The Blog
Notes from the garden, the studio, and a creative life in the Smoky Mountains.
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The week’s news from the creative industry, with Bonnie’s spin on it. Read it here, or get it in your inbox every Tuesday.
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Everything
Every story since 2022, newest first.
Discover 15 proven ways to monetize your creativity as a surface designer. From licensing to memberships, learn strategies to build a thriving, sustainable art career.
Being an artist in today's world presents both challenges and opportunities. Over the years, I've not only found numerous paths to monetize my creativity as a surface pattern designer, but I've also been deeply invested in debunking the "starving arti...
Revitalize your team meetings with the "Monday Momentum" format. Boost communication, collaboration, and productivity through structure, engagement, and creativity.
In the ever-changing landscape of creative businesses, it's easy for team meetings to become mundane or unproductive. However, about a year ago, I decided to shake things up. I set out to create a unique format for a weekly meeting that would not only be...
Master live events with 20 expert tips for creative entrepreneurs. Boost engagement, build community, and confidently connect with your audience during live sessions.
As a creative entrepreneur, showing up live is a significant part of my journey. It's a powerful tool for connecting with my audience, but let's be honest—it can also be nerve-wracking. Through my experiences, however, I've learned to not only manage t...
Discover how moments of courage can create significant momentum in your creative journey
Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you—and following a creative dream takes a lot of it! When we go after our dreams, it's SCARY. As professional creatives and entrepreneurs, we have so many unanswered questions, but what we really need is the courage in order to get started. Read on for 5 ways taking ten seco...
Discover how to develop your signature style as a surface pattern designer with tips on creativity, inspiration, and self-expression. Free art prompts included!
As a creative entrepreneur, artist, or surface pattern designer, your signature style is your unique mark on the world. It's the distinct aesthetic in your designs that sets you apart, making your creations unmistakably yours. However, achieving this distinc...
Discover how Immersion Live grew from a small in-person gathering of 30 people to an international virtual conference blending creativity, business insights, and community connection.
Each year since 2018, our team has run an event called Immersion Live. What started as a small in-person gathering has grown to an internationally attended virtual event where we empower you to take your creative entrepreneurship serio...
Discover 5 timeless pillars for success as a creative entrepreneur, from embracing vulnerability to heartfelt marketing, building community, and fostering growth.
In the constantly evolving realm of creative entrepreneurship, I've found that certain strategies and insights stand the test of time. These enduring wisdoms have guided me on my journey and I hope they will enlighten fellow creative entrepreneurs as well....
Master Priorities with Lisa Jacobs’ Fast Track Toolkit and the OCN Method
Navigating the tumultuous sea of entrepreneurship can feel like a constant battle against an unending tide of tasks and challenges. Today, I want to introduce you to the OCN Method—a game-changing approach that transforms this chaos into a navigable roadmap, empowering you to sort, filter, and master your priorities. I learned this method from...
Tips from Team Bonnie Christine Integrator, Lisa Jacobs
Running your own creative business can sometimes feel like you're caught up in a 'daily scramble.' It's a term Lisa Jacobs, my friend and the Integrator here on the team, uses to describe the hectic, ever-changing nature of entrepreneurship. Lisa works closely with me in the day-to-day operations of my business, using her expertise from both the corporate world...
Why Start a Podcast as a Seasoned Entrepreneur?
For a seasoned entrepreneur, starting a podcast might not seem like an obvious next step. Even though I usually prefer talking about aspects of entrepreneurship that I've mastered, I felt it might be interesting to let you in on the reality of developing a new skill and stepping into an entirely new sphere.

The Motivation Behind Starting a Podcast
The decision to s...
Boost creativity by mastering your willpower! Learn 8 strategies to harness your energy, manage distractions, and unlock your creative potential every day.
As creatives, we often grapple with the relationship between our willpower and creativity. Our willpower isn't a constant, unwavering force—it fluctuates throughout the day, affected by various factors from our mood to our energy levels. Understanding this can ha...
Unlock the transformative power of teaching! Learn how sharing your expertise refines your skills, boosts motivation, and inspires growth for you and others.
Before I discovered the transformative power of teaching, I, like many creatives, was on a continual journey of learning and implementing. But as I began to master my craft, a new perspective unfolded: I realized I had valuable insights to share, insights that ...
Overcome doubt and build confidence as a creative entrepreneur. Learn how courage, affirmations, and positive self-talk can unlock your full potential.
As a creative entrepreneur, I frequently grapple with doubt. It's a constant companion in the world of creativity, where the pressure to ideate and innovate is relentless. But I've come to realize that success often lies just beyond the veil of doubt and fear.

Fea...
Chart your entrepreneurial success with a 6-stage roadmap! Learn how goal-setting, perseverance, and actionable steps can turn dreams into reality. Download included!
In the world of entrepreneurship, the path to success is often filled with twists and turns, setbacks and victories. Every journey is unique, but it is in the stories of those who have achieved their dreams that we find inspiration and valuable lessons...
Insights and Transparency from My Journey as a Surface Pattern Designer

Art licensing has been an incredible journey for me as a surface pattern designer, allowing me to turn my creative work into a viable source of income. It's a pathway that has captivated the hearts of artists and designers alike, offering the opportunity to rent our artwork to companies and brands, while reaping the long-term benefits of passi...
Turn doubt into support for your creative dreams! Learn 7 strategies to share your vision, inspire belief, and build a community that champions your goals.
Being a creative professional can be a lonely journey, especially when your dreams and goals don't get the support you yearn for from those around you. This journey can be even more daunting if you are pondering a career change or pursuing an unconventional path....