Creative Business Spark

Show Notes: 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. What You'll Learn: 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 Resources Mentioned: 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!  

Show Notes: 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. What You'll Learn: 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 Resources Mentioned Creative Business Mastermind Spoonflower

Show Notes: 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. What You'll Learn: 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 Resources Mentioned: Creative Business Mastermind Application

Show Notes 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. What You'll Learn 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 Resources Mentioned From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week Waitlist Pattern Design Academy® Waitlist Creative Business Mastermind® Application Creative Market Mockups  

Show Notes 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 You'll Learn 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  Resources Mentioned From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week Waitlist Pattern Design Academy® Waitlist Creative Business Mastermind® Application Maria's MAZart Website

Show Notes 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. What You'll Learn 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 Resources Mentioned From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week Waitlist Pattern Design Academy® Waitlist Creative Business Mastermind® Application

Show Notes: 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. What You’ll Learn: 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

Show Notes: 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. What You’ll Learn: 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

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

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: 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 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 📺 Facebook and 📺 YouTube

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 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. 🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn: 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 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: 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 💛 Final Note: 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: 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. 🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn: 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 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Habits My From Doodles to Dollars® Coaching Week 💛 Final Note: 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®

💡 Show Notes 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. 📝 In This Episode You’ll Learn 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 🔗 Resources & Links 🎨 Explore the Creative Business Blueprint digital course ✏️ Apply for the Creative Business Mastermind  📓 Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner  💬 Reflection Prompts 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? 💖 Final Thought 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.

💡 Show Notes 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. 📝 In This Episode You’ll Learn 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 🔗 Resources & Links 📝 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) 💬 Join the Conversation 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. 💖 Final Thought The second half of the year is a blank canvas. Start today — because it’s never too late to create®.

Show Notes: 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. 📝 In This Episode You’ll Learn 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) 🔗 Resources Mentioned 📌 Join my weekly live session — Wednesdays at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET on Facebook + YouTube 📝 Explore the blog for related resources 💬 Join the Conversation 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. 💖 Final Thought Your creative freedom starts with small, intentional choices. And remember: It’s never too late to create.