From Design Vendor to Trusted Advisor: The Positioning Shift That Changes Everything
Most designers stay stuck delivering “pretty” work… because that’s how they’ve been positioned from day one. But the real opportunity? Repositioning yourself as a strategic partner who drives business outcomes—not just aesthetics.In this episode, we unpack the mindset shift that turns designers into indispensable advisors. We cover how to stop getting typecast as the vendor, and start entering conversations as the expert who can help clients make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and move their business forward.You’ll learn how to reason from first principles, apply investor-style thinking, and uncover hidden leverage in industries you already serve—so you can charge more for your thinking, not just your time.We also break down how to use simple, low-risk conversations to build intellectual property, create new offers, and reposition yourself in markets that value strategy over surface.If you're ready to stop being seen as “just the designer” and start getting paid like the partner your clients actually need—this episode is your blueprint.Want help building a more profitable design business? Book a 1:1 strategy call here — https://www.profitabledesigner.com/scheduleFollow me on Instagram for daily content, marketing tips, and podcast updates — https://www.instagram.com/profitabledesigner/
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39:59
From $3K Logos To $22K Packages With Kaleb Dean
In this episode, I sit down with Kaleb Dean — founder of Studio Stendo and one of the deepest design thinkers I know — for a conversation about pricing, purpose, and building a creative business that gives you freedom without sacrificing your craft.Caleb shares how his journey from academia to agency ownership forced him to unlearn what design school taught him about value — and instead focus on becoming a business owner first and a designer second. We dig into the mindset shift that helped him move from $3K logos to $22K brand strategy packages, and how asking better questions around business outcomes completely changed the trajectory of his sales process.We also talk about autonomy — time, financial, and creative — and how his family's needs (like flying regularly between Idaho and Chicago) became the real pressure that forced him to level up. Caleb opens up about the compounding power of content, the underestimated ROI of one-on-one conversations, and why your first 100 pieces of content are really just you learning how to think clearly in public.This one's a thoughtful, honest look at what it actually takes to go from high-level creative to high-impact business owner. If you're someone who knows you're a strong designer but you're still not getting paid accordingly, you’ll resonate deeply with this episode.Want help building a more profitable design business? Book a 1:1 strategy call here — https://www.profitabledesigner.com/schedule/Follow me on Instagram for daily content, marketing tips, and podcast updates — https://www.instagram.com/profitabledesigner/
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45:34
Using Instagram Boosted Posts To Get To $35K/Month With Drew Burns
Drew joined Profitable Designer less than six months ago. Since then, he's grown his Australian native and sustainable landscaping business from scratch to consistent five-figure months — including a $35K month in his third month — all while still on his first holiday as a business owner. But what’s more impressive? He did it by sticking to the process, building relationships, and trusting himself.In this episode, we walk through Drew’s rapid rise from leaving his design job to building a self-funded, highly in-demand landscape design consultancy. You’ll hear how his past in marketing, content creation, and sustainable design intersected to give him a head start — and how he still credits self-belief and the Uplevel system as the driving forces behind his traction. He talks about learning how to set bigger goals, trust his pricing, shift his identity from designer to business builder, and how the "tap" of marketing is now something he can turn on or off at will.If you're trying to figure out how to attract better clients, scale your design work, and build a life that supports freedom and creativity — this is the one to tune into.Want help building a more profitable design business? Book a 1:1 strategy call here — https://www.profitabledesigner.com/scheduleFollow me on Instagram for daily content, marketing tips, and podcast updates — https://www.instagram.com/profitabledesigner/
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1:06:50
The Two Proposal Mistakes That Stop Design Prospects Becoming Clients
If you’ve been sending out proposals and hearing crickets, this episode is going to sting a little — but it’s exactly what you need to hear. I break down the two biggest proposal mistakes I see designers making that kill deals before they even get started. These are the same mistakes one of my students, Matt, was making before we cleaned them up.We dive into the real reason why most designers aren’t closing, why talking about your process too early kills trust, and how to stop confusing your clients by trying to look professional. I also walk through why our Uplevel students — use a 2-page ugly Google Doc that consistently outperforms polished decks — and explain why clarity, not complexity, is what sells. If you want more of your proposals to lead to paid projects, this episode is a must-listen.Want help building a more profitable design business? Book a 1:1 strategy call here — https://www.profitabledesigner.com/scheduleFollow me on Instagram for daily content, marketing tips, and podcast updates — https://www.instagram.com/profitabledesigner/
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12:10
How Tom Declat Build His Web Design Business To Consistent £20K Months
In this episode, I sit down with Tom Declat, a web design agency owner who transformed his business by stepping away from the hourly rate trap and into a scalable, strategic model. Tom shares how he made the mindset shift from being a designer selling websites to an entrepreneur solving business problems—allowing him to consistently generate £20,000 months.
We explore Tom’s journey from agency life to launching his own business, how he learned to reposition his services for higher-value clients, and the systems he put in place to create consistent revenue. Tom opens up about his sales process, the power of positioning and testimonials, and how he built a business that thrives on strategic client relationships rather than one-off design projects.
This episode is packed with powerful insights and actionable advice for designers and agency owners who want to break free from trading time for money, build a sustainable pipeline of high-quality clients, and turn their creative skills into a profitable business. If you’re tired of inconsistent income, struggling to communicate your true value, or wondering how to shift from executional work to a business-focused approach, this conversation is a must-listen.
Ready to level up your business?
Book your free 1-1 consult here: https://www.profitabledesigner.com/schedule/
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The Profitable Designer Show discusses the philosophy, principles and strategies that unlock a profitable design business that runs itself.
Hosted by Patrick O'Connell, a seasoned designer and entrepreneur, this show covers everything business, sales, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Subscribe now and join us on the journey!
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