Margo is joined by color-obsessed illustrator and joyful creative spirit, Andrea Campos. Known to many as the talent behind Drea’s Doodles, Andrea shares her unconventional journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a full-time visual artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator. What started as a personal art challenge during the pandemic turned into an extraordinary pivot—leading to illustrating a bilingual children’s book co-authored by none other than Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon.

Margo and Andrea talk about the magic of starting before you’re ready, the power of creative challenges, and how community can shift your entire trajectory. Andrea shares on embracing her playful voice, navigating imposter syndrome, and showing up authentically as a first-generation Mexican American artist.

Margo and Andrea discuss:

• Andrea’s path from corporate marketing to full-time creative work

• How an art challenge sparked a major publishing opportunity

• Embracing a joyful, playful art style despite industry expectations

• Building creative confidence and community on Instagram

• Illustrating Con Pollo and being featured on The Tonight Show

• The value of representation and storytelling through a bilingual lens

• Using art to invite empathy and spark connection

• Her upcoming solo book project and the character that inspired it

• The importance of creative “side quests” and making art just for fun

Connect with Andrea:
https://instagram.com/dreasdoodles

dreasdoodles.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@dreasdoodles

Tips for Kids Books!

https://dreasdoodles.substack.com/p/new-to-kidlit-here-are-my-favorite

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by photographer, slow stylist, and storyteller Katie Howie. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Katie brings a thoughtful, refined eye to everything she touches—whether she’s capturing a family in motion, styling a cozy and intentional home, or consulting with small businesses on creative strategy.

Katie shares her journey from studying psychology and women’s studies, to a decade in retail marketing, and ultimately to finding her creative footing as a visual storyteller. Margo and Katie explore the power of slow living and how Katie’s “slow styling” philosophy helps people reconnect with what truly matters in their homes and their lives.

Margo and Katie discuss:

• Katie's transition from psychology studies and retail marketing to creative entrepreneurship

• The origins and meaning of "slow styling" and bringing personalized, accessible touches to home design

• The power of storytelling in both portrait photography and interior styling

• Building authentic creative businesses through community engagement rather than paid advertising

• The importance of staying true to your unique style over following trends

• How family legacy, history, and personal objects inspire and shape creative work

• Katie's community photo projects, including her "By a Thread" series profiling downtown Saint Paul residents

• Working with families and real people to capture genuine moments rather than posed perfection

• The therapeutic value of using and repurposing family heirlooms in daily life

• Practical advice for creatives on finding their voice, sharing their work, and creating from authenticity
  
  

Connect with Katie:
http://katiehowie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_katiehowie
https://www.instagram.com/by_a.thread_saintpaul

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker—two powerhouse painters, illustrators, authors, and beloved art teachers whose friendship and creative partnership has taken them (and their students) around the world. Jennifer and Gayle each spent years in fast-paced industries—Jennifer as a textile designer in NYC, Gayle as a fashion illustrator and editorial artist—before embracing slower, more intuitive practices rooted in daily sketchbooking, storytelling, and teaching.

Together, Jennifer and Gayle lead collaborative retreats and online workshops that encourage creative exploration and self-expression. Their work is joyful, bold, and filled with heart—and they’re deeply committed to helping others find their voice. In this rich and honest conversation, they talk about letting go of “shoulds,” walking away from stale opportunities, and trusting their own timing—whether that meant leaving agents behind, stepping into teaching, or creating space for personal transformation.

Margo, Jennifer, and Gayle discuss:

• How daily sketchbook practice became their creative anchor

• Why process is more important than perfection

• How their retreats have opened doors for their students—and for themselves

• The power of artistic community and creative friendship

• Why five minutes a day can change everything

• How their individual journeys led them to a shared mission in teaching and creating
  
  

Mentioned in this episode:
July 27th Class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-faces-florals-and-pattern-play-with-gayle-jennifer-registration-1459034243699

Portugal Retreat: https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-portugal

Chloe Ward Yoga: https://www.chloeward.yoga/

Zig Markers: https://www.markersupply.com/zigartgrtwma.html?srsltid=AfmBOop1y1ZX-zYJX7i3b7ByZnqncJPHQ7NZ9tRDzucQ3KLAc-YukjFU

Tombow Markers: https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-dual-brush-pens/?srsltid=AfmBOorG6HNbBOGAP7igbmAxApp9GwjjeT6vqaJn0B7EBkt-IFO7SS5j

Connect with Jennifer:

https://www.augustwren.com/

https://augustwren.substack.com/subscribe

https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/

Connect with Gayle:

www.gkabaker.com

https://gaylekabaker.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/gaylekabake

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry