Welcome to another episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast! In this episode, we're excited to have Kyle Courtright joining us. Kyle, a visionary who rejected the traditional 9-5 grind, has been making waves in the freelancing world. His impressive client roster includes big names such as PayPal, Toyota, Chipotle, Walmart, NVIDIA, NFL, NBA, and the USA Olympics. But that's not all—Kyle also manages two additional companies! One, Logo Wave, is dedicated to recognizing exceptional design work, adding value to organizations and boosting careers. The other is a subscription-based design service. Curious to learn more? Tune in to find out! In this episode, you will learn: How Kyle got these amazing Fortune 500 companies as a graphic designer.What platforms he uses to land design clients, and not just any client but high-value and high-paying clients.If LinkedIn is worth the effort + a personal story of posting every day for 6 months with no results.How he manages to work only 20-30 hours a week while running 3 design companies.If SEO is still relevant and what you can do to get in front of potential clients that Google and search for your services. This episode is super valuable, and I am sure you’ll love it!   About Kyle Courtright: Kyle Courtright is an award-winning designer, mentor and author specializing in brand design. He's worked with 650+ entities in over a decade including widely recognized brands like PayPal, Toyota, Walmart, Chipotle, Lowe's, NVIDIA and USA Olympics. Kyle is the founder of Logo Wave, a reimagined logo awards platform recognizing and rewarding designers, bringing additional value to their creative services for positive career impact. He's also the founder of Etch, a productized brand design agency with a small but mighty team of ten. He also created the Logo Inspiration Generator Tool and authored The Ultimate Guide to Logo Design, now purchased by designers spanning 6 continents and over 50 countries. He's passionate about helping designers reach their career goals and leveling up their creative craft! etchdesign.co | courtrightdesign.com | logowave.comlinkedin.com/in/kcourtright | x.com/kcourtdesign | x.com/mylogowave Resources: $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Welcome to an insightful episode where I sit down with Shannon Mattern, a seasoned business coach specializing in helping web design entrepreneurs create freedom, flexibility, and financial independence. In our conversation, Shannon shares invaluable insights into the realm of marketing for design professionals. Uncover the key elements of a successful marketing strategy, gain clarity on identifying your unique selling proposition, and explore practical tips for leveraging social media platforms effectively. From content marketing to networking, Shannon sheds light on common misconceptions and provides actionable guidance for design business owners.   You will learn: The importance of marketing in attracting the right clients and fostering business growth.Strategies for identifying and leveraging your unique selling proposition to stand out in a crowded market.Practical tips for effectively showcasing your work and attracting potential clients on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.Insights into content marketing strategies tailored to resonate with your target audience and establish authority in your niche.Common marketing mistakes to avoid and actionable guidance for refining your marketing efforts.   Tune in! About Shannon: Shannon Mattern is a business coach for web designers and host of the Profitable Web Designer Podcast where she shares strategies and advice to help web designers create freedom, flexibility and financial independence.   Website: https://webdesigneracademy.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/profitablewebdesigner Web Designer Archetypes Quiz: https://webdesigneracademy.com/quiz --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Get ready to explore the vibrant world of design entrepreneurship with Kristy Campbell, the innovative force behind Pink Pony Creative. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we uncover Kristy's journey from a solo designer to leading a successful design agency. Discover the inspiration behind Kristy's 100-day design challenge and the strategies she employed to scale her business. From her unique approach to social media marketing to attracting dream clients, Kristy shares invaluable insights and advice for fellow designers and small business owners aiming to thrive in the industry. Join me as we unravel the secrets to building a thriving design agency, straight from the dynamic mind of Kristy Campbell.   You will learn: The story behind Kristy's 100-day design challenge on Instagram and its impact on her journey.Strategies for transitioning from a solo designer to leading a successful design agency.Insights into effective social media marketing and attracting dream design clients.Kristy's approach to managing social media accounts and identifying the most effective platforms.Key lessons and advice for aspiring designers and small business owners seeking growth and success in the industry. Grab a cup of coffee and be ready to take notes! About Kristy: Kristy Campbell, founder of Pink Pony Creative and Adobe MAX speaker, is a New Zealand-based Brand Identity and Graphic Designer with over ten years’ of experience in the industry. She expresses herself in daring, vibrant and exciting ways, pushing the boundaries of branding through the combination of loud color, quirky illustrations, and stylized logos. Kristy now undertakes projects for clients worldwide and embraces an ‘anything but boring’ aesthetic in design and business. And with a business name like “Pink Pony”, you know she creates a little differently.   www.pinkponycreative.com https://www.instagram.com/kristy.thepinkpony/ https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkponycreative The Social Ponies Podcast Resources: $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

I am hosting a FREE masterclass on April 10th on how to get amazing design clients on LinkedIn. If you are a brand, graphic, or web designer, this is for you, and you can register by clicking on this link – aventiveacademy.com/linkedin. In today’s podcast episode, on The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast, we’re covering why LinkedIn is such a powerful social media platform that not many designers utilize. It’s a B2B platform that has a lot of potential clients. Yet, many designers stay away from it. My first $10k client came from LinkedIn. And since then, I’ve gotten $15k, $25k, even $29k design clients through this powerful platform. And in today’s podcast episode, I talk more about it. Tune in, and I hope to see you on April 10th at 10 am CST during the free masterclass that will help you get design clients on LinkedIn (recording available). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

It's a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! Over the past 100 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their experiences, tips, and strategies that have empowered designers to run profitable, simple and sustainable design businesses they love! None of this would have been possible without YOU - our incredible listeners. Your support, feedback, and dedication have fueled our passion to bring you the best of the design & business world. We've received hundreds of messages from designers around the world who've found inspiration and practical advice through our episodes and I, as your host, want to thank you! 😊 The journey to 100 episodes is just the beginning. We're excited to continue providing you with valuable insights, expert interviews, and a platform to thrive as a creative business owner. In this podcast episode, we have a fantastic guest, Chris Do, and we’ve touched on many different business topics that will help design business owners improve their business. Chris Do shared how he started his business, how he got some of the first clients, when he started outsourcing, hiring, and how he grew his business into a successful creative agency in LA. Chris also touched on how you can start getting high-paying clients that you would love to work with! He also helped us understand why clients choose the designers they choose and how you can position yourself and your business as the best possible option for those dreamy clients. It’s very easy to understand and implement in your business, so I would encourage you to go through it. And, Chris Do also talked about how you can start creating content that will attract dream design clients. Really, the whole episode is full of value, and I know you will find it super valuable if you are a brand, graphic, or web designer trying to build a sustainable design agency. Here’s what you will learn: Discover the work-life balance of a busy entrepreneur, including hobbies and family time.Learn about Chris's journey from a freelance designer to building his agency, Blind.Gain expert advice on transitioning from a solo designer to building a team and agency.Find out how to overcome the challenge of hiring when you have limited resources.Explore effective marketing strategies that work when using social media.Delve into the importance of personal branding in the creative business world.Get insights into content creation and social media management. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and enjoy this milestone episode with Chris Do & your host, Kady Sandel. Resources: Getting Design Clients on LinkedIn: https://aventiveacademy.com/linkedin/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator   About Chris Do: Chris Do is a loud introvert, recovering graphic designer, Emmy award winning designer, and founder of the Futur, an online education platform. His mission is to teach 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love. Think of the Futur as private art school without the crippling debt.   Connect with Chris Do: Website: thefutur.com Get a copy of his book Pocket Full of Do   Coaching communities: Accelerator - For early founders & freelancers seeking a step-by-step blueprint on building a thriving creative business.Pro Group – For established creative service providers, coaches and consultants who are ready to scale.Brand Lab - For founders ready to create their personal brand, build thought-leadership, and innovate their businesses.   Follow him on: Twitter Instagram Linkedin TikTok YouTube (1500+ videos) Futur Podcast (Top 10 ranked for Marketing) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

This episode means the world to me. I want you to understand that the $32,000 isn't about bragging - it's about showing you what's possible. Trust me, I've been there, starting with those $65 logo gigs on Craigslist. It wasn't a quick journey, and yours won't be either. But let me tell you, it's doable. What used to be a massive accomplishment for me is now just another day in the office, and that's something I'm truly proud of. On this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I'm thrilled to share how you can start landing those high-paying clients too. From where to find them to understanding exactly what they need, I'm going to spill all the beans. You will learn: Strategies for acquiring high-value ($20k or so) clients, whether through networking events or online platforms.The importance of setting the right prices and how to gradually increase them as your business & expertise grow.Tips for effective project management, including tools like Trello for internal communication and Notion for client portals.How to build a strong reputation that attracts referrals and fosters long-term success.   Resources: The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

As someone who's been in your shoes, consistently pulling in $5k a month as a freelance graphic designer, I understand the urge to take things to the next level. Let's talk about transforming your solo operation into a small design agency. We're diving into the steps you need to take to make that transition seamlessly. This podcast episode is going to be incredibly valuable for you if you're a brand, graphic, or web designer ready to scale and provide better design services to your clients. Running a design agency also means you no longer have to do everything alone in your business. If you don’t enjoy communicating with clients, you can hire someone to take over. If web development isn’t your forte, you can outsource it. If you believe you should focus on the vision while someone else handles the day-to-day tasks, you'll have the time to do so. There are many benefits to running an agency versus staying solo. So, let’s chat! You will learn: How to pinpoint your agency's niche and services to attract the perfect clients, leveraging your expertise and passions.The ins and outs of crafting a killer brand and online presence that screams professionalism and credibility.Proven strategies for expanding your client base beyond your current network, including networking tips and the power of referrals.Practical advice on hiring your first employee, from finding the right fit to navigating the legalities.My personal insights on effective team management and delegation to keep your agency running smoothly.Plus, we'll delve into the importance of cultivating strong client relationships and retention strategies for long-term success. Grab a cup of coffee and tune in! Resources: $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we talk about expanding your design business and building your dream team. From feeling swamped with administrative tasks to struggling to attract top-notch clients, we've all been there. If you've heard my other podcast episodes, you'll know that I used to be a solo freelance designer charging $65 for a logo, to building an amazing team and agency, and getting 5-figure clients all the time. So, I'm here to guide you through the process, sharing my own journey and the lessons I've learned along the way. We talk about the perks of growing into an agency, the types of roles you might need (think virtual assistants, extra designers, marketing & sales…), and the flexible hiring options that fit your budget and workload. No need to stress about making the perfect hire – I've got tips for finding the right fit and making the decision with confidence. Plus, ever heard of the floating agency model? It's a game-changer! It’s amazing! So, grab your coffee and tune in 😊   You Will Learn: Why transitioning to a design agency model can help your business and save you time.How to pinpoint your pain points and figure out which roles will make the biggest impact on your workflow.Who exactly I have on my team and who works full-time, part-time, or are contractors in my branding & design agency.Tips for hiring - whether you're looking for a virtual assistant or a marketing guru.The lowdown on flexible hiring options, from contractors to part-timers, that'll keep your business agile and adaptable.The scoop on the floating agency model and how it can revolutionize the way you approach staffing.   Resources: $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Welcome to another episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast! Today, we’re talking about social media content creation with our guest, Kenzi Green. With her expertise in luxury brand and web design, Kenzi is the creative force behind Kenzi Green Design. Kenzi shares her experience and insights into crafting compelling content tailored to attract design clients. In this episode, you will learn: How Kenzi's background in design has shaped her approach to content creation and client acquisition.What to do when you don’t have clients and how she got a high-paying client + sent a $13k proposal after a few days of intentionally creating Reels.Strategies for developing a robust content strategy that resonates with potential design clients.Recommended tools and resources for streamlining the content creation process for design professionals.Kenzi's personal insights on the joys and challenges of navigating social media's dynamic landscape. Join us as Kenzi unveils the secrets to leveraging social media effectively to grow your design business and connect with your ideal clients. Don't miss out on this invaluable conversation!   About Kenzi:Luxury brand & web designer behind Kenzi Green Design and co-founder of The Brief Collective - Design Biz Academy.   Website: kenzigreendesign.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenzigreendesign/ Designer pricing guide: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/641cae0cfdc205d62dc7f1a9 Unapologetic Designer Podcast: https://kenzigreendesign.com/unapologetic-designer-podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Yes, this is written by AI and you can spot it miles away (if you have ever used ChatGPT) 😊 Get ready to supercharge your design and business game in this episode! I'm diving into the incredible world of AI and how it's a game-changer for designers like me. We're exploring the endless possibilities of harnessing AI in design and how it transforms the way we do business. You won't want to miss this! In this episode, I'm sharing design tips: How AI serves as an endless source of inspiration, helping you brainstorm and create unique design concepts effortlessly.Tips and tricks for using AI to master fonts in Illustrator and create stunning typography that stands out.The magic of generative fill and how it takes your designs to the next level, making them more dynamic and captivating.Discovering how to easily create eye-catching 3D mockups with the help of AI tools.A deep dive into Adobe Firefly and how it streamlines your design process, making it more efficient and effective.Learning how to create powerful client presentations that leave a lasting impression and win you more projects.Exploring how AI elevates your professional portfolio and showcases your work in the most impressive way. On the business front, we're also delving into: Crafting website copy that not only resonates with your audience but also ranks higher in search engines, driving more traffic to your site.Using AI to supercharge your social media posts and engage your audience like never before.Elevating your professional email communication with AI-powered suggestions for more effective correspondence.Developing a rock-solid brand strategy with AI tools that help you understand your market and competitors better.Creating website copy that not only tells your story but also converts visitors into paying clients.Finally, we're discussing the power of AI in blogging, helping you generate ideas and even write high quality content faster than ever before. Grab a cup of coffee, get ready to take notes and enjoy. I know you’re going to love this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Get ready, because in this episode, I'm unveiling the secrets to turbocharge your design business with an unstoppable client pipeline. As a graphic, brand, or web design business owner, I've walked the same path, and today, I'm sharing my tried-and-true strategies. Join me as I guide you through the art of Lead Generation – we'll explore how to reel in potential clients from various sources. Then, we'll dive into Lead Qualification, helping you spot the gold amidst the rocks. Next up, we'll discuss the art of Engagement, where you'll discover how to connect with your audience on a whole new level. After that, it's Conversion time – turning leads into loyal clients. But it doesn't end there; we'll explore Client Relationship Management and the magic of Retention and Referrals. Lastly, we'll dissect Analytics and Optimization to ensure your pipeline is always running at peak performance. Get ready to transform your design business and take it to new heights. You will learn: How to identify your ideal clients and attract them effectively.The secrets of lead qualification to save you time and energy.Strategies to engage your audience and build lasting connections.The art of converting leads into paying clients.Techniques for client retention and harnessing the power of referrals.   Resources: $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Join me in this exciting episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, where I had the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented Will Paterson. Will is a true master in the world of graphic design, specializing in Logo Design, Hand Lettering, and Brand Identity. As the owner of a successful design agency, he's collaborated with big names like Adobe, Instagram, and Skillshare. And did I mention his YouTube channel? It boasts a whopping 852,000 subscribers! In this episode, I dive deep into a conversation with Will, getting personal about his journey as a content creator and his path to online stardom. Here's what you'll learn: The secrets behind Will's rise as a content creator and how he began crafting his digital presence.How business owners in the design field can leverage content creation to attract premium clients, increase rates, and supercharge their businesses.The effective strategies and tactics Will used to grow his YouTube subscribers and Instagram followers.Insights into the types of content that resonate with his audience and find out if his target audience includes potential clients or fellow designers.How Will maintains a consistent content creation schedule and whether he has a support system in place to help with the grind. But that's not all, we also dive into the nitty-gritty of logo design. Will shares his creative process, from initial concept to the final product, and unveils his secrets to developing a signature style. Plus, he spills the beans about his course, Logo Launch, designed to empower designers with everything logo design & business related. So, get ready to be inspired and learn from the best. About Will Paterson: Will is a creative director, designer, branding expert and YouTuber. He’s been designing for over a decade, beginning as a freelance artist to now being the proud owner of our design agency, based in the North East of England. He loves creating memorable, unique branding for companies as well as YouTube videos to help people level up their own design skills and knowledge.   YouTube Instagram Logo Launch Website --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Welcome, fellow designers, to another exciting episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. I'm thrilled to have a very special guest joining me. Meet Ran, a seasoned designer with over two decades of experience and a deep passion for all things WebFlow. Throughout our conversation, we'll delve into Ran's remarkable journey and uncover the secrets of generating passive income while building a thriving agency that sells online courses. If you're a design business owner on the hunt for fresh income avenues, you're in for a treat.   In this episode, you will learn: What ignited Ran's desire to share his knowledge and expertise with the design community, and how it can inspire your own journey.The inside scoop on what passive income truly means in the context of web design and online courses, demystified by Ran.A behind-the-scenes look at Flux Academy, Ran's successful agency that sells online courses – discover the origins, the pivotal steps taken, and the lessons learned along the way.Insights into the most profitable types of online courses in the design industry, along with the rationale behind their success.Proven strategies and tips for effectively marketing and promoting online courses to your target audience, including the secrets to making your courses irresistible.   About Ran Segall: Ran has been a designer for over 20 years and a passionate Webflow advocate for over 6 years. He has spent the last few years dedicating his efforts to educating the design community on YouTube and Flux Academy, enabling designers to do more and better work. https://www.flux-academy.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@FluxAcademy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

From transitioning from a freelance graphic designer to developing a product tailored for designers, Michael shares his journey of inventing software for logo designers in this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. We delve into the highs and lows of his path. We discuss the benefits of using The Logo Package software and how designers can leverage it to save time and establish themselves as professionals and experienced brand and logo designers in the eyes of their clients. Michael and I also explore how to establish a product based business as a designer and how to find affiliates for your products. We dive into the question of whether passive income is truly passive. Information about the software (+ get 20% off using my affiliate links): 1. Logo Package Express is the Adobe Illustrator extension that automatically generates and exports logo packages with blazing speed. 2. Logo Package Swatch automatically gathers all the brand color information you need in one easy-to-access location. Use coupon code “aventive20” for an exclusive 20% discount! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE You will learn: The profitability of developing a product.The time required for research, testing, and product development.Strategies for building an affiliate program.The number of hours needed for product development and how many hours Michael currently dedicates after the product's launch.What Logo Package is and where to find these products.   Click here and use “aventive20” at checkout to get your 20% discount.   Michael’s Bio: Michael Bruny-Groth stumbled into graphic design by mistake when he was accidentally put into a design class in high school. With a degree in graphic design and several years of agency experience under his belt, Michael became a freelance designer in 2016. After parting ways with a major client in 2018, Michael started inventing software for logo designers and has been the Founder and CEO of Logo Package for over 5 years. Website: www.logopackage.com Instagram URL: http://instagram.com/logopackage/ Freebies: https://www.logopackage.com/freebies --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Join me in this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast as I sit down with the insightful Matthew Essam, a seasoned designer who has a unique perspective on selling design services. In this conversation, we explore a refreshing approach to selling that goes beyond the traditional sales pitch. Matt encourages us to shift our focus from selling to listening, providing valuable insights into how this mindset change can transform the way designers connect with clients. We delve into the art of pitching without selling, discussing practical examples that showcase the power of genuine conversations. Discover the secrets to initiating meaningful dialogues with potential clients, understanding the significance of niching and specialization, empathizing with your clients' problems and desires, and tapping into the emotional aspect of design. Imagine the satisfaction of having a cohesive, meaningful brand that not only boosts your confidence but also attracts your ideal customers while growing your business. Tune in and embark on a journey towards becoming a more client-centered, successful graphic designer. You will learn: The transformative power of shifting from selling to listening in your design services approach.Practical examples of pitching design services without coming across as salesy.Strategies for initiating meaningful conversations with potential clients.The importance of niching and specializing in the design industry.How to empathize with your clients' problems and connect on an emotional level.   About Matt Essam: Matt Essam is the founder of Creative Life, a business accelerator program exclusively for award winning creative agencies. He is also a highly sought after business coach and has been featured on podcasts alongside the likes of Seth Godin, Austin Kleon, Donald Miller and many more. His international best selling book Create and Prosper received critical acclaim from industry leading figures and has been read by creative business owners across the globe.   Connect with Matt on LinkedIn. Get a free copy of Matt’s book Create and Prosper HERE. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Welcome to another episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast! Before I tell you more about the new pod episode – I just want you to know that we did a role play where I was a client, and Michael sold me his logo design! It was amazing. You don't want to miss this! Today, we're in for a treat as I sit down with the incredible Michael Janda, a design industry veteran who's taken his career from being a solo designer to running and eventually selling a thriving creative agency. His journey is packed with wisdom, and in this episode, we'll explore the path that led him to success, his strategies for attracting top-tier clients like NBC, Disney, and Google, his insights on team building, and the ever-important topic of pricing your design services. Plus, we'll discover what Michael has been up to since selling his agency in 2015. If you're looking to grow your creative business or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.   You will learn: Michael's personal journey from a solo designer to a successful design agency owner.Strategies for attracting high-value clients like NBC, Disney, and Google.Insights on assembling a winning design team.Pricing strategies for your design services.Discover what Michael has been up to post-agency sale. So, join me for this insightful conversation with Michael Janda, and get ready to take your design business to new heights. And don't forget to subscribe to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast for more expert advice and creative inspiration. Enjoy the episode!   