In this episode, we talk with Catherine Spet, an interdisciplinary artist based in Vienna, about finding balance between art, philosophy, research and graphic design. She shares her journey from digital and game art to the techno scene, her thoughts on the role of AI in creative work, and what it really means to work across disciplines. We also discuss imposter syndrome, the realities of combining passion projects with commercial work, and the importance of building connections to grow a network.
In this episode, we talk about why hourly pricing doesn’t reflect the real value of creative work, and why it’s time for the industry to move on from it. We dive into the challenges that come with trading time for money, how it limits creatives, and what alternative pricing models actually make sense. A conversation about reframing worth, and shifting an industry to where clients value outcomes over cheap hours.
In this episode, we talk with Lina & Florentin from No Worries Just Shapes, a 3D design duo from Vienna, about their journey from photography to creating immersive digital worlds. They share how their fascination with nature and technology shapes their work, how AI influences their creative process, and why community and collaboration are essential to what they do. We also dive into their experiences with public speaking, hosting meetups, and building connections in the creative scene.
Design strategist Lara Langner talks about the many sides of her creative career, from design and freelancing to strategy and product work, and how one principle connects it all: value. She shares how understanding value shapes the way she prices her work, chooses projects, and defines her identity as a creative. We also discuss the realities of freelancing, financial ups and downs, and finding balance when doing many things.
We finally did it – Creative Club is live! In this episode, we share why we’re launching consulting for creatives, what it’s all about, and how it ties into our mission to help freelancers and small studios build sustainable, profitable businesses.
From pricing and positioning to process and mindset, we’re breaking down what you can expect, who it’s for, and how you can get started.
In this episode, Johanna Lederer, founder and creative director of Studio Arde, shares how she made the leap from employee to entrepreneur. She talks about the challenges of starting her own studio, building a business rooted in values, and empowering women in the creative industry and in business. Johanna also opens up about the importance of planning, finding focus through niching down, and how coaching and mentorship shaped her growth. A conversation about courage, clarity, and creating a business that truly reflects who you are.
In this story-time episode we share the messy behind-the-scenes of a web project that didn't end as planned. What started as a standard design and development job ended with a new stakeholder, shifting requirements, an unpaid final invoice, and a threat to ruin our reputation if we pursued collections.
We break down what happened, how we documented every step, and the systems that protected us (contracts, sign-offs, paper trails). We also share what we’ll do differently next time and practical tips for freelancers and studios.
If you’ve ever had a client change the brief or refuse to pay, this one’s for you.
Designer and studio owner Erik Herrström shares his journey from Sweden to Vienna and the experiences that shaped his career. He talks about working with global brands like Nike, Google, and Spotify, the leap from freelancing to running his own studio, and the lessons learned along the way. Erik reflects on the value of networking, learning from others, and embracing mistakes as essential steps in building a successful creative business.
Freelance photographer and podcast host Ulrich Aydt shares his path into photography and freelancing, the challenges of pricing creative work, and what he’s learned from hosting creative therapy sessions. He talks about building community, staying balanced while juggling projects, and why collaboration and asking for help are essential for any creative.
In this episode, we look back at August and share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes. From project updates and website development to experimenting with SEO strategies, we cover the progress and challenges that shaped the month. We also talk about launching our Creative Club, the ongoing struggles freelancers face with pricing, and why industry standards matter. Plus, we reflect on balancing social media engagement with real value, and what we’ve learned along the way.
We invited Studio Sirene to have a conversation that explores the dynamics of a design collective, focusing on the unique structure, roles, and responsibilities within the group. We discuss their approach to client relationships, financial logistics, and the importance of work-life balance. They also share insights on hiring practices and offer advice for those looking to start their own collective.
Website: https://sirene.studio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.sirene/
In this episode we celebrate 100 episodes of Never Went To Business School. We go over what it has been like and what we want to improve in the future.
In this conversation, we critically analyze an article promoting the idea that being a generalist is more beneficial than specializing in a specific field. We discuss the implications of this perspective on the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of specialization, adaptability, and the potential harm such narratives can cause to freelancers and creatives.
In this conversation, Sandra Reichl, co-founder of A Passion Thing, shares her journey from a young artist to a successful entrepreneur in the creative industry. She discusses her experiences as a freelancer, the challenges of building and managing a team, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the creative field. Sandra emphasizes the need for business skills alongside creativity and reflects on the personal growth that comes with navigating the complexities of the industry.
In this monthly recap, we look back at what we did in July – from new lead generation efforts to progress on internal projects and updates on our pricing tool. We share what we worked on, and what we’re still figuring out, and how we’re thinking about visibility, value, and making space for non-client work.
In this episode, we reflect on how our approach to design has evolved – from obsessing over aesthetics to focusing on clarity, requirements, and real-world use. We talk about what pushed this shift, why functionality matters more than ever, and how letting go of “making it pretty” actually led to better work (and happier clients).
Our new business venture: https://www.samesame.cc
This episode is in German. In this episode, Maria Lechner, designer and founder of Ladies, Wine & Design Vienna, shares her journey into the design world and the challenges of self-employment. She talks about building a supportive community, transitioning from small projects to bigger clients, and the impact of AI on her work. Maria also reflects on organizing events and the importance of creating spaces that empower women in the creative industry – all while staying curious, adaptable, and balanced.
In this solo episode, we reflect on what it’s been like having guests on the podcast so far; what surprised us, what challenged us, and what we’ve learned. We also share a behind-the-scenes look at our newest side project: a pricing calculator for creative work in collaboration with Daniel Gremme, which we’ve started building in public. Plus, we hosted our first ever event with Ladies Wine & Design at the studio to have a conversation about pricing here’s how it went.
Daniel Gremme: Website
Take our survey and become a Beta tester
This episode is in German.
Julia and Klara, the founders of Frendz Club, share how they built a branding studio rooted in creative clarity and smart business thinking. They tell us all about managing finances and adapting to market changes as well as building strong client relationships and staying true to their values. They give us insights into what it really takes to sustain a creative business today.
Hongwei Tang, a creative technologist, shares his journey through the creative industry, discussing his diverse background in graphic design, photography, and coding. He reflects on his transition from internships to freelancing, his experiences with Spark AR at Meta, and the impact of the platform's closure on his career. Hongwei also addresses the evolving role of AI in the creative field and offers valuable advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of community and overcoming fear in the pursuit of self-employment.