The Tillage Podcast - podcast cover

The Tillage Podcast

Shirlee Fisher www.thetillagepodcast.com
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! 🧡🌿
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Episodes

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 sa...

Jul 01, 202547 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...

Jun 24, 202529 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 p...

Jun 17, 202552 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’...

Jun 10, 202537 min

129: Why Making Art Matters, Especially in Hard Times with Janine Kwoh of Kwohtations

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 ...

Jun 03, 202534 min

128: Inside The Tillage Village – A Roundtable Conversation on Creative Growth, Clarity, and Community

What really happens when creatives find a supportive, intentional space to grow? In this special roundtable episode, I’m joined by five amazing members of The Tillage Village— Kim Hallquist, Tina Noren, Lau Jaimes, Bella Boss, and Lauren Engelkemeyer —as they share the mindset shifts, breakthroughs, and personal growth they’ve experienced through our creative community. We talk about why traditional memberships and courses often fall short, and how The Village offers something different: gentle ...

May 27, 202523 min

127: Trusting Your Inner Voice to Lead The Way

Have you ever found yourself stuck in your creative work, not because you’re doing too little, but because you haven’t stopped to reflect? In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of turning inward, listening to your own voice, and building a creative business rooted in self-trust. You’ll hear the real questions I ask myself, the shifts I’ve made, and why reflection is the foundation for sustainable creative growth. If you’ve been craving clarity, this episode will help you find it, not...

May 20, 202523 min

126: What Makes The Tillage Village Different (and Why It Works)

What makes a creative support space actually work, especially when everything else feels overwhelming? In this episode, I share a bit of the story behind The Tillage Village and the intentional rhythm that helps creative entrepreneurs build clarity, consistency, and momentum. If you’ve ever joined a membership that left you more stressed than supported, this conversation is for you. You’ll learn how The Tillage Village is designed around a sustainable cadence of planning, reflection, collaborati...

May 13, 202524 min

125: Designing a Business That Fits Your Life with Lauren Engelkemeyer of Camp Clever

What does it look like to build a creative business that truly fits your life? In this episode, we’re joined by Tillage Village member, Lauren Engelmeier of Camp Clever , who shares how she’s redefined success by aligning her work with her rhythms, values, and season of life. Lauren walks us through her journey from magazine designer to Etsy shop owner to surface pattern artist, and how years of pivots, rebrands, and realignment have shaped a more sustainable creative path. We talk about shiftin...

May 06, 202539 min

124: Doing More Isn’t the Answer: How Listening and Noticing Leads to True Creative Growth

In today’s episode, we’re exploring why hustling harder doesn’t necessarily bring progress, and why slowing down to notice your energy, creativity, and personal rhythms is the real key to sustainable growth. I’ll share how chasing productivity without true direction left me exhausted, how the power of noticing is changing how I approach my creative practice, and why honoring your natural seasons matters more than forcing a routine. We’ll also talk about practical ways to notice what’s working, w...

Apr 29, 202532 min

123: Why You Might Feel Stuck & How to Rediscover Your Creative Direction

Feeling stuck can bring up so much shame. It can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong or not working hard enough. But more often than not, it’s not laziness that’s holding you back....it's disconnection. In this episode, we explore the real reason so many creatives feel paralyzed in their work. When you lose touch with your vision, it’s easy to slip into burnout, confusion, and chasing what everyone else is doing. I’m sharing how that disconnection shows up, why blindly following advi...

Apr 22, 202531 min

122: From The Archives | Nourish Yourself

Come with me and revisit the fourth solo episode I ever created—first aired in November 2022—while I recover from hernia surgery ❤️‍🩹. In this episode I define "nourishment" and what it means to truly care for ourselves so we can create from wholeness, not depletion. In seasons of overwhelm or exhaustion, this gentle episode is a reminder to honor your pace and refill your own cup. We’ll explore alignment, creative rhythms, and rest that restores. Consider it a soft landing if you’ve been runni...

Apr 15, 202518 min

121: The Hiccups Along the Way: Delays, Doubt & Holding On to the Dream

Creative delays can feel frustrating, isolating, and full of shame—but they’re a normal part of the process. In this episode, we’re talking about the messy middle, the “stop-go” rhythm of creative work, and why your pace doesn’t determine your worth. I share my own slow journey with the creation of The Tillage Magazine and how I’ve learned to trust the timeline. We’ll also make a left turn and explore the setbacks Walt Disney faced when building Disneyland and how even big dreams take time. It's...

