Bridget McBride
Immersion 2021 blew the doors off of any and all my expectations.
The support is incredible. I’m so used to working in a vacuum with only myself to rely on that it’s been an absolute joy to not feel so all alone.
I was (and still am) working as a graphic designer + art director. I have been wanting to shift to something different for YEARS (and SPD had been on my shortlist), but being a full-time mom and spouse just didn’t allow any time to explore or do a deep dive for myself. After fleeing a horrible marriage of 31 years in late 2020, I came across Bonnie’s Immersion course. I just couldn’t shake it and knew I had to do it… the only hesitation I had was the cost and that was because I wasn’t used to actually doing something for myself.
My initial thoughts were that there are parts of surface pattern design I could have figured out on my own (I’ve used Adobe Illustrator for years), however, there was the entire business and industry side that was completely different from what I work in currently. It was time to invest in myself and build the career I always dreamed of.
I’m wrapping up the designs for my third collection and hope to pitch in early 2022. The Immersion course has kept me focused and driven and Team Bonnie has been SO helpful with questions and encouragement (I’m looking at you, Sara Curtis!) and I’m also enjoying the new Flourish membership (Fall 2021).
It’s been so nice to revisit my creativity after years of other familial responsibilities and designing work for hire in advertising and publishing. It’s the first time I’ve been able to put myself first in a very, very, very long time and I’m enjoying learning and stretching out of my comfort zone.