Episodes
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In episode 143, we’re diving into designer questions!
Question 1: Should you share personal vulnerabilities with clients?
We chat about the growing trend of sharing personal stories in business and whether it’s something you should embrace.Question 2: How do you handle a demanding retainer client?
One of our listeners is dealing with a client who’s taking up two to three days of their week. We discuss setting clear boundaries, creating a client portal to streamline communication, and whether it’s time to reassess the profitability of that retainer.Question 3: How do you overcome the belief that your target clients can’t afford your services?
We know how frustrating it can be when potential clients balk at your pricing. We’ll talk through how to explore different client segments, communicate the true value of your services, and tweak your pricing strategy to suit a range of budgets without compromising on your passion.Mentioned in this episode:
Register for Pathway To Profit and fast-track your design business success & build a life you LOVE.https://www.designandprosper.co/ptp
Episode 37: Ditch the Dirty F Word in your graphic design business
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/36-what-courage-looks-like-in-a-graphic-design-business/id1523004678?i=1000525708900
Episode 61. Graphic Design Pricing: What to do when clients can't afford you
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/graphic-design-pricing-what-to-do-when-clients-cant/id1523004678?i=1000571451736
Episode 123: Your Pricing Isn't The Problem - Why your clients aren't saying ’Yes’
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/design-and-prosper/id1523004678?i=1000644751674
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Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www.designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on Instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechat -
In this episode we uncover the five essential pillars every design business needs. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a while, it’s crucial to have these foundations in place:
1. Understand your why
Get clear on your core motivation for starting a design business. This “why” will guide you, fuel your passion, and keep you focused during tough times. 2. Establish your revenue goal
It's so incredibly important to balance your passion with financial stability. Your revenue goals directly support your lifestyle, passions, and your "why." Your business should serve your life, not the other way around. 3. Understand WHO you are
Identify your strengths and personality traits and tailor your business to them. This self-awareness will help you create a business that aligns with your unique talents and passions. This is the pathway to ease, which is something we highly value in business! 4. WHO can you serve?
Who are you designing for? Pinpoint your ideal clients by understanding their needs and challenges. Make sure there’s strong demand in your niche, with clear, urgent needs that your services can fulfil. 5. Design your ideal business model
Create a business structure that perfectly aligns with your “why,” your financial goals, personal strengths, and target audience. This is where it all comes together.
This isn’t just about theory—we’re sharing real talk, personal stories, and actionable steps to help you create a business that serves your life, not the other way around.With love,
Kris & Donna xoMentioned in this episode:
Join us live for Pathway To Profit and fast-track your design business success & build a life you LOVE.
https://www.designandprosper.co/ptpEpisode 113: Why did you start your graphic design business?
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/design-and-prosper/id1523004678?i=1000640593727James Clear 3-2-1 Newsletter
https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1--
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www.designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on Instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechat -
Missing episodes?
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In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of client meetings. We share our best strategies for ensuring your meetings run smoothly and effectively, whether they’re in-person or virtual. We cover essential preparation tips, handling pre-meeting nerves, and we run through the six types of client meetings in a design business:
1. Discovery calls
2. Proposal Meetings
3. Brand Strategy Sessions
4. Presentation Meetings
5. Work-in-Progress Meetings
6. Production MeetingsClient meetings are the foundation of building long-term relationships and discovering the best solutions for your clients. While we’re not fans of having unnecessary meetings, the truth is, nailing your client interactions is crucial for a successful design business.
With love
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
Kris & Donna xo
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www.designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on Instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechat -
This is part 2 of a 2 part series on Print Production for Designers, so if you haven't heard episode 139, be sure to go back and listen to that!
Getting paper samples Which Pantone books we recommend The specifications we send to printers to get quotes Essential pre-print checklist How to manage payment for printing with clients And so much more
In this episode, we cover:With love
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
Kris & Donna xo
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www.designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on Instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechat -
Today on the Design and Prosper Podcast, we’re diving into the world of print! If you’re a designer, chances are you’ll need to send a file to print at some point, even in this digital world.
It can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of the print world, but you’re in luck because you get to tap into the minds of two experienced designers who have sent hundreds of projects off to print. We’re here to share our best tips with you so that print & production goes as smoothly as possible.
In part 1 of this series we cover the different types of printing, how to choose the right printer and print process, managing budgets and so much more.
