
Better: The Brand Designer Podcast
Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, founded by Giselle Field of Wander Design Co. and Jen Davis, was founded on the belief that designers need community. We find that the branding world often feels secretive, competitive, and sometimes just plain old confusing. When we realized that our honest, soul-chat-level convos could potentially help other designers, we realized a podcast was only natural! Better: The Brand Designer Podcast was officially born.Giselle passed away during a climbing trip in Peru in summer of 2020. We encourage all listeners of our podcast to listen to our two Celebrating Giselle episodes. Giselle's adventurous, kind, funny, and supportive presence is missed every day—each and every episode that we record is dedicated to her legacy and her vision for this podcast. It is our honor to continue recording episodes in Giselle's memory and we know that she is with us every time we sit down to record.In winter of 2022, we welcomed Esther Knox-Dekoning from Sereth Design as a new co-host. Esther brought an incredible and fresh perspective to the pod—her transition from agency to design studio as well as her love for web design, sustainability, and world change brought new guests, ideas, and amazing episodes to our listeners. She departed the pod in spring 2023 to dedicate more time to her studio's growth, and will be greatly missed!Now, Jen runs the podcast solo and is beyond excited to continue interviewing guests, having interesting conversations, and sharing the behind-the-scenes of running her design studio.
Latest episodes

Mar 4, 2025 • 25min
S11 E7: What Happens *After* You Design a Website? (Steal Our Exact Pre-Launch Process)
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

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 10min
S11 E6: How to Serve Neurodivergent Clients with Tonya Bamboe
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

Feb 18, 2025 • 39min
S11 E5: Peek Behind the Curtain into Recent HJC Client Projects
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

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 8min
S11 E4: Branding Bestie Chit Chat: What’s the Future of the Boutique Brand Design Industry? with Lauren Braier
In the first episode of our new monthly series, Branding Bestie Chit Chat, I sit down with Lauren Braier to explore a question that’s been buzzing around the boutique brand design community: What’s the future of our industry?From online chatter to shifts in the career paths of high-profile designers, we dive into why it feels like so many business owners are struggling right now. Is it just the nature of social media amplifying the lows, or is something deeper happening in the branding world?Lauren and I share our predictions for 2025, including a possible decline in courses and education in favor of 1:1 coaching, the lingering effects of an oversaturated market post-COVID, and the continued importance of showing up authentically on social media (because being a faceless brand just doesn’t cut it anymore).We also reflect on what these changes mean for our own futures as brand designers. Whether you’re navigating similar questions or just curious about what’s ahead, this episode is packed with insights, candid thoughts, and some serious bestie vibes.Grab your coffee, tune in, and let’s talk shop!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

Feb 4, 2025 • 55min
S11 E3: How to Collaborate with Illustrators with Kat Super
In this inspiring guest episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, I’m chatting with Kat Super, the talented founder of B Super Design, a boutique brand and web design studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Known for her signature “vintage meets modern” illustrative style, Kat combines brand identity design, web design, and custom illustration into a seamless, full-service experience for her clients—and even offers white-label illustration services to fellow designers.We dive into Kat’s design journey, her passion for illustration, and how she discovered the unique niche of collaborating with brand designers to create custom illustrations. Kat also shares practical advice for designers looking to strengthen their illustration skills and explains the ins and outs of her white-label services, from inspiration to delivery.Whether you’re curious about elevating your illustration game, exploring new ways to serve clients, or just love hearing from talented designers, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways. Tune in to learn from Kat’s creative process and get a behind-the-scenes look at her approach to design!Guest Information:Guest Name: Kat SuperGuest Business Name: B Super DesignGuest Website: www.bsuperdesign.comGuest Instagram: @bsuperdesignConnect 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

Jan 21, 2025 • 25min
S11 E1: My Ins & Outs for 2025 (& My Word of the Year)
In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we’re diving into what’s in and what’s out for creating a thriving, joyful design business in the new year. Inspired by a trend making waves on social media, I’m sharing my personal “ins” and “outs” for a better work-life balance and a more intentional approach to running my brand design studio.From booking clients far in advance to pursuing non-work-related hobbies (hello, needlepoint Facebook groups!) and crafting offers around work I truly love, I’m redefining success on my own terms. Plus, we’ll chat about what’s out this year, like accepting clients with red flags, obsessive email checking, and overloading on unnecessary business expenses.I’ll also share a glimpse into my word of the year—gratitude—and how it’s shaping my mindset and goals moving forward. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical tips for creating a business you genuinely enjoy.Links Mentioned:The Design Minimind Sales PageThe Design Minimind WaitlistThuro 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

Jan 21, 2025 • 24min
S11 E2: How to Take (Paid!) Extended Time Away from Your Business (Maternity Leave Recap)
In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we dive into the art of stepping away from your business while keeping things running smoothly—whether it's for maternity leave or another extended break. I’m sharing a personal recap of my recent maternity leave, reflecting on the biggest differences from my first experience, and breaking down actionable strategies to prepare for extended time off.From starting your planning early to adjusting team operations and building a financial buffer, this episode is packed with tips to help you stay organized, maintain client trust, and avoid losing leads. Plus, I’ll share how I kept essential operations like social media, sales, and client communication humming while taking much-needed time to rest and recharge. Whether you're a new mom or planning a well-earned sabbatical, this episode is for you!Tune in to learn how to plan ahead, set boundaries, and keep your business thriving while prioritizing your personal life.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

Jan 14, 2025 • 47min
From the Archives | S8 E15: How to Craft a Luxury Offer Suite that Sells with Katelyn Alyssa from Studio Kaly
Today we’re joined by Katelyn from Studio Kaly talking about what makes a luxury brand design experience and how to craft a luxurious offer suite that sells. If you’re struggling with your positioning and offers, this episode is for you!Links Mentioned:Studio KalyThe Win Without Pitching ManifestoInbox Question:What are the key elements to running a successful photoshoot (for yourself or a client?)Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on PatreonOur podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting:www.betterbranddesigner.com/disclaimerTags: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

Jan 7, 2025 • 53min
From the Archives | S5 E1: What to Do When a Client Doesn’t Love Your Work
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

Dec 31, 2024 • 43min
From the Archives | S9 E3: Steal My Web Design Process
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