Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by illustrator, author, and sketchbook enthusiast Mike Lowery, a New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator whose work spans over 80 books, greeting cards, magazines, and even food trucks. Known for his playful, humor-infused drawings, Mike shares his creative journey and insights into the business of illustration. In addition to making books, Mike is an avid sketchbook-keeper and has taught classes worldwide, including more than 30,000 students in-person and online, and encourages others to join him in starting a daily drawing habit and in the business of illustration.   Margo and Mike discuss: * How Mike’s childhood passion for drawing superheroes in a Filipino grocery store led to a career in illustration * The moment he received his first check for his art (and why he still keeps it) * His love for humor in art and how it shaped his path in children's book illustration * The importance of maintaining a consistent sketchbook practice for creativity and career growth * How to build a portfolio that speaks directly to potential clients by focusing on project-based ideas * The evolving role of social media for artists and how he approaches it today * Finding inspiration through travel, daily life, and keeping curiosity alive * Teaching and encouraging others to start a daily drawing habit * The intersection of art and business—how to navigate the industry and create a sustainable career   Connect with Mike:  www.gettingpaidtodraw.com [http://www.gettingpaidtodraw.com] www.mikelowery.com [http://www.mikelowery.com] www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio [http://www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio]   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 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://yardia.co/] https://plantcompaniontarot.com/ [https://plantcompaniontarot.com/] https://contentmentovercontent.com/ [https://contentmentovercontent.com/]   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 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://courtneydanielsfilms.com/] https://www.instagram.com/courtneydanielstoyou/ [https://www.instagram.com/courtneydanielstoyou/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-daniels-9abb0864 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-daniels-9abb0864] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFenMHq7I8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFenMHq7I8] https://www.amazon.com/What-Other-Couples-Michael-Friedman/dp/B00QLZRLKK [https://www.amazon.com/What-Other-Couples-Michael-Friedman/dp/B00QLZRLKK] https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-You-Courtney-Daniels/dp/B0CJJZ9VTG [https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-You-Courtney-Daniels/dp/B0CJJZ9VTG]   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]

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

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 [https://suebryce.com/write-your-3x3] Download Sue’s Timeplate Guide: https://suebryce.com/timeplates-guide [https://suebryce.com/timeplates-guide] Follow Sue on Instagram: @suebrycephotographer [https://www.instagram.com/suebrycephotographer] Learn more: https://suebryce.com/ [https://suebryce.com/]   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]