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Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Kady Sandel
195 episodes
3 days ago
Learn how to get graphic design clients, price your services confidently, and build a profitable design business that gives you freedom. You’re not meant to chase cheap clients or work nights just to stay afloat. Hosted by Kady Sandel, brand strategist, agency owner, and design business coach helping freelance, brand, and web designers build scalable, profitable businesses. You’ll learn how to: • Get graphic design clients and sell high-value offers • Build systems that simplify your design business • Write proposals that convert leads into clients • Grow your confidence, income, and freedom
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All content for Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom 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.
Learn how to get graphic design clients, price your services confidently, and build a profitable design business that gives you freedom. You’re not meant to chase cheap clients or work nights just to stay afloat. Hosted by Kady Sandel, brand strategist, agency owner, and design business coach helping freelance, brand, and web designers build scalable, profitable businesses. You’ll learn how to: • Get graphic design clients and sell high-value offers • Build systems that simplify your design business • Write proposals that convert leads into clients • Grow your confidence, income, and freedom
Show more...
Design
Arts
Episodes (20/195)
Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
My Top 3 Lead-Generating Activities for Designers (That Actually Work) | EP 194

Most designers think they need more visibility to get clients, but visibility without clarity does nothing. I am breaking down the top three lead generating activities that have consistently brought me high quality clients as a brand and web designer, without chasing trends or burning out. These are the systems I still rely on today as a design business owner and creative CEO, and they work whether you are a freelance designer or running a small studio.

You will learn:

  • How to get graphic design clients using social media without posting nonstop
  • How to use LinkedIn to build real connections and referral partners instead of selling
  • What to post so clients understand your value beyond visuals
  • Why networking works when you stop trying to close and start building trust

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you approach lead generation in your design business.


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 days ago
26 minutes 50 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
My 2026 Design Business Predictions (and How to Prepare) | EP 193

2026 is going to separate designers who lead from designers who get replaced. I am seeing clear shifts in how clients hire, what they value, and what they are willing to pay for. AI is changing the industry fast, but not in the way most designers think. In this episode, I am sharing my real predictions for 2026 based on what I see inside my own agency and from working closely with designers who want to grow as creative CEOs. This conversation is for every freelance designer, brand and web designer, and design business owner who wants to attract better clients, price with confidence, and build a business that lasts.

You will learn:

  • Why AI will replace low level execution but not strategic designers
  • How to position yourself so clients see you as an expert, not a task taker
  • What clients actually look for when hiring in 2026
  • How simplicity in offers and systems leads to higher income
  • Why strategy is the skill clients pay for and how to start using it

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you approach how to get graphic design clients, pricing design services, and stepping fully into the creative CEO role.


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
16 minutes 17 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
What Running a 6-Figure Design Business as a Mom Really Looks Like | EP 192

Running a six-figure design business while raising kids is not about working nonstop or separating life into perfect boxes. It is about creating flow, flexibility, and freedom. I built my agency from home with a remote team, a dedicated studio space, and systems that keep everything running even when life gets busy. In this episode, I am sharing what real balance looks like for a creative CEO and how I make both business and motherhood work together.

You will learn:

  • How to create systems that support your business when life gets busy
  • What balance really looks like for a design business owner
  • How to structure your days for focus, flexibility, and family time
  • The mindset shift that removes guilt and helps you stay present

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to design a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

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
15 minutes 3 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Vision Board for Designers – How to Map Out Your 2026 Goals | EP 191

Most freelance designers set goals that sound good on paper but have no real direction. That is why I use a vision board to map out my year intentionally, not to manifest but to plan. In this episode, I am walking you through how to create a 2026 vision board that helps you grow your design business, attract better clients, and make decisions that align with the life you want.

Whether you are a brand and web designer, a creative CEO, or a design business owner who wants clarity and structure, this episode will help you turn your goals into strategy.

You will learn:

  • How to build a vision board that connects to your real business goals
  • Why emotion and structure both matter for success
  • How to use your vision board to plan your systems and growth for 2026
  • The exact categories I use to balance life, creativity, and business

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to create a vision that moves your business forward with intention.

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
19 minutes 49 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
How to Build Systems That Save 10+ Hours in a Design Biz | EP 190

Most freelance designers waste 10 or more hours each week doing tasks that could be automated or simplified. In this episode, I am showing you exactly how to build systems that save you time, help you attract more clients, and make your design business easier to manage.

Whether you are a brand and web designer, a design business owner, or a creative CEO who is ready to scale, you will learn how to create structure, simplify your offers, and finally stop reinventing the wheel for every client.

You will learn:

  • How to simplify your services into one signature offer that sells
  • Which systems save the most time in a freelance design business
  • How to organize your client process using Notion and client portals
  • Why systems create freedom, not restriction, for creative business owners


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to organize your design business like a pro.

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
20 minutes 48 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
My Design Agency Reflection: Lessons from 2025 and Changes for 2026 | 189

This year changed everything. I had $40K profitable months, $20K plus design clients, and podcast sponsors that made 2025 my best year so far. But beyond the numbers, it gave me clarity. In this episode, I share what worked, what I am changing inside my design agency, and how I am expanding my personal brand in 2026. Whether you are a freelance designer, brand and web designer, or a design business owner, this episode will help you reflect on your year and plan your next one with purpose.

You will learn:

  • What I am changing inside my design agency next year
  • How I am approaching visibility and personal branding
  • What success actually looked like behind the scenes
  • Why clarity matters more than chasing new goals


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to reflect on your biggest lessons from 2025 and create your plan for 2026.


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
18 minutes 21 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
How to Audit Your Design Business Before the New Year | EP 188

Most design business owners plan for the new year without actually reviewing the one they just had. And that’s a mistake. In this episode, I walk you through how to audit your design business before the new year so you can make smarter, more confident decisions that actually move you forward. Whether you’re a freelance designer, brand and web designer, or growing a small studio, this process will help you understand your numbers, refine your offers, and realign your goals for real growth.

You will learn:

  • How to review your finances and see where your profit really comes from
  • What to look for when evaluating your client projects and offers
  • How to streamline your systems so you can save time and reduce chaos
  • Why clarity matters more than setting random goals
  • How to set aligned goals that fit the kind of business you actually want

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to bring strategy and clarity into your next year.

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
32 minutes 28 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Why Designers Struggle to Raise Their Rates | EP 187

Most freelance designers know they should be charging more but struggle to actually raise their rates. In this episode, I am breaking down why that happens and what you can do to change it. It is not your portfolio, your market, or the economy. It is your mindset. I will show you how to shift your thinking around money, attract high-value clients, and start pricing design services with confidence.

Whether you are a freelance designer, a brand and web designer, or a design business owner growing into your role as a creative CEO, this episode will help you understand what is really behind your hesitation to charge more and how to move past it.

You will learn:

  • Why designers undercharge and how to stop doing it
  • How to think like a business owner, not just a designer
  • The mindset shift that turns $2K projects into $20K ones
  • How to price your design services based on value, not fear

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to shift the way you think about money, confidence, and the value of your work.

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
23 minutes 13 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
How to Start Planning for 2026 as a Freelance Designer | EP 186

Most freelance designers start every new year by setting goals. But without reflection, those goals mean nothing. In this episode, I share exactly how I plan for the new year as a design business owner and how you can create your 2026 plan with intention. We’ll talk about raising prices, refining offers, simplifying systems, and setting goals that actually support the life you want to live.

You will learn:

  • How to reflect on 2025 and identify what worked in your business
  • How to clarify your offers and pricing for 2026
  • Why simplifying systems leads to more growth and freedom
  • How to plan your marketing and client strategy for the new year

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to plan your most intentional and profitable year yet.

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
26 minutes 1 second

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
10 Lessons I Learned from 10 Years of Running My Design Business | EP 185

Ten years, hundreds of clients, and more lessons than I can count. This episode is a reflection on what it really takes to grow from a freelance designer charging $65 logos to running a six-figure design agency that gives you freedom and choice. I am sharing the ten biggest lessons that shaped my business, my mindset, and how I show up as a creative CEO. These lessons are honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and exactly what I wish someone told me when I started.

You will learn:

  • Why being a great designer is not enough to build a profitable business
  • How confidence, not skill, determines your pricing
  • What it really means to think like a business owner, not a freelancer
  • How to create systems and seasons that support sustainable growth


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to think differently about how you grow 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 months ago
25 minutes 7 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Exact Systems I Use to Run a Profitable Design Business (Step by Step) | EP 184

When I finally built real systems in my design business, everything changed, from how I manage money to how I onboard clients and plan my week. I am sharing every single system I use as a brand and web designer so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start running your design business like a Creative CEO. Whether you are a freelance designer or scaling your studio, these steps will help you become more profitable without working more hours.

You will learn:

  • The exact financial systems I use to track, save, and invest in my design business
  • How I organize client proposals, contracts, and portals for a smooth client experience
  • Simple project management systems that keep your workflow clear and consistent
  • How to build marketing systems that attract high-paying design clients consistently
  • The mindset and time systems that protect your creativity and prevent burnout

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to systemize your design business for profit and freedom.

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 months ago
20 minutes 54 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Attract Design Clients Without Posting Every Day | EP 183

You don’t need to post every day to attract high-paying graphic design clients. What you need is clarity, focus, and a strategy that actually moves your design business forward. In this episode, I’m sharing how to stop wasting hours on random posts and start using intentional content that brings you clients, not just followers. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to figure out where your dream clients are, what they actually care about, and how to position your design content so it sells your expertise without burning you out.

You will learn:

  • How to get design clients without posting every single day
  • Why most design content attracts other designers, not paying clients
  • How to choose one or two platforms that actually grow your design business
  • What kind of content positions you as an expert and leads to higher design rates
  • A simple system to repurpose content and stay consistent without losing your sanity

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up online as a profitable designer.


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 months ago
27 minutes 33 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Stop Undercharging as a Designer – Do This Instead | EP 182

Charging $2,500 for branding might feel safe, but it’s actually the reason so many designers stay stuck. When you underprice your work, you attract the wrong clients, limit your growth, and start believing your own low rates. I know because I did it too. In this episode, I’ll show you how to break out of the $2K–$4K design trap and finally step into pricing that reflects your value. Whether you’re building a freelance design business or aiming to grow a profitable design studio, this conversation will help you raise design rates with confidence, land better graphic design clients, and start scaling your design business the smart way.

You will learn:

  • Why undervaluing your services keeps you stuck at low-level projects
  • The shift that makes clients pay $10K+ without flinching
  • How to package and price your signature design offer
  • The mindset you need to stop chasing cheap clients and start growing a design business that lasts


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you price, sell, and grow as a designer.

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 months ago
27 minutes 3 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Why Branding Starts with Strategy, Not Design (with Dr. Nathan Bryan) | Ep 181

Most people don’t dream of becoming entrepreneurs in the lab. But when science meets innovation, business ideas are born.

In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I’m joined by Dr. Nathan Bryan, a molecular medicine researcher turned product-based business owner. He shares how his discoveries around nitric oxide led to supplements, skincare, and therapeutic innovations—and how branding and marketing have been just as critical as the science itself.

You’ll learn:

  • Why communicating benefits matters more than ingredients or features
  • The role branding plays in building trust for premium products
  • How to differentiate your business in a crowded market
  • Why mission and vision must lead before profit


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you think about product-based branding.

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 months ago
35 minutes 6 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180

What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?

In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he built his studio, and why staying curious has been a key part of his process from day one.

We also talk about working with clients, building trust, and how design is just one piece of what makes a creative business thrive.

You will learn:

  • How Jeremy transitioned from designer to studio owner
  • The services he offers and who his typical clients are
  • What courage and creative confidence really look like in practice
  • His advice for designers who feel stuck or unsure about the next step


Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready for a grounded, honest conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling creative career.

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.


If you want to connect with Jeremy, here is how:

Website: www.slagledesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slagledesign/

Online course: adobe.ly/confidence


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 months ago
50 minutes 51 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
How I Went From Freelance Graphic Designer to Creative CEO | EP 179

Being fully booked does not always mean you are successful. I know because I hit ten thousand dollar months as a freelancer and still felt broke, exhausted, and trapped. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I am breaking down the real difference between freelancing and running your business like a CEO and why making this shift changed everything for me.

You will learn:

  • Why freelancing keeps you in survival mode even when revenue looks good
  • The mindset shift that allowed me to position myself as a Creative CEO
  • How productizing my services and building systems gave me control
  • What life and business look like once you stop hustling and start leading

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what success really means as a designer.

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 months ago
31 minutes 59 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
From Outdated Labels to a Full Rebrand with Philip McCauley | 178

What happens when a former tech manager buys a 20-year-old health food business - and turns it into a modern, fast-growing CPG brand?

In this episode, I’m talking with Philip Macaulay, the founder of Vital Purple and the new owner of NaturalZing, a raw food company he’s rebranded and expanded. Philip shares how he took over an outdated brand with 500 SKUs, fixed the packaging, introduced new products, launched an entirely new superfood line, and is now building something he believes will disrupt the cacao industry.

Whether you're a designer working with CPG clients or a founder yourself, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rebranding, packaging, retail strategy, and launching innovative products from the ground up.

You will learn:

  • What it’s like to rebrand a legacy brand while managing existing retail relationships
  • How much he invested in branding and packaging for both product lines
  • Why visual identity directly impacted retail growth and customer trust
  • How Vital Purple is shifting the narrative around cacao products
  • The overlooked link between design, storytelling, and sales in wellness brands

Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what great branding actually means in the CPG space!

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 months ago
52 minutes 14 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
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 months ago
29 minutes 56 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
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...
4 months ago
31 minutes 39 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
$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...
4 months ago
25 minutes 6 seconds

Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Learn how to get graphic design clients, price your services confidently, and build a profitable design business that gives you freedom. You’re not meant to chase cheap clients or work nights just to stay afloat. Hosted by Kady Sandel, brand strategist, agency owner, and design business coach helping freelance, brand, and web designers build scalable, profitable businesses. You’ll learn how to: • Get graphic design clients and sell high-value offers • Build systems that simplify your design business • Write proposals that convert leads into clients • Grow your confidence, income, and freedom