raised in Paris and Ibiza, Alex was exposed to diverse cultures that greatly influenced her artistic style. After earning a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, she moved to Sonoma, California, where she began teaching at the Sonoma Community Center. Her workshops and retreats, held both locally and internationally, encourage others to tap into their creative potential by exploring nature and embracing experimentation. Alex's work, including her public art project for The City of Santa Rosa, showcases her dedication to inspiring creativity in others.
Margo and Alex discuss:
Her creative path and how growing up abroad impacted her creative journey
Embracing vulnerability and creativity through art and teaching
Saying yes to new opportunities in art and life
Creative freedom and the power of play
Building authentic connections
Embracing the unknown in artistry
Giving back through art
The power of saying YES
How facilitating workshops in Spain shaped her approach to teaching and learning simultaneously
How non-verbal communication can enhance the exchange of creative ideas in an artistic setting
Finding alignment in personal core values when it comes to creating
How she inspires others to be brave in art making and business
Connect with Alex:
https://www.alexcolestudio.com
https://www.instagram.com/alexcolestudio/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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It’s time for Creative Current Events! Margo and friend Abby Campbell are diving into the creative realm and catching up on the latest articles and happenings and giving you the footnotes so you don’t have to! They discuss the joys of creating art on walls vs traditional canvas, the importance of pushing creative boundaries, Canva’s report on creativity and AI, Apple’s new AI partnership, a controversial olympic ad, Anthropolgie’s new adaptive clothing line, and more.
Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!
Mentioned:
Lori Siebert’s Windowsill Workshophttps://www.yourtantaustudio.com/lorisiebert2024?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourtantaustudio.com%2Fa%2F2147917190%2FQzSoxhML
Garance Dore (Instagram Post)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C328nZyN5kc/?hl=en&img_index=1
Kit Kemp Design (Instagram Post)
https://www.instagram.com/kitkempdesignthread/?hl=en
Kelly O’Neal/Design Legacy Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/design_legacy
The Canva Report on Creativity in the Workplace
https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/hbr-creativity-report/?li_fat_id=94056869-ea57-4646-ba01-e9b51f8ba7ce
The News so far on “Apple Intelligence” https://www.theneurondaily.com/p/apple-intelligence-finally?utm_source=www.theneurondaily.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=apple-s-ai-tease
Google Olympics ad sparks new ire over generative AI
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/31/google-olympics-ad-ai-gemini-ire?_hsmi=318224684
Swiss army knife maker to produce range without a blade
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/07/swiss-army-knife-maker-to-produce-version-without-a-blade
Anthropologie Adaptive Clothing Collection
https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/anthropologie-adaptive-clothing-collection/
https://www.anthropologie.com/stories-adaptive-fashion-for-everyone
Connect with Abby:
https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/
https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by Ana Bianchi, an artist, designer, illustrator, children's book author, and color enthusiast. Ana shares her journey from her early beginnings in art to her diverse range of creative projects. Originally from Mexico and having spent many years in New York, Ana now resides in the Bay Area, where she uses her garden as a natural color lab for her photography and color project, Color/Flora. Ana's work spans branding, illustrated graphic design, the PaperGirl Collection, surface design, and ceramics, with color as the unifying element throughout. She has exhibited her art globally, including in Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Greece, and New York City.
Margo and Ana discuss:Understanding Trends: design versus fashion and the average lifespan of a trend
Audience: Who follows trends, and who pays attention to them?
The Origin of Trends: how trends are initiated, spotting them early, and identifying emerging trends
Engaging with Trends: when to engage, maintaining individuality, and is it possible to ignore trends as creative business owners?
Color Trends: Pantone, industry specific color trends, color of the year
Era-based color cycles and navigating trends you don’t care for
Navigating trends you dislike
Impact on artistry: Do color trends hinder artistic individuality?
Timeless colors, desired trends, and finding inspiration
Connect with Ana:
https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/
https://www.analovescolor.com/
Connect with Margo:
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.windowsillchats.com
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by award nominated content creator with over a decade of experience in social media marketing and Canva design, Georgia Williams. She is also the host of "Content Tea with G," her popular global podcast, where she delivers a unique blend of creativity, social media content and northern charm, inspiring listeners worldwide to embrace their own authenticity, and stand out through content creation. She also performs regularly as a professional singer and has been featured in The Mirror, The Daily Mail, the BBC and others. As a singer, she has entertained crowds of up to 7,000 people. With her unique blend of marketing knowledge and stage performance, Georgia is on a mission to help business owners create social media content with more joy and show up exactly as they are, both online and off.
Margo and Georgia discuss:
her creative journey and decade-long experience in social media marketing
How her upbringing in a creative environment shaped her career
What it means and looks like to be a Canva ambassador
Her time on The Voice UK and being mentored by Tom Jones
The highs and lows of public perception and what it has taught her in business (and showing up online)
Leveraging personal interests for content creation
Authenticity and mental health
Thoughts on AI and creativity
Motherhood and how it’s influenced her professional aspirations and creative pursuits
Connect with Georgia:
https://www.instagram.com/rayofsocial/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiawilliamsrayofsocial/
https://www.facebook.com/rayofsocial
https://www.tiktok.com/@rayofsocial
https://www.threads.net/@rayofsocial
https://open.spotify.com/show/2Gza4gxFeCElcNS0UDsLP3
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/content-tea-with-g-content-tips-and-ideas/id1727143437
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by middle-aged Minnesotan, Author, creative, and Tax Preparer Steve Hoffman. Steve who has always been in love with France, both the country and the idea of it as a place where he can be a better version of himself moved together with his family to the small village of Autignac in southern France, where he quickly realized life there was far from his romanticized expectations. Through cooking what the local grocer suggested and learning winemaking from a neighbor, he discovered the true beauty of a culture deeply connected with its landscape. Steve is a Minnesota tax preparer and award-winning food writer, with his work published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune. His memoir, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France, will be published in July 2024. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly puggle, 80,000 honeybees, and a pair of sandhill cranes
Margo and Steve discuss:
Steve’s creative journey and the inspiration that found him
The transformative aspects of his family's extended stay in the Languedoc Region of Southern France
Impact of working in the vines and a village winery on perspective towards wine and winemaking
Changes in travel philosophy after the experience in France
The challenges and rewards of parenting both abroad and at home
How he inspires and encourages his kids in their creativity
Sneak peek of upcoming appearance on The Splendid Table on July 18
Where to find Steve’s work, follow his journey, and purchase his new memoir
Connect with Steve:
www.sjrhoffman.com
https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Catching up on all things creative current events and highlighting some fun and interesting articles, Margo is joined by friend and current event co-host Abby Campbell. This week they are discussing the growth challenges Cara has been facing and how we can give grace, Etsy’s updated stance on AI, Sticker Mule's political controversy, how a baseball hit made a beer company millions, and finding inspiration outside of our own online algorithm.
Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!
Mentioned in this episode:
Cara Facing New Challenges
https://www.fastcompany.com/91157162/the-cara-app-went-viral-now-it-faces-new-challenges
Etsy’s stand on AI from their Handbook
https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1275449912004
More on Etsy & New Naming Categories
https://www.fastcompany.com/91153074/etsy-is-using-humans-to-stand-out-in-an-ai-obsessed-world
Etsy’s Ad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUFvwHBZOgo
A Dramatic Reading of a Small Business Customer Service Email
Leigh Standley of Curly Girl Cards
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9nJezDON6E/
Ariadne Kritonos on Instagram!
Thanks for the thoughtful discussion, Ariadne.
https://www.instagram.com/ariadnekritonos/
Coopers Light - Coors Light’s OUT Campaign
Unintentionally started by Angels Player Shohei Otani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5GQvqfqRSU
Connect with Abby:
https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/
https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by Arianne Foulks. Arianne is the founder of Aeolidia, a Shopify development agency that's been working with creative shop owners since 2004. Her team blends strategy and design to create super-effective Shopify sites, email marketing, and branding. She is also a popular educator and small business enthusiast. As a champion for creative brands, she has a 17+ year reputation for thoughtful redesigns that help businesses level up. She loves having a problem to solve, and has focused throughout her career on building online homes for fascinating people. She is also a mom of two teenagers, enjoys walking, and always has a pile of books by her bed.
Margo and Arianne discuss:
Arianne’s creative history of crafting beaded jewelry and zines in her childhood to transforming the online presence of creative e-commerce businesses
How she cultivated her niche in the e-commerce industry
The challenges of selling unique products in a market flooded with mass-produced items
The power of storytelling in e-commerce.
Core values and how they guide Aeolidia
the significance of having a minimum viable product
continuous evolution of brand voice
How and why her team switched to a four day work week
how to avoid scope creep and set good expectations when working with clients
Using the Entrepreneurial Operating System to run a business
Connect with Arianne:
https://aeolidia.com/
https://www.instagram.com/aeolidia/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannefoulks/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by friend and former guest, Michael Schultz. Michael is the co-owner and creative eye of Cursive New York, which operates 2 stores in New York City. Cursive is a tightly focused concept with the simple mission of cultivating joy. Michael, along with his husband, Douglas Duncan, have established Cursive as a strong and forward voice in the industry where they offer gift, stationery, home and lifestyle products and is constantly evolving. Cursive operated in New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal for 11 years and within ABC Carpet & Home for 15 years, until the Covid-19 pandemic upended those long runs. Making lemonade out of lemons, Schultz and Duncan doubled down on New York and opened 2 shops in New York’s West Village neighborhood, 4 blocks apart. One shop is true to the original Cursive vision, while Cursive Home is the brand's extension into home goods.
Margo and Michael discuss:
Going all in on yourself, trusting your gut and having confidence in your creativity
The thin line between inspiration and imitation within the digital landscape
The risks of looking too closely at others' work and what it can lead to
The importance of developing a unique point of view
The patience and vulnerability required to pave your own path in the creative industry
Maintaining confidence in one's original work even if it isn't immediately recognized
Strategies that artists and designers can use to cultivate their own original ideas
Setting yourself apart as a leader and visionary by thinking two steps ahead
Connect with Michael:
www.instagram.com/cursivenewyork
www.instagram.com/curisvenyhome
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Join Margo and Abby Campbell for another creative current events catch-up! They discuss boosting self-confidence by ditching "imposter syndrome," explore innovative product design, and highlight the winners of Penguin Books' 2024 Cover Design Contest. They also delve into the latest trends in the art world and share personal anecdotes on overcoming creative blocks. Tune in for insightful discussions and actionable tips to fuel your creative journey.
Mentioned:
https://www.reddit.com/r/DefendingAIArt/comments/1da6ctq/cara_was_doomed_to_fail_from_the_beginning/
https://www.creativeboom.com/tips/how-to-be-more-confident-as-a-creative/https://www.creativeboom.com/news/penguin-reveals-the-winners-of-its-2024-cover-design-award/
https://www.bandanaofthemonth.club/
https://hudsonvalleyseed.com/pages/call-for-art
https://sowtrueseed.com/pages/art-call
https://www.westcoastseeds.com/pages/artist-packet-contest
Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!
Connect with Abby:
https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/
https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by one man band, Dan Checkers otherwise known as Dan & Drum. Releasing his debut album in 2017 with no label, connections, or many friends for that matter, he was surprised to see it get millions of streams in the first year, thanks to creators like Jenna Marbles featuring the music. Since then, he's been consistently releasing music, earning 10s of millions of streams across platforms, while touring across the US. Since COVID, he's been selling personalized songs to fans that are then publicly released later- which he finds to be his most artistically fulfilling venture to date!
Margo and Dan discuss:
His path into music and niching into personalized music
The power of networking and connections in the music industry
How he transformed challenges brought on by the pandemic into an opportunity
His process of songwriting
His belief in the personal being universal
Personal struggles with depression and how a gift from his mom became a crucial outlet
How social media algorithms can be leveraged to build an audience
Potential benefits and limitations of signing with a music label
Connect with Dan:
https://www.dananddrum.com/personalizedsongs
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZajCRAa7VEcTytwxzr20a
https://www.instagram.com/dananddrum/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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In part 2 of 2, Margo is joined by calligrapher and author, Brittany DeSantis. Brittany is most well known for her focus on mindfulness and the sensory experience of writing and creating: the sound of the pen on the paper, the way the ink flows on the page, the concentration it takes to form each stroke and how to find a "flow" by doing something just beyond your comfort zone. Journaling has become Brittany’s main focus. She pairs art and writing to show others a barrier-free way of expressing themselves and feels the outcome is always less important than the act of creating itself.
