Earning by Design: Graphic Design, Freelancing, Business Marketing Strategies

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

Instead of talking about going freelance, sometimes it is the right time to transition away from freelance into a full-time in-house or agency role. And for this topic, I brought on my friend Jamie Roberts from Rock That Creative Job, an experienced Creative Career Coach to guide you on this journey with actionable tips that will place you at an advantage in the hiring process.

In this episode we dive into:

• How freelancers can effectively highlight their skills and readiness for full-time positions.
• Vital networking strategies for freelancers seeking full-time employment.
• Mindset and adjustments required for transitioning to full-time work.
• How to manage long-term career growth and maintain creative independence in full-time roles.

More about Jamie:

Jamie Roberts is an experienced Creative Career Coach with a 20 yr. background as a Sr. Creative Director & Designer, working and leading teams in both agency & in-house environments. She has recruited, hired, and managed every type of creative role, and her mission is to help every creative across the globe sell themselves more effectively, to feel less stuck and more empowered in their careers!

CONNECT WITH JAMIE:

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-roberts-rtcj/

https://www.rockthatcreativejob.com/

Resume Course: https://www.rockthatcreativejob.com/creative-resume-in-a-day

Use code:  ROCKTHATRESUME for a 20% discount

Podcast: https://www.rockthatcreativejob.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

Let’s go through 10 different ways YOU can get clients into your graphic design business. Some are easier than others, but it is important to be doing many different actions until you get consistency into your business. 

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

In this episode, I get into how to make your design business attractive to your ideal clients. Sometimes we think about our business only from our own perspective, but it is super important to reverse the roles and go at it from the perspective of who we want to attract.

More Ways to Get Design Clients: 
https://4thecreatives.com/more-clients

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

Choosing the right pricing strategy for clients can be complex, given their varied needs. In this episode, I share insights and experiences to simplify this task, discussing different pricing models and when to apply the most challenging one. We'll cover the essentials of selecting a strategy that aligns with both your business goals and client expectations, aiming for mutual satisfaction. Join me to unlock the secrets to effective pricing, making it less daunting and more strategic.

Free Pricing Guide for Designers: 
https://4thecreatives.com/pricing

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

In this episode, we dive into the art of client acquisition for designers, a crucial yet challenging aspect of growing your design business. Join me as I switch roles, being interviewed by my business partner and husband, where we explore common pitfalls in attracting clients, effective strategies for using social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, my personal approach to follow-ups after sending proposals, and successful client acquisition tactics I've observe

Whether you're feeling isolated in your quest for clients or just looking for practical advice to apply to your business, this episode offers insights and tips to help your design business thrive.

Sign up for the Consistent Clients Blueprint wait list here: https://4thecreatives.com/blueprint/

Download my free guide to get more clients here: https://4thecreatives.com/more-clients/

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with a very knowledgeable trademark small business attorney who shed a ton of light on some common legal questions I hear often from designers.

Our conversation included:

• A detailed explanation of the key elements that should be included in every contract between a graphic designer and their client.
• A very good and simple explanation of what an LLC is compared to Sole Proprietorship and who should have which.
• How to avoid getting in trouble legally as a designer for work you have created.
• Advice for designing logos that avoid legal issues when clients seek to trademark them.
• How to trademark your client’s logo and what you should put in your contract regarding this.
• What steps you should take to register your business name if a similar name already exists.
• The legal considerations for clients intending to use logos created with platforms like Canva, especially in regards to copyright and commercial use.
• What to do when a client completely ghosts you when they owe you money.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Legally Legit Checklist: https://www.lawfullyeveraftercourse.com/Legally%20Legit%20Workbook

Website: https://brittanyratelle.com/

Creative Contracts: https://creativecontracts.co/

YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDArjxoxKxbqWObigQxlqRA

IG: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyratelle/

MORE ABOUT BRITTANY:

Brittany Ratelle is a small business attorney who helps modern entrepreneurs get legally legit. She has helped hundreds of founders protect and grow their brands without getting overwhelmed (or bored) and has worked with the Bucket List Family, Hope Scope, Blogilates, Sharon Says So, Glo Atanmo, Not Enough Nelsons, Dayna Bolden, Emma Arletta, Cake by Courtney, Brianna Battles, and Tracy Litt. Brittany lives with her hunky husband and four kiddos in her beautiful hometown of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho but supports and educates creatives and creators all over the US with a mix of fun and accessible legal resources.

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

Today I am joined by The ColorFul Jess Langley, the Pricing Coach, to discuss how to set boundaries around the subject of pricing with clients so that you can feel more confident in those awkward pricing conversations.

This episode includes:

• How to increase prices with current clients.
• How to feel confident saying no to a client.
• How to get over being a people pleaser.
• How to increase your own self-worth in order to charge higher prices. 

More about Jess:
Jess Langley started her design and mural studio, White Coffee Creative in June 2017 and began coaching as The Colorful Jess in 2020.

While her title is ever-evolving, Jess’ biggest passion is helping creatives feel confident enough to charge their value and get paid fairly.

When she’s not working, you can find her hanging with her family, sipping coffee, or dreaming of a cabin in the woods.

Connect with Jess here:
The Colorful Jess: https://www.thecolorfuljess.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolorfuljess

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

In this episode, we will be discussing the controversial subject of AI. This topic has been frequently requested by my audience. Although the answer isn't straightforward, today, I engage in an in-depth discussion on this matter with my tech-savvy husband and business partner, whose technological insight has been crucial to my business success.

We address questions such as what actions governments are taking regarding AI, its impact on our business, the advantages of AI, and its future direction. Most importantly, we discuss how designers can secure their jobs and avoid being supplanted by software.

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

If you are considering leaving your job and are toying with the idea of having your own business, there is the right way to go about doing it and the wrong way. In this episode, I go into the wrong ways to transition, what you should do if you have no choice and no time to prepare in situations where you may have gotten fired, and the right way to do it if you have time to plan ahead.

Learn some points to think with in the transitional phase between working in-house to going freelance to start your own design business.

Links from episode:

Dave Ramsey blog on saving money: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money

Lending Club advice on saving money before quitting: https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-finance/make-these-money-moves-before-quitting-your-job

Highly recommended marketing books:

This Is Marketing by Seth Godin: https://www.amazon.com/Seth-Godin-This-Marketing-Paperback/dp/B07ZTL3NNX

The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib: https://www.amazon.com/1-Page-Marketing-Plan-Customers-Money-ebook/dp/B01B35M3SM

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/

Text us your questions, and we'll address them in the show!

Learn how I transformed my freelance business to earn more by working less. I used to have tons of clients with very low paying projects, making me work night and day and on weekends to barely pay my expenses. I was at a point of extreme stress and burn out, working all the time for clients who were not paying very much. But I was able to adjust 2 main key points that helped me to reduce my work hours, take vacations and have less overwhelm. 

Links mentioned:
4thecreatives.com/pricing

CONNECT WITH ME!

Website: https://4thecreatives.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/4thecreatives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecreatives/