Margo is joined by Monika Forsberg, an award-winning illustrator and surface pattern designer known for her playful, colorful, and striking work across books, fabrics, homewares, toys, and more. Born and raised in a small coastal town in Swedish Lapland, Monika moved to London in 1995 where she now lives with her husband, two children, and a delightful mix of pets. She’s a keen swimmer, aspiring stamp collector, and former animator who believes in being versatile over niche. Her work is rich with curiosity, imagination, and a deep love for creative exploration. In this warm and meandering conversation, Monika and Margo dive into the layered realities of a creative career—one that doesn’t always follow a linear path but is all the more beautiful for it.

Margo and Monika discuss:

• Monika’s upbringing in Swedish Lapland and how it shaped her worldview

• Moving to the UK and studying art in multiple forms

• Embracing versatility over specialization in creative work

• The joys (and challenges) of working with client briefs

• Why personal projects are essential to her process

• How she uses Instagram and Substack to share more authentically

• Dreaming up whimsical projects—like a fantastical fair

• Approaching tricky client relationships with honesty and grace

• Continuing to grow, shift, and stay creatively energized

Connect with Monika: 

Website: walkyland.com

Instagram: @monika_forsberg

Connect with Margo: 

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Brian Selznick, the wildly imaginative author and illustrator whose groundbreaking books have redefined how we tell stories. Known for seamlessly blending text and image in powerful, cinematic ways, Brian shares the origins of his creative process, the stories behind his best-known works, and the magic of collaborative art-making. Together, they explore what it means to honor both the reader and the story, why grief and love are ever-present themes in his work, and how he approaches retelling iconic tales through fresh and inclusive lenses. From The Invention of Hugo Cabret to Run Away With Me, Brian’s work invites readers into deeply felt worlds where art and narrative become one.

Margo and Brian discuss:

• The start of Brian’s creative process and how he moves from words to illustration

• His unique storytelling style and cinematic inspirations

• What it was like to have The Invention of Hugo Cabret adapted by Martin Scorsese

• Collaborating with director Todd Haynes on the Wonderstruck film adaptation

• His philosophy on creative ownership and openness in adaptations

• Designing the 20th anniversary covers for the Harry Potter series and grappling with the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling.

• The importance of telling authentic queer love stories in his new novel Run Away With Me

• Exploring universal themes of love, grief, and time in narrative

• The reimagining of The Nutcracker with a historical, class-conscious twist

• How Brian sees the future of storytelling as both expansive and inclusive

Connect with Brian:

https://brianselznick.com

https://instagram.com/thebrianselznick

Connect with Margo: 

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Jaime Townzen, a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international acclaim. Jaime’s creative talents span both visual art and the written word—her essays and microfiction have been featured in Light Magazine and Fairfield Scribes, and her debut novel Absorbed was released in January 2025. When she’s not painting or writing, Jaime enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach with her family and their dogs or catching live music performances.

Margo and Jaime discuss:

• The intersection of writing and visual art in Jaime’s creative practice

• The journey of publishing her debut novel, Absorbed

• How she built an art career with watercolor as her medium

• The role of intuition and emotion in both painting and storytelling

• How grief has shaped Jaime’s creative process and how she walks alongside it

• The way her lived experiences inform and enrich her writing

• How motherhood and family life influence her artistic expression

• The importance of honoring slow seasons and creative rest

• Jaime’s thoughts on community, connection, and what success really means

Connect with Jaime: 

http://www.instagram.com/jaimegetscreative

https://www.facebook.com/jaime.townzen/

https://tiktok.com/@jaimegetscreative

jaimetownzen.com

Connect with Margo: 

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby catch up on colorful collections, creative conferences, and curious cultural trends in the latest episode of Creative Current Events. This special segment of Windowsill Chats dives into all the artful oddities, thought-provoking news, and heartwarming discoveries that have recently caught their attention.

They touch on how color is used intentionally in media like the show Severance, the healing potential of museums (including Switzerland’s bold move to prescribe them for mental well-being), and the magic of virtual museum visits. They also explore current concerns around learning, attention, and AI search tools, all wrapped up in their signature blend of insight and humor.

As always, listener submissions help fuel the fun—so keep sending those articles their way!

