Meet Patti Booth
As a disabled RN, I was using art to retrain my brain. I have had two strokes and survived a near-fatal car accident. Art began as a diversion from pain and frustration. When I learned of Bonnie, I was curious if I could learn Adobe Illustrator and make designs. Initially, I was fearful that I didn't have the ability or the talent to learn. Bonnie's calm and quiet approach felt like a fit, and I was right.
I will admit I stumbled through Immersion and did many things wrong. I was impatient to learn. I also feared judgment from others, but I realized I was in a group of wonderful people who were giving and supportive! The group study buddies helped tremendously. I began to laugh at my mistakes and realized that I was on a journey to learn, and there was no judgment. When I realized I could make a pattern and people liked my work, I felt as if I had a new outlet.
Bonnie's approach, support and lessons made it easy to ask for assistance and work at my own pace. The best part of the Immersion course is the teaching style with excellent support. I didn't feel pressured or rushed. I do enough of that on myself and it is refreshing to have such an excellent learning experience.
Today, I have a large Print-on-Demand site that offers my designs on clothing, houseware, auto accessories, cards, knit-on-demand and private branding. I have six business customers who trust me to create their logos on products that they wear and use in their businesses, and they promote my website on their websites. I also have a presence on Walmart Marketplace and multiple print-on-demand websites. My patterns are also on Spoonflower.com as well as a couture line out of Canada. Locally, I have been asked to design products for my local community and have entered into art contests.
Happily, I can say that I am making money and having so much fun!
My grandchildren are very proud and have submitted artwork that I have created into products. This is a way to teach them about art, business and entrepreneurship. I hope to teach them how to become engaged in art and business at a young age so they won't have to overcome the fears I have had.
What would I say to someone on the fence? Dip your toe in the water. You will find it is a wonderful experience. Bonnie and the team are there to help you along the way. My 2023 Immersion study group still meets every week. We love supporting and encouraging each other.
What is on the horizon for me? I don't know. I just know that I will continue to make art with the hope of making people smile and enjoy what I do. If you had told me in 2022 that I would be doing what I am doing, I would have laughed. I was recovering from speech and motor deficits from the strokes and injuries and had resigned myself to being home and not contributing much to society. Now I create art every day and love the work I do. Thank you Bonnie and team. You have impacted my life in many beautiful ways. Thank you for all that you do!!!
