Margo is joined by Abby for another edition of Creative Current Events—the series where they unpack the stories, launches, trends, and internet conversations shaping the creative world right now. This episode covers everything from the rise (and critique) of the "beige epidemic" in interiors to unexpected retail collaborations, bold beauty marketing, shifting brand landscapes, and artists doing interesting work outside the algorithm. Along the way, they discuss what these moments reveal about creativity, originality, accessibility, and where culture seems to be headed next.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Beige Epidemic – House Beautiful
  https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a71336893/the-next-issue-beige-epidemic/
• Colorful interiors and inspiration – The House That Lars Built
  https://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/
• Jonathan Adler collection at Michaels
  https://www.michaels.com/shop/jonathan-adler
• Review video of the Jonathan Adler collection
  https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXkZqF7kvtv/
• GIMP's redesign: Photoshop familiarity without the subscription
  https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/open-source-gimp-reskin-gives-it-a-familiar-photoshop-look-without-the-hefty-fee/
• Explore GIMP
  https://www.gimp.org/
• Create! Magazine – Call for Art Submissions
  https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art
• Garden & Gun Magazine
  https://gardenandgun.com/
• Cover artist feature – Brian Steely
  https://www.instagram.com/p/DYe7ldUx2YO/
• The Bitter Southerner
  https://bittersoutherner.com/
• The Ordinary's skewered beauty marketing approach
  https://www.creativereview.co.uk/the-ordinary-markup-marche-pop-up-supermarket-uncommon/
• "The Most Valuable Place a Brand Can Be Right Now Isn't Online"
  https://www.instagram.com/p/DWZzckqEYuM/
• Shein acquires Everlane discussion
  https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfcq7Ik49Y/
• The "tone deaf" commencement speech conversation
  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYNfbyEP82q/
• Wylie Welling × Carhart
  https://wyliewelling.com/blogs/journal
• Artist & listener spotlight: Renee Reid
  https://www.instagram.com/reneereidcreations

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

Margo is joined by interior designer, mentor, and entrepreneur Rebecca Ward for a conversation about creativity, career pivots, and the impact our homes have on daily life. As the CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design, Rebecca has spent more than 20 years creating contemporary spaces that help families live beautifully and function intentionally. She shares how her love for interiors started in childhood and eventually evolved into a thriving design career and mentorship platform. Margo and Rebecca explore the many paths into interior design, including second-career transitions and turning creative passions into sustainable businesses. They also discuss the psychology behind our environments, the realities of running a design business, and why mentorship and boundaries matter so much for creatives. It's an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative career that supports both artistry and real life.

Margo and Rebecca discuss:

• Rebecca's early creative influences and path into interior design
• Why interior design is often a second or third career for creatives
• The emotional and psychological impact of our homes
• How thoughtful design improves everyday life and wellbeing
• The realities of running a successful interior design business
• Setting boundaries and managing client expectations
• The value of mentorship for aspiring designers
• Encouragement for creatives considering a career pivot or side hustle

Connect with Rebecca:

• Website: Rebecca Ward Design
• Mentorship & Bootcamp: My Design Mentor
• Instagram: @rwarddesign
• Podcast: Design Curious Podcast

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 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

Connect with Margo:
https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry