

Better: The Brand Designer Podcast
Jen Davis
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 9, 2022 • 29min
S6 E0: Welcome Back! What to Expect in Season 6 & Jen/Esther Updates
We’re back! Season 6 is on a roll, and we update you guys on our July breaks (Esther adopted a puppy and Jen went to Ireland!), upcoming events, and what to expect for Season 6 of the pod. Check out what’s coming up for us below!Upcoming Events:Faster with Figma co-workshop with The Shopify (code)x on August 15th at 12pm Eastern (11am Central, 10am Pacific) — In this workshop Lea from The Shopify (code)x will be walking through how to go from Brand Guide to Branded Shopify Store in record time with Figma. The call will be held in our Facebook group, so join us now to get all the deets!Patreon-Only LIVE Quarterly Q&A Call on September 12 at 11am Eastern (10am Central, 9am Pacific) — As we always do, we’ll be holding our chat where our Patrons can come hang out with us and get some personal time to ask questions, chat about what’s happening in your own biz. Become a Patron before then by going to www.patreon.com/betterpodcast so you can get the call info!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

Aug 2, 2022 • 1h 13min
From The Archives: S3 E10: Value-Based Pricing and Shifting Your Mindset with Morgan Rapp
We’re taking a short break in between Seasons 5 and 6 (Season 6 is coming in hot August 9!) so we’ve pulled some of our favorite episodes from the archives for you guys to enjoy. This one is Season 3, Episode 10: Value-Based Pricing and Shifting Your Mindset with Morgan Rapp. This was one of our most-requested topics with one of our all-time favorite guests, Morgan Rapp. Morgan is the founder and designer behind Design Biz Mastery, a group coaching educational platform that focuses on teaching designers how to use value-based pricing, structure their offer suites, nail sales calls, and work on their mindset. Morgan shares about her foray into the world of designer education as well as her personal philosophy around value-based pricing and focus on profitability. This one is a favorite for a reason!Links Mentioned:Original Episode: Season 3, Episode 10: Value-Based Pricing and Shifting Your Mindset with Morgan RappDesign Biz MasterySpecial 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

Jul 26, 2022 • 1h 3min
From The Archives: S3 E5: Designer Confidence and Imposter Syndrome
We’re taking a short break in between Seasons 5 and 6 (Season 6 is coming in hot August 9!) so we’ve pulled some of our favorite episodes from the archives for you guys to enjoy. This one is Season 3, Episode 7: Designer Confidence and Imposter Syndrome. This rerun episode with Jen and Giselle was chock full of so much knowledge and vulnerability. Imposter syndrome is something that is all too common for us designers. Our relationship with our work is something sacred. As creatives we often feel like we ARE our work, but breaking out of that is freeing. You are not what you do. Jen and Giselle are open and honest they were about the feelings that are brought up when you see other designers’ work, how you feel about clients’ reactions, and the personal ego.Links Mentioned:Original Episode: Season 3, Episode 7: Designer Confidence and Imposter SyndromeSpecial 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

Jul 19, 2022 • 45min
From The Archives: S2 E5: Creative Ways to Get Clients
We’re taking a short break in between Seasons 5 and 6 (Season 6 is coming in hot August 9!) so we’ve pulled some of our favorite episodes from the archives for you guys to enjoy. This one is Season 2, Episode 5: Creative Ways to Get Clients. In this rerun episode, we listen to Jen and Giselle talk about how to get clients in ways that push outside the box. Some of our biggest takeaways from re-listening to this episode was that getting super creative and taking some fun risks can be so impactful for your bottom line. You never know if your highest paying client could be right around the corner!Links Mentioned:Original Episode: Season 2, Episode 5: Creative Ways to Get ClientsSpecial 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

Jul 12, 2022 • 53min
From The Archives: S2 E1: Setting Healthy Boundaries in Your Design Business
We’re taking a short break in between Seasons 5 and 6 (Season 6 is coming in hot August 9!) so we’ve pulled some of our favorite episodes from the archives for you guys to enjoy. This one is Season 2, Episode 1: Setting Healthy Boundaries in Your Design Business. Giselle and Jen chat about what setting boundaries with family and friends, setting boundaries with clients, and setting boundaries with yourself (the hardest part!) We hope this episode not only allows you to listen to Giselle’s beautiful voice and laughter once again, but it inspires you to set the life-giving boundaries that you need to protect your time in your design business.Links Mentioned:Original Episode: Season 2, Episode 1: Setting Healthy Boundaries in Your Design BusinessSpecial 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

Jul 5, 2022 • 1h 1min
S5 E25: Answering Your Inbox Questions
And thats a wrap! Another season has come to an end. In our final episode of Season 5, we answer a whole bunch of your juicy inbox questions.Thank you for being a part of our community! We can’t wait to keep these conversations going. Let us know if you have any follow up questions, or more thoughts on this episode or any in all of Season 5!Some of the MANY questions we answer in this episode:“What has helped you gain more higher-paying brand design clients?” - Natalie Trinidad“How do you know when you have found the right design and to end development phases?” - Charlotte Grimshaw“Where do you learn about off-boarding files for client work and what are some ways to keep it all organized??” - Katy Couch“As a designer, when you are finished with a brand strategy session with your client, how do you take the information from the brand strategy and apply it to the actual concept or design?” - Erin Baron“I’ve wanted to start my own design/marketing business for awhile, but I’ve really struggled to start. I’d love to quit my current 9-5 and try to go at it full time, but I’m scared of what my friends and family will think/say. None of them have a creative job or have ever started their own company. How do you explain what you do/want to do to people who have a more traditional view of work? And how do you push past not getting the support you’re looking for, if they don’t get it?” - Samantha StrattonLinks Mentioned:S5 E15 | Advice to Our Younger SelvesBranding with Bre | Discount Code: giftfromjen“Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine” by Mike MichalowiczS5 E23 | Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinnessStock Image Sites:wellnessstockshop.comflickr.comunsplash.comstocksy.comSpecial 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

Jun 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
S5 E24: Identity Crises and How to Create Living Brands with Alejandra McPherson
Alejandra is the strategist and designer behind Ale Now Design. She specializes in creating brands with humanity, emotion, and storytelling because she believes business is personal. Alejandra is Peruvian and migrated to the United States when she was 18. She believes this fact has made her identity issues even harder living between two spaces. Not fully belonging to either world, has made her feel like she needs to "fit in" or "choose one" when in reality, she’s learned it is a matter of celebrating her own uniqueness and finding ways to live her "own way.” In this episode we talk about that identity crisis and how it’s impacted the way she creates brands.Guest Information:Guest Name: Alejandra MacPhersonGuest Business Name: Ale Now DesignGuest Website: alenowdesign.comGuest Instagram: @ale_now_designLinks Mentioned:The Shopify Codex - The Shopify Codex is a first-of-its-kind course by Arq Design Studio that helps designers offer Shopify websites that go beyond the restrictions of premade themes. Better: The Brand Designer Podcast listeners get an exclusive discount! Get $300 off the course when you use code BETTER at checkout.Inbox Question:“Do you also have to be a brand strategist to be a brand designer?” — Veronica OronosSpecial 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

Jun 21, 2022 • 1h 6min
S5 E23: Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinness
Jen and Alex from The Arcoíris Design Co. chat all about discovering, cultivating, and making the best use of your intuition in your design business. They discuss what an “intuitive hit” is, how to recognize different types of inspiration and thoughts, and best practices for getting acquainted with your intuition and using it to provide more value to your clients and increasing your creativity. Alex shares a bit about her rebrand, her Oracle Deck, and what creating and launching her Squarespace Template shop was like!Guest Information:Guest Name: Alex McGinnessGuest Business Name: The Arcoíris Design Co.Guest Website: https://www.thearcoirisdesign.co/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearcoirisdesign.co/Links Mentioned:The Shopify Codex - The Shopify Codex is a first-of-its-kind course by Arq Design Studio that helps designers offer Shopify websites that go beyond the restrictions of premade themes. Better: The Brand Designer Podcast listeners get an exclusive discount! Get $300 off the course when you use code BETTER at checkout.Design Biz Mastery by Morgan RappBranding with Bre by Rowan MadeInbox Question:"How do you create standout brands that aren't typical?" - Chiara GarciaSpecial 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

Jun 14, 2022 • 1h 5min
S5 E22: Esther and Jen’s 6-Month Business Updates
6 months has FLOWN by! In this episode we wanted to share with you some updates on our own businesses — our project statuses, how we’ve changed as business owners, what’s stayed the same, what we’re learning, and oh so much more! Tune in to hear our real-time goings on, the good the bad and everything in-between.Links Mentioned:The Shopify Codex - The Shopify Codex is a first-of-its-kind course by Arq Design Studio that helps designers offer Shopify websites that go beyond the restrictions of premade themes. Better: The Brand Designer Podcast listeners get an exclusive discount! Get $300 off the course when you use code BETTER at checkout.Superhi: Intro to User Experience CourseInbox Question:“How do I organize my clients time to be able to schedule them for current and future months?” — Mayra Padilla RosasSpecial 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

Jun 7, 2022 • 40min
S5 E21: 2-Year Update on Motherhood & Business with Jen
Jen gives an update on what the second year of her life as a mom and business owner looks like compared to the first, and the lessons she learned along the way. This is less of an advice episode (all parents, babies, and families are different) and more of a place for Jen to chat openly about the beauty and the struggles of being a mom and running a business full time. Jen hopes that this episode is relatable, insightful, and interesting to listen to for both people who are and aren’t parents.Links Mentioned:The Shopify Codex - The Shopify Codex is a first-of-its-kind course by Arq Design Studio that helps designers offer Shopify websites that go beyond the restrictions of premade themes. Better: The Brand Designer Podcast listeners get an exclusive discount! Get $300 off the course when you use code BETTER at checkout.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