Explore every episode of the podcast Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Business Can Be Successful and Still Be the Wrong Business | EP 224 | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:24:14 | |
A business can work perfectly on paper and still leave you feeling completely disconnected from it. The invoices get paid, the clients are happy, and by every external measure you've built the thing you said you wanted, and yet you open your laptop and feel nothing. That flat hum of boredom is easy to dismiss when the money's fine, but it's often the most useful signal a founder can get, and this episode is about what happens when you finally decide to listen to it. I'm talking honestly about the years I took every client, ran a coworking space, and kept saying yes to work that paid but didn't interest me, and how a business that functions can quietly become a trap. I get into the nap-time decision that made me raise my pricing from three thousand to twelve thousand, the slow narrowing toward skincare branding, and the five thousand dollars I spent on ads that taught me the difference between busy metrics and real alignment. If you're building a business that feels slightly off, one that's making money but doesn't fit the life you actually want, this is a grounded look at how alignment gets built through small decisions over years rather than one dramatic pivot. It's about the difference between a business that runs and a business you genuinely want to run, from a branding studio owner who spent too long confusing the two. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| The Real Reason I Became So Picky About My Design Clients | EP 223 | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:21:06 | |
Building a profitable design business isn't just about attracting more clients. At some point, it becomes about deciding which ones deserve a place in the business you're creating. That shift is much harder than most people expect because it forces you to stop measuring success by how many opportunities come your way and start measuring it by how your work actually feels every day. Over the past twenty years as a designer and eleven years running my agency, I've gone from designing for anyone who would hire me to becoming incredibly selective about the founders I work with. That journey has changed my approach to branding, niching, client relationships, and what I believe a successful creative business should actually look like. If you've been wondering whether it's time to niche down, raise your standards, or build a business that feels more aligned with the life you want, this conversation might resonate more than you expect. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| What I Would Do Differently If I Started My Agency Over | EP 222 | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:17:58 | |
Most creative businesses do not stay small because the owner is not talented enough. They stay stuck because the business was built too broad, too reactive, and too focused on proving something instead of building something with a clear shape underneath it. Scattered services, unclear positioning, systems that live entirely in your head, and visibility treated like an afterthought. These are not beginner mistakes you grow out of automatically. They are patterns that compound quietly for years. This episode is a honest look back at what I would do differently if I started Aventive Studio over today, after two decades in branding, over 350 brands, and a lot of hard-won clarity about what actually creates momentum in a creative agency. From narrowing services earlier to building around the life I actually wanted, this is less about tactics and more about the thinking that changes everything underneath the surface. If your business feels harder than it should right now, or like it has never quite found its shape, this one is worth a listen. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| How I Found My Branding and Design Style | EP 221 | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:19:39 | |
Your design style usually does not appear overnight. It slowly reveals itself through the things you naturally keep returning to over years of building, creating, observing, saving inspiration, buying products, designing spaces, and paying attention to what emotionally resonates with you. This conversation explores branding, creative direction, positioning, minimal design, quiet luxury branding, skincare branding, personal taste, entrepreneurship, and the emotional connection between your identity and the business you build. I talk about why I never wanted to chase clients, how my personal taste slowly shaped my agency, why I became so drawn toward minimal and elevated branding, and how narrowing into skincare finally made my business feel creatively aligned. I also share the difference between having a recognizable design style and making every brand look the same, why I believe strong branding is emotional first, and why I think many creatives ignore the very thing that could actually become their strongest positioning. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| What’s the Point of Success If You Barely Enjoy Your Life? | EP 220 | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:22:22 | |
There is a difference between building a successful business and building a life that actually feels good to live. For years, work life balance was framed as either laziness or some unrealistic fantasy. But the older I get, the more I realize balance has very little to do with working less. It has much more to do with alignment, ownership over your time, and building a business that supports the type of life you actually want long term. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, motherhood, freedom, creative alignment, ambition, business growth, lifestyle design, productivity culture, and the emotional difference between looking successful externally versus feeling connected to your life internally. I also talk about raising my prices during COVID after becoming a mom, growing up in Europe versus living in America, building a slower and more intentional lifestyle, and why I no longer want success that comes at the expense of presence, relationships, creativity, or peace. The older I get, the less interested I become in building a life that only looks impressive from the outside. I want the business itself to support the way I actually want to live. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| Is Hustle Culture Actually the Answer to Business Growth | EP 219 | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:21:20 | |
Hustle culture became aspirational because, in the beginning stages of business, hard work genuinely creates momentum. But eventually many entrepreneurs realize they built identities around being busy instead of building businesses that actually align with the life they want. This conversation explores hustle culture, entrepreneurship, ambition, creative alignment, burnout, founder psychology, business growth, and the difference between working harder versus building more intentionally. We talk about overworking, business evolution, identity shifts, pricing, motherhood, building a calmer business, and why clarity eventually matters more than constant movement. I also share the story of raising my prices from $3K to $12K after becoming a mom during COVID, why I shifted away from teaching designers full time, and how narrowing my agency into skincare completely changed the way I think about business and alignment. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| Why I Keep Investing in Business Coaches | EP 218 | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:20:17 | |
There is a difference between being productive and being aligned. For a long time, I thought my problem was focus. But eventually I realized the real issue was that I had too many open directions at the same time. The agency was growing, the education business existed, the podcast existed, new ideas kept appearing, and externally everything still looked successful. Internally, though, I felt creatively scattered. This conversation explores business coaching, creative alignment, founder growth, entrepreneurship, personal branding, focus, business evolution, and why clarity becomes one of the most valuable things ambitious people can invest in. We talk about hiring coaches during different seasons of business, why some conversations change your direction completely, and how I finally realized what I actually want to build long term. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| What’s Included in My $35K Branding Package | EP 217 | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:27:30 | |
A lot of people still look at branding like they are purchasing individual design deliverables. A logo. Packaging. A website. But once businesses start growing, the conversation changes completely. Founders stop asking whether a logo is worth a certain amount of money and start asking whether the brand itself reflects the level they are trying to reach. Building a premium skincare brand involves much more than visuals. Positioning, perception, customer trust, packaging systems, messaging, website experience, and strategic direction all start influencing growth at the same time. And that is why premium branding projects are rarely about decoration. They are about helping businesses become clearer, stronger, more intentional, and more aligned with the market they want to compete in. This conversation explores premium branding, skincare branding, creative agencies, positioning, pricing, business growth, customer perception, packaging design, Shopify websites, and the difference between freelance execution and building a real strategic branding agency. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| How I Take Summers Off Without My Business Falling Apart | EP 216 | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
For a long time, success felt very connected to growth. More clients, more projects, more revenue, more momentum. But eventually, another question started becoming more important. What kind of life is this business actually creating? Building a design agency changed the way I think about freedom, structure, work life balance, delegation, creativity, and sustainability completely. Not because freelancing is wrong, but because I realized the business model I originally built no longer matched the life I wanted long term. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, agency life, freelancing, creative alignment, systems, leadership, lifestyle design, business structure, work life balance, and what it really means to build a business intentionally instead of simply chasing growth for the sake of growth. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| What Spending $5,000 on Meta Ads Taught Me About My Design Business | EP 215 | 26 May 2026 | 00:19:57 | |
I spent $5,000 testing Meta ads for my branding agency and got zero clients from it. And honestly, I do not think the experiment failed at all. Because what it revealed about buyer psychology, attention, intent, branding, and how high ticket services actually convert was probably more valuable than the money itself. A lot of entrepreneurs assume that if their audience exists on Instagram or TikTok, those platforms automatically become the best place to market. But attention and buying intent are two very different things. Cheap leads, strong ad metrics, and visibility do not automatically translate into trust, readiness, or purchasing behavior. This conversation explores Meta ads, branding, entrepreneurship, premium services, buyer behavior, niche positioning, and the difference between interrupting attention versus capturing intent while building a specialized business in real time. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| Is AI Replacing Designers? My Real Thoughts on Claude and Creative Work | EP 214 | 19 May 2026 | 00:18:10 | |
Graphic design already changed long before AI entered the conversation. Canva, templates, cheap execution work, and accessible design tools started reshaping the industry years ago. AI is simply accelerating a shift that was already happening. The real separation now is not between designers who use AI and designers who do not. It is between execution level designers and strategic creative thinkers. Because businesses do not pay premium prices for someone to make things look nice anymore. They pay for positioning, decision making, customer psychology, branding strategy, and creative direction that actually helps a business grow. This conversation explores AI, Canva, Claude Design, branding, creative work, graphic design, business strategy, positioning, and the future of the design industry from the perspective of someone actively running a premium branding agency. Not from fear, hype, or internet opinions, but from real observations inside the industry as it changes in real time. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/ | |||
| Why I Narrowed My Branding Agency to Skincare | EP 213 | 12 May 2026 | 00:24:06 | |
Everything can look successful on paper and still feel completely wrong internally. Your business is growing, clients are coming in, the money is there, and technically, everything is working, but creatively, mentally, and emotionally, something feels off. A lot of entrepreneurs, creatives, founders, and business owners stay stuck in this cycle for years because they think the answer is better systems, more motivation, more productivity, or scaling harder, when the real issue is often creative misalignment. At some point, growth changes you. Your interests evolve, your standards evolve, your lifestyle changes, and the business you built five years ago may no longer reflect who you are becoming now. That disconnect slowly drains your creativity, clarity, and energy, even when the business itself is successful. This conversation explores business alignment, burnout, identity shifts, creative evolution, entrepreneurship, branding, personal growth, and what it actually looks like to build a business that feels aligned with your life instead of simply impressive from the outside. Links to Connect: Media & speaking: https://kadysandel.com My skincare branding studio: https://aventivestudio.com For designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit | |||
| How Designers Build Authority and Get High-Paying Clients | EP 211 | 05 May 2026 | 00:20:41 | |
You can post consistently, grow your audience, and still struggle to book clients. I see this all the time with talented designers who are doing everything right on the surface but are still not being chosen. The missing piece is not visibility. It is authority. In this episode, I break down what actually builds trust in your design business and why clarity, positioning, and your point of view matter more than posting more content. This is the shift that takes you from being seen to being hired as a creative CEO. You will learn:
Open your notes and get ready to rethink how clients actually choose a brand and web designer. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| The Problem With Making $10k the Goal as a Freelance Designer | EP 210 | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:15:45 | |
Ten thousand dollars became the number every freelance designer is chasing. It looks like success from the outside, but what most people are not talking about is what it actually takes to get there and whether it is even worth it. I learned this the hard way when I hit that milestone and realized I had built a business that felt overwhelming, not freeing. In this episode, I break down why the number itself means nothing and what actually matters if you want to build a profitable and sustainable design business as a creative CEO. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what success actually looks like in your design business. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Why Design Agency Owners Earn More & Work Less Than Freelance Designers | EP 209 | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:22:04 | |
Many designers start freelancing for freedom, only to realize their business cannot function without them. More clients often mean more responsibility, more communication, and less time. I built a design agency because I wanted sustainability, not just flexibility. In this episode, I explain why design agency owners consistently earn more while working fewer hours, how shifting from execution to leadership changes your income potential, and what actually happens behind the scenes when your business stops depending entirely on you. If you are a freelance designer or design business owner wondering how to grow without burning out, this episode connects the reality most people do not talk about. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what freedom in a creative business actually looks like. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Evergreen Lead Generation for Design Businesses | EP 208 | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:25:14 | |
If getting clients still feels unpredictable, the problem is rarely your talent or effort. It is usually the absence of an evergreen lead generation system. For years, I watched designers move between busy seasons and slow months because their marketing only worked when they were actively pushing it forward. Evergreen lead generation changes that completely. Instead of constantly searching for the next project, your design business begins attracting aligned clients consistently in the background. In this episode, I break down how design business owners can stop relying on short term visibility and start building long term attraction through positioning, content, websites, and paid systems that work even when you are offline. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to build a design business that attracts clients without constant chasing. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Why I Built a Design Agency Instead of Staying a Freelancer | EP 207 | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:23:40 | |
Freelancing can feel like the dream at first, until the business grows and you realize you are doing everything. Client proposals, discovery calls, admin, delivery, follow up, and the constant pressure of staying available just to keep income stable. I built a design agency because I wanted more than flexibility. I wanted sustainability. In this episode, I share the real turning point that made me stop operating like a freelance designer and start building leverage, including how I hired early in small ways, how my role shifted into creative direction, and what changed when my agency stopped depending on me every day. If you are a brand and web designer or design business owner trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients without feeling trapped by your own workload, this will connect the dots. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what real freedom in your design business actually looks like. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| The Hidden Skills Designers Need to Land High-Paying Clients | EP 206 | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:37:14 | |
You can have a strong portfolio, years of experience, and still struggle with how to get graphic design clients who are ready to invest. I have watched incredibly talented freelance designers stay stuck at the same pricing level simply because they were missing skills nobody talks about. The shift into attracting high paying clients rarely happens inside your design work. It happens in how you think, communicate, lead, and position yourself as a creative CEO and design business owner. In this episode, I share the hidden skills that separate designers who compete on price from those consistently trusted with larger projects. These are the skills that change client conversations, pricing design services, and how confidently you show up long before a proposal is ever sent. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what actually attracts better clients. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| From $3k to $20k Design Projects - The Pricing Strategy | EP 205 | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:15:10 | |
Getting stuck at $3,000 projects is one of the most common ceilings designers hit, and it has nothing to do with skill. In this episode, I break down why pricing based on deliverables keeps designers capped, how that quietly turns your work into a commodity, and what actually needs to change if you want to move into $10K, $15K, and $20K projects without burning out. I share how I personally made this shift in my own design business and why value based pricing only works when you understand the real business problem you are solving. If you are a freelance designer or design business owner wondering how to get graphic design clients who see your work as an investment instead of an expense, this episode will change how you think about pricing design services and your role as a creative CEO. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you price your work. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Why You Should Stop Calling Yourself a Freelance Designer | EP 204 | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:12:00 | |
The word freelance sounds harmless, but it carries more weight than most designers realize. In this episode, I break down why calling yourself a freelance designer can cap your income, how clients subconsciously interpret that label, and what shifts when you start positioning yourself as a business instead of an extra set of hands. I talk about authority, pricing, and why so many designers struggle to charge more even when their work is strong. If you are a freelance designer or design business owner trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients who respect your role and your pricing, this episode will change how you think about positioning and your identity as a creative CEO. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink one word that may be holding your business back. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Inside My $25k Design Projects and Why It Closed | EP 203 | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:18:10 | |
Five figure design projects do not close because you explained your value better or added more deliverables. They close because the structure of the business makes the decision feel safe. In this episode, I walk you inside my twenty five thousand dollar design projects and break down exactly why they close so cleanly. I talk about what clients are actually buying at that level, what changed in my business when I started closing five figure work consistently, and why confidence is built long before the sales call ever happens. If you are a freelance designer or design business owner trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients who are ready to invest without convincing or negotiating, this episode will reframe how you think about pricing design services and your role as a creative CEO. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to see why five figure projects close when everything finally makes sense. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| What Makes a Designer Stand Out ($10k+ Projects) | EP 202 | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:19:58 | |
Most designers think landing high end projects is about better aesthetics or more visibility. It is not. The difference between a three thousand dollar project and a ten thousand dollar project almost always comes down to clarity. In this episode, I break down what actually makes a designer high end, why positioning matters more than your list of services, and how authority driven content and a single clear offer change how clients perceive your value. If you are a freelance designer or brand and web designer trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients who are ready to invest, this episode will help you rethink how you show up as a creative CEO and design business owner. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to see why standing out is a decision, not a design style. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How Designers Can Book Clients During Slow Seasons | EP 201 | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:20:18 | |
A quiet inbox has a way of making confident designers doubt everything. Your pricing. Your positioning. Your experience. I have watched this happen in my own business and with hundreds of designers I have worked with. In this episode, I break down why slow seasons are normal, why panic is the most expensive reaction you can have, and how I use slower periods to think and act like a creative CEO instead of reacting like a freelancer. If you are a freelance designer or brand and web designer trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients without undercutting yourself, this episode will help you see slow seasons very differently. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to stop fearing slow seasons and start using them. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| It’s Not the Algorithm. It’s Your Personal Brand w/ Chris Do | EP 200 | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:38:51 | |
Posting consistently, telling better stories, doing everything right and still watching your growth stall is frustrating. For this milestone 200th episode, I sat down with Chris Do for a very honest conversation about what actually builds a personal brand when algorithms change and attention is harder than ever to earn. We talked about identity before content, confidence before visibility, and why so many freelance designers and design business owners feel invisible online even when their work is strong. I also shared my own experiences as a creative CEO navigating content, positioning, and showing up as a brand and web designer without burning out or oversharing. This conversation is less about hacks and more about clarity, intention, and building something that lasts if you care about how to get graphic design clients and grow a sustainable design business.You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up, why you create content, and what kind of brand you actually want to build. About Chris Do Connect with Chris Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| The Only 3 Marketing Activities That Grow a Design Business | EP 199 | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:18:16 | |
Most designers think they need more content, more platforms, or more exposure to grow. That is not the problem. The real issue is misalignment. I see so many talented designers working nonstop and still struggling with unpredictable income. In this episode, I break down the only three marketing activities that actually grow a design business and why everything else is just noise. If you are a freelance designer or a brand and web designer trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients without burning out, this will give you clarity. This is about building trust, creating momentum, and thinking like a creative CEO instead of chasing tactics. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you market your design business. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How to Stand Out in a Saturated Design Market | EP 198 | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:18:48 | |
The design market feels louder and more competitive than ever, and yet the designers who truly stand out are not doing anything flashy. They are doing something much simpler. They are clear. In this episode, I am breaking down why the market feels saturated, why being talented is not enough, and what actually makes clients choose one freelance designer over another. If you are a brand and web designer or a design business owner who feels stuck competing on price or struggling with how to get graphic design clients, this conversation will change how you see your positioning, your portfolio, and your role as a creative CEO. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you position yourself in a crowded market. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How to Become a Fully Booked Designer | EP 197 | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:20:43 | |
You can be busy and still feel stuck. That is the uncomfortable truth most designers avoid. In this episode, I break down what actually makes a designer fully booked and why so many talented freelance designers stay busy but unstable. We talk about the difference between random demand and predictable demand, why clarity matters more than visibility, and how alignment across your positioning, offer, portfolio, and systems changes everything. If you are a brand and web designer or design business owner who wants calmer growth and consistent clients, this episode will help you see exactly what is missing. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what fully booked actually looks like. Aventive Academy’s Resources: Fully Booked Designer (6-week program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/ From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How to Fix a Design Portfolio That Isn’t Converting | EP 196 | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:16:23 | |
Your portfolio can be beautiful and still fail to convert. I see this all the time with talented designers who are doing great work but attracting the wrong clients or no clients at all. In this episode, I walk through why most design portfolios do not work, what clients are actually looking for when they review your work, and how to restructure your portfolio so it supports your pricing, your offer, and your role as the expert. This is about turning your portfolio into a real part of your sales process as a freelance designer and design business owner. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how to get graphic design clients through a portfolio that actually converts. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| The $10k Signature Offer That Changes Everything for Brand Designers | 195 | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:25:45 | |
Being busy is not the same thing as building a sustainable design business. I learned that the hard way. In this episode, I walk you through why offering everything keeps you stuck, how one $10k signature offer can simplify your business, and why brand strategy is the key to staying relevant as a brand and web designer in a world full of templates and AI tools. This is the exact shift that helped me stop chasing random projects and start building a business that feels intentional, confident, and scalable as a design business owner and creative CEO. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how to get graphic design clients without offering everything to everyone. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| My Top 3 Lead-Generating Activities for Designers (That Actually Work) | EP 194 | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:26:50 | |
Most designers think they need more visibility to get clients, but visibility without clarity does nothing. I am breaking down the top three lead generating activities that have consistently brought me high quality clients as a brand and web designer, without chasing trends or burning out. These are the systems I still rely on today as a design business owner and creative CEO, and they work whether you are a freelance designer or running a small studio. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you approach lead generation in your design business. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| My 2026 Design Business Predictions (and How to Prepare) | EP 193 | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:16:17 | |
2026 is going to separate designers who lead from designers who get replaced. I am seeing clear shifts in how clients hire, what they value, and what they are willing to pay for. AI is changing the industry fast, but not in the way most designers think. In this episode, I am sharing my real predictions for 2026 based on what I see inside my own agency and from working closely with designers who want to grow as creative CEOs. This conversation is for every freelance designer, brand and web designer, and design business owner who wants to attract better clients, price with confidence, and build a business that lasts. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you approach how to get graphic design clients, pricing design services, and stepping fully into the creative CEO role. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| What Running a 6-Figure Design Business as a Mom Really Looks Like | EP 192 | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:15:03 | |
Running a six-figure design business while raising kids is not about working nonstop or separating life into perfect boxes. It is about creating flow, flexibility, and freedom. I built my agency from home with a remote team, a dedicated studio space, and systems that keep everything running even when life gets busy. In this episode, I am sharing what real balance looks like for a creative CEO and how I make both business and motherhood work together. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to design a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Vision Board for Designers – How to Map Out Your 2026 Goals | EP 191 | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:19:49 | |
Most freelance designers set goals that sound good on paper but have no real direction. That is why I use a vision board to map out my year intentionally, not to manifest but to plan. In this episode, I am walking you through how to create a 2026 vision board that helps you grow your design business, attract better clients, and make decisions that align with the life you want. Whether you are a brand and web designer, a creative CEO, or a design business owner who wants clarity and structure, this episode will help you turn your goals into strategy. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to create a vision that moves your business forward with intention. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How to Build Systems That Save 10+ Hours in a Design Biz | EP 190 | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:20:48 | |
Most freelance designers waste 10 or more hours each week doing tasks that could be automated or simplified. In this episode, I am showing you exactly how to build systems that save you time, help you attract more clients, and make your design business easier to manage. Whether you are a brand and web designer, a design business owner, or a creative CEO who is ready to scale, you will learn how to create structure, simplify your offers, and finally stop reinventing the wheel for every client. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to organize your design business like a pro. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| My Design Agency Reflection: Lessons from 2025 and Changes for 2026 | 189 | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:18:21 | |
This year changed everything. I had $40K profitable months, $20K plus design clients, and podcast sponsors that made 2025 my best year so far. But beyond the numbers, it gave me clarity. In this episode, I share what worked, what I am changing inside my design agency, and how I am expanding my personal brand in 2026. Whether you are a freelance designer, brand and web designer, or a design business owner, this episode will help you reflect on your year and plan your next one with purpose. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to reflect on your biggest lessons from 2025 and create your plan for 2026. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How to Audit Your Design Business Before the New Year | EP 188 | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:32:28 | |
Most design business owners plan for the new year without actually reviewing the one they just had. And that’s a mistake. In this episode, I walk you through how to audit your design business before the new year so you can make smarter, more confident decisions that actually move you forward. Whether you’re a freelance designer, brand and web designer, or growing a small studio, this process will help you understand your numbers, refine your offers, and realign your goals for real growth. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to bring strategy and clarity into your next year. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Why Designers Struggle to Raise Their Rates | EP 187 | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:23:13 | |
Most freelance designers know they should be charging more but struggle to actually raise their rates. In this episode, I am breaking down why that happens and what you can do to change it. It is not your portfolio, your market, or the economy. It is your mindset. I will show you how to shift your thinking around money, attract high-value clients, and start pricing design services with confidence. Whether you are a freelance designer, a brand and web designer, or a design business owner growing into your role as a creative CEO, this episode will help you understand what is really behind your hesitation to charge more and how to move past it. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to shift the way you think about money, confidence, and the value of your work. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How to Start Planning for 2026 as a Freelance Designer | EP 186 | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:26:01 | |
Most freelance designers start every new year by setting goals. But without reflection, those goals mean nothing. In this episode, I share exactly how I plan for the new year as a design business owner and how you can create your 2026 plan with intention. We’ll talk about raising prices, refining offers, simplifying systems, and setting goals that actually support the life you want to live. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to plan your most intentional and profitable year yet. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| 10 Lessons I Learned from 10 Years of Running My Design Business | EP 185 | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:25:07 | |
Ten years, hundreds of clients, and more lessons than I can count. This episode is a reflection on what it really takes to grow from a freelance designer charging $65 logos to running a six-figure design agency that gives you freedom and choice. I am sharing the ten biggest lessons that shaped my business, my mindset, and how I show up as a creative CEO. These lessons are honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and exactly what I wish someone told me when I started. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to think differently about how you grow your design business. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Exact Systems I Use to Run a Profitable Design Business (Step by Step) | EP 184 | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:20:54 | |
When I finally built real systems in my design business, everything changed, from how I manage money to how I onboard clients and plan my week. I am sharing every single system I use as a brand and web designer so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start running your design business like a Creative CEO. Whether you are a freelance designer or scaling your studio, these steps will help you become more profitable without working more hours. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to systemize your design business for profit and freedom. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Attract Design Clients Without Posting Every Day | EP 183 | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:27:33 | |
You don’t need to post every day to attract high-paying graphic design clients. What you need is clarity, focus, and a strategy that actually moves your design business forward. In this episode, I’m sharing how to stop wasting hours on random posts and start using intentional content that brings you clients, not just followers. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to figure out where your dream clients are, what they actually care about, and how to position your design content so it sells your expertise without burning you out. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up online as a profitable designer. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Stop Undercharging as a Designer – Do This Instead | EP 182 | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:27:03 | |
Charging $2,500 for branding might feel safe, but it’s actually the reason so many designers stay stuck. When you underprice your work, you attract the wrong clients, limit your growth, and start believing your own low rates. I know because I did it too. In this episode, I’ll show you how to break out of the $2K–$4K design trap and finally step into pricing that reflects your value. Whether you’re building a freelance design business or aiming to grow a profitable design studio, this conversation will help you raise design rates with confidence, land better graphic design clients, and start scaling your design business the smart way. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you price, sell, and grow as a designer. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Why Branding Starts with Strategy, Not Design (with Dr. Nathan Bryan) | Ep 181 | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:35:06 | |
Most people don’t dream of becoming entrepreneurs in the lab. But when science meets innovation, business ideas are born. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I’m joined by Dr. Nathan Bryan, a molecular medicine researcher turned product-based business owner. He shares how his discoveries around nitric oxide led to supplements, skincare, and therapeutic innovations—and how branding and marketing have been just as critical as the science itself. You’ll learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you think about product-based branding. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180 | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:50:51 | |
