Real Talk with Tian

In this episode, I'm answering your questions, about failures, how to land clients, biggest lessons learned.

Before signing off for Season 1, I just want to remind you that you don't have to feel confident to start. You just have to be brave. Don't forget to subscribe to be notified when Season 2 is ready, starting in Fall 2019.

I hope you were able to take away something from this episode and this season. If anything I talked in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesigns by Tian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode.

To book a one-on-one coaching session, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching

Copies of my books can be found here>>> TianConnaughton.com/books

Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing

Pattern Launch Plan: Sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy

Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can't wait to talk to you again soon.

Bye for now.

1. You see a new design on Ravelry, it's climbing the ranks on the way to the top 10 Hot Right Now list and you're thinking "this is a stupid easy pattern I could have made".
2. You see a really new designer blowing up on IG, getting all kinds of accolades from big names in the industry and you're thinking, "she just got here, how's she getting so popular so fast".
3. You keep seeing what you perceive to be this basic designer with her basic patterns making moves and getting opportunities by yarn companies, event organizers, everybody and you wish you were getting it too.

If you are struggling with jealousy, I'd love to work with you in a one-on-one coaching session. For more information, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching.

I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I mentioned in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesignsbyTian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let's have some real conversation there around jealousy and competition. If you enjoyed the episode, rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can't wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now! One-on-One coaching: TianConnaughton.com/coaching

Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian

Did you copy me or did I copy you? How to deal with (maybe) copycats.

Yes.

No.

Maybe?

This is not an easy question and it's not necessarily a one size fit all solution because there are nuances to each circumstance. But If I was in a room full of designers or on a podcast talking to a bunch of designers, I didn't know their specific situation...like I am here, this is the recommendations I would give you. Instead of a straight yes or no, ask yourself a series of questions that I'll share here for YOU to determine the true origins of the design for yourself so you can decide for yourself what you should do.

Listen to the podcast for the questions to ask yourself. Some possible solutions.

If you're ready to start design and have questions about how to start, check out my book, Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing. Grab your copy at TianConnaughton.com/books and start your journey today.

I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I talked in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesigns by Tian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let's have some real conversation around copycats. To book a one-on-one coaching session, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching

Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can't wait to talk to you again soon.

Bye for now.

In this episode, we are talking about pricing. And the question is, "Am I doing it right?"

Pricing is a huge topic and there are many different approaches you can take as a designer, tech editor, dyer, etc. But let's be clear right at the top here. This episode isn't intended to tell you WHAT you should charge or even to provide definitive answers to your questions. YOU have to make the decision based on your business. This episode is not to give you advice because that's just not possible without knowing your specific business model and your goals. Instead, this episode is intended to give you some framework to help you think about how YOU might want to price your offer because this is your business, your pattern, your whatever and YOU get set the price. And just remember, price is never perfect or even permanent. You can see what works, pivot, and make adjustments whenever you want.

If you are struggling with pricing your designs, your tech editing service, your yarn, etc, I'd love to work with you in a one-on-one coaching session. For more information, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching.

I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I mentioned in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesignsbyTian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let's have some real conversation there around pricing.

If you enjoyed the episode, rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can't wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now.

In this episode, we're talking about a topic that affects all of us, whether you're a designer or maker of any kind. And that topic is what to do when a design idea fails? Story of my life and maybe yours too. But despite failures and things not working out as expected, I'm never upset to have taken the risk in the first place REGARDLESS of the result.

I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I talked in this episode about resonates with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesigns by Tian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode.

Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can't wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now.

Books and courses for beginner and experienced designers to move forward

• Pattern Launch Plan (book) and Unlock your Inner Designer
• https://www.tianconnaughton.com/shop

One-on-one coaching sessions available

• https://www.tianconnaughton.com/coaching

In this episode, we're talking the essentials of getting your designs noticed. We're talking about how to effectively talk about your designs as in marketing and promotion.

Here's the deal, marketing is essential to the life of your business. Sure, you enjoy designing and you have some great designs published but you get so stiff and robotic-like when it comes to sharing the pattern with your audience and on social media. Maybe you are not confident about the pattern. Maybe you didn't get it professionally tech edited so you're not too excited to share it because in the back of your head maybe you're afraid there might be errors? But if you want to grow your design business you need to learn how to talk about what you do in a not-so-sleazy marketing way that is authentically you!

Want to learn more about how to market your next (or previous) pattern, check out Pattern Launch Plan

https://www.tianconnaughton.com/books

On today's episode, I am handing out permission slips. I talk to a lot of crocheters and knitters aspiring to start designing, and the thing that keeps coming up over and over is this idea that each of them needs to reach a particular milestone or achievement to be able to start designing.

If you feel like you need permission, I got you. Head over to the website, tianconnaughton.com to grab your printable permission slip because the world needs what you have to offer.

In episode 3, we're talking about our fear. We all struggle with imposter syndrome. We live in constant fear of being found out... that everyone will find out we're frauds. And it's that self-sabotaging mindset that is holding us back from achieving our highest purpose. In this episode, we flip the switch on the negative self-talk and look at some strategies for when those fraudy feelings are just kicking your butt and we need s bit of help keep us on track.

Episode 2 is about tackling the major questions crochet and knitwear designers are facing and looking at ways to get past some of the doubts in order to step into what we're meant to do. We are getting to the bottom of the major questions many aspiring designers ask and the biggest question you are likely asking yourself right now... why even bother when there are already tons of amazing designers out there?

Pattern Launch Plan: sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy(book)

Unlock Your Inner Designer: how to start designing (book)

Website: tianconnaughton.com

Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian

Season 1, Episode 1: I am a business-woman currently making a living as a designer, tech editor, and author. Real Talk With Tian, hosted by Tian Connaughton of KnitDesigns by Tian, is a podcast about the realities of living a creative life. This podcast is for crochet and knitwear designers, tech editors, fiber artists, and makers. In each episode, I will share tips, advice, insights, and things I've learned the hard way so you don't have to. So join Tian with the real talk on Thursdays. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Pattern Launch Plan: sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy(book)

Unlock Your Inner Designer: how to start designing (book)

Website: tianconnaughton.com

Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian