The Blog

Discover 15 proven ways to make money as an artist—from selling originals to teaching, licensing, and more. Turn your art into income and debunk the starving artist myth!

As a working surface designer and creative educator, I’m on a mission to debunk the ‘Starving Artist’ myth. Though the path to earning a sustainable income from your artwork might not be simple or straightforward, there are endless opportunities to...

Discover how I built a thriving career, landed licensing deals, and created a top-rated course to help others succeed in surface design.

When I think back on my journey to becoming a surface designer, I see an incredible journey of determination and dedication that allowed me to turn my creative work into a sustainable income source. Today, I want to share my personal story of my career as a surface designer. 

Crea...

Discover how teaching your creative skills can deepen mastery, build your network, and diversify income. Embrace education to transform lives and grow your business.

Yup, you read that right! As a creative entrepreneur, you should teach what you know. I believe the world needs your unique knowledge. 

Embracing the role of an educator has been an essential part of my journey as a surface pattern designer and creativ...

Top 10 tips to become a successful surface pattern designer! Learn Adobe Illustrator, build your portfolio, and create a thriving creative business you love.

It’s no secret how passionate I am about educating artists and creative entrepreneurs about the beautiful world of surface pattern design. As a completely self-taught surface pattern designer, I’m passionate about sharing my journey. For the past 15 years, I ha...

Struggling with creative block? Discover actionable tips to overcome artist block, find inspiration, and reignite your creativity. Get unstuck and create with joy!

Creative blocks. I know we’ve all been there— facing a blank screen, struggling to make the first mark. It can be disheartening and frustrating, sending us into a spiral of self-doubt or fatigue. However, battling a creative block and figuring out how to ...

Host an unforgettable garden party with seasonal menus, whimsical details, and DIY tips. Gather, laugh, and create magical summer memories outdoors!

It’s summertime! And if you have a garden, hosting a garden party is the perfect way to gather with friends and family. It sets such a special scene for connecting, sharing stories, and laughing together. 

Recently, my bestie, Callie, turned 40 and had the vision of a ...

Set boundaries to avoid burnout and boost your creative business. Learn to disconnect, say 'no' strategically, and handle feedback for sustainable growth.

Every creative entrepreneur knows the exhilarating feeling of creating something from scratch, pouring heart and soul into it, and watching it grow. But that deep attachment can sometimes blur the lines between professional and personal, leading to burnout and a l...

Find time to read with audiobooks and paperbacks! Discover four transformative books on business growth, habits, and leadership to inspire your journey.

Books have always been a source of comfort and knowledge for me. Whether I'm on a vacation or just taking a break, the allure of diving into a good book is irresistible. So in this article, I’m sharing how I find time to read—even in the margins of my day—and four b...

The Path to Authenticity and Originality

Discover how embracing authenticity and creating art you’d invest in can refine your signature style and connect deeply with your audience.

For an artist, authenticity is often the defining factor that separates the memorable from the mundane but the creation of a signature style that resonates with both your personal journey and your audience can feel out of reach. But ther...

Unlock your creative potential by shifting from a fear-based mindset to an abundance-based perspective. Embrace opportunities, trust your unique voice, and thrive.

In ours fast-paced world, it's easy for creatives to fall prey to the limitations of a fear-based mindset. These fears, though natural, can hamper our potential, making us question our abilities and the value of our work. But what if there's another way? ...

Embrace your identity as an artist. Discover why creativity is a real job, how art contributes to society, and how pursuing passion can lead to fulfillment and success.

Opening my mailbox one day in 2012, I found a letter from my mother: "Bonnie, when your dreams come true, mine will too. All my love, mama."

These words, full of hope and anticipation, came just a few months before I signed my first contract as a f...

Transform your dreams into reality through consistent action. Discover how daily progress, research, and dedication can turn creative aspirations into success.

The journey from dreaming to doing is one of the most profound transitions you can make. It's about metamorphosis, evolving from a state of longing to actively pursuing and manifesting your dreams. Today, I want to share my personal tale of this transformatio...

Unlock your creative potential by mastering the art of gathering inspiration. Learn to capture moments, collect treasures, document memories, and explore research.

Finding and gathering inspiration is a cornerstone skill that truly sets your work apart. But it's not just about the end product—the very act of seeking and absorbing inspiration can shape how you feel as a creator. When you actively engage with the worl...

Identify the common challenges of creative entrepreneurship (weeds) and overcome them with actionable solutions (seeds) to sustain growth and success.

The Weeds & Seeds of Growing a Creative Business

When pursuing big creative dreams, we all tend to struggle with many of the same stumbling blocks. And though we may feel alone in our struggles—we aren’t. After noticing these common issues amongst myself, my students...

Discover 10 transformative lessons from a year of creating patterns. Embrace growth, creativity, and hard skills to develop a rewarding, unique creative career.

When you’re first starting out as a surface designer (or any kind of creative entrepreneur), you might feel frustrated that you’re behind. It can be tempting to rush through the early stages, or wish that you are further along.

But the truth is, we all sta...

Unlock your potential by investing in yourself. From skills and creativity to mind, body, and spirit, learn how strategic self-investment fuels growth and success.

In the bustling tapestry of the creative realm, one thread consistently stands out: the value of investing in yourself. This is not just about spending money but your time, effort, and intention. A genuine investment in yourself can be transformative—lead...