Today we are asking the question, are you scaring clients away? Be sure to listen in because you might be doing it without even realizing it. With love, Kris & Don xo For transcript click here . - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic design business with elevated systems, comprehensive training and ongoing support? We run our business school for graphic, web and brand designers three times a year. You can sign up today! - - - - - - If you wa...
Jul 19, 2023•25 min
To niche, or not to niche? Niching is an incredibly layered topic and much more complex than what appears on the surface. It’s not really a yes, no question - should I have a niche, or not? Chances are, you may be niching without even realising it! In this episode we have 10 examples of how graphic designers can niche. With love, Kris & Don xo For transcript click here . - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic design business with elevated syst...
Jul 12, 2023•36 min
In this episode we are talking about the importance of facing hard realities in your graphic design business. How do YOU face hard realities when they come knocking on your door? If you're the sort of person who tends to bury your head in the sand, we've got lots of strategies for you to implement. With love, Kris & Don xo For full blog post click here . For transcript click here . - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic design business with ...
Jun 27, 2023•56 min
If you're a graphic designer looking to increase revenue, we've got 10 easy upsells for you to consider offering to your clients. With love, Kris & Don xo For transcript click here . - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic design business with elevated systems, comprehensive training and ongoing support? We run our business school for graphic, web and brand designers three times a year. You can sign up today! - - - - - - If you want to elevat...
Jun 14, 2023•29 min
Today we are talking about a trend we are seeing where designers overcomplicating All. The. Things. If this sounds like you, be sure to listen in. We love the saying 'a confused mind never buys' and that's true not only for clients deciding to work with you, but also for when they 'buy in' to the concepts you present! We think it might have a lot to do with non-enoughness and trying to prove our worth, but we see designers outsmarting themselves, which leads to over explaining, spending too much...
May 28, 2023•35 min
Are you wanting to learn about all the things you need in place to run a successful design business? This is part 2 of the complete checklist you need! We are taking you step by step what is included in our design business school - The Design & Prosper Academy. Even if you're not ready to enrol in a design business school, be sure to listen in! The takeaways you get about systems and procedures you need to succeed in your business are gold. ✨ If you've got questions about The Academy, we hav...
May 24, 2023•28 min
Are you wanting to learn about all the things you need in place to run a successful design business? In this episode we are taking you step by step what is included in our design business school - The Design & Prosper Academy. Even if you're not ready to enrol in a design business school, be sure to listen in! The takeaways you get about systems and procedures you need to succeed in your business are gold. ✨ If you've got questions about The Academy, we have opened up our calendar for free 1...
May 24, 2023•44 min
As a graphic designer, have you ever struggled with establishing a clear client management process? In this episode, we'll share step-by-step what a succesful client journey can look like. From early client touchpoints to the end of a project and beyond, you can create a strategic client jounrey to make your business more profitable and fulfilling. With love Kris & Don xo For transcript click here - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic desig...
May 15, 2023•36 min
We see perfectionism undermining the success of graphic design business owners time and time again. It's a sinister, unattainable goal because there is no such thing as perfect! As overcoming perfectionism is an ongoing practice, we thought it was high time to revisit this episode, originally released in July 2021. We have embraced the 'done is better than perfect' concept for many years, however we have a new plot twist: Done is GOOD. Listen in to find out all we had to say. 🤗 With love Kris &...
May 05, 2023•48 min
We love a good boundary, but can you take them too far? Boundaries are brilliant – they are crucial to the smooth operation of any graphic design business and managing clients. But the last thing we want for you is to be so rigid with your boundaries that you end up turning clients away. In this episode we are talking about the fine line between healthy boundaries and boundaries that block. With love Kris & Don xo For full show notes click here . For transcript click here - - - - - - https:/...
Apr 26, 2023•17 min
Like it or not AI is here. And as a graphic design community, we need to talk about it. This is part 2 of our conversation about AI and the impact on the graphic design industry. In part 1 (episode 74) we covered all the things we LOVE about AI. But is there a dark side to such advanced, powerful technology? In this episode we are flipping the switch and looking at what we're not so excited about. With love Kris & Don xo For full show notes click here . For transcript click here - - - - - - ...
