Windowsill Chats – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

Margo is joined by Brian Selznick, the wildly imaginative author and illustrator whose groundbreaking books have redefined how we tell stories. Known for seamlessly blending text and image in powerful, cinematic ways, Brian shares the origins of his creative process, the stories behind his best-known works, and the magic of collaborative art-making. Together, they explore what it means to honor both the reader and the story, why grief and love are ever-present themes in his work, and how he approaches retelling iconic tales through fresh and inclusive lenses. From The Invention of Hugo Cabret to Run Away With Me, Brian’s work invites readers into deeply felt worlds where art and narrative become one.

Margo and Brian discuss:

• The start of Brian’s creative process and how he moves from words to illustration

• His unique storytelling style and cinematic inspirations

• What it was like to have The Invention of Hugo Cabret adapted by Martin Scorsese

• Collaborating with director Todd Haynes on the Wonderstruck film adaptation

• His philosophy on creative ownership and openness in adaptations

• Designing the 20th anniversary covers for the Harry Potter series and grappling with the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling.

• The importance of telling authentic queer love stories in his new novel Run Away With Me

• Exploring universal themes of love, grief, and time in narrative

• The reimagining of The Nutcracker with a historical, class-conscious twist

• How Brian sees the future of storytelling as both expansive and inclusive
  
  

Connect with Brian:

https://brianselznick.com

https://instagram.com/thebrianselznick

Connect with Margo: 

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator, Megan Price, otherwise known by her business name The Darling Fig. Megan feels like she has had many creative incarnations but it wasn't until she dusted off her paintbrushes and embraced the fact that she was an artist, that she finally found a medium through which she could fully express her full creative vision. Megan paints by hand to capture the joy in life’s everyday moments. She believes in slowing down and finding the magic in the little things. Her work can be seen as a collection of sustainably printed greeting cards and fine art prints, or as bespoke artwork commissions for clients.

Topics discussed: 

Her journey of creativity and why she started The Darling Fig

Finding enjoyment in the process of artistic creation

The sweet spot of creative flow

Her experience with art challenges

What art is really all about to her and why she doesn’t necessarily care if people love or hate her work but rather how it makes them feel

Gratitude and how journaling fosters a positive mindset as well as posts her creativity

Finding stillness in her creative practice

And more!

Connect with Megan: 

www.thedarlingfig.com.au

www.instagram.com/thedarlingfig

Margo is joined by fellow PNW island dweller, Rachel Phillips. Rachel is a mama to three boys, 32 chickens, and a 'robust' amount of art supplies. She refers to herself as a little Anne of Green Gables with a dash of Pippi longstocking and a side of Laura ingalls and holds a master's degree in wildflower picking, a doctorate in smearing paint and has studied extensively under the likes of mother nature, Grandfather Twilight and Bob Ross YouTube videos. Rachel has been practicing heART journaling for over a decade as a way for her to tell her story and the stories of people she meets along the way. They are jam-packed full of art, artifacts (heARTifacts), quotes, lists, collages, illustrations and pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. Her creative niche is joy and she does and makes whatever she feels like, whenever she feels like while giving others permission to do the same. 

Topics discussed:

[10:27] Why Rachel was led to journaling and the nostalgia it brought

[16:14] Moving to an island helped me relax.

[22:59] Storytelling: how stories connect generations and spark magical experiences.

[28:30] Fitting your creativity in as it works for you. Why Rachel does pick-up pages instead of morning pages.

[29:33] Rachel’s new online course and unique way of sharing creative tips for journaling.

[34:58] How she’s manifested her current life and what she hopes to manifest in the future. 

[45:06] Living authentically and honestly and the pros and cons that come with it.

[46:29] Being multi passionate

[56:02] Who inspires Rachel

Connect with Rachel:

www.instagram.com/rachelphillips3

www.plantingmarigolds.com

https://plantingmarigolds.teachable.com/p/heart-journal-course

Margo is joined by artist, illustrator and quintessential creative entrepreneur, Becky Dawson. Becky started screen printing t-shirts in her spare bedroom 12 years ago with a little knowledge and a lot of hope (and creativity) and has since evolved into designing and manufacturing her own line of paper and gift products sold in 100’s of stores worldwide. She paints, draws, and makes ceramic creations on top of owning and managing a brick and mortar gallery & gift shop that exclusively carries her art and products. Becky’s art is a creative world full of mythical creatures, farm animals and pets, plants and flowers and she’s inspired by the beautiful, the unusual, joy, and fun.

Topics Discussed:

[00:55] Becky’s early creative path going from hairstylist to graphic tee designer and Etsy shop owner

[07:55] Discovering creative potential and consistent income through new endeavors

[18:06] Finding new ways to manage and ship products in order to focus on her art

[20:03] How Becky built her brand locally and why she opted out of most trade shows

[27:48] Finding connection through art and conversations with others

[36:13] Getting into ceramics

[42:29] How slow periods have led to artistic growth and expansion

[44:17] Getting creative during the pandemic and opening her self-serve gift shop

[51:19] Advice for emerging artists and creatives on finding their own path

[54:22] People inspiring Becky

Mentioned in this episode:

Morgen Barrett

Budgie Goods

Connect with Becky:

http://onelaneroad.com/

www.instagram.com/onelaneroad

www.facebook.com/onelaneroadart

Margo is joined by elementary school art teacher Faigie Kobre. Faigie uses a choice based method called TAB (teaching for artistic behavior) and has recently developed a program for schools called Beyond Copycat Crafts that helps other teachers aid in how to give children developmentally appropriate, creative art instead of copycat, cookie cutter crafts. Faigie also has taught adult creativity through mixed media and alcohol inks. She teaches the difference between creativity and artistic ability and how our own thoughts on this subject likely stems from our childhood experiences.

Topics discussed:

[02:53] How a business course unexpectedly sparked creativity in Faigie

[08:34] Why she was initially rejected from a coaching program and how taking initiative changed her coaches mind

[12:02] How perfectionism stifles creativity; art is problem-solving.

[21:04] How and why creativity develops differently in us and when we begin to see self-doubt with our own creative abilities

[22:27] How mixed media art has been both transformational and liberating for Faigie

[27:39] Teaching for artistic behavior. Faigie’s choice-based program  that teaches drawing, collage, painting and creates an exciting learning environment for kids

[31:36] Guiding kids to embrace challenges in creativity

[33:11] Integration of art in education and curriculum

[37:06] Teaching art concepts with freedom, not restrictions

[47:49] How she got involved with alcohol inks and her course

Connect with Faigie:

www.eduart4kids.com

www.eduart4kids.com/beyond

www.instagram.com/eduart4kids

https://www.pinterest.com/faigie/

https://www.facebook.com/eduart4kids/

Margo is joined by co-founder and creative director of El Extraordinario, Marcus Hurst. El Extraordinario is an award winning creative outfit specialized in audio fiction and podcasts making timeless long form content with high production values and a strong emphasis on sound design. Looking more to music record labels like XL Recordings as inspiration for creating podcasts rather than traditional podcasting, El Extraordinario is anything but traditional.

Marcus shares his experiences in the world of blogging, journalism, and now podcasting, and how he’s found success in being adaptable, assembling a solid team, brand partnerships, how he manages social media personally and professionally and much more.

Topics discussed:

[02:23] Blogging and its impact on journalism

[06:57] The monopolization of blogging

[11:49] Developing a different approach to journalism

[19:08] The importance of high production values and audio engineering with the types of content he produces

[23:16] Creating a successful sponsored brand podcast in partnership with Switzerland Tourism

[25:48] Coming up with new ideas and how to execute them. Exploring the freedom and risk-taking that comes into play at El Extraordinario

[33:13] Spanish elegance and politeness with ground rules.

[38:26] Benefits of having a small team and understanding each person's unique values

[39:45] Connections and creativity within the podcasting realm

[48:07] Spanish speaking markets versus English speaking markets

[50:03] Upcoming podcast projects

[54:22] People and things currently inspiring Marcus

Connect with Marcus:

https://www.instagram.com/elextraordinario.wtf/

https://twitter.com/marcushurst/

Margo is joined by certified empowerment coach, Sheila Kamuda. Sheila was inspired to become a coach through her own healing journey after the loss of her husband, and leadership experience where she directed a team of 20 creatives and eventually started Live Out Loud Coaching. She is passionate about helping professionals value who they are and what they "bring to the party" and recognize they have not been put here to just take up space but to realize their full potential. 

 In this episode, Sheila opens up about her own healing journey and how it led her to create her coaching company, her creative practices that helped aid in her healing journey, how to embrace your own brilliance, the power of gratitude, her books and a whole lot more.

Topics discussed:

[04:31] How grieving led to writing letters to her husband and where she received the message to become a coach.

[09:23] Boosting your own confidence and recognizing your accomplishments.

[22:25] Her innovative journal with empowering and simple prompts.

[23:49] Choosing happiness, gratitude, kindness, and self-love. Magical, life-changing principles in a gratitude journal.

[29:20] Overcoming self-doubt, releasing blocks, and trusting intuition.

[32:55] The power in reflecting on past actions and seeking improvement.

[37:39] Her book and how it helps individuals embrace being alone and heal.

[48:41] Who inspires Sheila

Mentioned in this episode:

Sydney

Connect with Sheila:

https://www.liveoutloudcoaching.com/

www.instagram.com/liveoutloudcoach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-kamuda-a056882/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by contemporary visual artist and illustrator Melissa Lakey. Melissa is based in Joshua Tree, California, where the windows of her art studio look out into the Mojave Desert. Her colorful work celebrates the landscape and animals of the American Southwest and her love of cowboys, road trips, and summer vacations. Melissa shares on observing others and how it can inspire our own creative processes, the concept of using sketchbooks with specific themes and approaching journaling, overcoming creative obstacles and more.

Topics discussed:

[01:32] An introduction to Melissa

[05:12] Her unique art journey: finding passions and discovering new possibilities

[12:25] Exploring different techniques and materials in vibrant art

[13:13] Her love for art supplies and some of her favorite tools

[20:21] Her first residency experience and the inspiration and motivation she found in attending 

[26:29] First show in Joshua Tree and the feedback she received 

[35:39] Thoughts on self-identification and artistic work

[39:20] Her sketchbook practice and how it aids in her projects and bigger works

[42:42] The value she finds in exploring other artists methods

[47:59] Thoughts on teaching

Margo and Melissa also discuss why she took a break from creating and the fears that come up when taking a break, her number one tip for 100-day projects, why social media friends have been pivotal in her career and why she doesn’t live post her work but rather waits a month or so to post. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Sarah Dyer (https://www.sarahdyer.com/)

Sou'wester Lodge Artist Residency (https://www.souwesterlodge.com/art/artist-residency/)

Hey There Projects (https://www.heythereprojects.com/)

Wyatt Hersey (https://www.wyatthersey.com/)

Emma Carslile (https://www.emmacarlisle.com/)

Natalie Lundeen (https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/)

Connect with Melissa:

https://www.melissalakey.com

https://www.instagram.com/melissa.lakey

"Colors of the Sun, Songs of the Moon" in Taos, NM from August 19th - September 20th (https://www.instagram.com/lunojo_gallery/)

Sketchbook Workshop (https://inkygoodness.samcart.com/products/sketchbook-workshop-melissa-lakey/)

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill