Fiorenza Marani

What did you love about the Immersion Course?

I loved to learn to use Illustrator for pattern design. I loved to learn that there are many different ways to create a pattern collection, and that I can create my own process. I loved to read the books suggested by Bonnie Christine. I loved that I had the time to do weekly what was new on Immersion. I loved the Q&A. I loved the support available on the Immersion platform.

What made you decide to enroll?

I have a master in textile design from Aalto University in Helsinki. After graduating in December 2019, I had been unemployed for one year (2020) when I discovered Bonnie Christine. During 2020 I was able to find a few projects as a freelance designer, however they were too few to be a sustainable income.

In January 2021, after many days of consideration I decided to invest all the money I had left and take the Immersion Course. I knew I wanted to be a pattern designer but I did not know how to do it without being an in-house designer. I did not feel confident at all.

But watching the free mini course inspired me. I loved everything about Bonnie’s method and way of teaching. It made me be more kind to myself, lose some of the anxiety I had and learn to be patient. The course also validated the fact that I could create my own method for creating patterns. So I decided that investing in the Immersion Course was a step forward to take myself seriously. I liked the fact that the course was going to give me things to learn and do weekly.

In that moment, I really needed something structured and support from experts in this field.

Since completing the Immersion Course:

• I wrote my first Business Plan (something that really scared me).
• I applied to receive the Start-Up Grant that the city of Helsinki gives to start-ups. I got the grant!!!
• I registered my business and now I have my own business ID.
• I opened my website and started my newsletter.
• I finished a pattern collection and started a second one.
• I designed a collection of Christmas cards and sold them to an important Christmas Market here in Helsinki.
• I started contacting creative directors to show them my new collection.
• I uploaded 4 designs on Spoonflower.
• In February, I will be teaching a 4 h workshop about the basis of Pattern design and I will be paid for it!
• I am working on my second collection and on some material I would like to sell on Creative Market.

Overall, I am extremely happy and feel lucky that I took the Immersion Course in that precise moment of my life and that I did not wait for the next year. It gave me a goal and the tools to reach it.