Bringing our vision to life at the Licensing Expo was one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my creative career, and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it was really like. I share the inspiration and intentionality behind every detail of our booth, from the concept of a welcoming “greenhouse” to the birds I hand-sculpted with over 100 hours of love and labor. I talk through the creative decisions that shaped our booth, including the layout, live floral installation, tactile displays, and the thoughtful storytelling woven throughout. I also get honest about the challenges: budget constraints, intense hands-on setup, and the self-doubt that crept in as we realized our space looked so different from others. But that contrast? It’s what made our booth magnetic. People stepped inside and instantly felt something shift. And that told us everything we needed to know. This episode is full of insights for any creative, whether or not you plan to attend a trade show. I share how to think about your own visual storytelling, create tactile connections with your audience, and root everything you do in deep, meaningful narrative. I hope it encourages you to imagine how you can bring your work to life in a way that is beautifully and uniquely yours. Here are a few key areas I cover: Designing an immersive experience that reflects the soul of your work How we overcame budget and material challenges to stay true to our vision Why physical, hands-on storytelling still stands out in a digital world How our booth created an oasis in the overstimulation of Las Vegas Simple steps you can take to begin building your own creative storytelling space By the end of the episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective on how to share your work in a way that draws people in and leaves a lasting impression. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/205 📝 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
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204: Inside Our Expo Strategy
Stepping into the Licensing Expo for the very first time was both exhilarating and intimidating. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how we approached exhibiting at the world's largest licensing trade show in Las Vegas—from our earliest preparations to what happened after the doors closed. We didn't come with flashy campaigns or loud visuals. Instead, we showed up with clarity, intention, and a booth designed to feel like an extension of my studio—warm, welcoming, and rooted in story. We talk through how we turned doubt into confidence, especially in the face of well-established booths with full schedules when we only had six appointments booked ahead of time. But the moment the doors opened, everything changed. The unique, heartfelt approach we took began drawing people in immediately, and soon, we were booking over a hundred appointments on-site. What made the difference? Our commitment to authenticity, the clear strategy we implemented, and a beautifully immersive booth experience. Here are a few things I share in this episode: The emotional and strategic decisions that shaped our booth experience. Why standing out (not fitting in) was our biggest strength. Our five-part strategic framework for events: Set clear goals, prepare with intention, define team roles, follow up thoughtfully, and use a before/during/after structure. The biggest myths we faced going in—and what actually happened. The role of thoughtful details, from tiny staples to custom lanyards. Why our press kit was the MVP of the entire expo. Whether you're preparing for your own trade show, craft fair, or any kind of pitch or launch, this episode will walk you through how to show up with clarity, intention, and impact. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/204 📝 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
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203: Prepping the Portfolio: Back to Our Roots
Before I ever signed a licensing deal or showed my work at a trade show, I had one thing—a portfolio. In this episode, I take you back to the roots of my very first handmade portfolio and walk you through how I’ve translated that same heartfelt essence into a new, fully digital version for today. This journey has come full circle, and I want to share not only the story behind my original bound book but also how you can create a meaningful online portfolio that feels like an experience. I open up about the emotional connection behind that first portfolio—how I bound it by hand, infused it with personal touches, and carried it with me to my very first quilt market in 2012. Fast forward to this year at the Licensing Expo, I needed a portfolio that echoed that same warmth and story, but in a digital format. I’ll walk you through the exact approach I took, including what made it resonate with people and how you can do the same. Here are a few key areas I cover: Starting with Story: Why your portfolio should begin with your “why” before jumping into your work. Designing for Feeling: Creating an emotional flow in your layout, not just a functional catalog. Making it Personal: How to integrate your process and personality into a digital format that feels alive and human. We’re in a moment where heartfelt, human-made work is in high demand. Your story matters—and when woven into your portfolio, it opens doors that a simple gallery never could. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an old site, I hope this episode inspires you to approach your portfolio with new clarity and heart. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/203 📝 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
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202: How We Celebrate Workiversaries: Moments Not to be Missed
Celebrating milestones might seem small, but the impact is anything but. In this episode, I’m sharing a peek behind the scenes at how we intentionally honor and uplift our team through something we call “workiversaries”—the anniversaries of when each person joined Team Bonnie Christine. These moments of recognition go far beyond just marking a date. They are powerful opportunities to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who help bring our work to life. Even if you don’t have a team, I encourage you to celebrate the people who support you. Whether it’s a contractor, a friend, or a neighbor, those little moments of acknowledgment matter. And if you’re still running things on your own, like I did for over a decade, celebrating your own milestones can be just as powerful. We close with three reflection questions to help you build meaningful team traditions, spark connection, and create a culture rooted in appreciation. I’ve also created a special free download—a gift ideas list you can use for birthdays, team milestones, or just-because moments. No matter your budget or business size, simple celebrations can go a long way. It’s about showing people they matter and making sure they know their presence is appreciated. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/202 📝 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
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201: How To Organize A Weekly Newsletter: The Purpose Behind Our Template
Today, I’m sharing how I went from struggling to write regular emails to building a system that helps us send two value-packed newsletters with ease and joy. You’ll learn the purpose behind our two biweekly newsletters—“Secrets of the Studio” for surface pattern designers and “Beneath the Surface” for creative entrepreneurs—and how having a clear structure and cadence changed everything. I walk through the importance of defining your audience, creating intentional sections, and using a repeatable template to take the guesswork out of writing. With tools like Kit and thoughtful planning, we’ve created newsletters that not only feel good to send, but are fun and inspiring to read too. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your own newsletter rhythm, I hope this inspires you to find a system that works beautifully for you. 📒 Episode Notes, Links, & Resources 📒 https://www.professionalcreative.com/blog/201 📝 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
Have you ever dreamed of having a mentor with years of success to guide you through your creative business journey?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you tune into The Professional Creative podcast with your host, Bonnie Christine. With over 14 years of experience as an artist, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Bonnie brings genuine warmth and actionable advice to your journey as a creative professional.
Tune in each week to get inspired and discover how the days of struggling to succeed as a creative are over.
Each episode is designed to help you GROW no matter what phase of the journey you’re on. From overcoming creative challenges to learning how to promote your work, you’ll learn how to take your passion to the next level and see SUCCESS. If you’re an aspiring professional creative or already on the entrepreneurial journey, you’ll hear about the latest marketing trends, best business practices, and inside tips from a longtime designer—all to help you grow your business like a boss!
Welcome to The Professional Creative podcast.
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