Better: The Brand Designer Podcast

In this week's episode I have fellow designer, mom, and business owner Olivia Austin back on the podcast. We chat about the things that don't matter and the things that really do when growing and running a business, and how becoming a mom has made all of that even clearer. Her last episode with me was back in 2022 and so much has changed since we last talked.  Guest Name: Olivia Austin G...

This week I chatted with Brooke Apffel about building her digital marketing business, Coastal Collective Marketing (CoCo), from the ground up, growing it into an agency with a team, and what the process looked like to eventually sell through an acquisition. We also talk about her social media masterclass, a course I took personally and highly recommend! Guest Name: Brooke Apffel Guest Website: coa...

In this weeks episode, I'm chatting with my friend Amanda, owner of Poised Avenue Studio, who specializes in stationery, print design, and design licensing. We talk about why print still matters in a world of digital noise and AI, how tactile collateral can strengthen a brand experience, and how to educate your clients on print and all the possibilities it opens up to elevate their brand pres...

In this week's episode, I talk with brand leader and author Anthony Reeves, who has led the creative teams for major brands like Amazon, Airbnb, Kohler, and more. We talk about his book, Eat the Donkey , what inspired the title, and the idea of making hard short-term choices for long-term success. We also talk about AI and his take on how both small and large companies should be using it whil...

In this solo episode, I chat about my new mini version of the Minimind (the Mirco Mind) and share what we cover in the 4 month program kicking off in August! I also share real pricing & wins from my Design Minimind Program and what they are charging. They discuss the projects they are booking and what they are charging. Interested in the upcoming Micro Mind (mini 4-month Minimind)? Application...

In this week’s episode, I have SEO and AI search strategist Julia back on the podcast to talk about how designers can show up in AI search results like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, and more. We also discuss how AI search overlaps with traditional SEO, and some practical tips and actionable steps you can take to improve your visibility and increase your chances of showing up in AI-generated...

In this episode, I chat with Ashton Hauff, brand strategist and co-founder of The Good Kids, a branding agency in North Dakota. Ashton talks about their "Slingshot Method," a three-phase process covering strategy, creative, and rollout, and why having a clear system in place makes such a difference in how projects run. We also get into the DACI model, which helps clarify internal roles a...

In this solo episode, I'm chatting all about pricing—when it's time to raise your rates, the steps to do it, how to communicate price changes to existing clients, new inquiries, and referrals, and the common mistakes I see designers make along the way, including sharing a few of my own mistakes I have learned from! Also I have an exciting announcement! - The Mini Minimind (The first ever...

In this weeks episode I'm chatting with fellow design business owner and mom of three Sydney of Rouse Design Studio in a fun Q&A style all about motherhood and business, and also how we both live on land and raising animals and what that brings into the mix as well. Guest Name: Sydney Walden (Rouse Design Studio) Guest Website: rousedesignstudio.com Guest Social: @rousedesignstudio Links:...

Running a business means you're constantly evolving, and in this solo episode I'm sharing with you guys what that's looked like for me lately, what I've outgrown, what I've let go of, and what's working in this season of business for me and my micro agency model. Also if you're curious to learn more about Scale with Confidence send me a DM on insta @hellojunecrea...

In this episode, I chat with Lisa Johnson, brand and web designer and owner of Verve & Concord. We chat about her decision to pivot her business and niche down to work specifically with Catholic and faith-based women in business, what led her there, how it's deepened her client connections, and why choosing a niche that's personally meaningful makes a difference in how you show up an...

In this episode, I chat with Tina and Jordan, the founders of Editorial Stock Images (ESI). We talk about why the word "stock" tends to make designers cringe, what's actually possible when stock imagery is done well, and how they built ESI to give creative service providers access to assets that feel emotional, editorial, and real. >> Sign up here for ESI and use code BETTER15...

This week’s episode, I chat with Meghan, who works full-time as an art director in New York at a corporate apparel brand while also building her studio, Reine Creative, on the side. We dive into what it really looks like to plan and art direct a photoshoot from concept to execution, and why having strong creative direction behind your visuals matters so much, especially for your website and social...

I'm back with a solo episode talking all things spring cleaning… your business that is. With spring right around the corner, I'm sharing exactly how I'm cleaning up the backend of my business and refreshing my systems to stay organized during busy seasons and make sure my team is set up for success. Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE...

This week I have my good friend Ash back on the pod (last time was in 2022!) and so much has shifted for her since then. We chat about her pivot from running an agency and business consulting to stepping into personal development and life coaching focused on pacing, identity, and the “silent burnout” many high capacity women experience. She also shares more about her program, Harmonious Living. Gu...

*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3-6, 2026 and reserve your ticket now to attend!  --- In this week’s episode I have on a past Minimind student and friend of mine, Meg Burk, who is a multipassionate brand designer, font designer, and soon launching her own clothing active wear line as well. We're chatting all things fonts, creativity, and what it real...

*Get your ticket for The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026! --- This week, I welcome Kenzi and Marisa, the founders of The Brief Collective, back on the pod for a conversation about the power of getting together with like-minded creatives in person. They share all the details about their upcoming designers retreat, Scaling Summit, happening May 3rd–6th, 2026 in...

*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026 and reserve your spot! --- This week I chatted with Matt Ellis, who is the Executive Director of Brand at Metalab in the UK. We talk about how he spotted a gap at MetaLab to bring in more brand services that actually enhance product development, and what makes a brand stand the test of time. He also shares...

*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026 and reserve your spot! --- In this episode, I chat with Jennifer, VP of Strategy & Innovation at creative agency Marks. She shares her journey from traditional advertising to becoming a leader in brand strategy, and how her autism diagnosis helped many of her ways of thinking finally make sense. We tal...

In this episode, I chat with Gina Knox, a financial coach who helps small business owners craft strategic financial plans. She shares her journey from art school to QuickBooks to financial coaching, and dives into the unique financial challenges small businesses face and how to get better at managing your finances. Gina is on a mission to help business owners thrive financially, and I took so much...

In this episode, I chat with Vidya, a leadership catalyzer, strategy consultant, and founder of Warrier Strategy. We talk about the challenges of monetizing your passion, especially in creative fields, which can often lead to burnout. Vidya also shares her personal journey from a seemingly fulfilling life to experiencing burnout, what led her to make major life changes, and how she ultimately tran...

In this episode, I read and chat about some of the wild client feedback you have received as designers that you guys submitted, plus share a few stories of my own. *Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Get 30% off of your HoneyBook...

Happy New Year listeners! In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what an ideal day and weekly schedule looks like for me as a mom of two, wife, and business owner working 24 hours a week. I'm also chat a bit about Scale with Confidence, my new sister offer to The Design Minimind. Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma...

Enjoy this episode from the archives while we're on our Holiday break! We will be back with season 13 next week! In this solo episode, I’ll be chatting about ways to improve your efficiency and get faster at brand and web design, allowing you to scale back on your working hours. Inbox Question: “What's an appropriate amount of time spent on choosing brand colors (initially)?” - Shelby Re...

Enjoy this episode from the archives while we're on our Holiday break! We will be back with season 13 on Jan 13th! I chat with Emmanuel Probst, Global Lead of Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, a global market research company. We dive into all things market research and brand transformation. Emmanuel gives insights into the skills and empathies independent designers can offer clients that la...