MAR 15

Ep. #10: Road Closed ✦ Rejection is Just Redirection

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we get real about rejection. We’ve been there, done that, and learned that sometimes a "no" is the universe telling us to forge our own freakin' path. After getting a polite rejection from a widely popular design podcast, we drop some truth bombs about how even the design world can be subject to a popularity contest—one where only the "cool kids" get a seat at the table. Spoiler alert: it's all BS. In this episode, we're also calling out the industry for putting more weight on likes and views than real creative value. We say it loud and clear: stop designing for the algorithm and start designing for what actually matters. It’s time to create for us, for our clients, and for what feels true—not for the endless scroll or empty engagement. If you're tired of playing the neverending game on social media, this episode is here to help you stop chasing validation and start creating work that lights a fire inside you. Rejection isn’t the end—it’s just the universe redirecting us to something better. Let’s get real, stay creative, and stop letting algorithms control our creativity.

17 min

MAR 7

Ep. #09: The Long Way Home ✦ Living with Leaving Things Half Done

Ever feel like leaving something half-done is the worst thing you could possibly do? Like, the thought of walking away from an unfinished task makes your skin crawl? Yeah, same. But one of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is that sometimes, pressing pause is the smartest move you can make. In this episode, we’re diving into the art of strategic stopping—learning to embrace unfinished work without guilt and understanding why forcing yourself to power through everything isn’t always the key to success. I’ll break down why taking breaks actually keeps you moving forward, plus a metaphor about road trips and gas stations that might just change the way you see productivity forever. Because real talk—success isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about making sure you don’t run out of fuel before you reach the finish line. 🚗💨✨

11 min

FEB 28

Ep. #08: Stay Sober ✦ Daring to be Different

Choosing to be different is never the easy road—but damn, isn’t it the most rewarding? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what it really means to take the unconventional path, whether it’s in business, in life, or in standing firm on who you are—even when the world makes it easier not to. Inspired by Chappell Roan’s journey (and how her story hit me like a ton of bricks), we’re talking about the grind, the failures, the getting-back-up-again moments that no one shows on social media. Because let’s be real—being a business owner is an endurance test, not a highlight reel. And while the world hands out comfort in predictability (hello, 9-5 life), we chose something different. We chose uncertainty. We chose the uphill battle. And that’s something not everyone can say they had the guts to do. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in a sea of “successful” designers making it look way too easy. Or if you’re battling imposter syndrome, burnout, or just wondering why this road feels so damn hard sometimes—this episode is for you. Buckle up, we’re getting real. 🎙✨

13 min

FEB 21

Ep. #07: Orange Cones & Construction Zones ✦ The Power of Design Detours

Buckle up, fellow creatives—this week, we’re running straight toward our fears (unless, of course, that fear is a horror movie villain, in which case, run away). But when it comes to client revisions? I say embrace them. Yep, you heard me. I love client feedback! The design world is full of horror stories about revision nightmares, but what if we flipped the script? What if revisions weren’t the enemy, but an opportunity to refine, grow, and—dare I say—create something even better than before? In this episode, I break down why I no longer cringe when a client requests changes, how I handle feedback like a pro, and the magic that happens when collaboration is done right. So take a deep breath, resist the urge to panic at that incoming email, and let’s talk about why client revisions might just be your secret weapon. ✨ Press play, and let’s grow together.

14 min

FEB 7

Ep. #06: Ridin' Solo ✦ Navigating the Road Less Traveled

Being your own boss is the dream… until you realize you’re also the janitor, the customer service rep, and the one making every single decision—alone. In this episode, I’m ridin’ solo (literally and figuratively) and unpacking the unexpected loneliness that can creep in when you’re walking the road less traveled as a business owner. From getting blindsided by schedule shifts, to finding solace in networking events and creative routines, this episode is all about rolling with the punches and learning to navigate entrepreneurship when it feels like no one elsequite gets it. Grab your metaphorical road map and let’s roll.

20 min

JAN 31

Ep. #05: Rerouting ✦ Three Lefts Make a Right

We’ve all been there—watching potential clients slip through our fingers and wondering what went wrong? At first, it felt like I kept taking wrong turns, but in reality, those setbacks rerouted me toward a crucial missing piece in my process: project proposals. I’ll break down the mistakes I made, the hard lessons I learned, and what I wish I could go back and tell past-me before those lost opportunities. But more importantly, I’ll share how I took that L and turned it into a major win—transforming my process to better serve both me and my clients. If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering why clients aren’t sealing the deal, this one’s for you.

23 min

JAN 23

Ep. #04: Licensed to Drive ✦ The Design Contract

In this episode, we’re finally diving into a topic I’ve been procrastinating on—creative contracts. ✨ I’ll share my personal journey of navigating the world of contracts, from the slapdash Google searches of my early days to discovering professional templates and evolving them into something uniquely mine. You’ll hear about the highs and lows of figuring it out on the fly, lessons learned from awkward client moments, and why contracts are an essential tool for clarity, professionalism, and sanity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with tips, real talk, and a little bit of imposter syndrome along the way. So let’s dig into the art (and struggle) of building a creative contract that works for you!

15 min

JAN 17

Ep. #03: Driving Through Doubt ✦ How I Made the Impossible Possible

In this episode, we’re stepping into the driver’s seat of possibility—literally. I’m sharing a story from my past about buying my dream car, a goal that felt impossibly out of reach at the time. This story isn’t just about the car; it’s about the power of determination, persistence, and leaning on your support system when the odds feel stacked against you. Join me as we explore how the lessons from this experience—manifestation, fearless rebellion against doubt, and embracing the unexpected—can empower you to transform your dreams into reality. Whether you’re chasing a dream car, a dream business, or a dream life, this episode is here to remind you: nothing is impossible if you believe in your own magic. ✨

25 min

12/20/2024

Ep. #02: From Keys to Cruise Control ✦ Mastering Client Onboarding

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we’re diving into the pivotal process of client onboarding—taking the wheel and setting the stage for smooth, successful design projects. I'll be sharing lessons I learned the hard way from the early, chaotic days of freelancing without contracts, proposals, or clear processes, and how implementing client onboarding turned confusion into confidence. From streamlining communication to setting expectations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help designers create a polished onboarding experience that saves time and builds trust. Whether you're just starting out or refining your business, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!

39 min

12/11/2024

Ep. #01: Handing Over the Keys & Building Trust with Clients

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we explore the pivotal moment when a client inquires about your services—what I call "handing over the keys." From navigating client inquiries to building trust through calls, proposals, and creative touchpoints, I share lessons learned from my own journey, including overcoming shyness and embracing client communication. Whether you're a designer aiming to book the job or a client seeking the right fit, this episode dives into the factors that shape these decisions and how to stand out as a creative professional.

27 min

TRAILER

Brand Responsibly: Welcome to The Designated Designer

Welcome to The Designated Designer! A podcast by Jenn from Stankin' Good Design. This show dives into the ups and downs of running a design business, sharing real stories, lessons, and insights from both designers and clients. Whether you’re a budding designer navigating entrepreneurship or a client curious about the branding process, this podcast offers relatable experiences, candid advice, and a fresh perspective on the creative journey.

12 min

The Designated Designer

Episodes

Ep. #10: Road Closed ✦ Rejection is Just Redirection

Ep. #09: The Long Way Home ✦ Living with Leaving Things Half Done

Ep. #08: Stay Sober ✦ Daring to be Different

Ep. #07: Orange Cones & Construction Zones ✦ The Power of Design Detours

Ep. #06: Ridin' Solo ✦ Navigating the Road Less Traveled

Ep. #05: Rerouting ✦ Three Lefts Make a Right

Ep. #04: Licensed to Drive ✦ The Design Contract

Ep. #03: Driving Through Doubt ✦ How I Made the Impossible Possible

Ep. #02: From Keys to Cruise Control ✦ Mastering Client Onboarding

Ep. #01: Handing Over the Keys & Building Trust with Clients

Brand Responsibly: Welcome to The Designated Designer

Trailer

Brand Responsibly: Welcome to The Designated Designer

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