Advertise on podcast: The Professional Creative

What I've been doing and where we're taking this beautiful podcast.

When Bonnie Christine first dreamed of seeing her artwork on fabric, she was met with a tidal wave of overwhelm. She had no roadmap, no clear next steps—just a big dream and a million scattered tutorials. That confusion cost her 18 months of slow, uncertain progress. In this episode, Bonnie shares the tool she wishes she had from day one: The Pattern Path, a six-stage roadmap that guides aspiring surface pattern designers from curious beginners to industry icons. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in the "daily scramble," Bonnie helps you pinpoint exactly where you are and what to focus on next. She walks through all six stages—Curious, Emerging, Confident, Profitable, Insider, and Icon—offering clear insight into what each one looks like and how to move forward. Bonnie also introduces the power of her "One Thing a Day" philosophy and shares inspiring stories of students who've followed this path to build creative, thriving careers at every age and stage. This episode is both a compass and a boost of confidence. If you've been wondering how to turn your passion for design into a profitable, aligned career, this is your starting point. ▸ SIGN UP FOR THE SURFACE DESIGN FAST TRACK WORKSHOP | https://www.bonniechristine.com/workshopfall https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/212 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

Once you start seeing it, you can't unsee it: our world is covered in patterns. From the notebook on your desk to the wallpaper in your favorite café, someone, somewhere, designed each of those. And in this episode, I want to open your eyes to the possibility that someone could be you. I share the very moment I discovered surface pattern design, while walking through my mom's fabric store, and how it sparked a career that allows me to work from anywhere, set my own schedule, and do creative work that lights me up. If you've ever dreamed of designing fabric, wallpaper, stationery, or gift wrap, or simply wondered if there's more for you, this episode is your invitation. We start by unpacking what surface pattern design actually is and the many ways it shows up in your everyday life. I walk you through two foundational levels on what I call the Pattern Path: Level 1 (Curious) and Level 2 (Emerging), and explain how this creative career is more accessible than you might think, even if you can't draw or don't consider yourself an artist (yet). I also gently address the most common fears that hold people back: "Isn't it too saturated?" "I can't draw." "I'm too late." You'll hear real stories from people who started from zero—like Heather, who learned digital design at 63, and others who built licensing careers by doing one small thing every day. If you're willing to commit just 15 minutes a day, that adds up to 90+ hours a year. That's enough to build a portfolio, launch your first mini collection, or pitch to your dream client. I'll guide you on how to structure those small daily wins and how to protect your time like it's sacred—because your future self deserves it. To close, I offer a few small but powerful prompts: Start noticing the patterns around you. Capture the ideas that light you up. And most importantly, allow yourself to dream. Because the creative career you've been dreaming of? It's real. And it's waiting for you. https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/211 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide

We made a bet on beauty, permanence, and the tactile magic of print in a fast-paced, digital-first world, and that bet became Pattern Magazine, a 120-page quarterly print publication designed to inspire, inform, and live on your studio table for years to come. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of exactly how we brought it to life, from the first spark of an idea to holding the finished magazine in our hands. I share the research that convinced us print is thriving, including how tactile experiences build trust, create emotional connection, and stand the test of time, and why now felt like the perfect moment to bring something slower and deeply human into the world. You'll hear the full eight-stage roadmap we used, starting with defining the vision and structuring the content into four intentional sections, creating editorial guidelines, budgeting and planning expenses, and choosing the right printer. I talk through the details of working with contributors, designing for print with templates and direction documents, and preparing for a thoughtful launch. You'll also hear the challenges we faced, from moments of overwhelm to the uncertainty of stepping into an industry we knew nothing about, and the lessons that kept us moving forward: you don't have to know everything before you start, you just have to care deeply and be willing to learn along the way. If you've ever dreamed of creating your own printed piece, whether that's a magazine, workbook, or other tangible publication, this episode will give you a clear framework to follow and the encouragement to bring your vision to life. And to make it easier, I'm sharing a free resource: our Printing Inquiry Email Template & Vendor List, with the exact email we used to reach out to printers and the list of vendors we contacted. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/210 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

