Have you ever dreamed of having a mentor with years of success to guide you through your creative business journey?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you tun...
190: How to Create a Compelling Portfolio: 4 Steps to Showcasing Your Story
In this episode, we focus on the art of building a portfolio that showcases your creativity, story, and unique style as a surface pattern designer. Starting a portfolio can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential tool for sharing your work and attracting dream clients. Together, we’ll explore four practical steps to create a polished, professional portfolio. I’ll share the mindset shifts, strategies, and creative approaches that make all the difference. Plus, I’ll recount a personal experience where presenting my portfolio led to a pivotal career opportunity. Here’s what you’ll learn: The Purpose of Your Portfolio: Why sharing your work is key to reaching your goals. Four Key Steps to Success: From defining your audience to polishing your presentation, these steps guide you through the process. Tips for Self-Editing: How to curate your best work and make thoughtful decisions about what to include. Creative Formats: The many ways to present your portfolio, whether physical or digital. Your portfolio is a reflection of your story and creative vision, and it’s a powerful tool for connecting with others and sharing your talents. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/190 📝 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
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189: Discover the Secrets to Surface Pattern Design Success
Today, I’m excited to invite you to an event that’s truly special—my free workshop, Your Pattern Design Playbook. This eight-day workshop, running from February 10th to February 19th, is designed to guide you step by step into the world of surface pattern design. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will inspire and equip you to turn your creativity into a fulfilling business. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover: Lesson 1: Pattern Possibilities – Discover the breathtaking world of surface pattern design and the incredible creative & money-making opportunities this booming industry has to offer. Learn how to use your creativity to craft a career you love while establishing life-changing flexibility: time, location, and financial freedom. Lesson 2: Pattern Progress – Say goodbye to the overwhelm that comes with figuring it all out yourself. Skip the guesswork as I walk you through exactly how to start your journey, from the tools you’ll need to the very first steps to take. Lesson 3: The Pattern Path – Learn the six essential stages of becoming a professional surface designer. Together, we’ll map out a personalized, step-by-step plan to guide your progress— with a clear path, you’ll eliminate the unknown and start making real progress. Lesson 4: Pattern Profits – Discover 15 ways to transform your designs into income streams that support your creative business. During the workshop, I’ll also host live Q&A sessions to answer your questions and provide insights on your next steps. As part of the workshop, you’ll gain access to valuable resources like the Surface Design Starter Guide, the Breakthrough Action Tracker, and a Map to Success. Plus, I’ll be giving away over $5,000 worth of tools and resources to support your design journey, including ten $500 Success Starter Packs! The workshop is designed to fit into your schedule, requiring just five hours over eight days. With the strategies I’ll share, you’ll gain clarity and actionable steps that will save you countless hours in the long run. Whether you’re brand new to surface pattern design or ready to take the next step, this workshop will meet you right where you are and help you move forward with confidence. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/189 📝 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
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188: The Small Team Strategy: How Breaking Into Groups Can Supercharge Your Projects
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a strategy that has transformed how my team tackles big projects: working in smaller, focused groups. Whether you’re running a team of 13 like I am or collaborating with peers on a shared goal, breaking into smaller groups can unlock efficiency, foster deeper collaboration, and help everyone take ownership of their role. I discuss how this approach works within my own projects, such as launching Flowerie, our e-commerce shop, and producing Immersion Live, our annual conference. I also introduce two powerful frameworks—Dan Martell’s 1-3-1 framework and the 10-80-10 delegation model—that can streamline decision-making and empower your team to work independently while still aligning with your vision. Here’s how these concepts come to life: The 1-3-1 framework requires team members to come to you with one problem, three solutions, and one recommendation. It reduces your decision-making burden while strengthening their problem-solving skills. The 10-80-10 model allows you to shape a project’s vision, let your team handle the bulk of the work, and return for the final touches. It’s all about empowering your team while preserving your creative input. No matter the size of your team, these strategies ensure smoother project execution and foster a culture of trust and efficiency. Tune in to learn how these simple but effective tools can elevate your creative business and help you step into your zone of genius. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/188 📝 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
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187: How to Succeed in Wholesale: Expert Tips and Tricks with Guest Katie Hunt
In this episode of The Professional Creative, I’m thrilled to welcome Katie Hunt, founder of Proof to Product and a true expert in wholesale. Katie has dedicated her career to helping creative entrepreneurs get their products into stores, and today she’s sharing her best insights with us. If you’ve ever wondered whether wholesale is right for your business, or if you’ve tried it but struggled to get traction, this conversation is packed with essential guidance to set you on the right path. We begin with Katie’s journey into wholesale—starting with her own product-based business and her realization that so many talented makers needed guidance on the business side of things. Her early experiences inspired her to create Paper Camp, a comprehensive program that’s now helped thousands of creatives navigate wholesale successfully. Katie shares the key indicators that signal it’s time to explore wholesale, including the importance of having a robust product line and understanding pricing for profitability. We also discuss the rise of online wholesale platforms like Faire, and why you can’t rely on algorithms or platforms alone to grow your business. Katie encourages listeners to approach wholesale intentionally, avoiding the trap of letting outside forces dictate their business strategy. One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation is Katie’s four-step decision-making matrix, which helps you evaluate every opportunity through the lens of heart, money, time, and impact. This framework is incredibly useful for making confident, data-driven decisions in every area of your business. Katie also shares insights from her 2024 industry survey, revealing surprising statistics, like how 15% of product-based businesses aren't using email marketing at all—a missed opportunity for sustainable growth. We wrap up by talking about the power of trade shows, the rise of regional shows, and how creative entrepreneurs can maximize in-person sales. If you’re curious about wholesale or thinking about how to grow your product-based business, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a concrete action plan. Katie’s wisdom and experience are second to none. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/187 📝 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
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186: The 7 Biggest Mistakes New Surface Designers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
In this episode, I dive into the seven most common mistakes I see new surface pattern designers make—and offer practical advice on how to avoid them. These lessons come from my experience mentoring thousands of designers, but they’re universal enough to apply to creatives of all kinds. If you’ve ever felt rushed, stuck, or unsure about your creative path, this episode is here to guide and encourage you. We start by addressing the rush to monetize and how it can stifle your growth, followed by the dangers of comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. I unpack the importance of finding your unique audience and not trying to please everyone. We’ll also explore why skipping practice for perfection is a trap and how ignoring the business side of your art can hold you back. The power of community is a recurring theme—why you need it and how to find the right group to support your journey. Finally, I discuss the heartbreaking reality of giving up too soon and why persistence is the key to long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for clarity in your creative career, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to move forward with confidence. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/186 📝 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
Have you ever dreamed of having a mentor with years of success to guide you through your creative business journey?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you tune into The Professional Creative podcast with your host, Bonnie Christine. With over 13 years of experience as an artist, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Bonnie brings genuine warmth and actionable advice to your journey as a creative professional.
Tune in each week to get inspired and discover how the days of struggling to succeed as a creative are over.
Each episode is designed to help you GROW no matter what phase of the journey you’re on. From overcoming creative challenges to learning how to promote your work, you’ll learn how to take your passion to the next level and see SUCCESS. If you’re an aspiring professional creative or already on the entrepreneurial journey, you’ll hear about the latest marketing trends, best business practices, and inside tips from a longtime designer—all to help you grow your business like a boss!
Welcome to The Professional Creative podcast.
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