Celebrating the Immersion Class of 2025

 Today is such a special day! It’s graduation day for the Immersion Class of 2025, and my heart is absolutely overflowing.

Each March, as new students step into the Surface Design Immersion Course, I sit down with a stack of wildflower seed paper and write every single name by hand. These names are pinned to the board behind my desk, a quiet but powerful reminder of the journey we take together. Through every module, breakthrough, and brave step forward, their presence there grounds me, inspires me, and keeps me deeply connected to the heart of this course.

And now, we’ve arrived at this moment. Graduation day. It is one of my very favorite days of the year.

As part of our tradition, we gently plant each seed-paper name into the soil of my garden, a living symbol of the growth, dedication, and dreams that have taken root over the past weeks. With each seed tucked into the earth, I imagine all the ways these artists will continue to bloom.

A Class Defined by Connection and Commitment

This year's class has been a beautiful reflection of what it means to grow with purpose. They’ve moved through the course with so much curiosity, generosity, and a shared desire to grow as both artists and humans.  

Every conversation and collaboration was filled with such intention. Questions were welcomed, ideas were explored, and encouragement overflowed.

It’s one of the greatest honors to witness someone lean into their dreams. To see people try new things, ask for help, offer support, and celebrate each small step along the way. It’s nothing short of inspiring.

Some students came in with no experience at all. Others had years of practice behind them but were craving a fresh start. Regardless of where they began, they all shared something in common: a deep desire to bring something beautiful into the world.  

Together, they created a space where growth felt possible and where progress bloomed little by little, collection by collection. And it has been so inspiring to witness!

A Milestone Year: Introducing Immersion Certification 

What made this year even more meaningful is that it marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter: the launch of Immersion Certification. 

This is the very first class to have the opportunity to become Immersion Certified Designers, and it’s been such a full-circle moment. This certification is something I’ve dreamed of for many years, a way to formally recognize the creative and professional excellence so many students achieve through Immersion.

The certification process is thoughtful and thorough. It includes a real-world Illustrator project, a comprehensive exam, and a detailed review of the artist’s skills and readiness to work in the surface pattern design industry. It’s designed to confirm that a graduate has the tools, workflows, and technical ability to create production-ready pattern collections, understand the licensing process, and present their work professionally.

It’s not a small thing, and I’m so proud of everyone who’s taken steps toward this milestone. And if you’re still making your way there, take your time! You are exactly where you need to be.

If you’re curious to learn more about Immersion Certification, I’ll share those details here: Immersion Certification. 

A Day to Remember

As I reflect on this graduating class, I’m filled with awe. Each and every Immersion student holds a special place in my heart. Year after year, I am humbled and grateful to witness your creative ideas grow, from tiny seeds to flourishing gardens. 

Creativity asks us to stay present. It invites us to trust the process, be flexible, and keep showing up with open hands and heart. And that’s exactly what this class did. 

As we close this chapter and begin a new one, I want to offer the warmest congratulations to the Immersion Class of 2025. You made time for your dreams, said yes to your calling, and showed up, even when it was hard.

This moment is yours, and it’s worth every bit of celebration!