The Professional Creative

Welcome back to The Professional Creative Podcast! Today's episode is something special. We're kicking off an exciting three-part series called "The Art of Business". I recently had the privilege of delivering a keynote presentation that really got me thinking. I reflected deeply on my journey over the past 12-13 years – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Out of that reflection emerged the concept of the art of business, broken down into three insightful sections, which we'll be exploring together across this series.

In this first episode, we're diving headfirst into Bonnie 1.0 – The Dreamer. Yep, that's right – we're going back to the beginning. We'll be unraveling what this phase looked like for me, the dreams I dared to dream, and most importantly, how I navigated my way through it to the next level.

But I also have an invitation for you: as you journey with me through the different stages and phases of myself, I invite you to reflect on your own. What phase are you in? What philosophies and mindsets have you adopted along the way? Trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll come to realize that we all start from ground zero – we all begin as version 1.0, dreamers in our own right.

So, get ready to uncover the essence of the art of business and redefine what success really means and where you can go from here.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/122

📝 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 this episode of The Professional Creative Podcast, we're visiting the phenomenon of New Year's goals and the energy that comes with them. Lisa Jacobs is a New Year fanatic and she leads the charge as we check in on our 2024 goals. It's only a few weeks into January, but now is the perfect time to reflect on our behavior and assess if we're on track to achieve what we set out to do this year.

The new year brings with it a sense of clean slate energy—a chance to start over and embrace the endless possibilities ahead. However, as the weeks progress, this energy can feel fleeting, leaving many feeling burdened and overwhelmed. We explore the reasons behind the short lifespan of new year's resolutions and the importance of vigilance and consistency in achieving our goals.

But here's the thing: setting goals and making positive changes doesn't have to be confined to January 1st. We discuss how we can reset the pace at any time of the year and give ourselves permission to move temporal landmarks if needed. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, whether you're starting fresh on January 1st or later in the year, remember to set yourself up for a marathon, not a sprint.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/121

📝 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

Since 2018, the Surface Design Immersion course has been an incredible honor to provide. But the nature of the course means that it needs continuous updates to stay on top of technology improvements and to be sure that students get the best education in surface pattern design that I can provide. So, every two years, the course gets an update and sometimes that even means an entire overhaul!

Because this is a year of re-recording and updating the course, I thought I'd take a moment to talk about what goes into this development process in this episode. From pre-production to post-production, developing a successful course involves meticulous planning, dedication, and a keen eye for detail. This episode gives some tips, tricks, and strategies that can help you navigate every stage of course development with efficiency.

Whether you're embarking on the journey of creating a new course or updating an existing one, we'll cover a lot of ground in this episode. We'll take a deep dive into the pre-production phase, where the groundwork is laid, and the vision for the course begins to take shape. From organizing changes to keeping track of additions and removals, we'll explore where to begin and how to streamline the process. There are probably a lot of little details that you haven't thought about and so very much that goes on behind the scenes of a successful course.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/120

📝 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 today's episode titled "AI vs. Artists," where we explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the world of art and design. As AI continues to advance, many liken its impact to the transformative influence of the internet itself. Yes, artificial intelligence can generate art, but it's crucial to recognize that it complements rather than replaces human creativity. It can aid your work, quicken your work, but it doesn't replace your work.

There's an intersection between AI and creativity, and it is clear that human connection and emotion remain irreplaceable components of art. Despite AI's ability to generate visually stunning pieces, recent studies show that people vastly prefer human-generated art. Why?

Every time there is a major technological breakthrough, people feel uncomfortable and uncertain about the future. But usually, these breakthroughs create new opportunities. Let's reframe the fear mindset and shift to abundance thinking and see how we can allow this tool to assist us rather than replace us.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/119

📝 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 an episode dedicated to unlocking the secrets of making money in surface pattern design. If you've ever wondered how to turn your creative endeavors into a source of income, you're not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get from aspiring designers and you are in the right place. In this discussion, we'll explore the essential steps and strategies to help you monetize your artwork.

Imagine this: You've crafted something truly remarkable, but now you're faced with the question, "What's next?" Let's just have a quick overview of what this process looks like. From building a standout portfolio to crafting an impressive press kit, you'll learn a lot about the next steps.

We'll also talk about the various income streams available in surface pattern design. Whether it's licensing your designs, showcasing your work at trade shows, or leveraging the power of social media, we'll explore the diverse avenues through which you can generate revenue from your artwork.

