Hi Guys - Today I am over the moon excited to share with you this interview I did with my favorite surface pattern designer, Bonnie Christine!

Those of you who regularly read the blog know that, to me, Bonnie is truly the bees knees. When I first started learning pattern design, her class is what got me on the right path. She helped me make my first repeat!

Enjoy the interview!

Hi Bonnie! At this point you are a pretty well known designer and teacher within the surface pattern design community. Can you take us back to the beginning? What did it feel like when you first started following this dream?

Absolutely! I’m passionate about sharing my story and encouraging others to follow their dreams. It wasn’t until after I graduated college that I decided I wanted to be a fabric designer. The only problem was, I didn’t know how to design! After mourning my decision to attend business school (instead of design school), it dawned on me: I can do this on my own. It may be the hardest thing I ever do, but I can do it.

In 2009, it seemed as if there was no information out there on how to become a designer. It took me nearly two years of intense study to learn Adobe Illustrator and build a portfolio of patterns and collections. Shortly after that, I landed my first contract as a fabric designer.

Because of my journey, I’ve become passionate about sharing what I’ve learned. That’s why I love to teach and feel called to share all of my secrets! You can find me teaching everything that I’ve learned and encouraging students through the courses and membership I offer.

What advice would you now give to your younger self about the path that lay ahead as you built your design career?

I would encourage myself not to rush the early stages. When nobody knows who you are and you’ve never shown your work to anyone. You’re just making artwork and finding your style. This precious time should be nurtured and taken slowly. I know many artists whose favorite pieces were created during this time - where there’s no pressure and no deadlines. It’s also the perfect time to find your own signature style. I made 100s of patterns before I found my own style.

How do you stay motivated to push forward day after day?

I absolutely love my job, it gets me jumping out of bed every day! And I love that no two days are alike, there’s always something different and exciting to be working on.

How do you continue to grow your business? Do you have a growth strategy?

I’m not sure I would say it’s a formal growth strategy, but I am constantly striving to create new work, reach more students, discover new licensing opportunities and share my work with the world. So far, it’s working just right!

Can you tell us about some of the highlights of your career…times when you’ve been in awe of what you’ve achieved?

I’ve had some very ‘pinch me moments’, that’s for sure!

I’ve taught on a live stage at CreativeLive;
Been featured on the cover of ‘Where Women Create’ magazine;
Had my work featured in ‘Print & Pattern: Nature’;
Taught one of the top 10 classes on Skillshare;
Had my home and story covered by Joybird this past fall. What?!

What business advice can you offer to new designers?

My favorite tip is to do one small thing every day. When big dreams seem overwhelming, begin reaching towards them by doing just one small thing each day. At the end of a week, a month and a year you will have made giant leaps towards accomplishing them. These will be the steps that will lead you to living your dream!

Can you tell us a few fun facts we may not already know about you?

Hm, I love this question. :) Let’s see, I was a cheerleader in college, I’ve been vegan for 10 years, I can climb a rope and I married my high school sweetheart.

Making dreams a reality with Bonnie Christine