My guest was hired as an hourly designer, did nearly $40K worth of work, and uncovered gaps that could’ve generated over $400K in revenue for the client. But instead of listening, they let her go the day before launch and she never even had a contract.
We unpack the red flags, the lessons, and how to recognize when your expertise is being mistaken for “extra work” instead of the strategy that could change someone’s business.
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This year, I decided to take networking seriously and within just four months, it led to over $10K in booked projects. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what I did to make that happen (without feeling overly salesy).
Whether you’re an introvert or simply want to book more local clients, you’ll walk away with practical, real strategies you can start using to grow your business and attract dream clients through genuine connections.
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Caroline is the self-taught designer behind Corson Studio and today, she’s pulling back the curtain on her journey from undercharging and second-guessing… to enrolling in our signature DBA University program and finally landing her first $4,000 design client. But here’s the truth:
Caroline didn’t book that high-ticket client right away.
While some students land premium clients just weeks after joining, it took Caroline nearly six months after graduating to get her first big “yes.”
And that’s exactly why you need to hear this. Her story isn’t about overnight success.
It’s about staying the course and being happy for others even when it feels like everyone else is winning but you.
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In this episode, I sit down with Nikki, a copywriter who partners with designers to elevate their client projects with ease. We dive into what her process actually looks like behind the scenes, how she seamlessly fits into designers’ workflows, and why offering done-for-you copy can instantly increase the value (and results) of your design packages without adding more to your plate.
If you’ve ever wished your clients had better words to match the visuals, this episode is for you!
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In this episode, I sit down with a designer who was fully booked on the outside, but behind the scenes was undercharging, overworking, and still struggling to pay the bills. We talk about:
The hidden downsides of being “booked out”
How underpricing impacts your business long-term
Different ways to launch and sell your services
This conversation is a reminder that being busy doesn’t always mean being successful and why redefining what booked out looks like is essential for growth.
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In this episode, I’m sitting down with David Masters Group, a studio known for taking on only four clients per year. They take a deep storytelling approach that transforms branding into an immersive journey, not just a deliverable.
We dive into:
How doing fewer, deeper projects opens the door to bigger clients
Why pricing becomes easier when your work is rooted in meaning
The mindset shift designers need to build brands that last beyond money
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create branding that feels like art, legacy, and impact all at once...this conversation will change the way you think about design.
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Imagine managing 23 client projects by yourself. For Josh Hall, that unsustainable reality forced a drastic shift...one that transformed his business forever. In this episode, Josh shares the lessons, challenges, and unexpected opportunities that come with growing into an agency model.
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Olivia of Current Design Studio shares how she scaled from a 700 sq. ft. beach bungalow to leading $20K creative projects. Her story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship takes bold risks and unwavering self-belief.
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I'm joined by Cat, host of The Peaceful Creatives Podcast, to talk about how designers and creative entrepreneurs can finally escape the feast and famine cycle, reduce burnout, and build a profitable, sustainable business without sacrificing peace of mind.
We dive into:
Practical ways to break free from burnout as a designer
How to end the feast and famine cycle for freelancers and creative business owners
Strategies for creating a peaceful, profitable design business that actually lasts
Mindset shifts and business habits that support long-term success as a creative entrepreneur
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In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reason behind stuck energy and whether it’s a gap in action, strategy, or mindset that’s slowing your momentum.
This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list...it’s about real accountability that drives results. We’re sharing how our 3 zones of genius inside Design Biz Academy help designers get clear, stay consistent, and actually go after their goals with confidence.
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What if a single $200 coaching call could change the trajectory of your design business? In this episode, I’m sharing the story of one of our Social Butterfly Club members who took what we taught her in just ONE call and used it to book a $7,500 client. Proof that when you get clear strategy and apply it, you can see results fast.
We’ll break down what made the difference for her, why she was able to book such a high-ticket client so quickly, and how you can apply the same mindset and strategies in your own business. If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in mentorship actually pays off, this episode is your sign.
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If your heart’s ever sunk over an unhappy client and you rushed straight into fix-it mode, this one’s for you. I’m walking you through a powerful visualization that helps you shift from reactive and emotional… to grounded and fact-led. This isn’t about being cold or robotic...it’s about reclaiming your role as the leader of your design business.
We’re unpacking:
Why fear-based responses sabotage your authority
The mindset shift that helps you stay calm and confident
How to handle difficult client feedback without spiraling
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I’m joined by Mikelle Morrison and Nick Longo from The Deeply Graphic Designcast to talk about how they built their design businesses in the early 2000s before Instagram or short form content were a thing.
We get into:
– What marketing looked like back then– How they've stayed booked without relying on social media– And what today’s designers can learn from the OG way of doing things
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Pull up a seat for this live hot seat coaching session where we worked with 7 designers on the real challenges holding their businesses back from social media to pitching clients. This is the kind of unfiltered, straight-to-the-point advice we give every other Monday inside Social Butterfly Club. If you want feedback on your design business, click the link below to become a member!
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Discover how a small team scaled from 3 employees to $100K+/month selling $59 websites (yes, you read that correctly). In this episode, we dive into how they turned creativity into a productized service and what they're building now that has me switching my entire project management system. If you're a designer, you’ll want to hear this!
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In this episode, I sit down with Bailey from Honey Wave Creative to dig into the fast-paced world of 'Design in a Day.' I ask the questions many designers are thinking but rarely say out loud...How is strategy implemented? What’s actually being delivered? And what is this saying about the value of creativity? Whether you're curious, skeptical, or considering this model yourself, this convo gets into the real stuff.
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I used to think networking was awkward and icky until I realized I was just in the wrong rooms. In this episode, I'm sharing my top 3 tips for unlocking your extroverted energy (yes, even if you're shy) and how to make networking actually feel fun, natural, and game-changing for your business.
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We’ve coached hundreds of designers inside Design Biz Academy University, which means we’ve seen the most common mistakes that are costing creatives the sale. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down exactly what those missteps are, so you can skip the trial-and-error and start closing clients with confidence.
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Jenna decided to run ads during a slower season in her design business and the results were game-changing. Within just a few months, her books were full and she was able to turn them off entirely.
In this episode, we dive into how ads can amplify a solid business foundation, and why they’re not a quick fix for deeper issues that need real strategy.
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Bethany escaped a cult that taught women were only meant to be wives and mothers. She rebuilt her life, launched her own multi-six figure design business, and now empowers other women to reclaim their independence and step into their power.
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