Windowsill Chats

• The Inner Voice of a Creative: Rebuilding, Reflecting, and Reimagining with Tina Backman

  Margo is joined by Swedish designer, illustrator, and educator Tina Backman for an inspiring conversation about creativity, self-discovery, and the winding path of a creative life. From a shy childhood filled with drawing, journaling, and music, Tina shares how creativity became her truest language—and how that expression evolved into an international career in design, education, and branding. Margo and Tina explore the realities of navigating a creative career: the pressure to pursue “practical” paths, the challenges of freelance life, and the courage it takes to follow your inner voice. Tina also opens up about rebuilding her creative presence after losing her Instagram account, the magic of physical creative spaces, and why gathering with other women has been essential to her journey. It’s a rich, vulnerable, and empowering episode filled with lessons on resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming creative joy.   Topics discussed by Margo and Tina: Using creativity as a safe space and communication tool in childhood The tension between societal expectations and following an artistic path Tina’s experiences studying in the UK vs. Sweden—and how that shaped her work Transitioning from international freelance work to teaching design How to recognize when a project isn’t the right fit (and why that matters) Why Tina created her own studio—and how it reignited her inspiration The importance of community and local creative gatherings for women Balancing creative work with full-time roles, like branding for a Swedish municipality Tips for presenting creative ideas in a way that resonates with clients Honoring your past creative work, even when life gets busy Connect with Tina: https://tinabackman.se/ https://www.instagram.com/tinabackmandesignstudio/   Connect with Margo: https://www.tantaustudio.com https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/ https://www.patreon.com/c/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

  --------  

  57:31
• Empathy, Strategy, and Soul: The Art of Creative Leadership with Vince Wanga

  In this episode of Windowsill Chats, Margo is joined by the brilliant and multifaceted Vincent Wanga—an international design thought leader, award-winning creative executive, keynote speaker, and author of The Art of Direction. With a career spanning two decades, Vince has not only built brands but built pathways for creatives to rise into leadership, blending vision, empathy, and business acumen. Margo and Vince dive deep into the rarely talked about pivot from doing creative work to leading it—unpacking the realities behind creative direction and what it truly takes to thrive in high-impact leadership roles.   Margo and Vince discuss: What creative directors actually do—and why no one talks about it The soft skills that define strong leadership (spoiler: empathy leads the pack) Navigating the blurred line between creativity and strategy How to lead with integrity and inspiration in fast-paced, tech-forward industries Vince’s personal journey from designer to executive at a billion-dollar startup The importance of mentorship and representation in creative leadership How creatives can stay grounded in their artistry while scaling their careers Actionable tips from The Art of Direction for moving beyond individual contributor roles Why AI won’t replace the creative soul—but how we do need to adapt   Whether you’re a designer, artist, or creative professional wondering what’s next, this conversation will equip you with clarity, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose.   Connect with Vince: https://www.vincentwanga.com Book: The Art of Direction  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga   Connect with Margo: https://www.tantaustudio.com https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/ https://www.patreon.com/c/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry  

  --------  

  1:09:53
• The Shift to a SOFT Business: Building a Life and Career That Honor Who You Truly Are with Molly Balint

  Margo is joined by Molly Balint, creative entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of the SOFT Business movement. Molly helps women break away from hustle culture to build businesses that are as nourishing as they are profitable—centered around heart, balance, and alignment. With a background in storytelling, community-building, and soulful mentorship, Molly brings a grounded, compassionate lens to what it means to show up authentically in business today. In this heartfelt conversation, Margo and Molly explore what it really takes to create a business rooted in your values, especially in a digital world that often prizes noise over nuance. Molly opens up about the inner work required to break free from old patterns, the difference between performative vulnerability and authentic presence, and how redefining success through softness can be a powerful act of creative leadership. Margo and Molly discuss: Molly’s personal evolution from hustle-fueled creative to SOFT Business mentor. The deeper inner work needed before brand strategy can be effective. Why “just be yourself” advice often misses the mark—and how to do it in a way that feels safe and true. What the SOFT Business model looks like in practice (and how it doesn’t mean being less ambitious). Letting go of productivity pressure and embracing cycles, seasons, and boundaries. Instagram storytelling as a tool for connection, not performance. Navigating vulnerability, visibility, and personal boundaries online. How motherhood, farm life, and creative business coexist on Molly’s 300-acre Maryland farm. Why softness isn’t weakness—it’s a radical, sustainable strength. Connect with Molly: www.mollybalint.com https://www.instagram.com/molly.balint https://softbusinessclub.co/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry  

  --------  

  1:13:20
• Rhinestones, Reinvention & the Art of Embracing Your Multi-Passionate Mind with Kim Bloomberg of Studio Art Beat

  Margo is joined by multi-passionate creative Kim Bloomberg, the joyful force behind Studio Art Beat. A fine artist, educator, and self-proclaimed art supply nerd, Kim brings a refreshing perspective to the creative journey—one that’s less about staying in your lane and more about following curiosity wherever it leads. With a background in both fine art and education, over two decades of teaching experience, and years running her own jewelry business, Kim shares how she ultimately found fulfillment by embracing her ADHD-fueled love for switching mediums and diving headfirst into new materials. After leaving behind the New York hustle for the artistic charm of Chicago’s North Shore, Kim launched Studio Art Beat as an inclusive space to demystify art and make creativity accessible to all ages. She now leads workshops, partners with brands like Gelli Arts, and teaches online courses—including one that brings rhinestone bedazzling to the masses. Through her story, Kim reminds us that freedom, play, and experimentation are not distractions—they’re the path. Margo and Kim discuss: Growing up in an art-loving family and the creative influence of her parents and grandfather. Letting go of a long-term jewelry business and the guilt that came with that decision. How embracing her neurodivergent brain led to business clarity and personal joy. Turning her natural desire to switch mediums into a strength rather than a struggle. Building an online art education platform that’s welcoming, inclusive, and non-intimidating. Why sharing her process openly (rather than gatekeeping) has helped her business grow. Collaborating with brands while maintaining authenticity and community connection. The value of playful creativity for both kids and adults—and why it’s never too late to start. How she’s made rhinestones cool again with her Cricut-powered online course. The beauty in allowing your creative identity to evolve—and giving others permission to do the same. Connect with Kim: www.studioartbeat.com  www.instagram.com/studioartbeat   Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry  

  --------  

  1:08:48
• Creative Current Events: Art Fairs, Bold Murals, and Pasta-Perfect Playlists

  Margo and Abby catch up on emerging art fairs, AI-fueled creativity, and an unexpected Spotify collab in the latest episode of Creative Current Events, a special segment of Windowsill Chats. This round of curious and creative conversation touches on everything from practical tips for artists and makers to heartwarming stories and pop culture fun. They dig into the impact of recent tariff shifts on small businesses, celebrate alternative art fairs that uplift emerging artists, and spotlight muralists transforming both interiors and cityscapes. You’ll also hear about a cross-country artist on a mission, royalty-free music with a mission, and a billion-dollar design app you probably use (but may not know the backstory of). Plus: AI tools worth trying, Stanley's branding genius with Post Malone, and what happened when a kid got too close to a Rothko. As always, there’s a little something for everyone—whether you're looking for inspiration, useful resources, or just a reason to smile. Don’t forget to let us know what sparked your creativity this week!   Articles Mentioned:  Tariff Chart https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/2019/us-china-trade-war-tariffs-date-chart   The alternative art fairs championing emerging artists https://www.wallpaper.com/art/best-art-fairs-for-emerging-artists   Murals have moved indoors https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/style/murals-interiors-wall-art.html   Kreh Mellick https://www.instagram.com/krehmellick/   Murals Outdoors https://www.instagram.com/mantrarea/?hl=en   50-50 Project https://www.cheyennerenee.com   Artivive App allows augmented reality Tracy Dawn Brewer https://www.artivive.com/   7 genius chatbot prompts that will instantly boost your ideas https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/7-genius-gemini-prompts-that-will-instantly-boost-your-ideas     Child damages Rothko work at Rotterdam museum https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/29/child-damages-rothko-work-at-rotterdam-museum V & A East Storehouse https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/about-va-east-storehouse?srsltid=AfmBOooad4l6QVnVru427Vuem0kb6PpKDh0ZLLWpF3J1AaRpxFwdgIhK   The Story of Canva https://www.instagram.com/p/DHSgugYIE02/?hl=en&img_index=1   Royalty Free Music by Moby https://mobygratis.com/   Stanley & Post Malone Collaboration https://www.stanley1913.com/collections/post-malone-stanley-collab-2025   Barilla pasta playlist https://open.spotify.com/user/w2p1oq867ns7jele6g3lw66fk 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

  --------  

  28:18

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Windowsill Chats