With love
Kris & Donna xo
00:00 Introduction to print and production
02:04 Why print knowledge is essential for designers
08:51 Understanding print methods: offset, digital and letterpress
09:36 Offset printing (and why it's our favourite)
21:08 Digital printing
26:08 Letterpress
32:07 Choosing the right print method
36:23 How to choose a printer
37:36 Key questions for printers
43:38 Environmental practices in printing
46:37 payment and communication with printers
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechat -
This is an Ask Kris & Donna episode where we are answering designer questions:
02:16 Designer Question 1: Paid vs free fonts – when to invest?
1) When and how to invest in fonts versus using free fonts for client work
2) A designer is weighing up the pros and cons of rebranding their design business, and
3) Strategies for handling long-term clients when you feel like you are outgrowing them (especially when it comes to pricing!)
05:07 Font licensing and client budgets
07:19 Benefits of paid fonts
11:31 Free fonts: pros and cons
15:46 Client-specific font usage
17:25 Designer Question 2: rebranding your business
25:09 Designer Question 3: handling long-term clients on low rates
27:02 Strategies for raising prices
Mentioned during the episode:
Episode 34 - Brand Designer Q&A: How to manage fonts for clients https://designandprosper.co/managing-fonts-for-clients/
Episode 61 -Graphic Design Pricing: What to do when clients can't afford you https://designandprosper.co/graphic-design-pricing-what-to-do-when-clients-cant-afford-you/
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechatWith love,
Kris & Donna xo -
Do you need help convincing clients that graphic design and branding is valuable? In this episode we reveal some awesome studies and statistics you can use to confidently showcase the benefits of design & branding.
Mentioned during the episode:
Episode 132 - The power of case studies and how they can transform your graphic design business https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/design-and-prosper/id1523004678?i=1000652815124
Siegel + Gale Simplicity Index: https://www.simplicityindex.com/
Kantar BrandZ Global Report: https://www.kantar.com/campaigns/brandz/global
University of Wollongong Research Study: https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3915&context=commpapers
Forrester Research: https://www.forrester.com/blogs/designers-are-your-anchor-in-an-uncertain-economy/
Adobe Research: https://business.adobe.com/resources/reports/the-state-of-engagement
Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab research: https://credibility.stanford.edu/guidelines/index.html
’Can graphic design save your life?’ Exhibition & Book: https://www.graphicdesignand.com/product/can-graphic-design-save-your-life
Some examples from the exhibition here: https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/can-graphic-design-save-your-life-wellcome-trust-exhibition-lucienne-roberts-rebecca-wright-050917
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__
Book in a free Design Business Breakthrough Session:
https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechatWith love,
Kris & Donna xo -
The Design & Prosper Academy doors are open for a limited time! Come and join us and start building the design business of your dreams today. 🌈✨
https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademyAre you wondering how to set up your graphic design business for success? In today's episode we share the results, outcomes and big transformations you can expect for your design busienss when you have the right framework in place.
A successful design business you can trust! Yes please!
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__With love,
Kris & Donna xo -
Join our free live Masterclass "Pathway to Profit" and discover 5 graphic design business models that *really* work. 🚀
https://www.designandprosper.co/masterclassThis is an Ask Kris & Donna episode where we answer a question from a lovely designer, Sarah Kelly, who has asked the following question:
Do clients really want to see my process work? I was taught at university to share it all, as time goes on I have been less inclined to do so. Sharing my ideation process in my client branding presentation can feel like it is too much information for the client...mind maps, brainstorming, sketches...it's a lot! Would it not be better to keep them focused on the one design concept/solution being provided? Thank you, Sarah
Transcript coming soon!
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeLooking 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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademyAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__With love,
Kris & Donna xo -
Join our free live Masterclass "Pathway to Profit" and discover 5 graphic design business models that *really* work. 🚀
https://www.designandprosper.co/masterclassAre you running a design business but you’re feeling unhappy and unfulfilled? There are lots of reasons why this can be the case but in this episode we’ve identified 5 key reasons why and how to fix them.
We've been there and we’ve felt it. It can be hard to get the balance right, but over many years we have discovered some key things that need to be in place in order for a graphic design business to be successful.
Transcript coming soon!
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeLooking 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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademyAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__With love,
Kris & Donna xo -
Join our free live Masterclass "Pathway to Profit" and discover 5 graphic design business models that *really* work. 🚀
https://www.designandprosper.co/masterclassIn today’s episode we are talking all about case studies and why they are so powerful for graphic, web and brand designers to use as part of their content strategy. We also run through exactly how to put together your own client case studies.
Case studies are such an important tool in your marketing and content toolkit - they showcase your design expertise, build trust with potential clients, and drive new business & conversions.
Even if you are just starting out in business or have never created a case study before, fear not, because the information you are going to learn in this episode starts at the very beginning of the client journey. So this can start with your very next client. 🙌
For transcript click here.
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here:
https://www.designandprosper.co/podcastFree resources for designers: 👀
https://www. designandprosper.co/freeLooking 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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademyAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__With love,
Kris & Donna xo -
Do you feel pushed for time in your graphic design business? Well in today’s episode we have 10 time saving systems you need to implement in your business to get some of your precious time back.
We cover strategies such as batching tasks, using automation and integration tools like Zapier and Dubsado, developing your inspiration and templates library, implementing a project management system and so much more. 🤗
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Book in a free 20 minute consultation: https://designandprosper.co/bookafreechat
Much love,
Kris & Donna xo
P.S For transcript click here.
Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ -
In this ’Ask Kris and Donna’ episode we answer a question from Taylor, a graphic design business owner who is curious about whether focusing on a niche and turning away unrelated work is going to be beneficial.
View the transcript here.
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Free resources for designers: 👀
https://designandprosper.co/freeLooking 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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademyAre we friends on instagram yet? 🤗
https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__With love,
Kris & Donna xo -
In this episode we are talking about pricing, in particular - LOW pricing. While it can be tempting to charge lower prices for your design services, (especially when you are just starting out), there can be negative consequences for you, your client and the industry at large. Let’s chat about this!
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Much love,
Kris & Donna xo
P.S View the transcript here.
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ -
In this ’Ask Kris & Don’ episode we answer a very relatable question from Claire, who has a client who wants a cheaper design because they have provided a sketch of what they want.
This is a situation that most designers dread, so we chat about ways to handle client requests for budget-friendly designs while maintaining design integrity.Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Much love,
Kris & Donna xo
P.S View the transcript here.
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ -
In this episode we are talking about how to convince your clients to invest in branding and why it's more important than ever before for businesses to invest in professional, strategic, considered branding, even in an economic downturn.
We chat about some of the silly branding fiasco's that have been going viral and how to leverage these examples to demonstrate the importance of using the services of professional design and branding experts.
Here are the links to some of the branding mishaps we mentioned in this epsiode:
Digitally altered royal photo
Willy's Chocolate Experience Fiasco
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Much love,
Kris & Donna xoP.S For transcript click here.
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ -
Ever wonder what might be missing from your design estimates? In this episode, we explore 7 key elements that could be impacting your profit margins.
We talk to designers all the time, and a common theme emerges: many valuable services and components of design projects don't get charged for. The beautiful, thoughtful touches you bring to your projects – they deserve to be recognized.
There are countless tasks designers perform that can become overlooked. We might think, "This is just part of the job." But it's not. These tasks are your secret sauce – the expertise your clients rely on to achieve project success.
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Much love,
Kris & Donna xoP.S For transcript click here
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__
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In this ’Ask Kris & Don’ quickie episode we answer a question from a designer who feels held back because they believe they cannot draw.
We have strong opinions on this one!
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Much love,
Kris & Donna xo
P.S For transcript click here.
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ -
Have you ever been in a pickle in your design business and wondered ’What would Kris & Don do?’
Well in a slight twist to that question, in this episode we are running through 20 things that we would NEVER do as design business owners. (You get to learn from our mistakes because YES we have done these things in the past and have realised the error of our ways.)
Have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.
Much love,
Kris & Donna xo
P.S For transcript click here.
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ -
In this Ask Kris & Don quickie episode we answer a question from a Sinéad, who has a startup graphic design business but is looking to apply for design jobs on the side. Sinéad's big question is, do I share my business portfolio with potential employers?
Thank you Sinead for your great question!
Do you have a question you'd like us to answer on an upcoming episode? You can submit it here.Much love,
Kris & Donna xoP.S For transcript click here.
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Free resources for designers 👀
https://designandprosper.co/free
- - - - -
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. We can't wait to help you step into the business of your dreams.
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Are we friends on instagram yet? 🤗 https://www.instagram.com/designandprosper__ - Show more