What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer? In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he built his studio, and why staying curious has been a key part of his process from day one. We also talk about working with clients, building trust, and how design is just one piece of what makes a creative business thrive. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready for a grounded, honest conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling creative career. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. If you want to connect with Jeremy, here is how: Website: www.slagledesign.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slagledesign/ Online course: adobe.ly/confidence Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How I Went From Freelance Graphic Designer to Creative CEO | EP 179 | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:31:59 | |
Being fully booked does not always mean you are successful. I know because I hit ten thousand dollar months as a freelancer and still felt broke, exhausted, and trapped. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I am breaking down the real difference between freelancing and running your business like a CEO and why making this shift changed everything for me. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what success really means as a designer. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| From Outdated Labels to a Full Rebrand with Philip McCauley | 178 | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:52:14 | |
What happens when a former tech manager buys a 20-year-old health food business - and turns it into a modern, fast-growing CPG brand? In this episode, I’m talking with Philip Macaulay, the founder of Vital Purple and the new owner of NaturalZing, a raw food company he’s rebranded and expanded. Philip shares how he took over an outdated brand with 500 SKUs, fixed the packaging, introduced new products, launched an entirely new superfood line, and is now building something he believes will disrupt the cacao industry. Whether you're a designer working with CPG clients or a founder yourself, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rebranding, packaging, retail strategy, and launching innovative products from the ground up. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what great branding actually means in the CPG space! And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| Why You’re Still Not Fully Booked Designer | EP 177 | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:29:56 | |
You’re doing everything right. Great portfolio. Polished mockups. Refined skills. You’ve studied the trends, followed the advice, stayed consistent with your content. You’ve taken courses, built case studies, cleaned up your website, and tried to make every project look perfect. You’ve probably spent hours tweaking your fonts, updating mockups, rewriting your About page, hoping that this time it will finally land you clients. You’ve invested in yourself. You’ve grown. You know your work is good. So why aren’t you fully booked? Why are you still stuck wondering where the next client is coming from? Why are you pouring effort into your brand with little to show for it, while designers with half your skill seem to be booked out months in advance? It’s not about talent. It’s not about luck. And it’s definitely not about posting more carousels. In this episode, I’m sharing what actually keeps talented designers stuck and the changes I made that finally started bringing in consistent, high paying clients. We’re breaking down the real reasons clients aren’t reaching out and what to do instead. You will learn:
Grab a coffee and your notes. This one is a wake up call. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How Branding Helped This Skincare Founder Get to Walmart (Sarah Vilensky with Blossom Essentials) | EP 176 | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:31:39 | |
What does it really take to grow a skincare brand from a personal need to national retail shelves? In this episode, I’m talking with Sarah Wilensky, the founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials, a clean skincare brand for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin. You’ll hear how Sarah built her product line from scratch, landed retail deals including Walmart and Nordstrom, and made bold decisions like a full rebrand to match her growth goals. We also break down what visual investments she made, how she found her designer, and what she looks for when hiring creatives. Whether you're a designer working with product-based brands or a founder looking to scale, this conversation is packed with insights. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you work with brands that scale! And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| $250,000 Branding & Design Project - What It Included & What I Learned | EP 175 | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:25:06 | |
What does a $250,000 branding and design project actually include? In this episode, I’m sharing what happened when I landed the biggest design project of my career. It came with a high price tag, a full team, and a long timeline. But the biggest lessons weren’t about money or scope. They were about the kind of business I want to build. You will learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what’s possible in your design business. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||
| How a CPG Founder Would Select Their Designer | EP 174 | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:39:05 | |
You’ve heard designers talk about rebrands. But what does it actually feel like on the founder’s side? In this episode, I sat down with the creators of three beverage brands who’ve rebranded their products multiple times — and they didn’t hold back. We talked about design, shelf presence, retail growth, visual strategy, and how branding decisions get made when real money is on the line. You’ll learn:
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business. And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin. Aventive Academy’s Resources: From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator | |||