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
Oct 3, 2023 • 48min
S8 E8: Life Beyond Being Laid Off with Brad Almond
Today we chat with Brad Almond, creative specialist at Compassion International, about his experience being layed off from his design position and the lessons he’s learned as a result. Whether you’re experiencing a layoff or a slow season of business, Brad shares his encouraging advice on how to stay productive, creative, and positive throughout.Guest Information:Guest Name: Brad AlmondGuest Business Name: Compassion InternationalGuest Website: dribbble.com/bradalmondGuest Instagram: @bradalmondartLinks Mentioned:Compassion InternationalFontspringDieter Rams QuoteInbox Question:“What advice would you give for someone starting in this industry with no design degree?” - Vivian C.This Season’s Partner:The Shopify Code(x)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
Sep 26, 2023 • 24min
S8 E7: My Design Business Startup Guide (What I Wish I Knew)
Learn valuable tips on starting a design business such as legal and financial aspects. Discover the importance of design style and personal branding. Understand the significance of messaging and copy on social media. Nurture leaders in your business and navigate slow seasons. Connect with the speaker and join upcoming workshops.
Sep 24, 2023 • 55min
S8 BONUS: Q&A on Partnering with a Shopify Developer with Jen Chuah & Lea Gucciardi
I’m so excited to bring you a bonus episode today with two incredible Shopify developers, Jen Chuah and Lea Gucciardi! We discuss how designer and developer relationships can thrive in order to run successful, easygoing e-commerce projects with no scope creep. If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to join our FREE workshop right here in the Facebook group this Tuesday, September 26th led by Lea where we’ll be sharing even more information about how to have a successful Shopify designer/developer relationship.Links Mentioned:The Shopify CodexWatch our Instagram Live answering the questions we didn't have time for in this episode!Watch our FREE Workshop all about the Designer/Developer relationship! We share screenshots of our systems, Lea tells us the details on how to scope and fulfill a $70k project, and we share our insights into what makes a great designer/dev partnership.Guests:Lea Gucciardi of ARQ StudioJen Chuah of Jenuine CreativeThis Season’s Partner:The Shopify Code(x)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, shopify, ecommerce
Sep 19, 2023 • 55min
S8 E6: How to Find Business & Mom Life Harmony with Cassie Gudmundson
In today’s episode I chat with Cassie Gudmundson, energetics business coach and host of Wealthy Mama Podcast. We chat about how to embrace flexibility and flow to create a life that feels harmonious with motherhood and business.Links Mentioned:Reux Design Co.Curated - Cassie's Signature ProgramWealthy Mama PodcastInbox Question:"How do most designers handle scheduling? Is it more common to do projects VIP-style on a strict timeline/quick turnaround or take multiple on at the same time but each project taking longer? I’m a newer designer and new mom and just got so busy out of nowhere and feel very overwhelmed (but also extremely grateful that it’s all finally paying off!” - Stephanie O’NealThis Season’s Partner:The Shopify Code(x)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
Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 2min
S8 E5: Market Research for Small Studios with Emmanuel Probst from Ipsos
Emmanuel Probst, Global Lead of Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, discusses market research, brand transformation, and finding unique inspiration outside of social media. He highlights the skills and empathies independent designers offer clients that larger agencies can't. The podcast also explores the importance of celebrating the creative process and using AI in market research.
Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 2min
S8 E4: Scaling from Freelancer to Multiple-6-Figure Agency with Lea Gucciardi from Arq Design Studio
In this episode, we explore the journey of Lea Gucciardi, founder of ARQ Design Studio, as she transitioned from being a freelancer to building a successful 6-figure agency. We delve into how to identify that pivotal moment that prompts a shift to a team-based approach, and we discuss some of the challenges faced with scaling. Whether you're a freelancer with dreams of expansion or you’re simply intrigued by the agency world, this episode gives so much insight into self-discovery and deciding what’s best for your business.Links Mentioned:Get on the waitlist for The Shopify Codex Round 2Arq Design Studio websiteFind Lea on InstagramConnect 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
Aug 29, 2023 • 31min
S8 E3: There’s No Shame In…
Episode Description:There’s no right way to run a business! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is a reminder that the journey is uniquely yours. Tune in as we celebrate embracing your creative journey, learning from challenges, and growing without guilt or shame.Inbox Question:"What's the greatest personal setback you struggle with that sometimes works against your success as a brand designer? For instance, I'm an overachiever and perfectionist and always have been, but I LOVE brand design and want to know how I can work to overcome or at least reduce the impact of my personal setbacks so I can be my best and achieve success.” - Kelsey WadeConnect 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
Aug 22, 2023 • 44min
S8 E2: How to Craft a Top-Notch Client Experience with Danielle Joseph from Willowspace
Danielle Joseph is the visionary founder and creative director at Function Creative Co. and founder of Willowspace, the newest CRM tool for designers! Jen and Danielle chat about the importance of crafting a strong client experience and Danielle’s experience building a startup software company.Guest Information:Guest Name: Danielle JosephGuest Business Name: Function Creative Co. and WillowspaceGuest Website: https://willowspace.app/?lmref=s7e3YAGuest Instagram: @hellofunction @willowspace.coLinks Mentioned:Enjoy a free month trial of Willowspace using the code BETTERBRAND here.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
Aug 15, 2023 • 30min
S8 E1: Catching Up with Jen & How to Take a Summer Sabbatical
Welcome to season 8! In today’s episode, Jen discusses her summer sabbatical and how she’s been able to run her business while being out of office. She also gives tips for designers to plan time away from their own businesses without the worry of missed opportunities.Links Mentioned:Showit Shortcuts by Seedling StudioInbox Question:"What are some of the best ways to improve workflow?” - Abbey CablerConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsiteOur Resources PagePodcast InstagramSupport us on Patreon
Jul 25, 2023 • 1h 7min
From the Archives | S5 E20: Connecting and Selling in an Organic Way on Social Media with Ashleigh Henry
This episode was so wonderful to listen back to! We hope you enjoy. We will be back with Season 8 on August 15th!If you’ve ever felt like marketing yourself on social media (or elsewhere) felt uncomfortable or you’re worried about coming off “salesy,” then this is the episode for you! Ashleigh Henry of The Cheetah Company is a marketing consultant who focuses on educating powerful women to show up and serve in their digital spaces with intentional storytelling and a whole lot of joy. She chats with us in this episode about breaking the “burn and churn” cycle of content creation and marketing, how to organically make lasting connections that provide conversion or collaboration, and what mistakes she sees brand designers specifically making in their content marketing on social media.Guest Information:Guest Name: Ashleigh HenryGuest Business Name: The Cheetah CompanyGuest Website: thecheetahcompany.comGuest Instagram: @thecheetahcompanyLinks Mentioned:http://thecheetahcompany.com/Inbox Question:“I'm always looking for different methods to acquire clients and share my work more efficiently online. What do you do?” — Nakia ChironConnect 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
