Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Designated Designer

What’s it really like to run a business before you’ve even tossed your graduation cap?

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas (a web designer, entrepreneur, and yes, high school student) to talk about the ups, downs, and unexpected lessons of starting young. We get into everything from pricing with confidence (no matter your age) to navigating teen hustle culture, finding balance, and building a supportive community that actually gets you.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting to dream up your first side hustle, Thomas’s story is proof that it’s never too early, or too late, to go after what you love!

If the money side of business has ever made you wanna scream into the void—welcome, friend. 👋🏻

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on how I’ve been managing (and learning through) the financial side of entrepreneurship. From my love-hate relationship with QuickBooks to finally finding a bank that works with me (not against me), I’m sharing the systems, hiccups, and real-deal strategies that have helped me keep things afloat. No fluff, no shame—just the kind of honest convo I wish someone had with me when I started.

In this solo episode, we're diving headfirst into the quiet burnout that so many creatives face behind the scenes and the inner work it takes to begin to recover from it.

From the pressure to perform on social media to the guilt that sneaks in when you rest, we're unpacking all the tough but necessary lessons of reclaiming your time, your peace, and your priorities.

I'll be sharing some honest reflections on what it means to care for your creative self without losing your ambition — and how small acts of self-kindness, from workspace makeovers to offline connection, can help reignite your spark. This episode is a soft reminder that the path to a fulfilling business starts with a balanced, well-supported you.

For the burnt-out creatives, the overthinkers, and anyone learning to treat themselves with the same grace they give their work — this one’s for you. ✨

What if the secret to unforgettable client experiences wasn’t more automation, but more personality?

In this guest episode, I sit down with my fellow creative and alumni from Kutztown University: Xander to unpack the idea of Unreasonable Hospitality and how going just a little further than expected can completely change how clients remember, trust, and refer you. We talk about the power of personal touch, how small moments can leave a big impact, and how systems (like Notion!) can help you create experiences that feel custom without costing your sanity.

We also get into why branding isn’t just about standing out, it’s about creating something that can be felt. This one’s for any designer or creative who wants to lead with more heart, serve with more intention, and never lose the magic that makes our work matter.

You can find Xander:

https://alexspanglerart.wixsite.com/alexander-spangler-d

https://www.instagram.com/xanders_illustrator/

linktr.ee/XanderS_Illustrator

Dear listener:

This one’s a little more raw, a little less polished, and just a real check-in from me to you. It’s been a whirlwind lately: the business picked up in ways I never expected, I took on some big, exciting projects (including Stankin’ Good’s first full service, local, commercial vehicle wrap!), and… I kind of burned myself out in the process.

In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on everything that’s been going on from the good, the bad, and the in-between. From finding flow in my systems to fumbling through creative burnout, I’m sharing it all. Because growth doesn’t always look like perfectly planned launches or shiny social media wins. Sometimes, it looks like dragging yourself to the mic when you’d rather hide, and fighting to find your spark again in the process.

Thanks for being here. It means more than you know. 🫶🏻

Big love always,

Jenn

My first ever guest episode is here!! And it’s a Stankin' Good one.
I brought on my high school bestie turned fellow business owner, Shelby Berger, to unpack the beautifully chaotic mess that is Year One of running your own thing. From the highest highs to the “wait what the hell are we doing?” moments, we’re spilling it all.

We also dive deep into what it was like to brand her business together—what worked, what didn’t, and why knowing yourself and your business is crucial before hiring a designer (ask us how we know 👀).

If you’re in your first year, headed into it, or just love a good behind-the-scenes convo on creativity, chaos, and clarity, this one is for you. 💫

Ever wonder what your first real vacation feels like when you’re your own boss? In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a totally unfiltered weekend away, burning rubber at a car event, and trying not to panic about the emails piling up.

This wasn’t just a trip, it was a huge lesson in trust, rest, self-care, and letting go. I talk through the fears I had before taking time off, how I set boundaries with clients, and how the time away gave me a whole new perspective on business, creativity, and what really fuels the work I do.

Oh, and somewhere in between the campfires and port-a-potties, I got the sweetest message from a designer across the country that reminded me why I show up every week, even when I feel awkward or anxious about it all.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur wondering how the heck you’re supposed to take a break without the world falling apart—this one’s for you. 💫

This week’s episode didn’t go as planned—because growth rarely does.
After accidentally filming an entire 30-minute podcast with no audio, I almost didn’t come back to re-record. But then I remembered: progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. So here we are, messy, unscripted, and real.