Articles Mentioned: 

Crayon Collector

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/community/crayon-collection-texas-torch-red-colors-strange/273-adc66c54-6598-429b-9f80-c600038034b5#

Colors of Severance

https://www.instagram.com/movieluts/reel/DFNePz-iCXL/

https://www.polygon.com/tv/539421/severance-season-color-theory-red-green-blue

10 Best Art Museums

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-art-museum/

Art as Therapy

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/art-therapy-swiss-doctors-prescribe-museum-visits-2025-03-12/

Google Arts & Culture! Free Museums Visits & so much more

https://artsandculture.google.com/

Human Intelligence Sharply Declining

https://futurism.com/neoscope/human-intelligence-declining-trends

PISA Results

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/pisa-scores-by-country

AI gets it wrong

https://futurism.com/study-ai-search-wrong

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by talented writer, editor, and marketing strategist Jessica Suggs. With 19 years of experience in copywriting and a background as Director of Media Services for a top faith-based media agency, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge about the enduring power of email marketing. These days, she helps entrepreneurs and authors craft messages that sound like them—with services spanning from brand voice development to full-scale book editing and publishing support. As a wife, mom of two, and creative business owner, Jessica is no stranger to balancing big ideas with real-life connection.

Margo and Jessica discuss:

• Why email is still one of the most powerful marketing tools

• How to develop and maintain a strong, authentic brand voice

• The magic of welcome sequences and consistent, heartfelt communication

• Transitioning from a corporate career to creative entrepreneurship

• Building connection and community through words

• How AI can enhance—not replace—human messaging

• Tips for balancing work, creativity, and motherhood

• The value of mastermind groups and creative support systems

Get 50% off your Flodesk Subscription by visiting www.flodesk.com/c/tantaustudio

Join the Greater Goods Alliance: A small group virtual mentorship, mastermind community, and in-person retreat for product-based business owners with Lisa Congdon & Emily McDowel (Applications Closing 3/28) https://thegreatergoodsalliance.com/

Connect with Jessica: www.jessicasuggsmarketing.com

https://www.facebook.com/jessicasuggsmarketing

https://www.instagram.com/jessicasuggsmarketing/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by transformational coach, team support facilitator, and organizational specialist Lacy Young for an honest and heart-expanding conversation about healing, creativity, and stepping into your zone of genius. For over 15 years, Lacy has guided women through radical self-discovery, creating spaces where they can embrace deep healing, foundational belief work, and personal autonomy. She blends soul-level healing with practical business wisdom, helping high-performers and founders step into their most powerful and joyful work. But before she could hold space for others, Lacy had to embark on her own healing journey—one that led her to confront deep-rooted suffering, redefine what it means to be whole, and ultimately transform her approach to both life and work.

Margo and Lacy discuss:

• Lacy’s personal healing journey—how she went from being in deep pain to holding space for others, and what she learned about the power of radical permission

• The necessity of filling your own cup first and why prioritizing self-healing isn’t selfish but essential

• The creative awakening happening now—how art, expression, and creative play are unlocking something crucial in our collective healing and remembering

• Finding and tending to the roots of suffering—why traditional self-improvement often focuses on symptoms, and how Lacy helps people go deeper

• The shift in her work toward founders and high-performing teams—why she’s drawn to supporting leaders in creating aligned, sustainable success

• Why women supporting women is more important than ever—the power of collective healing and what it looks like in action

• How to right-size “Big Things”—shifting overwhelming life challenges into manageable, joyful transformations

Connect with Lacy:

https://shiftwithlacy.com/

http://www.instagram.com/lacyannyoung

https://insighttimer.com/ShiftWithLacy

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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

www.mikelowery.com

www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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://plantcompaniontarot.com/

https://contentmentovercontent.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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://www.instagram.com/courtneydanielstoyou/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-daniels-9abb0864

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFenMHq7I8

https://www.amazon.com/What-Other-Couples-Michael-Friedman/dp/B00QLZRLKK

https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-You-Courtney-Daniels/dp/B0CJJZ9VTG

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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/

Buzz Feed dipping into Social Media?

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

Midjourney’s Artist Scraping List!!!

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

Target Shortens Go-to-Market Strategy

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

Mindmapping

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

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry