Windowsill Chats

By: Margo Tantau
  • Summary

  • Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.
    © 2023
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Episodes
  • From Law to Literary Magic: Amber Byers on Celebrating Creativity, Encouraging Authentic Voices, and Integrating Culture with Tadpole Press
    Sep 4 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Creative Current Events: AI Copyright Battles, Instagram Mastery, and the Latest Summerween Trend
    Aug 28 2024

    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

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    40 mins
  • The Joy of Experimentation: How Kenzie Elston Balances Freelancing and Family Dynamics as a Born-and-Bred Creative
    Aug 21 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 6 mins

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Rich with inspiring information

Margo finds interesting creative people who generously share their experiences! So valuable and encouraging. It inspires my own creative journey.

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