The Freak Show

The Freak Show

By Eva CoutoBusinessMarketing
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The Freak Show episodes

  • 008. Your Step-By-Step Rebrand Plan

    This is your full backstage pass to what actually happens in a rebrand. You probably already know that a rebrand is way more than just picking a new logo and colours. But what does the process really look like? How do you go from "something feels off" to "this brand finally feels like me?"

    In this episode, I’m walking you through the step-by-step breakdown of a rebrand inside The Extravaganza, my signature done-for-you brand transformation. If you're curious about what working with a designer is actually like, or if you're thinking about rebranding yourself, this is your behind-the-scenes moment.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why rebranding is not just an aesthetic refresh

    ✦ The 5 key areas every rebrand must cover to actually work

    ✦ How strategy and design work together to create a brand that sticks

    ✦ Why a website is non-negotiable for a credible, high-level brand

    ✦ How to confidently roll out your rebrand so it feels seamless and aligned across every touchpoint


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Ready to map out your rebrand? Here are the steps you need to take:

    ✦ Start with Strategy – Before you even think about colors and fonts, define your foundations: Who are you? Who do you serve? What makes you different?

    ✦ Find Your Creative Direction – Gather inspiration, create a Pinterest board, and start shaping the overall vibe of your brand.

    ✦ Build Your Brand Identity – Create a logo suite, color palette, and typography that aren’t just trendy but truly work for you and align with your strategy.

    ✦ Create a Cohesive Online Home – Your website is your digital HQ. Make sure your messaging, offers, and visuals all connect seamlessly.

    ✦ Plan Your Big Reveal – Get your audience excited before the launch!

    And if you want all of this done-for-you — strategy, visuals, website, launch plan, the works — then The Extravaganza is where the magic happens.


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ Instagram

    ✦ Website

    ✦ Get my Uncaged emails

    This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show

    02:58 Rebranding Now vs. Then

    06:51 Start With Strategy

    08:24 Find Your Creative Direction

    10:35 Build Your Brand Identity

    12:03 Create a Cohesive Online Home

    15:02 Plan Your Big Reveal

    16:34 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    19 min
  • 007. How I’d Prepare For a Rebrand Before Touching Any Design

    If you think a rebrand starts with a new logo or trendy font, think again. Before you even touch design, there’s a whole lot of clarity work that needs to happen first. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gorgeous brand that still feels off.

    So, if you’re considering a rebrand (or just feeling that itch to change everything again), this episode will walk you through exactly how I’d prep before a single pixel is designed.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why a successful rebrand is 90% prep work and 10% design

    ✦ How to audit what’s working and what’s not before you throw everything out

    ✦ The key questions that will make every design decision way easier

    ✦ Why crowd-sourcing your brand decisions is NOT a good idea


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Before thinking about design, gain clarity on these questions:

    1. What’s already working? What do people always compliment about your brand? What feels easy and natural?
    2. What’s not working? Where do you feel friction in your brand? What’s making you cringe or hesitate to show up?
    3. What do you want to be known for? If someone described your brand to a friend, what would you want them to say?
    4. Who is your dream client? What do they need to see, hear, and know to trust you? How do you want them to feel before, during, and after working with you?


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ Instagram

    ✦ Website

    ✦ Get my Uncaged emails

    This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz — click the link to check out her new website and rebrand!


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show

    05:02 Why Doing the Prep Work Changes Everything

    10:09 The Pre-Rebrand Checklist

    18:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    21 min
  • 006. Why Playing It Safe Is The Biggest Risk Your Brand Can Take

    Today we’re talking about something that might feel counterintuitive but is so important: the biggest risk your brand can take isn’t being bold, it’s playing it safe.

    Ever find yourself softening your edges, second-guessing your branding decisions, or trying to be “professional” at the expense of actually standing out? When you dilute your personality and try to appeal to everyone, this has the unintentional effect of making your brand forgettable, which is exactly what we want to avoid!

    In this episode, we’re diving into why playing it safe is holding you back and how to build a brand that makes you the obvious choice for the right people.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why blending in is the fastest way to be ignored and forgotten

    ✦ The real danger of playing it safe (it’s not fewer clients, it’s the wrong ones!)

    ✦ Why making bold branding decisions doesn’t mean being loud but being clear

    ✦ A test to know if your brand is truly recognizable


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Ask yourself:

    1. If I stripped away my logo, colours, and fonts, would people still recognise my brand?

    2. Do I know why clients actually choose me?

    3. Am I making brand decisions based on fear?


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

    THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ Instagram

    ✦ Website

    ✦ Get my Uncaged emails

    This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show

    04:09 The Danger of Blending In

    15:39 How to Stop Playing It Safe in Your Brand

    18:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    22 min
  • 005. Stop Overcomplicating Your Brand Strategy

    Let’s talk about the word “strategy” and how it has become one of those overused, jargon-filled words that makes branding feel way more complicated than it needs to be. Truthfully, strategy is just a fancy way of saying having a good plan, one that guides your decisions so you can grow with confidence instead of second-guessing every little thing.

    In this episode, I’m breaking down why branding has gotten so overcomplicated, what actually matters when building a brand, and how my Brand Thinking Method simplifies it all into five core areas you actually need to focus on.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why the word “strategy” has lost its meaning (and how to reclaim it)

    ✦ The biggest mistake keeping service providers stuck in branding limbo

    ✦ The 5 key areas of branding that actually matter: Foundations, Audience, Positioning, Identity, and Presence

    ✦ Why your brand — not the latest trend — should guide your marketing

    ✦ How to create a plan that helps you show up consistently without the overwhelm


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Reflect on these five core areas and ask yourself:

    1. Which part of my brand feels the least clear — foundations, audience, positioning, identity, or presence?

    2. Am I making intentional decisions or just reacting to what feels “off” in the moment?

    3. How can I simplify my brand strategy to actually support my business growth?


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

    THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ Instagram

    ✦ Website

    ✦ Get my Uncaged emails

    This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

    01:15 My Beef With the Word “Strategy”

    07:49 Why Branding Feels Overcomplicated

    10:53 The Brand Thinking Method: A Simpler Approach

    12:44 The Five Core Areas of Branding

    23:58 Bringing It All Together

    24:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    28 min
  • 004. The Real Reason You Hate Instagram

    Be honest — has Instagram ever made you want to throw your phone out the window? Whether your problem is the app crashing while you’re editing a reel, your stories glitching out, or feeling like you post a carousel and it’s just crickets, you’re not alone.

    But if we’re truly being honest, despite the occasional tech difficulties, most of the time the problem isn’t Instagram — it’s how we’re using it.

    In this episode, I’m unpacking why Instagram can feel like a never-ending chore, how to stop chasing trends, and why your brand is the key to making your content work for you instead of the other way around. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to simplify your strategy, create content that connects, and actually start enjoying Instagram again.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why Instagram feels overwhelming for service providers

    ✦ How chasing trends makes your content feel fake and forced

    ✦ The difference between content creation for influencers vs. business owners

    ✦ Practical tips to build a content design system that saves time and energy

    ✦ Why branding is the foundation for effortless, impactful content


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Ask yourself these questions to transform your Instagram approach:

    1. Are you relying on random bursts of inspiration (or on your saved folder on IG)?

    2. Do you have a consistent system in place for generating ideas?

    3. And most importantly, is your brand fully supporting and amplifying your content efforts?

    Remember: Instagram isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a tool to connect with your audience, amplify your brand, and attract the right people to your business.


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

    THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ Instagram

    ✦ Website

    ✦ Get my Uncaged emails

    This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

    03:42 Why Instagram Feels Like a Chore

    13:33 Reframing Instagram for Service Providers

    16:08 Practical Ways to Market on Instagram Without Hating It

    22:53 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    26 min
  • 003. 10 Truths They Don’t Tell You About Rebranding

    We’re pulling back the curtain on rebranding with 10 truths no one tells you about the process. If you’ve ever thought a shiny new logo or fresh brand colours could solve all your business problems, this episode is for you.


    Rebranding is a bold move, but it’s not a magic fix. It requires courage, clarity, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work. Let’s uncover the myths, explore the realities, and break down what you really need to know before embarking on your rebranding journey.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why a “finished brand” is a myth

    ✦ The difference between standing out and just making noise

    ✦ Why discomfort is a natural and expected part of rebranding

    ✦ How consistent use of your new brand assets is key to making your rebrand successful

    ✦ The most important ingredient in your brand: YOU


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Reflect on these questions before considering a rebrand:

    1. What’s your mission?

    2. Who’s your audience?

    3. What problems are you solving, and why are you the best person for the job?

    Use your answers to determine if a rebrand is truly the right move (or if you’re just caught up in Shiny Object Syndrome).


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

    THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.


    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ Instagram

    ✦ Website

    ✦ Get my Uncaged emails

    This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

    1:09 The Biggest Myth About Rebranding

    03:28 Stop Searching for a Finished Brand

    04:34 It’s Not About Standing Out for the Sake of It

    05:59 Change Is Messy, but It Means Growth

    07:30 You Get to Define What Professional Looks Like

    10:15 Rebranding Won’t Solve a Lack of Clarity

    11:36 Be Prepared to Question Everything

    12:27 You’ll Never Please Everyone (And That’s a Good Thing)

    13:39 A New Brand Might Feel Uncomfortable Before It Feels Right

    14:55 Implementation Is Key to Success

    16:18 The One Thing You Can’t Forget Is YOU

    17:06 Recap of All 10 Truths

    18:15 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    21 min
  • 002. What If You’re Bored Of Your Own Brand?

