The Profitable Graphic Designer

Kady Sandel
  • 5.0 (1)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast

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

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    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

    29 min

  2. 10 SEPT

    124 Exactly How to Scale Your Design Business and Raise Your Rates Today

    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

    28 min

  3. 3 SEPT

    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/

    20 min

  4. 27 AUG

    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/

    21 min

  5. 20 AUG

    121 The Designer to Agency Bootcamp, September 2024

    You’re doing all the things in your design business—designing, managing clients, handling marketing, and everything else on your plate—but the more you take on, the harder it is to actually scale. You know something has to change, but letting go of control feels risky. In this episode, I’m breaking down what you need to do to shift from being a solo designer to running a thriving agency. From setting up systems to refining your positioning and preparing to hire, we’ll cover the steps that will help you stop doing it all yourself and start building a business that supports your growth. You will learn: The biggest mindset blocks that keep designers stuck at a solo level. Why positioning your services is key for attracting premium clients as an agency. Practical steps to prepare for hiring and expanding your team. Marketing strategies that align with an agency business model. Systems you can implement now to streamline your processes. Grab your coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you run your design business! Designer to Agency Bootcamp: https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/

    20 min

  6. 13 AUG

    120 How I Went From $500 Website Designs to $10K+ Web Projects (Pricing Part 2)

    Ever wondered how you can charge more for your web design projects? In this episode, I’ll share my journey from charging $500 for a website to landing $10k+ web projects. Building on the insights from Part 1 (Episode #119), you’ll learn how to price your web projects for maximum profitability by understanding client needs, communicating value, and building a high-value portfolio. I'll also share tips on specializing, advanced sales techniques, and leveraging case studies to boost your credibility and rates. If you haven't yet, make sure to listen to Episode 119 for more foundational strategies. You will learn: How to transition from low-priced websites to high-value web projects. The importance of understanding client needs and communicating value. Effective strategies for building a high-value portfolio. Advanced sales techniques to close high-paying deals. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: LIVE Designer to Agency Bootcamp (Sep 10th - 12th): https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/ 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

    23 min

  7. 6 AUG

    119 How I Went from $65 Logo Designs to $20K+ Branding Projects (Pricing Part 1)

    Ever wondered how to significantly increase your rates? In this episode, I share my journey from charging $65 for logo designs to landing $20k+ branding projects. You’ll get insider tips on positioning, specializing, and communicating value to attract high-paying clients. I’ll walk you through the exact steps I took to transform my pricing strategy and attract clients who value my work. From finding your niche to effective sales techniques, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can start implementing today. You will learn: How to transition from low-priced projects to high-value branding. The importance of finding and defining your niche. Effective sales techniques to highlight the value of your services. Tips on building credibility and showcasing your expertise. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Make sure to subscribe to The Profitable Graphic Designer, as this is Part One of our pricing series. You won’t want to miss Part Two, where I’ll dive even deeper into advanced strategies and tips for maximizing your profitability! 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

    26 min

  8. 30 JUL

    118 The Benefits of Hiring and Outsourcing as a Freelance Designer

    Ever feel like you’re drowning in tasks, both personal and professional, as a freelance designer? You're not alone. In this episode, I share how hiring and outsourcing can transform your business and your life. From hiring a cleaner or nanny to taking on a design assistant, I’ll show you the steps to move from solo freelancer to thriving business owner. Discover the freedom and growth that comes with building a team and the tangible benefits it brings.   You will learn: How outsourcing personal tasks can boost your productivity and mental well-being. The steps to transition from a solo freelancer to a business owner with a team. The benefits of hiring in your design business, including increased efficiency and financial growth. Practical tips for identifying tasks to outsource and finding the right people for your team. How to overcome common challenges in letting go of control and managing a remote team.   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

    27 min
See All (125)

Ratings & Reviews

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada