205: What We’re Bringing to the Table at Expo

Bringing our vision to life at the Licensing Expo was one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my creative career, and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it was really like. I share the inspiration and intentionality behind every detail of our booth, from the concept of a welcoming “greenhouse” to the birds I hand-sculpted with over 100 hours of love and labor.

I talk through the creative decisions that shaped our booth, including the layout, live floral installation, tactile displays, and the thoughtful storytelling woven throughout. I also get honest about the challenges: budget constraints, intense hands-on setup, and the self-doubt that crept in as we realized our space looked so different from others. But that contrast? It’s what made our booth magnetic. People stepped inside and instantly felt something shift. And that told us everything we needed to know.

This episode is full of insights for any creative, whether or not you plan to attend a trade show. I share how to think about your own visual storytelling, create tactile connections with your audience, and root everything you do in deep, meaningful narrative. I hope it encourages you to imagine how you can bring your work to life in a way that is beautifully and uniquely yours.

Here are a few key areas I cover:

• Designing an immersive experience that reflects the soul of your work
  
• How we overcame budget and material challenges to stay true to our vision
  
• Why physical, hands-on storytelling still stands out in a digital world
  
• How our booth created an oasis in the overstimulation of Las Vegas
  
• Simple steps you can take to begin building your own creative storytelling space
  

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective on how to share your work in a way that draws people in and leaves a lasting impression.

People are hungry for the story behind the art.

Key Takeaways

• Visual storytelling is most powerful when it includes process, inspiration, and meaning, not just final products.
  
• Creating tactile experiences (like swatches, samples, or printed press kits) helps people deeply connect with your work.
  
• Staying true to your unique creative vision—even when it feels risky—is what makes your work magnetic.
  
• Building a physical space (or online presence) rooted in intention can transform how others experience your brand.
  
• Authentic storytelling is what brands and partners are truly hungry for—your story is your superpower.

Recommended Resources

• Licensing Expo
• Highway 85 Creative
• Pattern Magazine

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Review of the week: 

BEST CREATIVE GAL TO HAVE ON YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY

What I love about Bonnie and her podcast is she makes dreams feel possible. Starting at zero, she tells her story candidly along side impactful instructions, tips, and business know-how's. I'm in the process of learning surface pattern design and I always feel in good hands when I'm here.

— Terra Kind

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