How to Start Planning for 2026 as a Freelance Designer | EP 186
Most freelance designers start every new year by setting goals. But without reflection, those goals mean nothing. In this episode, I share exactly how I plan for the new year as a design business owner and how you can create your 2026 plan with intention. We’ll talk about raising prices, refining offers, simplifying systems, and setting goals that actually support the life you want to live.You will learn:How to reflect on 2025 and identify what worked in your businessHow to clarify your offers and pricing for 2026Why simplifying systems leads to more growth and freedomHow to plan your marketing and client strategy for the new yearGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to plan your most intentional and profitable year yet.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
--------
26:01
--------
26:01
10 Lessons I Learned from 10 Years of Running My Design Business | EP 185
Ten years, hundreds of clients, and more lessons than I can count. This episode is a reflection on what it really takes to grow from a freelance designer charging $65 logos to running a six-figure design agency that gives you freedom and choice. I am sharing the ten biggest lessons that shaped my business, my mindset, and how I show up as a creative CEO. These lessons are honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and exactly what I wish someone told me when I started.You will learn:Why being a great designer is not enough to build a profitable businessHow confidence, not skill, determines your pricingWhat it really means to think like a business owner, not a freelancerHow to create systems and seasons that support sustainable growthGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to think differently about how you grow your design business.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
--------
25:07
--------
25:07
Exact Systems I Use to Run a Profitable Design Business (Step by Step) | EP 184
When I finally built real systems in my design business, everything changed, from how I manage money to how I onboard clients and plan my week. I am sharing every single system I use as a brand and web designer so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start running your design business like a Creative CEO. Whether you are a freelance designer or scaling your studio, these steps will help you become more profitable without working more hours.You will learn:The exact financial systems I use to track, save, and invest in my design businessHow I organize client proposals, contracts, and portals for a smooth client experienceSimple project management systems that keep your workflow clear and consistentHow to build marketing systems that attract high-paying design clients consistentlyThe mindset and time systems that protect your creativity and prevent burnoutGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to systemize your design business for profit and freedom.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
--------
20:54
--------
20:54
Attract Design Clients Without Posting Every Day | EP 183
You don’t need to post every day to attract high-paying graphic design clients. What you need is clarity, focus, and a strategy that actually moves your design business forward. In this episode, I’m sharing how to stop wasting hours on random posts and start using intentional content that brings you clients, not just followers. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to figure out where your dream clients are, what they actually care about, and how to position your design content so it sells your expertise without burning you out.You will learn:How to get design clients without posting every single dayWhy most design content attracts other designers, not paying clientsHow to choose one or two platforms that actually grow your design businessWhat kind of content positions you as an expert and leads to higher design ratesA simple system to repurpose content and stay consistent without losing your sanityGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up online as a profitable designer.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
--------
27:33
--------
27:33
Stop Undercharging as a Designer – Do This Instead | EP 182
Charging $2,500 for branding might feel safe, but it’s actually the reason so many designers stay stuck. When you underprice your work, you attract the wrong clients, limit your growth, and start believing your own low rates. I know because I did it too. In this episode, I’ll show you how to break out of the $2K–$4K design trap and finally step into pricing that reflects your value. Whether you’re building a freelance design business or aiming to grow a profitable design studio, this conversation will help you raise design rates with confidence, land better graphic design clients, and start scaling your design business the smart way.You will learn:Why undervaluing your services keeps you stuck at low-level projectsThe shift that makes clients pay $10K+ without flinchingHow to package and price your signature design offerThe mindset you need to stop chasing cheap clients and start growing a design business that lastsGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you price, sell, and grow as a designer.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
About Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom
Learn how to get graphic design clients, price your services confidently, and build a profitable design business that gives you freedom. You’re not meant to chase cheap clients or work nights just to stay afloat. Hosted by Kady Sandel, brand strategist, agency owner, and design business coach helping freelance, brand, and web designers build scalable, profitable businesses.
You’ll learn how to:
• Get graphic design clients and sell high-value offers
• Build systems that simplify your design business
• Write proposals that convert leads into clients
• Grow your confidence, income, and freedom
Listen to Profitable Graphic Designer: Clients, Business, Money, and Freedom, ill-advised by Bill Nighy and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
South Africa