Embracing the Messy Middle: The Twisty, Turny Path to a Creative Life with Nicki Traikos

Embracing the Messy Middle: The Twisty, Turny Path to a Creative Life with Nicki Traikos

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she's built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing. Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing. Margo and Nicki discuss: * Nicki's unexpected path from corporate work and makeup artistry to becoming a full-time artist and educator * The importance of embracing a "twisty, turny" creative journey instead of chasing overnight success * How comparison and curated social media can hold artists back from starting * Why messy sketchbooks and imperfect practice are essential to creative growth * Letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy the tactile experience of making art * The evolution from artist to teacher and building an online creative community during COVID * The pressure to "find your style" and why multi-passionate creativity deserves space * Practical ways to restart a creative practice and make art feel approachable again Connect with Nicki: Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com [https://www.lifeidesign.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign [https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign [https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign] Substack: https://lifeidesign.substack.com [https://lifeidesign.substack.com]

Rhinestones, Reinvention & the Art of Embracing Your Multi-Passionate Mind with Kim Bloomberg of Studio Art Beat (Replay)

In this replay episode, Margo is joined by multi-passionate creative Kim Bloomberg, the joyful force behind Studio Art Beat. A fine artist, educator, and self-proclaimed art supply nerd, Kim brings a refreshing perspective to the creative journey—one that's less about staying in your lane and more about following curiosity wherever it leads. With a background in both fine art and education, over two decades of teaching experience, and years running her own jewelry business, Kim shares how she ultimately found fulfillment by embracing her ADHD-fueled love for switching mediums and diving headfirst into new materials. After leaving behind the New York hustle for the artistic charm of Chicago's North Shore, Kim launched Studio Art Beat as an inclusive space to demystify art and make creativity accessible to all ages. She now leads workshops, partners with brands like Gelli Arts, and teaches online courses—including one that brings rhinestone bedazzling to the masses. Through her story, Kim reminds us that freedom, play, and experimentation are not distractions—they're the path. Margo and Kim discuss: * Growing up in an art-loving family and the creative influence of her parents and grandfather. * Letting go of a long-term jewelry business and the guilt that came with that decision. * How embracing her neurodivergent brain led to business clarity and personal joy. * Turning her natural desire to switch mediums into a strength rather than a struggle. * Building an online art education platform that's welcoming, inclusive, and non-intimidating. * Why sharing her process openly (rather than gatekeeping) has helped her business grow. * Collaborating with brands while maintaining authenticity and community connection. * The value of playful creativity for both kids and adults—and why it's never too late to start. * How she's made rhinestones cool again with her Cricut-powered online course. * The beauty in allowing your creative identity to evolve—and giving others permission to do the same. Connect with Kim: www.studioartbeat.com [https://studioartbeat.com/] www.instagram.com/studioartbeat [http://www.instagram.com/studioartbeat] Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com [https://www.windowsillchats.com/] https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry]

More Play, Less Perfection: Embracing Experimentation and Finding Your Creative Rhythm with Lisa Solomon

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Lisa Solomon to discuss her newest book, Art, Craft, Color—a thoughtfully curated collection of essays, reflections, and creative projects designed to inspire a more playful, hands-on approach to making. Lisa's work explores the intersection of art, craft, and personal history, often blending unexpected materials and techniques to challenge traditional boundaries. Alongside her studio practice, she teaches at the college level and has authored several books on color and creativity. In this conversation, Lisa offers a behind-the-scenes look at her process while reflecting on experimentation, perfectionism, and the power of community. Margo and Lisa discuss: * The origin story behind Art, Craft, Color and how the project came to life * The collaborative process of curating artists, materials, and color palettes * Blurring the lines between art and craft, and why that distinction matters less than we think * Embracing experimentation and stepping outside your creative comfort zone * Letting go of perfectionism and focusing on process over outcome * The impact of social media on creativity—both the inspiration and the pressure * Why working with your hands is more important than ever in today's world * Building community and connection through shared creative practices Connect with Lisa: Website: www.lisasolomon.com [http://www.lisasolomon.com/] Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisasolomon [http://www.instagram.com/lisasolomon] 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]

Paint Brushes to Balance Sheets: Financial Literacy, Tax Knowledge and How to Break the Starving Artist Stereotype With Hannah Cole (Replay)

In this replay episode, 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 [http://www.instagram.com/sunlighttax] www.sunlighttax.com [http://www.sunlighttax.com/] www.sunlighttax.com/podcast [http://www.sunlighttax.com/podcast] 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]

Three Good Things: A Practice in Perspective, Hope, and Everyday Joy with Emily Gaines Demsky

Margo sits down with artist, writer, and creator Emily Gaines Demsky for a conversation centered on creativity, perspective, and the quiet power of noticing what's good. Emily makes vibrant floral paintings (symbols of hope and possibility), and is the founder of Tell Me 3 Good Things, a Substack community practice centered on noticing, naming, and sharing simple moments of goodness each day. Through her work, she invites others to shift their perspective in meaningful, life-giving ways. Emily's approach blends art, writing, and daily ritual into a powerful reminder: even in difficult seasons, we have the ability to choose where we place our attention. From her father's lasting influence to the organic growth of her community, this conversation explores how small, intentional practices can create profound change. Margo and Emily discuss: * How perspective is a daily choice—and how it shapes both creativity and resilience * The origin and impact of the "Tell Me 3 Good Things" practice * The role of grief, joy, and life transitions in shaping creative work * How authenticity fosters deep, meaningful community * The symbolism of flowers as hope, possibility, and light * Toxic positivity versus building resilience * How noticing and naming goodness can shift the way we experience our lives Connect with Emily: * Website: www.emilygainesdemsky.com [http://www.emilygainesdemsky.com] * Tell Me 3 Good Things on Substack: emilygainesdemsky.substack.com [http://emilygainesdemsky.substack.com] * Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilygainesdemsky [http://www.instagram.com/emilygainesdemsky] Connect with Margo: * Website: www.windowsillchats.com [https://www.windowsillchats.com/] * Instagram: @windowsillchats [https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] * www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] * https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry [https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry]