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

It’s time for Creative Current Events! Margo and friend Abby Campbell are diving into the creative realm and catching up on the latest articles and happenings and giving you the footnotes so you don’t have to! They discuss the joys of creating art on walls vs traditional canvas, the importance of pushing creative boundaries, Canva’s report on creativity and AI, Apple’s new AI partnership, a controversial olympic ad, Anthropolgie’s new adaptive clothing line, and more.

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram!

Mentioned:
Lori Siebert’s Windowsill Workshop

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/lorisiebert2024?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourtantaustudio.com%2Fa%2F2147917190%2FQzSoxhML

Garance Dore (Instagram Post)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C328nZyN5kc/?hl=en&img_index=1

Kit Kemp Design (Instagram Post)

https://www.instagram.com/kitkempdesignthread/?hl=en

Kelly O’Neal/Design Legacy Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/design_legacy

The Canva Report on Creativity in the Workplace

https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/hbr-creativity-report/?li_fat_id=94056869-ea57-4646-ba01-e9b51f8ba7ce

The News so far on “Apple Intelligence” https://www.theneurondaily.com/p/apple-intelligence-finally?utm_source=www.theneurondaily.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=apple-s-ai-tease

Google Olympics ad sparks new ire over generative AI

https://www.axios.com/2024/07/31/google-olympics-ad-ai-gemini-ire?_hsmi=318224684

Swiss army knife maker to produce range without a blade

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/07/swiss-army-knife-maker-to-produce-version-without-a-blade

Anthropologie Adaptive Clothing Collection

https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/anthropologie-adaptive-clothing-collection/

https://www.anthropologie.com/stories-adaptive-fashion-for-everyone

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 Ana Bianchi, an artist, designer, illustrator, children's book author, and color enthusiast. Ana shares her journey from her early beginnings in art to her diverse range of creative projects. Originally from Mexico and having spent many years in New York, Ana now resides in the Bay Area, where she uses her garden as a natural color lab for her photography and color project, Color/Flora. Ana's work spans branding, illustrated graphic design, the PaperGirl Collection, surface design, and ceramics, with color as the unifying element throughout. She has exhibited her art globally, including in Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Greece, and New York City.

Margo and Ana discuss:

• Understanding Trends: design versus fashion and the average lifespan of a trend

• Audience: Who follows trends, and who pays attention to them?

• The Origin of Trends: how trends are initiated, spotting them early, and identifying emerging trends

• Engaging with Trends: when to engage, maintaining individuality, and is it possible to ignore trends as creative business owners?

• Color Trends: Pantone, industry specific color trends, color of the year

• Era-based color cycles and navigating trends you don’t care for

• Navigating trends you dislike

• Impact on artistry: Do color trends hinder artistic individuality?

• Timeless colors, desired trends, and finding inspiration

Connect with Ana:

https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

https://www.analovescolor.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by award nominated content creator with over a decade of experience in social media marketing and Canva design, Georgia Williams. She is also the host of "Content Tea with G," her popular global podcast, where she delivers a unique blend of creativity, social media content and northern charm, inspiring listeners worldwide to embrace their own authenticity, and stand out through content creation. She also performs regularly as a professional singer and has been featured in The Mirror, The Daily Mail, the BBC and others. As a singer, she has entertained crowds of up to 7,000 people. With her unique blend of marketing knowledge and stage performance, Georgia is on a mission to help business owners create social media content with more joy and show up exactly as they are, both online and off.

Margo and Georgia discuss:

• her creative journey and decade-long experience in social media marketing

• How her upbringing in a creative environment shaped her career

• What it means and looks like to be a Canva ambassador

• Her time on The Voice UK and being mentored by Tom Jones

• The highs and lows of public perception and what it has taught her in business (and showing up online)

• Leveraging personal interests for content creation

• Authenticity and mental health

• Thoughts on AI and creativity

• Motherhood and how it’s influenced her professional aspirations and creative pursuits

Connect with Georgia:

https://www.instagram.com/rayofsocial/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiawilliamsrayofsocial/

https://www.facebook.com/rayofsocial

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

https://www.threads.net/@rayofsocial

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Gza4gxFeCElcNS0UDsLP3

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/content-tea-with-g-content-tips-and-ideas/id1727143437

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by middle-aged Minnesotan, Author, creative, and Tax Preparer Steve Hoffman. Steve who has always been in love with France, both the country and the idea of it as a place where he can be a better version of himself moved together with his family to the small village of Autignac in southern France, where he quickly realized life there was far from his romanticized expectations. Through cooking what the local grocer suggested and learning winemaking from a neighbor, he discovered the true beauty of a culture deeply connected with its landscape. Steve is a Minnesota tax preparer and award-winning food writer, with his work published in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune. His memoir, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France, will be published in July 2024. He shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary Jo, their elderly puggle, 80,000 honeybees, and a pair of sandhill cranes

Margo and Steve discuss:

• Steve’s creative journey and the inspiration that found him

• The transformative aspects of his family's extended stay in the Languedoc Region of Southern France

• Impact of working in the vines and a village winery on perspective towards wine and winemaking

• Changes in travel philosophy after the experience in France

• The challenges and rewards of parenting both abroad and at home

• How he inspires and encourages his kids in their creativity

• Sneak peek of upcoming appearance on The Splendid Table on July 18

• Where to find Steve’s work, follow his journey, and purchase his new memoir

Connect with Steve:

www.sjrhoffman.com

https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill