Creative Business Spark

Anne LaFollette
  • 5.0 (3)
  • DESIGN

Need help navigating through life after getting laid off from your job or as you approach retirement? Join Anne La Follette, former corporate Vice President, who reinvented herself in her late 50s after getting laid off from a job she loved. Becoming a successful creative entrepreneur from scratch was no easy feat. Anne brings her “can do” attitude and warm heart to support you in achieving your creative dreams at any age. Tune in for practical, step by step advice, whether you’re just dipping your toes into the entrepreneurial waters or you’ve got an established creative business that needs some “spark”. Welcome the The Creative Business Spark podcast where: It’s Never Too Late To Create®.

  1. 47. Is Bonnie Christine's Immersion Program Worth It?

    2D AGO

    47. Is Bonnie Christine's Immersion Program Worth It?

    Show Notes. This year marks my eighth year blocking off my calendar for Bonnie Christine's Surface Design Immersion program, but this year feels completely different. Bonnie has reimagined her signature program from the ground up, and I'm excited to tell you this new approach is exactly what we need right now. In this special podcast episode, I share why this course matters so much—not just for learning surface pattern design, but for reclaiming tangible creativity in our increasingly digital world. UNBOXING VIDEO! Head over to my YouTube channel to watch the video where I unbox the two gorgeous packages that you receive when you enroll. The materials inside are A-MAZ-ING! What You'll Learn in This Episode The Full Circle Philosophy Why Bonnie recorded this new version of Immersion from her garden How the "hands to computer to hands" approach creates meaningful work Understanding the complete creative cycle from inspiration to physical products What's Changed in Immersion 2026 The new documentary-style teaching format Less screen time, more hands-on creation How the course meets the moment we're living in right now Why Surface Pattern Design Matters Now The beautiful return to analog creativity happening globally How our life experience becomes our creative superpower (especially for women over 50) Why hand-crafted design will be more valuable than ever Important Links Click HERE to enroll through my affiliate link Click HERE to watch the unboxing video! * I'm a proud affiliate partner for Bonnie's Immersion course. That means I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, if you enroll through my link.

    22 min
  2. 46. Print & Pattern Revival - A FREE Workshop with Bonnie Christine

    FEB 9

    46. Print & Pattern Revival - A FREE Workshop with Bonnie Christine

    SHOW NOTES: Eight years ago, I discovered Bonnie Christine and surface pattern design—and it changed everything. Today I'm inviting you to join Bonnie's free Print & Pattern Revival workshop (Feb 11-16) where she'll teach you how to create seamless repeating patterns and understand how the surface design industry really works. No experience needed—just a pencil and paper. This workshop is perfect whether you've grabbed my surface pattern design ebook or my Doodles workbook and want to go deeper, or you're completely new to pattern design. Learn from the GOAT herself! 🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn: My discovery story: finding Bonnie 8 years ago Why I call Bonnie Christine the GOAT in surface pattern design education What makes this free workshop different (video lessons + live sessions) The workshop schedule and what you'll learn each day How to register (it's completely free and you can sign up HERE. Links & Resources: Register for Print & Pattern Revival (FREE workshop Feb 11-16): From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook ($10) The Doodles Digest Newsletter (free) Let’s Connect! Instagram: @annelafolletteart Website: https://www.annelafolletteart.com/ Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art This episode mentions Bonnie Christine's Immersion course. Anne is an affiliate partner, which means she may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to enroll through her link.

    18 min
  3. 45. The One Thing Every Creative Needs in February

    FEB 2

    45. The One Thing Every Creative Needs in February

    Episode Description: Seventeen browser tabs open. Three YouTube tutorials playing at once. Four courses in your cart. And yet... you still haven't finished that one pattern you started three weeks ago. Sound familiar? In this episode, Anne shares why her Creative Business Mastermind is spending an entire quarter studying The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan—and how this one book is changing the way her students approach their creative businesses. If you've been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck in busy-ness instead of progress, this episode is your permission to go small so you can finally win big. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The Domino Effect: One small domino can eventually topple a domino 50x its size Going Small to Win Big: Success comes from doing small things with extraordinary focus The Multitasking Myth: Multitasking is a distraction dressed up as productivity Time Blocking: The most successful people don't just think about priorities—they schedule them Success Leaves Clues: Follow the proven path instead of reinventing the wheel   Action Step for This Week: Write the Focusing Question on a sticky note and put it on your computer monitor: "What's the one thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" Then identify your ONE THING for the rest of February and time-block it on your calendar. Resources Mentioned: The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook ($10) The Doodles Digest Newsletter (free) Connect With Anne: Website: annelafolletteart.com Instagram: @annelafolletteart Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

    21 min
  4. 44. This Changed Everything. How I Discovered Surface Pattern Design

    JAN 26

    44. This Changed Everything. How I Discovered Surface Pattern Design

    Episode Description What if you discovered a creative career path that lets you see your designs on fabric, wrapping paper, and products worldwide? Listen to how I accidentally discovered surface pattern design in 2018 and how it transformed from a curiosity into a six-figure business. Whether you're exploring a creative second chapter or looking for a way to turn your artistic side into income, this episode reveals one of the best-kept secrets in the creative world. 🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn: How I made my first repeating pattern What surface pattern design actually is and a bit of inspiring history The many ways you can use pattern design: fabric, wrapping paper, stationery, home decor and more Links & Resources: FREE EBOOK: "How to Craft a Career in Surface Pattern Design" Carla Sonheim's online classes Teachers mentioned: Bonnie Christine, Elizabeth Olwen, Dylan Mierzwinski Historical designers: William Morris, Marimekko Let’s Connect! Instagram: @annelafolletteart Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/ Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

    17 min
  5. 43. When You Don't Feel Ready For January, Do This

    JAN 19

    43. When You Don't Feel Ready For January, Do This

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feeling like you didn't make enough progress last year? Struggling with January's "fresh start" energy when you're just plain tired? This episode is for you. I'm sharing the story of Janet Hild, a textile designer and Creative Business Mastermind member who accomplished three major business milestones in 2025—while raising three kids, teaching at the master's level, and working part-time jobs. Her story will help you reframe what progress actually looks like and recognize the wins you might be overlooking in your own creative journey. What You'll Learn: Why we're measuring progress all wrong (and what to measure instead) How Janet went from "exploring what's next" to making progress across multiple fronts Why playing the long game beats chasing viral moments Links & Resources: Janet Hild's Work: Ink + Sun website: https://www.inkandsun.com/ Next Steps: Get started for just $10 with the From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook. Expand your surface pattern design skills in The Pattern Design Academy Self Study Program. Click HERE for details. Ready to expand your creative business? Explore The Creative Business Mastermind where I share my proven framework for building a successful and wildly profitable creative business online. By application only. Spot are limited. Click HERE for details and to apply. Join my email list and get my weekly Doodles Digest Newsletter.

    18 min
  6. 42. When the Tank Is Empty, Listen. New Ideas Will Emerge

    JAN 12

    42. When the Tank Is Empty, Listen. New Ideas Will Emerge

    Show Notes: January often comes with pressure to feel motivated, organized, and ready to charge ahead. But what if that’s not the season you’re in? In this episode, I’m sharing a more honest start to the year. I talk about entering my eighth year of business, navigating caregiving and health challenges, and noticing what happens when energy feels low instead of abundant. Rather than pushing through exhaustion, this episode explores what it looks like to listen — to your body, your life, and the season you’re in — and how adjusting doesn’t mean quitting. Sometimes, it’s exactly how new ideas and new paths begin to emerge. If you’ve been feeling behind, unmotivated, or unsure how to start this year, this conversation is for you. What You'll Learn: Why feeling tired or unmotivated doesn’t mean you’re failing The bigger questions many entrepreneurs quietly ask (and why they’re normal) How listening to your energy can lead to more sustainable creativity Next Steps: Get started for just $10 with the From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook. Expand your surface pattern design skills in The Pattern Design Academy Self Study Program. Click HERE for details. Ready to expand your creative business? Explore The Creative Business Mastermind where I share my proven framework for building a successful and wildly profitable creative business online. By application only. Spot are limited. Click HERE for details and to apply. Join my email list and get my weekly Doodles Digest Newsletter.

    12 min
  7. 41: Start Messy. Why Your First Repeating Pattern Doesn't Need To Be Perfect

    JAN 5

    41: Start Messy. Why Your First Repeating Pattern Doesn't Need To Be Perfect

    Show Notes Start messy! I want you to think about your first pattern like your first pancake. You know how the first pancake is always wonky? Too thick, too thin, weird shape, probably stuck to the pan? But you don't stop making breakfast. You adjust the heat, perfect your pour, and by the third pancake, you're flipping like a pro. Your first pattern is just information gathering. It tells you: What tools feel comfortable Which design elements you're drawn to Where you need more practice What comes naturally to you Every "mistake" is actually data that moves you closer to your unique style. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why successful pattern designers hide hundreds of "learning patterns" The myth that's keeping women over 50 from starting their pattern journey Why "messy action beats perfect inaction" every time Key Takeaways: Your first pattern is information gathering, not your masterpiece You only need to learn 5% of Illustrator to create beautiful patterns Starting messy helps you discover your unique style faster Every successful designer started with messy first attempts Memorable Quotes:  "Your first pattern is like your first pancake – it's supposed to be wonky." "You're not too old, too late, or too anything. You're exactly where you need to be." "The magic isn't in that first flower being perfect. The magic is in starting." Next Steps: Get started for just $10 with the From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook. Expand your surface pattern design skills in The Pattern Design Academy Self Study Program. Click HERE. Ready to expand your business online? Explore The Creative Business Mastermind where you’ll learn my proven framework for building a successful and wildly profitable creative business online. By application only. Spots are limited. Click HERE for details and to apply. Let’s Connect! Instagram: @annelafolletteart Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/ Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

    15 min
  8. 40: Birthday Permission Slips

    12/29/2025

    40: Birthday Permission Slips

    Show Notes Ready for an embarrassing story that relates to my birthday? How about demanding to celebrate my birthday on my Saint's Day in July (because December 30th felt lost between holidays). What You'll Learn Why the shame we carry about our younger selves (wanting "too much," starting "too late") is actually evidence of someone who knew their worth and deserves forgiveness The permission slips every creative needs for 2026: to take up space, to start at any age, to be imperfect, and to believe your voice matters even if "it's all been done before" How December 30th birthdays – and all "in-between" moments – are actually perfect for creatives because creativity itself lives in the space between dreaming and doing  Next Steps: Get started for just $10 with the From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook. Expand your surface pattern design skills in The Pattern Design Academy Self Study Program. Click HERE and get $500 off at checkout. Ready to expand your business online? Explore The Creative Business Mastermind where you’ll learn my proven framework for building a successful and wildly profitable creative business online. By application only. Spot are limited. Click HERE for details and to apply. Let’s Connect! Instagram: @annelafolletteart Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/ Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Need help navigating through life after getting laid off from your job or as you approach retirement? Join Anne La Follette, former corporate Vice President, who reinvented herself in her late 50s after getting laid off from a job she loved. Becoming a successful creative entrepreneur from scratch was no easy feat. Anne brings her “can do” attitude and warm heart to support you in achieving your creative dreams at any age. Tune in for practical, step by step advice, whether you’re just dipping your toes into the entrepreneurial waters or you’ve got an established creative business that needs some “spark”. Welcome the The Creative Business Spark podcast where: It’s Never Too Late To Create®.

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