If you're ready for even more, enrollment for the Surface Design Immersion Course is opening on February 13th and that only happens once per year! So, if you're ready to transform your passion into profit, let's dive in and explore the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/118

📝 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

🫶🏼🫶🏼Quick Disclosure: This post includes some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won't cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. Which is great, because I was going to share it with you anyway!

Today, we're diving into the world of side hustles, where creativity meets opportunity. Did you know that in a recent survey of our Surface Design Immersion Course students, a whopping 30% are turning their surface pattern design skills into lucrative side gigs? This isn't just for surface pattern design career-seekers! But here's the kicker: side hustles aren't just a trendy phenomenon; they've become a way of life for around 50% of Americans, especially after the rollercoaster of 2020.

What's fascinating is that side hustles know no boundaries when it comes to age or demographic. No matter what you are currently doing or seeking, the allure of extra income, flexibility, and a creative outlet can be irresistible. Think about it: having something on the side that not only pays the bills but also brings you joy is pretty exciting! And in our world of surface pattern design, mastering tools like Adobe Illustrator isn't just about creating beautiful designs—it's about opening doors to endless possibilities, whether it's in surface pattern design or beyond. So, let's take a look at the statistics, and explore the perks of learning new skills that could lead to a lucrative side hustle.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/117

📝 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

🫶🏼🫶🏼Quick Disclosure: This post includes some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won't cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. Which is great, because I was going to share it with you anyway!

Join the FREE workshop here! https://www.bonniechristine.com/secrets

In this special episode, Bonnie shares her personal journey of discovering the world of surface pattern design and how it transformed her life. She also introduces her upcoming in-depth (and entirely free) workshop, "The Art of Business: 7 Secrets to Success in Surface Design." Bonnie offers a sneak peek into what the workshop will cover, from understanding the opportunity in surface design to creating income from artistic work.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/116

📝 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 talk about and hear about growth mindset a lot these days. But what we don't hear enough about is how a successful creative thinks! We can't change the way we think if we don't know what to shift to. So today, we're talking about what it looks like to think like a successful creative. It's about more than just positive thinking; it's about challenging those doubts and questions that we all have and choosing empowering beliefs instead. I've been there myself. I have realized that every turning point in my career was a direct result of a mindset shift. And that's the good news. We can make a shift! With a little bit of intention, we can change the way we think.

In this episode, learn the common limiting beliefs of creatives and how these beliefs hamper our creative output and success. You'll also hear about ways we can overcome these limiting beliefs through embracing a new mindset. When we shift from dreaming to doing, remember that the journey is 1,000 miles, but it starts with a single step.

Take a moment to answer these questions:

• Identify any negative self-talk. What negative phrases do you find yourself telling yourself and how might they affect your confidence and creativity?
• Challenge your assumptions. What assumptions are you making about your own abilities or the creative industry as a whole that might not be true?
• Revisit past experiences. Are there any past experiences that have shaped your current mindset?
• Future fears. What fears about the future are holding you back? Are these fears based on facts or assumptions?
• Reality vs. Expectations. How does your expectation of perfection or success differ from the reality of the creative process?

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/115

📝 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

🫶🏼🫶🏼Quick Disclosure: This post includes some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won't cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. Which is great, because I was going to share it with you anyway!

Building an email list can seem daunting, especially if you are new to it. And while much is said about the joy of expanding our reach through email lists and subscribers, we don't often talk about managing unsubscribes. For those that are new to email list building or with lists in their infancy, unsubscribes can be really painful and certainly disheartening. But in this quick episode, I want to share a tactic that has changed the way I manage my email list and keep those subscribers sticking around for more. It doesn't have to be "all or nothing," and this "snooze" tactic puts some control back in the subscriber's hands. It really is a game-changer!

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/114

📝 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

🫶🏼🫶🏼Quick Disclosure: This post includes some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won't cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. Which is great, because I was going to share it with you anyway!

Sometimes we need to embrace the beauty of creating art in the margins of our day, those little fringes of time that often go untapped. Sure, time blocking and batching are fantastic, but let's talk about how our creativity can soar even when we're knee-deep in the busyness of life. In this episode, I'll be sharing some tips on how to weave creativity into the fringes of your time to accomplish a flow of creativity and to be productive when you feel like you can't. Join me as we explore the idea of coming to your creative practice every day, even if it is just for 10 minutes, to maintain that momentum.

📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒

https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/113