The Profitable Graphic Designer

Kady Sandel

Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com

  • 20 minutes 30 seconds
    132 FREE Brand Guidelines for Brand Designers – Elevating Your Visual Identity Skills

    If you think your job ends after you design the logo, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m sharing why brand guidelines are essential for brand designers who want to elevate their craft, charge higher rates, and secure more client referrals.

    I’ll show you how these comprehensive brand books not only improve your design process but also set you apart as a designer who thinks strategically and long-term. Whether you’re new to brand design or have been doing this for years, this episode is all about becoming a designer who delivers real value and builds stronger client relationships.

    You will learn:

    • Why creating brand guidelines boosts your professionalism and helps you charge higher rates
    • Key elements every brand designer should include in a brand book
    • How guidelines ensure consistency and longevity for your client’s brand
    • Tips for positioning brand guidelines as an essential service, not just an add-on
    • Ways that working on guidelines can make you a better designer overall

    Settle in, grab a pen, and get ready to take your design skills - and your business - to the next level.

    Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/

    5 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 26 minutes 6 seconds
    131 From Zero Leads to Fully Booked: My Client Magnet Method

    Ever wondered why some designers seem to have clients flocking to them while others struggle to get a single inquiry? I’ve been there, staring at my inbox and waiting for leads that never came. That was until I discovered the power of my Client Magnet Method, which took me from zero leads to fully booked. In this episode, I’ll share the exact steps I used to attract clients without the constant hustle. You'll get an insider look at how SEO and blogging can bring clients to you on autopilot, why LinkedIn is more than just a place to post, and how networking events can lead to lasting connections.

    You will learn:

    • How to use SEO and blogging to attract high-quality leads even when you’re not actively marketing
    • Ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile and build relationships with your target clients
    • Tips on choosing the right networking events and how to follow up effectively
    • The three strategies that work together to bring clients to you consistently
    • Practical steps to implement the Client Magnet Method and transform your design business

    Get comfortable, grab your favorite drink, and let’s get you fully booked with clients who can’t wait to work with you!

    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    29 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 23 minutes 51 seconds
    130 Why Most Designers Struggle with Consistent Income (and How to Fix It)

    Many designers face the dreaded feast and famine cycle, where one month you’re on top of the world with a big project, and the next, you’re scrambling for clients. I’ve been there, and I know it’s exhausting. But predictable income isn’t just a dream—it’s a necessity for building a sustainable design business. By creating steady revenue streams, mastering lead generation, and diversifying your client base, you can transform your business into a consistent, thriving operation. Let’s break free from the feast and famine trap together.

    You will learn:

    • How to shift your mindset from freelancer to business owner for reliable income
    • Effective lead generation techniques to ensure a steady stream of clients
    • The importance of diversifying your client base to reduce financial risk
    • Strategies to automate and streamline your sales process for growth

    Pour yourself a coffee, grab a notebook, and get ready to change how you approach your design business!


    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    22 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 27 minutes 10 seconds
    129 How I Doubled My Income by Saying No to Clients

    Have you ever wondered how saying “no” could actually double your income? It may sound strange, but turning down clients has been one of the most transformative strategies in my design business. When I stopped taking on projects that didn’t align with my goals or respect my worth, I opened the door to more profitable, fulfilling opportunities. In this episode, I share my journey of learning to say no and how it skyrocketed my business, giving me more freedom and better clients along the way.

    You will learn:

    • How to spot red flags and avoid clients who undervalue your expertise
    • Why setting boundaries can boost both your income and your creative energy
    • The long-term benefits of focusing on quality over quantity
    • Real-life examples of how saying no can lead to high-paying projects

    Settle in with your favorite drink, grab a pen, and get ready for this super valuable episode!

     

    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    15 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 17 seconds
    128 How to Position Your Design Business for Premium Clients

    Ready to position your design business for premium clients and elevate your brand to the next level? I’m breaking down exactly how you can identify your ideal clients, stand out in a crowded market, charge what you’re truly worth, and build a portfolio that attracts the kind of high-paying clients you’ve been dreaming of. If you’ve been struggling to make the leap from just another designer to a sought-after creative partner, this episode is for you.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to pinpoint and connect with your ideal clients who are ready to invest in quality design.
    • Strategies for crafting a unique value proposition that sets you apart from the competition.
    • The key elements of a premium portfolio that showcases your best work and results.
    • Pricing techniques that reflect the true value of your services and attract high-end clients.
    • Ways to enhance the client experience, making your business the go-to choice for premium services.

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!


    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    8 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 54 minutes 15 seconds
    127 Marketing Strategies for Freelance Designers with Kiri Mohan

    If you’ve ever wondered how to take your design business from freelance to something more sustainable, today’s episode is for you. I had a great conversation with Kiri Mohan, who helps women freelancers with corporate backgrounds grow their businesses and regain more time for themselves. We touched on everything from finding higher-paying clients to achieving a better work-life balance, and there are so many helpful takeaways. Whether you’re in the process of scaling or just looking for ways to refine your business, you’ll find some valuable insights here.

    You will learn:

    • Key steps for transitioning from corporate life to a thriving freelance design business.
    • How to attract high-paying clients and position yourself as a premium service provider.
    • Strategies for setting and raising your rates confidently, without losing clients.
    • Tips on maintaining work-life balance while scaling your design business.
    • Mindset shifts that help freelancers break past income plateaus and avoid burnout.

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!


    About Kiri:

    Kiri Mohan helps women freelancers who have a background in the corporate world take their contractor business from surviving to thriving. Her Corporate2Contract Core and Collective programs guide women growing their freelance business to set them up for success, earn an income over six figures and get more time back in their day. Kiri knows that there is a way to have a career, a flexible schedule, and get paid what you deserve, and her framework teaches you to do that. When not working on her courses or leading women, she is podcasting (Freelance to Freedom Podcast) drinking tea and reading books.

    Website: www.corporate2contract.com

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirimohan/

    Money mapper - https://corporate2contract.thrivecart.com/money-mapper/

    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her-balanced-hustle-scale-your-business-with-work-life/id1634211553


    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    1 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 57 minutes 49 seconds
    126 How to Sell Your Design Services Without Feeling Pushy with Tyler Archer

    Selling your design services shouldn’t feel overwhelming, but for many designers, it does. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Tyler, New Zealand’s top online sales coach, who’s here to help you shift your mindset around sales and close more deals with ease. With over 15 years of experience, Tyler has guided countless solopreneurs and creatives to success through simple, actionable sales techniques. Together, we’re diving into what’s holding you back from landing more clients, charging what you’re worth, and confidently closing deals that fuel your business growth.

    You will learn:

    • How to overcome the fear of selling and build confidence
    • Proven techniques for having effective sales conversations that convert
    • Strategies to communicate the value of your design services without feeling pushy
    • How to attract premium clients who see the value in what you offer
    • Ways to consistently generate leads in the design industry

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!

    About Tyler

    Tyler is New Zealand’s most trusted online sales coach with 15 years of experience in sales. His extensive experience in corporate roles has set the foundation for his successful coaching business. Tyler specializes in helping online coaches and solopreneurs increase their sales by understanding the psychology of selling and building compelling offers and packages.

     

    He empowers his clients with the confidence and skills to sell with ease, without feeling uncomfortable or forcing the sale. Living in a beautiful small town on the North Island of New Zealand with his wife and two young boys, Tyler enjoys cooking and occasionally playing online games with his son in his spare time.


    Connect with Tyler:

    https://offers.tylerarcherconsulting.com/sales-objections-made-easy

    https://www.instagram.com/thetylerarcher/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerarchersalescoaching/

     

    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    24 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 28 minutes 46 seconds
    125 How to Consistently Get Design Clients without Chasing Leads

    Chasing leads is exhausting, and it’s holding you back from growing your design business to its full potential. I’m sharing my approach to consistently attracting high paying clients without the constant hustle. Imagine having clients seek you out, ready to pay what you’re worth, without you ever having to chase them down. It’s all about positioning yourself as an authority, creating a magnetic brand, and leveraging strategies that bring clients to you on autopilot.

    You will learn:

    • How to establish yourself as the go-to expert in your niche and let clients come to you
    • The secrets to building a brand identity that attracts high-value clients effortlessly
    • Proven systems to generate leads automatically, so you can focus on designing
    • Techniques to turn one-time clients into long-term relationships and consistent revenue

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!


    AventiveAcademy’s Resources:

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    17 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 27 minutes 43 seconds
    124 Scale Your Design Business by Raising Your Rates

    Scaling a graphic design business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I’m breaking down exactly how you can attract more premium clients, raise your rates, and start outsourcing so you can get your time back and grow your business without burning out. I’ll share the strategies that have worked for me, from refining your brand positioning to building a team that allows you to focus on the high-level work that drives your business forward. If you’re ready to stop being the bottleneck and start scaling your design business with confidence, this episode is for you.

    You will learn:

    • How to position your brand to attract premium clients who are willing to pay top dollar
    • Effective strategies to raise your rates and increase your revenue without losing clients
    • The key steps to outsourcing and delegation that free up your time for growth-focused activities
    • How to implement systems and processes that make your business scalable and sustainable

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!


    Aventive Academy’s Resources:

    Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/

    $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/

    Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f

    The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/

    12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    10 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 20 minutes 16 seconds
    123 What Nobody Tells You About How Designers Can Work Less and Earn More

    Freelance design can feel like an endless grind - constantly hustling, wearing all the hats, and still not reaching the level of income or freedom you want. I’ve been there, and I know exactly how frustrating it is to be stuck in that cycle. The reality is that the key to working less and earning more isn’t about pushing yourself harder; it’s about transforming how you run your business. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to move from a solo freelancer to a true agency owner.

    And I’m not just talking about the traditional agency model with employees—I’ll also share insights on the “floating agency” approach, where you bring in contractors only when you need them. It’s a flexible, scalable way to grow without the overwhelm, and it’s a strategy that nobody’s talking about.

    You will learn:

    • The biggest reasons freelance designers stay stuck and overworked
    • The difference between a traditional agency and a floating agency, and which might be right for you
    • How to start delegating tasks without needing full-time employees
    • The mindset shifts that will help you step into a true leadership role
    • Practical tips for structuring your services and processes to work less and make more

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!

    The Designer to Agency Bootcamp: https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/

    3 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 20 minutes 55 seconds
    122 Why Freelance Designers Struggle to Grow (and How to Break Free)

    Why do so many talented freelance designers get stuck in a constant cycle of hustling for clients, overworking themselves, and never quite hitting the income goals they’ve set? In this episode, I’m breaking down the root causes behind why freelancers struggle to grow and, more importantly, how you can break free from this trap. I’ll be sharing the exact steps that helped me move from being a solo freelancer to running a thriving design agency. We’ll talk about the mindset shifts, business model changes, and systems you need to unlock sustainable growth and finally step into your role as the Creative CEO of your business.

    You will learn:

    • The three main growth blockers that keep freelance designers stuck
    • How to shift from a freelancer mindset to thinking like a business owner
    • Strategies to package your services and move beyond the one-to-one model
    • How I grew my design business and significantly increased what I charge
    • The importance of systems and automation in scaling your design business
    • How to position yourself to attract high-value clients who see you as a strategic partner

    Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!

    Designer to Agency Bootcamp, Sep 10-12th, 2024: https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/

    27 August 2024, 10:00 am
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