Creative Business Spark

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.

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®.

Show Notes: 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. 🔗 Links & Resources: 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! 💛 If you enjoyed this 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: 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. 📝 What You’ll Learn: 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 🧭 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎟️ 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!) 💬 Leave a Review or Say Hello! 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! 💖 Final Thoughts: 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.

Show Notes: Inside a 3-Day Virtual Event (and Why It Might Change Everything) 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. In this episode, you’ll hear: 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 💡 Mentioned in This Episode: 🎟 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. 🔁 If this episode sparks something in you... 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. ✨

Show Notes 🎧 You’re Invited: Join Me Live This June! 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. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: 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 🗓️ Event Details: 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!) 💬 From Past Attendees: “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 🎟️ Grab Your Early Bird Ticket: Reserve your seat now while tickets are just $97. The price increases to $197 on June 3! 👉 Click here to sign up 🧡 Final Thought: 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.

Show Notes. 🎧 What Freedom Looks Like For Me... 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. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: The real story behind why I started my business from scratch The 3 traits that helped me push through doubt and overwhelm A willingness to learn Perseverance when things broke 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 🔥 Quote of the Episode: “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.) 🎟️ This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 💬 Ready for the Next Step? 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