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Off By 2 : Brand Strategy & Business Growth for Founders Who Want More Freedom
Off By 2 : Brand Strategy & Business Growth for Founders Who Want More Freedom episodes
- Stop Undercharging as a Designer – Do This Instead | EP 182
Charging $2,500 for branding might feel safe, but it’s actually the reason so many designers stay stuck. When you underprice your work, you attract the wrong clients, limit your growth, and start believing your own low rates. I know because I did it too. In this episode, I’ll show you how to break out of the $2K–$4K design trap and finally step into pricing that reflects your value. Whether you’re building a freelance design business or aiming to grow a profitable design studio, this conversation will help you raise design rates with confidence, land better graphic design clients, and start scaling your design business the smart way.
You will learn:
- Why undervaluing your services keeps you stuck at low-level projects
- The shift that makes clients pay $10K+ without flinching
- How to package and price your signature design offer
- The mindset you need to stop chasing cheap clients and start growing a design business that lasts
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you price, sell, and grow as a designer.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
28 min - Why Branding Starts with Strategy, Not Design (with Dr. Nathan Bryan) | Ep 181
Most people don’t dream of becoming entrepreneurs in the lab. But when science meets innovation, business ideas are born.
In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I’m joined by Dr. Nathan Bryan, a molecular medicine researcher turned product-based business owner. He shares how his discoveries around nitric oxide led to supplements, skincare, and therapeutic innovations—and how branding and marketing have been just as critical as the science itself.
You’ll learn:
- Why communicating benefits matters more than ingredients or features
- The role branding plays in building trust for premium products
- How to differentiate your business in a crowded market
- Why mission and vision must lead before profit
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you think about product-based branding.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
36 min - The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180
What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?
In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he built his studio, and why staying curious has been a key part of his process from day one.
We also talk about working with clients, building trust, and how design is just one piece of what makes a creative business thrive.
You will learn:
- How Jeremy transitioned from designer to studio owner
- The services he offers and who his typical clients are
- What courage and creative confidence really look like in practice
- His advice for designers who feel stuck or unsure about the next step
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready for a grounded, honest conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling creative career.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
If you want to connect with Jeremy, here is how:
Website: www.slagledesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slagledesign/
Online course: adobe.ly/confidence
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
51 min - How I Went From Freelance Graphic Designer to Creative CEO | EP 179
Being fully booked does not always mean you are successful. I know because I hit ten thousand dollar months as a freelancer and still felt broke, exhausted, and trapped. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I am breaking down the real difference between freelancing and running your business like a CEO and why making this shift changed everything for me.
You will learn:
- Why freelancing keeps you in survival mode even when revenue looks good
- The mindset shift that allowed me to position myself as a Creative CEO
- How productizing my services and building systems gave me control
- What life and business look like once you stop hustling and start leading
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what success really means as a designer.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
32 min - From Outdated Labels to a Full Rebrand with Philip McCauley | 178
What happens when a former tech manager buys a 20-year-old health food business - and turns it into a modern, fast-growing CPG brand?
In this episode, I’m talking with Philip Macaulay, the founder of Vital Purple and the new owner of NaturalZing, a raw food company he’s rebranded and expanded. Philip shares how he took over an outdated brand with 500 SKUs, fixed the packaging, introduced new products, launched an entirely new superfood line, and is now building something he believes will disrupt the cacao industry.
Whether you're a designer working with CPG clients or a founder yourself, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rebranding, packaging, retail strategy, and launching innovative products from the ground up.
You will learn:
- What it’s like to rebrand a legacy brand while managing existing retail relationships
- How much he invested in branding and packaging for both product lines
- Why visual identity directly impacted retail growth and customer trust
- How Vital Purple is shifting the narrative around cacao products
- The overlooked link between design, storytelling, and sales in wellness brands
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what great branding actually means in the CPG space!
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
53 min - Why You’re Still Not Fully Booked Designer | EP 177
You’re doing everything right. Great portfolio. Polished mockups. Refined skills. You’ve studied the trends, followed the advice, stayed consistent with your content. You’ve taken courses, built case studies, cleaned up your website, and tried to make every project look perfect. You’ve probably spent hours tweaking your fonts, updating mockups, rewriting your About page, hoping that this time it will finally land you clients.
You’ve invested in yourself. You’ve grown. You know your work is good. So why aren’t you fully booked?
Why are you still stuck wondering where the next client is coming from? Why are you pouring effort into your brand with little to show for it, while designers with half your skill seem to be booked out months in advance?
It’s not about talent. It’s not about luck. And it’s definitely not about posting more carousels.
In this episode, I’m sharing what actually keeps talented designers stuck and the changes I made that finally started bringing in consistent, high paying clients. We’re breaking down the real reasons clients aren’t reaching out and what to do instead.
You will learn:
- Why great design isn’t enough to stay booked
- What to fix if you’re showing up but not getting inquiries
- The clarity you need before focusing on visibility
- How to speak your clients’ language and stand out
- What I’d do first if I had to start from scratch today
Grab a coffee and your notes. This one is a wake up call.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
30 min - How Branding Helped This Skincare Founder Get to Walmart (Sarah Vilensky with Blossom Essentials) | EP 176
What does it really take to grow a skincare brand from a personal need to national retail shelves?
In this episode, I’m talking with Sarah Wilensky, the founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials, a clean skincare brand for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin. You’ll hear how Sarah built her product line from scratch, landed retail deals including Walmart and Nordstrom, and made bold decisions like a full rebrand to match her growth goals. We also break down what visual investments she made, how she found her designer, and what she looks for when hiring creatives.
Whether you're a designer working with product-based brands or a founder looking to scale, this conversation is packed with insights.
You will learn:
- What made her invest in rebranding and packaging
- How she knew her visuals needed to evolve for retail
- The difference a long-term designer relationship makes
- How she built visibility using Meta ads and trade shows
- Tips for standing out in the saturated skincare market
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you work with brands that scale!
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
32 min - $250,000 Branding & Design Project - What It Included & What I Learned | EP 175
What does a $250,000 branding and design project actually include?
In this episode, I’m sharing what happened when I landed the biggest design project of my career. It came with a high price tag, a full team, and a long timeline. But the biggest lessons weren’t about money or scope. They were about the kind of business I want to build.
You will learn:
- What went into a $250K branding project from start to finish
- How we managed multiple brands, teams, and timelines
- The surprising parts of high-ticket client work
- What this taught me about how I want to run my business
- Why “scaling” doesn’t always look the way you think it will
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what’s possible in your design business.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
26 min - How a CPG Founder Would Select Their Designer | EP 174
You’ve heard designers talk about rebrands. But what does it actually feel like on the founder’s side? In this episode, I sat down with the creators of three beverage brands who’ve rebranded their products multiple times — and they didn’t hold back. We talked about design, shelf presence, retail growth, visual strategy, and how branding decisions get made when real money is on the line.
You’ll learn:
- Why this brand went through three rebrands
- What founders value most in design partnerships
- The surprising ways visuals impact shelf sales
- How to make your work more strategic and founder-friendly
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
40 min - 173 How to Scale Your Design Business Without Burning Out
Scaling your design business doesn’t have to mean overworking, overdelivering, or overcomplicating everything. I spent years trying to grow by doing more. More services. More clients. More offers. And all it did was push me closer to burnout. In this episode, I’m walking you through how I shifted into sustainable growth by simplifying what worked, protecting my energy, and structuring my week like a real CEO. If your business feels heavy or chaotic, this is your reset.
You will learn:
- What actually causes burnout when trying to scale
- How to structure your week so your business becomes scalable
- What to delegate first, even if you’re not fully booked
- How to simplify offers, team, and systems to support growth
- Why doing less is the fastest way to scale sustainably
Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to scale your design business without burning out.
And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out FreshBooks. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.
Aventive Academy’s Resources:
From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/
$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/
Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/
The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/
Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/
Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/
12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit
Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f
The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
35 min
About Off By 2 : Brand Strategy & Business Growth for Founders Who Want More Freedom
From the publisher's feed
Off By 2 is a business podcast for ambitious founders who want to grow and build a brand people know, but feel overwhelmed by their to-do list, unsure what to focus on, or tired of their business taking up more of their life than they want.
Each episode helps you:
- make more money
- build a strong brand
- make better business decisions
- simplify your business
- get your time back
Expect conversations about business strategy, entrepreneurship, branding, AI, productivity, mindset, and growing a business without the hustle culture.
Hosted by entrepreneur and branding agency owner Kady Sandel
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