Following a Good Idea: Salli Swindell on Illustration, Creative Community, and Finding Joy Beyond Client Work

Mar 11, 2026

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