    We’re diving into a feeling most of us know too well: boredom with our own brand. You know the late-night Canva binges, the urge to change everything, or the itch to start from scratch? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But before you throw out your entire brand kit, let’s talk about what boredom really means — and why it’s not the same as actually needing a rebrand.


    I’m sharing my tips to overcome creative ruts without burning everything down, plus how to know if it’s truly time for a rebrand or just a little refresh.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ The difference between boredom and brand misalignment

    ✦ Why shiny object syndrome won’t fix a creative rut

    ✦ How consistency can be the key to standing out

    ✦ Questions to help you pinpoint the real problem


    TAKE THE STAGE

    I want to leave you with three thoughts today:

    1. Boring doesn't mean broken.

    2. Consistency doesn't have to be boring.

    3. It's not necessarily about starting over. It's about refining what's already working.


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    ⁠BEHIND THE CURTAIN⁠: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

    ⁠THE EXTRAVAGANZA⁠: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    ⁠THE COLOUR CIRCLE⁠: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.


    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ ⁠Instagram⁠

    ✦ ⁠Website⁠

    ✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emails

    This episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.⁠


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

    00:39 Blue Monday and the Branding Blues

    03:48 The Canva Rabbit Hole and Shiny Object Syndrome

    05:35 Consistency vs. Reinvention

    07:51 Is It Boredom or Time for a Rebrand?

    11:33 Questions to Pinpoint Your Brand Misalignment

    16:01 When a Rebrand IS the Right Move

    17:18 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

    20 min
  • 001. Finding Your Show-Stopping Factor

    It's finally here... The debut episode! I’m kicking things off with a deep dive into a question I get constantly: What if there’s nothing special about my brand?


    Listen, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re blending into the noise, but I’m here to remind you: your show-stopping factor — the thing that makes your audience say, “Wow, there’s no one else like you!” — already exists. You’re not inventing it out of thin air. You’re uncovering it.


    SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

    ✦ Why "standing out" isn’t about being flashy

    ✦ The three questions that will help you pinpoint what makes you unforgettable

    ✦ Exactly what NOT to do when figuring out your brand’s secret sauce (trust me, it’s a trap!)

    ✦ The Venn diagram trick to zero in on your show-stopping factor


    TAKE THE STAGE

    Take a few minutes to answer these questions:

    1. What brands or people stand out to you?

    2. Why do clients pick you over another service provider?

    3. What results do you achieve for your clients?

    Notice the patterns and start thinking about how you can bring that magic front and centre for your brand! And if you want to take this work even further, my Behind the Curtain branding experience is your next step ↓


    ——

    Mentioned in this episode:

    ⁠BEHIND THE CURTAIN⁠: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

    ⁠THE EXTRAVAGANZA⁠: Create your industry-leading first impression.

    ⁠THE COLOUR CIRCLE⁠: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.


    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ ⁠Instagram⁠

    ✦ ⁠Website⁠

    ✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emails

    This episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.⁠


    ——

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

    01:59 Finding Your Show-Stopping Factor

    05:17 The Power of Clarity and Alignment

    06:12 Michelangelo’s Approach to Branding

    07:35 The Three Key Questions

    12:05 What Not to Do

    13:31 Your Homework and Next Steps

    16 min
  • 000. Welcome to The Freak Show

    Welcome to The Freak Show: the podcast for ambitious, creative service providers who are done blending in and playing small.

    If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” or felt like the business world wasn’t made for someone as bold, quirky, and unconventional as you, you’re in the right place. This is where ambitious weirdos like you stop hiding and step into the spotlight.

    I’m Eva, Brand Designer and ringleader at Flying Colours Creative. For the past 5 years, I’ve helped service providers turn their personality into their biggest brand asset.

    In each episode, I sit down with creative entrepreneurs and business owners who’ve dared to do things differently. We’ll talk about what it really takes to stand out in a sea of sameness, own your weird, and build a brand that’s as unforgettable as you are.

    Your personality is your show-stopping factor, and I’m here to help you embrace it fully so you can create a brand that stands out and attracts the right audience.

    The Freak Show launches on January 20th. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s start building a brand that’s unapologetically you.


    ——

    Follow & Connect with Eva:

    ✦ ⁠Instagram⁠

    ✦ ⁠Website⁠

    ✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emails

    This episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.

    2 min

About The Freak Show

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Freak Show, a podcast for the weirdos of the service-provider world ready to go all-in on their brand — brought to you by Eva Couto, Ringleader at Flying Colours Creative. Gather round…