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
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
Dec 17, 2024 • 55min
From the Archives | S3 E9: Difficult Client Stories
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
Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
From the Archives | S6 E5: Hiring a Team that Supports Your Vision with Olivia Austin
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
Dec 2, 2024 • 50min
From the Archives | S5 E17: How to Plan Your Work Schedule for True Rest + Vacation
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
Nov 25, 2024 • 36min
S10 E18: Answering Your Inbox Questions
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
Nov 19, 2024 • 34min
S10 E17: Changes I Made in My Business to Hit My First $100K Revenue Year
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
Nov 12, 2024 • 34min
S10 E16: How to (Properly) Manage Your Design Studio’s Finances with Rita Julian
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
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 11min
S10 E15: Why NOT to Niche (What?!) with N. Chloé Nwangwu
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.
