Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Madison Phipps, the creative force behind Madison Phipps Studio. Known for her feminine, timeless botanical artwork rooted in nostalgia and storytelling, Madison shares how she's built a growing art business while balancing motherhood and a full-time job. From painting in the quiet margins of her day to landing dream collaborations and launching collections, this conversation is a refreshing and honest look at what it really takes to pursue creativity in the "messy middle."

Margo and Madison explore the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and courageous decisions that helped her turn a personal creative practice into a thriving business, without waiting until everything felt "ready."

Margo and Madison discuss:

• Using the question "what's the best that could happen?" as a roadmap for growth and decision-making
• How sharing her journey on TikTok helped her grow a community and gain visibility
• Pitching yourself before you feel ready—and how cold outreach led to major opportunities
• The inspiration behind her nostalgic, botanical artwork rooted in childhood memories
• Launching and sustaining a snail mail print club as a recurring revenue stream
• Lessons from collaborations, including her botanical collection with Paloma & Co
• Balancing ambition, creativity, and family life without burning out

Connect with Madison

• Madison Phipps Studio: https://www.madisonphippsstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madison.phipps.studio/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonphippsstudio

Connect with Margo:

• Website: www.windowsillchats.com
• Instagram: @windowsillchats
• www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
• https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined once again by Abby Campbell for a Creative Current Events catch-up episode, and this one is packed. After a short hiatus, the two dive right back into the ever-evolving world of art, design, and creative business—starting with Margo's firsthand experience exhibiting at the Birmingham Spring Fair's new Licensing Lab. She shares what stood out, from booth design trends to the shifting landscape of licensing and wholesale in a post-SurTex world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where the industry is heading.

From there, Margo and Abby broaden the conversation into a curated mix of resources, trends, and cultural observations shaping creative work right now. They explore everything from artist-friendly AI tools and art competitions to trend forecasting, retail evolution, and immersive brand experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:
https://www.entrythingy.com/blog/best-art-calls-2026
https://business.pinterest.com/pinterest-predicts/
https://www.fastcompany.com/91504420/claude-can-turn-your-handwriting-into-a-font https://www.powderartfoundation.org/
http://southernliving.com/michaels-fresh-flowers-11920325
https://www.retaildive.com/news/aritzia-acquires-fred-segal/812686/

Margo is joined by artist, author, and teacher Sam Dion Baker for a conversation about creativity, sketchbook practice, and finding meaning in the everyday. Originally from Philadelphia and now based in Brooklyn, Sam spent over two decades as a graphic designer before returning to drawing in her forties—ultimately building a deeply personal and widely loved sketchbook diary practice. Through her books, teaching, and artwork, Sam encourages others to slow down, observe their lives, and express themselves in their own unique way.

Margo and Sam discuss:

• How a lifelong exposure to art shaped her creative path (and why it didn't follow a straight line)
• The transition from graphic design to a personal, sketchbook-based art practice
• Why sketchbooks can act as a form of therapy, reflection, and emotional processing
• Finding beauty and inspiration in everyday moments, not just big adventures
• Letting go of perfection and embracing messiness as part of the creative process
• Simple exercises to loosen up creatively (like continuous line drawing and using your non-dominant hand)
• How to develop your own unique creative voice through observation and consistency
• Sam's books and upcoming projects, including her new coloring book Color Your World

Connect with Sam:
Website: www.sdionbaker.com
Substack: www.samanthadionbaker.substack.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sdionbakerdesign

Connect with Margo:

• Website: www.windowsillchats.com
• Instagram: @windowsillchats
• www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
• https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry