Better: The Brand Designer Podcast

This week we turn the tables as Jen interviews Esther and her husband, Jake, about how Jake has played many roles in her business — as a spouse, partner, support system, cheerleader, quality control, and accountant… among MANY others. Jake shares some of the challenges associated with supporting a partner who runs her own business, and how they worked through them together. They also talk about things they’ve learned during a career transition and ways that Esther has felt most supported. If you’re a partner (or roommate, or bestie, or parent!) of a business owner, this one is for you!Inbox Question:“I want to learn how to be confident in speaking with potential clients and establish authority as a branding expert.” — Khanh DanUpcoming Events:Patreon Only LIVE Q+A Call with our $10 PatronsDecember 6, 2022, at 9 am Central / 10 am EasternBecome a $10 Patron here.This Episode’s Partner:The Brief CollectiveThe Design Biz Academy from The Brief Collective serves beginner, amateur, and seasoned designers—they have something for total newbies, something for designers needing to enhance their skill set and something for designers ready to scale their biz & start booking $10K clients. Join now at https://thebriefcollective.com/course. Learn about the 3 Secrets to Booking High Ticket Design Clients right here!Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Happy Thanksgiving! In this special episode, we wanted to get personal and share things that we’re grateful for this year both personally and professionally! Spoiler: lots of love fest moments. We also talk about things we’ve learned this past year and then flip it on its head to how we’re moving forward and setting goals for next year. Stay till the end to hear some of the questions we use to check in with ourselves and set goals, so you can start thinking ahead too!This Episode’s Partner:Packaging Design MasterSet yourself apart from the competition with the specialized and niche skill of packaging design. Visit packagingdesignmaster.com and use the code BETTER to get $50 off enrollment.Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Have you ever wondered how you could grow your design revenue without spending hours chained to your desk or taking on more clients than you can handle and hiring a huge team? This is the question of the hour for a lot of you - and we’re SO excited to welcome Bonnie Bakhtiari from B is for Bonnie Design to chat about how to earn more while working less! We discuss pricing, sales, offer suite, slow seasons, client objections, and what goes into raising your rates in a sustainable way.Guest Information:Guest Name: Bonnie BakhtiariGuest Business Name: B is for Bonnie DesignGuest Website: https://bisforbonniedesign.com/Guest Instagram: https://instagram.com/bonniejoymarie?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=The Design Minimind by Hello June CreativeAn intimate group of designers crafting freedom-filled businesses—together. 8 designers. 6 months. A 1:1/group hybrid program. Apply now at The Design Minimind by Hello June Creative.Inbox Question:"What part of your onboarding process has been the most instrumental in seamlessly educating your client about your process?” - Brooke GordonUpcoming Events:Patreon Only LIVE Q+A Call with our $10 PatronsDecember 6, 2022, at 9 am Central / 10 am EasterBecome a $10 Patron here.This Episode’s Partner:The Brief CollectiveThe Design Biz Academy from The Brief Collective serves beginner, amateur, and seasoned designers—they have something for total newbies, something for designers needing to enhance their skill set, and something for designers ready to scale their biz & start booking $10K clients. Join now at https://thebriefcollective.com/course. Learn about the 3 Secrets to Booking High Ticket Design Clients right here!Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon

This episode explores the power of unique premium positioning in attracting high-ticket clients. The speaker discusses the importance of positioning and clarifying who you are and who you serve. They also delve into the connection between creativity in different areas of life and the challenges faced when starting a design business. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of crafting unique positioning and messaging to build confidence and make effective business decisions.

Ever been confused about whether you’re using the right website platform for your studio and your clients? We’re breaking it ALL down today with pros and cons lists for the major websites platforms we see boutique design studios using: Squarespace, Showit, Shopify, Webflow, Wordpress, and Wix. There’s no “wrong” or “right” here (although we know designers have a LOT of opinions!) We’re just here to give our opinions and help you find the right platform for your next project!Links Mentioned:Awwwards.comThe Shopify code(x) - Use code BETTER for $300 off!Standout Squarespace by SquarestylistInbox Question:“How do you get clients to embrace the design process and be open to the design style you know (through brand discovery and strategy) will connect with their community most?” - Jessica AbellThis Episode’s Partner:Design Biz Mastery with Morgan RappGrow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/better to learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon

We’ve never seen this shared publicly before… we’re pulling back the curtain in today’s episode to share the audio from actual client presentations from our studios! We watched each other’s Strategy/Creative Direction videos and then reacted live to them - noting what we loved about them and making some really juicy suggestions for making them even better. We hope that this episode inspires you to mix things up and gives you some ideas to try in your own brand presentations. Check the Facebook group to see the visuals behind what we discuss in this episode!Inbox Question:"How do you get faster at design projects and honor limited time especially as a mom? I usually become hyper-focused and tend to go down a rabbit hole of exploring concepts."] - Jolie-Anne WalkerUpcoming Events:Patreon Only LIVE Q+A Call with our $10 PatronsDecember 6, 2022 at 9am Central / 10am EasterBecome a $10 Patron here.This Episode’s Partners:Design Biz Mastery with Morgan RappGrow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/better to learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.Standout ShopifyStandout Shopify is the most comprehensive and the most supportive Shopify course for designers. Discover what it takes to be a go-to Shopify design expert, all in an engaging, beginner-friendly video format from start to launch. Visit standoutshopify.com to learn more - Oct. 27-31, 2022 is the lowest the price will ever be!Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon

It’s officially SPOOOOKY szn around here and we wanted to get a little festive. We had our listeners (you guys!) anonymously submit your scariest/most difficult client stories and we read them, react to them, and listen to what they learned from the experience. We truly believe that difficult client experiences are one of the hardest parts of running a design business, but this episode serves to remind us that we’re not alone, it happens to everyone, and what we can do to avoid those situations in the future, or deal with them in the present.This Episode’s Partners:Design Biz Mastery with Morgan RappGrow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/better to learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.Standout ShopifyStandout Shopify is the most comprehensive and the most supportive Shopify course for designers. Discover what it takes to be a go-to Shopify design expert, all in an engaging, beginner-friendly video format from start to launch. Visit standoutshopify.com to learn more - Oct. 27-31, 2022 is the lowest the price will ever be!Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterbranddesigner/Podcast Website: https://www.betterbranddesigner.comPodcast Resources Page: https://www.betterbranddesigner.com/resourcesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterpodcast/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/betterpodcast

Brand photography goes hand in hand with brand design. You can’t have a solid brand without the supporting visuals. In this episode Esther chats with Adeline Nieto, a NYC-based brand photographer about how to share heart-centered stories through photography, the value and power behind photos, and how brand designers can best collaborate with photographers and our collective clients on commercial shoots.Guest Information:Guest Name: Adeline NietoGuest Business Name: Adeline ArtistryGuest Website: www.adelineartistry.comGuest Instagram: @adelineartistrystudioInbox Question:"Is brand photography important when defining your brand?” - Kristina LucierThis Episode’s Partner:Design Biz Mastery with Morgan RappGrow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/betterto learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Burnout is a strong sign from your body that something is not working. It’s important to listen. In this episode, Jen and Esther talk about what it’s like to maintain creativity when you’re burnt out, keeping the money coming in, and personal stories of working through charred seasons.Inbox Questions:“How do you maintain your creativity without feeling burnt out?”— AJ Samson“How do you balance burnout and also keep the $$ coming in?” — Selena Nohea ConmackieLinks Mentioned:Insight Timer — Free guided meditationsThis Episode’s Partner:Design Biz Mastery with Morgan RappGrow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/better to learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterbranddesigner/Podcast Website: https://www.betterbranddesigner.comPodcast Resources Page: https://www.betterbranddesigner.com/resourcesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterpodcast/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/betterpodcast

Do you ever think you’re not really doing anything “substantial” as a designer because you’re not saving lives and “just” designing logos and websites. Well we’re here to change that mindset! You can make an impact in the world as a designer in so many ways — both tangible and intangibly. Your skillset allows peoples’ businesses to grow and connect with people, bring joy, improved life, and touch the planet. In this episode we walk through ways to make your mark on the planet in positive, regenerative ways — like the list we talk through below!You could…Donate a percentage of your work to a cause you’re passionate aboutOffer up spaces in your time to do pro-bono work or discounted rate projects.Direct your clients to sustainable and ecological sites to order their designed printed materials and packaging.Do the research to find which companies reduce their carbon footprint (through printing, shipping, etc.) + understand circular design.Teach your clients the importance of using multicultural, size-inclusive, LGBTQ+ photography and promoting diversity.Improve your design for visually impaired people by testing your color system contrast and accessibility.Continue questioning everything about your process. Continue learning, growing, and evolving to be better than you were yesterday!Links Mentioned:“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz“Company of One” by Paul Jarvis“Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” by Luke SullivanKutoa ProjectStella’s VoicePS Print — has options to use recycled paper and soy-based inkNoissue — sustainable packaging that is eco-friendlyHex Naw — color tester for accessibility“Finding BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Stock Photography” by Sereth DesignThe Circular Design GuideInbox Question:"How can a designer convey the value of brand design to a client with numerical evidence? Can they?” — Joshua HillThis Episode’s Partner:Design Biz Mastery with Morgan RappGrow your revenue and start taking Fridays off (like Jen!) with Design Biz Mastery. Visit dbm.morganrapp.com/betterto learn more, get a special bonus, and also receive access to a free training about Morgan’s 3-part framework to peacefully scale your design business towards your first or next 6-figures on part-time hours.Special thanks to our producer Jon from Wayfare Recording Co.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterbranddesigner/Podcast Website: https://www.betterbranddesigner.comPodcast Resources Page: https://www.betterbranddesigner.com/resourcesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterpodcast/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/betterpodcast