Meet Abigail Morales

Before I ever thought of becoming a surface designer, I was working as an English teacher in high school and college. I enjoyed teaching, but there was always this quiet pull inside me — a feeling that I was meant to live a more creative life. I had been painting for a while, mostly for myself, and I was starting to see little glimmers online that maybe, just maybe, there was a place for me and my art out in the world. But I didn’t know how to begin.

When I discovered Bonnie Christine’s Immersion course in 2022, something inside me clicked. I remember thinking: If I still have this money in my bank account in a year, will anything in my life be different? The honest answer was no. So I decided to give myself (and my dream) a real chance.

I wasn’t afraid of the tech side or Illustrator. What really worried me was the commitment. Would I stay consistent? Would I finish? Would I be able to show up week after week for something that felt so huge?

I had the belief that I needed someone to push me, or I’d fall behind. But once the course began, something unexpected happened: the motivation came naturally. The live sessions, the community, the energy… it was contagious. Every time I joined a live call, my whole mindset shifted. I felt engaged, inspired, and excited to move forward — not perfectly, just consistently.

After taking Immersion, something inside me expanded. I began trusting myself more — my abilities, my intuition, my creative voice. I became confident not only with Illustrator, but with trying any new program or skill. If I could learn this, I could learn anything.

I also found joy in sharing my creative journey online. Instead of pressuring myself to be profitable right away, I allowed myself to enjoy the process, to play, to grow. I started catching my limiting thoughts and pairing them with solutions:
If I feared not having time → How can I make time?
If I feared not being good enough → How can I practice with more love?

I stopped focusing on why I couldn’t and started focusing on how I could.
That changed both my business and my life.

The best part of Immersion was the live aspect. Absolutely. Watching Bonnie teach live and seeing her sincerity, her generosity, and her clarity made all the difference. And being surrounded by other students who were dreaming big, being vulnerable, and taking brave action felt like being part of something sacred.

It wasn’t just a course. It was a community. A movement. A permission slip to believe that I could do something meaningful with my art.

Immersion gave me the confidence that I can do difficult things. That I can figure things out. That I can create beautiful work and put it into the world with purpose and pride. It also taught me the value of community over competition. I genuinely cheer for others, and I feel others cheering for me. We all have something unique to give.

Since completing Immersion I have:
• built a brand and an online presence
• created around 7–8 collections
• licensed designs with fabric companies
• signed a collaboration with a water bottle brand
• sold my work in several shops in my city
• created my own stationery products: calendars, greeting cards, stickers, magnets, notepads and more
• taught watercolor workshops in six different countries (!)

Teaching watercolor became a dream come true. I didn’t know I could do it until Bonnie encouraged us to try. And now, it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of my creative life.

Most importantly, I feel confident when companies approach me — whether they want vectors, high-res scans, digital preparation, or something complex. I know what they need, I understand the industry, and I can deliver.

I recently visited my first trade show where I walked the floor with my business cards, portfolio, and courage. I pitched to several companies and made valuable connections that I’m still nurturing.

Next year, I’m planning to exhibit as a designer at a trade show in Paris, likely Maison & Objet — a dream that feels both exciting and possible.

I’m also thrilled for my water bottle designs to launch, and to continue exploring where collaboration can take my art.

Today, about 80% of my week goes into my creative business. The rest, I still teach English, which is a beautiful balance for now. But the momentum is real, and my creative world keeps expanding.

If Immersion taught me anything, it’s this: When you give yourself permission to pursue what lights you up, life opens in ways you never imagined.