Design and Prosper

145. Closing a beautiful chapter: Reflecting on our D&P journey and what's next

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for episode 145, our final episode of Design and Prosper. 💛 After five incredible years, we've made the bittersweet decision to bring our p...

144. BIG CHANGES and your Academy q's answered (this will be our last round ever!)

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's official—we're opening doors to The Academy for the very last time, but, we're going out with a bang and would like to invite you to spend the ...

143. Designer Q&A! Sharing Personal Vulnerabilities, Demanding Retainer Clients, and Profitability Dilemma

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 143, we're diving into designer questions! Question 1: Should you share personal vulnerabilities with clients? We chat about the growing tr...

142. Don't know where to start? 5 foundations every design business needs

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we uncover the five essential pillars every design business needs. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a whi...

141. Handling Client Meetings Like A Pro

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of client meetings. We share our best strategies for ensuring your meetings run smoothly and effecti...

140. Designer's Guide To Print Production - Part 2

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is part 2 of a 2 part series on Print Production for Designers, so if you haven't heard episode 139, be sure to go back and listen to that! In t...

139. Designer's Guide To Print Production - Part 1

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the Design and Prosper Podcast, we're diving into the world of print! If you're a designer, chances are you'll need to send a file to print ...

138. Designer Q&A! Free vs paid fonts, Changing a business name, Outgrowing old clients

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is an Ask Kris & Donna episode where we are answering designer questions: 1) When and how to invest in fonts versus using free fonts for client w...

137. Evidence that design and branding WORKS

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you need help convincing clients that graphic design and branding is valuable? In this episode we reveal some awesome studies and statistics you ca...

136. Can you trust your graphic design business?

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Design & Prosper Academy doors are open for a limited time! Come and join us and start building the design business of your dreams today. 🌈✨ ...

135. Should you show clients your process work & concepts?

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join our free live Masterclass "Pathway to Profit" and discover 5 graphic design business models that *really* work. 🚀 https://www.designandprosper...

134. 5 reasons why graphic designers are unhappy in their design business and what to do about it

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join our free live Masterclass "Pathway to Profit" and discover 5 graphic design business models that *really* work. 🚀 https://www.designandprosper...

133. The power of case studies and how they can transform your graphic design business

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join our free live Masterclass "Pathway to Profit" and discover 5 graphic design business models that *really* work. 🚀 https://www.designandprosper...

132. 10 Time-Saving Systems EVERY design business needs

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel pushed for time in your graphic design business? Well in today's episode we have 10 time saving systems you need to implement in your busi...

131. Ask Kris and Donna - How important is it to specify a niche within a graphic design business?

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this 'Ask Kris and Donna' episode we answer a question from Taylor, a graphic design business owner who is curious about whether focusing on a nich...

130. The consequences of designers charging too low

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are talking about pricing, in particular - LOW pricing. While it can be tempting to charge lower prices for your design services, (...

129. Ask Kris & Don: A client has given me a sketch to make the design cheaper

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this 'Ask Kris & Don' episode we answer a very relatable question from Claire, who has a client who wants a cheaper design because they have provi...

128. Why clients need professional branding now more than ever

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are talking about how to convince your clients to invest in branding and why it's more important than ever before for businesses to...

127. 7 things missing in your design estimates

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what might be missing from your design estimates? In this episode, we explore 7 key elements that could be impacting your profit margins. ...

126. Ask Kris & Don: I want to do brand design but I can't draw. Does it matter?

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this 'Ask Kris & Don' quickie episode we answer a question from a designer who feels held back because they believe they cannot draw. We have stro...

125. 20 things we would never do as graphic design business owners

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been in a pickle in your design business and wondered 'What would Kris & Don do?'  Well in a slight twist to that question, in this epi...

124. Ask Kris & Don: I'm a startup but looking for design jobs on the side as I build my business

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don quickie episode we answer a question from a Sinéad, who has a startup graphic design business but is looking to apply for desi...

123. Your pricing isn't the problem - why your clients aren't saying 'yes'.

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling to get clients to sign off on your design proposals and you're worried that your prices are too high, this episode is for you! Pr...

122. Ask Kris & Don: Do I need to learn web design to get high-value projects?

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don quickie episode we answer a question from a Cassandra: "Hi Kris and Donna! I don't offer website design in my branding servic...

121. Designer Interrupted: The cost of interruptions on your design business

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are delving into the topic of 'Interruptions'.  So many designers face this issue on the daily and it can significantly impact you...

120. Ask Kris & Don: My client keeps asking for changes

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don episode we answer a question from a designer who has a project being delayed due to seemingly endless 'last-minute' changes by ...

119. Targeting cold leads for your graphic design business

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we chat all about targeting cold leads. Do we recommend it? Are there ways to do it that don't suck? Let's chat about this! Much love...

118. Ask Kris & Donna: My client wants me to create an ugly design!

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

  In this Ask Kris & Don Q&A quickie episode we answer a question from a member of our community who had a client request for a design that was based...

117. 10 differences between struggling and successful designers

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Design & Prosper Academy Doors are open for a limited time!  https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic des...

116. Ask Kris & Don: Burning questions from graphic design business owners (rapid fire!)

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Design & Prosper Academy Doors are open for a limited time!  https://www.designandprosper.co/theacademy ✨ Looking to up-level your graphic des...

115. Essential Metrics for Design Business Success

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we delve into the essential business metrics every designer needs to track for success.  From marketing and lead generation, client p...

114. Ask Kris & Donna: How do I find my zone of genius?

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have a FREE live masterclass happening in January 2024! In 'Pathway to Profit: How to build a design business that *really* works, we will be shari...

113. Why did you start a graphic design business?

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have a FREE live masterclass happening in January 2024! In 'Pathway to Profit: How to build a design business that *actually* works, we will be sh...

112. Ask Kris & Don: Overcoming design doubts and imposter syndrome

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have a FREE live masterclass happening in January 2024! In 'Pathway to Profit: How to build a design business that *actually* works, we will be sha...

111. The New Year process we NEVER skip: the power of choosing a word of the year

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we chat all things 'word of the year' and how it it can be such a meaningful way to help you focus and set your intention for the year...

110. Who do you need to BE to succeed in your design business?

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Design and Prosper Podcast! In this episode, we ask a really important question for the upcoming year: Who do you need to BE in order t...

109. Ask Kris & Don: I'm in burnout, please help 🙏

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don episode, we are provide support and strategies for a designer experiencing the dreaded burnout.    Beautiful designers, it's ...

108. There is NO shame in asking for sales

17 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we chat about a common problem where designers feeling shy or ashamed when it comes to asking for sales. We really want designers to ...

107. Ask Kris & Donna: I'm pregnant and I'm scared to tell my clients!

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don episode, we answer a question from a lovely designer who is feeling worried about telling clients she is pregnant. Do you have ...

106. The Best ChatGPT Prompts For Designers - Part 2

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

ChatGPT is the brainstorming buddy that is going to change your design process forever. If you're not using ChatGPT behind the scenes in your design b...

105. Ask Kris & Don: Stock photography, yay or nay?

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don episode, we answer the following question:   "Hey Kris & Don! What are your thoughts on using a stock photos and illustration...

104. The Best ChatGPT Prompts For Designers - Part 1

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

ChatGPT is the brainstorming buddy that is going to change your design process forever. If you're not using ChatGPT behind the scenes in your design b...

103. Ask Kris & Don - A new lead is asking for "examples", what should I do?

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Ask Kris & Don episode, we answer the following question:   "A potential client has approached me and they said they had a bad experience wi...

102. We got hacked – how to prevent if from happening to you

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Design and Prosper, we chat about our recent experience of having our Meta (Facebook) Ads account hacked and being locked out. It w...

101. Ask Kris & Donna - How do I know if I'm a good designer?

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know if you're a good designer? Is there any way you can measure this?  We were asked the following question by a member of our community...

100. It's our 100th episode! We share our journey so far.

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

OMG we cannot believe you been along for the ride with us for 100 episodes! 🎉 Without you, our podcast (and our business) wouldn't exist. In this e...

99. Ask Kris & Donna - How can I make passive income as a designer?

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is an Ask Kris & Don espisode where we answer a question from Hannah: "What are some effective ways to make passive income as a web & branding d...

98. What to do when work goes quiet

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does it feel like the client work has dried up and there is nothing new on the horizon?  In this episode we are talking all about what to do when thi...

97. Ask Kris & Don - How to get new clients when you're just starting out

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's Ask Kris & Don episode we answer the following question from Joyce: "I've recently launched my design studio, and was {wonder}ing how you ...

96. Why consistency is everything in your design business

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about the importance of consistency and how it can quite literally make or break your design business. Every part of your busines...

95. Ask Kris & Donna - Should my pricing be based on the size of my client's business?

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's ask Kris & Don time! In today's episode we answer the following question: "Hi Kris and Don, I have a question regarding project pricing for diff...

94. Graphic Design Startup – 10 things to have in place before starting your business

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Starting a graphic design business can be overwhelming and it's easy to get distracted by all the shiny things you *think* you should have in place b...

93. Should I share personal problems with clients?

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! In this 'Ask Kris & Donna' quickie episode we answer the question: Is it okay to share personal problems with clients?' 🤔  This is such a g...

92. How to nurture clients so they keep coming back for more

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! In this episode we take a look into the world of nurturing clients so that they become long-term clients and great referral partners.   For ...

91. Ask Kris & Don: Mockups - what are your favourite resources?

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is an Ask Kris & Don episode where we are answering the question: "Where are some of your favourite places to find mockups?" And of course we cou...

90. Should graphic designers be brand strategy experts?

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we chat about whether or not graphic designers need to be brand strategists in order to be successful.  With all the buzzwords and co...

89. Ask Kris & Donna - my business is changing, how do I transition without scaring clients away?

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this 'Ask Kris & Donna' quickie episode, we tackle a question from Bec, who is changing her business from VA services to graphic design services. ...

88. How to maximise profits with formula based design

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of formula based design? We've used this for many years to provide a lower entry price point for clients with smaller budgets — wit...

87. Ask Kris & Donna – we are answering your design business questions!

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's Q&A time and Kris & Donna are answering your design business questions! Here's the Q's we unpack in this episode: 1. Should I use 'I' or 'we'...

86. 20 ways you transform your client's business as a graphic designer

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We believe graphic designers are amazing. Do you realise the transfomation you provide to your client's businesses? Grab your pen and paper...we've ...

85. Graphic Designers, are you scaring clients away?

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are asking the question, are you scaring clients away? Be sure to listen in because you might be doing it without even realizing it. With l...

84. 10 ways to niche in your graphic design business

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To niche, or not to niche? Niching is an incredibly layered topic and much more complex than what appears on the surface. It's not really a yes, no ...

83. Facing hard realities in your graphic design business

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we are talking about the importance of facing hard realities in your graphic design business. How do YOU face hard realities when th...

82. Easy Client Upsells For Graphic Designers

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a graphic designer looking to increase revenue, we've got 10 easy upsells for you to consider offering to your clients.  With love, Kr...

81. Are you overcomplicating your graphic design business?

28 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about a trend we are seeing where designers overcomplicating All. The. Things. If this sounds like you, be sure to listen in. We...

80. Inside The Academy Design Business School - The Checklist! Part 2

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you wanting to learn about all the things you need in place to run a successful design business? This is part 2 of the complete checklist you ne...

79. Inside The Academy Design Business School

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you wanting to learn about all the things you need in place to run a successful design business? In this episode we are taking you step by step ...

78. The Successful Client Journey for Graphic Designers

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a graphic designer, have you ever struggled with establishing a clear client management process? In this episode, we'll share step-by-step what a ...

77. Done Is Good (Encore Episode)

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

  We see perfectionism undermining the success of graphic design business owners time and time again. It's a sinister, unattainable goal because ...

76. Can you have too many boundaries?

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We love a good boundary, but can you take them too far? Boundaries are brilliant – they are crucial to the smooth operation of any graphic desig...

75. AI and graphic design – is there a dark side?

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Like it or not AI is here. And as a graphic design community, we need to talk about it. This is part 2 of our conversation about AI and the impact...

74. Artificial Intelligence and the impact on the graphic design industry - Part 1

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Like it or not AI is here. And as a graphic design community, we need to talk about it. This is a big conversation and it's a discussion that is h...

73. Retainer clients for designers: yay or nay?

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you use retainers in your graphic design business? In this episode we're discussing the pros and cons of having retainer clients. Are they are good...

72. How to position yourself as a design industry expert

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you are struggling to charge higher prices, this could be the missing link you are looking for. We know that so many designers pour their he...

71. Essential tech for customer service - Part 2

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to uplevel your customer service? Listen in for part 2 of the essential business tech you need to provide amazing customer service and to p...

70. Essential design business tech you need in 2023 - Part 1

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to uplevel your customer service? Listen in for part 1 of the essential business tech you need to provide amazing customer service and to p...

69. Welcome Guides: What to include and why you need one

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a welcome guide? Kris & Don run through exactly why you need one and exactly what to include in your welcome guide.  We are always wan...

68. Pretty design: is it enough?

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

    Is it ok to design something that is beautiful for beauty's sake? Is it ok to design something that is beautiful for beauty's sake?   Of co...

67. Overcome overwhelm in your graphic design business

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you in overwhelm with your graphic design business?  In this episode we are chatting about how to shift your focus and zero in on what really ma...

66. Nasty clients: tears, confusion and moving on

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a client who was a real A**hole? When a client relationship goes sour it's hard not to take it personally. It can take an emotional ...

65. How to get testimonials for your graphic design business

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now, more than ever, it's imperative to gather evidence that you can walk the talk. Clients want to know they can trust you and that they are safe...

64. Are you a lonely graphic designer?

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being a graphic design solopreneur can be very isolating. Even if you are introvert (many of us designers are!) it's important to have access to other...

63. Smash imposter syndrome in your graphic design business

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling like a fraud running a graphic design business? You are not alone. What do you think you need in place before you could smash imposter syndro...

62. I've got no time to work "on" my design business!

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We often notice a theme for the month...a problem that is coming up on repeat within the beautiful graphic design community. Right now what we're seei...

61. Graphic Design Pricing - What to do when clients can't afford you

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It happens! Sometimes a potential dream client will simply not have the budget for your services.   And no, this is not about your offerings being to...

60. The no.1 reason your clients are difficult

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the most awful feeling when a project feels like it's spiralling out of control and the client feels like your boss. Is this happening on repeat?...

59. How to follow up after sending design proposals

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Beautiful, brave you. You've sent off a proposal to a client, but now you've got crickets.  Now what? Do you wait and see? Do you reach out? Help! In...

58. Essential systems you need in your graphic design business - part 3

26 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the essential systems that will give you freedom and control in your graphic, brand or web design business. You can't run a successful bus...

57. Essential systems you need in your graphic design business - part 2

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is part 2 of a 3 part series all about systems, where we share our next 5 essential systems you need in a graphic design studio.  It's n...

56. Essential systems you need in your graphic design business - part 1

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Don't just throw spaghetti at the wall and hope some of it sticks! This week we're going to teach you our systems for targeting your efforts to exactl...

55. Should you use goodbye packets in your graphic design business?

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Spoiler alert: we don't think so! Why? You don't want to say goodbye to your lovely clients! There are much better ways to handle the final stage of a...

54. Finding your first clients

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finding your first clients can feel so hard. Do you feel like the usual ways don't work for you? In this episode, we share exactly what worked for us ...

53. When fear rears its ugly head in your design business

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever have that feeling of being paralysed? Of knowing there's something you need to address, but instead of sitting down and dealing with it yo...

52. Nailing your sales discovery calls with Sarah Buckland

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we chatted in-depth with the beautiful Sarah Buckland, UK based sales coach and business mentor, about sales strategies and nailing those s...

51. Set Your New Year Intentions!

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this oh-so-crazy time of year, we want you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and set a clear intention for the year to come. We know it's easy to...

50. Taking time off in your graphic design business

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You may be thinking, how the heck do I take time off in my design business? Whether it's planned or unplanned, you're gonna want (or need!) a break fr...

49. How to convince clients one concept is enough?

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're sticklers for the one concept approach - but your clients expect multiple solutions, right? How do you convince your clients that one concept is...

48. When Clients go DIY with their designs

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Oh no! You're scrolling social media, checking your emails or just happily out and about in the world and you see it. Your client has gone DIY with yo...

47. Help! My client wants to change my design

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the feedback none of us want to hear - the client isn't happy with our design. What do you do now? First of all, don't panic, all is not lost! It...

46. Design Business Boundaries Part 4 - Creative Process

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the fourth and final part of our boundary setting episodes, where we talk about creative process boundaries.  Time to pop designers in the...