Windowsill Chats Patreon

From Blank Pages to Extravagant Hope: Brandi Kincaid Shares Her Passion When It Comes to Creating Hope for Others and Journaling for the Soul

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:53:32 GMT

Margo is joined by Brandi Kincaid for a chat on finding inspiration, the power of journaling, and the art of sending extravagant hope by mail. Brandy, a tiny treasure seeker and paper lover, shares her experiences as a designer, creator, and curator of monthly hope packages as they delve into the creative process behind these packages, the importance of personal connections, and the impact they have on both the sender and the recipient. Brandy's passion for journaling and her thoughtful, empathetic approach to her work shines through as she shares insights, tips, and glimpses into the art of finding meaning in the world.

Margo and Brandi discuss:

Showing up unapologetically
What it means to bring your tender self to the table
Why she keeps a commonplace book and notebook with her everywhere she goes
How she customizes her Extravagant Hope designs for what her community needs each month
Gentle softness and quiet vs. motivation and a call to action
What her journal pages reflect
Her different art supply preferences
Creating and sharing work as personal expression, not for validation or commercial purposes
Why she still sends physical products instead of going 100% digital
Her process of designing, making, packaging for Extravagant Hope package
Her internal battles when it comes to marketing and promoting
Sourcing inspiration

Mentioned in this episode:

Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell

The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor by Flannery O'Connor and Sally Fitzgerald

Quilts of Gee’s Bend

Connect with Brandi:

https://www.instagram.com/brandi_kincaid

Www.theshinybits.com

Www.Brandikincaid.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring Art, Mental Health, and the Power of Collaboration With Erin Drews and Leigh Standley

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:19:01 GMT

Margo is joined by two creative powerhouses, Erin Drews and Leigh Standley to discuss their collaboration of art, words, and working together. Erin Drews is a Michigan based artist inspired by nature and Fauvism. She loves using color to create visual excitement and play, most typically through the subject of flowers. She's been described as "pink lemonade with a shot of whiskey," and when she's not creating, you can find her laughing, connecting, collecting art, immersing herself in nature, and enjoying the people she loves.

Leigh Standley is the artist, writer and owner of Curly Girl Design, Inc. where her line of clever and colorful greeting cards and gift items have taken the industry by delightful storm. Focused on the magic of the small moments, her product peeks into the corners of life and taps into the hearts of all.Founded in 2003, the company began with just 12 greeting cards and grew steadily. In 2005, Leigh was the recipient of her first LOUIE award for greeting card excellence and was nominated for 3 more in 2010. Her work and studio have been featured in creative publications like Where Women Create, Stationery Trends, Boho Magazine. Leigh believes firmly in the power of a creative community and the power of that community to unlock our truest selves.

Margo, Leigh and Erin discuss:

Their own creative businesses and a beautiful collaboration they’re working on
Mental health, adult ADHD, depression, PTSD, and how it has informed their art
The loneliness that can come from being a solo creative and how they work through that
Some of Erin’s unique art collections
Why she currently has a career outside of her art
What it means to live in wonder and curiosity
The intersection of the creative act and faith or spirituality
The very unique funding model that Erin works on through Hope College and how it can be a difference maker in many people’s lives

Connect with Erin:

www.isntagram.com/drews_barrymore

www.erindrewsart.com

Connect with Leigh:

https://www.curlygirldesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/leigh.standley/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artist Versus Entrepreneur: Sarah Lörenk on How She Helps Artists Reclaim Their Creative Freedom Through Art Business Management

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:52:06 GMT

Margo is joined by independent artist and art business agency owner, Sarah Lörenk. Sarah graduated with a BFA in 2011 and has worked as an independent artist since then. She first began her creative business as a stationary designer moving from retail into wholesale before venturing into street art. She learned through several iterations of her business the difference between artist and entrepreneur and realized there was a big gap in the market for supporting artists as entrepreneurs. Now, through her company, The Time Art, she provides artists with the essential tools and support to help them run successful and sustainable creative businesses.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

