Meet Julia Simons
In 2020, Julia Simons found herself at a crossroads. A creative at heart, she had built a career in product development—a field she appreciated but found less than fulfilling. Surrounded by creativity every day at her job, she still felt something was missing.
“I needed an outlet,” she recalls. “I wasn’t doing anything creative for myself, and I remember walking through REI, seeing all these beautiful patterns and colors, and thinking, ‘How do I get involved in this?’”
What followed was a period of exploration. Julia started experimenting with Adobe Illustrator, a program she had some experience with from her college days, but she didn’t yet have a clear path forward. That’s when she stumbled upon Bonnie Christine’s Surface Design Immersion course.
“I saw an ad for the course, and it just clicked. It was like the universe pointing me in the right direction.”
Discovering a New Path
For Julia, Immersion wasn’t just a course—it was a turning point. Despite already having technical experience, she describes the program as the missing piece that allowed her to combine her creativity with her professional skills.
“Immersion gave me the foundation I needed. It wasn’t just about learning techniques—it was about gaining the confidence to build the kind of business I wanted.”
She dove into the program, committing to the structured timeline of lessons. But what truly stood out for Julia was the encouragement to play and experiment.
“I gave myself a year to just explore. I did challenges, tried new styles, and started sharing my work on Instagram, which was so scary but also so rewarding. That time of discovery helped me find my signature style and really figure out what I wanted to create.”
Turning Creativity Into Career Success
Today, Julia’s designs can be found on fabric, wallpaper, and even scrapbook paper. She has licensed multiple collections, including three fabric lines—a dream she didn’t even know she had until it became a reality.
“I remember getting the samples for one of my wallpaper designs, and it felt surreal. It hit me that people would be putting my work on their walls. It’s such an honor to be a part of someone’s life in that way.”
Julia’s journey also came full circle in her day job, where her newfound expertise in surface design opened new opportunities to contribute creatively.
“Immersion didn’t just help me build my own business—it also made me more valuable in my current role. I started designing graphics and patterns for the products we develop, which has been so rewarding.”
Advice for Aspiring Designers
For those standing on the edge of possibility, considering whether to invest in themselves, Julia has one piece of advice: trust yourself.
“The moment I signed up for Immersion, I knew I was making the right decision. Investing in myself was the best thing I could have done. The tools, the knowledge, the confidence—it all came together to create a clear path forward for me.”
She also emphasizes the importance of community, something she found in abundance through the program.
“I didn’t have many people in my life who understood this industry. The Immersion community was incredibly supportive—it was like stepping into a group of friends who just got it. Even years later, I’m still in touch with some of the people I met.”
Finding Fulfillment Through Creativity
For Julia, success isn’t just about seeing her designs on products—it’s about the joy of creating and connecting with others.
“This work gives me meaning. From the moment a design is conceived to the moment it’s out in the world, it’s so gratifying to see it come to life. I feel like I’m part of something bigger, and that’s a really special feeling.”
Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and that sometimes, all it takes is one step—one course, one community, one moment of courage—to unlock your full potential.