From the very beginning of Surface Design Immersion, I've been deeply connected to the students who join us, especially our alumni. Over the years, I've watched them transform from curious beginners to confident artists, entrepreneurs, product developers, and educators. Their journey is a source of endless inspiration, and staying in relationship with them has shaped how I serve our community today. In this episode, I walk you through why we built alumni-only features inside Pattern+, our membership program. These additions aren't meant to exclude. They're designed to serve more personally, more deeply, and with more intention. As our community grew, we realized that alumni have different needs than brand-new members. They've already learned the tools, they speak the language, and they're ready to build something big. So, we created a space for them to keep going with ongoing coaching, industry insights, and deep peer support. I share the three main touchpoints for our alumni insiders: relaxed, honest monthly coaching sessions, support from our expert Love Squad, and a dedicated community space. These are all simple by design, because simplicity helps maintain meaning and focus. The trust and clarity this structure builds has been transformational, not just for our alumni, but for new members too, who benefit from a space tailored just for them. Whether you run a membership, offer coaching, or serve clients in another way, this episode is packed with insights on how to layer your support and build long-term relationships with your audience. You'll learn how to meet people exactly where they are, without overwhelming them or watering down the experience. I encourage you to pause and ask, "What does this person need next?" The answers may help you build something truly lasting. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/209 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

Pattern Plus was born from a deep desire to create something both simple and profoundly strategic for surface pattern designers. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what's inside the membership and how it's helping over 4,000 members gain clarity, save time, and make consistent progress in their businesses, without the overwhelm. I share the core problems we're solving: the stuck-ness that comes from not knowing what to prioritize, the overwhelm of too many scattered resources, and the time loss creatives often face just trying to figure out what to do next. Here's a breakdown of what's included: The Monthly Industry Kit: Practical tools like professional mockups, social media prompts, business templates, and AI tools—delivered monthly to help you work smarter, not harder. The Licensing Brief: A real-world opportunity to pitch your designs to a dream company each month. Even if you don't submit, working through the briefs strengthens your portfolio and professional skill set. Pattern Magazine: A quarterly digital publication packed with inspiring, strategic content across lifestyle, business, productivity, and creativity. It's visually stunning and thoughtfully written. Quarterly Trend Reports: 35+ page guides packed with color palettes, themes, motifs, and typography forecasts to spark collection ideas and save hours of research. Monthly Coaching Sessions: Deep-dive conversations with me on the real challenges creatives face, giving you personalized insight and support. I wrap up the episode by zooming out to the bigger picture: how Pattern Plus is helping members reclaim their time, protect their energy, and stay focused on what matters most. It's not about doing more—it's about doing the right things. And it's all organized to meet you where you are, so you can make progress without pressure. Whether you're building your portfolio, pitching your work, or just trying to stay consistent—Pattern Plus was made for you. I want you to know it's a toolbox, not a finish line. You get to use it in your own season and at your own pace. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/208 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

Something wasn't quite right, but it wasn't obvious. A few familiar names stopped showing up. The community felt quieter. Emails trickled in with kind words and lingering overwhelm. Rather than dismissing the shift or powering through, I chose to pause and truly listen. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how that pause sparked one of the biggest transformations we've ever made: the shift from Flourish to Pattern+. I walk you through the exact steps we took to uncover what our members truly needed and how we redesigned our entire membership from the ground up as a result. We talk about the power of feedback, the courage it takes to make change, and the beauty of creating something new that better serves the people it's intended for. I share the kinds of questions we asked, the themes that emerged (hello, overwhelm), and how we distilled that into a membership rooted in simplicity, clarity, momentum, and connection. If you've ever felt like something in your business isn't clicking or wondered what to do when people walk away, this episode is for you. Remember that real success doesn't come from building more; it comes from building better. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/207 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

A small, thoughtful press kit turned out to be one of the most impactful tools we brought to our latest licensing trade show. In this episode, I'm sharing how this tiny detail—something we nearly overlooked—sparked major conversations, opened unexpected doors, and ultimately stole the show. We were deep in the chaos of pre-show preparation, ironing, assembling, and punching holes for this little piece of collateral when we began to wonder if it would even be worth it. But it absolutely was. More than any other part of our setup, the press kit is what people remembered, what they held onto, and what they took back to their teams. Inside this episode, I walk you through the full behind-the-scenes: how we designed it, what made it so effective, and why it was such a powerful tool for building meaningful connection. I also break down exactly what we included, like my personal story, key stats, ways to collaborate, selected work, and clear calls to action, and how you can do the same. Whether you're heading to a trade show, pitching collaborations, or simply want a standout asset to share digitally, a press kit can help you make an unforgettable first impression. Here's what makes it so powerful: • It tells your story clearly and concisely in your voice. • It includes relevant, warm, approachable stats. • It highlights ways to collaborate. • It showcases your best work in a curated, beautiful way. • It invites people to stay in touch with clear, accessible contact info. I encourage you to create your own. Start in a simple document, then have fun designing it. Thoughtfulness speaks louder than scale, and simplicity often tells a clearer, more compelling story. Don't underestimate the small tools; they just might carry the most power. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/206 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide    

