The Tillage Podcast
The Tillage Podcast
Shirlee Fisher
The Tillage Podcast is a space I've created to help you gain clarity on your creative journey. Being a creative entrepreneur comes with its ups and downs, and sometimes it can feel like you're all on your own. I’m passionate about digging deep with you, asking the tough questions, and encouraging action that transforms your creative business and life into something you truly love. In each guest episode, you’ll hear from fellow artists who have shifted their mindsets on their path to success and gain actionable advice and strategies to move forward with purpose. Thanks for listening! 🧡🌿
138: From The Archives | Encouragement When Starting is Difficult with Kristi Westberg of At The Dot Design
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, whether it's launching a creative business, diving into surface pattern design, or simply beginning a passion project. There is a whole lot that goes on in our minds and hearts that can create some stall. In this episode, artist and educator Kristi Westberg of At The Dot Design shares her journey from graphic design to rare book conservation to becoming a fabric designer and Skillshare instructor.Kristi opens up about the mental hurdles of taking the first step, how setting realistic goals helped her build momentum, and why imperfect action is often the key to growth. She reminds us that progress rarely happens overnight, but consistency and patience can change everything.If you’ve been feeling stuck, afraid to start, or overwhelmed by perfectionism, this episode will give you practical tips and encouragement to move forward, embrace the process, and build confidence along the way.Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10⁠⁠Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!⁠⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show ⁠⁠⁠notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM
Aug 5
38 min
137: From The Archives | Rebooting Your Rhythm and Routine
Enjoy this episode that first aired in September of 2023, to assist you in getting back to your rhythm and routine. 🧡In this episode, I am diving into strategies to reboot your rhythm and routine, determining what has gotten you off course, finding your anchors for stability, and embracing the power of persistence. Also, if you are a planner lover I am getting into various planning techniques that I am currently using to keep me on track. This episode is full of resources to help you, so make sure to check out the show notes!☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Get 10% off your ⁠⁠Canvas Lamp⁠⁠ today with code: Tillage10⭐ Want some extra support creating some structure with your routine? ⁠Book a 1 hour coaching call today!⁠⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM
Jul 29
31 min
136: From The Archives | Combating the Shame of False Starts and Getting Up Again
Enjoy this episode from the archives that first aired April 2024.This episode covers paralyzing effects of shame following unsuccessful attempts in creative endeavors. In this conversation I share personal stories of false starts, from a dormant Instagram account to a short-lived Patreon, and provide practical steps for overcoming the internal struggles and negative self-talk that often accompany these experiences. Through a blend of personal reflection and expert insights, this episode offers a path to forgiveness, courage, and the opportunity to embrace second chances without the burden of shame.⁠⁠Want to dig deeper? Download worksheet!⁠⁠⁠Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Leave a Review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rate This Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM
Jul 22
35 min
135: From The Archives | Overwhelm and Shiny Object Syndrome with Elizabeth Silver
Join me as I ease back into life after vacation with this special episode from the archives. 😌In this episode, artist and surface pattern designer Elizabeth Silver shares powerful strategies for staying focused and avoiding burnout in the creative industry. We explore how to overcome shiny object syndrome, narrow your niche, and make aligned decisions that support both your business growth and personal well-being. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions or unsure where to focus next, this episode offers grounded advice and encouraging insights for navigating your creative path with clarity and intention.Get 10% off your ⁠Canvas Lamp⁠ today with code: Tillage10⁠Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM
Jul 15
39 min
134: From The Archives | The Plague of the 3 P’s-Perfectionism, Performance, and Productivity
Come with me and revisit one of my highest ranked solo episodes first aired in October 2023—while I spend much needed time with family on vacation. 🌴🧡In this episode, I explore something I call the “Plague of the 3 P’s” – the toxic trio that keeps so many creatives stuck in cycles of burnout, shame, and self-doubt. I share personal stories about how these pressures have shaped my journey, along with practical tools to break free from perfectionism, redefine your worth beyond performance, and embrace rest without guilt. If you're ready to quiet the inner critic and reclaim your creative peace, this one’s for you. 🧡⭐⁠Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM
Jul 8
32 min
133: Burnout, Sabbaticals, and the Art of Deep Rest with Maegan Megginson
