Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by Elise and Halee, the dynamic duo behind the Easy Bake Coven podcast, where spooky meets sass. What began on a Halloween night with a bottle of Kim Crawford wine and board games has evolved into a podcast that explores the weird, creepy, and unexplainable. Elise's background in journalism and Halee's experience in social work bring a unique blend of nuance and humor to their conversations about paranormal activity, true crime, and mysterious events. Known for their playful banter and easy rapport, listening to them feels like hanging out with friends as they dive into the world's greatest mysteries—from cryptids to whodunnits—with a side of comedic relief.

In this episode, Margo, Elise, and Halee discuss:

• The origin story of Easy Bake Coven and what sets them apart

• How family traditions or rituals can influence a child's understanding of spirituality or the supernatural

• Spooky stories about signs from passed loved ones

• Finding balance between humor and sensitivity when discussing heavy topics without undermining victim stories

• Managing burnout and streamlining podcast production as a duo

• The responsibilities and ethics of content creation

• Why children might be more perceptive to spiritual experiences

• Research methods for preparing in-depth historical dives for podcast episodes

• The importance of listener engagement and effective ways to build and maintain it

• How personal histories and passions shape their podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch Watch: YouTube linkBook: Amazon link

• Radio Rental podcast: Radio Rental

• Spooked podcast: Spooked

• The Forager's Daughter Tarot Deck: The Forager's Daughter

• The Hot Zone by Richard Preston: The Hot Zone

• Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth: Call the Midwife

Connect with Elise and Halee:

• Website: Easy Bake Coven Podcast

• Instagram: @easybakecovenpodcast

Connect with Margo:

• Website: Windowsill Chats

• Instagram: @windowsillchats

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this revisited episode, Margo reintroduces her thought-provoking conversation with Australian artist and surface pattern designer Kirsten Katz, highlighting the enduring relevance of authenticity in creative work. Kirsten's journey from ballerina to surface designer showcases how following your passion can lead to a unique artistic style. Since this original conversation, Kirsten's work continues to evolve, and her insights into creating from a place of intuition and authenticity remain as important as ever.

Kirsten shares how her background in Textile Design has shaped her bold, modern, and botanical-inspired creations, which continue to catch the eye in today's world of contemporary design.

Margo and Kirsten explore:

• The importance of staying true to yourself and creating art that you love

• How to focus on your style and confidence as an artist

• Experimenting with mediums and techniques to stay inspired

• The role of intuition in honing color combinations

• Why commission work might not always align with your creative vision

• And so much more!

This conversation is packed with timeless advice for creatives navigating their own artistic paths. Tune in for fresh takeaways on how to honor your authentic self as an artist, no matter the trends.

Kirsten's work can be found on: apparel, home décor, fabric, stationery, giftware, and more.

Connect with Kirsten: Website: kirstenkatz.com.auInstagram: @kirstenkatzartFacebook: kirstenkatzartLinkedIn: Kirsten Katz Design

Connect with Margo:

Website: windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by versatile mixed-media artist and designer, Kayla Ackelson. Kayla holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a focus on non-traditional photography from Millersville University. After completing her studies, she gained valuable experience as a Gallery Assistant and Art Instructor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She later worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, first in Visitor Services and then in the Development department. In 2021, Kayla fully committed to her artistic and interior design endeavors, turning them into her full-time career. Her passion for fostering creativity continues through her role as an instructor at ArtFusion in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where she teaches students of all ages. Alongside teaching, Kayla actively exhibits her work in local galleries and maintains a strong online presence to engage a broader audience. She is also a mother, creator, and lover of plants, design, and nature.

Margo and Kayla discuss:

• Her career shift to full-time artistry and interior design

• Claiming your power as an artist and creative

• The role journaling and meditation play in her art and work

• Insights into creating inviting, personal spaces

• The power of vision boards

• The importance of incorporating childhood inspirations and personal mementos into your environment

• How her book extends a decade-long journaling practice

• How meditation influenced her decision to share personal experiences to help others

• Her commitment to a flexible and evolving creative practice

• Her philosophy on art and perfection, and how creating daily supports mental health

• Embracing multiple creative roles

Connect with Kayla:

• Website: www.kaylaackelson.com

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylaackelson

• Her new book: https://amzn.to/47wktUw

• Kayla's Workshop: https://www.kaylaackelson.com/store/p85/mixedmediaworkshop.html

Connect with Margo:

• Website: www.windowsillchats.com

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tantaustudio

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Annie Atkins, a graphic designer and legendary prop maker for film and television. She is known for her work with Wes Anderson on The Grand Budapest Hotel, which won the Academy Award for Best Production Design at the 87th Academy Awards. Since then, she has worked again with Wes Anderson on Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch as well as on Steven Speilberg's West Side Story and Bridge of Spies. Annie's first book, Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps, was published in 2020 by Phaidon. In her first children's book, Letters From The North Pole, five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back! Through five letters from Santa that children can pull out and read, the hidden world of the North Pole is revealed, from how reindeer can sleep standing up to what snacks Santa would like left out on Christmas Eve, and how he gets round the world so quickly. This is a nostalgic and festive tale, reminiscent of the classic The Jolly Postman and Annie's iconic work on such films as The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Margo and Annie discuss:

