The Profitable Graphic Designer

Kady Sandel
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The Profitable Graphic Designer

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. 22 HR. AGO

    136 Raise Your Design Rates (Without Losing Clients)

    Raising your design rates isn’t just about earning more—it’s about reflecting your expertise and the transformation you bring to clients. In this episode, I share how to approach rate increases confidently, attract high-paying clients, and position yourself as a premium service without fear of losing clients. This is about aligning your fees with the value you bring. You will learn: How to communicate your value beyond deliverables. Strategies for positioning yourself to attract premium clients. How to structure proposals with tiered pricing. Ways to handle rate objections confidently. Steps to gradually increase your rates over time. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run 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 The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    27 min

  2. NOV 26

    135 How to Create a Strong Brand for Your Own Design Business

    Branding isn’t just for your clients - it’s essential for your design business too. Often, designers overlook their own brand, assuming their work will speak for itself. But a strong brand identity is what sets you apart, attracts clients, and establishes you as a serious professional. In this episode, I share everything you need to know about creating a powerful brand for your business. You will learn: How to define your brand’s core values and mission. Steps to build a consistent visual identity that represents you. Tips for crafting brand messaging that aligns with your values. How to structure your portfolio to attract the right clients. Why consistency is crucial as your business grows. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run 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 The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    27 min

  3. NOV 19

    134 Pricing Your Design Services Confidently - The Ultimate Guide

    Think about it: every time you set a price that genuinely reflects your work's value, you’re establishing a standard for the clients you want to attract. When I charge $25k for a branding project, I’m not just picking a number—I’m showing clients the level of transformation and expertise I bring. This confidence in pricing doesn’t just impress clients; it signals that you know your worth. In this episode, I’m guiding you through the steps to develop that same confidence in your pricing so that clients trust in your value from the start. You will learn: How to shift your mindset and embrace the value you bring to clients. The importance of setting a minimum base rate and how to calculate it. Strategies to adopt value-based pricing and charge for outcomes, not hours. Tips for presenting your prices confidently to clients, even during tough conversations. How to handle objections without feeling pressured to lower your rates. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! 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 The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    26 min

  4. NOV 12

    133 How I Turned My Side Hustle into a Thriving Design Agency

    When I charge $25k for a branding project, I’m not just picking a number - I’m showing clients the level of transformation and expertise I bring. This confidence in pricing doesn’t just impress clients; it signals that you know your worth. Think about it: every time you set a price that genuinely reflects your work's value, you’re establishing a standard for the clients you want to attract. In this episode, I’m guiding you through the steps to develop that same confidence in your pricing so that clients trust in your value from the start. You will learn: How to shift your mindset and embrace the value you bring to clients. The importance of setting a minimum base rate and how to calculate it. Strategies to adopt value-based pricing and charge for outcomes, not hours. Tips for presenting your prices confidently to clients, even during tough conversations. How to handle objections without feeling pressured to lower your rates. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run 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 The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    26 min

  5. NOV 5

    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/

    21 min

  6. OCT 29

    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

    26 min

  7. OCT 22

    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

    24 min

  8. OCT 15

    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

    27 min
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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

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