Apr 19, 2023•30 min
Like it or not AI is here. And as a graphic design community, we need to talk about it. This is a big conversation and it's a discussion that is happening globally. We want to quieten down a bit of the noise and talk directly to our beautiful designers, as you may have lots of unanswered questions or are feeling a bit scared about all this AI revolution. So let's diffuse some of the fear and confusion you might have. With love Kris & Don xo For full show notes click here . For transcript cli...
Apr 12, 2023•47 min
Do you use retainers in your graphic design business? In this episode we're discussing the pros and cons of having retainer clients. Are they are good thing? Or are they more hassle than they are worth? Listen in to find out all we had to say! With love Kris & Don xo For full show notes click here . For transcript click here - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ We open up our doors to our 12-week transformational group learning experience twice a year. It's THE business s...
Apr 05, 2023•18 min
If you are struggling to charge higher prices, this could be the missing link you are looking for. We know that so many designers pour their heart and soul into their work and business, but are still struggling to convert quotes at higher prices. We truly believe that you deserve to be compensated for your skills, talents and value you provide as a designer! One of the most important things you can do to successfully charge premium prices is to position yourself as an expert in the design world....
Mar 31, 2023•41 min
Looking to uplevel your customer service? Listen in for part 2 of the essential business tech you need to provide amazing customer service and to position yourself as a high-end, credible designer. For full show notes click here . For transcript click here With love Kris & Don xo - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ We open up our doors to our 12-week transformational group learning experience twice a year. It's THE business school for graphic designers! - - - - - - If yo...
Mar 24, 2023•37 min
Looking to uplevel your customer service? Listen in for part 1 of the essential business tech you need to provide amazing customer service and to position yourself as a high-end, credible designer. For full show notes click here For transcript click here With love Kris & Don xo - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ We open up our doors to our 12-week transformational group learning experience twice a year. It's THE business school for graphic designers! - - - - - - If you ...
Mar 17, 2023•37 min
Do you have a welcome guide? Kris & Don run through exactly why you need one and exactly what to include in your welcome guide. We are always wanting to help designers implement strategies to encourage well-behaved clients. Often problems that arise during the project management process are a direct result from a lack of understanding. It’s our job as designers to educate our clients on ‘how’ WE work. Be their guide throughout your process so they always feel seen and heard. Often we forget ...
Mar 09, 2023•26 min
Is it ok to design something that is beautiful for beauty’s sake? Is it ok to design something that is beautiful for beauty's sake? Of course you can create a something that is pretty, on-trend, gorgeous, elegant, aesthetic (…insert your preffered word here). But there should always be a reason why. And it’s your job to articulate the why. If you want to provide substance as a designer you need to communicate the ‘why’ behind all the design choices you make. Let's get into the nuts and bolts of ...
Mar 03, 2023•36 min
Are you in overwhelm with your graphic design business? In this episode we are chatting about how to shift your focus and zero in on what really matters in your design business. Let’s get you outta those weeds. Ask yourself: "What needs to be right for the rest to matter?" (psst we're not sure who the originator of the above quote was...if you know, please let us know!) For full show notes click here . For transcript click here Much love Kris & Don xo - - - - - - https://www.designandprosper...
Feb 24, 2023•24 min
Have you ever had a client who was a real A**hole? When a client relationship goes sour it's hard not to take it personally. It can take an emotional toll and make you wish you never started a graphic design business in the first place. The unfortunate truth is, if you have a business that serves actual people, every now and again you're going to run into a mean human. A bad egg. A nasty piece of work. In this episode we are not claiming to have all the answers. But we're here to offer solidarit...
Feb 17, 2023•33 min
Now, more than ever, it's imperative to gather evidence that you can walk the talk. Clients want to know they can trust you and that they are safe in your hands! A testimonial, social proof or a case study will fast track that trust. Today we're talking about the power of others tooting your trumpet! We know it takes courage to ask for a testimonial. But as an essential part of your marketing strategy it must be done. In this episode we share a simple step-by-step process to gathering those all ...
Jan 30, 2023•42 min
Being a graphic design solopreneur can be very isolating. Even if you are introvert (many of us designers are!) it's important to have access to other likeminded business owners. In this episode we chat about the benefit of being a part of a supportive group where everyone is facing the same or similar issues as you. We also share 4 different ways to nurture a sense of community and connection into your business. Much love Kris & Dons xo P.S For episode transcript click here . Don't miss our...
Jan 19, 2023•29 min
Feeling like a fraud running a graphic design business? You are not alone. What do you think you need in place before you could smash imposter syndrome in your graphic design business? What would it take for you to feel like a pro? - Academic qualifications? - Larger clients? - A bigger team? - More years in business? - Better connections? - Upgraded design skills? - Design awards? - A fancy studio space? - A wider range of services? It's none of these things. Listen to hear our thoughts about t...
Dec 08, 2022•25 min
We often notice a theme for the month...a problem that is coming up on repeat within the beautiful graphic design community. Right now what we're seeing is an energy of 'stuckness'...like a plane on a runway that never quite takes off. We're hearing things like: "I feel like I'm not progressing" "I'm in a rut" "I'm not moving forward fast enough" "I feel like a rat in a cage going round and round and round." "No matter what I do it never feels like enough". It's pretty frustrating stuff. Time ma...
Oct 06, 2022•26 min
It happens! Sometimes a potential dream client will simply not have the budget for your services. And no, this is not about your offerings being too expensive. This client WANTS to work with you—they love your work and can see the value you provide. But you are like the Chanel bag they’re coveting but can’t afford yet. Sad face. But all is not lost, in this episode we discuss 5 options to consider when a client can't afford your services. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/graphic-d...
Jul 27, 2022•26 min
It's the most awful feeling when a project feels like it's spiralling out of control and the client feels like your boss. Is this happening on repeat? If so, we have the answer! Thrive Summit 2022: From Passion To Profit We're sharing our system for managing even the most demanding clients with ease as part of the Thrive Summit which is happening May 28-29. Sign up for free here: https://designandprosper--thefoundersoffice.thrivecart.com/vip-bundle-regular-price/6266fee259176/ Full show notes: �...
May 24, 2022•16 min
Beautiful, brave you. You've sent off a proposal to a client, but now you've got crickets. Now what? Do you wait and see? Do you reach out? Help! In this episode we chat about: - What to do when you haven't heard back (ugh this is the worst feeling!) - How long should you wait until you follow up. - How to avoid it from happening in the first place We truly hope this is a helpful episode for you! Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/how-to-follow-up-after-sending-design-proposals Clic...
Apr 06, 2022•18 min
Learn about the essential systems that will give you freedom and control in your graphic, brand or web design business. You can't run a successful business without them! Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/essential-systems-you-need-in-your-graphic-design-business-part-3 Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDykpmfKbWqnN7LiFPlYdA Much love, Kris & Donna xo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Want to experience a tr...
Feb 26, 2022•25 min
This episode is part 2 of a 3 part series all about systems, where we share our next 5 essential systems you need in a graphic design studio. It's no secret that we are systems geeks...in fact, it was our passion for graphic design business systems that solidified our relationship all those years ago—even though we were essentially competitors in a relatively small market. Our regular coffee dates would lead to talking about ways to improve the way we ran our design studios and now we are so thr...
Feb 22, 2022•22 min
Don't just throw spaghetti at the wall and hope some of it sticks! This week we're going to teach you our systems for targeting your efforts to exactly where they'll be the most effective. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/essential-systems-you-need-in-your-graphic-design-business-part-1 Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDykpmfKbWqnN7LiFPlYdA If you're listening to this prior to 24 Feb 2022 there is still a chance to sign up for our FREE LIVE MASTERCL...
Feb 20, 2022•21 min