Bringing our vision to life at the Licensing Expo was one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my creative career, and in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it was really like. I share the inspiration and intentionality behind every detail of our booth, from the concept of a welcoming "greenhouse" to the birds I hand-sculpted with over 100 hours of love and labor. I talk through the creative decisions that shaped our booth, including the layout, live floral installation, tactile displays, and the thoughtful storytelling woven throughout. I also get honest about the challenges: budget constraints, intense hands-on setup, and the self-doubt that crept in as we realized our space looked so different from others. But that contrast? It's what made our booth magnetic. People stepped inside and instantly felt something shift. And that told us everything we needed to know. This episode is full of insights for any creative, whether or not you plan to attend a trade show. I share how to think about your own visual storytelling, create tactile connections with your audience, and root everything you do in deep, meaningful narrative. I hope it encourages you to imagine how you can bring your work to life in a way that is beautifully and uniquely yours. Here are a few key areas I cover: Designing an immersive experience that reflects the soul of your work How we overcame budget and material challenges to stay true to our vision Why physical, hands-on storytelling still stands out in a digital world How our booth created an oasis in the overstimulation of Las Vegas Simple steps you can take to begin building your own creative storytelling space By the end of the episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on how to share your work in a way that draws people in and leaves a lasting impression. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/205 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide    

Stepping into the Licensing Expo for the very first time was both exhilarating and intimidating. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how we approached exhibiting at the world's largest licensing trade show in Las Vegas—from our earliest preparations to what happened after the doors closed. We didn't come with flashy campaigns or loud visuals. Instead, we showed up with clarity, intention, and a booth designed to feel like an extension of my studio—warm, welcoming, and rooted in story. We talk through how we turned doubt into confidence, especially in the face of well-established booths with full schedules when we only had six appointments booked ahead of time. But the moment the doors opened, everything changed. The unique, heartfelt approach we took began drawing people in immediately, and soon, we were booking over a hundred appointments on-site. What made the difference? Our commitment to authenticity, the clear strategy we implemented, and a beautifully immersive booth experience. Here are a few things I share in this episode: The emotional and strategic decisions that shaped our booth experience. Why standing out (not fitting in) was our biggest strength. Our five-part strategic framework for events: Set clear goals, prepare with intention, define team roles, follow up thoughtfully, and use a before/during/after structure. The biggest myths we faced going in—and what actually happened. The role of thoughtful details, from tiny staples to custom lanyards. Why our press kit was the MVP of the entire expo. Whether you're preparing for your own trade show, craft fair, or any kind of pitch or launch, this episode will walk you through how to show up with clarity, intention, and impact. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/204 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide    

Before I ever signed a licensing deal or showed my work at a trade show, I had one thing—a portfolio. In this episode, I take you back to the roots of my very first handmade portfolio and walk you through how I've translated that same heartfelt essence into a new, fully digital version for today. This journey has come full circle, and I want to share not only the story behind my original bound book but also how you can create a meaningful online portfolio that feels like an experience. I open up about the emotional connection behind that first portfolio—how I bound it by hand, infused it with personal touches, and carried it with me to my very first quilt market in 2012. Fast forward to this year at the Licensing Expo, I needed a portfolio that echoed that same warmth and story, but in a digital format. I'll walk you through the exact approach I took, including what made it resonate with people and how you can do the same. Here are a few key areas I cover: Starting with Story: Why your portfolio should begin with your "why" before jumping into your work. Designing for Feeling: Creating an emotional flow in your layout, not just a functional catalog. Making it Personal: How to integrate your process and personality into a digital format that feels alive and human. We're in a moment where heartfelt, human-made work is in high demand. Your story matters—and when woven into your portfolio, it opens doors that a simple gallery never could. Whether you're just starting out or updating an old site, I hope this episode inspires you to approach your portfolio with new clarity and heart. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/203 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide    

Celebrating milestones might seem small, but the impact is anything but. In this episode, I'm sharing a peek behind the scenes at how we intentionally honor and uplift our team through something we call "workiversaries"—the anniversaries of when each person joined Team Bonnie Christine. These moments of recognition go far beyond just marking a date. They are powerful opportunities to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who help bring our work to life. Even if you don't have a team, I encourage you to celebrate the people who support you. Whether it's a contractor, a friend, or a neighbor, those little moments of acknowledgment matter. And if you're still running things on your own, like I did for over a decade, celebrating your own milestones can be just as powerful. We close with three reflection questions to help you build meaningful team traditions, spark connection, and create a culture rooted in appreciation. I've also created a special free download—a gift ideas list you can use for birthdays, team milestones, or just-because moments. No matter your budget or business size, simple celebrations can go a long way. It's about showing people they matter and making sure they know their presence is appreciated. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/202 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

Today, I'm sharing how I went from struggling to write regular emails to building a system that helps us send two value-packed newsletters with ease and joy. You'll learn the purpose behind our two biweekly newsletters—"Secrets of the Studio" for surface pattern designers and "Beneath the Surface" for creative entrepreneurs—and how having a clear structure and cadence changed everything. I walk through the importance of defining your audience, creating intentional sections, and using a repeatable template to take the guesswork out of writing. With tools like Kit and thoughtful planning, we've created newsletters that not only feel good to send, but are fun and inspiring to read too. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your own newsletter rhythm, I hope this inspires you to find a system that works beautifully for you. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/201 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

As creative entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves wondering what our audience wants—what they're thinking, needing, or hoping we'll create next. In this episode, I share one of the most powerful tools we use to stop guessing and start knowing: surveys. You'll hear exactly how we ask meaningful questions, the specific ones we rely on, and how we design surveys that lead to clear and confident decision-making. The episode begins with a funny (and humbling) story about a yacht surprise gone sideways. It's a lighthearted reminder of how important it is to ask the right questions before making decisions, whether big or small. From there, I walk through three detailed examples of how surveys have shaped key areas of our business this past year: email newsletters, product development, and live events. You'll learn how one simple survey question led to a major new feature in our Pattern Plus membership, how asking about newsletter cadence brought instant clarity, and how we use post-event feedback to improve each year's conference. I also share the framework we use to build surveys that are simple, specific, and impactful—along with the tools and practices that help us get great results. If you've ever felt unsure about what your audience wants or needs, this episode will show you just how easy and effective it can be to ask. You don't have to wonder. You just have to ask. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/200 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide  

Stu McLaren is one of the most impactful mentors I've ever had, and I'm thrilled to bring him back to the podcast to talk about a topic that can completely transform your creative business: recurring revenue through membership sites. Stu's course, The Membership Experience, was a game changer for me. It's the only course I've ever completed on time, and it's one I return to year after year. After taking it, my membership revenue shifted from unpredictable spikes to a steady, staircase-like pattern of growth. In this episode, we explore why recurring revenue is so powerful—especially for creatives who often juggle inconsistent income streams and the demands of hands-on work. Stu shares his journey of moving from burnout and one-on-one service work to launching Wishlist Member, the world's number one WordPress membership plugin. That experience gave him unique insight into what makes a membership site succeed over time. We discuss why creatives are uniquely suited to this model, with stories of artists, painters, sticker designers, and teachers who now run thriving memberships. Stu and I also tackle common concerns like the fear of content burnout and the myth of "subscription fatigue." He offers practical, encouraging advice on how to create a membership that delivers real results and keeps your members engaged. Whether you already run a membership, are thinking about launching one, or are simply curious, this conversation is full of wisdom and actionable ideas. Stu's upcoming free live workshop is also something I recommend wholeheartedly—it's one of the most energizing events I attend every year. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/199 📝 Read the Transcript 📝 Connect with Bonnie: ▸ ONLINE | http://bonniechristine.com ▸ INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/bonniechristine ▸ START SIMPLE IN SURFACE DESIGN | FREE MINI CLASS | https://www.bonniechristine.com/startsimple ▸ FREE SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE | https://www.bonniechristine.com/guide