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The Profitable Graphic Designer
Kady Sandel
178 episodes
4 days ago
Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com
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Design
Arts
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All content for The Profitable Graphic Designer is the property of Kady Sandel and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com
Show more...
Design
Arts
Episodes (20/178)
The Profitable Graphic Designer
Why You’re Still Not Fully Booked Designer | EP 177

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:

  • Why great design isn’t enough to stay booked
  • What to fix if you’re showing up but not getting inquiries
  • The clarity you need before focusing on visibility
  • How to speak your clients’ language and stand out
  • What I’d do first if I had to start from scratch today


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

Show more...
4 days ago
29 minutes 56 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
How Branding Helped This Skincare Founder Get to Walmart (Sarah Vilensky with Blossom Essentials) | EP 176

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:

  • What made her invest in rebranding and packaging
  • How she knew her visuals needed to evolve for retail
  • The difference a long-term designer relationship makes
  • How she built visibility using Meta ads and trade shows
  • Tips for standing out in the saturated skincare market


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

Show more...
1 week ago
31 minutes 39 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
$250,000 Branding & Design Project - What It Included & What I Learned | EP 175

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:

  • What went into a $250K branding project from start to finish
  • How we managed multiple brands, teams, and timelines
  • The surprising parts of high-ticket client work
  • What this taught me about how I want to run my business
  • Why “scaling” doesn’t always look the way you think it will


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

Show more...
2 weeks ago
25 minutes 6 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
Rebranding Through the Eyes of a Founder (CPG) | EP 174

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:

  • Why this brand went through three rebrands
  • What founders value most in design partnerships
  • The surprising ways visuals impact shelf sales
  • How to make your work more strategic and founder-friendly


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

Show more...
3 weeks ago
39 minutes 5 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
173 How to Scale Your Design Business Without Burning Out

Scaling your design business doesn’t have to mean overworking, overdelivering, or overcomplicating everything. I spent years trying to grow by doing more. More services. More clients. More offers. And all it did was push me closer to burnout. In this episode, I’m walking you through how I shifted into sustainable growth by simplifying what worked, protecting my energy, and structuring my week like a real CEO. If your business feels heavy or chaotic, this is your reset.

You will learn:

  • What actually causes burnout when trying to scale
  • How to structure your week so your business becomes scalable
  • What to delegate first, even if you’re not fully booked
  • How to simplify offers, team, and systems to support growth
  • Why doing less is the fastest way to scale sustainably


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to scale your design business without burning out.

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

Show more...
1 month ago
34 minutes 17 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
172 From Freelancer to Agency Owner - What I Wish I Knew

You don’t become an agency owner by accident. It takes intention, structure, and a shift in how you think about money, clients, and your own value. I spent years making mistakes that kept me stuck in the freelance cycle. From undercharging and customizing every project to thinking hiring was only for people who were ready. In this episode, I’m walking you through everything I wish I knew earlier so you can skip the struggle and step into your next level faster.

You will learn:

  • Why productizing your services leads to better clients and more freedom
  • How to stop underpricing and start thinking like a CEO
  • What your first hire should actually be and it’s probably not a designer
  • The difference between selling design and selling results
  • The mindset shift that helped me go from surviving to scaling


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to build the business you actually want.

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

Show more...
1 month ago
36 minutes 56 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
171 Building a Simple Funnel to Attract Higher-Paying Clients

Most designers think they need a fancy funnel to book high-paying clients. Freebies, automations, email sequences, nurture series. But the truth is, premium design clients are not waiting for your welcome email. They are actively looking for someone right now and they want clarity, confidence, and a clear next step. In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a simple funnel that actually works for a design business. One that positions you as the expert and gets more qualified inquiries without overcomplicating anything.

You will learn:

  • Why traditional funnels do not work for premium design services
  • The three parts your website must have to convert visitors into clients
  • What your call to action should say and where it should be
  • How to remove the friction that causes clients to ghost
  • What to include on your site that builds trust instantly


Close the tabs, grab your favorite drink, and let’s upgrade how you attract serious clients.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


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

Show more...
1 month ago
23 minutes 2 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
170 How to Make Website Design Your Most Profitable Offer

Most designers think they need to learn more skills or work more hours to grow their income. But the truth is, your next level might be as simple as adding one high-value offer. In this episode, I share why web design is one of the smartest ways to grow your revenue without burning out. I’ll show you how to position it, how I structure my process, and why it can turn one-time clients into long-term partnerships.

You will learn:

  • Why web design is easier to sell than branding alone
  • How to simplify your process and avoid tech overwhelm
  • What makes web design naturally scalable and recurring
  • How to position websites as strategic solutions, not just design
  • My exact $9K to $12K web package structure


Pour your coffee, grab your notebook, and let’s rethink how you grow your design business with less stress and more strategy.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


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

Show more...
1 month ago
33 minutes 53 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
169 How to Build a Multi-Faceted Design Studio Without Losing Focus with Ed Prowell

Can you run multiple creative businesses and still stay focused? In this episode, I talk to Ed Prowell, founder of Potting Shed, about what it takes to run a successful brand and digital studio, work with global clients, and build a company that thrives without chaos. We also unpack how neurodiversity impacts entrepreneurship, what AI is doing to the creative industry, and how to build systems that let your creativity shine.

You will learn:

  • How Ed built a flexible yet focused multi-brand studio
  • Why operations are just as important as creativity
  • How to use AI in your agency without losing the human touch
  • Why referrals are your most powerful lead source
  • What tools successful agencies use to stay organized


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


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

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 1 minute 30 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
168 Why Designers Stay Stuck at $3K Projects (and How to Break Past It)

If you feel stuck charging two or three thousand per project no matter how good your work is, this episode is for you.

I am breaking down the exact reasons most designers plateau at low rates and how to shift your positioning so you can finally start booking premium clients. High-paying clients are not just buying deliverables. They are investing in transformation, clarity, and confidence. Your offer has to reflect that.

You will learn:

  • Why your current offer might be pushing good clients away
  • How to position your services for results instead of tasks
  • The mindset difference between three thousand and ten thousand dollar designers
  • What premium clients are actually looking for
  • How to build a focused offer that scales your income


Grab your notebook, hit play, and let’s shift how you think about value so you can finally raise your prices with confidence.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


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

Show more...
2 months ago
36 minutes 18 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
167 The Portfolio Mistake That’s Costing You High-Paying Clients

If your portfolio looks like a collection of everything you have ever designed, that might be exactly why high-paying clients are not reaching out.

In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I am sharing the portfolio mistake that keeps talented designers stuck at low-paying projects. This is not about your design skills. It is about how you present your work, how you curate your portfolio, and how you guide potential clients to trust that you are the right designer for them.

You will learn:

  • Why showing less can help you book more
  • What high-paying clients actually want to see in a portfolio
  • The exact structure of a strong case study
  • How to align your portfolio with the services you offer
  • What to remove immediately if you want to attract better clients

Grab your coffee and your notes. It is time to turn your portfolio into a tool that sells.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


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

Show more...
2 months ago
30 minutes

The Profitable Graphic Designer
166 The Role of AI in Branding: Insights from Ayelet

If you’ve ever looked at a clean, elevated brand and thought, “How do they make it look so effortless?” - this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Ayelet, a designer known for her intentional, minimal style and smart systems behind the visuals. We talked about how she approaches branding, her favorite tools (like Notion and Wix Studio), the role of AI in design, and how she keeps things creatively exciting even after years in the field.

This episode is packed with perspective on staying inspired, building a brand system that actually works, and taking more creative control as a designer.


You’ll learn:

  • How to develop a signature aesthetic
  • Ayelet’s go-to process for branding and web design
  • How to handle micromanaging clients with grace
  • Tools that make web design easier (yes, even if you don’t code)
  • What’s next in design and how to stay ahead


Grab your coffee and tune in - this one’s for designers who care about both beauty and impact.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


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

Show more...
2 months ago
49 minutes 13 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
165 How to Scale Your Design Business Without Burning Out

You think scaling means doing more. More clients, more hours, more hustle. But what if that is exactly what is keeping you stuck?

In this episode, I am sharing how I went from doing everything myself to building systems that let my business run without me. I will walk you through what scaling really looks like for a freelance designer and how to grow without burning out or working twelve hours a day.

You will learn:

  • Why working harder does not lead to growth

  • What systems to build if you want to stop recreating everything

  • How to shift from busy to profitable

  • What tools can make scaling easier

  • The mindset difference between a freelancer and a business owner

Grab your coffee, your notes, and let’s talk about scaling with intention.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
2 months ago
28 minutes 54 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
164 3 Design Services You Can Add Right Now to Land Bigger Clients

You can be the best designer on the planet—if your offer is limited, your income will be too. I see it all the time. Talented designers stuck at $1K projects because they’re only offering a logo or a brand board. But the clients who pay $10K? They’re not hiring someone to make things look nice. They’re hiring someone who can lead.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through three high-value services you can add right now—without hiring a team or reinventing your business. These aren’t fluff. They’re the exact services that helped me go from $65 logos to $10K packages… and they can do the same for you.

