Design and Prosper

Looking to uplevel your customer service? Listen in for part 1 of the essential business tech you need to provide amazing customer service and to position yourself as a high-end, credible designer. For full show notes click here For transcript  click here With love Kris & Don xo - - - - - -  https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy  ✨ We open up our doors to our 12-week transformational group l...

Do you have a welcome guide? Kris & Don run through exactly why you need one and exactly what to include in your welcome guide.  We are always wanting to help designers implement strategies to encourage well-behaved clients. Often problems that arise during the project management process are a direct result from a lack of understanding. It's our job as designers to educate our clients on 'how' WE...

    Is it ok to design something that is beautiful for beauty's sake? Is it ok to design something that is beautiful for beauty's sake?   Of course you can create a something that is pretty, on-trend, gorgeous, elegant, aesthetic (…insert your preffered word here). But there should always be a reason why. And it's your job to articulate the why. If you want to provide substance as a designer you n...

Are you in overwhelm with your graphic design business?  In this episode we are chatting about how to shift your focus and zero in on what really matters in your design business. Let's get you outta those weeds. Ask yourself: "What needs to be right for the rest to matter?" (psst we're not sure who the originator of the above quote was...if you know, please let us know!) For full show notes click...

Have you ever had a client who was a real A**hole? When a client relationship goes sour it's hard not to take it personally. It can take an emotional toll and make you wish you never started a graphic design business in the first place. The unfortunate truth is, if you have a business that serves actual people, every now and again you're going to run into a mean human. A bad egg. A nasty piece of...

Now, more than ever, it's imperative to gather evidence that you can walk the talk. Clients want to know they can trust you and that they are safe in your hands! A testimonial, social proof or a case study will fast track that trust. Today we're talking about the power of others tooting your trumpet! We know it takes courage to ask for a testimonial. But as an essential part of your marketing stra...

Being a graphic design solopreneur can be very isolating. Even if you are introvert (many of us designers are!) it's important to have access to other likeminded business owners.  In this episode we chat about the benefit of being a part of a supportive group where everyone is facing the same or similar issues as you . We also share 4 different ways to nurture a sense of community and connection i...

Feeling like a fraud running a graphic design business? You are not alone. What do you think you need in place before you could smash imposter syndrome in your graphic design business? What would it take for you to feel like a pro? - Academic qualifications?  - Larger clients?  - A bigger team?  - More years in business?  - Better connections?  - Upgraded design skills?  - Design awards?  - A fanc...

We often notice a theme for the month...a problem that is coming up on repeat within the beautiful graphic design community. Right now what we're seeing is an energy of 'stuckness'...like a plane on a runway that never quite takes off. We're hearing things like: "I feel like I'm not progressing" "I'm in a rut" "I'm not moving forward fast enough" "I feel like a rat in a cage going round and round...

It happens! Sometimes a potential dream client will simply not have the budget for your services.   And no, this is not about your offerings being too expensive.  This client WANTS to work with you—they love your work and can see the value you provide. But you are like the Chanel bag they're coveting but can't afford yet. Sad face. But all is not lost, in this episode we discuss 5 options to consi...

It's the most awful feeling when a project feels like it's spiralling out of control and the client feels like your boss. Is this happening on repeat?  If so, we have the answer! Thrive Summit 2022: From Passion To Profit We're sharing our system for managing even the most demanding clients with ease as part of the Thrive Summit which is happening May 28-29. Sign up for free here: https://designan...

Beautiful, brave you. You've sent off a proposal to a client, but now you've got crickets.  Now what? Do you wait and see? Do you reach out? Help! In this episode we chat about: - What to do when you haven't heard back (ugh this is the worst feeling!) - How long should you wait until you follow up. - How to avoid it from happening in the first place We truly hope this is a helpful episode for you!...

Learn about the essential systems that will give you freedom and control in your graphic, brand or web design business. You can't run a successful business without them! Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/essential-systems-you-need-in-your-graphic-design-business-part-3 Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDykpmfKbWqnN7LiFPlYdA Much love, Kris & Donna xo _...

This episode is part 2 of a 3 part series all about systems, where we share our next 5 essential systems you need in a graphic design studio.  It's no secret that we are systems geeks...in fact, it was our passion for graphic design business systems that solidified our relationship all those years ago—even though we were essentially competitors in a relatively small market. Our regular coffee date...

Don't just throw spaghetti at the wall and hope some of it sticks! This week we're going to teach you our systems for targeting your efforts to exactly where they'll be the most effective. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/essential-systems-you-need-in-your-graphic-design-business-part-1   Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDykpmfKbWqnN7LiFPlYdA   If you...

Spoiler alert: we don't think so! Why? You don't want to say goodbye to your lovely clients! There are much better ways to handle the final stage of a project that will keep the work flowing into your business for years to come. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/should-you-use-goodbye-packets-in-your-graphic-design-business/ Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/chann...

Finding your first clients can feel so hard. Do you feel like the usual ways don't work for you? In this episode, we share exactly what worked for us when we first started our graphic design businesses. A beautiful member of our community reached out to ask us to cover this topic. They asked: "How do I find my first clients? The usual ways that people say work, don't work for me 😩" This really pu...

Do you ever have that feeling of being paralysed? Of knowing there's something you need to address, but instead of sitting down and dealing with it you're literally doing anything else? That paralysis is fear. We're going to help you get on top of it. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/when-fear-rears-its-ugly-head-in-your-design-business/ Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.you...

This week, we chatted in-depth with the beautiful Sarah Buckland, UK based sales coach and business mentor, about sales strategies and nailing those scary discovery calls. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/nailing-your-sales-discovery-calls/ Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDykpmfKbWqnN7LiFPlYdA Much love, Kris & Donna xo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _...

In this oh-so-crazy time of year, we want you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and set a clear intention for the year to come. We know it's easy to rush a resolution with only a vague idea of what you want to make happen next year. But this is an opportunity you can't miss! It's important to embrace this in-between time to really celebrate yourself and create momentum and excitement for the yea...

You may be thinking, how the heck do I take time off in my design business? Whether it's planned or unplanned, you're gonna want (or need!) a break from your design business. Let's get out ahead of this and make a plan to ensure you can take a break and feel REALLY good about it. We believe taking time off isn't a 'nice to do' thing, it's a 'must do' thing—it is an essential part of your business...

We're sticklers for the one concept approach - but your clients expect multiple solutions, right? How do you convince your clients that one concept is enough? Get ready, there's a plot twist! Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/how-to-convince-clients-one-concept-is-enough Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDykpmfKbWqnN7LiFPlYdA   Much love, Kris & Donna x...

Oh no! You're scrolling social media, checking your emails or just happily out and about in the world and you see it. Your client has gone DIY with your design, and they've done it badly. It devalues their branding, reflects poorly on your business and it's just....well...it's butt-ugly. What are they thinking? And more importantly, what can you do? Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/...

It's the feedback none of us want to hear - the client isn't happy with our design. What do you do now? First of all, don't panic, all is not lost! It's always disappointing when you've put your heart and soul into a project, but if you manage your emotions, you may find the solution is much simpler than you think. Often a small tweak or even just better communication will turn that no into a yes!...

Welcome to the fourth and final part of our boundary setting episodes, where we talk about creative process boundaries.  Time to pop designers in the spot light, these powerful boundaries will help you stay on track with your creative process. Full show notes: 💌 https://designandprosper.co/design-business-boundaries-part-4-creative-process/ Click to watch on youtube: 👀 https://www.youtube.com/ch...