Your blueprint to unfiltered design business success with Kenzi of Kenzi Green Design. From charging $75 for logos to booking $10,000 design clients and building a six-figure studio, I’ve seen it all. This podcast reveals what it really takes to attract high-ticket clients and thrive as a designer. Join me as I share hard-earned lessons, interview successful designers, and chat with my own design students from The Brief Collective as they break down the strategies behind their success. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale your design business, this is your go-to resource.
I’m breaking down why ads are not the golden ticket so many designers think they are. I’m also sharing why getting more eyes on your business should not be your first goal, what to review before spending money on ads, and how better systems are key to success. Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy
I have multiple clients investing upwards of $7,000 after already paying another designer for a logo. In this episode, I’m breaking down the sales skills that make that possible. You’ll learn how to lead a deeper discovery call, ask questions that uncover what the client’s current brand is not solving, and help them see the value of things like branded social media templates, clearer visual systems, and strategic direction. #hotdesignersummer Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy
With AI, scams, and so many service providers overpromising and underdelivering, high-ticket clients are asking: “Can I actually trust this person?” It’s no longer just about creating a good brand or website. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to build trust with high-ticket buyers so they feel confident investing in you because trust is what makes people say yes. #hotdesignersummer Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy
Clients don’t always choose the designer with the prettiest proposal, lowest price, or biggest portfolio...they choose the one they trust. In this episode, I’m breaking down what actually makes clients say yes, how to build trust before the sales call, and how to become the designer high ticket clients choose even when other designers charge less or have more experience than you. #hotdesignersummer Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy
I’m breaking down the one post that booked out my design business for over three months and why it had nothing to do with posting more. The truth is, more content isn’t always the answer. Better messaging is. I’m sharing what made this post convert so well, how it created a “wait… that’s me” moment for my audience, and why designers need to stop posting just to stay visible and start creating content that actually builds demand. You’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into powerful content ideas, how to make your dream clients feel seen, and why your visuals should support your message... not carry the entire post. Plus, I’m giving you a simple exercise to create your next intentional post! #hotdesignersummer Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy
We’re kicking off Hot Designer Summer meaning over the next 10 weeks I am going to be in your ear helping you become the booked out designer everyone won’t shut up about. If you’re ready to get visible this season, this series is for you. Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy
For most creatives, the voice in their head guiding their hesitations, fears, and decisions has actually been created by a 9-5 job. That's how they end up saying "I want a successful design business" for 5 years with little to no progress... because every decision is still being filtered through fear, safety, approval, and the need for a guaranteed outcome. At some point, the only way things change is by being willing to bet on yourself, take calculated risks, and slowly let go of the safety net that's been keeping you mentally stuck in the same place. In this episode, I dive into the six most common ways 9-5 jobs create limiting beliefs in your mind that hold you back from pursuing your goals. Follow Francesca Follow Priscilla FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
Andrea went from charging $800 to booking a $10,700 client within a year but it wasn’t a straight path. Her journey was full of pivots, investments, doubt, self-work, and showing up even when nothing seemed to be working. This episode is about what it actually looks like to find your purpose… and the discipline it takes to stick with it long before the results catch up. Follow Andrea FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
I sat down with Erika, Creative Director and CEO of Erika Maram, where she leads editorial design, creative direction, photography, and high-level campaign work. We dive into her journey from working with Goss Magazine to being on set with female astronauts, and how she’s built long-term client relationships in an industry that’s constantly evolving. This episode breaks down the strategy, storytelling, and trust behind timeless work. Follow Erika FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
I sit down with Naoma Serna-Zahn , brand strategist and principal behind Nuevo, to talk about the realities of high-level brand work. We also get into: Why public feedback can derail a branding project The difference between brand strategy vs. visual design How Naoma attracts B2B clients with projects starting around $18.5K The different ways we each generate clients What masterminds actually make sense depending on your dream clients Follow Naoma FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
Everyone sees the aesthetic photos, curated dinners, and the dreamy locations… but no one talks about what it actually costs to host a design retreat. In this episode, we’re breaking down the real numbers behind our retreat from venue and accommodations to marketing, experiences, and the unexpected expenses that add up fast. If you’ve ever thought about hosting your own retreat, or you’re wondering why high-end experiences are priced the way they are...this episode will completely shift your perspective. ATTEND SCALING SUMMIT RETREAT
I’m fixing real posts from designers inside our marketing membership and showing you exactly why they weren’t converting to clients… and what we changed to make them work. A lot of designers are posting consistently, putting in the effort… and still not getting inquiries. And it’s not the algorithm. It’s how the content is built. I walk through 3 real examples and break down: what’s not working, what’s missing, and how to fix it using emotional pull, storytelling, and actual buyer psychology (not just “post more” advice). You’ll literally see the difference between a post that gets ignored… and one that can actually book a client. YouTube Version Of This Episode Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers)
Have you seen the designer on Threads posting her $20K monthly roundups and a number of client projects most designers only dream about? Today I'm sitting down with Rachel for an hour-long conversation about how she is hitting consistent high cash months, booking 80 + clients in a year, and what she’s actually doing behind the scenes to make it happen. We get into how she markets, how she positions herself, what changed in her mindset, and the non-obvious decisions that have played a huge role in her growth. Follow Rachel FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
What if you could create one piece of art … and get paid for it again and again? In this episode, I’m interviewing an illustrator who’s built a real recurring income stream through art licensing aka “renting” your artwork to brands so it can live on products like packaging, stationery, home goods, apparel, and more… while you collect royalties . We’re breaking down: What art licensing actually is (in normal human terms) How royalties work + what artists can realistically earn How she landed her first licensing deal The pitch process brands respond to What to do if you want to start licensing your art If you've got a bunch of illustrations collecting dust on your hard drive, this episode is for you. Follow Jess FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
If you want clients booked months in advance for 2026, this episode breaks down where most designers are going wrong. We’re talking about why educational content alone isn’t creating demand, how booked-out designers use messaging to trigger action, and what actually makes someone inquire now instead of “someday.” This episode is about building urgency, positioning, and a pipeline that fills your calendar before the inquiry ever hits your inbox. FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
Your worth is far too personal and it's not your pricing. And client objections usually aren’t about price... they're a symptom of something else. I talk about: Why so many talented designers stay stuck at the same rate for months (or years) The difference between organic growth vs. accelerated growth How your nervous system plays a bigger role in pricing than you think Why confidence often comes after the decision not before How weak positioning creates objections before you ever get on a call And why changing your environment can matter more than “trying harder” This episode is about giving context to what’s actually happening and helping you decide your next move with clarity instead of pressure. If you’ve been telling yourself “I know I need to raise my rates” but nothing has changed… this one’s for you. FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
Designers stay stuck because they keep thinking like the version of themselves they are right now … not the six-figure designer they want to become. In this video, we break down how to think like a six-figure designer before you’re earning six figures , and why mindset alone isn’t enough if your decisions, standards, and habits haven’t changed. You’ll learn: How to think like a six-figure designer (even if you’re not there yet) Why designers stay stuck when they only make decisions from their current situation How to start operating from the future version of you , not your past results The identity shifts that happen before designers build a six-figure design business Why waiting to “feel ready” keeps designers in the same income bracket If you’re a freelance designer, brand designer, or creative entrepreneur who feels capable of more but keeps hitting the same ceiling… this video will show you what needs to change first . The income doesn’t come before the identity. The identity comes first. FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
Most designers think their business is failing… when in reality, they’re simply underestimating the volume required to get the results they’re hoping for. They assume they’re “not cut out for it,” so they stop right before the momentum kicks in. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real numbers and real examples that will shift your entire perspective on what it actually takes to build a six-figure design business. If you’ve been showing up inconsistently and calling it failure, this episode will change the way you see everything. FREE Six Figure Designer Community Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
I sat down with Jaime who is a DBA graduate, mom, and fellow bird mama to talk about her wild journey from selling $400 mini brands to booking $8,000+ clients. We dive into: How she walked away from her 9-5 with zero safety net The moment she decided to go all-in on her design business What changed in her mindset + process that allowed her to book premium clients How she’s currently filling her calendar with dream projects (without burning out or posting every day) Jaime’s story is the perfect reminder that waiting for the “right time” keeps you stuck and investment creates momentum . If you’ve been trying to DIY your way to growth and wondering why you’re still undercharging, exhausted, or feeling invisible online… this episode will feel like a permission slip and a wake-up call at the same time. Her transformation is the proof. Follow Jaime Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
Shannon Mattern and I dive into the real reason so many designers stay stuck spinning their wheels even when they’re so close to real momentum. We discuss: ✨ Why fear keeps you from telling people what you do✨ Why hiding from your network is blocking opportunities✨ The mindset difference between designers who scale and designers who stall If you’ve been feeling stuck or wondering why things aren’t moving as fast as they should… this episode will help you identify the patterns holding you back and finally break them. Shannon's Web Designer Academy & Resources Join Social Butterfly Club (Marketing Membership For Designers) The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy Unlock Secret Podcast Episodes Share Your Unapologetic Opinion Podcast Instagram YouTube
