S11 E17: How to Leverage Semi-Custom Web Design with Alex McGinness
In this episode, Alex of Arcoiris Design Studio is back on the pod to talk all things semi-custom websites, and why it might just be the best thing for small boutique studios looking to scale without the stress.They talk through how starting with a solid template can still lead to a high-end, unique result for clients, why not every business needs (or benefits from) a custom build, and how setting boundaries around scope and timelines can protect your time and profitability. This episode is full of helpful tips on creative direction, client communication, and finding smart ways to grow sustainably.Whether you’re considering building a template shop, white-label web development offers, or simply want to streamline your process, this convo is full with honest insights and actionable takeaways.Guest Information:Guest Name: Alex McGinnessGuest Business Name: Arcoiris Design StudioGuest Website: arcoiris.designGuest Instagram: @arcoiris.design.studioLinks Mentioned:S5 E23: Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinnessConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramThe Design MinimindTags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design
--------
42:19
--------
42:19
S11 E16: How to Streamline Your Brand & Web Design Process
In this solo episode, Jen’s chatting all about how she’s refined and streamlined her brand and web design process to better serve both her clients and her business. She emphasizes customizing workflows to fit different client needs, cutting unnecessary steps, and focusing on high-value tasks. Key changes include reducing client calls, minimizing lengthy brand strategy, and relying on simple, effective communication tools with her clients. Jen also shares practical tips such as live refinement sessions, unlimited revisions within a set time frame, and delivering social-media-ready assets upon off-boarding. These process shifts have saved time, allowed her to take on more projects, all while maintaining a high-quality client experience.Links Mentioned:S9E3: Steal My Web Design ProcessS5E14: Iterating on the One-Concept MethodConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramThe Design MinimindTags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design, processes, brand and web design
--------
26:30
--------
26:30
S11 E15: Making “the Leap” from Agency to Studio (and Balancing Mom Life) with Katie Higginbotham
In this episode, I’m chatting with Katie Higginbotham, previous minimind student of mine, designer, studio owner, creative director, and mom of three. We talk all about what it really looked like to make the leap from her established agency job to running her own studio.With Mother’s Day just behind us, this convo feels especially timely. Katie shares how she knew it was time for a change, how she prepped for the transition, and what it’s been like balancing client work, a part-time role, and mom life all at once. We also dive into the honest truths, like mom guilt, chaotic schedules, and learning to protect the time that matters most.Guest Information:Guest Name: Katie HigginbothamGuest Business Name: Katie Higginbotham DesignGuest Website: katie-higginbotham.comGuest Instagram: @katie_higg_designConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramThe Design MinimindTags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design
--------
40:56
--------
40:56
S11 E14: Branding Bestie Chit Chat: Breaking Down Sticky Client Situations with Lauren Braier
Branding Bestie Chit Chat is back and in this episode Lauren and Jen share honest examples of when things didn’t go quite as planned in their client projects from unclear direction to challenging feedback and how they navigated those moments. It’s a candid supportive conversation full of lessons learned growth moments and a few laughs as well.Guest Information:Guest Name: Lauren BraierGuest Business Name: Elby CreativeGuest Website: elbycreative.comGuest Instagram: @elbycreativeConnect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design
--------
54:08
--------
54:08
S11 E13: Evolving Your Design Offers with Joy Warren
In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we sit down with Joy Warren, the creative force behind Joy Warren Creative — a full-service brand and web design studio known for its playful simplicity, vibrant use of color, and custom illustrations. Based just outside Raleigh, NC, Joy shares how she launched her business after relocating from Indiana and built a studio that celebrates and supports small, female-owned businesses.We kick things off with a quick story time about how Joy’s business began, and then dive into a foundational concept for any designer: the offer suite. What is it, and why does it matter? Joy walks us through how her own suite of services has evolved — including a major shift away from her once-popular Mini Brands offer. She opens up about the mindset behind pivoting, how to stay responsive to your audience’s needs, and why flexibility in your offers is key to long-term success in the design industry.Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, Joy’s thoughtful approach to building and refining your offers will leave you feeling inspired and ready to adapt.Have you re-evaluated your own offer suite lately?Guest Information:Guest Name: Joy WarrenGuest Business Name: Joy Warren CreativeGuest Website: joy-warren.comGuest Instagram: @joywarrencreativeLinks Mentioned:Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramTags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design
Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, founded by Giselle Field of Wander Design Co. and Jen Davis, was founded on the belief that designers need community. We find that the branding world often feels secretive, competitive, and sometimes just plain old confusing. When we realized that our honest, soul-chat-level convos could potentially help other designers, we realized a podcast was only natural! Better: The Brand Designer Podcast was officially born.Giselle passed away during a climbing trip in Peru in summer of 2020. We encourage all listeners of our podcast to listen to our two Celebrating Giselle episodes. Giselle's adventurous, kind, funny, and supportive presence is missed every day—each and every episode that we record is dedicated to her legacy and her vision for this podcast. It is our honor to continue recording episodes in Giselle's memory and we know that she is with us every time we sit down to record.In winter of 2022, we welcomed Esther Knox-Dekoning from Sereth Design as a new co-host. Esther brought an incredible and fresh perspective to the pod—her transition from agency to design studio as well as her love for web design, sustainability, and world change brought new guests, ideas, and amazing episodes to our listeners. She departed the pod in spring 2023 to dedicate more time to her studio's growth, and will be greatly missed!Now, Jen runs the podcast solo and is beyond excited to continue interviewing guests, having interesting conversations, and sharing the behind-the-scenes of running her design studio.
Listen to Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand