Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by illustrator and children's book artist Natalie Lundeen for a candid conversation about creativity, motherhood, burnout, and redefining what it means to be a "successful" artist. Based in Clearwater, Florida, Natalie specializes in children's books, greeting cards, and licensed artwork, with illustrations spanning indie publishing, Etsy products, and now traditional publishing through Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her newest books, Dear Mom and Dear Dad, were released this spring.
Natalie shares the winding path that led her from fine art and gallery work into illustration, how becoming a mother completely reshaped her creative process, and the surprising timing of landing a two-book publishing deal just days after deciding to step away from illustration professionally. Margo and Natalie explore the freedom that can come from releasing pressure, the realities of balancing creative work with financial stability, and why having a part-time job outside the art world doesn't make someone any less of an artist. It's an honest and refreshing conversation about building a creative life that actually supports your wellbeing—not just your résumé.
Margo and Natalie discuss:
Natalie's transition from oil painting and gallery work into children's book illustration
How motherhood reshaped both her artistic style and creative priorities
Building early illustration opportunities through Etsy, Instagram, and indie authors
The realities of self-publishing projects, client boundaries, and revision expectations
Landing a traditional publishing deal after deciding to step away from illustration full time
Why returning to part-time cleaning work helped her enjoy art again
Redefining success outside of the "full-time artist" narrative
The importance of flexibility, creative friendships, and sustainable creative cycles
How personal projects and experimentation can open unexpected doors
Why artists shouldn't feel shame around taking outside work to support their creativity
Connect with Natalie:
Website: https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: @natlundeen

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she's built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing.
Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing.
Margo and Nicki discuss:
Nicki's unexpected path from corporate work and makeup artistry to becoming a full-time artist and educator
The importance of embracing a "twisty, turny" creative journey instead of chasing overnight success
How comparison and curated social media can hold artists back from starting
Why messy sketchbooks and imperfect practice are essential to creative growth
Letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy the tactile experience of making art
The evolution from artist to teacher and building an online creative community during COVID
The pressure to "find your style" and why multi-passionate creativity deserves space
Practical ways to restart a creative practice and make art feel approachable again
Connect with Nicki:
Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign
Substack: https://lifeidesign.substack.com

In this replay episode, 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

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Lisa Solomon to discuss her newest book, Art, Craft, Color—a thoughtfully curated collection of essays, reflections, and creative projects designed to inspire a more playful, hands-on approach to making. Lisa's work explores the intersection of art, craft, and personal history, often blending unexpected materials and techniques to challenge traditional boundaries. Alongside her studio practice, she teaches at the college level and has authored several books on color and creativity.
In this conversation, Lisa offers a behind-the-scenes look at her process while reflecting on experimentation, perfectionism, and the power of community.
Margo and Lisa discuss:
The origin story behind Art, Craft, Color and how the project came to life
The collaborative process of curating artists, materials, and color palettes
Blurring the lines between art and craft, and why that distinction matters less than we think
Embracing experimentation and stepping outside your creative comfort zone
Letting go of perfectionism and focusing on process over outcome
The impact of social media on creativity—both the inspiration and the pressure
Why working with your hands is more important than ever in today's world
Building community and connection through shared creative practices
Connect with Lisa:
Website: www.lisasolomon.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisasolomon


Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this replay episode, Margo is joined by tax expert Hannah Cole who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she's helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. She is the founder of Sunlight Tax. As artists carve their paths through various industries, they encounter a myriad of challenges, yet financial literacy is rarely addressed, leading to feelings of failure and shame. Today's conversation with Hannah sheds light on this systemic failure and turns it into a journey of empowerment and self-compassion (something all creatives should have)!
Margo and Hannah discuss:
The responsibilities that come with being a small business owner in the US
Navigating self-employment taxes and optimizing deductions
Personal struggles that Hannah faced within her own creative career and financial literacy
What propelled her towards accounting education
How she acts as a translator between the creative and tax worlds
Simple advice artists can implement today when it comes to money management
Her Money Bootcamp program and podcast
How to save more money
And more!
Connect with Hannah:
www.instagram.com/sunlighttax
www.sunlighttax.com
www.sunlighttax.com/podcast
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill