Show Notes:
You’ve heard all six steps of my framework—but now it’s time to put it into action. In this special bonus episode, I’m inviting you to join me for my signature 3-day live virtual event The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE!

This is your chance to dive deeper into the exact framework I’ve been teaching on the podcast—and experience it LIVE with me and a powerful group of creative women just like you. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this immersive event will help you finally turn your creative passion into a profitable and sustainable business—without the overwhelm.

What You’ll Learn During the 3 Days:

• How to build your creative business with clarity and confidence

• You'll experience each step of the framework live:

  1. Strategy First

  2. Your Ideal Customer

  3. Building Your Audience

  4. Creating Compelling Offers

  5. Launching with Confidence

  6. Delivering with Impact

• You'll complete your unique PLAYBOOK during the 3-days

Why You’ll Love It:

• It’s live and interactive—ask questions, join breakout rooms, and come on screen with me!

• You’ll fill in your downloadable playbook as we go, so you walk away with your exact next steps

• No recordings—this is a truly immersive experience designed for live participation

• Runs daily from 10am–4pm Pacific / 1pm–7pm Eastern, June 24–26

• Tickets are $197 but "Early Bird" Pricing saves you $100! 🎉

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

💛 Let’s build the business you’ve been dreaming about—together, live. I can’t wait to see you there!

Show Notes:

You’ve built the offer. You’ve launched it. But now comes the part that truly sets your business apart—how you deliver it. In this final episode of my six-part framework for building a creative business, we’re talking about product and service delivery techniques—and why this stage matters more than you might think.

Creating a thoughtful, memorable experience for your audience doesn’t just build loyalty—it turns first-time buyers into raving fans. I’m sharing stories from my very first membership launch, how I made each member feel personally welcomed, and the delivery methods I’ve used over the years to support student success.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the delivery phase is where lasting connection is built

• How a warm welcome can increase retention and referrals

• Different ways to deliver your offer:

  • Live vs. pre-recorded

  • Drip content vs. all-at-once access

  • Hybrid delivery options

• Why student success = your success 

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Download the Delivery Techniques Worksheet – Use the reflection prompts to design an unforgettable experience.

Come experience my method LIVE!

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

Show Notes:
You’ve built your offer—now what? It’s time to release it into the world! In this fifth episode of my six-part framework for building a creative business, we’re diving into the art and strategy of launching.

Whether you're releasing your first product, course, or membership, launching is more than just hitting “publish.” It’s about creating momentum, building anticipation, and turning your offer into an exciting event your audience can’t wait to be part of. I’ll share how I learned to launch by investing in two game-changing programs—and how those early lessons helped me grow into the business I have today.

What You’ll Learn:

• What a launch really is (and why it’s a lot like releasing a movie!)

• Why building anticipation matters more than perfection

• How investing in expert mentorship changed the game for my business

• Why learning isn’t enough—you have to implement

• Key ingredients for a successful launch:

  1. Building anticipation

  2. Offering value upfront

  3. Creating urgency

  4. Turning a single transaction into a long-term relationship 

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Download the Launch Strategy Worksheet – Reflect on the key questions and sketch out your next launch.

Come experience my method LIVE!

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

Show Notes:
In part four of my six-part framework for building a creative business, we’re tackling something exciting and essential: how to create compelling offers.

Whether you’re selling physical products, digital courses, memberships, or services, your offer needs to be more than just “nice”—it needs to be clear, irresistible, and aligned with your customer’s needs. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the mindset and strategy behind crafting offers that feel like they were made just for your audience—plus I’ll share how I started with just a few handmade products at craft fairs and used simple bundling techniques to boost sales.

What You’ll Learn:

• What exactly an “offer” is (it’s broader than you think!)

• Why simplicity matters when you’re just starting out

• How I used my corporate retail background to bundle products and increase sales

• The power of UPT (Units Per Transaction) and how to apply it

• How to make your offers more appealing through thoughtful packaging, bonuses, and alignment with your audience’s desires 

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Download the Offer Creation Worksheet – Reflect on the three key questions and clarify your next offer.

Come experience my method LIVE!

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

Show Notes:
Welcome to part three of my six-part framework for building a successful creative business! In this episode, we're talking about something absolutely essential—building your audience.

It doesn’t matter how talented you are or how beautiful your work is—if no one knows about it, it can’t grow into a business. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy website or big marketing budget to start attracting the right people. I’m sharing how I began with a simple one-page PDF, why your email list is your most valuable asset, and how to create a freebie (aka lead magnet) that actually works.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why building your audience is the key to long-term success

• How I went from 3 email subscribers (me, myself, and I!) to a thriving list of ideal customers

• What a lead magnet really is—and why simple always wins

• How to focus on genuine connection over vanity metrics 

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Download the Audience-Building Worksheet – Reflect on the 3 key questions and map out your next steps.

Come experience my method LIVE!

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

Show Notes:
In this episode, we’re diving into the second part of my six-part framework for building a thriving creative business: understanding exactly who you’re trying to reach. If you’ve ever felt unsure about who your product or service is really for, this conversation is for you.

I’ll walk you through the process of identifying your ideal customer—not just by age or income, but by digging into their dreams, struggles, and values. You’ll hear how I defined my own ideal customer when I was starting out, and how that clarity helped me create products that truly connected with the people I most wanted to serve.

This is the step that makes your marketing easier, your offers more compelling, and your message magnetic.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why defining your ideal customer is one of the most important parts of your strategy

• How my own journey helped me identify exactly who I wanted to serve

• Why understanding values, desires, and struggles is just as important as demographics 

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Download the Ideal Customer Worksheet – Use these questions to clarify who your audience really is and start building stronger connections.

Come experience my method LIVE!

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

Show Notes:

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the things—but your creative business just isn’t growing? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest reasons creatives feel stuck: they’re building without a strategy. I share how losing my corporate job at 58 led me to start from scratch, build a business I love, and why getting crystal clear on strategy changed everything.

Whether you're just starting or pivoting your business, this episode will help you lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth—without the overwhelm.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why a strategy is the blueprint every creative business needs

• The difference between planning and true strategic clarity

• The 3 most important questions to ask yourself before moving forward

  1. What is your big “why”?

  2. What are your creative and financial goals?

  3. What kind of lifestyle do you want your business to support?

Plus:
🎯 You’ll hear how I defined my own “why” after getting laid off, and how that moment helped me create a business no one could take away.

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Download the Strategy Worksheet – Gain clarity on your next steps.

Come experience my method LIVE!

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now:
👉 Claim your space & early bird pricing HERE
(Hurry—early bird pricing won’t last!)

Show Notes:

Are you ready to turn your creativity into a thriving business—but unsure where to start?

I’ve created a special 6-part podcast series just for you, breaking down the exact framework I used to build a successful creative business from scratch in my 50s (after getting laid off!). Whether you're dreaming about your first offer or ready to launch something new, this series will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy to move forward.

Each episode walks you through one step in my proven process—with practical tips, personal stories, and a downloadable worksheet to help you take action right away.

✨ Here’s what we cover:

1. Strategy First – Why you need a plan before you start

2. Attracting the Right People – How to define your ideal customer

3. Building Your Audience – Simple ways to grow your email list

4. Creating Compelling Offers – Crafting products your audience wants

5. Secrets to a Successful Launch – How to release your offer with confidence

6. Delivery Techniques That Delight – Make your customers feel truly taken care of

📄 Each episode includes a free worksheet to help you implement what you learn!

💛 If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what to do next, this series is your step-by-step roadmap.

👉 Start listening now and take the first step toward building the creative business you’ve been dreaming about.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not techie enough to do this,” you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not wrong to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, I’m answering one of the questions I get all the time:

 “Anne, what tech do you actually use to run your business?”

You’ll hear how I went from duct-taping tools together (and feeling totally over it) to simplifying everything with a setup that’s seamless and saves me hours each week.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at my current tech stack—and the key mindset shift that helped me stop stressing and start streamlining.

• Why I used to hand my iPhone to my husband (🙃)
  
• The patchwork of tools I started with—and why it didn’t work
  
• The moment I realized simplicity was worth investing in
  
• The 3 tools I use today: Squarespace, Kajabi, and Ecamm
• Why using fewer platforms can save you more than just money
  
• A permission slip to take things one tool at a time
  
  

• Kajabi (Affiliate Link) – My all-in-one platform for courses, email, landing pages, and more
  
• Squarespace – Still my favorite place to host my website and blog
  
• Ecamm (Affiliate Link) – My go-to for livestreams and studio recordings
  
  

The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE

Join me for a 3-day live virtual event where we’ll go step by step through my full 6-part framework. Early Bird Tickets are just $97—save $100 before prices go up!

Click here to claim your space → https://members.artwithanne.com/cbb

If you’re loving this podcast, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, share it with a creative friend, or come hang out with me live on Wednesdays at 12pm PT on Facebook or YouTube.

Show Notes.

When you see someone who’s built a thriving creative business, it’s easy to assume the path was smooth. But behind every success story is a chapter of uncertainty, reinvention—and a whole lot of courage.

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my own journey, from being laid off in my late 50s to building a business that gives me time, money, and location freedom. You’ll hear what I didn’t have (a list, a strategy, any tech skills!)—and the 3 core traits that helped me move forward anyway.

• The real story behind why I started my business from scratch
  
• The 3 traits that helped me push through doubt and overwhelm
  
1. A willingness to learn
   
2. Perseverance when things broke
   
3. A commitment to take imperfect action
   
• Why “freedom” is about so much more than income
  
• What I’ve gained (and what I’ve let go of) by being my own boss
  
• How to start thinking differently about failure and success
  

“The fastest way to succeed is to double your failure rate.” — Thomas J. Watson Sr.
(...and why I’ve taken that to heart in my business.)

The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE
A 3-day virtual experience where we work through my complete 6-part framework—together, live.
No travel required. Just real progress, step by step.

📅 June 24–26
🎟️ Early bird tickets are $97 (save $100!) <--- early bird price expires on June 3. 
👉 Click here to reserve your spot

If something inside you is whispering, maybe I can do this too, I want to personally invite you to join me live. We’ll work side by side for three days to build a plan for the creative business—and life—you truly want.

See all the details and grab your ticket → https://members.artwithanne.com/cbb

Show Notes

I'm thrilled to officially invite you to The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE, a 3-day virtual experience designed to help you finally start—or scale—the creative business you’ve been dreaming about.

If you're craving clarity, momentum, and a proven roadmap to follow, this event is for you. And it’s happening soon: June 24–26 on Zoom.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect from this hands-on, interactive event, and why I believe it’s one of the most powerful experiences I offer each year.

• Why this 3-day event is so much more than another Zoom workshop

• What we’ll cover: my complete 6-part framework from purpose to delivery

• What makes this experience so immersive and energizing (yes—breakout rooms!)

• How you’ll walk away with a completed, personalized Creative Business Playbook

• Why there are no replays—and why that’s actually a good thing

• Real feedback from past attendees like Janet Hild

• Dates: June 24, 25, 26

• Time: 10am–4pm Pacific each day

• Location: Zoom (but fully live and interactive)

• What You’ll Get: A full business-building experience + downloadable playbook

• Price: $97 through June 3 (save $100!)

“Learning from you, Anne, because you’re at such a high level, seeing what you’ve done and hearing how you work through things has been amazing. It’s helped me think about what’s possible.”
— Janet Hild, textile designer

Reserve your seat now while tickets are just $97. The price increases to $197 on June 3!
👉 Click here to sign up

Treat this like a retreat for your creativity and business dreams. Give yourself the space to show up, engage, and leave with a crystal-clear plan forward.

I’ll be right there with you every step of the way—because it’s never too late to create.

In this episode, I’m walking you through 10 powerful ways to set yourself up for success at a live virtual event—specifically, The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE, coming up June 24–26.

This isn’t your average Zoom call. It’s an interactive, high-energy, implementation-focused workshop designed to help you go from confusion to clarity about your creative business.

Whether you’ve already grabbed your ticket (yay!) or you’re still deciding, this episode will help you prepare for the kind of transformation that only happens when you show up with intention.

• Why planning ahead is the #1 way to get results from a virtual event

• How to set up your space for focus and success

• The importance of doing pre-work like the Creative Business Spark guide

• Why your camera (yes, your camera!) is your secret weapon

• How community and connection make all the difference

• 🎟️ Grab your ticket to The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE
  👉 https://members.artwithanne.com/cbb

• 🗂️ Download the Creative Business Spark guide
  👉 https://members.artwithanne.com/spark

• 🔔 Whitelist my email so you don’t miss event details
  (Search “Anne LaFollette” in your inbox and drag me to Primary!)

If this episode helped you feel more prepared for the event, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  or Spotify or tag me on Instagram @annelafolletteart — I always love seeing who’s listening!

The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. So let’s set you up for success at CBB LIVE — because it’s never too late to create… or to finally build the creative business you’ve been dreaming about.

Have you ever wondered what actually happens at a 3-day live virtual event—and if it’s really worth your time?

In this episode of The Creative Business Spark, I’m pulling back the curtain on The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE, my upcoming 3-day immersive event designed to help you build or grow your creative business with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

You’ll learn what to expect each day, why there are no replays, and how this event is different from anything else I offer. Think: breakthroughs, live coaching, and a playbook that becomes your step-by-step roadmap. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this episode will help you decide if this is the next best move for your business—and your future.

• What a 3-day virtual event actually is—and how it works

• A behind-the-scenes look at The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE

• What a typical day looks like (breakouts, coaching, and the Playbook!)

• Why replays are not available—and why that’s a good thing

• The transformation you can expect when you show up live and fully engaged

• How to prepare—and why bringing an accountability buddy makes it even better

🎟 Grab your $97 early bird ticket to The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE. Early bird pricing expires on June 3rd. 
👉 https://members.artwithanne.com/cbb

📆 Block your calendar: June 24, 25 & 26 | 10 AM–4 PM PT each day

📝 Invite a friend to join you! Forward this episode and attend together for extra motivation and support.

Please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps more creative women find it!

And remember…

✨ It’s never too late to create. ✨

What Is a Mastermind—And Why It Might Be the Support You’ve Been Missing

If you’ve been building your creative business on your own—juggling all the roles and second-guessing every decision—this episode is for you.

I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most powerful support systems I’ve ever experienced: the mastermind.

We’ll talk about:

• What a mastermind actually is (and isn’t)
  
• Why it works when courses, memberships, and DIY strategies fall short
  
• How community, accountability, and coaching can create real transformation
  
• What happens inside my Creative Business Mastermind—and why it might be the support you’ve been craving
  

This isn’t about adding more to your plate.

It’s about finally getting the clarity, encouragement, and structure you need to grow with confidence—and feel less alone doing it.

✨ Applications are open now for the next cohort of the Creative Business Mastermind.

🔗 Click here to learn more and apply.

• Read the blog version of this episode: What Is a Mastermind—and Why It Might Be the Support You’ve Been Missing
  
• Learn more and apply for the Creative Business Mastermind HERE. 
  
• Say hello on Instagram: @annelafolletteart
• Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
  

Please leave a review, share it with a friend, or tag me on Instagram! I love seeing how these episodes support your journey.

And remember:

It’s never too late to create®.

And it’s so much better when we do it together.

P.S. Don't forget to join us for our creative retreat next week. Get all the details HERE. 

Show Notes:
Growth as a creative entrepreneur doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing things differently. In today’s episode, I’m talking about the messy, in-between space that so many of us find ourselves in as we evolve. You're not a beginner anymore, but you're also not quite where you want to be—and that can be frustrating.

I’ll share what real evolution looks like in your creative business, why going it alone often leads to staying stuck and self-doubt, and how the right kind of mastermind support can help you step fully into the next version of yourself.

If you’ve been feeling the pull to grow—strategically, creatively, and as a leader—you’ll want to listen to this one.

You’ll learn:

• Why the habits that got you here won’t get you to your next level

• What it really means to evolve in your business

• How surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates your growth

• What support inside the Creative Business Mastermind actually looks like

• Why you don’t have to be “ready”—just willing

Resources & Links:

• 💡 Apply now for the Creative Business Mastermind

• 📩 Not on my list yet? Grab The Creative Business Spark Guide to start your journey

Join the conversation:
What does evolution look like for you right now? Message me on Instagram or join me live on Wednesdays at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET on Facebook and YouTube to share your story.

Remember:
You don’t have to do this alone.
And It’s Never Too Late To Create®.

In this special Independence Day-inspired episode, I explore what creative freedom really means, and how you can claim more of it in your business and life. Whether you’re building a full-time business, a side hustle, or simply nurturing your creative practice, this conversation will help you reflect on how you’re using your time, energy, and focus to build the life you want.

• What creative freedom looks like in practice, not just in theory

• Why freedom is built through intentional choices, not by accident

• How to spot where you feel free… and where you feel constrained

• Three reflection questions to help you design the next chapter of your creative journey

• Simple strategies I use to protect my creative freedom (including batching, tech tools, and boundaries)

• 📌 Join my weekly live session — Wednesdays at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET on Facebook + YouTube

• 📝 Explore the blog for related resources

What does creative freedom look like for you right now? DM me on Instagram @annelafolletteart. I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating your creative independence this month.

Your creative freedom starts with small, intentional choices. And remember: It’s never too late to create.

In this episode, I’m sharing a framework I love. One that helps me, and I think will  help you, show up fully for both our art and our business.

It’s inspired by Brendon Burchard’s research on high performance, but I’m putting a creative spin on it to help you apply it directly to your journey as a maker, artist, or creative business owner.

We’ll explore:
✅ The 5 drivers that help you stay focused, confident, and on track
✅ Why mindset matters most (and my personal story of rebuilding after losing my corporate job)
✅ How small habits can lead to big results
✅ The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
✅ Simple reflection prompts you can use right now to realign with your goals

If you’ve ever struggled to balance creativity with business demands, or if you’re craving a fresh start for the second half of the year, this episode is for you.

• The 5 areas that drive creative performance: mindset, goals, habits, competency, and relationships

• How to reconnect with your why so your goals feel more meaningful

• Tips for building habits that support your art and your business

• A simple way to assess where to focus your learning next

• Why your circle of support is one of your greatest business assets

• Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Habits

• My From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week

Remember: You don’t have to choose between being an artist and being an entrepreneur. You can be both, and thrive. Because... It's Never Too Late To Create®

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges creative entrepreneurs face: how to balance your own creative practice with the demands of running a business. If you’ve ever felt like your art is getting crowded out by admin tasks, launches, or endless to-dos, this conversation is for you. I share my personal journey, the lessons I’ve learned (and am still learning!), and four practical strategies that help me nurture both sides of my creative business.

• Why balancing creativity and business feels hard (and why it’s not your fault!)

• How to protect your creative time and make space for what matters most

• The power of batching tasks to create more efficiency

• Why keeping your systems simple gives you more time for art

• How setting clear boundaries helps you stay focused on your biggest goals

• A behind-the-scenes look at how I structure my week

• 🎨 Explore the Creative Business Blueprint digital course

• ✏️ Apply for the Creative Business Mastermind 

• 📓 Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner 

1️⃣ Where do you feel most drained in your business right now?
2️⃣ What creative activity brings you the most joy—and are you making time for it?
3️⃣ What small change can you make this week to protect space for your creativity?

Your business exists to support your art, not to overshadow it. You don’t have to choose between being an artist and an entrepreneur. You can be both and thrive. Because it’s never too late to create.

In this episode, I invite you to pause, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible for the rest of 2025. If you’ve been feeling behind or discouraged about your progress so far this year, this is your chance to reset. I’ll share practical strategies to help you refocus, set meaningful goals, and create a plan that supports your creative business journey for the next six months.

• Why July is the perfect time to refresh your goals

• How to reflect on the first half of the year without judgment

• The power of choosing one or two priorities (instead of ten!)

• How to break big goals into monthly milestones and weekly actions

• Why writing down your goals makes you 42% more likely to achieve them

• How I use tools like the Full Focus Planner to stay on track

• 📝 Learn more + apply for the Creative Business Mastermind 

• 🎨 Details on the Creative Business Blueprint - Digital Course

• 📓 Explore Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner 

• 📖 Study: The Power of Putting Pen to Paper (UPM Communications, April 2024)

What’s your one big goal for the rest of the year? I’d love to hear! Tag me on Instagram @annelafolletteart or join my Wednesday live at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET on Facebook or YouTube to share.

The second half of the year is a blank canvas. Start today — because it’s never too late to create®.

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at The Creative Business Blueprint LIVE, my recent 3-day virtual event designed for creative women ready to build a business, even if they are starting from scratch. 

You’ll hear what worked, what I'll do differently next time, and practical lessons you can apply to your own business journey.

We’ll cover:
✅ The small details that made attendees feel seen and supported 
✅ How flexibility kept the event engaging
✅ The key tools, like my Playbook and math spreadsheet, that helped attendees gain clarity

Whether you were at the event or not, this episode will give you insights, encouragement, and ideas to move forward with your creative business.

• Why I created my own formula for starting a creative business

• How to create a safe, supportive space that helps people share openly

• The power of additional resources

• Why sales and overcoming objections is a skill you need if you're going to succeed in business

• Practical lessons to apply in your own business right now

• My From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week

• Weekly Facebook Lives on Wednesdays at noon PDT / 3pm EDT → you can join me here

• Weekly YouTube Lives on Wednesdays at noon PDT / 3pm EDT → you can join me here

No event or launch is perfect. But showing up, reflecting, and listening will help you continue to iterate as we seek mastery. 

✨ It’s never too late to create.

Show Notes:
Starting something new can be scary—especially when you’ve been thinking about it for years. In this episode, I’m sharing what finally nudged me to launch The Creative Business Spark, how I used my existing tools to keep things simple, and why short-form episodes have been a surprising hit.

I also talk about the power of repurposing content and why “just starting” is often the hardest (and most important!) part. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to take action on a big idea, I hope this encourages you to move forward, even if it’s messy.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why I waited until 2025 to start a podcast I dreamed about in 2020
  
• How Kajabi and Descript made launching simple
  
• The surprising feedback I’ve gotten from listeners
  
• How I repurpose blog and video content into podcast episodes
  
• A gentle nudge to stop waiting for perfect timing
  

Mentioned in the Episode:
🎨 Pattern Design Academy – Enrollment is open this month! Learn how to create your own professional repeating patterns and turn your creativity into income. Click here to learn more + enroll
🛠️ Descript (my favorite podcast editing tool) – Affiliate link here

Subscribe + Listen:
📱 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | My Website

Show Notes:

In this episode, I’m sharing the top 3 business tools I rely on every week. These platforms keep my business running smoothly behind the scenes. And help me balance my time between running the business and creating new designs.

Whether you're just starting or scaling your creative business, these tools can make your life easier and less stressful. 

Here’s what we cover:

• How I leverage Adobe Illustrator for more than my design work.
• Why I love Kajabi for courses, emails, and now podcasting
  
• How Descript makes editing videos and podcast episodes easy and fun
  
• Tips for getting started with each tool
  
• Plus, a full list of the platforms and tools I recommend on my website!
  

✨ Resources Mentioned:

• My full Tools & Resources Page

Show Notes:
After a slower summer, it’s completely normal to feel a little out of sync with your creative goals. But here’s the good news: fall is one of the best times to reset and reignite your momentum. In this episode, I’ll walk you through why now is such a powerful window for creatives, and how you can get back into the flow without the overwhelm.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the final three months of the year matter so much for creative businesses
  
• A simple way to turn vague goals into clear, time-bound actions
  
• The latest updates in the print-on-demand world (and where to go next)
  
• How my membership, Anne’s Atelier, can support your creative journey. Plus a brand-new Q4 Planning Workshop bonus when you join!
  

Mentioned in this episode:

• Join Anne’s Atelier and get access to the Q4 Planning Bonus
  
• Read this blog: Setting Goals for the Back Half
  

Let’s connect:
Join me live every Wednesday at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern on
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Show Notes:

This episode shines a light on something truly special: the SAGE Designers—a collective of women from my advanced programs who’ve come together to support each other, create themed collections, and grow their surface design businesses. We’ll explore how they work, the power of collaboration, and why this model might just inspire your next creative leap.

What You’ll Learn:

• How the SAGE Designers formed and what their name stands for
  
• The benefits of a collaborative art group
  
• How themed collections like Farm Life spark creativity
  
• Where to view their portfolios (and how to work with them!)
  
• How you can start your own creative journey, no matter your age
  

Links Mentioned:

• SAGE Designers Website: https://sagedesigners.com/
  
• Anne’s Atelier Membership: https://members.artwithanne.com/membership
  
• My Tools & Resources Page: https://members.artwithanne.com/t&r

Next Steps:
Curious what’s possible for your own art? Start where you are. Anne’s Atelier is here to support you. Doors close August 17. 

Show Notes:

In this episode, I’m walking you through how to get your artwork licensing-ready this fall. And why the timing matters more than you think. We’ll talk about how the art licensing timeline works, what to include in your portfolio, and five steps you can take this week to start pitching your work with confidence.

You’ll learn:

• Why fall is a prime time to prep your licensing portfolio
• What to include in a licensing-ready collection
• How far ahead companies work on design planning
• Where to find color and trend inspiration
• How to make progress in just one week

Links mentioned:

• Anne’s Atelier Membership

Show Notes:
In this episode, I share why your old sketchbooks might be the best source of new inspiration. And how revisiting them helped shape the branding for Anne’s Atelier. Learn how to rediscover your early ideas, bring them to life with fresh eyes, and save time in your creative process.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why old art is full of untapped potential
• My personal story of reusing old sketches for branding
  
• 5 benefits of revisiting your older work
  
• How to organize and digitize older sketches
  
• A bonus tip for aligning revived work with current trends
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Anne’s Atelier Membership
  
• Tools & Resources I Use
• Design with Mojo – Monique Johnson

Craft fairs can be a fantastic way to get your art out into the world—especially during the busy holiday season. In this episode, I share the story of my first craft fair (spoiler alert: it was a big success!) and walk through some key things to keep in mind as you prepare for your own. From product planning to pricing to collecting emails, this is your roadmap to making craft fairs work for you.

• Why craft fairs are ideal for the holiday season

• What products work best for in-person events

• My real-world tips for displays, pricing, and marketing

• A free resource to help you get started

👉 Download the Craft Fair eBook here

Show Notes:
Have you ever lost track of your surface pattern designs or spent way too much time searching for that one Illustrator file? I’ve been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the exact 5-part system I use to organize my design files so everything stays clear, consistent, and easy to find. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling buried in a sea of files, this episode will help you bring order to the chaos.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why file organization is crucial for licensing and scaling your business
  
• How to structure your folders for easy access and version control
  
• A simple file naming system that saves hours
  
• My favorite tools for backing up and syncing your work
  
• How one old sketchbook led to a major branding breakthrough
  

Links & Resources:

• Tools & Resources I Use
• Learn more about Anne’s Atelier: my monthly creative membership
  

Let’s Connect!

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart
• Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/
• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

Ready to turn your creativity into revenue this holiday season? In this episode, I walk you through a simple checklist to prepare your creative business for Black Friday—without overwhelm. From picking the right promo to prepping your products, you’ll walk away with clarity, inspiration, and a plan you can start today.

• 5 steps to prep for Black Friday as an artist or designer
  
• Promotion ideas that don’t require deep discounts
  
• A simple marketing calendar to follow
  
• How to make your shop easy and inviting to buy from
  
• How our Anne’s Atelier members are preparing with confidence
  

Join the Q4 Planning Workshop:
🎨 Anne’s Atelier Membership

In this episode, I share my personal journey from corporate employee to creative entrepreneur, and the overwhelming feeling of facing a dream that seemed impossibly large compared to my starting point.

After 30 years of following someone else's strategic vision, I found myself wantin to create something completely from scratch, and I had no idea where to begin. I explore the crucial question that changed everything for me – what am I actually seeking underneath this dream? – and how clarifying whether you want a creative hobby or creative business helps guide every decision you make moving forward.

• The fundamental question that should guide every creative decision: Are you seeking a fulfilling hobby or building a sustainable business?
• Why the myth of the perfect starting point keeps you stuck and how to take action from exactly where you are now
• How to break down overwhelming creative dreams into strategic, manageable steps that build on each other over time
• Why baby steps create momentum that eventually leads to transformation that feels miraculous when you look back
• The power of starting with one clear goal instead of trying to pursue multiple directions simultaneously

If you're ready to take your creative confidence to the next level, there are three ways I can support your journey:

To get started in surface pattern design: Grab a copy of my From Doodles to Dollars® workbook. This is a downloadable PDF with the step by step instructions for how to turn a doodle or sketch into a repeating pattern. You’ll create your very first repeating pattern and gain the foundation skills to begin expressing your artistic voice in a new, exciting way.

If you've already made repeating patterns in Adobe Illustrator and you want to up-level your skills: Join the self-study version of my Pattern Design Academy® program. You get the complete program, with lifetime access and $500 off the regular price of $1,997. Click HERE for details.

If you run a successful creative business and you want guidance on how to expand online: Apply for my Creative Business Mastermind. This program is limited to 20 students and is designed to help you scale and achieve greater profitability using my proven 6-part framework.

Your creative voice is valuable. Your artistic perspective matters. The world needs what you have to offer.

In this episode, I share my journey from corporate job loss and creative isolation to discovering the transformative power of a creative community through a local co-working space. I explore why the myth of the solitary artist is actually harmful to working creatives and how an authentic community provides perspective, solutions, and accountability that you simply cannot achieve alone. As we approach 2026, I discuss the importance of both online communities and in-person connection, address the current "trust recession", and explain how a community can support you when you’re feeling lost or isolated.

• Why the myth of the solitary creative artist works against the conditions that foster sustainable creative practice
• How creative community provides specific advantages including perspective on your work, solutions to technical challenges, and normalized creative struggles
• The "trust recession" in creative education and what to look for in authentic communities that prioritize relationship building over content delivery
• Why the most robust creative communities embrace both online consistency and periodic in-person intensive experiences
• How to find the right type of creative community for your current stage of creative development and business goals

If you're ready to explore what's possible when you combine your creativity with strategic business thinking, I'd love to support your journey. My Creative Business Mastermind is designed specifically for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to build sustainable, profitable businesses without losing the joy in their creative practice. Apply today!

In this episode, I explore how planning your Thanksgiving tablescape is actually a comprehensive creative exercise that showcases every artistic talent you possess. I share why November's natural rhythm of harvest and gathering creates the perfect environment for artistic reflection, and how this season invites us to pause, give thanks for our creative gifts, and gently prepare for what wants to emerge in 2026. From practical tips about revisiting existing patterns with fresh seasonal eyes to permission for creative rest during the holidays, this episode celebrates the cyclical nature of creative practice.

• How Thanksgiving tablescape planning engages every creative skill you use in your art practice including color theory, texture, and composition
• Why November's seasonal rhythm naturally supports the kind of reflection that fuels artistic growth and development
• A practical approach to revisiting your existing patterns and designs with fresh, seasonal perspective for holiday opportunities
• How to give yourself permission for creative rest during the holiday season as part of sustainable creative practice
• Why planting gentle seeds for 2026 goals now creates natural momentum without pressure or rigid planning

• Creative Business Mastermind
• Spoonflower

In this episode, I share the story of how getting laid off from my corporate job led me to discover my first online art class and ultimately changed my entire perspective on creative businesses. I explore the biggest fear that stops most creative people from monetizing their work – the belief that turning creativity into business will kill the joy – and explain why this fear is often based on false premises. As we approach 2026, I guide listeners through the mindset shifts necessary to move from wondering "what if" to discovering "what's possible" with their creative gifts.

• The two "aha" moments that shifted my perspective from hobbyist to entrepreneur and why online creative education is a thriving business
• Why the fear that monetizing creativity kills joy is based on false premises and how building the right business can actually enhance creative satisfaction
• How to use the holiday season as a perfect testing ground for experimenting with creative business without major commitments
• The four critical mindset shifts that separate those who stay stuck from those who successfully transition to creative entrepreneurship
• How to protect the joy in your creativity while building a sustainable business that aligns with your values

• Creative Business Mastermind Application

In this practical episode, I share my own struggles with creative confidence, including my confession about collecting beautiful sketchbooks I'm afraid to use. I explore why real creative confidence isn't the absence of doubt but the willingness to create despite it, especially as we move into the introspective months of late fall and early winter. Through vulnerable storytelling and actionable strategies, I reveal how to move past the inner critic's commentary and trust your artistic voice enough to begin creating meaningful work, whether for personal expression or holiday gifts.

• Why creative confidence is about creating despite doubt, not the absence of doubt altogether
• Three practical strategies for moving past mental chatter into actual creating: removing impediments, lowering stakes, and using timers
• How to find time for creativity by deciding your artistic voice matters enough to make time for it
• Why your artistic voice is ready now, not when you feel more prepared or confident
• How the holiday season offers natural inspiration and opportunities to practice trusting your voice

From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week Waitlist

Pattern Design Academy® Waitlist

Creative Business Mastermind® Application

Creative Market Mockups

In this inspiring episode, Anne shares the remarkable transformation story of Maria Ahl-Zanier, a Swedish watercolor artist who built a thriving multi-stream business from her grandparents converted general store. Through Maria's journey from struggling artist to successful entrepreneur running MAZart, Anne demystifies the concept of masterminds and reveals how strategic education and community can transform any creative business. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale beyond trading time for money, this episode provides a clear roadmap for building sustainable, profitable creative enterprises through the power of mastermind collaboration.

• What exactly a mastermind is and why most creatives have never heard of this powerful collaboration format 
• The strategic progression from basic skills to advanced business development using Maria's real journey as a blueprint 
• How Maria transformed from selling one-off watercolor paintings to running multiple revenue streams without inventory headaches 
• Why masterminds work differently than courses or coaching and provide collaborative intelligence that accelerates growth 
• The unique structure of Anne's Creative Business Mastermind including twice-monthly meetings and quarterly guest speakers 

From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week Waitlist

Pattern Design Academy® Waitlist

Creative Business Mastermind® Application

Maria's MAZart Website

In this inspiring episode, we celebrate the graduation of Pattern Design Academy students who transformed from complete beginners into confident pattern designers in just nine weeks. Listen to powerful insights about the mindset shifts that separate struggling creatives from thriving ones. And what comes next for creatives ready to turn their passion into profit. Whether you're just starting your creative journey or looking to scale your existing business, this episode offers valuable lessons about courage, growth, and the power of taking one step at a time.

• The joy of watching artists discover they can handle technical challenges they once feared
• Why an intimate learning environment allows for deeper transformation and personalized growth
• How bite-sized lessons and constant encouragement create lasting confidence in creative students

• From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week Waitlist
• Pattern Design Academy® Waitlist
• Creative Business Mastermind® Application

After learning the hard way during a disastrous Paris trip where I was stuck on late-night Zoom calls instead of enjoying family dinners, let’s dive into my favorite way to plan for the year ahead. I’ll share why starting with life first and building business goals second actually leads to greater success, not less.

🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• The backwards planning method that flips traditional goal-setting on its head – why blocking family trips, personal health, and creative restoration time FIRST actually increases your business success

• Why limiting yourself to just three major goals for the entire year (instead of twenty) leads to more profit and satisfaction, plus exactly how to choose which three

• How to identify your natural "business seasons" based on your energy patterns from your 2025 review, and why working with these rhythms instead of against them changes everything

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

In this episode, I share my 8-year journey of learning how to effectively review and plan for business growth. I’ll reveal why skipping your year-end review is the biggest mistake you can make, even when your tracking wasn't perfect, and I’ll share my game-changing Post-it note system that makes both reviewing and planning visual, flexible, and actually doable.

🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• The simple Post-it note and wall calendar system that revolutionized how I track my business (and why it's superior to any digital tool for creative entrepreneurs)

• How to conduct a meaningful year-end review even if you barely tracked anything this year using the 5-step framework that mines gold from imperfect data

• Why identifying your "hidden wins" and conducting an energy audit alongside your financial review will transform how you plan for 2026

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/

In this Thanksgiving week episode, I share the story of how my mother and I used to alternate hosting family holidays, and what I learned from her warm and inviting approach to hospitality. My mother was a fabulous hostess who had an incredible gift for making people feel completely at ease, using formal elegance that somehow felt completely welcoming. She was always my biggest cheerleader and supported the exploration of my own unique perspective.

• How learning from teachers whose styles differ from yours expands rather than limits your creative development and range of possibilities
• Why the most influential teachers often challenge your assumptions and introduce approaches you wouldn't have discovered on your own
• How authentic style emerges from absorbing principles while expressing them in your own voice rather than copying approaches exactly
• The difference between generous teaching that provides foundation without constraining possibility versus instruction that limits expression
• Why your creative voice is part of an ongoing conversation between learning and teaching, tradition and innovation 

If you're ready to take your creative confidence to the next level, there are three ways I can support your journey:

To get started in surface pattern design: Grab a copy of my From Doodles to Dollars® workbook. This is a downloadable PDF with the step by step instructions for how to turn a doodle or sketch into a repeating pattern. You’ll create your very first repeating pattern and gain the foundation skills to begin expressing your artistic voice in a new, exciting way.

If you've already made repeating patterns in Adobe Illustrator and you want to up-level your skills: Join the self-study version of my Pattern Design Academy® program. You get the complete program, with lifetime access and $500 off the regular price of $1,997. Click HERE for details.

If you run a successful creative business and you want guidance on how to expand online: Apply for my Creative Business Mastermind. This program is limited to 20 students and is designed to help you scale and achieve greater profitability using my proven 6-part framework.

Your creative voice is valuable. Your artistic perspective matters. The world needs what you have to offer.

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.

• 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

• 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

"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."

• 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.

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart

• Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/

• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

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).

• 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

• 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.

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart

• Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/

• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

It’s two days before Christmas. Let’s celebrate and talk about Pantone's perfectly timed announcement of Cloud Dancer as the 2026 Color of the Year. You may thinking, it’s just… WHITE! But I explore why this softest shade of white represents exactly what we need right now – not empty space, but possibility space. Space for space which we all need. 

• Why Pantone's choice of white (Cloud Dancer) after years of bold colors signals our collective craving for peace, and how this connects to the natural whites of the holiday season
• How white space in design is never empty but full of possibility – it's the pause that makes patterns sing and the breath between notes that turns sound into music
• Practical ways to create your own Cloud Dancer sanctuary during the holidays, plus a special downloadable wallpaper gift for your phone and desktop
• Download the free phone wallpaper HERE. 

• 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.

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart

• Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/

• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

Publishing this podcast on a Sunday perfectly captures the challenge: As entrepreneurs, we work a lot! Entrepreneurial exhaustion is real and sometimes it's actually harder to rest as a creative business owner because there is always something to do. In this episode, I share how my walks transformed from restoration time into mobile strategy sessions with AI, and why I had to learn the hard way that creativity without rest leads to creative bankruptcy.

• The paradox of creative freedom: why entrepreneurial exhaustion is sneakier than corporate burnout because it comes dressed as passion and never has clear boundaries
• The science of creative breakthroughs: why your best ideas come in the shower (not at your desk) and how constant productivity actually blocks the connections your brain needs to make
• Practical "permission slips" and strategies for people who can't stop working, including artificial boundaries, no-work zones, and why rest needs to be scheduled like launches

• 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.

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart

• Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/

• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

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.

• 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

• 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.

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.

• 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

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.

• The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
• From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook ($10)
• The Doodles Digest Newsletter (free)

• Website: annelafolletteart.com
• Instagram: @annelafolletteart
• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

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.

• 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

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

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart

• Website:https://www.annelafolletteart.com/

• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

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.

• 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

Janet Hild's Work:

• Ink + Sun website: https://www.inkandsun.com/

• 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.

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!

• 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.

• Register for Print & Pattern Revival (FREE workshop Feb 11-16):

• From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook ($10)

• The Doodles Digest Newsletter (free)

• 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.

What's really standing between you and the creative life you want? It's not your age, your talent, or your tech skills — it's a collection of lies you've been carrying around for years. In this episode, let’s gets honest about the five mindset traps that keep creative women stuck. I share the moment I almost let fear win after getting laid off, and I’ll give you permission to throw those old stories in the trash. It’s spring cleaning for the mind!

• The 5 lies that keep creative women (especially over 50) from pursuing new skills

• My personal story of getting laid off and being terrified to open Adobe Illustrator

• Why imposter syndrome is lying to you about your abilities

• The truth about age and experience being your super power, not a limitation

• A simple spring cleaning exercise to let go of the belief that's holding you back most

• Don’t miss Bonnie’s Immersion program. It’s only offered once a year. Click HERE to enroll through my affiliate link.

• Click HERE to watch the unboxing video where I show you the A-MA-ING course materials you’ll receive. 

  Note: 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. 

• Instagram: @annelafolletteart

• Website: https://www.annelafolletteart.com/

• Facebook: Anne LaFollette Art

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!

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

• 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.