Feeling burnt out, creatively drained, or stuck in hustle mode? In this powerful episode, I am joined by Maegan Megginson, a holistic business coach and host of the Deeply Rested podcast, to explore how intentional rest, sabbaticals, and slowing down can actually fuel your creativity and business growth.Maegan shares her personal journey from therapist to entrepreneur, her experience with burnout, and how creating space for deep rest helped her reconnect with her purpose. You'll learn what a sabbatical really is (and isn’t), how to listen to your intuition without rushing into action, and practical ways to incorporate mini sabbatical moments into your daily life.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, coach, or multi-passionate soul craving a reset, this episode will leave you with tools to build a more sustainable business and life without sacrificing your well-being.⭐Get 10% off your⁠ Canvas Lamp⁠ today with code: Tillage10☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐Sign Up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWSLETTER
Jul 1
46 min
132: The Power of Easing Into Your Work
Have you ever felt anxious or stressed the moment you wake up? In this episode, we explore why slow starts matter and how easing into your morning can transform the rest of your day. You’ll learn how creating a gentle morning routine can reduce overwhelm, support emotional well‑being, and enhance focus and creativity.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, artist, or anyone craving more intention and balance, this episode will give you actionable steps to design mornings that ground you, spark ideas, and set a calm, productive tone for the rest of your day.😌Download your Slow Start Menu Freebie⭐Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Flodesk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ today!    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐Sign Up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWSLETTER
Jun 24
28 min
131: Unearthing Hidden Stories Behind Your Pricing to Charge What Your Worth with Colleen Underwood
Why does pricing feel so vulnerable as a creative entrepreneur? In this powerful episode, Colleen Underwood returns to unpack the deeper emotional layers behind pricing your work. We explore how personal stories, cultural messages, and self-worth directly impact the way we value our time, services, and creative offers.From money mindset blocks to fears of being seen as greedy or inexperienced, we discuss the common narratives that keep creatives stuck in undercharging or second-guessing their prices. Colleen shares practical tools for overcoming scarcity, owning your value, and making confident pricing decisions rooted in truth—not fear.If you’ve ever struggled with pricing your art, coaching, or creative services, this conversation is for you. Get ready to unearth what’s really holding you back and discover how to price with clarity, confidence, and alignment.⭐Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⭐Sign Up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWSLETTER
Jun 17
51 min
130: Learning to Be Seen & The Courage to Take Up Space
Have you ever caught yourself hiding in your creative business? Downplaying your work, resisting visibility, or playing it safe even when something bolder is calling your name? In this episode, I share a surprising story about getting my color analysis done and discovering how deeply uncomfortable it felt to be seen in vibrant, high-contrast colors...because deep down, I’ve been shrinking from visibility.This episode dives into why so many creative entrepreneurs resist taking up space and what’s really at stake when we avoid being seen. You’ll learn how to recognize where you’re holding back, explore impactful ways to begin stepping into visibility, and understand why showing up fully matters not just for your own growth, but for the inspiration and permission it gives others.Whether you’re an artist, coach, designer, or creative spirit navigating visibility and vulnerability, this episode offers a grounded, self-reflective look at what it means to be seen and how to start showing up with more courage.⭐Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠Flodesk⁠⁠⁠⁠ today!    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⭐Sign Up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWSLETTER
Jun 10
36 min
129: Why Making Art Matters, Especially in Hard Times with Janine Kwoh
Have you ever wondered if creating is even worth it when life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming? In this episode, stationery designer and author, Janine Kwoh, is diving into the deeper “why” behind making art, especially during hard seasons. If you’ve found yourself asking questions like “What’s the point?” or “How can I keep creating when I’m emotionally drained?”—you’re not alone.We’ll explore how creativity can be both a refuge and a response to grief, burnout, and big emotions. I’ll also share insights on redefining productivity, how small acts of creativity can still count, and why community matters more than ever when you’re navigating hard things.Whether you’re in a creative rut, dealing with loss, or just feeling the weight of the world, this episode will remind you that your art matters, your rest matters, and it’s all part of the creative journey.⭐Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠Flodesk⁠⁠⁠ today!    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠☕⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's ⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠ and more.⭐Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⭐Sign Up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWSLETTER
Jun 3
34 min
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