About Michael Janda: Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”   Connect with Michael Janda: https://michaeljanda.com https://youtube.com/morejanda https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda https://instagram.com/morejanda --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Join me in this super insightful episode where I spill the beans on how I went from charging a $65 for a logo design back in 2015 to now raking in a cool $20,000 for a single branding project. It's been quite a ride, and I can't wait to share my journey with you. So, here are the juicy details: First, I'm going to talk about how I supercharged my design services by adding brand strategy into the mix. You'll see how this move transformed me from just another designer to an expert in high demand. Next up, I'll dive into the whole idea of finding your dream clients who are ready to invest $15k or more. And guess what? It's all about niching down and becoming the go-to designer for a specific industry. It's like having your own fan club of clients who can't wait to work with you. And last but definitely not least, I'll reveal my secret sauce – creating a killer signature high-ticket offer that blows the competition out of the water. This move positions you as a top-notch leader who knows exactly what your clients need, and they can't resist it. If you're itching to take your design business to the next level and charge premium rates like a pro, this episode is your golden ticket. Plus, don't forget to swing by aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client for even more awesome insights and strategies in The Wealthy Client Blueprint. Trust me; you won't want to miss this one!   Here's what you'll learn: How to pinpoint high-paying dream clients within your niche.The game-changing recipe for crafting a signature high-ticket offer that elevates your design business.Strategies to position yourself as an industry leader who truly understands your clients' needs.A valuable resource called The Wealthy Client Blueprint at aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client to start booking better and higher paying design clients.   Resources: The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Are you a graphic designer trying to make a significant income while working part-time? No matter what your goals or motivations are, in today’s episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, you will hear how my guest, Adrienne Johnston, makes $20,000 to $30,000 per month while working only 20-30 hours per week. We had an amazing conversation, and she shared everything from how she started as a graphic designer in 2018, where she found her first design clients, to where she is right now in her business and where the clients are coming from. You will learn: Adrienne’s inspiring journey from having a corporate job to running a profitable design business.Proven SEO strategies that helped her (and can help you as well) rank high on Google so clients can find you.If UpWork works or it’s a waste of time.Practical advice to transition into a niche, if you want to have one.How to price your design work based on the value you provide (and not per hour anymore).What works and what doesn't work when it comes to landing clients these days. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

Setting goals is easy. Achieving them, not so much. Many design business owners set their wishes and not goals – which means you want to get to $10k months, hit 6-figures, or work part-time while making a full-time income, but then… that doesn't happen, or you realize it's way harder than it should be. Why? Because you didn't set your goals properly. Or even worse – you didn't break them down into action steps that will help you get there. In today's episode on The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we are talking all about your mindset (you have to believe you can achieve your goals before you set them), setting your goals, breaking them into steps, and making the money you deserve in your creative agency.   You will learn: How to stay motivated and positive even when things are not going well.What marketing strategies work for brand, graphic, and web design business owners.How to set your goals (for 2024 and beyond, really).What steps you need to take to achieve your goals.How to join The Profitable Designer Program (a 12-week biz course for designers). Listen to the episode now (we don't judge if you 2x speed). :) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message

In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I chat with Tim, a solo business owner who turned his design venture from zero to nearly half a million dollars per year in just a few years. Before Tim shares his tips and tricks, we start with an intro to his background and journey into freelancing. We talk about how Tim got his initial clients without a portfolio, exploring the strategies that kick started his success. Then, we discuss niche selection, uncovering Tim's insights on finding a niche and standing out. The conversation turns to pricing challenges for designers, with Tim sharing his evolving pricing strategies. We also explore the role of marketing and personal branding, as Tim talks about the techniques that attracted clients and built his brand.   Scaling as a solo designer is tough, and we dive into Tim's journey in managing workload and quality. We talk about considerations around hiring or outsourcing and the importance of quality control. Tim shares wisdom on effective time management for handling multiple client projects.   As we look into Tim's entrepreneurial mind, we discuss diversifying income beyond client work, exploring online courses and products. Tim shares his future goals for his design business, offering insights into potential scaling and pivots. For budding designers, Tim wraps up with advice and a list of books, courses, and resources that shaped his approach to design and business. Tune in for a practical episode with real-world experiences and insights from a graphic design success story.   You will learn: Strategies for getting clients in the early days with no portfolio or reputation.Insights into niche selection and standing out.Evolution of pricing strategies for designers starting out.Marketing techniques and personal branding for attracting clients.Tips on effective time management and maintaining quality as a solo designer.   Tim’s Bio: Tim is a ux designer, web developer, and the founder of FreelanceGPS.com, where he coaches how to start and grow successful freelance businesses. Resources: $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/make-money The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aventive-academy/message