Margo and Brittany discuss:
Her path from rediscovering her love for art in a watercolor calligraphy class to founding Peak Paper Co
Transitioning from an advertising job to full-time artistry
How creating simple forms helped her in combating creative block
Art as a tool for navigating grief
Strategies that Brittany has found to be effective in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities like motherhood and entrepreneurship
The value of reaching out for mutually beneficial relationships
The importance of creating a supportive space for creativity
Finding inspiration from neuroaesthetics and the science-backed benefits of art-making
How she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on teaching beginners
Her groundbreaking grief journal proposal and what it’s led to
What it’s been like to partner with a renowned brand like Montblanc
The therapeutic benefits of art and journaling
An upcoming retreat in Portugal that promises to be a haven for creative minds
And so much more
Connect with Brittany:
www.peakpaperco.com
www.peakpaperco.com/my-book
https://www.amazon.com/Forget-You-Not-Keepsake-Navigating/dp/1958803375
www.instagram.com/peakpaperco
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by artist, calligrapher, and avid journaler, Brittany DeSantis. After making a big cross-country move to Alberta, Canada nearly a decade ago, Brittany fell in love with the mountains and back in love with art. This move inspired the "peak" in her business name, Peak Paper Co. Through global brand partnerships and from Brittany’s tiny home studio, she's taught the art of calligraphy, watercolor and journaling to over 50 thousand people worldwide. One of Brittany's very cool teaching roles is that of global luxury brand, Montblanc's, Inspire Writing instructor. She focuses on the "beginner" stage as she believes we're all inherently creative and our own handwriting is a gift. Brittany is the proud mother of two young daughters and now, a published author who still deeply misses her dad. Art and writing inadvertently helped her cope with his loss 20 years ago, and still does to this day. It's why she created a guided grief journal to help others find the power of putting pen to paper when we're going through hard times.
Margo and Brittany discuss:
Her path from rediscovering her love for art in a watercolor calligraphy class to founding Peak Paper Co
Transitioning from an advertising job to full-time artistry
How creating simple forms helped her in combating creative block
Art as a tool for navigating grief
Strategies that Brittany has found to be effective in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities like motherhood and entrepreneurship
The value of reaching out for mutually beneficial relationships
The importance of creating a supportive space for creativity
Finding inspiration from neuroaesthetics and the science-backed benefits of art-making
How she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on teaching beginners
Her groundbreaking grief journal proposal and what it’s led to
What it’s been like to partner with a renowned brand like Montblanc
The therapeutic benefits of art and journaling
An upcoming retreat in Portugal that promises to be a haven for creative minds
And so much more
Connect with Brittany:
www.peakpaperco.com
www.peakpaperco.com/my-book
https://www.amazon.com/Forget-You-Not-Keepsake-Navigating/dp/1958803375
www.instagram.com/peakpaperco
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Back with a creative current events update, Margo is joined by Abby Campbell. They dive into the latest social media app, Cara, and its mission to filter out generative AI images so that people who want to find authentic creatives and artwork can do so easily, Meta’s somewhat scary new AI policies and the difficulty in opting out, and Adobe versus the Ansel Adams Estate - what went wrong and what kinds of processes should be in place to ensure it doesn’t happen in the future.
Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!
Connect with Abby:
https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/
https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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Margo is joined by seasoned artist, designer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the creative industry Paul Pape. Paul’s journey began with a passion for education stemming from a need to escape an abusive childhood. Eventually, he found his way to design and fabrication, which led to the creation of thousands of personalized products for clients worldwide as well as industry giants such as Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon and more.. In recent years, he’s pivoted to empowering Creatives, Companies and Corporations, sharing his expertise and insights to help them embrace innovation, reverse the Creativity Crisis and make life and work FUN again. As a speaker, educator, and mentor, he inspires others to unleash their creative potential and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.
Margo and Paul discuss:
Pauls personal creative journey and how an abusive childhood played a role from inspiration to career
How the industrial revolution shifted jobs towards more creative pursuits and how technology now frees us for even greater imaginative endeavors
How customized creations can touch lives in unexpected ways
The incredible impact creativity can have on our lives
Dealing with copyright and trademark challenges
Empowering the next generation of creatives
The importance of failing with purpose
Nurturing creativity in education
The evolving role of technology and AI in artistic expression
His unique framework to foster creativity called PLAY (Ponder, Learn, Apply, Yield)
Joy and importance of teaching without gatekeeping
Connect with Paul:
https://paulpape.it/
https://www.youtube.com/paulpapedesigns
https://www.instagram.com/paulpapedesigns/
https://www.facebook.com/paulpapedesigns
Freebie! https://talk.ac/paulpape?code=WINDOWSILL
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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