Apr 08, 202532 min

120: From The Archives | The Art of Running a "Quiet" Business with Leana Fischer of May We Fly

🌸 Last week of spring break here, and I hope you enjoy an episode that is sure to bring so much alignment in your life and give you a new perspective on success that first aired November 2022. 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, wh...

Apr 01, 202536 min

119: From The Archives | Following Your Hunches to Find Your Sweet Spot with Nicholas Wilton of Art2Life

🌸 It's time for a little spring break here! I hope you enjoy an episode that is near and dear to my heart that first aired in October 2023. In this episode, ⁠Nicholas Wilton⁠ of ⁠Art2Life⁠ takes you on a rollercoaster journey from doubt to self-belief, sharing his inspiring story of how art saved his life. Join us as he explores the power of intention, finding your creative sweet spot, and the importance of embracing vulnerability in the artistic journey. This episode is full of takeaways that ...

Mar 25, 202545 min

118: How to Learn from Every Project and Remain Teachable

Every creative project—big or small—holds valuable lessons that can elevate your work, but only if you’re paying attention. In this episode, we explore how staying curious, embracing mistakes, and reflecting on the creative process can lead to continuous growth. Through real-life examples, including making better pancakes and Pixar’s evolution in animation, we’ll uncover how each challenge presents an opportunity to refine your skills. You’ll also learn three powerful ways to become more aware o...

Mar 17, 202527 min

117: Daring to Declare: Why Owning Our Dreams Feels So Hard

Why is it so hard to boldly declare what we truly want? Fear of judgment, doubt, and the desire be seen as humble often keep us silent. But if we don’t claim our dreams and desires, how can we ever pursue them? In this episode, we explore why declaring our dreams feels vulnerable, the difference between saying "I want to be" and "I am," and how visualization can help bring our goals to life. You'll learn why speaking your desires out loud isn’t arrogance—it’s self-trust and the first step toward...

Mar 11, 202528 min

116: From Slow Seasons to Overflow: Finding Balance and Knowing When to Say No with Airin O'Callaghan

Creative careers come with seasons—times when work feels slow and uncertain, and others when it feels overwhelming. So how do you navigate both? In this episode, I’m joined by Airin O’Callaghan , a children’s book illustrator, to explore the challenges of building a creative business, from struggling to find work in the early days to learning how to say no when opportunities start flooding in. We’ll discuss how to make the most of slow seasons, when to take on work (even for free), and how to al...

Feb 25, 202531 min

115:When Life is Different: Navigating Change with Grace

Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t make it easy. Whether it’s a shift in your career, relationships, home, or even the world around you, navigating change can feel unsettling. In this episode, I dive into the discomfort of transitions, why change feels so hard, and how we can move through it with resilience and self-compassion. I share personal stories of major life changes—from career shifts to changes in my business—and explore the emotional weight of change, the power of small anchors, an...

Feb 18, 202530 min

114: Finding Contentment While Running Your Business Your Way with Brigida Swanson of Yardia

Are you building your business based on what you truly want—or what you think you should want? In this episode, we explore what it means to run a creative business in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling. Artist, Brigida Swanson, shares her journey of stepping away from social media, redefining success, and focusing on what actually works for her business. She opens up about the fears that came with quitting traditional marketing, the unexpected growth that followed, and how tru...

Feb 11, 202537 min

113: Taking a Creative Break and Finding Your Way Back

Feeling stuck after a creative break? In this episode, I share my journey of stepping away from The Tillage Podcast for over two months—why I took a break, the unexpected guilt and self-doubt that followed, and how I finally found my way back. If you’ve ever struggled with taking time off or felt awkward returning to your creative work, this episode will help you navigate the emotions, embrace rest as a vital part of the creative process, and ease back in with confidence. Tune in for insights on...

Feb 04, 202525 min

112: Growing Pains: Embracing Discomfort as a Path to Transformation

In this episode, I share the highs and lows of a challenging year marked by burnout, personal struggles, and difficult choices. From stepping back from running my business full-time and restructuring it entirely, I’ve learned that true growth often requires embracing discomfort. Through moments that felt like breaking points, I’m discovering how these “growing pains” are actually shaping me into a more resilient and better version of myself. Join me as I reflect on how discomfort can be a powerf...

Nov 12, 202421 min

111: Claiming the Title & Embracing Your Identity as an Artist with Libby Sharp of Oh, Little Wren

In this episode, we’re joined by Libby Sharp of brand, Oh, Little Wren, who shares her journey of embracing the title of “artist” and owning her unique creative path. Many of us struggle to call ourselves artists, feeling like we haven’t “earned” it or that our journey doesn’t fit the mold. Libby opens up about what it takes to build the confidence to claim your creative identity. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur, this conversation offers encouragement to embrace who y...

Nov 05, 202431 min

110: Strategies and Supports to Build Consistency in Your Daily Habits

In this episode, we're unpacking the power of consistency in building momentum in your rhythms and routines. I’ll share my personal journey with staying disciplined and explore how establishing "three daily essentials" (Episode 106) has helped me develop lasting habits. We’ll dive into strategies like habit stacking, creating cues, and finding your "point of no return" to navigate the challenges of sticking with routines. Join me as we break down the small, achievable steps that lead to meaningf...

Oct 29, 202429 min

109: Building a Business & Balancing Ambition While Working Full-Time with Kayla Hutchinson of Lucky Dog Design Co.

In this episode, I sit down with Kayla Hutchinson, founder of Lucky Dog Design Co . and full-time email marketer, as she shares her experience of balancing a thriving stationery business alongside her corporate job. We explore her journey over the past 7.5 years, discussing how she manages to avoid burnout, stay grounded, and maintain a sustainable pace in both roles. Kayla provides practical insights on the power of mindful planning, prioritizing self-care, and finding a support system that wor...

Oct 22, 202438 min

108: Making Mistakes: Your Key to Growth and Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

In this episode, I uncover the messy, unavoidable reality of mistakes. My anxiety of making a mistake of making whipped cream reveals my deep issues of perfectionism and the fear of messing up. We’ll explore how mistakes—whether big or small—can create anxiety, stall progress, and keep us playing it safe. But here’s the good news: mistakes are an essential part of growth, and embracing them can open doors to opportunities we never thought possible. So let’s shift our mindset and see mistakes for...

Oct 15, 202425 min

107: Building Your Business Through Community and Connection with Kate Pauley of Create Dinners

In this episode, I chat with my longtime friend Kate Pauley, founder of Create Dinners , about how she built her business through the power of community and connection. What started as small, intimate gatherings in a driveway has blossomed into a thriving event production company. Kate shares how fostering meaningful relationships was the key to transforming her passion project into a sustainable business. Whether you're starting a new venture or looking for inspiration, Kate’s story will show y...

Oct 08, 202440 min

106: The Power of 3 Daily Essentials for Creative Entrepreneurs

In this episode, I’m sharing a game-changing strategy to help you navigate the overwhelm of juggling multiple creative projects: the power of your "three essentials." As a virtual art teacher, business owner, and podcaster, I know how easy it is to feel paralyzed by endless tasks and goals. By focusing on three simple, non-negotiable daily actions, I’ve found a way to stay grounded and productive, even in the busiest seasons. Tune in to discover how this approach can fuel your creativity, reduce...

Oct 01, 202429 min

105: Boosting Self-Worth as a Creative: Overcoming Perfectionism, Pricing Your Art, and Building Confidence with Hayley Price

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of self-worth with Haley Price from The Art Coaching Club . Discover how valuing yourself as an artist can impact everything from pricing your work to marketing with confidence. We explore overcoming perfectionism, taking action despite fear, and building a supportive community to create a deep sense of self-worth. 🌿The Tillage Village Is Now Open For Enrollment Until September 30! ⁠ Sign up today! ⁠ 🧡This episode is sponsored by ⁠ Indigo Ink Printi...

Sep 23, 202440 min

104: Thriving Without the Pressure & Finding a Different Path

In this episode, I share my journey from being a full-time artist to balancing my creative business with a new full-time job, and how this shift has brought more peace, joy, and inspiration to my art. Together, I invite you to explore how pressure can actually hinder creativity and effect your mental health and how the unique paths every artist takes are shaped by different needs and circumstances. That's why it's entirely okay if your journey looks different. I hope my story can be reminder tha...

Sep 17, 202436 min
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