The Profitable Graphic Designer

Ever wondered how long it takes to land high-paying clients? You’ll be surprised, I promise. Welcome! In this episode, I walk you through every single step I had to take to land my $29,000 branding and web design clients. While this is just one example, the majority of my clients are in the five-figure range, and the steps I take remain consistent with each potential client. I also share where our clients typically find us, how they communicate with us, what we offer, what's included, and all the important details. This episode is incredibly valuable if you're aiming to land amazing clients you want to work with. You will learn: Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $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

In today’s episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast, we're talking about design revisions. Throughout this episode, you'll learn how to embrace revisions as a natural part of the creative process, communicate effectively with clients to minimize misunderstandings, and educate clients on the value of your designs. By the end of our discussion, you'll have practical strategies to handle revisions with confidence and professionalism, ensuring smoother project workflows and happier clients. You will learn: Aventive Academy’s Resources: Client Portal: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal $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

No clients? No problem! Join me as I share invaluable insights and strategies for navigating those challenging times when clients seem to be nowhere in sight. In this episode, I'll guide you through practical steps to not just survive but thrive during these downtimes. You'll learn how to revamp your portfolio to attract new clients, harness the power of social media to stay visible, and get creative with client acquisition strategies. Additionally, I'll share tips on optimizing your business processes for long-term success. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools and mindset to conquer slow seasons with confidence and emerge stronger than ever before. You will learn: Grab a cup of coffee and join me! $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

Every designer grapples with challenging clients—it's an inevitable part of the journey. We've all been there, facing clients who may not align with our vision or approach. But what defines a "bad" client? Is it the low-paying ones, the ones who seem to micromanage every detail, or perhaps the ones who reach out for minor tweaks at inconvenient times? The truth is, the definition of a bad client varies from person to person. It's a subjective experience and it’s up to you to decide! In today's episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we’re talking with Josh Hall all about filtering out bad-fit clients and focusing on attracting the dream high-quality clients you want to work with. We’re covering everything from how to structure your contract form, sales funnels, services, networking events, and much more! PLUS! Josh is proving his framework (usually paid but FREE for my listeners) 😊 Web Design Client Funneling Framework: Use code “Profitable-Graphic-Designer” at checkout for 100% off :) In this episode you will learn: Grab a cup of coffee and join us! About Josh: Josh is a web design business coach, podcast host and web agency founder based out of Columbus, Ohio. Through his podcast, youtube channel, online courses and web design community Web Designer Pro™, he teaches web designers how to build a web design business that gives them freedom and life they love. Website: https://joshhall.co Instagram: https://joshhall.co/instagram Aventive Academy’s 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: AcceleratorPro GroupBrand Lab 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: On the business front, we're also delving into: 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: 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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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