Better: The Brand Designer Podcast

I’m back with another spooky client story episode in celebration of Halloween, with Audrey who is my production designer here at Hello June. We read your spooky stories that you submitted anonymously and Jen shares a spooky(kinda) lead that reached out to her as well!Guest Name: Audrey Humphreys (HJC's production designer!)Guest Website: audaciouscreativestudio.comGuest IG: @audaciouscreativestudioEpisodes Mentioned:S8 E12 | Spooooky Client Stories (Round 2) with Lauren BraierS6 E12 | Spooooky Client StoriesKenzi’s Podcast: The Unapologetic Designer Podcast00:00: Intro & info about my NEW offer *Scale with Confidence*13:24: Jen’s Spooky (kinda) Inquiry Story18:16: Spooky Client Story #124:38: Spooky Client Story #230:16: Spooky Client Story #335:04: Spooky Client Story #438:13: Spooky Client Story #543:23: Spooky Client Story #645:37: Spooky Client Story #746:21: “The Day I Met a Ghost..Kinda of” #848:20: Spooky Client Story #949:38: “The White Roses Incident” #1055:06: Halloween PlansLinks:The Design Minimind     • Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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, I chat with Katie of Katie Creative Co, who is a social media strategist. We dive into the nuances of using social media effectively—focusing on a people-first approach that prioritizes genuine relationships over algorithmic approval. Katie shares her tactical breakdown of growth, nurture, and connection content, the power of vulnerability and personal storytelling, and practical ways to avoid burnout. This episode is perfect for those looking to enhance their social media presence while staying authentic and avoiding burnout.Guest Name: Katie CampbellGuest Website: katiecreativecompany.comGuest IG: @katiecreativecoSocial Sweet Spot Course: Learn More00:00: Intro and Minimind Video Library Overview06:49: Challenges of Social Media for Service Providers08:01: The Biggest Mistake in Social Media Strategy08:56: Holistic Approach to Social Media Success11:56: Person-First Marketing Philosophy20:55: The Funnel Strategy for Social Media35:02: Setting Boundaries for Sharing Personal Life37:46: Pushing Comfort Zones in Social Media43:44: Balancing Digital Wellness49:59: Social Media Best Practices to Ignore51:59: Social Sweet Spot ProgramLinks:The Design Minimind      • Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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

*Pre-order Octavo on Amazon*Episode Description:In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with one of my design icons, Marty Neumeier, who is an accomplished designer and author. We chat about his new design-thriller book, The Scarlett Files/Octavo, his shift from non-fiction to fiction, and how he integrates design and writing within his work. Marty also shares how his early experiences shaped his career and why storytelling plays such an essential role in branding, design, and his writing.Guest Name: Marty NeumeierGuest Website: martyneumeier.comOctavo Book: Pre-order on AmazonSubstacksThe Scarlett Files: martyneumeier.substack.comLevel C: levelc.substack.com00:00: Intro & Minimind Wins From Past Students07:55: Marty's Journey in Design and Writing10:50: The Scarlet Files on Substack11:19: The Origins of Graphic Design12:58: Leonardo da Vinci's Influence16:33: Challenges of Writing Fiction18:49: The Intersection of Branding and Storytelling26:20: Marketing Strategies for Authors40:44: The Renaissance and Modern Story43:36: The Aldine Press and Its Innovations48:00: The Importance of Mentorship52:31: Level C: Master Classes for Professionals57:10: The Role of Testing in DesignLinks:The Design Minimind    • Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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

*Submit your Spooky Client Stories* 👻 🕸️This week, I chat (Q&A style) with Julia Bocchese who is an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) expert, to discuss SEO strategies tailored specifically for web designers. We talk about the challenges and misconceptions around SEO, including client communication, expectations, and the technical nuances of ensuring sites rank well on Google. Key topics covered include the importance of user experience, site speed, mobile design, image optimization, and the role of tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics. The episode also addresses a bit about AI optimization as well.Guest Name: Julia BoccheseGuest Website: juliareneeconsulting.comGuest IG: @juliareneeconsultingSEO Tips for website designers: Read BlogCollaborations & Partnerships: Learn MoreSetting up Google Search Console: Watch Video00:00: Intro, Minimind Reviews, & Spooky Client Stories 05:40: Understanding SEO for Web Designers  06:37: Client Communication and SEO Expectations  07:43: SEO Challenges for Designers  09:33: User Experience 10:35: Site Speed Optimization Tips  13:17: Mobile Design 18:26: Accessibility  22:33: Website Launch and SEO Considerations  26:54: Google Search Console and Analytics Setup  28:16: Connecting Google Search Console to Your Website  33:34: SEO Myths and Misconceptions  37:15: Blogging and AI Optimization for SEO  41:27: Ways to Work with Julia Links:The Design Minimind      • Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links*Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer p

In this episode, I chat with Kayla Batista, owner of Brand Barista, all about her journey in the design industry and the unique dynamics of being a white label designer. Kayla shares her background, her transition from one-on-one client work to specializing in white label design, and the flexibility it brings, especially during challenging times. We delve into her business model, the nuances of pricing and process, and how to establish effective and respectful relationships between agency owners and white label designers. Kayla also talks about her course, 'The White Label Way,' and her upcoming Discord community, offering resources and support for designers interested in white label work. Whether you're looking to understand white label design or considering it as an income stream, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Guest Name: Kayla BatistaGuest Website: brandbarista.coGuest IG: @brandbaristaGuest Course: The White Label Way00:00: Intro & Minimind Resource Library03:00: Mini interview with my 5 yr old son Ryder04:49: Kayla's Design Journey06:44: Starting a Business Amidst Challenges08:39: The Shift to White Label Design09:25: Balancing Work and Personal Life12:51: What is White Label Design?28:58: Pricing Strategies for White Label Work30:01: Custom Proposals and Client Communication35:37: Building Long-Term Client Relationships39:26: Company Culture and Team Respect39:55: Kayla’s Course Info & Discord CommunityLinks:The Design Minimind• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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

*Join the Tezzera waitlist | Launching Fall 2025In this episode, Abbey McGrew is back on the pod, all the way from Season 1! We discuss all the details of Abbey's latest venture, Tezzera, a CRM designed specifically for designers, tackling a major gap in the market. Abbey discusses the features of Tezzera, its development process, and her vision to make administrative tasks feel creative and on-brand. Tezzera is launching with beta testers in October, with the official launch planned for Nov.00:00: Intro + Minimind Testimonials05:51: Abbey’s Life Updates: Moving and Motherhood11:10: Introducing Tezzera: A New Business Venture24:25: The CRM Features it will include36:55: Beta Testing and Launch PlansGuest Name: Abbey McGrewGuest Website: wayfairdesignstudio.comGuest IG: @wayfairdesignstudioPodcast: Design Unfiltered on Patreon and The Heart-Led BrandNew CRM Launching Fall 2025 - TezzeraJoin the Tezzera waitlistIG: @tezzera.coEpisodes Mentioned:S10 E13: Maternity Leave, New Motherhood, & Mom/Design Biz Life - from Design Unfiltered with Abbey McGrewS1 E11: Attracting Dream Clients and Building Your Design Business with Abbey McGrewLinks:The Design Minimind• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast

✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!)This week, I chat with Bethany McCamish, a speaker, author, podcast host, and design agency owner, about her multifaceted career journey. Bethany shares invaluable insights into attracting and serving luxury clients, the importance of personal branding, and the impact of authentic storytelling on social media. We both discuss practical advice on elevating your design business and positioning yourself in the luxury market.Guest Name: Bethany McCamishGuest Website: bethanyworks.comInstagram: @bethanyworksdesignTikTok: @bethanymccamishPodcast: Unbreakable Brands00:00: Intro02:59: Bethany's Career Journey10:56: Booking Luxury Clients13:06: Defining Luxury and Premium Clients14:41: Avoiding Common Mistakes17:18: Building Personal Connections23:55: Importance of Messaging and Visuals25:18: Curating Your Portfolio for Luxury Clients27:43: Engaging Luxury Clients Through Content37:55: Bethany’s Mentorship Programs for DesignersLinks:The Design Minimind• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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 solo episode, I wanted to switch gears and just have a fun little chat with you about life and discuss some current wins and struggles running a business and being a mom currently to little kids. I also discuss a new educational offer I'm creating in partnership with the Minimind—designed to help fellow designers scale their businesses more effectively.00:00: Intro 00:56: Personal Life and Business Updates 02:33: Client Wins and Business Growth 06:38: Team Dynamics and Work Structure 14:53: Struggles and Challenges 22:31: Future Plans and New OffersMy Recently Hired Bookkeeper:Website: www.balancedrootsbookkeeping.comIG: @balancedrootsbookkeepingLinks:The Design Minimind• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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

✨ Get access to my Creative Direction Figma Template for FREE ✨Episode Description:In this episode, I chat with Shannon Mattern, a web design business coach and founder of the Web Designer Academy, to discuss her journey from corporate marketing to running a successful web design coaching business. Shannon shares the key turning points in her career, including how she identified and overcame six common areas where design businesses leak time and money and shares with us what those are. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, proper pricing, and setting boundaries to ensure profitability in your business.Guest Name: Shannon MatternGuest Website: www.shannonmattern.comGuest Instagram: @shannonlmatternShannon’s Course: Web Designer AcademyShannon’s Podcast: Profitable Web Designer00:00 Intro and Creative Template Freebie Info02:49: Shannon's Story19:19: Identifying Time and Money Leaks20:39: The Cost of People Pleasing21:24: Setting Boundaries and Managing Scope24:34: Perfectionism and Pricing Challenges25:35: Client Feedback and Pricing Models28:30: Empowering Clients with Choices35:25: Mindset and Self-Concept in Business37:43: Web Designer Academy Course OverviewLinks:The Design Minimind• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: 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

✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!) below!👉🏼 Grab the template here! — Coming Sept 1st!Episode Description:As the first guest of season 12, I talk with Liz from Favorite Things Studio to discuss the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in brand strategy and design. Liz shares her journey from casting director to boutique brand designer, emphasizing the value of AI tools (ChatGPT being her bread and butter) for creating more efficient and high-quality outputs and how to use them elsewhere in your business and systems. We discuss all things skepticism and the advantages of using AI in the creative industry, and how AI is reshaping the way designers approach their projects. Liz also shares details about her Brand Strategy Purrr-fection course and how she's helping other designers master the fundamentals of strategic branding.00:58: New Updates to the Upcoming Design Minimind Course06:06: Liz's Journey to Brand Design08:10: Starting from Scratch: Learning the Tools14:06: Customizing AI for Your Business19:16: The Future of AI in Brand Strategy26:33: Leveraging AI for Client Questionnaires29:09: Transparency with Clients About AI Usage32:13: Exploring Visual AI Platforms36:57: Creating Custom AI Workflows & Systems40:30: Legal and Ethical Considerations of AI43:16: Brand Strategy Purrr-fection CourseGuest Name: Liz Martinez-NelsonGuest Website: www.favoritethingsstudio.comInstagram: @favorite.things.studioLiz’s Course: Brand Strategy Purrr-fectionLinks:The Design Minimind• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: designer, design, brand design, design studio, design business, brand designer, better podcast, better designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design