Brand Design Masters - Personal Branding, Creative Entrepreneurship, Small Business Marketing & Career Success for Designers

Philip VanDusen
  • 5.0 (18)
  • MARKETING
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For designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and content creators who want to level up their careers and creative businesses. Hosted by Philip VanDusen, Brand Consultant and founder of BONFIRE, this show explores personal branding, content creation, freelancing, and creative career growth. Philip and his guests deliver practical coaching, strategies, and inspiration to help you market your work, attract new clients, grow your influence, and build long-term success. Covering personal branding, content creation, freelancing, digital marketing, and creative entrepreneurship, every episode is designed to support your growth as a creative professional in the Creative Economy.

  1. How to Get More Clients Without Working Harder

    5D AGO

    How to Get More Clients Without Working Harder

    How to Get More Clients Without Working Harder with Philip VanDusen Brand Design Masters Podcast – EP 158 BONFIRE https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire TUBEBUDDY (affiliate link) https://tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen Getting more clients doesn’t have to mean working longer hours, posting nonstop on social media, or chasing cold leads that go nowhere. In this episode, Philip VanDusen breaks down how creative professionals can grow their client base without burning out by widening their offer, strengthening their network, and positioning themselves as strategic partners instead of execution-only vendors.  You’ll learn where clients actually come from for freelancers, consultants, and small creative agencies, and why referrals and partnerships consistently outperform ads and content marketing combined. Philip explains the real math behind client funnels and why a narrow service offering and a shallow network will always limit your growth, no matter how talented you are. This episode introduces the concept of “Design Plus”, a smarter way to expand your value without learning every new skill yourself. By building strategic partnerships and leveraging the expertise and networks of others, you can dramatically increase the number of opportunities available to you while doing less hands-on work. Philip also shares why networking feels so hard for many creative professionals, and how to make it more natural, human, and effective. He explains the difference between casual connections and a meaningful network that actually generates work, and why mastermind communities can accelerate growth faster than almost any other strategy. If you’re a designer, creative director, freelancer, or agency owner who feels stuck on a client acquisition treadmill, this episode will help you rethink how you grow your business and reclaim your time. In this episode, you’ll learn: •  The three places all clients come from and which one matters most •  Why widening your offer creates more opportunities without more effort •  What “Design Plus” really means and how to apply it •  How strategic partnerships multiply your reach and credibility •  Why meaningful networks outperform social media followers •  How masterminds accelerate learning, confidence, and client growth Learn more about the Bonfire mastermind community at: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire If this episode helped you rethink how you attract clients, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative pro who’s ready to grow smarter, not harder.

    38 min
  2. How to Transform Your Career: A 5-Stage Framework for Creative Professionals

    JAN 26

    How to Transform Your Career: A 5-Stage Framework for Creative Professionals

    Career transformation isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a process. BONFIRE: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire PERSONAL BRAND WHEEL: https://philipvandusen.com/pbw In this episode, Philip VanDusen shares a practical, experience-based framework for navigating career pivots as a creative professional. Drawing on 30+ years across corporate leadership, global agencies, solo consulting, and personal brand building, Philip breaks down the five predictable stages of career transformation and how to recognize where you are right now. This episode is especially relevant for mid- to late-career designers and creatives facing burnout, layoffs, AI disruption, ageism, or a growing desire for more independence and professional agency. You’ll learn why creative careers are no longer linear, why mid-career pivots feel harder than early ones, and how to build long-term career resilience without starting over. In This Episode: Why career pivots are becoming unavoidable for creativesThe difference between career ladders and career websThe 5 stages of career transformation: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenanceHow burnout and disruption often precede meaningful changeWhy professional agency is the new career insuranceThe role of AI literacy in creative career longevityWhy no successful career transformation happens aloneWho This Episode Is For: Designers and creative professionals feeling stuck or plateauedMid-career creatives questioning what’s nextAnyone navigating layoffs, burnout, or industry disruptionCreatives exploring consulting, coaching, or independent workKey takeaway: Career transformation doesn’t require rushing or panic. Knowing where you are in the process gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your next move.

