The Professional Creative

If there is one thing that you know about me, it’s that I absolutely love my favorite things! Every year, I host a Favorite Things Party where my friends and I exchange our beloved finds from the year. It’s a fun way to discover new must-haves and share what we’ve been loving, and it has really become one of my favorite holiday traditions! This year, I thought, “Why not share my personal list of favorite things with you?”

I hope that you will join me as I dive into all the goodies that have made my life a little brighter and cozier - from lifestyle must-haves to a couple of game-changing business tools to some perfect gift ideas for the holidays! Whether you are looking for gift inspiration, self-care upgrades, or just want to hear about what’s made my year special, I have you covered, so join me for this fun, festive chat, and don’t forget to tell me YOUR favorite things this year!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/179

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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

It’s Bonnie Christine here, friends, and in this episode, I am bringing you an episode that just might spark a whole new creative journey for you! Imagine holding something that YOU designed - fabric, gift wrap, or wallpaper - and feeling that thrill of seeing your creativity come to life!

I share all about my Start Simple mini-class series, a free, no-experience-required introduction to surface pattern design. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just curious about creative expression, these mini-classes are designed to be a fun, stress-free gateway into this vibrant world!

I walk you through the essentials of creating your own patterns, from sketching and scanning found objects to tracing in Adobe Illustrator, and finally, ordering a tangible piece of your artwork. You can choose from fabric, gift wrap, or wallpaper design, and each mini-class is under an hour, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Plus, I share tips for creating custom color palettes, building seamless patterns, and avoiding common mistakes when exporting files. You don’t need any fancy skills or even a background in art, just a curiosity to try something new.

Also, here’s a little nudge from me: invite a friend, a family member, or your kids to join! Sharing this journey could make it even more fun. These classes are not only a chance to create something beautiful but also an invitation to play and reconnect with your creativity, so if you’re ready to dive into the world of pattern design, head over to bonniechristine.com/startsimple! I can’t wait to see what you create, and, as always, remember, there's room for you!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/178

📝 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

Welcome back, friends! I am so excited to talk about one of the most transformative programs I offer: the Mark Makers Mastermind! This mastermind is a deeply personal and intentional space that I pour my heart into every year, designed exclusively for creative entrepreneurs ready to make their mark on the world!

What even is mastermind, you might ask? In essence, it’s a small, intimate group committed to supporting each other in achieving big dreams. Together, we form a powerful network - 30 creative minds coming together to share insights, hold each other accountable, and inspire personal and professional growth.

Please tune in as I walk you through the Mark Makers journey, from our monthly “share calls” to intensive workshops where we connect, strategize, and make breakthroughs. Next year, we will even be traveling to Maine and Texas for two of our workshops - unique settings for unique transformations!

This isn’t just about business strategy; it’s a safe, nurturing space where you can bring your whole self, share openly, and connect with people who truly “get it.” You’ll meet incredible entrepreneurs like Cynthia, who achieved her best year in over a decade, and Jenna, who has doubled her revenue every year since joining. Being a Mark Maker means leading with creativity, generosity, and impact, and if that resonates with you, I would so love for you to apply. If you're ready to make 2025 a year of transformation, join us! Applications are open now through November 21st!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/177

📝 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

I hope that you will join me this week as I am discussing the complex art of decision-making, especially when it comes to the tough choices we all face in business and life. Listen in as I share some personal insights into how I approach decisions, from small day-to-day choices to major moves that can change the course of my business. Hear about the challenges that I have faced when deciding to let go of clients, adjust product offerings, or even make tough calls within my team.

One of the biggest takeaways from today's episode is how critical it is to make decisions quickly and confidently, and I talk about how indecision can lead to missed opportunities, decreased productivity, and increased stress, especially when you're leading a team, but what happens when the decision is especially hard? I share my own experience with one of the most difficult decisions that I have had to make in recent weeks, and how I have learned to navigate these moments with more clarity.

I also walk you through several strategies that I use to make decisions more effectively, from trusting my team’s input to knowing when to delegate and how to keep my focus sharp. These strategies have helped me streamline the process and avoid the pitfalls of decision fatigue, so if you have ever struggled with making big decisions or have found yourself paralyzed by too many options, this episode will help you get unstuck! Tune in to learn how you can make decisions that will propel your business - and your life – forward, and, as always, remember that there's room for you.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/176

📝 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 is a day that I have been eagerly waiting to share with you! We’ve been quietly working behind the scenes on something incredibly special, and I’m thrilled to finally announce it: Flowerie, my brand-new product shop, is here!

Listen in this week as I take you through the heart and vision behind Flowerie, sharing the story of how this shop came to be and what inspired its creation. From my early days making handmade products on Etsy to where we are today, Flowerie represents my love for combining natural beauty with everyday function and is a reflection of everything I love such as creativity, nature, and bringing a little bit of magic into daily life!

I discuss the exciting products you’ll find in the first collection, including floral-themed sketchbooks, aprons, puzzles, and more. There are some special personal touches, too, like handmade aprons made by my mom from the original pattern I created back in 2009.

Plus, I am so excited to share the details of our holiday sneak peek, coming next month! We will be releasing a small batch of our favorite items in limited quantities, and it’s your chance to grab something special before the full launch in late spring/early summer 2025! I also introduce The Secret Garden, our VIP community, where you’ll get first access to shop, sneak peeks at upcoming collections, and plenty of exclusive perks.

Finally, I dive into our unique approach to building Flowerie, what we’re calling growing in public. We’re committed to sharing the behind-the-scenes process of building this shop, with transparency at the core of everything we do. I can’t wait to invite you into The Greenhouse, where you’ll be able to follow our journey in real-time!

In the meantime, thank you so much for being part of this exciting new chapter. Be sure to sign up for The Secret Garden to get early access and stay in the loop on all things Flowerie. I’m so excited for what’s ahead!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/175

📝 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

Welcome back, everyone, to another round of Q&A in which I will be answering some of your burning questions! This time, I reflect on things such as where I see myself and my business in the next five to ten years. While long-term vision admittedly is not always my strongest suit, my team and I recently pushed ourselves to create a five-year plan that includes exciting growth goals across various areas!

I also answer questions about the challenges of focus (something that I like to call our creative "Kryptonite”) and share how my team has been honing our priorities to stay on track with our mission, and you will hear me discuss some pivotal moments in my career and the mentors who helped shape my path.

I additionally touch on the importance of family and work-life balance, sharing how I navigate both, especially with two kids now in school, and I discuss my homebody tendencies, gardening, and the joy of raising chickens and crafting with my daughter!

I really hope that you will join me for this second round of questions and for this thoughtful, personal episode filled with stories, lessons, and tips on everything from business strategy to maintaining creative energy, and, as always, remember that there’s room for you!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/174

📝 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

Welcome to another episode of The Professional Creative, everyone! Get ready because I have a special treat for you, a two-part Q&A series. In this episode, I am diving headfirst into your thought-provoking questions and am covering quite a bit of ground!

I kick things off with a deep question about areas where I still feel that I need to grow, reminding me of the importance of leadership and integrity. I have dreams galore, from seeing my art on products to maybe even a TV show about surface pattern design, but it’s all about embracing the journey, right?

I am also asked about a career low point, and boy, does that ever hit home! Getting rejected by a fabric company made me question everything, but it ultimately taught me the strength of perseverance. Empathy grew from that experience, reminding me that we all face nay-sayers at different stages of our lives, but we’ve got to keep pushing through!

Then, there is, of course, AI, truly a hot topic today with lots and lots of opinions floating around, so here is my take: AI in the design world is here, and it’s shaking things up. Whether you are an artwork architect using AI creatively or a traditional artist staying analog, there’s a place for everyone. I believe that we should be embracing AI as a helper, not a replacement.

New challenges with growth bring up important questions about focus and financial stewardship, truly important stuff as we navigate new levels in our careers, so stay tuned as we tackle what traits make successful professional creatives!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/173

📝 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

Welcome to another episode of The Professional Creative! As I approach fourteen years in business, I have learned that creative problem solving is so important for overcoming the challenges that help us grow as leaders!

I used to make decisions alone, but I have since come to realize how vital it is to have support in entrepreneurship, even when it can feel isolating. This episode of the show digs deep into the significance of thinking outside the box, whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a larger team.

Join me as I share a memorable story from my recent family vacation to Iceland, where we faced an unexpected challenge that forced us to get creative. I reveal how I was taught a valuable lesson about adapting to unpredictable situations and avoiding panic, and I contrast conventional problem-solving approaches with more flexible, innovative strategies, demonstrating how we can truly all benefit from thinking creatively!

I also provide you with five practical steps to apply creative problem-solving in your business. From encouraging wild ideas to embracing constraints and deferring judgment, these tips are sure to help you develop innovative solutions when faced with obstacles, and you will learn how organizations like Facebook truly harness the power of ideation to fuel their success!

Please tune in so that we can build resilience together as entrepreneurs and transform challenges into opportunities for growth! This episode is sure to help you discover how you can create the beauty you want to see in your business and beyond!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/172

📝 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

In case you didn’t know this, I love my Tuesday episodes because they are unscripted! In this particular batch of my unscripted Tuesday thoughts, I open up about the challenges of staying focused as a creative entrepreneur. If you're like me, then you have very likely experienced “shiny object syndrome” - that temptation to jump from one exciting idea to the next, but this year, my mission has been to dial in on what truly matters to my business and heart, which is serving the surface pattern design industry!

Listen in as I will be sharing how I had to make some tough decisions, like sadly having to cancel our highly anticipated Professional Creative Conference, despite how incredible that it definitely would have been! That was a moment that was painful, but it also felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders because it allowed me to stay true to my mission. Refining focus has been far from easy, but it is truly necessary to make room for our best yeses!

We have some truly exciting new things in the works, including a product shop that will be a living example for our students, a brand-new in-house art agent, and a potential journal publication for our industry! I am so excited to explore these opportunities while staying aligned with our core mission, and I really hope that you will walk away from this episode of the show inspired to take a closer look at your own focus! What can you say no to in order to protect your best yes?

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/171

📝 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

I invite you to listen this week as I jump into a topic that I believe is the very heartbeat of any business: core values. Whether you are running a solo venture or managing a team of 100, your core values are essential because they shape your decisions, influence your culture, and guide your growth!

Join me as I share why defining your core values matters more than you might think. I walk you through my own company's ten core values and how they have evolved as my team has grown, and you can expect to hear tangible examples of how these values have impacted our work culture and decision-making processes! From prioritizing generosity to fostering integrity, these principles are more than just words; they are the compass that keeps us aligned with our mission.

I’ve also created a fantastic resource for you - a list of fifty core values to help you get started defining your own! This episode isn’t just theoretical; it’s packed with actionable steps to help you reflect on what matters most to you and your business, so whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your existing values, this episode is here to inspire and guide you!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/170

📝 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