Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business educati...
148 Why Working Less Made My Design Business More Profitable
Most designers think that working more means earning more, but what if the opposite were true? In this episode, I’m sharing how I cut my work hours, take two months off every year to travel, and STILL make more money than when I was hustling 24/7. If you’re stuck in the grind and feeling burnt out, this episode will show you how to shift your mindset, optimize your pricing, and create systems that let you work smarter—not harder.You will learn: How I structure my workday from 9:30 AM to 2 PM and get more done in less time Why taking two months off each year actually helped me grow my business The pricing strategy that allows me to make more while working less How to attract high-paying clients who respect your time and expertiseGrab your notes and get ready to rethink how you run your design business!Aventive Academy’s Resources:$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/BrandGuidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profitJoin My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336fThe Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
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23:13
147 The Reason Many Designers Can't Grow Their Business
When you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one. Specializing in a specific niche or service can transform your design business, making you the go-to expert for your ideal clients. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I’ll show you how narrowing your focus leads to higher-paying clients, better referrals, and easier marketing.You will learn:How specializing positions you as an expert in your industry.The benefits of focusing on a niche, including attracting higher-paying clients.Common fears about specializing and how to overcome them.Actionable steps to identify your ideal niche and start specializing today.Aventive Academy’s Resources:Mockup Magic:https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass:https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Brand Guidelines Template:https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/Client Portal for Designers:https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/The Wealthy Client Blueprint:https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/12-Week Business Program for Designers:https://aventiveacademy.com/profitJoin My Weekly Newsletter:https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336fThe Creative CEO Accelerator:https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
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23:44
146 Why Your Portfolio Isn't Landing You Clients (And What Will)
Most designers think their portfolio is all about showcasing stunning visuals, but that’s not what lands you clients. Your potential clients aren’t designers - they care about how your work solves their business problems. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I’ll show you how to turn your portfolio into a client-magnet by focusing on strategy, results, and the stories behind your designs.
You will learn:
Why showcasing results, not just visuals, is the key to converting leads.
The three-part structure every case study in your portfolio should follow.
The biggest mistakes designers make in their portfolios (and how to fix them).
Actionable steps to rewrite your portfolio today to attract high-paying clients.
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!
Aventive Academy's Resources
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
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
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23:46
145 Psychological Tricks to Sell Design Services
Selling doesn’t have to feel pushy or uncomfortable. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m breaking down the psychological tricks that make selling design services feel natural. From building trust to framing your services as solutions, these strategies will help you connect with clients and inspire confidence without feeling like you’re forcing the sale.
You will learn:
How to build trust using authority and social proof.
Why framing your services as solutions makes all the difference.
Ways to use scarcity and urgency ethically to motivate clients.
How reciprocity and thoughtful listening can create meaningful connections.
Strategies to refine your sales process and close more deals confidently.
Take notes and learn how to guide clients toward choosing you, effortlessly!
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
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
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27:15
144 Client Feedback Is How You Grow
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growing your design business - not just from clients who say yes but also from those who say no. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’ll show you how to use client feedback to refine your designs, improve your sales process, and build better relationships. Whether it’s understanding why a client went with a competitor or asking better questions about your work, these insights will help you run a more efficient and successful business.
You will learn:
How to ask for detailed, actionable feedback on your designs.
Ways to gather insights on your sales process from both yes and no clients.
Strategies to turn feedback into real improvements in your business.
How to strengthen client relationships through thoughtful follow-ups.
Practical tips to track feedback and identify patterns for growth.
Take notes and discover how feedback can drive your design business forward!
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
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
Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com
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