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

Margo is joined by illustrator, creative community builder, and industry champion Salli Swindell, who has spent nearly five decades in the illustration world. Salli began her career at American Greetings before co-founding several beloved platforms with her brother Nate Padavick—including They Draw, The Illustrator's Circle, and Illustrators For Hire—all dedicated to celebrating and promoting illustrators around the globe. Margo and Salli explore Salli's creative evolution, from decades of client-driven illustration work to embracing a more personal, self-directed creative practice.

Margo and Salli discuss:

• The power of starting small and following curiosity instead of waiting for a master plan
• How Salli and her brother Nate built global platforms from the ground up
• Why partnerships with people who have different strengths can open unexpected doors
• Salli's shift from decades of client-driven illustration work to developing a personal creative practice
• The origin story of Snack + Sketch, a gathering that blends creativity, food, and meaningful connection
• Why community, creativity, and shared meals can be powerful pillars of wellness
• How simple gatherings around your kitchen table can spark inspiration and lasting creative friendships

Connect with Salli:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallistyle/

Website: https://freshfoodillustration.cargo.site

Illustrators For Hire: https://illustratorsforhire.com

The Illustrator's Circle: https://www.illustratorscircle.com

They Draw: https://www.they-draw.com

Connect with Margo:

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

Margo is joined once again by celebrated illustrator, author, and educator Mike Lowery for a lively conversation about the realities of building a creative career. Mike is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of more than 80 books for children and he's spent decades navigating the ups and downs of freelance illustration and publishing.

In this episode, Margo and Mike pick up where their first conversation left off—diving into the lessons Mike has learned over twenty years as a working illustrator, what it actually takes to build a portfolio that attracts clients, and why being "good at drawing" isn't always the same as being hireable. They also talk about Mike's new course, Get Paid to Draw, designed to help illustrators create strategic portfolios, understand what art directors are really looking for, and turn their creative skills into real opportunities.

Margo and Mike discuss:

• What Mike's younger self would think of his career today
• The behind-the-scenes work of running a creative business
• Why a strong portfolio matters more than raw talent when it comes to getting hired
• Portfolio tips to help art directors understand how your work fits their needs
• The difference between creating art for yourself versus creating work that attracts clients
• The power of community in a freelance creative career
• Mike's Get Paid to Draw course and how it helps artists build portfolios that actually lead to work
• The upcoming Portfolio Challenge starting March 11 and how creatives can participate

Connect with Mike:
Join the Illustration Portfolio Challenge: https://bit.ly/illoportfoliochallenge

Website: https://www.mikelowery.com/

Course: https://www.gettingpaidtodraw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio/

Connect with Margo:

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