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

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