Embracing the Messy Middle: The Twisty, Turny Path to a Creative Life with Nicki Traikos

May 6, 2026

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she’s built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing.

Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing.

Margo and Nicki discuss:

• Nicki’s unexpected path from corporate work and makeup artistry to becoming a full-time artist and educator
• The importance of embracing a “twisty, turny” creative journey instead of chasing overnight success
• How comparison and curated social media can hold artists back from starting
• Why messy sketchbooks and imperfect practice are essential to creative growth
• Letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy the tactile experience of making art
• The evolution from artist to teacher and building an online creative community during COVID
• The pressure to “find your style” and why multi-passionate creativity deserves space
• Practical ways to restart a creative practice and make art feel approachable again

Connect with Nicki:

Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign
Substack: https://lifeidesign.substack.com

Connect with Margo:
https://www.windowsillchats.com

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry