Behind the Design Olivia Austin

So much out there on getting more clients, but once you reach a certain stage in business getting to consistent $10/$15k months, it's about client retention and this is where I think a lot of designers are leaving money on the table. If you want to increase your revenue without constantly onboarding new clients, this episode is going to have a lot of really good takeaways for you.



Timestamps:


00:00 Importance of client retention through retainers.
05:58 Implementing passive income, allowing clients to return.
08:15 Build client relationships, prioritize systems and processes.
10:43 Listen to client needs, create easy offer.
14:28 Templates streamline business for efficient, profitable success.
21:37 Listen to clients, offer premium services, educate.
25:20 Delegate design work, hire graphic designer eventually.
28:50 Build passive income with multiple client projects.

Join Linzay and I as we unpack the real deal about maternity leave for creative entrepreneurs. Our guest is sharing everything from tweaks to your business model that can keep the cash flowing, to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum.



Linzay Davis is a Parental Leave Expert helping parents navigate parental leave in the US through her business, The Park Consulting.



Timestamps:


00:00 Writer had bad parental leave experience. HR background.
05:34 FMLA standard of 12 weeks is arbitrary.
07:45 Prepare for change, seek help for postpartum.
11:45 Options for paid leave for entrepreneurs explained.
15:16 Therapists creating passive income during time off.
19:03 Redefine your purpose and embrace freedom.
22:28 Struggle of balancing work and childcare. Overwhelming.
24:35 Focusing on engaging fully in work and family.
28:03 Plan ahead, be open to unexpected changes.
32:18 Making fun of mom's busy schedule.
34:10 Prepare early for time off, involve spouses.
38:14 US laws for entrepreneurs and pregnant workers.
39:57 Employer obligations for breastfeeding moms, legal advice.
43:22 Entrepreneurial flexibility empowers work-life balance.

In this episode of "Behind the Design Podcast", hosted by Olivia Austin, we get an inspiring glimpse into the colorful world of Nicole Goldfarb, the creative CEO of Nixie, and her journey into the business of joy-infusing design.



Nicole Goldfarb is a color-loving creative whose eye-catching illustrations radiate a playful energy that is synonymous with joy. With a signature blend of lively hues, bold shapes and funky typography, her mission is to inspire a life full of fun by making the most out of every day. Nicole believes life is so much more fun when you lean into the things that make you truly happy, so she created Nixie, a brand toting a colorful curation of art and lifestyle goods. Color is her love language, summer is her muse, design is her passion, and the beach is her happy place. Nicole is currently catching rays and making waves in Venice, CA.



Timestamps:


00:00 Olivia Austin, brand designer, strategist, business coach.
04:10 Worked in freelance creative agency, then started selling art.
06:40 Struggling between job and passion leads breakthrough.
12:24 Preparing to move, given different feedback related.
15:27 Launching collection with colorful and cute items.
18:58 Finding joy in small, creative moments daily.
21:20 Finding inspiration in world, city, nature.
23:06 Create, sketch, and let ideas simmer.
27:22 Adapting and taking breaks to enhance productivity.
31:19 Be open to different creative opportunities.
35:42 Excited about expanding party accessories with Nixie.
38:07 Podcast host offering guidance and resources. Follow!

In this episode, Olivia Austin shares expert insights on preventing website project stalls with effective communication, system implementation, and client guidance in brand and web design. Tune in for actionable strategies and tips on setting boundaries, maintaining project momentum, and ensuring profitable, timely delivery.


00:00 Encouraging audience engagement, seeking input on topics.




04:51 Integrating copywriting into the design process.


09:07 Copywriter involvement varies based on client preference.


10:20 Align deadline for brand identity and website.


14:52 Experts lead, guide, and communicate in projects.


18:45 Offering multiple options for feedback in detail.


22:33 Clear communication about finalizing website content stages.


24:06 Client feedback shapes website design, limited revisions.


28:50 Implementing fees for ghosting clients ensures profitability.


30:24 Recommend fee range, contract terms, and communication tips.


33:44 Client investment affects commitment, discussed on podcast.

Angela is the Founder and Creative Heart behind Saffron Avenue, a graphic design studio for ambitious brands and a template shop for entrepreneurs and artists. With a love of designing with intention and connection, I focus on infusing strategy, sophistication, and hand-crafted details into each brand, website, and product. Her mission has been to help creative business owners gain clarity and confidence with their brand and website, allowing them to effortlessly evolve with growth. Today we chat about her evolution of Saffron Avenue and everything she's learned along the way from simplifying her services, honing in on her niche, what her schedule is like as a new mom and business owner and where she finds creativity to do multiple launch collections/year. If you're a creative at heart, you're going to love this episode!



Timestamps:


00:00 Feeling determined to start creative business early.


04:38 Ignorance turned to success through hard work.


07:08 Learned design skills through self-teaching and perseverance.


11:09 Passionate about branding and unique websites.


14:24 Love playing with color, creating seasonal palettes.


18:56 Personalized branding creates excitement and customer engagement.


19:36 Workbook helps brand alignment, Pinterest board review.


25:28 Semi-customs provide clarity and save time.


28:53 Entrepreneurship: follow intuition, find joy, attract success.


30:52 Mindset change, fear replaced by joy.


35:36 Women leading, setting positive examples for kids.


36:31 Changing mind, aging, career impact on family.


39:33 Scheduled work, ongoing projects, and flexibility.


43:13 Shifting focus to branding education, website templates.

In this episode of Behind the Design, host Olivia Austin shares a step-by-step strategy for reflecting on the past quarter and creating a customized plan for the next quarter. Discover the #1 important, reflection exercise and identify the actionable steps to define your goals, refine your strategies, and achieve success in Quarter 2.



Timestamps:


00:00 Entrepreneurs need strategic reflection to grow
03:38 Review, reflect, and refine for business growth
09:06 Reflect on achievements and set clear goals
10:16 Setting and maintaining habits for productivity and wellness
14:58 Focus on one goal and specific tasks
17:12 Reflect on goals, ramp up podcast, refine tasks
22:11 Reflect on the episode and share goals
23:00 Encouraging feedback and strategy for business growth