Windowsill Chats

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 [https://bit.ly/WindowsillDesignPlaybook] 2025 Course: Surface Design Immersion- https://bit.ly/WindowsillImmersion [https://bit.ly/WindowsillImmersion] www.bonniechristine.com [http://www.bonniechristine.com] https://www.instagram.com/bonniechristine/ [https://www.instagram.com/bonniechristine/]   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [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/ [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 [https://www.creativebug.com/instructors/lisa-congdon?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1p28BhCBARIsADP9HrNXhEYWUo8t0lx_kNJAOnhMMwWKu6YLgTralGQO8q3Jjg7r6sm4V90aAjHCEALw_wcB]   Connect with Lisa: https://lisacongdon.com/ [https://lisacongdon.com/] https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/# [https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/] https://www.pinterest.com/lisacongdon/ [https://www.pinterest.com/lisacongdon/]   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [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/ [https://www.instagram.com/erin.gallag.her/?hl=en]   Her Spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10yby5fqb4OdqhhakJBN-6ZYWh7nyJ2ZoEWGoOUESDSo/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabsc3b7pNXns-8dAKsp_LktE87Au26EVj4Z0BvaH_TbqjRhKaQoYHRtcBU_aem_3GiEBeXCFqhQKZtg-FIioQ&gid=0#gid=0 [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/ [https://www.instagram.com/pasadenahumane/?hl=en]   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 [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/ [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 [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [https://www.dezeen.com/2024/12/17/ikea-nytillverkad-collection-byakorre-shelf-2025-design/]   Conscientious Alkemis Paint https://alkemispaint.com/collections/all# [https://alkemispaint.com/collections/all]   TikTok Ban https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyng762q4eo [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/ [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/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXoj66OXMU/]   Fyxer AI https://www.fyxer.com/ [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 [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 [https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions]   Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ [https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/] https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ [https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/] https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/ [https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/]   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [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 [https://brookebschultz.com/] Website: https://brookeschultzphotography.com [https://brookeschultzphotography.com/] Instagram: @brookebschultz [http://www.instagram.com/brookebschultz] Wildly Creative Life Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/0b8upzXQGyMRgGj8k91MRf]   Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] Instagram: @windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [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.com [https://www.tiffanyhan.com]Instagram: @thetiffanyhan [https://www.instagram.com/thetiffanyhan] Youtube: @thetiffanyhan [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3TztDOLCFVkY8i3z7at5xQ] Raise Your Hand Say Yes Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raise-your-hand-say-yes-with-tiffany-han/id917071340]   Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com] Instagram: @windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry]