Better: The Brand Designer Podcast

Branding Bestie Chit Chat is back and in this episode Lauren and Jen share honest examples of when things didn’t go quite as planned in their client projects from unclear direction to challenging feedback and how they navigated those moments. It’s a candid supportive conversation full of lessons learned growth moments and a few laughs as well.Guest Information:Guest Name: Lauren BraierGuest Business Name: Elby CreativeGuest Website: elbycreative.comGuest Instagram: @elbycreativeConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we sit down with Joy Warren, the creative force behind Joy Warren Creative — a full-service brand and web design studio known for its playful simplicity, vibrant use of color, and custom illustrations. Based just outside Raleigh, NC, Joy shares how she launched her business after relocating from Indiana and built a studio that celebrates and supports small, female-owned businesses.We kick things off with a quick story time about how Joy’s business began, and then dive into a foundational concept for any designer: the offer suite. What is it, and why does it matter? Joy walks us through how her own suite of services has evolved — including a major shift away from her once-popular Mini Brands offer. She opens up about the mindset behind pivoting, how to stay responsive to your audience’s needs, and why flexibility in your offers is key to long-term success in the design industry.Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, Joy’s thoughtful approach to building and refining your offers will leave you feeling inspired and ready to adapt.Have you re-evaluated your own offer suite lately?Guest Information:Guest Name: Joy WarrenGuest Business Name: Joy Warren CreativeGuest Website: joy-warren.comGuest Instagram: @joywarrencreativeLinks Mentioned:Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we're joined by brand designer Alouette Marsh, whose journey is anything but ordinary. From facing the debilitating effects of endometriosis to rising above it and building a thriving design studio, Alouette shares her deeply personal story of resilience, creativity, and purpose.We talk about the darkest moments of her health battle, the mindset shifts that helped her through, and the unexpected lessons she now carries into her business every day. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or simply need a reminder that growth is possible—even in the hardest seasons—this conversation is for you.Guest Info:Lark Brand StudioConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast Instagram

In this episode of Better the Brand Designer Podcast, we’re diving into the ways design influences every part of our lives—far beyond our work as brand designers. Lauren shares how her love for interior design, wedding planning, and beautifully packaged products fuels her creativity, along with how house hunting has sharpened her ability to see potential in unexpected places. Jen talks about infusing creativity into everyday life, from crafting and needlepoint with her kids to designing her dream home. Plus, we explore how our experiences with client relationships and embracing different styles have shaped our design perspectives. Get ready for a fun, insightful chat about how the things we love outside of work make us better designers!Guest Information:Guest Name: Lauren BraierGuest Business Name: Elby CreativeGuest Website: elbycreative.comGuest Instagram: @elbycreativeLinks Mentioned:Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we’re diving into the legal side of branding with special guest Alli Elmunzer from Influencer Legal! As brand designers, we create visual identities that help businesses stand out—but how do we ensure those identities are legally protected?Alli breaks down the key differences between a registered trademark (®), a trademark (™), and copyright (©), and explains when and why brand designers should start thinking about trademarking business names and logos. We’ll also discuss the first steps in guiding clients through the trademarking process and whether independent designers should consider trademarking their own business assets.Guest Information:Guest Name: Alli ElmunzerGuest Business Name: Influencer LegalGuest Website: https://influencerlegal.co/Guest Instagram: @attorneyalliConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

In this week’s episode, I sit down with my good friend Morgan Morris, the talented designer and founder behind Thuro Design. Morgan opens up about her powerful testimony — from life before Christ to how her faith journey has transformed not only her personal life but also her business.Morgan shares why she made the bold decision to integrate her faith openly into her business, despite the fear of judgment or losing clients. She offers thoughtful advice for other designers of faith who want to share their beliefs authentically while maintaining alignment with their brand and values.Morgan’s Program: Aligned DesignersAligned Designers is a mentorship program helping designers create a business aligned with their God-given calling. Our in-depth, 1:1 approach covers business growth and design skill with a faith-centered perspective. You can sign up on our waitlist to be the first to know about Early Bird pricing when we launch again this October. https://thurodesign.com/aligned-designers-2025-waitlist/Guest Information:Guest Name: Morgan MorrisGuest Business Name: Thuro DesignGuest Website: thurodesign.comGuest Instagram: @thuro_designConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

 In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we’re back with another Branding Bestie Chit Chat featuring Lauren Braier from Elby Creative! We’re diving into the past as we dust off our old goals, reflect on what we’ve accomplished (and what we haven’t), and chat about how we’ve grown both personally and professionally over the years. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about evolving as designers, learning from our experiences, and setting new intentions for the future. Tune in for some laughs, insights, and maybe even a little nostalgia! Guest Information:Guest Name: Lauren BraierGuest Business Name: Elby CreativeGuest Website: elbycreative.comGuest Instagram: @elbycreativeConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

 In this week’s episode, I share about our refinement, QA, pre-launch, and launch phases of our web design projects! Steal my process or adjust for your own needs—it’s all laid out in this episode! Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Tonya Bamboe, founder of Booth and Bard, to dive deep into the world of inclusive branding for neurodivergent clients. Tonya shares her journey—from the pivotal moments that shaped her business to how she discovered her passion for serving the "neurospicy" community.We break down what "neurospicy" means, how Tonya has positioned her brand to support clients who identify with this term, and the intentional shifts she’s made in both her systems and marketing to create a more accessible and empowering experience. Plus, she gets real about the challenges that come with working with neurodivergent clients and how she’s adapted to meet their needs without sacrificing her own well-being.If you’ve ever wanted to build a business that feels aligned, inclusive, and sustainable—this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and get inspired to refine your own brand with intention.Guest Information:Guest Name: Tonya BamboeGuest Business Name: Booth & BardGuest Website: boothandbard.comGuest Instagram: @boothandbardLinks Mentioned:Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

Today I go through some of my recent projects breaking down the who, what, when, where and how. Just giving a little peak behind the curtain to some of my favorite projects I have worked with recently. Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design