Behind the Design

FREE GUIDE: The 5 Strategic Gaps Keeping Designers Stuck Under $200k → ⁠ https://thestudioco.co/5-strategic-gaps⁠ On mile 25 of a marathon, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks: everyone around me was walking, not in the painful middle when the miles felt endless, but at the very end when the finish line was finally in sight. It made me realize this is exactly what so many of us do in...

FREE GUIDE: The 5 Strategic Gaps Keeping Designers Stuck Under $200k → ⁠https://thestudioco.co/5-strategic-gaps⁠ What does it really take to scale into $300K–$500K years? In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes conversations we’re having with designers who are stepping into $40K+ projects, leading teams, and operating as true CEOs of their studios. Because at this level, growth isn’t ab...

https://thestudioco.co/5-strategic-gaps // Download our free guide called “Why High-Paying Clients Aren’t Choosing You... Yet” where we break down the 5 strategic gaps keeping talented Brand & Web Designers stuck under $200k. https://thestudioco.co/5-strategic-gaps If you’ve ever thought, “I know I’m good at what I do… so why isn’t the money matching yet?” this episode is for you. Today I’m si...

Take our FREE Studio Growth Audit to find out where your growth is stalling and what your next step is to scale your studio in 2026. https://thestudioco.myflodesk.com/the-studio-growth-audit We’re shifting the conversation from vanity metrics to the numbers that quietly determine whether your studio is built for sustainable growth, real profitability, and a life that actually feels spacious. Becau...

If your studio didn’t grow the way you hoped last year, it’s probably not because you aren’t talented enough, trying hard enough, or doing enough. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason so many designers feel stuck even when they’re busy, booked, and doing “all the right things.” Because in most cases, growth doesn’t stall because of marketing or leads it stalls because something under...

Behind the Design is officially back and this is not the same podcast you’ve known since 2019. In this relaunch episode, I’m sharing the story of how this show began, how it evolved alongside my design studio and mentoring work, and why I knew it was time for something bigger. Because while I’ll always love talking business, I’m no longer just a designer and entrepreneur, I’m a mom of two, a mento...

Save your seat!! Free Live Training, The High-Paying Client Method https://designedto-scale.com/the-high-paying-client-method In this episode of 'Behind the Design,' we're breaking past barriers holding that could be holding you back from reaching six-figures as a brand and website designer. I'm drawing from my personal journey and mentorship of other designers to highlight three c...

Save your seat! https://designedto-scale.com/the-high-paying-client-method If you’ve been hustling for inconsistent projects, saying yes to every revision request, and still feel like you’re drowning just to hit your income goals… this is your wake-up call. What if you could run a $100k+ design studio that books premium clients consistently   without working nights and weekends, overdelivering, or...

*Free Workbook: The Aligned Offer Suite Builder: https://designedto-scale.com/aligned-offer-suite-workbook In this episode, I’m breaking down the invisible force that determines whether you attract high-paying, respectful clients—or stay stuck on the client hamster wheel: your energy . We’ll unpack the red flags of “freelancer mode” (even at premium pricing), what true CEO energy looks like for cr...

FREE WORKBOOK! The Aligned Offer Suite Builder - get it here https://designedto-scale.com/aligned-offer-suite-workbook If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed by custom quotes, or ghosted by your dream clients—this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the one simple, powerful shift that doubled my design studio’s revenue without taking on more clients. Inside, I share how streamlinin...

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why revenue-only goals can lead to burnout, and what you should actually be focusing on if you want to scale sustainably. We’re talking about the difference between vanity metrics and true freedom, the systems and delivery models that create real scalability, and how to build a business that supports your lifestyle—not one that takes over your life....

If you're juggling nap time with Zoom calls or sneaking in podcast time while pushing a stroller, this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest transformations of my life—becoming a mom while running a business. From identity shifts and emotional unlearning to redefining success entirely, I share what no one prepares you for when you're both a mother and a...

What do the most successful creative entrepreneurs have in common? It’s not a secret sauce—it’s mindset. In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful shifts that separate high-achievers from the rest. From self-leadership and identity work to daily habits that build resilience, you’ll walk away with tangible mindset upgrades to elevate how you lead, create, and scale.

You’re getting inquiries... but then crickets. Or maybe you're stuck in back-and-forth emails, clients are dragging their feet, asking a million questions, or ghosting you after you send the proposal. Sound familiar? Here's the thing: your offers alone aren't the problem—your discovery call and proposal process might be. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact system I us...

Feeling like Q1 flew by in a blur of goals, launches, and to-do lists? Same. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest reflection on the highs, lows, and pivots of the first quarter of the year—plus how I’m planning for a more aligned and intentional Q2. We’ll talk about push and pull seasons in business and life, how to honor where you're at, and how I’m shifting priorities to create more space, str...

Running a business while raising little ones is no small feat. Between client work, emails, school drop-offs, and snack requests (so many snack requests!), it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. But over the years, I’ve found a few simple habits that have completely transformed how I show up as both a business owner and a mom. In this episode, I’m sharing the five game-changing...

Grab my list of tools & tech I can't live without here: https://delightful-glade-81121.myflodesk.com/tech-freebie Use code BTD10 for $200 off Studio Growth Accelerator: https://byoliviaaustin.com/studio-growth-accelerator If you’re running a business (or just trying to keep your life together), the right tools can change everything. From project management to payments, marketing to mindset...

LAST CHANCE to join us inside Designed to Scale Mastermind - only 2 spots left  https://byoliviaaustin.com/designed-to-scale In today’s episode, we’re breaking down exactly what’s possible for your studio in the next six months and why so many designers stay stuck in the same frustrating cycles. If you’ve been craving more clarity, consistency, and confidence in your business, keep listening—becau...

Welcome back to Behind the Design , where we go beyond the aesthetics and dive into the habits, mindset, and decisions that create a life and business you’re obsessed with. Today, we’re talking about investment —and no, I don’t just mean money. Investment is about where you put your time, energy, and resources. And the reality? Every single decision you make is shaping your future. So, are you inv...

What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving, scalable business in 2025 is a mindset shift and a few key changes? Today, we’re diving into something BIG. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck spinning your wheels in your business—working long hours but not seeing the growth you want—or if you’ve ever wondered why scaling feels so far out of reach, this episode is for you. We’re talki...

Today, we're tackling something so many of us wrestle with—how to juggle all the roles we play as moms, business owners, partners, and friends, without losing ourselves in the process. We’re diving into four key areas that I know you’ll relate to: How to overcome mom guilt, wife guilt, and even friend guilt. What it’s like to redefine your identity after having more time or adding a second chi...

Are you ready to scale your design studio but feeling stuck when it comes to creating predictable, sustainable growth? In this episode, we’re uncovering the missing piece that most designers overlook when trying to take their business to the next level. Whether you’re drowning in client work or struggling to land steady projects, this episode will give you actionable insights to move forward with...

Ready to make 2025 your most successful and fulfilling year yet? In this episode, I’ll guide you through a new process for annual planning to completely change the game for you this year. Together, we’ll break down: 2024 reflections of what worked, what didn’t, and what we’re leaving behind. How to set transformative goals and align them with actionable steps to do daily. Sticking to visualization...

Answering the question: Who are you without your business?

If you’re feeling like 2024 was a strange year for business, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve said this before on the podcast and while working with coaching clients, but this year brought a lot of unexpected challenges for designers. Many have had to rely heavily on referrals, completely shift their marketing strategies, and unfortunately, we’ve seen more design studios closing than ever before....