• How Annie's upbringing in a creative household influenced her decision to pursue graphic design and the pivotal moments that led her into the film industry

• Her impressive portfolio working on films and specific challenges and joys she encountered while working with distinctive styles of directors

• Hand-lettering vs. digital design

• Film prop details and some of the various intricate props she crafted

• Learning through mistakes, how using a 50-star flag instead of a 48-star flag in Bridge of Spies taught her to ensure historical accuracy

• Personal Projects vs. Commissioned Work

• What the job of a graphic designer on a film set typically involves and how it contributes to the overall storytelling in a movie

• Her captivating and interactive new children's book, Letters from the North Pole

Connect with Annie:

www.instagra.com/AnnieAtkins

www.annieatkins.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this previously aired episode, Margo is joined by (former) Productivity Coach & Online Business Consultant Chelsea Wessman. Chelsea is a popcorn obsessed, mom of 3, living next to the Utah mountains and is passionate about empowering ambitious mompreneurs to take back their time, make more money without putting in more hours, and create a life that aligns with their values. She helps ambitious women to optimize time, money, and mindset without sacrificing sanity through systems, financial freedom, and time management hacks.

They discuss:

• The difference between productivity and being busy and how to figure out which one you're spending more of your time being

• Why you don't have to time block or map out your entire day, week, or month to be productive

• When you should have a template or system for certain things in your life or business

• How she helps creatives and other business owners map out online product and service promotional launches

• Reverse engineering goals

• The importance of clarity and structure

• How mindset plays into productivity

Chelsea is passionate about inspiring others to see more for their life, do more of what matters most, and be more of who you're meant to be because you'll never regret investing the time and effort required to reach your potential.

Resources Mentioned:

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard

Connect with Chelsea:

https://view.flodesk.com/emails/63caebcf75888582c8c6b579

www.instagram.com/chelseawessman

Chelsea's Jumpstart Checklists Resource

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by travel designer, leader of design trips & retreats, and the author of Paris by Design: An Inspired Guide to the City's Creative Side, Eva Jorgensen. Eva is also a 17 year design industry veteran with an MFA degree who has taught art, ran an artisanal stationery company for a decade, curated an independent gift shop, and worked as a freelance creative director. Eva grew up in California and lived in France, Belgium, and Ohio for much of her 20s. She now lives in the Utah mountains with her husband, Kirk, and their 2 kids.

Margo and Eva discuss:

• Eva's upbringing in California and early artistic inspiration.

• How both her Mother's stories and influence and her Father's entrepreneurial background guided her creative path.

• How she went from operating a letterpress business to organizing exclusive creative retreats.

• Her exciting plans for upcoming design-focused trips to Belgium and the Cotswolds.

• Balancing artistic dreams with family life.

• Her Ambition to one day write and direct an independent feature film.

• Finding inspiration through nature, travel, and being offline.

• How writing a magazine turned into a book.

• The importance of connection and how her retreats bring people together.

• Eva's upcoming retreats.

Connect with Eva:

https://www.evajorgensen.com/

https://www.evajorgensen.com/letters-from-eva

www.instagram.com/evajorgensentravel

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by dynamic artist, entrepreneur, and the visionary CEO, Amber Byers Amber is the CEO and founder of Tadpole Press. She leads with creativity and inclusivity, serving as the head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international competition that celebrates the power of words and fosters a vibrant community of writers. Her passion for writing extends beyond the contest; she regularly blogs at Living a Life Imagined, where she shares her commitment to positivity and authenticity as a creative force. Amber's literary works reflect her imaginative spirit and diverse background, including The Magic Door Origin Story, a sci-fi tale inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which garnered a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category at the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards in 2019. Amber shares her journey from attorney to influential writer and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of creativity, authenticity, and diverse voices in literature and shares her cultural roots with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and her mission to foster inclusivity through her work.

Margo and Amber discuss:

• Her transition from legal career to writer and entrepreneur

• The internationally loved 100-word writing contest

• Her cultural roots with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and how they shape her creative expression

• How influences like Simone Biles and Liz Gilbert shape her philosophy

• The significance of cultural heritage, gender identity, and the inclusive mission of Tadpole Press

• Being unafraid to stand out by not following the rules

• Discovering abundance in limitless creative expression and joy

• How identity as an agender and biracial person influenced their approach to writing and editing

Connect with Amber:

https://www.tadpolepress.com/welcome

https://www.tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest

https://www.tadpolepress.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj35X6TwPVA

https://www.tadpolepress.com/post/my-pronouns

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined for another Creative Current Events catch up with the one and only Abby Campbell. They dive into a rich blend of creative insights and practical tips to boost productivity and brand presence - and of course, a little AI. Join them as they discuss their latest favorite articles from the interwebs including Jenna Kutcher's approach to mastering Instagram, complete with her valuable hacks for time management and content organization, a groundbreaking AI copyright infringement case featuring artist Jenga Zhang, and its potential impact on the art world, a creative cat named Momo who aids in the marketing behind a pottery brand, the latest in color-matching technology with the Nix eyedropper tool, how companies like West Elm are redefining Halloween decor, and a whole lot more.

Mentioned:

Reels from Hans Lorei Design

https://www.instagram.com/hansloreidesign

Copyright infringement case against AI Image Generators

https://venturebeat.com/ai/artists-celebrate-as-copyright-infringement-case-against-ai-image-generators-moves-forward/

Momo the Cat's pottery is selling out!

https://www.instagram.com/feeeuuhh/

New color-matching-capturing gadget, Nix

https://www.nixsensor.com/mini-3-color-sensor/?_gl=1*1lqdpt6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTk0MDgxMjAyMC4xNzIzODM2Mjky*_ga_9615G94BKR*MTcyMzg0MzM1NS4yLjAuMTcyMzg0MzM1NS4wLjAuMA..&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjOC-8OZ8yR2qT1KMBGyCUspMN-TpK-7_5IEECCQCPHkuw0-fqjKEDBoCM2QQAvD_BwE

Jenna Kutcher on Instagram Productivity hacks that actually WORK

https://jennakutcher.com/

Article:

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/instagram-productivity?_hsmi=318394396

Replacing the word "Unfortunately" in the workplace

https://www.thecandidly.com/2019/lets-stop-using-this-one-word-in-professional-settings

Summerween

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween

https://www.westelm.com/shop/holidays/halloween/?Kenshoo=_k_CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjFUqGEkX43GdLtzJqsTqyBzf_E5Lalh1H9fJjkon2LtxPyclOzl8mBoCnDYQAvD_BwE_k_&cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Brand_Search_Holiday_Exact&cm_ite=west%20elm%20halloween_18579335980_kwd-929824583416&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjFUqGEkX43GdLtzJqsTqyBzf_E5Lalh1H9fJjkon2LtxPyclOzl8mBoCnDYQAvD_BwE

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

Margo is joined by Kenzie Elston, the whimsical artist behind Snippets of Whimsy. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati's DAAP program, Kenzie began her career designing for Procter & Gamble's Pampers and Always brands. Now freelancing, she licenses her joyful illustrations and playful hand lettering to gift, garden, stationery, and home decor companies. Known as a "positivity artist," Kenzie's creative identity shines through her love for color, florals, and uplifting designs. Beyond art, she enjoys collecting sketchbooks, antique tchotchkes, and novels, and she lives for daily dance parties with her two young sons.

Margo and Kenzie discuss:

• Her journey from working for Proctor and Gamble to finding her unique voice as an illustrator

• Growing up in a creative atmosphere & finding your own way.

• Using elements to create, and building a design bank.

• What playing with your art & creativity opens up

• Her intuitive approach to art

• Finding a knack for blending family life with a flourishing creative career

• Drawing inspiration from her children

• The importance of creating cohesive collections

• Navigating market trends

• The necessity in holding strong boundaries as a creative

• Upcoming retreats that promise to build a close-knit community of like-minded creatives

Connect with Kenzie:

www.snippetsofwhimsy.com

www.instagram.com/snippetsofwhimsy

ReStart Make Art (Retreat!): https://www.restartmakeart.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Sonoma Valley-based artist Alex Cole, whose paintings are inspired by her travels and the Northern California landscapes. Her work has been featured in RUE magazine and published in "Wild Lands" and "Artist of the Bay Area" by Jen Tough. With over twenty years of experience, Alex's art is characterized by her love of contrast in color, texture, and pattern, and her pieces can be found in collections across the US, Europe, and Canada.

Born in Bronxville, New York, and raised in Paris and Ibiza, Alex was exposed to diverse cultures that greatly influenced her artistic style. After earning a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, she moved to Sonoma, California, where she began teaching at the Sonoma Community Center. Her workshops and retreats, held both locally and internationally, encourage others to tap into their creative potential by exploring nature and embracing experimentation. Alex's work, including her public art project for The City of Santa Rosa, showcases her dedication to inspiring creativity in others.

Margo and Alex discuss:

• Her creative path and how growing up abroad impacted her creative journey

• Embracing vulnerability and creativity through art and teaching

• Saying yes to new opportunities in art and life

• Creative freedom and the power of play

• Building authentic connections

• Embracing the unknown in artistry

• Giving back through art

• The power of saying YES

• How facilitating workshops in Spain shaped her approach to teaching and learning simultaneously

• How non-verbal communication can enhance the exchange of creative ideas in an artistic setting

• Finding alignment in personal core values when it comes to creating

• How she inspires others to be brave in art making and business

Connect with Alex:

https://www.alexcolestudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/alexcolestudio/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill