The Art of Getting Hired: Vanessa Stoilova on Pitching, Portfolios & Creative Momentum

Margo is joined by illustrator, surface designer, educator, and art business mentor Vanessa Stoilova—better known online as Art Business with Ness. Since 2015, Vanessa has navigated the creative industry from mobile games to picture book illustration to surface design, and now shares her hard-earned insights with thousands of aspiring artists through her courses, YouTube channel, and mentorship programs.

Vanessa has a knack for making the business side of art feel approachable, actionable, and even exciting. In this conversation, she and Margo dig into how to position yourself for real opportunities, land clients without waiting to “be discovered,” and build a sustainable creative career.

They discuss:

  • Building a client-ready portfolio before you get hired
  • What actually works when pitching yourself (and why Instagram isn’t enough)
  • Why niching down doesn’t limit you—it frees you
  • Creating her own online art business summit with 20+ teachers
  • How to stop overthinking and start making moves toward your goals

Links & Resources:

People inspiring Vanessa:
Illustration: https://www.instagram.com/lisabarlowillustrates/
Painting: https://www.instagram.com/tijanadraws/
Mixed-media: I’m really interested in pop-up art right now! https://www.instagram.com/juditorosz.artwork/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Margo's Musings
from the Windowsill

Magic awaits! My bi-monthly email is a treasure trove filled to the brim with artful nuggets that entertain and delight, inspire and connect you with a wide community of creatives. Sign up below for delicious details on all things happening at the Windowsill!

Join the Community!

join me on instagram @mtantau@windowsillchats

TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY | COPYRIGHT 2025 margo tantau

Welcome to my cozy Windowsill – A community specially crafted for the creatively curious. This is a safe place for you to grow, embrace your artistic gifts, and live out your passion for this wild, imaginative, artistic life.

Your number 1 fan and Creative Coach

Hi, I'm Margo

LOGIN

contact

blog

workshops

tantau studio

podcast

the foundry

about

Home

Coaching with margo