You will learn:

  • Why high-paying clients look for more than just visuals

  • The top 3 services that attract premium clients (and how to add them)

  • How to increase your rates without doing more work

  • How to combine services into irresistible offers

  • What to do if you don’t want to do it all yourself

Grab your coffee, your notes, and let’s build a more profitable offer together.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
3 months ago
37 minutes 5 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
163 What Clients Actually Look for in a Brand & Web Designer

Most designers focus on making things look good, but that’s not what high-paying clients are actually looking for. They want clarity, confidence, and someone who understands how design impacts their business. In this episode, I’m breaking down what clients really care about when they’re hiring a brand or web designer and how you can stand out by showing up differently. You’ll learn how to position yourself as more than just a designer, build trust instantly on your website, and shift from selling deliverables to selling real outcomes. Whether you’re still undercharging or ready to start landing premium clients, this episode will show you what actually closes the sale.

You will learn:

  • What clients really want when they hire a designer

  • Why brand and web together create higher-value offers

  • How to sell strategy without calling it strategy

  • What to show on your website to build fast trust

  • The mindset shift that helps you book premium clients with confidence

Grab your notebook or go for a walk. This episode will change how you talk about your work.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
3 months ago
32 minutes 25 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
162 Scaling Your Design Business with the Right Tools and Mindset

Most designers only see the output of design platforms, but today we’re talking to someone who actually helps build the tools we use every day.

Miri from the Wix Studio product team joins me for a conversation about what freelance designers and agencies really need to grow their businesses. We talk about workflows that make a difference, how platforms are evolving, and what premium clients are actually looking for right now.

You will learn:

  • What most designers overlook when choosing platforms and tools
  • How to start thinking like a studio, even if you’re working solo
  • How AI can enhance your creativity rather than replace it
  • What makes a designer stand out to high-paying clients
  • Why web design is more accessible than most designers think


This episode is full of insights. Grab your notes and hit play. Let’s talk about building a design business that’s made to grow.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
3 months ago
38 minutes 3 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
161 How to Increase Your Income as a Brand Designer

Most brand designers are underpaid. Not because they lack talent, but because they’re offering deliverables instead of solutions. If you’re still charging $1K or $2K for full brand identity packages, this episode is going to shift the way you think about your value. I’m walking you through the three income levels most designers operate in, what premium clients actually want, and how to offer web design without needing to learn code. We’ll also look at exactly what goes into a $10K plus project so you can start creating more profitable offers.

You will learn:

  • The three income tiers for brand designers and how to move up
  • What premium clients are really looking for in a designer
  • How to offer web design services without learning to code
  • What to include in a $10K plus brand and web package
  • How to build confidence in selling higher-priced projects


Open your notes and get ready to rethink how you price andpresent your work.

And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out Wix Studio. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
3 months ago
35 minutes 15 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
160 How Delegation Helped Me Work Only 4 Hours a Day as a Designer

If you’re still doing everything yourself, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m sharing how I went from working nonstop to running my design business in just 4 hours a day. You’ll hear exactly what changed, how I started delegating, and how tools like Wix Studio can help you simplify without hiring a developer.

You will learn:

  • How to identify which tasks to delegate first
  • What systems you need to hand off work easily
  • Why doing less can actually increase your revenue
  • How platforms like Wix Studio streamline website design for your clients
  • What mindset shift helped me finally let go


Pour your favorite drink, open your notes, and start thinking like a Creative Director.

Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
4 months ago
27 minutes 48 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
159 Freelance Designers Struggle Because of This – How to Build a Real Business

The reason most freelancers struggle is not because their design skills are not good enough. It is because they are thinking like freelancers, not business owners. If you are tired of chasing projects, lowering your prices, and constantly starting from scratch, it is time to fix this.

Today, I am breaking down exactly why most designers stay stuck and how to shift into building a profitable design business that finally pays you what you are worth.

You will learn:

  • Why better design skills are not the answer
  • How your pricing model is keeping you broke
  • The mindset shift you need to stop freelancing and start building a business
  • What systems actually help you work less and make more


For your next website design project check out wix.com/studio


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
4 months ago
25 minutes 42 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
158 The Portfolio Mistake That’s Costing You High-Paying Clients

Your portfolio might be the reason clients keep ghosting you or pushing back on your prices. Not because your design work is not good enough, but because your portfolio is sending the wrong message.

Most designers fill their portfolios with visuals like logos and mockups and forget that high-paying clients are not looking for pretty work. They are looking for proof that you understand business and strategy.

I am breaking down the portfolio mistakes that keep you stuck with low-budget clients and showing you exactly how to fix them.

You will learn:

  • The mistake that makes your portfolio attract low-paying clients
  • How to present your work so clients see your value
  • What high-ticket clients actually look for when hiring a designer
  • How to shift your portfolio from a gallery to a sales tool


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready!


Aventive Academy’s Resources:

$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

Show more...
4 months ago
27 minutes 18 seconds

The Profitable Graphic Designer
Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com