In this episode, I share an unexpected lesson in resilience through my attempt to save a dying braided money tree and how that journey mirrored the ups and downs of running my business. From failed propagation attempts to unseen forces (and nearly quitting everything), this story is about trusting the process, even when it’s ugly. Especially when it’s ugly.

So if you're in a season where nothing seems to be working, this one's for you. Because sometimes the roots grow in the dark, and the breakthrough comes right after you almost give up.

Link to reel mentioned in this episode: Credit to Chris Do

Season 2 of The Designated Designer kicks off with a heart-to-heart.

In this vulnerable episode, I'm reflecting on my first full year running in business, celebrating the gritty wins, unpacking the missteps, and embracing the weird, wonderful transformation that comes when you fully commit to your path.

This isn’t just a recap; it’s a reset. From navigating burnout and redefining success to learning how to lead with intention, here's the moments that cracked me open and helped me evolve—not just as a designer, but as a human. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to grow a creative business from the ground up (spoiler: it’s not always cute), this episode is for you.

Whether you're a fellow designer, an entrepreneur in the thick of it, or a curious soul craving real talk—this journey’s for you.

In this week's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing some real, raw reflections on what it actually feels like to grow a business—and yourself—at the same time. 🚀 I’m talking about finally writing a real intro (only took me forever), the messy beauty of starting before you’re ready, and the wild identity shifts that come with chasing your dreams.

I’m diving into why it’s normal to feel like you’re outgrowing old environments, questioning long-held beliefs, and sometimes wondering where the heck you even fit anymore. This one’s for the creative misfits, the late bloomers, and anyone holding on through the hard parts.

Spoiler alert: you are getting better at this—and your breakthrough might be closer than you think. ✨

Tune in, buckle up, and let’s grow through it together.

Feeling stuck in neutral?

Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Ready to throw your laptop out the window even though you JUST finished paying it off? Same. In this unscripted, from-the-heart episode, I share my latest creative high, the inevitable social media spiral that immediately followed, and the simple ritual that’s helping me find balance amidst all the chaos. From overwhelming passion projects and business stress to blue jays and perspective shifts—this one’s a heckin' journey. So buckle up, and let’s talk about it.

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we get real about rejection. We’ve been there, done that, and learned that sometimes a "no" is the universe telling us to forge our own freakin' path. After getting a polite rejection from a widely popular design podcast, we drop some truth bombs about how even the design world can be subject to a popularity contest—one where only the "cool kids" get a seat at the table. Spoiler alert: it's all BS.

In this episode, we're also calling out the industry for putting more weight on likes and views than real creative value. We say it loud and clear: stop designing for the algorithm and start designing for what actually matters. It’s time to create for us, for our clients, and for what feels true—not for the endless scroll or empty engagement.

If you're tired of playing the neverending game on social media, this episode is here to help you stop chasing validation and start creating work that lights a fire inside you.

Rejection isn’t the end—it’s just the universe redirecting us to something better. Let’s get real, stay creative, and stop letting algorithms control our creativity.

Ever feel like leaving something half-done is the worst thing you could possibly do? Like, the thought of walking away from an unfinished task makes your skin crawl? Yeah, same. But one of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is that sometimes, pressing pause is the smartest move you can make.

In this episode, we’re diving into the art of strategic stopping—learning to embrace unfinished work without guilt and understanding why forcing yourself to power through everything isn’t always the key to success. I’ll break down why taking breaks actually keeps you moving forward, plus a metaphor about road trips and gas stations that might just change the way you see productivity forever.

Because real talk—success isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about making sure you don’t run out of fuel before you reach the finish line. 🚗💨✨

Choosing to be different is never the easy road—but damn, isn’t it the most rewarding? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what it really means to take the unconventional path, whether it’s in business, in life, or in standing firm on who you are—even when the world makes it easier not to.

Inspired by Chappell Roan’s journey (and how her story hit me like a ton of bricks), we’re talking about the grind, the failures, the getting-back-up-again moments that no one shows on social media. Because let’s be real—being a business owner is an endurance test, not a highlight reel. And while the world hands out comfort in predictability (hello, 9-5 life), we chose something different. We chose uncertainty. We chose the uphill battle. And that’s something not everyone can say they had the guts to do.

So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in a sea of “successful” designers making it look way too easy. Or if you’re battling imposter syndrome, burnout, or just wondering why this road feels so damn hard sometimes—this episode is for you.

Buckle up, we’re getting real. 🎙✨

Buckle up, fellow creatives—this week, we’re running straight toward our fears (unless, of course, that fear is a horror movie villain, in which case, run away). But when it comes to client revisions? I say embrace them. Yep, you heard me. I love client feedback!

The design world is full of horror stories about revision nightmares, but what if we flipped the script? What if revisions weren’t the enemy, but an opportunity to refine, grow, and—dare I say—create something even better than before? In this episode, I break down why I no longer cringe when a client requests changes, how I handle feedback like a pro, and the magic that happens when collaboration is done right.

So take a deep breath, resist the urge to panic at that incoming email, and let’s talk about why client revisions might just be your secret weapon.

✨ Press play, and let’s grow together.

Being your own boss is the dream… until you realize you’re also the janitor, the customer service rep, and the one making every single decision—alone.

In this episode, I’m ridin’ solo (literally and figuratively) and unpacking the unexpected loneliness that can creep in when you’re walking the road less traveled as a business owner. From getting blindsided by schedule shifts, to finding solace in networking events and creative routines, this episode is all about rolling with the punches and learning to navigate entrepreneurship when it feels like no one elsequite gets it.

Grab your metaphorical road map and let’s roll.

We’ve all been there—watching potential clients slip through our fingers and wondering what went wrong? At first, it felt like I kept taking wrong turns, but in reality, those setbacks rerouted me toward a crucial missing piece in my process: project proposals.

I’ll break down the mistakes I made, the hard lessons I learned, and what I wish I could go back and tell past-me before those lost opportunities. But more importantly, I’ll share how I took that L and turned it into a major win—transforming my process to better serve both me and my clients.

If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering why clients aren’t sealing the deal, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’re finally diving into a topic I’ve been procrastinating on—creative contracts. ✨

I’ll share my personal journey of navigating the world of contracts, from the slapdash Google searches of my early days to discovering professional templates and evolving them into something uniquely mine.

You’ll hear about the highs and lows of figuring it out on the fly, lessons learned from awkward client moments, and why contracts are an essential tool for clarity, professionalism, and sanity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with tips, real talk, and a little bit of imposter syndrome along the way.

So let’s dig into the art (and struggle) of building a creative contract that works for you!

In this episode, we’re stepping into the driver’s seat of possibility—literally. I’m sharing a story from my past about buying my dream car, a goal that felt impossibly out of reach at the time. This story isn’t just about the car; it’s about the power of determination, persistence, and leaning on your support system when the odds feel stacked against you.

Join me as we explore how the lessons from this experience—manifestation, fearless rebellion against doubt, and embracing the unexpected—can empower you to transform your dreams into reality. Whether you’re chasing a dream car, a dream business, or a dream life, this episode is here to remind you: nothing is impossible if you believe in your own magic. ✨

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we’re diving into the pivotal process of client onboarding—taking the wheel and setting the stage for smooth, successful design projects. I'll be sharing lessons I learned the hard way from the early, chaotic days of freelancing without contracts, proposals, or clear processes, and how implementing client onboarding turned confusion into confidence. From streamlining communication to setting expectations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help designers create a polished onboarding experience that saves time and builds trust. Whether you're just starting out or refining your business, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we're talking about navigating the pivotal moment when a client inquires about your services. This is what I call "handing over the keys." From navigating client inquiries to building trust through calls, proposals, and creative touchpoints, I share lessons learned from my own journey, including overcoming shyness and embracing client communication. Whether you're a designer aiming to book the job or a client seeking the right fit, this episode dives into the factors that shape these decisions and how to stand out as a creative professional.

Welcome to The Designated Designer! A podcast by Jenn from Stankin' Good Design. This show dives into the ups and downs of running a design business, sharing real stories, lessons, and insights from both designers and clients. Whether you’re a budding designer navigating entrepreneurship or a client curious about the branding process, this podcast offers relatable experiences, candid advice, and a fresh perspective on the creative journey.