Bonnie Christine's Immersion Course from a Graphic Designer's Perspective + a special bonus
I still remember the moment I stumbled across Bonnie Christine’s world back in January 2022. I was on the hunt for a planner—a tool to break down big goals into actionable steps—and her planner immediately caught my eye. (Thank you Instagram algorithms) I needed that kind of structure in my life.
At that time, I was about ten years into graphic design. I had graduated with a design degree, a mix of full-time jobs and freelance gigs, and even faced my share of career setbacks (trust me, sometimes a closed door really does lead to a better path).
I was itching for something I could truly call my own. If you’re a designer, you know the balance between loving your clients and yearning to create something that represents you. And even if you’re not a designer, I’m sure you can relate to that desire for a creative outlet.
As I scrolled through Bonnie’s social media, I noticed that she designed too—not just for her planner, but in a way that was artsy and visually captivating. Surprisingly, at that point, I didn’t even have a term for what I was seeing. Then I encountered the term “surface design.” I had never heard of it, but I immediately wanted to learn more! In case you’re not familiar, surface design is about taking your art, marks, or discoveries and transforming them into repeatable, digital patterns that can be applied to virtually any surface—curtains, floor tiles, wallpaper, fabric, wall art, and so on.
I was instantly intrigued. I’ve loved art since I was a little girl—pencils, paint, and vibrant colors have always lit me up. I knew then that Bonnie’s course was something I wanted to take, and I’m so glad I dove in headfirst.
Here’s my perspective on her Surface Design Immersion Course from a graphic designer’s point of view:
University Didn’t Teach Me Everything & Industries Change
I had been in the graphic design field for over a decade and was proficient in Adobe Illustrator. I honestly questioned whether this course would be a waste of time—and money. How much more could I learn? Wow, I was blown away by the new workflows and techniques that made my design process faster and more efficient. One major takeaway was the fresh approach to Illustrator—broken down into easy-to-follow, digestible steps. And the best part? You don’t need to know anything about the program to get started. It’s like you’re getting a degree, only better, easier to understand, and in a fraction of the time - aka the sooner you get to get out there confidently doing what you love.
Yay, graduation day… now what?
A Degree in Design Does Not Equal a Degree in Running a Creative Business
One of the most valuable gifts from the Immersion Course was a CLEAR ROADMAP. In college, I mastered the Adobe programs and earned my diploma, but beyond that, I’d have had to invest thousands more to learn marketing or business. And don’t even get me started on the years spent not having proper time management. Bonnie’s course starts with the foundations in the programs you’ll use, then teaches you how to master creating repeat patterns, and finally guides you into creative entrepreneurship. Remember that planner I mentioned? Bonnie breaks everything down just as methodically, making your goals in licensing, running a print-on-demand business, or integrating these skills into graphic design projects far more attainable. I feel like I’ve made more progress in the last couple of years with surface design than I ever did solely in graphic design. (Little secret: Had this course been available before I went to school, I probably would have chosen it over college, given its cost-effectiveness and real-world value.)
Community Over Competition
There’s been a growing trend of community over competition in the creative world, but nothing compares to the supportive network I found in Bonnie’s community during the Immersion Course. It was like finding your people—those who get you, understand your direction, and genuinely cheer you on. We celebrated every small victory, supported one another through challenges, and exchanged tips and ideas. Being part of a community that fosters growth rather than scarcity has been incredibly inspiring and essential for staying up-to-date with industry trends—a benefit I often missed as a freelance graphic designer.
From Florida to Minnesota. Visiting my Immersion Study Buddies IN PERSON!
You Have Everything You Need Within You
Imposter syndrome is real and can stop you in your tracks. The course taught me that I didn’t need the best drawing skills, the deepest knowledge of color theory, or every tool in the box to be successful. All I needed was the ability to make a mark on paper, transform it into a pattern, and share it with the world. Bonnie’s parting message—“the beauty ONLY YOU can create is needed in the world”—resonated deeply with me. It’s a reminder that your unique creative voice is more than enough.
Bonnie Christine’s Surface Design Immersion Course has truly reshaped my creative journey. It bridged the gap between my graphic design background and the vibrant world of surface design, equipping me with new skills, a supportive community, and a clear roadmap for turning art into a thriving business. If you’re a designer looking to expand your creative horizons or simply searching for a new way to express yourself, I can’t recommend this course enough.
Embrace the journey, trust your unique vision, and remember: the art only you can create is exactly what the world needs.
Immersion enrollment has closed for 2025. Hop on the waitlist below.
