Building your Brand

Liz Mosley

Graphic Designer Liz Mosley wants all you small business owners to build businesses that you LOVE and feel confident about promoting. Through her decade of branding and design experience and with the help of her guests, she shares top tips to take the fear out of selling and building your brand. Produced by: Lucy Lucraft (Instagram @lucylucraft) Cover illustration: Matt Joyce (Instagram @mattjoyce_illustrator)

  1. 1d ago

    Unlearning Adulthood and Finding Creative Joy with Meg Lewis

    One of my favourite people to chat with about life and creativity is Meg Lewis. We often go deep into how we perceive the world, and in this episode, we talk about success, failure, and how to return to the fun and joy we experienced as children.     Meg helps adults to undo, unlearn, and un-grow up so they can reconnect with their authentic selves before societal norms made things a bit too predictable. We explore how to dismantle the constructs of shame and why it is important to challenge what we consider "normal" in our careers and personal lives. Key Takeaways Unlearning Adulthood: Our default state as children is curiosity and confidence. We chat about how we can strip away the layers of "boring" habits and societal expectations to find our creative spark again. Challenging Collective Opinions: Meg explains the importance of questioning these norms, whether they relate to design choices or our broader career paths. Retraining for Resilience: Many of the things we think of as "unsafe," (like falling over in public) are actually just societal constructs of shame. We talk about how to retrain our brains to move past this. Redefining Success and Failure: Success is often measured by external validation, but we explore why personal contentment and staying true to your own values is a much more sustainable metric (and why Meg will never have a yacht!) Episode Highlights 01:25: The challenge of communicating a complex, multi-hyphenate career succinctly (spoiler - Meg does it!) 05:40: Challenging "normal" behaviour and the collective hatred of Comic Sans. 15:10: How the brain's focus on safety creates unnecessary shame around being "weird." 23:00: Why we need to dismantle the binary definitions of success and failure. 38:50: Practical ways to bring small moments of joy and play into your daily routine. 58:15: How to work with Meg through their career strategy programme and personal style class. About the Guest Meg Lewis is a designer, public speaker, and educator who helps individuals and companies find their unique voice and creative joy. They specialise in "un-growing up" and helping adults navigate their careers with more authenticity and less shame. Website: meglewis.com Instagram: @yourbuddymeg I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    1 hr
  2. 6d ago

    My Atomicon Speaking Experience: The Good, The Nerve-Wracking, and the Lessons

    In this debrief episode I take you behind the scenes of my experience at Atomicon 2026, one of the UK's leading marketing conferences for small businesses. This year was my first time speaking, and I recorded this episode the day after getting back to make sure everything was still fresh in my mind! Three years ago I went to Atomicon for the first time I remember thinking how much I would love to speak at the event, and now, after years of honing my public speaking skills and building my business through podcasting, that dream has become a reality. I share about the atmosphere at Atomicon, the supportive community, and the challenges and triumphs of preparing for a major speaking slot sponsored by Adobe. The episode also touches on the practical workflow shared during the talk, using Adobe Acrobat to repurpose podcast content, and the impact of inspiring others to start or revive their own podcasts. Whether you're interested in public speaking, event experiences, or actionable marketing tips, this episode offers honest insights and encouragement for anyone looking to grow their brand or step onto a bigger stage. If you want to get an early bird ticket for Atomicon next week you can use my affiliate link (you can get a full refund until early next year!) - https://atomic.site/?aap=617 Key Takways Set Big Goals and Celebrate Milestones. After attending Atomicon as an audience member three years ago, I set a goal to speak at the event and this year I achieved it! Take time to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your wins before moving on to the next challenge. Leverage Your Platform for Business Growth. Sharing how my podcast has directly impacted my business; by increasing visibility, expanding my network, and generating revenue; reminded me of the power of consistent content creation. Consider how your own platform can open new opportunities. Embrace Community and Support. Having friends and familiar faces in the audience, plus support from fellow speakers, made the experience even more meaningful. Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you, especially when tackling big goals. Keep Improving and Reflecting. Public speaking is a skill that takes practice. I noticed real progress in managing nerves and pacing during my talk. Regular reflection and seeking feedback are key to ongoing improvement in any area. Episode Highlights 00:40 – Recalling first Atomicon attendance and early ambitions 01:14 – Journey to becoming a speaker at Atomicon 02:24 – Overview of Atomicon's structure and atmosphere 04:50 – Managing nerves and backstage moments 06:32 – Sharing podcasting journey and Adobe Acrobat workflow 07:37 – Audience connections and community support 08:22 – Feedback and impact on listeners 09:10 – Reflections on personal growth and public speaking 11:00 – Looking ahead to next year's Atomicon and recommendations 12:32 – Gratitude and shoutouts to supporters Mentioned in the Episode Atomicon 2027 https://atomic.site/?aap=617 (aff link) Adobe MAX 2026: https://max.adobe.com/ Charlotte Lewis Episode https://buildingyourbrand.net/episode/charlotte-lewis/ Hannah Isted https://www.hicommunications.co.uk/ I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    13 min
  3. Jun 17

    Protecting Your Brand in the Age of AI with Ingrid Fernandez

    In this episode I chat to returning guest and founder of Her Legals Ingrid Fernandez.  We chatted way back in 2022 and since then AI has become HUGELY mainstream throwing up all sorts of joys and stresses for small business owners. We chatted about the essential AI clauses every small business owner needs in their contracts from ensuring brand transparency to preventing clients from "training" AI on your creative work. This conversation is an absolute essential listen if you've been worried about how AI could impact your business.  Key Takeaways The Transparency Clause: Clearly define how AI is (and isn't) used in your business processes to build trust and reassure clients that your deliverables are human-made . Restricting Work for AI Training: Protect your intellectual property by including clauses that prohibit clients from feeding your custom designs or content into AI models to create "cheap replicas" . Privacy Policy Audits: Update your privacy documents at least annually to reflect any new AI tools or third-party subscriptions that might touch client data . Human Discernment is Non-Negotiable: AI is designed to "please," not necessarily to be accurate. Always verify AI-generated output for context, facts, and technical correctness . Assume Best Intentions First: Many contract breaches involving AI are accidental. Use clear legal boundaries as a tool for dialogue and education rather than immediate litigation . Episode Highlights 03:15: Why AI cannot replace the technical expertise of a specialist lawyer or designer . 05:50: How AI usage impacts a client's ability to trademark their branding . 09:20: Real-life stories of clients using AI to avoid paying designers for variations of work . 14:10: The "Reputational Risk" of using AI: Why people want to buy from humans, not robots . 23:45: The importance of auditing your "third-party" tool list every six months . 30:45: How AI "sloppiness" (like changing a speaker's face in a headshot) can damage your brand . 40:50: Why a spirit of repair and transparency is more effective than a "cease and desist" . About the Guest Ingrid Fernandez is the founder of Her Legals, a legal firm dedicated to helping women in business secure their contracts, terms and conditions, and privacy compliance. She specialises in making the law accessible and transparent for small business owners. Website: herlegals.com  Instagram: @herlegals Mentioned in the Episode Claude AI: Mentioned as an ideation too Canva: Discussed in the context of design templates and brand individuality . Adobe Express (Aff link): Mentioned regarding AI in creative suites . Her Legals Templates: Legal documents for small businesses, including AI considerations. End Credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    45 min
  4. Jun 12

    How Consistency (and Disruption) Build a Memorable Brand: Strategies for Sustainable Growth

    In this solo episode, I dive into the power of consistency in building a brand, why it matters, and how intentional disruptions can keep your audience engaged. I'm chatting through some practical strategies, personal experiences, and actionable tips for maintaining consistency without burning out. Key Takeaways Consistency Builds Trust. Regular, predictable content helps your audience recognize and trust your brand. Pattern Disruption Keeps You Memorable. Occasionally breaking your routine with something unexpected can reignite audience attention. Define Your Own Consistency. Consistency doesn't mean frequency; set a realistic schedule that works for you and your business. Systems and Support Make Consistency Possible. Processes, deadlines, and outsourcing tasks (like editing and show notes) help maintain regular output. Seasonal Adjustments and Creative Breaks. Using different formats or revisiting old content during busy periods can keep your brand fresh and sustainable. Episode Highlights 00:00:10 – Introduction: Why consistency feels overwhelming 00:00:50 – The value and limits of consistency 00:02:09 – Pattern disruption: Why and how to shake things up 00:03:18 – Defining what consistency means for your brand 00:04:49 – Building systems and getting support for consistency 00:08:27 – Using disruption and seasonal changes to stay creative Mentioned in the Episode Atomicon (Aff link) Lucy Lucraft Podcast Editing: lucylucraft.co.uk End Notes I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    11 min
  5. Jun 10

    The Power of Side Quests with Mélanie Johnsson

    I am a big believer in the power of "side quests" . Over the years, my own side projects have transformed into vital parts of my business and completely changed my career trajectory . In this episode, I am joined by Mélanie Johnsson, a creative director, illustrator, and designer who is equally obsessed with the magic of the side quest. We dive into how these personal projects have brought her new clients, created a vibrant community, and allowed her to push her creative boundaries without the constraints of client briefs. Whether you are considering launching a magazine, a community challenge, or an exhibition, Mélanie's proactive attitude will empower you to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them yourself . Thanks to Ivy  Malik for sponsoring this episode.  If you wanna learn how to co-create a sale so it doesn't feel like selling head to lizmosley.net/ivy and watch the free training video.  Key Takeaways Proactive Career Growth: Side quests allow you to create the exact type of work you want to be hired for, effectively controlling your own professional narrative and journey. Creative Freedom and Values: Personal projects provide a space to align purely with your own vision and values, which is essential for preventing creative stagnation. Building Community and Authority: Projects like the "Pattern Challenge" or the "Mimi" platform establish you as an expert and build lasting associations in the minds of potential clients. The "Art Director" Mindset: Transitioning to broader titles like Art Director or Creative Director allows you to sell your "brain" and problem-solving skills rather than just a specific technical output. Overcoming Loneliness: Creative communities and in-person meetups serve as a vital antidote to the isolation of freelance life, offering validation and shared support. Episode Highlights 01:50: Mélanie's background growing up in a creative family and her initial "rebellion" against design . 13:10: The creation of Spellbound magazine and the joy of self-publishing. 14:15: How the "Pattern Challenge" transitioned from an Instagram prompt to a charitable physical product. 20:45: Proving creativity: How a client relationship led to 3D rendering and product design. 26:15: The logistical challenges and dreams of building a physical creative studio. 36:10: Rebranding and the power of solving visual problems through a "Creative Director" lens. About the Guest Mélanie Johnsson is a French Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator based in the UK . She works with brands across various industries, from skincare to editorial, and is the founder of the Mimi platform for creatives. Website: https://www.melaniejohnsson.com/ Instagram: @melanie.johnsson Mimi for Creatives: @mimi.for.creatives Mentioned in the Episode Spellbound Magazine: Melanie's self-published creative magazine. #thepatternchallengebymel: A long-running creative community challenge on Instagram.   End Credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    45 min
  6. Jun 5

    Building Trust in the Age of Generative AI: What Small Businesses Need to Know

    In this solo episode, I'm exploring the critical role of trust for small businesses in a digital world increasingly shaped by generative AI. I chat through personal experiences, industry observations, and am giving some actionable advice on how brands can navigate the ethical and practical challenges of using AI in marketing and content creation without eroding customer trust. Key Takeaways Trust is Fragile and Hard-Won Building trust with your audience takes years, but it can be lost overnight through missteps, especially with misleading or undisclosed AI-generated content. The "Trust Recession" and AI Skepticism Audiences are more wary than ever, often approaching online content with skepticism due to the prevalence of generative AI and undisclosed ads. Transparency is Essential Clearly disclosing the use of AI in your content is crucial. Burying disclosures or surprising your audience with AI-generated material can break trust. Audience Expectations Matter If your brand is open about using AI, your audience is less likely to feel deceived. Problems arise when AI use is unexpected or hidden. DIY Over AI for Small Businesses Audiences often prefer authentic, even imperfect, DIY content over slick but impersonal AI-generated work. The risk to brand trust may outweigh the convenience of generative AI. Episode Highlights 00:05 – Introduction: The Annoyance of Undisclosed Ads 00:29 – Why Trust Matters for Small Businesses 02:20 – The "Trust Recession" and AI's Impact on Perception 03:30 – How Generative AI Can Break Trust 05:18 – Ethical Concerns and Audience Reactions to AI 10:35 – Repairing Trust and Planning AI Use in Your Brand     I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    14 min
  7. Jun 3

    Strategic Podcasting for Business Growth with Ana Xavier

    You know how much I love podcasting and I'm always keen to chat about how transformative it can be for your brand. So in this episode, founder of The Podcast Space Ana Xavier tells me about how to create strategic content that drives real growth in a sustainable way. She shares her expertise on shifting from "vanity metrics" to meaningful engagement, working with sponsors, and why the joy of the process is just as important as the results. If you've ever wanted to start a podcast this is a must listen!  This episode is sponsored by Ivy Malik. Head to lizmosley.net/ivy and watch the free training video on how to attract higher paying clients.    Key Takeaways Avoid the "Mega-Show" Trap: Don't try to replicate the production of shows like The Diary of a CEO if you are a team of one. Focus on what is sustainable and impactful for your specific business goals. Strategy Over Vanity Metrics: Downloads are not the only measure of success. Strategic content that builds trust with a smaller, dedicated audience can lead to more opportunities and higher conversion than a generic "viral" hit. The Power of Repurposing: Your podcast is a content goldmine. Use transcripts and highlights to create newsletters, social media posts, and blog content to maximise your reach without doubling your workload. Monetisation Beyond Ads: Working with sponsors is not just about reach; it is about alignment. Strategic partnerships can provide value to your listeners while creating a sustainable revenue stream for your show. Prioritise Your Joy: To avoid burnout, you must find a way of podcasting that you actually enjoy. When the creator is having fun, that energy translates to the listener and builds a stronger brand connection.   Episode Highlights 05:12: Shifting your mindset from "more listeners" to "better engagement." 12:30: How to use your podcast to build professional authority and trust. 18:25: Strategic ways to approach sponsors and brand partnerships. 27:40: The "Content Waterfall": Maximising every episode through smart repurposing. 35:15: Tips for maintaining consistency and finding joy in the production process. 48:50: Why a podcast can be a business asset even if you don't have thousands of followers.   About the Guest Ana Xavier is a podcast strategist, marketer, and the founder of The Podcast Space. She helps business owners and creators turn their podcasts into strategic marketing engines that deliver professional and personal results. Website: thepodcastspace.com Instagram: @thepodcastspace Podcast: The Podcast Space Podcast End Credits I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    58 min
  8. May 29

    What I'd Tell You if I Was Your Mentor: 10 Lessons For Creatives

    In this solo episode of the Building a Brand Podcast, I share 10 honest lessons I'd pass on if I were mentoring a younger designer or small business owner. I cover embracing experimentation and learning from mistakes as well as redefining success and cheering others on. This episode is packed with encouraging mindset shifts for anyone building a creative business. Whether you're in a season of growth, comparison, overwhelm, or uncertainty, these reflections will help you approach your business with more confidence, joy, and freedom. Key Takeaways Treat your business like an experiment so failures become lessons instead of personal defeats. Consistency becomes much easier when you build your business around things that genuinely bring you joy. Community matters; even one supportive business friend can make a huge difference. Success doesn't have to look like internet hustle culture; you get to define it for yourself. Celebrating other people's wins creates a healthier, more abundant mindset in business. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why I've been thinking about mentorship 01:00 – Lesson 1: Have an experimental mindset 02:20 – Lesson 2: Expect mistakes and learn from them 04:00 – Lesson 3: Find the joy and follow it 05:45 – Lesson 4: Find what you can be consistent in 07:15 – Lesson 5: Find your community 09:30 – Lesson 6: Commit to learning new things 10:45 – Lesson 7: Hold onto things loosely 12:15 – Lesson 8: Define what success looks like for you 14:25 – Lesson 9: Don't get obsessed with money goals 16:00 – Lesson 10: Learn to celebrate other people's successes Mentioned in the Episode Being Freelance https://www.beingfreelance.com/ Doing It For The Kids https://www.doingitforthekids.net/ The Best 90 Days Ever https://www.hicommunications.co.uk/best90daysever Episode on Communities: https://buildingyourbrand.net/episode/3-memberships-i-love-as-a-freelancer-and-why-they-matter/ I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written, recorded and produced by me If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    18 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Graphic Designer Liz Mosley wants all you small business owners to build businesses that you LOVE and feel confident about promoting. Through her decade of branding and design experience and with the help of her guests, she shares top tips to take the fear out of selling and building your brand. Produced by: Lucy Lucraft (Instagram @lucylucraft) Cover illustration: Matt Joyce (Instagram @mattjoyce_illustrator)

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