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 McGinness

Guest Business Name: Arcoiris Design Studio

Guest Website: arcoiris.design

Guest Instagram: @arcoiris.design.studio

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S5 E23: Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinness

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The Design Minimind

Tags: 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

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.

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S9E3: Steal My Web Design Process

S5E14: Iterating on the One-Concept Method

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The Design Minimind

Tags:  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

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 Higginbotham

Guest Business Name: Katie Higginbotham Design

Guest Website: katie-higginbotham.com

Guest Instagram: @katie_higg_design

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The Design Minimind

Tags: 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

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 Braier

Guest Business Name: Elby Creative

Guest Website: elbycreative.com

Guest Instagram: @elbycreative

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Tags: 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

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 Warren

Guest Business Name: Joy Warren Creative

Guest Website: joy-warren.com

Guest Instagram: @joywarrencreative

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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

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we're joined by brand designer Alouette Marsh, whose journey is anything but ordinary. From facing the debilitating effects of endometriosis to rising above it and building a thriving design studio, Alouette shares her deeply personal story of resilience, creativity, and purpose.

We talk about the darkest moments of her health battle, the mindset shifts that helped her through, and the unexpected lessons she now carries into her business every day. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or simply need a reminder that growth is possible—even in the hardest seasons—this conversation is for you.

Guest Info:

Lark Brand Studio

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In this episode of Better the Brand Designer Podcast, we’re diving into the ways design influences every part of our lives—far beyond our work as brand designers. Lauren shares how her love for interior design, wedding planning, and beautifully packaged products fuels her creativity, along with how house hunting has sharpened her ability to see potential in unexpected places. Jen talks about infusing creativity into everyday life, from crafting and needlepoint with her kids to designing her dream home. Plus, we explore how our experiences with client relationships and embracing different styles have shaped our design perspectives. Get ready for a fun, insightful chat about how the things we love outside of work make us better designers!

Guest Information:

Guest Name: Lauren Braier

Guest Business Name: Elby Creative

Guest Website: elbycreative.com

Guest Instagram: @elbycreative

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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

In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we’re diving into the legal side of branding with special guest Alli Elmunzer from Influencer Legal! As brand designers, we create visual identities that help businesses stand out—but how do we ensure those identities are legally protected?

Alli breaks down the key differences between a registered trademark (®), a trademark (™), and copyright (©), and explains when and why brand designers should start thinking about trademarking business names and logos. We’ll also discuss the first steps in guiding clients through the trademarking process and whether independent designers should consider trademarking their own business assets.

Guest Information:

Guest Name: Alli Elmunzer

Guest Business Name: Influencer Legal

Guest Website: https://influencerlegal.co/

Guest Instagram: @attorneyalli

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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

In this week’s episode, I sit down with my good friend Morgan Morris, the talented designer and founder behind Thuro Design. Morgan opens up about her powerful testimony — from life before Christ to how her faith journey has transformed not only her personal life but also her business.

Morgan shares why she made the bold decision to integrate her faith openly into her business, despite the fear of judgment or losing clients. She offers thoughtful advice for other designers of faith who want to share their beliefs authentically while maintaining alignment with their brand and values.

Morgan’s Program: Aligned Designers

Aligned Designers is a mentorship program helping designers create a business aligned with their God-given calling. Our in-depth, 1:1 approach covers business growth and design skill with a faith-centered perspective. You can sign up on our waitlist to be the first to know about Early Bird pricing when we launch again this October. https://thurodesign.com/aligned-designers-2025-waitlist/

Guest Information:

Guest Name: Morgan Morris

Guest Business Name: Thuro Design

Guest Website: thurodesign.com

Guest Instagram: @thuro_design

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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

 In this episode of Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, we’re back with another Branding Bestie Chit Chat featuring Lauren Braier from Elby Creative! We’re diving into the past as we dust off our old goals, reflect on what we’ve accomplished (and what we haven’t), and chat about how we’ve grown both personally and professionally over the years. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about evolving as designers, learning from our experiences, and setting new intentions for the future. Tune in for some laughs, insights, and maybe even a little nostalgia! 

Guest Information:

Guest Name: Lauren Braier

Guest Business Name: Elby Creative

Guest Website: elbycreative.com

Guest Instagram: @elbycreative

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Tags:

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