The Design Imposter

Are you using LinkedIn to its full potential, or are you just scrolling past opportunities? In this episode of The Design Imposter, Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis sit down with Mollie Lo, an extraordinary CEO, career coach, and spiritual guru, to uncover how LinkedIn can transform your career and business. Whether you’re seeking a job, growing your business, or building a meaningful network, Li...

What does it mean to live authentically, especially when faced with major life changes? In this episode of The Design Imposter, Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis sit down with Rebecca George, executive coach and founder of Take Your Space. Rebecca’s unique journey from the theater to executive leadership has given her a deep understanding of balancing vulnerability with strength. Together, they ex...

Is your RFP proposal process overwhelming and fruitless? Discover the strategy to secure more wins! Delve into the intricate world of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in this episode of "The Design Imposter," with Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis.  If you've ever wondered how successful agencies secure new clients, this episode is a must-listen. Monique and Jessica share their tried-and-true strateg...

Do you feel alone and underrepresented at your job? Join us as we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation about the intersection of race, parenthood, and professional life in a post-COVID world. Black UX Labs founder Amber Fields joins Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins. Together they share personal stories and candid reflections on the unique challenges and triumphs they face as Black women in the...

How many strikes are too many before it’s time to let someone go? Dive into the tough decisions behind hiring and firing from a manager's perspective in this episode of The Design Impostor. We discuss the ups and downs of building and maintaining a team, from interns to business partners. Tune in for a candid conversation that every manager and aspiring professional needs to hear! In this episode...

Is SEO a scam? No, it’s just a lot more complex than blogging and keywords.  In this episode, Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins, discuss SEO with Edan Ben-Atar and dive into what makes SEO challenging: the advent of AI and Google’s secret weapon: Reddit! Edan highlights the evolving nature of Google's algorithms, which increasingly prioritize organic content over AI-generated material. This shift...

Do you feel stuck in your career? Looking for ways to advance? Wondering if a masters degree in publishing, design, marketing or writing will take you to that next level? Join Jesica Valis and Monique Jenkins as they reunite with former classmates from the University of Baltimore and delve into their journeys before, during, and after pursuing a Master of Arts in Integrated Design. The conversatio...

Join us on "The Design Imposter" as hosts Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis chat with two awesome UX leaders, Bri-anna Lewis and Kellie Porter, about what it's like to be in charge of design at big companies. They'll talk about how they make sure everyone works well together, how they keep their design teams happy and creative, and what they do when things change at work. You'll hear cool stories...

In the vast expanse of corporate landscapes, where do designers find their place? This episode of "The Design Imposter," hosted by Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis, ventures into the heart of large organizations to uncover the challenges and opportunities that await creative professionals. From the nuances of corporate culture to the dynamics of large-scale collaboration, we delve deep into what...

You just signed your first client and are ready to cash in that check! But wait! Have you covered all your expenses as an agency owner or freelancer? In this episode of The Design Imposter Podcast, Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins break down some of the basic and unexpected costs associated with being your own boss. From simple $10/m subscriptions to several thousand dollar a year services, creat...

Have you thought of starting your own podcast? Join co-hosts Jessica Valis & Monique Jenkins as they discuss podcasting with the producer of the Design Imposter Podcast—Evan Dvorkin from Your Social Gathering . Evan shares stories about his journey into podcasting and a few insights into the world of podcast hosting and marketing. Want to learn more about a topic? hello@designimposterpodcast.c...

Have you had entrepreneurship on the brain? On this episode of the Design Imposter, Jessica and Monique discuss corporate work culture, feeling validated in your work, and acknowledging the budding entrepreneur within. Their discussions include knowing when it's time to quit and key steps like building community support, having a financial plan, developing an exit strategy, setting realistic goals...

This invaluable episode focuses on the importance of learning to say 'no' to maintain work-life balance, avoid overcommitting, and ensure high quality output. Key topics cover setting boundaries, mental health impacts, client fit evaluation, alternatives like referrals, family prioritization, transition costs of switching tasks, and getting comfortable declining requests. Takeaways emphasize that...

Feeling uninspired, unmotivated, or like a total imposter when it comes to your current design assignment? In this episode, Monique & Jessica discuss the signs of burnout and get vulnerable with their own stories, struggles, and failures. They share methods to overcome burnout, like taking breaks, traveling, or simply asking for help.   Recognize burnout signs like exhaustion, cynicism, and im...

Have you added business goals to your list of New Year’s resolutions? In this episode of the Design Imposter, Monique and Jessica reveal their personal and professional goals for the new year.  From hitting more listeners and increasing marketing for the podcast to setting income goals for the Creative Circle Company, they reassure listeners that it’s ok to set large financial goals and incorporat...

It’s the moment of truth—the design reveal! But the client hates it! How do you handle the criticism and feedback on your design? Join co-hosts Monique and Jessica on The Design Imposter Podcast for an insightful discussion on handling client feedback.  In this episode, we delve into the complexities of dealing with clients who are not satisfied with a design.  Learn how to differentiate between c...

Feel undervalued by your clients? Join us on The Design Imposter Podcast for a crucial discussion on recognizing when a client or project might not be the right fit.  In this episode, we explore the early warning signs, from unclear goals to disrespect for your expertise.  We delve into communication breakdowns, such as lack of responsiveness or overbearing behavior, and financial red flags like h...

Discover the art of defining a niche in our latest episode of The Design Imposter Podcast. We delve into the essential steps of identifying strengths, researching the market, aligning with audience needs, and refining your idea. This episode not only guides you through the process of niche development but also gives an inside look into how The Creative Circle Company established its unique positio...

Not sure where to look for designer Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals? Prep your wallet as Monique and Jessica divulge their not-so-secret design must-haves.  Whether a graphic designer, website or UX designer, or aspiring entrepreneur and agency owner, here are resources they’ve snagged along their journey. From software discounts to office supply bargains and courses, here are a few of their busin...

Nervous to send that next big proposal? On this episode of the Design Imposter podcast, hosts, Monique and Jessica, discuss their proposal building strategies. They explore various programs for building templates and their unique applications. From Adobe and Google to all-in-one CRMs, and they’ll share the pros and cons of these platforms. If you’re a new designer, you’ll definitely want to tune i...

Starting a business and don't have the capital to splurge on a designer or marketing agency? We've got a few tricks and tips to keep your business brand professional without spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a designer or designer programs like Adobe. Choose company name and purchase domain Set up professional company email accounts on new domain Take headshots for team and edit with...

Looking for design shortcuts to make life easier while using Chrome? Jessica and Monique are back to spill the tea on Chrome extensions that will revolutionize the way you work! Loom for Asynchronous Video Tutorials UX Check for Heuristic Analysis Tango for Interactive Instructions Identifying Fonts with WhatFont and FontNinja QuillBot for Rewriting and Optimizing Content Grabbing Color Palettes w...

Keep your opinions to yourself! The role of politics in business. Join Jessica Valis & Monique Jenkins in this thought-provoking episode as we dive deep into the world of posting political views on your business social media accounts. Social media has become a powerful platform for self-expression and political discourse. But is it a double-edged sword? We explore the impact of sharing your po...

Join Monique, a seasoned UX designer, as she reveals her top three UX tips gained over the course of her career. Jessica, co-host, who often feels like a UX impostor, is all ears and eager to bridge the gap in her own design process. They go into detail on why knowing your audience is critical, why simplicity and consistency are your greatest friends, and why feedback is the hidden hero of UX desi...

Have you invested in a website only for it to sit dead in the water, generating zero leads?   In this episode of Design Imposter, hosts Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins delve into the critical topic of recognizing when it's time to revamp your website to boost lead generation. As business owners, it's vital to ensure your website is a powerful tool for attracting potential clients. Join them as t...