Her creative journey from stationary to graffiti and business management
Selling wholesale versus retail as a paper goods creator
Setting goals in relation to who you’re marketing to
Visual intelligence
The fundamental differences between artists and entrepreneurs and why you have to have business structure if you want to turn a profit from your art
The pros and cons of social media as an artist
Why you need to have content pillars and what they look like
Visibility versus profitability
And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy Herman

Connect with Sarah:

https://www.thetime-art.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thetime.art/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetime.art

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turning Autopilot off and Creativity On. How a Life Changing Diagnoses Turned Into a Creative and Spiritual Journey of Presence, Wonder and Curiosity for Carrie Schmitt

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:59:00 GMT

Margo is joined by artist, art retreat facilitator, and author Carrie Schmitt. Carrie began painting in 2009 while bedridden after being diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to heat. She paid attention to a very poignant internal message. Since then she has devoted her life to creativity in many facets and allows herself and creativity to continue to evolve. Her mission is to teach students not only how to paint, but more importantly to have a loving relationship with your art because it has the power to heal, empower, and transform us when we offer it our tenderness instead of our criticism.

Carrie teaches online classes and in-person retreats at her home and artist sanctuary called House of Miracles in Steilacoom, Washington. She also licenses her art for products, including stationary, home décor, clothing, and more. She has written several books, including The Story of Every Flower, a 10 year celebration of her journey as an artist. Her picture book A Flower in Her Heart: The True Story of an Artist Who Bloomed, won the Mom’s Choice Award in 2022.

Margo and Carrie discuss:

How creativity has guided her through big life changes and transitions
Her life changing diagnosis and how it really became the catalyst to her spiritual and creative journey
The story of what she calls her “accidental spiritual pilgrimage” and what she learned from it
Creating the House of Miracles and how it came to be
Her experience of working through feelings of shame and silent suffering and how things changed when she became more vulnerable and spoke on her struggles
Honoring the feminine
Why she talks and listens to her paintings and encourages others to do the same
Finding freedom and non-judgement within herself
Getting to know creativity in a new way

Mentioned in this episode:

Puget Sound Plungers

Chromophobia by David Batchelor

Ilarion Merculieff

Connect with Carrie:

www.carrieschmittdesign.com

www.instagram.com/carrieschmitt

www.facebook.com/CarrieSchmittArtAndDesign

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Envisioning vs. Embodying: Unlocking Your Creative Potential with a Success Mindset with Anna Huff

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:10:14 GMT

Margo is joined by former teacher & blogger turned entrepreneur, and second time guest in the Windowsill, Anna Huff. As a business mindset coach, Anna works to empower women to pursue their passions and live in authentic alignment with who they were divinely designed to be. Through years of burnout and struggling to find alignment, Anna played small. Thinking that if she just did more, worked harder, learned more, and achieved more she would find what she was looking for. What she discovered was that nothing she could ever do, earn, or say would make her any more worthy of becoming who she was divinely designed to be. Through the process of fully discovering her purpose, she now helps others master their own mindset practice in order to live in alignment and acceptance of who they really are.

Margo and Anna discuss:

Permission and acceptance to be multi passionate
Human design and how it allows you to go deeper in self-discovery
How to sit in the discomfort and feel your way through fear
The mindset shift that made meditating easier for her
What success mindset is and how to operate from it
Detaching from the outcome
Not letting fear have all the fun
Vulnerability, openness, and growing awareness to one's thoughts

Connect with Anna:

www.instagram.com/theannahuff

www.facebook.com/theannahuff

www.theannahuff.com

Join the Mindset & Marketing Facebook Group

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nerding Out Over Knitting: Kim Clark and Her Family’s Inspiring Journey to Cultivate Community Through a Thriving Local Yarn Store

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:59:29 GMT

Margo is joined by sisters Kim and Tracy of Hearts on Fiber out of Davidson, North Carolina. Kim and her three daughters were of the belief that every small town needs a local yarn store so when the Davidson craft center closed, an empty space for fiber arts opened. The urge was so strong to try and fill the “space” that they quickly began planning a way to open a new kind of craft store.

Hearts on Fiber started with little more than an idea, late nights dyeing yarn out of their kitchen which became the laundry room and eventually the attic until their passionate mission to be so much more for their town came to fruition. Since moving into their current location in downtown Davidson, the business has expanded and Kim’s sister Tracy has taken on a role within the business. Hearts on Fiber provides kits and tools for a range of fiber arts, along with the space to learn, inspire, explore fiber arts, build community, and so much more.

Margo, Kim and Tracy discuss:

The stars aligning and how Hearts on Fiber really came to be
Instilling creativity in her daughters from a young age
How working with family impacts their business and managing different personalities
How Tracy came into the business
How to cultivate community through inspiring and teaching
Making knitting/fiber arts accessible to people of all levels
Demystifying knitting techniques
Private class offerings versus group classes
Where to start if interested in knitting for the first time
And so much more

Connect with Kim & Tracy:

https://www.heartsonfiber.com/

www.instagram.com/heartsonfiber

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Your Side Hustle Becomes Your Business…Turning Self-Taught Creative Passions Into Something You’re Proud of and Making Art Wearable With Rachael Skidmore of Made by Maeberry

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:59:11 GMT

Margo is joined by self-taught polymer clay artist Rachael Skidmore. Rachael’s passion for self-expression, penchant for artistic creativity, and dedication to hard work have been the foundation of her success as a small business owner for over 13 years.

She established MadebyMaeberry in Aug 2019 and has inspired large audiences through her social media presence online and delivered hands-on teaching by hosting intimate classes in person.

While she is widely recognized in the polymer clay community for producing high-quality pieces, her voice of genuine support for inclusivity is what makes her stand out as a creator. A curator of color with a knack for original design and tantalizing patterns, Rachael takes inspiration from all aspects of her life; from her passion for vintage clothing to her love for hiking in the mountains with her family.

Margo and Rachael discuss:

Her journey from social work to polymer clay creativity
Her mental health journey: therapy, medication, and living with ADHD
The importance of having people to lean on to aide in your success
How to scale when you like to work for yourself and by yourself
Finding harmony between creative work and family life
Risk taking and growing her audience
Her experience in publishing a book
And more

Connect with Rachael:

http://madebymaeberry.com/

www.instagram.com/madebymaeberry

Polymer Clay Jewelry; The Ultimate Guide to Making Wearable Art Earrings

Polymer Clay Jewelry Design for Beginners (Dometika Course)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How It Feels to Find Yourself: Meera Lee Patel Shares How She's Built a Life Full of Creativity and Purpose

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:59:08 GMT

Margo is joined by self-taught artist, writer, and internationally recognized best-selling author Meera Lee Patel. Meera writes books that help people connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Her books & journals for everyone have sold well over a million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. In 2021, Meera was awarded the Olin Fellowship to pursue her MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After spending many years waiting for “the right time” to pursue her first love, children’s literature, she’s finally following her heart. In the forthcoming years, while continuing her advocacy for greater mental health awareness through her work, she hopes to write and illustrate for children and the grownups who care for them.

Margo and Meera discuss:

Meera’s journey from feeling disconnected in her career to finding fulfillment through creativity
Upholding the values instilled by her immigrant parents
Managing her full time job and her creative career for 8 years and what it taught her
The importance of building resilience and discipline
What she believes is the main difference between people who are successful or not successful
Having dedication to your vision
The vulnerability and unknown involved in deciding to work on oneself
Imposter syndrome as a self-taught artist and author
Why she decided to go to school for her MFA, how it’s been challenging, and how she’s used it as a unique opportunity
Navigating motherhood, marriage, and multiple family businesses

How It Feels to Find Yourself: Navigating Life's Changes with Purpose, Clarity, and Heart

Connect with Meera:

www.meeralee.com

www.instagram.com/meeraleepatel

https://twitter.com/meeraleepatel

https://meeraleepatel.substack.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community, Connection, and Creativity. Jen Hewett on the Passionate and Practical Challenges of Being an Artist in Today’s Creative Landscape.

Mon, 29 May 2023 21:25:42 GMT

Margo is joined by printmaker, surface designer, textile artist, and author Jen Hewett. Jen’s work combines her love of loud prints, 1970s maximalism, and saturated colors with the textures and light of the landscapes that surround her. In addition to creating her own products, Jen designs fabric for the quilting and home sewing market, and home collections for national manufacturers and retailers. Her clients include: Moda Fabrics, World Market, Anthropologie, Blue Sky Planners, and Brewster Home Fashions. She is the author of Print, Pattern, Sew, and This Long Thread: Women of Color on Craft, Community and Connection.

Margo and Jen discuss:

Her creative path from HR consulting to creative and where she got the courage to change career paths
Creating creative momentum
Finding harmony as a self-employed artist
Keeping your day job until your business is viable
Why she shares her income sources and breakdown publicly
When and where she started to notice a lack of diversity within the craft community
Why she believes in selling her misprints (and why they often sell quickly)
Working in digital versus analog and her process for each
Some of her new collections and projects she’s looking forward to
And so much more

Connect with Jen:

https://jenhewett.com/

www.instagram.com/jenhewett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Going Beyond the Lens: How Justin Hackworth’s Photography Style Captures Emotions and Evokes Feelings

Mon, 22 May 2023 16:38:43 GMT

Margo is joined by Utah based photographer Justin Hackworth. Working throughout the United States for a variety of wedding, portrait, corporate and editorial clients, Justin's work has been shown in galleries throughout Utah and in publications such as Parade, Glamour, American Photo, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, along with many others. In addition to his photography work, Justin is a sought-after speaker and educator, offering workshops and events, and even teaches as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University.

Justin's unique style and engaging approach to photography have earned him a loyal following on social media, where he shares his insights and experiences with fellow photographers and enthusiasts. He is always trying new ideas, exploring what is possible with his camera and discovering new creative avenues, making him one of Utah's most sought after photographers.

Justin and Margo discuss:

His creative path and how he ended up in the field of photography (thanks to elective credits)
His longtime mentor and inspirer, Kent Miles
Learning and understanding what makes great light
The drawback to knowing what works and finding your style
The importance of not caring what others think in certain scenarios when it comes to creativity
His approach and process of getting to know his subjects before shooting
Overcoming fear when it comes to your creativity
How a clear vision is critical to quality
And much more

Connect with Justin:

www.justinhackworth.com

www.instagram.com/justinhackworth

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don’t Let Fear Have All the Fun: Monique Malcolm Talks Taking Action and Owning Your Fears

Mon, 15 May 2023 06:59:52 GMT

Margo is joined by productivity expert, author, and host of the "Take Tiny Action" podcast, Monique Malcolm. Monique helps overwhelmed women take control of their lives, one tiny action at a time. Her approach to coaching and personal development is holistic, taking into account the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of well-being. With her book "Don't Let Fear Have All the Fun" and one-on-one coaching, Monique helps clients overcome their fears and achieve their goals. Monique's larger mission is to help people see a greater possibility for their lives.

Margo and Monique chat about:

Her creative path and how she brings her ideas to life
The importance in building sustainable businesses that feel good
Having self-awareness around creating your own process
Releasing the “how” and trusting in your higher power
Owning the things that cause you fear
Creating structure and strategy in order to spend time being creative
Tuning into your greater possibility and opportunities
And more

Connect with Monique:

https://taketinyaction.com/

https://www.instagram.com/taketinyaction/

https://www.instagram.com/moniqueemalcolm/

Don't Let Fear Have All the Fun (Book)

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Developing Authentic Connections and a Multifaceted Approach to Making and Selling Art with Tammy Smith

Mon, 08 May 2023 06:59:07 GMT

Margo is joined by self-taught artist Tammy Smith. Tammy founded her studio in 2009 after designing gifts, gift wrap and party ware at Hallmark Cards Inc. Her first art teachers being her father and grandmother, Tammy’s first business was making large scale stained glass windows in her parents basement. After Hallmark, she began making mixed media wire and clay sculptures that she sold at art fairs around the country and the desire for stability eventually led to the online business she runs today.

In the past, Tammy has also illustrated children's books for Henry Holt, designed wire garden accessories and holiday collections for Studio M and Midwest CBK and licensed her surface pattern designs to Graphique de France and Unique Industries to name a few.

Margo and Tammy discuss:

Her creative and multi-faceted career
How she thinks up new concepts and why it’s her favorite part of the creative process
Winning best in show at multiple art fairs
Having resilience in the art industry
Running an Etsy shop (Small Ideas Studio)
Creating authentic connections within the art community
And more

Connect with Tammy:

https://www.tammysmithdesign.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/smallideasstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Creator to Successful Artist; How to Navigate the Path to Your Ideal Customer with Julie Ager

Mon, 01 May 2023 06:59:16 GMT

Margo is joined by art agency owner and founder, Julie Ager. Julie started her career with twelve years of consulting on consumer product buying behavior with major mass merchandisers, department stores and other manufacturers and retailers throughout the United States, as well as Mexico and South Africa. From there she started the ADG agency in 1997 in partnership with a few close artist friends. Julie knows that developing great products requires more than great art and design; it requires teamwork, collaboration and a comprehensive understanding of today’s market which is why she built ADG on the foundation of partnership, creativity, integrity, and longevity.

Margo and Julie discuss:

Her path from consultant to agency founder
What she looks for in artists she represents
What it’s like to run a small, sustainable art agency
Navigating the customer journey as an artist and understanding the different roles required
Manufacturing relationships
How to move the consumer along and knowing who you’re selling to
The ecosystem of agent-artist-product manager relationships within her own business
What a product manager thinks about when trying to create a product that their customers will buy
And more

Connect with Julie:

https://artsdg.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stylish Attention to Detail: How Ted Kennedy Watson Curates a Well-Lived Life

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:59:40 GMT

Margo is joined by tastemaker, blogger, and author Ted Kennedy Watson. After a childhood spent in Kansas City Ted moved to the Pacific Northwest, first to college in Portland, Oregon, and later to Seattle where he was instantly enchanted by the dramatic scenery. Once a long time tennis teacher and connoisseur of the game, Ted began his career in the visual arts by representing some of the friends and people he knew who were creating interesting objects. In the early 90s, Ted opened a wholesale showroom selling to retailers all over the country. Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Gump’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom to name a few.

Visitors have been flocking to Watson Kennedy Fine Living in Seattle’s Pike Place Market for 17 years to shop the just-right mix of treasures for the bed, bath, table, and home. The allure continues at its sister store, Watson Kennedy Fine Home, with an even larger selection of furnishings, one-of-a-kind finds, and little luxuries including botanically scented home fragrances and beauty products. From the framed artwork on the walls to the inventive vignettes that fill every corner, both shops are more than simple inventory—they are the expression of a particularly refined point of view, one that has been evolving Watson’s entire life.

Margo and Ted discuss:

How his identity motivated him change career paths
The influence Seattle has had on him and his business
The necessity to always be learning and growing within the retail industry
How he was chosen to be on the creative team for the Bill and Melinda Gates wedding festivities
Repetition: how he’s used it as a tool to gain knowledge on many things
Being an early adapter to blogging
His latest book, Ted Kennedy Watson’s Guide To Stylish Entertaining
Having intention behind everything he does and offers
And so much more

Connect with Ted:

https://www.tedkennedywatson.com/

https://watsonkennedy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/watsonkennedy/

Ted’s Curated Spotify Playlists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living a Life Inspired and Designed with Heart and Soul with Leah Quinn

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 06:59:00 GMT

Margo is joined by the multi-passionate maker and designer, Leah Quinn. Self employed for 20+ years, Leah started as a web designer and event photographer and prior to that worked as a landscape & interior designer for both commercial and residential properties. Now, after moving from New York to slow rural village life in Southern Vermont, she is remodeling an 1865 Victorian Farmhouse with her own designs.

Leah’s first memories of surface pattern design fascination came when she was five and she knew at that time she was to be an artist. As her journey continued she eventually discovered Make It in Design courses with Rachael Taylor that would finally allow her to dive into learning all about surface design. When she saw that her creative maker’s business was at a challenging stage of scaling and growing, she knew she had to create a life that supported what she could and wanted to do in the future.

Margo and Leah discuss:

Her winding journey that has included creative outlets such as music, interior design, web design, apothecary products, and more
How she scaled her apothecary business
Saying yes to your own interests and listening to your intuition
Quieting the noise
How courses changed her business
Challenges and lessons she learned from scaling
Her motivators to create every day
And more

Connect with Leah:

www.LeahQuinn.com

www.Instagram.com/leahquinndesign

www.HeartandSoulApothecary.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing Up for Yourself and Finding Hope in the Journey. How Kelli May Krenz Lives a Creative and Positive Filled Life.

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 07:59:22 GMT

Margo is joined by artist, designer, illustrator, maker, and teacher Kelli May Krenz. For Kelli, creating is like breathing, she simply must do it. She believes in creating every day and has many interests when it comes to doing so. She has a deep love for painting, stitching, graphic design, illustration and everything she can possibly make in her studio and spends her days dreaming up things that make her happy hoping that by sharing, others will fill their happy cup too. Kelli likes to use vintage materials, all things found in nature, and is a huge believer in finding joy in creating with very little - using what she already has.

Margo and Kelli discuss:

Kelli’s creative journey, and the twists within her personal life that shaped her professionally
Her love for details and type fonts
Creating more unique art by using what you already have on hand
Creating online courses and her tips for others interested in teaching
Her experience in finding and working with a representative
Creating a stationary line
An aneurysm, divorce, deceit, and how she stayed hopeful when her life felt like it was unraveling
The power in showing up for oneself and leaning into your core beliefs
What it means to live a positive filled life
And more

Connect with Kelli:

https://www.kellimaykrenz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kellimaykrenz/

https://www.facebook.com/kelli.maykrenz/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/kellimay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the Business of Being Creative. Erin Cantwell Dishes on How to Stand Out and Advance Your Creative Business Ideas.

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:59:10 GMT

Margo is joined by graphic designer and business extraordinaire Erin Cantwell. After working at a branding firm in NYC, Erin quickly discovered she had a knack and passion for the business side of the creative industry and has since then specialized in business operations and client experience, helping to grow and run successful creative agencies. She has served in COO and Director level positions in branding and marketing agencies and today, is a partner at Clearbridge Branding Agency, an award-winning branding agency with multiple locations.

Through her own company, Erin Cantwell Co., and her volunteer work, Erin continues to work with designers, makers, and other creative entrepreneurs as business coach, helping them to start and scale successful and profitable businesses while doing the work they love.

Margo and Erin discuss:

Her creative path and how she discovered her knack for the business side of things
How her knowledge of both sides of the business has helped within her career and launching her own business
Burnout, failure, and how to create a sustainable creative business
Vision setting, finding clarity, and defining our own meaning of success
When to niche
And more!

Connect with Erin:

https://erincantwell.co

http://www.instagram.com/erincantwellco

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativecoo

Business Building for Creatives

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art for Everyone: How Liz Lidgett Combines Her Curiosity, Desire for Accessibility, and Storytelling to Promote Great Art.

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:59:18 GMT

Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz’s passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn’t being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries.

It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is “Art For Everyone.” Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art.

Margo and Liz discuss:

What led Liz to start her own gallery
The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art
How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals
Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires
How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.)
How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc.
Her approach to buying and selling art

Connect with Liz:

https://www.lizlidgett.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/

Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jumpstart Your Creative Journey. Shannon Christiansen on Reinventing Herself as a Creative, Channeling Her Grief, and Finding the Strength to Live Up to Her Potential.

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:59:58 GMT

Margo is joined by stay at home mom (of nine children) turned licensed artist, creative author, and educator, Shannon Christensen. After being home with her children most of her early life, Shannon turned to creativity when grief struck which turned into a reinvention of herself and a creative career came along with it. Although her home base is in the U.S.A., she’s spent the past four years living abroad in Jordan, Sweden, and currently Montenegro accompanying her husband's career as a contractor. Shannon’s creative road trip has taken many twists (a BFA Illustration degree at 42, featured in Western Art Collector magazine spread, her studio as an inspo spot on HGTVs Rate My Space) – and turns (acrylic magazine illustration work to Fine Art oil painting in museums, private collections & juried exhibitions to licensing contemporary watercolorist). Shannon is now embarking to help others reach their creative potential with a Creative Roadmap for others to follow.

Margo and Shannon discuss:

Her creative path and a long standing desire to be able to support her family outside of motherhood
Grief, loss and finding joy again
Why vulnerability is necessary when it comes to healing
The feeling of home and how she finds it while living abroad
The 8 Creative Power Habits
Building confidence in your creations and changing your neural pathways
Her approaches to finding fitting opportunities
Outsourcing tasks and skills you’re not confident or comfortable in
Her Build Your Body of Work Membership
And more!

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.shannonsstudio.com

Creative Roadtrip Passport

Jumpstart Your Creative Engine Book

http://www.shannonsportfolio.com

Build Your Body of Work Membership

Connect with Margo:

Join the In the Windowsill Patreon Channel

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.tantaustudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amplifying the Creative Conversation: Mi’Jan Celie Shares Her Life as a Cultural Leader, Oral Historian, Visionary, Documentarian and Artist Residency Aficionado.

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:59:14 GMT

Margo is joined by cultural leader, oral historian and documentarian Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Ed.D. who shares narratives of personal transformation and community change.To say this historian’s own history is distinguished is an understatement: Mi’Jan curated and hosted Unfinished Network’s first 2022 public salon on the theme of multiracial democracy, with CNN’s Van Jones and MSNBC’s Maria Teresa Kumar. She also designed and led the Gloria Steinem Initiative’s public policy digital storytelling pilot at Smith College, and served as a New Mexico Humanities Council Scholar. Mi’Jan has held Visiting Scholar appointments at Columbia University and New York University and served as faculty in the Cultural Leadership program at The Banff Centre in Canada. Currently Mi’Jan serves as faculty with Omega Institute, co-host for the National Art Education Association’s podcast, as well as principal oral historian and public art curator for Policy Link’s California BIPOC Liberation Stories Project. She works with communities across the themes of sovereignty, transformation, liberation, healing and love.

Margo and Mi’Jan discuss:

What it means to be an oral historian
What her work and creative practice looks like
California BIPOC liberation stories
How she designs her year
Out of body experiences she would have during keynote storytelling
The art of slowing down and why it became critical to her practice
The intersectionality of creative and spiritual practices

Mi’Jan is best known for connecting with audiences through her visionary, story-rich talks at a range of institutions, from Carnegie Hall to the Institute of American Indian Arts to SXSW. Her goal? To make the historical contemporary and personal, while surfacing the marginalized stories that need to be heard.

Connect with Mi’Jan:

www.mijancelie.com akers/mijan-celie-tho-biaz/

Mi’jan’s Monthly Newsletter

Bimonthly Professional Development Interview Series:

National Art Education Association's Connected Arts Networks 8-part podcast series:

www.freshspeakers.com/spe

https://www.eomega.org/people/mijan-celie-tho-biaz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art in Bloom: Kim Smith on the Power of Committing to a Creative Practice and Learning About Life Through Art

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:59:00 GMT

Margo is joined by Kim Smith - a Lancaster County native born with the love of art in her soul. Kim earned her BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University and has owned TCG Design, a marketing and design firm for more than 30 years. Even though she is in a creative business, something was always missing. After the last of her three children became more independent, she felt drawn to pursue her love of painting. Now she commits to a daily practice of painting before the sun rises. Over the past several years, Kim has grown her art practice to participating in outdoor art shows, having her work represented by several galleries and also teaching workshops, online, at home and abroad.

Margo and Kim discuss:

Her creative path and why she began to paint
How her painting led to sharing her work, becoming represented, and now teaching
How she got past the preciousness
Why being creative means making ugly things sometimes
How to know when it’s time to lean in versus wait on a project or passion
The many parallels of art and life
Finding harmony between running a business, creative pursuits, and family life
How she fuses intention and intuition into her art
Her 6-week course, Art in Bloom as well as her monthly membership and workshops
And more!

Connect with Kim:

https://www.kimmyerssmith.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kimmyerssmith/

https://www.facebook.com/kimsmithfineart

https://www.youtube.com/c/KimSmithar

Art in Bloom: a six-week online floral oil painting course

Inspiring Art Collective: a monthly membership and creative space curated to nurture creativity and confidence

Oil painting workshop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.