Have you ever had a review session with a client and they're just not feeling the work you've created? We've been there! In this episode Jen and Esther talk about some of their experiences with push-back and how they worked through the problems to create better solutions for their clients.Links Mentioned:The Anti-Anxiety NotebookInbox Question:"How do you present your initial designs to the client? What do you include– how many logo/secondary logo ideas, how many fonts (and where to get fonts/legalities), do you photoshop a mock-up and include that with the package? Like what do you do lol" — Mackenzi ChapmanConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on PatreonTags: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

Episode Description:In today’s episode Jen shares her entire web design and web development process, from a blank slate all the way to launch day, Jen explains the systems that she has in place that allows her small team to design, build, and deliver the perfect website every time. Get ready to take notes, this one is packed with a lot of value and details!Inbox Question:“Finding clients who only need branding services is challenging. I’m often finding web development or design services is easier. What are the best lead gen options for this space?” - Marta Nicole RodzenConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on PatreonTags: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

Earlier this year we asked you to share your difficult client stories and today those stories—as well as our own—are live! Although they are SUPER entertaining, we make sure to also share how the designer could have avoided the problem in the first place so we can all learn together.Giselle opens the episode by telling the story about her $400 website project and Jen shares what she learned from a difficult contractor relationship from the beginning of her business.We talk all about making sure our values align with our work and finish up the episode answering the question: “What is your philosophy as a designer?”Giselle and Jen believe that there is so much to be learned from difficult client experiences. While going through them can be hard, reflecting and sharing them with a supportive community can make us all better designers (see what we did there?)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 Jen chats with Olivia Austin from Current Design Studio all about hiring - when to think about it, how to know you’re ready, and how to navigate the hiring and interview process. We approach the hiring conversation from the perspective of knowing your studio values and adding team members who share those values.Guest Information:Guest Name: Olivia AustinGuest Business Name: Current Design StudioGuest Website: https://currentdesignstudio.com/, https://byoliviaaustin.com/Guest Instagram: https://instagram.com/current.designstudioLinks Mentioned:GustoClickUpNotionMotive Affirmation DeckInbox Question:“Should I list multiple package/price options on the proposal? My gut is telling me not to, because they will go with the lower price package even though they really need more.” — Chelsea LevinsonConnect 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

Do you ever feel like you can’t take a TRUE vacation? Maybe your fears are that your clients will be mad, you don’t have enough funds to pay for the time away, or you feel like you have TOO much to do that taking time away doesn’t make sense. We’ve been there. In this episode we talk about:The things we do to prepare for vacationBattling mindset when taking time awayHow we plan for vacation ahead of timeHow time-off impacts our business and our own mental health?How to build rest into our schedules more regularlyAnd much more!Inbox Question:“How do you make the most use of a junior designer/intern?” — Indy GriffithsConnect 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

Final episode of the season is here already! Today we answer all of your inbox questions!Links Mentioned:S8E15: How to Craft a Luxury Offer Suite that Sells with Katelyn Alyssa from Studio KalyS7E10: Font Design, Digital Products, Burnout, and Industry Culture with Jen WagnerConnect 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 over some small changes I made early on in my business that made a big impact on my revenue. This is how I hit my first 100k year. Links Mentioned:Don’t Make these Brand Messaging & Positioning Mistakes!How to Sell Out Your Design Services with Expert PositioningSpooooky Client Stories (Round 2)Inbox Question:"[Question here?]” - [Name Here]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 I had the pleasure of peppering Rita Julian (a bookkeeper for brand & web designers!) with questions about keeping your business finances nice and tidy (and saving money on taxes!) Get 20% off Cash + Creatives (DIY bookkeeping course) with the code PODCAST20! Guest Information:Guest Name: Rita JulianGuest Business Name: Julian BookkeepingGuest Website: www.julianbookkeeping.comGuest Instagram: @julianbookkeepingllcLinks Mentioned:Cash & Creatives (DIY bookkeeping course) - get 20% off with code PODCAST20Connect 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

N. Chloé Nwangwu, founder of NobiWorks, is a brand visibility expert advocating for a shift from the outdated Ideal Client Avatar model in branding. She dives into the science of branding and how genuine client motivations often drive more successful strategies. The conversation reveals the risks of over-niching, stressing broader market engagement for inclusivity and enhanced revenue. Nwangwu also discusses integrating asynchronous tools for better client interactions and adapting design practices to thrive in a post-COVID landscape.

This week Lauren (Jen’s previous designer) is back to share about her decision to leave the boutique studio space in favor of the agency world! She talks about her job search, interview process, and differences between boutique and agency she’s been surprised by.Guest Information:Guest Name: Lauren BraierGuest Business Name: Elby CreativeGuest Website: www.elbycreative.comGuest Instagram: @elbycreativeLinks Mentioned:[Insert Links Here]Inbox Question:"[Question here?]” - [Name Here]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