From Side Quest to Spotlight: Andrea Campos on Play, Purpose, and Her Unconventional Art Journey
Margo is joined by color-obsessed illustrator and joyful creative spirit, Andrea Campos. Known to many as the talent behind Drea’s Doodles, Andrea shares her unconventional journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a full-time visual artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator. What started as a personal art challenge during the pandemic turned into an extraordinary pivot—leading to illustrating a bilingual children’s book co-authored by none other than Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon. Margo and Andrea talk about the magic of starting before you’re ready, the power of creative challenges, and how community can shift your entire trajectory. Andrea shares on embracing her playful voice, navigating imposter syndrome, and showing up authentically as a first-generation Mexican American artist. Margo and Andrea discuss: Andrea’s path from corporate marketing to full-time creative work How an art challenge sparked a major publishing opportunity Embracing a joyful, playful art style despite industry expectations Building creative confidence and community on Instagram Illustrating Con Pollo and being featured on The Tonight Show The value of representation and storytelling through a bilingual lens Using art to invite empathy and spark connection Her upcoming solo book project and the character that inspired it The importance of creative “side quests” and making art just for fun Connect with Andrea: https://instagram.com/dreasdoodles dreasdoodles.com https://www.tiktok.com/@dreasdoodles Tips for Kids Books! https://dreasdoodles.substack.com/p/new-to-kidlit-here-are-my-favorite Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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Creating with Intention: Katie Howie on Slow Styling and Storytelling Through Portraits & Spaces
Margo is joined by photographer, slow stylist, and storyteller Katie Howie. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Katie brings a thoughtful, refined eye to everything she touches—whether she’s capturing a family in motion, styling a cozy and intentional home, or consulting with small businesses on creative strategy. Katie shares her journey from studying psychology and women’s studies, to a decade in retail marketing, and ultimately to finding her creative footing as a visual storyteller. Margo and Katie explore the power of slow living and how Katie’s “slow styling” philosophy helps people reconnect with what truly matters in their homes and their lives. Margo and Katie discuss: Katie's transition from psychology studies and retail marketing to creative entrepreneurship The origins and meaning of "slow styling" and bringing personalized, accessible touches to home design The power of storytelling in both portrait photography and interior styling Building authentic creative businesses through community engagement rather than paid advertising The importance of staying true to your unique style over following trends How family legacy, history, and personal objects inspire and shape creative work Katie's community photo projects, including her "By a Thread" series profiling downtown Saint Paul residents Working with families and real people to capture genuine moments rather than posed perfection The therapeutic value of using and repurposing family heirlooms in daily life Practical advice for creatives on finding their voice, sharing their work, and creating from authenticity Connect with Katie: http://katiehowie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_katiehowie https://www.instagram.com/by_a.thread_saintpaul Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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From Fast-Paced to Fully Present: Practice, Play, and Partnership with Jennifer Orkin Lewis & Gayle Kabaker
Margo is joined by Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker—two powerhouse painters, illustrators, authors, and beloved art teachers whose friendship and creative partnership has taken them (and their students) around the world. Jennifer and Gayle each spent years in fast-paced industries—Jennifer as a textile designer in NYC, Gayle as a fashion illustrator and editorial artist—before embracing slower, more intuitive practices rooted in daily sketchbooking, storytelling, and teaching. Together, Jennifer and Gayle lead collaborative retreats and online workshops that encourage creative exploration and self-expression. Their work is joyful, bold, and filled with heart—and they’re deeply committed to helping others find their voice. In this rich and honest conversation, they talk about letting go of “shoulds,” walking away from stale opportunities, and trusting their own timing—whether that meant leaving agents behind, stepping into teaching, or creating space for personal transformation. Margo, Jennifer, and Gayle discuss: How daily sketchbook practice became their creative anchor Why process is more important than perfection How their retreats have opened doors for their students—and for themselves The power of artistic community and creative friendship Why five minutes a day can change everything How their individual journeys led them to a shared mission in teaching and creating Mentioned in this episode: July 27th Class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-faces-florals-and-pattern-play-with-gayle-jennifer-registration-1459034243699 Portugal Retreat: https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-portugal Chloe Ward Yoga: https://www.chloeward.yoga/ Zig Markers: https://www.markersupply.com/zigartgrtwma.html?srsltid=AfmBOop1y1ZX-zYJX7i3b7ByZnqncJPHQ7NZ9tRDzucQ3KLAc-YukjFU Tombow Markers: https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-dual-brush-pens/?srsltid=AfmBOorG6HNbBOGAP7igbmAxApp9GwjjeT6vqaJn0B7EBkt-IFO7SS5j Connect with Jennifer: https://www.augustwren.com/ https://augustwren.substack.com/subscribe https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/ Connect with Gayle: www.gkabaker.com https://gaylekabaker.substack.com https://www.instagram.com/gaylekabake Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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Creative Current Events: Small Biz Shifts, Recycled Art, and Truck Stop Galleries
Margo and Abby are back with another installment of Creative Current Events, a special segment of Windowsill Chats where creativity, culture, and community collide. This episode spans a range of creative topics—from Beloved Asheville’s heartfelt relief efforts in Kerrville, Texas, to the ripple effects of rising postage costs and UPS layoffs on small creative businesses. They dig into a major fair use ruling involving Anthropic that could impact the future of AI-generated content, and explore how tools like Canva’s Magic Write are giving small businesses fresh ways to create with confidence. They also spotlight sustainability-minded artists turning trash into treasure—and an unexpected art gallery found in a Texas truck stop bathroom. As always, it’s a curious and timely mix of what’s happening now and what it means for the creative world. Articles Mentioned: UPS offers buyouts to drivers as it shutters 73 sites, laying off 20,000 jobs Anthropic wins a major fair use victory for AI — but it’s still in trouble for stealing books How to use AI as a small entrepreneur Summerween - It’s back! Octogenarian Says Joy Is Contagious Turning glass into sand! https://glasshalffull.co/ Visualising Britain's fashion waste problem with cyanotype photography A world first in size and scale, V&A East Storehouse immerses you in over half a million works from every creative discipline. Texas’s Hottest Art Gallery Is the Buc-ee’s Bathroom Unwasted transforms local waste streams into tiles 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
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Ten Seconds of Courage: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything with Andee Hart
Margo is joined by Andee Hart, a former Fortune 500 sales executive turned thriving creative entrepreneur, candle maker, and coach who helps women overcome sales anxiety and grow their businesses with integrity. As host of the She Sells Differently podcast and founder of Hart Design Co., Andee brings her bold, heart-centered approach to entrepreneurship—and in this episode, she shares her powerful journey from side hustle to full-time business ownership. Margo and Andee discuss: Making the leap from corporate sales to creative entrepreneurship Building a thriving product-based business from the kitchen up Navigating fear and perfectionism when starting something new Why selling doesn’t have to feel “icky” and how to reframe it as service The power of email marketing and why it trumps social media Strategies for pricing your work with confidence and integrity Approaching retailers for wholesale partnerships Knowing who your customers aren’t (and why that’s freeing) Andee’s counter-cultural approach to sales and marketing Connect with Andee: Website: https://andeehart.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andeehart/ Hart Design Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartdesignco/ Andee’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andeehart/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shesellsdifferently/ She Sells Differently Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-sells-differently-authentic-selling-business-growth/id1731402504 Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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.
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