Margo is joined by versatile mixed-media artist and designer, Kayla Ackelson. Kayla holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a focus on non-traditional photography from Millersville University. After completing her studies, she gained valuable experience as a Gallery Assistant and Art Instructor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She later worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, first in Visitor Services and then in the Development department. In 2021, Kayla fully committed to her artistic and interior design endeavors, turning them into her full-time career. Her passion for fostering creativity continues through her role as an instructor at ArtFusion in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where she teaches students of all ages. Alongside teaching, Kayla actively exhibits her work in local galleries and maintains a strong online presence to engage a broader audience. She is also a mother, creator, and lover of plants, design, and nature. Margo and Kayla discuss: Her career shift to full-time artistry and interior design Claiming your power as an artist and creative The role journaling and meditation play in her art and work Insights into creating inviting, personal spaces The power of vision boards The importance of incorporating childhood inspirations and personal mementos into your environment How her book extends a decade-long journaling practice How meditation influenced her decision to share personal experiences to help others Her commitment to a flexible and evolving creative practice Her philosophy on art and perfection, and how creating daily supports mental health Embracing multiple creative roles   Connect with Kayla: Website: www.kaylaackelson.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylaackelson Her new book: https://amzn.to/47wktUw Kayla’s Workshop: https://www.kaylaackelson.com/store/p85/mixedmediaworkshop.html   Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/tantaustudio Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by renowned author, artist and designer, Annie Sloan who is one of the world’s most popular experts in the field of decorative painting. After studying Fine Art at university in the 1970s, Annie went on to write her first book, The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques – which is considered to be the industry bible on the subject. Since then, she has published 26 books on paint effects, color, and interior design. In 1990 Annie invented her revolutionary no-prep Chalk Paint, which transformed the world of furniture painting. Wall Paint and Satin Paint were added to the range and today Annie Sloan has a huge following of interior designers, professional painters and up-cyclers who love to bring Annie’s color expertise to their homes. Her creative flair has led her to being named one of Britain’s most influential female designers and she was awarded a CBE for services to Interior Design in 2023.   Margo and Annie discuss: Annie’s creative path and studying different mediumships of art Her process for mixing colors Decorative paint techniques How being an early adopter to social media has played a role in the success of her business The process of creating her revolutionary chalk paint How and why she began to sell her paints beyond her own shop and what makes her stockists successful Being awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to Interior Design And more!   Connect with Annie: www.instagram.com/anniesloanhome www.instagram.com/chalkpaint www.instagram.com/anniesloanstagram https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieSloanHome https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSloanHome/   Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.windowsillchats.com  

This week Margo is sitting down with her lovely mother, Sally Tantau. Sally is a former interior designer and all around creative being and instilled so much of her talents in Margo as well as many others. Sally and Margo have a fun and lighthearted conversation around sourcing creativity, how she got her start in interior design, what it was like to be an interior designer during that era (sourcing wasn’t as easy and there wasn’t a home goods right around the corner!), and the many fabulous clients she was able to work with. Sally’s big dream mentality and ability to trust in her path is truly an inspiration.    Mentioned in this episode: Howard Backen Architecture Peter Collins Architect The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses by Jeffrey Dungan Marisa Martinez Jewelry   Connect with Sally: https://instagram.com/sallytantau

Tami Dever, co-owner and founder of TLC Book Design, discusses key elements of book design that signal professionalism, readability, excellence, and permanence What are the elements a book designer needs to consider when designing an interior? A cover? Tami Dever discusses how she works with clients and notes the factors that make a book look good against the competition. Topics include things to keep in mind when designing a book: audience, competition, tone, readability the importance of interior design in sealing the deal and drawing customers to the cash register favoring longevity over trendiness using Word to prepare text for a designer (hint: avoid overformatting!) key elements of cover design that must work together (and it’s not easy!): size of elements typography color images use of space and margins avoiding Photoshop gimmickry Typefaces mentioned in this podcast: Esprit Berkeley To reach TLC Book Design, go to http://www.tlcbookdesign.com/. Notes to the Q&A segment The article in the IBPA Independent on Authors.me can be found at http://articles.ibpa-online.org/article/finding-real-creativity-with-artificial-intelligence/. Participants Tami Dever is the co-owner and founder of TLC Book Design in Austin, Texas. The business has grown from a design studio to a complete publishing development firm, with a wonderful reputation for providing outstanding design and caring customer service. Peter Goodman (host) is publisher of Stone Bridge Press in Berkeley, California. He began his publishing career in Tokyo, Japan, in 1976. A longtime member of IBPA, he has served on the IBPA board and as IBPA board chair.