The Tillage Podcast

In this episode, Megan Fowler, the owner of Brown Parcel Press , a letterpress and design company, talks about managing the ebbs and flows of creative inspiration and offers six tools to help manage those highs and lows. Megan also speaks on trusting oneself in the creative process and having a balance between passion and need to make a living. This episode is sure to add lots of tools to your too...

In this episode, we explore the power of language and mindset, and how they affect our ability to find hope and resilience in challenging situations. We discuss six "absolutes" - words like "always" and "never" - and how they can be harmful to our mindset. We also talk about the difference between victim and survivor mentalities, and the importance of cultivating grat...

In today's episode, artist, Marabeth Quin, shares her journey of exploring her creative potential as a painter after a successful music career and how art has been a powerful teacher. Marabeth emphasizes the importance of making space for all of our emotions, and shares her own story of working through her emotions and grief over her daughter's stroke. She shares tools that she has persona...

In this podcast episode, illustrator, surface pattern designer, and educator, Carrie Cantwell , and I have an open conversation about the stigma and assumptions surrounding mental health challenges. This episode aims to provide support and encouragement to those who have experienced mental illness and to destigmatize the conversation around mental health. Sign Up for the The Tillage Podcast Patreo...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the concept of perseverance and grit and how it can be applied to various areas of our lives, from business to personal growth. We discuss the importance of being grateful for the climb, embracing challenges, and three practical tips to help you persevere through obstacles, including the power of community, practicing to build skill, and knowing your why and h...

In today's episode, Jenni, a modern quilter, quilt pattern writer, and owner of Nollie Bean , shares how the concept of "liminal space" has impacted her creative process. Jenni shares how she overcame her doubts and fears while launching her virtual quilting retreat, Quilt Camp, and her tips for managing limiting beliefs in the messy middle. She also shares tools and advice for trusting onese...

In this podcast episode, Tanya Brown, a textile and graphic designer, shares her journey of leaving a secure teaching job in New York City to pursue a full-time career as an artist. She talks about the fear and anxiety associated with leaving a steady job with benefits and pension, and the catalyst for change that led her to take the leap. Tanya emphasizes the importance of facing fear and taking...

In this episode, artist, Miranda Morehouse, shares her journey of how she started her art practice during the pandemic. She talks about how she embraced the "good-ish-ness" of her art and her experience dedicating to creating art for 100 days. This practice of creating consistently helped her grow leaps and bounds as an artist. Miranda also shares her tips for consistent art-making and addresses t...

In today's episode, Lottie, a self-taught graphic designer opens her heart about raising two small children while also pursuing an MFA. She shares how motherhood and creativity go hand in hand for her, as revisiting her creative side allows her to feel more grounded. Lottie struggled with feelings of guilt when deciding to go back to school, but reframing her thoughts and finding support from othe...

If I could back in time and tell myself one thing it would be…"Take the time you need to work on yourself, and everything else will fall into place." I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that the big strides and waves I have made in running my business and becoming a working artist have come from working on myself, being curious about my inner critic, and changing the dialogue that my limiting...

Do you take the time to celebrate yourself? Are you celebrating the end result AND the process? In today's episode, surface pattern designer and coach for creatives, Colleen Underwood , unpacks the power of celebration, how we are worthy of celebration, and small ways we can implement celebration in our daily lives. Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more. The Tillage Villa...

What would your life look like if you approached new experiences, ideas, or your art with curiosity instead of fear? Surface pattern designer, illustrator, and educator, Genna Blackburn, opens up about all the things she has done to make money from her art and how her mindset helps her approach new opportunities. She also shares how she has worked through her fear of making bad art and gives tips...

Are you aware of the signs of burnout? On today's episode, Katie of Modern Magic , shares her story of working her way up to a marketing director and later a marketing consultant only to be left with burnout. She vulnerably shares her healing journey, how she has found alignment in her art practice and starting her own art business, and how she is starting to embrace the messiness of starting over...

The New Year is upon us which means many of us are stirring with new goals and many hopes for what 2023 will bring. However, before we start making resolutions and goals, let's reflect together! Download my Reflection Worksheet for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs. Learn how to manufacture overseas with Rebecca Woolbright and Manufacture: Awesome . Hop on the waitlist today! Visit www.thetillage...

Are you planning you year and looking ahead? It can be overwhelming to place all of your ambitions and tasks on a calendar. Where do you even start? In today's episode artist, illustrator, and educator, Lisse Teehee , shares her story of leaping into her creative career with intentionality from day one. Being a single mother of three, she speaks on her time management and working in the margins. S...

The artist/creative entrepreneur journey is a mindset journey more than anything. The constant stretching of oneself to have the courage to produce artwork and then sell it is one that is not for the faint of heart. In today's episode , Mable Tan , shares her story and all the twists and turns she took in becoming a surface pattern designer. She vulnerably shares her own battles with mindset and s...

How many ideas or dreams do you have that you are still sitting on? As creatives, we are idea machines! However, sometimes we can get paralyzed by all the "what ifs" and often fear can hold us back. In today's episode, illustrator, surface pattern designer, and educator, Rebecca Woolbright , shares how she quickly took action to create small groups to teach on manufacturing overseas called, “ Manu...

The holiday season for creators and makers is a beast. We can all so easily succumb to the frantic scrambling not only in our businesses but also in our personal lives behind the scenes. As the demand or set expectation to produce grows, so does our perceived need to meet expectations. It can all feel so overwhelming and out of balance. On today's episode, Cami Zea of Zeaink , shares with us the r...

In today's episode, I share my own journey as an artist and three things that been imperative to my growth: community, accountability, and intentionality. These three things are also going to be the pillars of my membership called, "The Tillage Village" which will be opening up enrollment in January. Sign up today for THE WAITLIST FOR THE TILLAGE VILLAGE! Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today'...

How many times a week do you say "I should?" In today's episode, Dylan M , vulnerably shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how shame and "shoulds" don't get us anywhere. With an eager heart, Dylan offers mindset shifts for our limiting beliefs and encouragement to those who have or think they may have ADHD. Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.   SIGN...

It is so easy to fall into comparison and feel the pressure to gain a massive following while running our creative businesses. In today's episode, Leana of May We Fly , shares her story of discovering who she is and what is “enough” for her. She defines what a running a "quiet" business means to her, what her own version of success is, and how working from a quiet space allows her to be more cente...

We all feel stressed and anxious from time to time, but what is actually going on in the brain when these feelings occur? Join Debby Casher, a mindfulness instructor and artist behind the brand Mindfulnice ,  as she explains what is happening in the brain when it undergoes stress and how powerful mindfulness can be if we take the time to practice it. Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today'...

As creative business owners we can often push ourselves to work long hours, sacrifice time with family or friends, and sometimes fail to recognize our limitations. It is so important for us to check in with ourselves and take care of ourselves so that we can do our work to the best of our ability. In today's episode, I talk about the necessity of  nourishing ourselves so that we can create, l...

Have you ever heard the phase "starving artist"? This phrase has been used to describe what the destiny will be for an artist. However, in this day and age being a thriving artist is possible! In today's episode , Ashley Paggi of Ash Cascade Designs walks through several different revenue streams for artists and how we can change our mindset from scarcity to abundance.   Visit www.thetillagep...

Chances are if you are listening to this podcast you are a dreamer or have the ability to dream big. This beautiful gift can also come with some weight of hearing your inner critic or getting "well meaning" comments from friends or family about your dreams. In this episode, I get really vulnerable about how I have often felt that my dreams are childish, how I have processed this, and have kept on...