From Fabric Shop to Full-Time Creative Educator: Bonnie Christine on Building a Career in Surface Design

Margo is joined by internationally renowned Surface Pattern Designer, entrepreneur, and award-winning online educator, Bonnie Christine. With a self-taught journey that began in 2009, Bonnie has built a thriving creative business, helping over 50,000 students turn their artistic passions into sustainable careers. In this episode, she shares the mindset shifts, strategies, and inspirations that have shaped her path and continue to guide her community.

Margo and Bonnie discuss:

• How growing up in her mom’s fabric shop shaped her approach to teaching pattern design

• The evolution of her vision in building a large and engaged creative community

• Taking big risks—like selling her car to invest in her dreams—and what she’d tell someone facing a similar crossroads

• Why 'action is the antidote' to imposter syndrome and a pivotal moment when this mindset made a difference

• The balance between creative techniques and business strategy in her upcoming nine-day workshop

• Helping students find their own authentic sources of inspiration, especially when feeling creatively stuck

• Why she firmly believes there’s room for everyone in the creative industry and how she’s seen that truth play out

• Challenging the notion that art doesn’t solve problems—especially in the world of pattern design

This episode is packed with encouragement, actionable insights, and inspiration for anyone navigating a creative career. Whether you're just starting or looking to take the next big leap, Bonnie's wisdom will remind you that your dreams are worth pursuing—one step at a time.

Connect with Bonnie:

2025 Workshop: Pattern Design Playbook- bit.ly/WindowsillDesignPlaybook

2025 Course: Surface Design Immersion- https://bit.ly/WindowsillImmersion

www.bonniechristine.com

https://www.instagram.com/bonniechristine/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry