When the Ah-Ha Hits.. And You Realize You Really Can Do What You Love. Musings From the Studio with Toni Santos

Margo is joined by Toni Santos, otherwise known as Baby Buddha of Baby Buddha Studio out of Seattle, WA. Storefronts, portraits, and beloved images of everyday ordinary life are the subjects for Toni's art that are then used for cards and other handmade products. After practicing architecture for 28 years, there was a drop in design work for a few years and so she took the opportunity to learn the wholesale gift trade. She fell in love with sales, product development and especially fine crafted toys. Her motto has always been 'Spying Beauty'. Influenced as a young design student by Berger's 'The Ways of Seeing', she draws and paints from everyday objects and snapshots taken while traveling. She works in watercolor and gouache in a loose whimsical style. Immersing herself in the illustration world with classes, social networking, marketing and exploring technique all in preparation for licensing opportunities.    Margo and Toni discuss: Her career path and why she doesn't consider herself an architect after spending 28 years in the industry Unique ways to tap your creativity How she mentors people with diverse backgrounds (real estate, medical, etc.) to tap into their own creativity Staying inspired in everyday life Mixing practicality with creativity The importance of bringing back play Her life motto, Spying Beauty, and how she incorporates it into her everyday   Connect with Toni: Www.BabyBuddhastudio.com www.instagram.com/babybuddhastudio