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Turning Creativity into Profit: How to Monetize Your Art

February 3, 2025

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What if I told you there’s a career where your creativity isn’t just a side hustle—it’s the main event? A career where your art can live on products worldwide, from fabrics to stationery to wallpaper, and you don’t need a formal art background to get started? 

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not.

Today’s guest, Bonnie Christine, is living proof that big, creative dreams are worth pursuing. 

Bonnie is an internationally renowned surface pattern designer, entrepreneur, and award-winning educator. What started as a leap of faith in her mom’s quilt shop has grown into a multimillion-dollar business helping tens of thousands of aspiring creatives turn their passions into thriving careers.

In this episode, Bonnie pulls back the curtain on what it takes to transform your art into a sustainable business. We’ll dive into the biggest mistakes creatives make when trying to monetize their work, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why she believes there’s room for everyone in the creative industry.

If you’re ready to unlock your creativity, take actionable steps toward your dreams, and finally believe there’s space for YOU in the world of design, this episode is for you.

And if you’re interested in learning more about how Bonnie has built her incredibly successful business, you can learn from her in her upcoming FREE class: Your Pattern Design Playbook: 7 Industry Secrets to Accelerate Your Success as a Surface Pattern Design to save time and create a career you love! 

This in-depth workshop teaches you how to achieve time, location, and financial freedom through surface design. Whether you’re dreaming of transitioning from a hobby to a full-time career, breaking into the industry as a licensed artist, or simply discovering the endless possibilities within surface design, this workshop will give you the clarity, confidence, and roadmap you need to take the next big step.

Save your seat for Bonnie’s workshop here!

Now, let’s dive into our conversation.

The Path to Becoming a Surface Pattern Designer

Bonnie’s journey started with a deep passion for design but no formal background in art. Her story proves that with dedication, self-education, and persistence, anyone can enter the world of surface pattern design. 

Bonnie began by working in her mom’s quilt shop, where she realized that designing fabric could be a career. She taught herself surface pattern design in an industry that, at the time, had no online courses or clear roadmap.

After two years of trial and error, Bonnie landed her first licensing deal and built a career that continues to thrive today.

The Biggest Mistakes Creatives Make When Monetizing Their Work

Bonnie shared some of the common mistakes that hold creatives back when turning their passion into a business:

  1. Rushing to Monetize Too Soon: Many creatives want to jump straight to making money before refining their craft. Bonnie advises patience, ensuring your work reaches a professional level before bringing it to market.
  2. Not Treating Their Creativity Like a Business: Success in the creative world requires a blend of artistry and strategic business decisions. Bonnie encourages artists to embrace both sides.
  3. Underestimating Licensing as a Revenue Stream: Licensing allows artists to earn passive income by renting out their designs. Bonnie emphasizes that this model provides financial freedom and long-term income.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Your Place in the Industry

Feeling like you don’t belong in the design world? Bonnie has been there, too. By normalizing the experience of imposter syndrome, creatives can learn to accept it as part of their journey. 

Bonnie suggests that recognizing imposter syndrome as a natural response to growth allows us to move forward despite our fears. She encourages creatives to acknowledge the feeling, saying, “Oh, there it is. Hi, I’m going to show up anyways.” This mindset shift empowers us to take action, even when we feel uncertain!

Here’s some practical tips for how she overcame imposter syndrome:

  • Taking Action Despite Fear: She pushed through self-doubt by committing to small, consistent daily actions.
  • Community Over Competition: The design world isn’t oversaturated—there’s room for everyone. Bonnie believes that every artist has a unique perspective and audience.
  • Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection: Rather than aiming for perfection, she embraced the learning process and allowed herself to grow.

Consistency in Creative Practice

Bonnie also emphasizes the importance of consistency in creative practice, highlighting that even small increments of time—like just 15 minutes a day—can lead to significant progress.

This approach is particularly beneficial for aspiring artists and creatives who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of starting or maintaining their artistic endeavors.

One of the most compelling points Bonnie makes is that the act of showing up consistently helps build momentum. When creatives engage in their practice regularly, they not only improve their skills but also cultivate a habit that encourages further creativity. 

She explains that when she made a commitment to work on her art every day, she found that the initial resistance to starting diminished over time. The more she created, the easier it became to continue creating.

Overcoming the Blank Page and Embracing the Messy Middle

Many creatives struggle with the intimidating blank page, often feeling paralyzed by the pressure to produce something perfect. Bonnie suggests that by committing to short, daily sessions, artists can alleviate this pressure. 

When the focus shifts from creating a masterpiece to simply making marks or experimenting, it becomes easier to engage with the creative process. This approach allows for exploration and play, which are essential for nurturing creativity.

Bonnie also addresses the concept of the “messy middle,” a phase that many creators encounter when their projects feel chaotic or unfulfilling. She reassures listeners that this is a normal part of the creative journey. 

By maintaining a consistent practice, artists can return to their foundational ideas and push through the messy middle, ultimately leading to a more refined and satisfying outcome.

How to Get Started in Surface Pattern Design

If you’re interested in turning your creativity into a career, Bonnie recommends these steps:

  1. Learn the Basics: Start by familiarizing yourself with design software like Adobe Illustrator.
  2. Build a Portfolio: Create a body of work that showcases your style and skills.
  3. Connect with the Industry: Engage with other designers, join online communities, and attend trade shows.
  4. Seek Licensing Opportunities: Research brands that align with your aesthetic and submit your designs.
  5. Stay Consistent: Even 15 minutes a day of practice can lead to significant progress over time.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Join Bonnie’s Free Workshop!

Bonnie is offering an incredible FREE class: Your Pattern Design Playbook: 7 Industry Secrets to Accelerate Your Success as a Surface Pattern Designer,

This in-depth workshop teaches you how to achieve time, location, and financial freedom through surface design.

Whether you’re dreaming of transitioning from a hobby to a full-time career, breaking into the industry as a licensed artist, or simply discovering the endless possibilities within surface design, this workshop will give you the clarity, confidence, and roadmap you need to take the next big step.

Save your seat for Bonnie’s workshop here!


Thank you to our Goal Digger Sponsors

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