Meet Kelli Estes

I came to Immersion not as an artist, but as a writer with a dream of creating notebooks and journals. My craft is with words, not visual art. But because of that dream of creating beautiful notebooks that I would want to use myself, I started learning Adobe Illustrator. Soon the algorithms picked up on this and started feeding me Bonnie’s ad for a week-long class in pattern design.

When I took that class and saw how repeating patterns are made, a new dream was born. I knew immediately that surface design was for me even though I’ve never been one to draw, paint, or create any visual arts. Bonnie made me feel like I could start exactly where I am and still be successful as a surface designer. I joined Immersion as soon as it opened.

Where others seem to feel insecure about the business side of surface design, I’m just the opposite. My insecurities lie in my drawing ability and my undeveloped eye for cohesive color palettes. As a published author I’m proficient at crafting heartfelt stories that connect with others, submitting my work to professionals, receiving hundreds of rejections, sticking to deadlines, communicating professionally, negotiating contracts, receiving payment as royalties, and more. I know that if I could learn my craft and business as a writer and go on to become a USA Today bestseller, I can learn my craft and business as a surface designer and find success in that, too.

Immersion has given me the skills and tools I need to achieve that success, and at a rate so much faster than if I were learning all this on my own. Because of Immersion, my dream has grown beyond journals to include wallpaper, fabric, and home goods. I’ve now completed a few collections, my art is steadily improving (thanks to drawing at least “One Thing a Day”), and I feel confident that it’s only a matter of time before I sign my first licensing deal.

I’m even starting to think of myself as an artist – something that I never imagined before! Thank you, Bonnie and the Immersion Team!