Reader…

Every #tracibautistaCOLOR collection starts the same way — with a spark of inspiration.

A color. A texture. A place I keep photographing. A motif that shows up in my sketchbook whether I plan it or not.

The URBAN PETALS: Concrete Bloom collection started with a tree I'd walked past on my morning walks for months and never really seen — until it bloomed.

That single spark became the centerpiece for the color palette, the mood, the name, the product graphics, and eventually a sold-out Collector's Box — then extended into surface patterns, labels, packaging, printed swatch journals, content themes, and future product directions.

But between that spark and the finished collection? There's a whole process most artists rarely show or talk about.

I’ve been using this process since my days as a graphic designer in the early 90’s, I learned much of the blueprint during college and have built on that foundation ever since. And now with AI as a creative collaborator, it opens up a whole new possibility.

Here's what it looks like:

1. SPARK capture — a quick mind map, scribble, or notes to get the initial idea out of your head
2. Brain dump/brainstorm — voice dictation straight into Claude, no typing, just talking
3. Collection Field Notes — organizing the raw spark into color direction, motifs, and themes
4. Research + reference imagery — AI-assisted visual research from your own photos and inspiration, plus a color palette mood board designed in Canva
5. Digital inspiration board — built in Procreate, grounded in my aesthetic, not the algorithm's
6. Collection language + naming — the story that ties it all together
7. Product graphics + extensions — how one idea becomes packaging, swatch journals, pattern design, and more

This is the same seven-step framework behind every collection I've designed over 8+ years of making paint along with surface patterns and stencils. And I’m thrilled to be teaching it live.

So I'm inviting you to something new…

Introducing the Live Collection Studio Sprint

Two live sessions. Your collection idea. My process. Claude as your studio assistant.

Session 1 (April 28): From Spark to Field Notes — bring your collection idea (even a half-formed one) and we'll develop it together. We start with a mixed media mark-making warmup to loosen your hands and generate unexpected motif ideas — then use guided brainstorming and Claude to build your collection direction in real time.

Session 2 (May 5): From Field Notes to Inspiration Board — refine your color direction, generate collection research and reference images using AI, and build a digital inspiration board in Procreate. Plus a before-and-after look at how I turn a collection direction into product graphics in Canva.

Both workshop sessions are {2 hours} 90 minutes PLUS 30 min LIVE Q&A with full replay access.

Limited to 20–30 participants so everyone gets real feedback.

Everyone who registers gets a Collection Development Template — a guided Notion dashboard to start capturing your ideas and project spark.

SAVE $50 with early bird registration →

First 7 spots only — Private Collection Spark Review

The first 7 people who register get something I've never offered before: a personalized video note from me reviewing your collection spark and field notes, delivered privately between Session 1 and Session 2. This is the same kind of creative direction I give inside my private programs, and there are only 7 spots.

Once they're gone, they're gone.

This bonus closes Sunday, April 5 at 11:59 pm PT.

Save your spot + claim your review →

P.S. Not ready for a live sprint? The self-paced Creative Sprint PLAYbook walks you through a 7-day creative sprint at your own pace. It's a different format but the same foundation. Grab it here → 🌸​

Happy Easter weekend — go make something beautiful.

With creativity and color...

Artfully, xo Traci Bautista 💞 Founder, #tracibautistaCOLOR

If you have any questions reach out to customer care using the chat box at tracibautistacolor.com

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