    1h 2m
  3. Personal Branding Power Tips

    06/11/2025

    Personal Branding Power Tips

    Personal Branding Power Tips In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip delves into an advanced perspective on personal branding, which he dubs 'Personal Branding 2.0'.  Philip explores the evolution of personal branding and discusses how creative professionals can leverage new platforms and formats, like short-form video on TikTok and Instagram Reels, to build an authentic presence. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community building, and collaboration in establishing a strong personal brand.  Additionally, Philip discusses the role of emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, in streamlining brand building efforts. He concludes with key mindset shifts necessary for sustaining a resilient and impactful personal brand.  Philip also introduces his new mastermind membership community, Bonfire, designed to support creative professionals through coaching, networking, and resource sharing. BONFIRE: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire 00:00 Introduction to the Brand Design Masters Podcast 00:19 Personal Branding 2.0: An Advanced Look 01:09 Leveraging New Platforms and Formats 03:07 Owning Your Narrative: Personal Branding as Storytelling 04:28 Building Influence Through Community and Collaboration 07:34 Embracing Emerging Tech in Personal Branding 09:42 Mindset Shifts for Personal Branding 2.0 10:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts _______________________ WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BONFIRE: Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PRO COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST  https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ AFFILIATE PARTNERS: BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott https://www.byol.me/philip   GO HIGHLEVEL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen TUBEBUDDY https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen   ____________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New York. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

    12 min
  4. The Best LinkedIn Video Strategy for 2025

    03/17/2025

    The Best LinkedIn Video Strategy for 2025

    The Best LinkedIn Video Strategy for 2025 In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip addresses the often-overlooked potential of LinkedIn for video marketing. He discusses the importance of understanding different LinkedIn video formats, including feed videos, short videos, and LinkedIn Live, emphasizing their unique advantages.  Philip outlines a seven-step guide to leveraging LinkedIn video to attract an ideal audience, starting with understanding video formats and starting small with short videos. He provides advice on choosing video topics, using the 'hamburger' method for content planning, tailoring content to one's brand, and the surprising benefits of including longer text descriptions. Finally, Philip highlights the importance of tracking video performance analytics to measure success. Additionally, he introduces his mastermind membership community, Bonfire for Creative Professionals, aimed at providing group coaching, training, and networking opportunities. Stay creative and see the full potential LinkedIn video offers for business growth. BONFIRE: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:20 The Untapped Potential of LinkedIn Video 00:58 Understanding LinkedIn's Video Formats 03:15 Starting Small with Short Videos 03:48 Choosing the Right Video Topics 05:50 Introducing Bonfire for Creative Professionals 07:26 "The Hamburger Method" for Content Planning 08:31 Tailoring Content to Your Brand 09:13 The Importance of Text Descriptions 09:57 Tracking Your Successes 10:34 Conclusion and Recap 11:23 Supporting the Podcast and Staying Updated #LinkedIn #Marketing #ContentMarketing _______________________ WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BONFIRE: Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PRO COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST  https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP  https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/  YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ AFFILIATE PARTNERS: BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott https://www.byol.me/philip   GO HIGHLEVEL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen TUBEBUDDY https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen   ____________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

    12 min
  5. 10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This Year

    03/03/2025

    10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This Year

    10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This Year If you’re a small business owner, agency, or freelancer working with small businesses, this episode is a must-listen. I’m breaking down the 10 biggest mistakes small businesses will make this year—mistakes that can slow growth, hurt profits, or even put you out of business if you’re not careful. From ignoring AI and automation to neglecting customer retention, these missteps can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is avoidable—if you know what to look for. Here’s what I’m covering: Why small businesses can’t afford to ignore AI anymoreThe massive shift to mobile-first marketing (and why your website needs to keep up)How failing to personalize your marketing is costing you salesWhy organic social media alone isn’t a winning strategyThe critical role of video content in 2025And much more... If you want to stay ahead of the curve, grow your brand, and make smart, strategic moves this year, tune in now. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! 🎧 Hit play, and let’s dive in. #SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AI WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BONFIRE: Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PRO COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST  https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP  https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/  YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ AFFILIATE PARTNERS: BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott https://www.byol.me/philip   GO HIGHLEVEL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen TUBEBUDDY https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen   ____________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

    12 min
  6. How to Get Your Content Recommended by ChatGPT and AI Tools

    02/24/2025

    How to Get Your Content Recommended by ChatGPT and AI Tools

    Have you ever wondered how AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard decide which content to recommend? If you're a content creator looking to expand your reach, this episode is a must-listen. I recently had a game-changing conversation with someone who discovered my work—not through YouTube or Google, but through ChatGPT.  That’s when it hit me: AI-driven recommendations are a massive, untapped opportunity for creators. Unlike traditional SEO, these AI tools don’t rank content the same way Google does. Instead, they prioritize relevance, authority, and context. In this episode, I break down exactly how AI selects content and what you can do to ensure your videos, articles, and brand get recommended more often.  We’ll cover: Why AI recommendations are a game-changer for content visibilityHow AI tools determine which content to suggestThe key role of metadata, transcripts, and engagement metricsWhy evergreen content performs better in AI-driven searchSimple optimization strategies to make your content AI-friendlyIf you want to future-proof your content strategy and stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape, this episode is packed with actionable insights. #ContentMarketing #SEO #BrandVisibility #AEO ________________________________ WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BONFIRE: Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PRO COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST  https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP  https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/  YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ AFFILIATE PARTNERS: BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott https://www.byol.me/philip   GO HIGHLEVEL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen TUBEBUDDY https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen   ____________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

    14 min
  7. How to Find a Job in the Creative Industry

    02/17/2025

    How to Find a Job in the Creative Industry

    How to Find a Job in the Creative Industry Landing a job in today’s creative industry isn’t easy—especially if you’re mid-to-late career. But it’s far from impossible. In this solo episode, I break down five proven strategies to help you stand out in a competitive job market, refine your approach, and ultimately secure the role you’ve been striving for. We’ll cover:• How to tailor your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers• The key updates you need to make on your LinkedIn profile to get noticed• Smart ways to reach out to hiring managers and decision-makers• Why networking (both online and in-person) is your secret weapon• How to prepare for interviews and present your work strategically If you’re feeling stuck in your job search, these tactics will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.  And if you want more career support, consider joining my mastermind group, BONFIRE, where creative pros connect, learn, and grow together. Learn more at philipvandusen.com/bonfire. Tune in now, and let’s get you hired! #CreativeCareers #JobSearchTips #PersonalBranding____________________________________ WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BONFIRE: Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PRO COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST  https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP  https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/  YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ AFFILIATE PARTNERS: BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott https://www.byol.me/philip   GO HIGHLEVEL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen TUBEBUDDY https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen   ____________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

    12 min
  8. Networking Strategies for Designers and Entrepreneurs

    02/10/2025

    Networking Strategies for Designers and Entrepreneurs

    Networking Strategies for Designers and Entrepreneurs Episode 152 In this episode, Philip explores how networking has evolved with the rise of remote work and digital platforms. He shares innovative, non-standard networking tactics that go beyond traditional methods such as industry mixers and LinkedIn messages.  Philip emphasizes the importance of a strong online presence and gives actionable tips for optimizing platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble. He also introduces niche platforms, the power of masterminds, and personalized outreach through video messages.  Whether you're an in-house creative or an entrepreneur, Philip provides practical strategies to build meaningful connections and grow your network in today’s digital-first world. Tune in to discover how to make networking a creative and rewarding experience. Mentioned:  BONFIRE Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire #Networking #Entrepreneurship #Graphicdesign  _________________________________________ WEBSITE https://www.philipvandusen.com BONFIRE: Mastermind Community https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER   https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone BRAND CONSULTING https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE https://philipvandusen.com/bs101 BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST  https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen  LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/ THREADS https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen  BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP  https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/ ____________________________________ AFFILIATE PARTNERS: BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott https://www.byol.me/philip   GO HIGHLEVEL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen TUBEBUDDY https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen   ____________________________ Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

    14 min
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5
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About

For designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and content creators who want to level up their careers and creative businesses. Hosted by Philip VanDusen, Brand Consultant and founder of BONFIRE, this show explores personal branding, content creation, freelancing, and creative career growth. Philip and his guests deliver practical coaching, strategies, and inspiration to help you market your work, attract new clients, grow your influence, and build long-term success. Covering personal branding, content creation, freelancing, digital marketing, and creative entrepreneurship, every episode is designed to support your growth as a creative professional in the Creative Economy.

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