Windowsill Chats

Beyond Beautiful Spaces: Turning Creative Passion Into a Meaningful Career with Rebecca Ward

Margo is joined by interior designer, mentor, and entrepreneur Rebecca Ward for a conversation about creativity, career pivots, and the impact our homes have on daily life. As the CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design [https://rwarddesign.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com], Rebecca has spent more than 20 years creating contemporary spaces that help families live beautifully and function intentionally. She shares how her love for interiors started in childhood and eventually evolved into a thriving design career and mentorship platform. Margo and Rebecca explore the many paths into interior design, including second-career transitions and turning creative passions into sustainable businesses. They also discuss the psychology behind our environments, the realities of running a design business, and why mentorship and boundaries matter so much for creatives. It's an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative career that supports both artistry and real life. Margo and Rebecca discuss: * Rebecca's early creative influences and path into interior design * Why interior design is often a second or third career for creatives * The emotional and psychological impact of our homes * How thoughtful design improves everyday life and wellbeing * The realities of running a successful interior design business * Setting boundaries and managing client expectations * The value of mentorship for aspiring designers * Encouragement for creatives considering a career pivot or side hustle Connect with Rebecca: * Website: Rebecca Ward Design [https://rwarddesign.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Mentorship & Bootcamp: My Design Mentor * Instagram: @rwarddesign [https://www.instagram.com/rwarddesign/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Podcast: Design Curious Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/design-curious-interior-design-podcast-interior-design/id1639838828?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 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]

The Magic of Letting Go: Motherhood, Illustration, and Redefining the "Successful Artist" with Natalie Lundeen

Margo is joined by illustrator and children's book artist Natalie Lundeen for a candid conversation about creativity, motherhood, burnout, and redefining what it means to be a "successful" artist. Based in Clearwater, Florida, Natalie specializes in children's books, greeting cards, and licensed artwork, with illustrations spanning indie publishing, Etsy products, and now traditional publishing through Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her newest books, Dear Mom and Dear Dad, were released this spring. Natalie shares the winding path that led her from fine art and gallery work into illustration, how becoming a mother completely reshaped her creative process, and the surprising timing of landing a two-book publishing deal just days after deciding to step away from illustration professionally. Margo and Natalie explore the freedom that can come from releasing pressure, the realities of balancing creative work with financial stability, and why having a part-time job outside the art world doesn't make someone any less of an artist. It's an honest and refreshing conversation about building a creative life that actually supports your wellbeing—not just your résumé. Margo and Natalie discuss: * Natalie's transition from oil painting and gallery work into children's book illustration * How motherhood reshaped both her artistic style and creative priorities * Building early illustration opportunities through Etsy, Instagram, and indie authors * The realities of self-publishing projects, client boundaries, and revision expectations * Landing a traditional publishing deal after deciding to step away from illustration full time * Why returning to part-time cleaning work helped her enjoy art again * Redefining success outside of the "full-time artist" narrative * The importance of flexibility, creative friendships, and sustainable creative cycles * How personal projects and experimentation can open unexpected doors * Why artists shouldn't feel shame around taking outside work to support their creativity Connect with Natalie: * Website: https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/ [https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/] * Instagram: @natlundeen [https://www.instagram.com/natlundeen/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 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]

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] 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]

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]