Windowsill Chats

Margo Tantau
  • 4.9 (346)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Getting Out of the Screen and Into Your Life: A Heartfelt Conversation With Sarah Walsh on Dream Projects, Self-Sabotage, and Creative Ruts (Replay)

    Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh in this two part conversation where they go in-depth on finding motivation, leaning into intuition, how you can work on your true dream project today, by taking ahold of your time, and your yeses. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping in to mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans. Margo and Sarah discuss: Her creative upbringing and the influence her mom and grandma had on her How having a child at a young age impacted her creative journey Why creative ruts are actually important to our process and story Being led intuitively Having compassion for ourselves and giving grace How to slow down and learning to say NO Social media and self sabotage What defines a dream project to Sarah Learning what we could accomplish if we treated ourselves like we do our clients Mentioned in this episode: I Didn't Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore I Just Like to Make Things: Learn the Secrets to Making Money while Staying Passionate about your Art and Craft by Lilla Rogers   Connect with Sarah Www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings   Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: @windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 25m

  2. DEC 17

    Taxes for Humans: Hannah Cole on Self-Employment, Creativity, and Money Without Shame

    Margo Tantau is joined by artist, tax expert, and founder of Sunlight Tax, Hannah Cole, for a refreshingly human conversation about money, creativity, and her new book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Hannah brings compassion, clarity, and humor to a topic many creatives carry shame, fear, or confusion around—and reframes taxes as something that can actually support creative, mission-driven work rather than stifle it. Margo and Hannah discuss: Why creative work is economically vital and plays a real role in shaping culture How the tax system is designed for humans—not perfection—and includes room for forgiveness Simple, realistic systems that make taxes easier for self-employed creatives Tax incentives that actually exist to support artists and independent workers How money shame shows up for creatives, and why it's completely normal Why making mistakes with taxes doesn't mean you're "bad at money" How compassion and clarity can coexist with practical financial systems Connect with Hannah: Book + Workbook: https://www.sunlighttax.com/book Website: https://www.sunlighttax.com Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn: @sunlighttax Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: @windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 6m

  3. DEC 10

    The Pull to Paint: How Juliene Sinclair Built Confidence, Color Skills, and Creative Joy as a Watercolor Artist & Muralist

    Margo is joined by watercolor landscape artist and muralist Juliene Sinclair, a creative whose passion for color runs as deep as the mountains she paints in. Juliene is dedicated to helping painters finally understand color—why it behaves the way it does, how to mix it with intention, and how mastering it can completely transform artistic confidence. She believes that once you grasp how color truly works, your entire creative world opens up. Juliene lives in the mountains with her husband, son, and two cats, and when she's not painting, she's likely geeking out about color theory or hiking steep trails with bear spray in hand. Together, they explore the emotional and technical layers of color, the courage it takes to follow your creative curiosity, and why making art—imperfect, vibrant, deeply human art—is essential to feeling whole. Margo & Juliene Discuss: Juliene's winding path to watercolor and murals, and how she found her creative voice Why color feels intimidating for so many artists—and how to move from confusion to confidence The power of intentional mixing and creating palettes that feel authentic to you How limiting your palette can actually expand creativity and harmony The emotional side of color—self-doubt, breakthroughs, and trusting the process Creativity as essential human expression, not just a career path Painting with her young son, and what kids teach us about fearless creativity Submit Your Questions for Margo Tantau & Emily McDowell Connect with Juliene: Website: www.julienesinclair.com Instagram: @juliene.sinclair YouTube: @julienesinclair Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: @windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1 hr

  4. DEC 3

    Creating Joy on Purpose: Kate Smith on Reinvention, Creative Courage & Making People Smile

    Margo is joined by artist and joy-maker Kate Smith, the creative force behind Kate Smith Co.™, a brand dedicated to finding "the happy that's already here" in everyday moments. Kate has built a thriving career in greeting cards and art licensing, working with beloved partners in the U.S. and U.K. to create products that make people smile. From early success with her first brand, From Frank, to a full reimagining of her creative path, Kate's journey is filled with bold decisions, reinvention, and a commitment to following what feels joyful. She also spent seven years living and working full-time in an Airstream, a chapter that deeply shaped her artistic voice and philosophy. Margo and Kate discuss: Kate's early beginnings—from advertising to accidentally launching a greeting card line that landed in Target within a year The rise of From Frank, her wildly popular first brand inspired by her French bulldog, and what it taught her about licensing, growth, and creativity The pivotal decision to sell everything, hit the road in an Airstream, and shift her business fully into licensing How travel, imperfection, and "found letters" influenced her signature design style and approach to joyful, approachable art Navigating the fear phases of a creative career and learning to make decisions from hope instead of worry How she thinks about long-term partnerships in licensing, staying authentic, and evolving her brand without losing its heart What reinvention looks like now—new art prints, new mediums, and giving herself permission to embrace being an "artist" Submit Your Questions for Margo Tantau & Emily McDowell Connect with Kate: www.katesmithcompany.com www.instagram.com/katesmithcompany Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 4m

  5. NOV 26

    The Art of Exchange: Risk, Rebellion & Connection with Edgeworth Johnstone

    Margo sits down with Edgeworth Johnstone — a musician, painter, printmaker, and the unconventional creative force behind The Camden Market Free Art Man. With deep roots in the raw and gritty culture of Camden, Edgeworth has built a life around instinct-driven art, spirited collaboration, and connection through creativity. He shares how a childhood love of music evolved into multiple bands, how discovering painting later unlocked a new artistic identity, and why giving away his work in exchange for stories has become one of his most meaningful projects yet. From working with the Black Ivory art collective to dreaming up a future artist commune in Thailand, Edgeworth reminds us that creativity thrives when we allow it to take us somewhere unexpected. Margo and Edgeworth discuss: Camden's role in shaping underground music culture The beauty and honesty of demo recordings, cassettes, and physical media How falling into painting later in life opened a new world of creative expression Joining the Stuckist art movement and experiences with outsider art at Tate Modern Collaboration as a life-force: bands, collectives, and finding your people The origins and growth of The Camden Market Free Art Man project Trading art for connection — and what you learn from strangers Unexpected adventures in Thailand and the dream of an artist commune Trusting your gut, embracing risk, and following the path that feels alive Why imperfection is often the truest mark of creativity Connect with Edgestone: Website: https://edgeworth.blog Instagram: www.instagram.com/edgeworth.blog Inspired by lately: Ron Throop, Emma Pugmire Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 8m

  6. NOV 19

    The Power of Creative Expression & Living Life in Full Color: Amy Lohr on Creative Healing and Finding Your Voice

    Margo sits down with artist, writer, and creative director Amy Lohr to talk about the nonlinear, magical, and sometimes messy journey of reclaiming your creative voice. Amy shares how a personal "creative awakening" helped her move through body dysmorphia and social anxiety, and how painting, writing, and photography became tools for healing and deeper self-understanding. They explore the spiritual and practical sides of creativity—from living off-grid in Hawaii, to writing her book Like the Sun at Midday, to embracing curiosity in all its unexpected forms (yes, including papier-mâché and xylophones). Amy also dives into the power of branding and storytelling, and how she helps entrepreneurs and visionaries express the heart of their work with clarity and soul. Margo and Amy Discuss: Amy's personal creative awakening and how it reshaped her life Moving through body dysmorphia and social anxiety via self-expression Following odd, intuitive creative pulls (like new mediums and playful experiments) Her time living off-grid in Hawaii and the spiritual experiences that shaped her artistry The influence of mentors—including a counterculture elder with childhood ties to Bobo the gorilla Writing Like the Sun at Midday and what it taught her about listening, presence, and surrender The real "soft skills" behind creative confidence: courage, slowness, vulnerability, being seen How branding and storytelling help creatives express their essence and connect with their audience Why your art matters not just for you, but for the world Connect with Amy:  Website: www.amyinfullcolor.com Book: www.likethesunatmidday.com Instagram: @amyinfullcolor Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 11m

  7. NOV 12

    Out of the Ashes: Poetry, Resilience & Reclaiming Your Voice with Courtney Peppernell

    Margo sits down with internationally bestselling poet and storyteller Courtney Peppernell. Known for her Pillow Thoughts series and many other beloved poetry collections, Courtney has spent nearly a decade writing about love, healing, and the resilience that carries us through life's hardest moments. Her words have reached millions across the globe, offering comfort and connection through the power of honest storytelling. In this conversation, Courtney shares how her creative journey has evolved—from "accidental poet" to global literary voice—and how her newest book, Out of the Ashes, explores rising after trauma, recognizing emotional abuse, and learning what healthy love truly looks like. She and Margo also discuss community, vulnerability, and the whimsical characters (yes, jellyfish!) that make her work so unique. Margo & Courtney Discuss: How Pillow Thoughts went from Tumblr blog to international bestseller Recognizing emotional abuse and reclaiming your voice Why vulnerability in storytelling fosters connection and healing Building a creative career rooted in authenticity The importance of community — online and IRL Using anger and grief as catalysts for growth The charming characters that have become symbols throughout her books What's next: fiction, exciting new projects, and a whole lot of dogs Connect with Courtney: Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtneypeppernell TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@courtneypeppernell Website: www.peppernell.com Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry Join the Confident Creative Workshop (November 17th-20th)

    1h 9m

  8. NOV 5

    It Starts With You: Claiming Your Creative Identity, Building Confidence & Community with Martina Flor

    Margo welcomes internationally acclaimed lettering artist, illustrator, author, and creative mentor Martina Flor to the show. Originally trained as a graphic designer in Argentina, Martina took a leap of faith that led her to Berlin — and eventually to building one of the most recognized lettering studios in the world. Through bold choices, ongoing experimentation, and a belief in the power of claiming your identity, she has carved out a career filled with artistry, entrepreneurship, and community. Martina opens up about what it really looks like to follow your passion before the world has validated it — from printing "lettering artist" on her business cards long before she had clients, to trusting that the right environment and relationships can transform everything. Margo and Martina discuss: Martina's journey from Argentina to Berlin and how a new environment shaped her career The moment she claimed the title "lettering artist" — and the ripple effect it created Why community, mentorship, and visibility are essential for creative growth How to charge confidently and build a financially sustainable art career Key business strategies for finding clients and marketing your work authentically The importance of a supportive team behind any thriving creative business Balancing commercial work with personal projects and ongoing learning Using storytelling to build a magnetic brand that attracts aligned clients Navigating transitions and creative risk with curiosity and courage Her advice for artists who want to turn passion into profession — without burning out Connect with Martina: Website: https://www.martinaflor.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/martinaflor The Golden Secrets of Lettering Book Make It Book Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 23m
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4.9
out of 5
346 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Margo Tantau
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Windowsill Chats

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