Design Domination

Why an Accessible InDesign Template Isn't Enough for PDF Accessibility

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:55:00 +0000

#203 Think an accessible InDesign template guarantees PDF accessibility? Think again. Learn why templates aren't enough for creating truly accessible PDFs from InDesign.

Can You Create Accessible PDFs in Affinity?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

#202 Are accessible PDFs possible in Affinity? If you're a designer using Affinity tools, find out what's possible, what's not and how Affinity compares to Adobe InDesign for PDF accessibility. Learn the key limitations and what to consider before creating accessible PDFs from Affinity.

Adobe InDesign's AI Alt-Text Generator: What Designers Need to Know

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Adobe InDesign now includes an AI Alt-text generator. The new InDesign AI Alt-text generator automatically creates image descriptions for accessibility. But should designers trust it? Here's what to know before using automated Alt-text in accessible PDFs.

Are Graphic and Web Designers Liable When WCAG Standards?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:46:00 +0000

#200 When WCAG standards change, are graphic and web designers suddenly liable? Could past work be noncompliant? Learn how to protect yourself.

How to Show Accessibility Work in Your Portfolio (Even If You Didn't Design It)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

#199 Wondering how to show accessibility work in your portfolio, especially if you didn't design the project? Find out how to present your accessible design, PDF remediation, website audits and collaborative work clearly and professionally.

How to Price Accessibility Services: A Complete Guide for Consultants

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:08:00 +0000

#198 Struggling to price accessibility work? Get proven strategies for charging for audits, remediation and accessible design so that your projects are profitable.

How to Check If a PDF Is Accessible

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

#197 Are you unsure that your PDFs are truly accessible? Find out 5 methods to check if a PDF is accessible, so you can stop guessing and be confident your PDFs are actually accessible. You'll also find out two mistakes many designers make when assessing a PDF's accessibility.

Do Logos Need to Be Accessible?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

#196 Do logos need to be accessible and meet the WCAG accessibility requirements? The answer will surprise you! Find out how to make your logo designs more accessible and reach a wider audience and how that helps your branding work.

Adding Metadata for Document Accessibility

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

#195 Something very easy to do for document accessibility is to add a few bits of metadata. Find out why metadata is important for accessibility, what metadata to add and how to add metadata to a document.

10 Surprising Facts About Me

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

#194 Find out 10 surprising facts about me—my education, other jobs I've had, a famous relative, a paralyzing fear, the type of design work I refuse to do and more.

Ultimate Guide to Creating a Transcript

Wed, 07 May 2025 13:02:00 +0000

#193 People spend several hours a day consuming video content. If your audio and video content isn't accompanied by a transcript, it will be much less accessible to everyone, not just certain users. Find out how to create a transcript and 7 reasons you should.

5 Tips for Creating Accessible PDFs Efficiently

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:45:00 +0000

#192 If you're new to creating accessible PDFs from InDesign, Word, PowerPoint or if you don't have an efficient process, then you may face certain challenges. Get 5 tips for creating accessible PDFs efficiently.

2025 State of Website Accessibility

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

191 Find out what these website accessibility insights from the 2025 WebAIM Million report, using the WAVE automated checker, mean for you as a web designer or developer today.

7 Reasons to Add Captions to Videos

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

#190 You might think that video captions are only for accessibility and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Here are 7 reasons to add captions to videos that may surprise you.

UserWay Class-action Lawsuit

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

#189 Another website accessibility overlay company has been sued. This time it involves UserWay and a class-action lawsuit. Find out what this means for you as a website designer or developer.

Does Accessibility Apply to Print Design?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Graphic designers often ask if accessibility laws and guidelines apply to print design, not just websites, document and other digital content. The answer might surprise you.

How to Create an Accessibility Statement

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

#187 An accessibility statement is an important but sometimes overlooked part of a website. Find out why a website should have an accessibility statement, what it should include and how to create an accessibility statement.

European Accessibility Act: What You Need to Know

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

186: The June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act is fast approaching. Find out what you need to know and how it may affect the websites you build, even if you're outside of the E.U.

FTC Fines accessiBe $1 Million for Deceptive Claims

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

185: What you need to know about the FTC complaint against accessiBe and what it means for web designers and developers.

Accessible Design Critique: Food Packaging

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#184 Find out from this accessible design critique how accessibility can affect food package design in the marketplace.

The Biggest Accessibility Mistake

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#183 Find out the biggest accessibility mistake when it comes to document design, web design or infographic design and how to avoid it, so that your designs will be more accessible.

Accessibility Compliance versus Conformance

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#182 Find out about why it's important to understand the difference between accessibility compliance versus conformance when doing accessibility work.

10 Things You Should Know About Accessibility in 5 Minutes

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#181 Do you think accessibility doesn't apply to you as a designer? Are you trying to get others on board with it? Here are 10 things you should know about accessibility in 5 minutes.

21 Business Lessons After 21 Years in Business

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:21:00 +0000

#180 Find out 21 business lessons I've learned over the past 21 years of having a successful creative business that will give you more confidence and clarity with your own freelance design business.

Adobes New Terms of Service What You Need to KnowWith Matt the Lawyer

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

#179 Adobe's latest terms of service updates have caused an uproar in the design industry, with designers saying they are leaving Adobe once and for all. Find out what you need to know—from a lawyer—about Adobe's terms of use.

#1 Accessible Infographic Creator — With Eugene Woo

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#178 Many designers want an alternative to Adobe and Canva that will help them create accessible infographics and short documents that can be edited by non-designers and don't have to be remediated. Find out how accessible infographic creator Venngage can help you do that.

Big Clients versus Small Clients

Wed, 29 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#177 A lot of designers think having big clients is the key to making more money in their creative business. But that is not the case, and there are many pros and cons to working with them. Find out the advantages and disadvantages to working with big clients versus small clients and which ones you should work with.

The Best Free Fonts to Download

Wed, 08 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#176 Find out where to get quality free fonts you can legally use for design projects, surprising reasons you should use certain free fonts, and accessibility concerns with certain types of typefaces.

The State of Web Accessibility in 2024

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#175 The WebAIM Million provides insightful data on the top 1 million web pages. Find out what you need to know as a web designer or developer about the state of website accessibility in 2024.

Canva Acquires Affinity: What It Means for Designers

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:30:00 +0000

#174 The news of Canva buying Affinity and its parent company Serif has shocked and outraged designers worldwide. Find out more about the Affinity acquisition and what it means for designers.

Key Findings From the WebAIM 2024 Screen Reader User Survey

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

#173 The WebAIM 2024 Screen Reader User Survey provides insights we can use to perform better web accessibility testing and to understand more about screen reader users' behavior and preferences.

Business Success From Personal Discovery—With Shannon Mattern

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

#172 Shannon Mattern of Web Designer Academy talks about how personal discoveries and coaching helped her stop undercharging and overdelivering and actually create a more enjoyable, profitable web design business.

Where to Find Clients Needing Accessibility Services

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

#171 There are so many places where you can find clients who need your accessibility services. Many of them are already knowledgeable about accessibility and understand they need it and are even easy to find.

Business Lessons From a Chiropractor?!

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

#170 Find out how thinking like a doctor can help your creative business. Get business strategies for getting clients, the sales process and your work processes.

What to Do When You Screw Up a Client Project

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

#169 A screw-up is bound to happen at some point in your creative career. The circumstances around the mistake and how you handle the situation affect your credibility, reputation and bottom line. Find out what to do when you screw up a client project.

Level Access Acquiring UserWay

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:11 +0000

#168 Accessibility company Level Access has warned against website accessibility overlays in the past. So it shocked the accessibility industry when they announced plans to acquire UserWay, known for its overlay. Find out what this potentially means for the industry.

Adobe Acquiring Figma: The Full Scoop

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

#167 Get the scoop about what happened with Adobe acquiring Figma and what it means for designers.

Client Gifting: The Complete Guide

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:27 +0000

#166 Thinking about sending a client a gift? Find out what to consider before sending a gift to a client, when to send a gift, what to send clients as a gift and more.

How APCA Changes Accessible Contrast—With Andrew Somers

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

#165 APCA calculates contrast differently from WCAG and is expected to be part of WCAG 3. Find out from APCA creator Andrew Somers the problem with WCAG contrast ratios, why APCA is more accurate and how you can make your colors more accessible.

Mastering Accessible Headings

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

#164 One way to make your documents and website content more accessible is to use an accessible heading structure. Find out some common mistakes when styling headings, easy, actionable tips for how to create accessible headings and tools to check them.

From Generalist to Specialist With Chris Hinds

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#163 Chris Hinds of Equalize Digital shares their story of going from generalist designers to web accessibility specialists, giving them clarity and a competitive edge, winning clients more easily, improving their processes and making marketing efforts easier.

What's New in WCAG 2.2

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#162 Get a plain-English summary of the 9 new success criteria in the WCAG 2.2 guidelines, so that you can make your websites more accessible.

How to Get What You Need From Clients

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#161 Do you spend a lot of time explaining what you need to clients? Tired of clients sending you the wrong files or not following your processes? Find out how to get what you need from clients to make for a smoother client relationship and more profitable projects.

Why Graphic Designers Need a Website

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Is having a website worth it? Where should you create your design website? Where should you post your portfolio online? If you're serious about building a freelance design business, find out why you should have your own website.

5 Must-have Acrobat Accessibility Preflight Fixups

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#159 Do you design or remediate accessible documents and find some of the PDF work to be tedious and time consuming? Find out five Acrobat preflight fixups that will speed up your accessible PDF workflow when it comes to artifacting, hyperlinks and more.

Top 10 Logo Design Podcast Episodes

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#158 Find out the top 10 logo design podcast episodes from Design Domination and other podcasts that talk about understanding more about logo design, how to design a logo, how to price a logo, how to get clients and which file formats to create for a logo.

Freelancer vs Employee

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#157 Thinking of going out on your own as a freelance graphic designer or web designer? Find out the pros and cons of being a full-time freelancer versus employee and some points to consider before working for yourself full time.

AudioEye vs Adrian Roselli: The SLAPP Heard Around the World

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#156 The web accessibility community is in an uproar about the AudioEye lawsuit against 30-year accessibility champion Adrian Roselli for his criticism of their overlay product.

10 Time-saving InDesign Tips

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#155 Learn how to work more efficiently in Adobe InDesign with these time-saving 10 tips about features that most graphic designers don't use. The more you know InDesign, the easier it is to incorporate accessibility into the layout process too.

Stop People Pleasing, Save Your Business

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#154 Providing good customer service doesn't mean you have to be at the whim of every client request or that the client is always right. In fact, if you do that, your business will suffer. Find out why people pleasing is bad for your creative business.

9 Tips for Creating Accessible Hyperlinks

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#153 Ensuring that hyperlinks are accessible for all website visitors increases the accessibility and usability of a website. There are functional, cognitive and visual factors to consider. Find out 9 tips for creating accessible hyperlinks on websites.

How to Write a Creative Brief

Wed, 31 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#152 A design brief, or creative brief, helps you get more respect and be seen as an expert as a designer. Find out how to write a creative brief and how it helps not only you but the designer-client relationship and the design process.

How to Write a Good About Page—Todd Jones

Wed, 17 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

#151 Learn how to leverage the About page on your website so that you stand out and increase your chances of getting new clients. Find out tips for what to include and how to write a good About page even if you find it hard to talk about yourself.

The Risks of Having One Big Client (Gorilla Client)

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#150 Having a client who makes up a large portion of your income is a blessing and a curse. They keep you busy, but you lose focus on your freelance business. Find out if you have any gorilla clients, or high client concentration, and what to do about it.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +0000

#149 Are you looking to have the accessibility conversation with clients or coworkers but not sure where to start? Have you tried but gotten resistance? Find out 10 common objections to accessibility and how to overcome them to get others on board.

When a Client Wants More Than One of Your Designs

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +0000

As a graphic designer, you may run into a situation where the client wants more than one of your designs. Should you provide the design free? Should you charge for the additional design? Find out what to think about and how to figure out how to price it.

Setting Boundaries With Clients

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:15:00 +0000

#147 Many freelance designers struggle with creating and enforcing boundaries with clients, taking on and putting up with bad clients. But setting boundaries means you're in charge, work with good clients and have a more profitable creative business.

How to Make More Money in Graphic Design (and Work Less) With Adrienne Johnston

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Graphic designer Adrienne Johnston shares how she went from being stressed out and overworked in a $60k-a-year creative business to working less and without stress making more than $200k a year by focusing on presentation design in PowerPoint.

Adding Skip Navigation Links for Better Web Accessibility

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Improve the accessibility and usability of the websites you design by adding a skip navigation link for keyboard users. Find out why skip links are important, who they help, how to check for a skip link and how to add one to an existing website.

How to Raise Your Prices

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000

#144 Raising your prices as a freelance graphic designer is vital for a viable, profitable creative business. Find out when you should raise your rates, how to raise them, how much to raise them and what to do if clients react negatively when you do.

How to Get Google Reviews With John Falke

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:00:00 +0000

#143 Google reviews are a free tool designers can leverage to make the marketing and sales process easier. They help you get new clients. Hear how Google reviews have helped John Falke's design business and how to get Google reviews from clients.

How to Make 6 Figures as a Freelancer

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:00:00 +0000

#142 Want to make $100,000 a year as a full-time freelancer? Find out what I did and what you can do to make 6 figures as a self-employed freelance designer, even in your first year of freelancing full time. Also find out what to do before you do it.

Color and Contrast Accessibility

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000

#141 As a graphic designer, document designer or web designer, understanding the WCAG color and contrast accessibility guidelines will help make your designs more inclusive and accessible to sighted individuals with or without a visual disability.

Affordable Health Care for Freelancers

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000

#140 Medical insurance for self-employed freelance designers can be cost prohibitive. Find out some affordable health insurance alternatives that will save you money along with what to consider before going with one of these options.

Adobe Removing Pantone Colors: What Graphic Designers Need to Know

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:01:00 +0000

#139 Pantone color books are being phased out of Adobe Creative Cloud, greatly impacting many graphic designers. Access to all Pantone libraries will require a paid Pantone Connect subscription. Find out what you need to know and what options you have.

12 Ways to Motivate Clients to Send Content

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 05:01:00 +0000

#138 Getting content from clients is definitely high on the list of complaints from graphic designers. Find out 12 ways to motivate your clients to get you content, so that you get projects done on time and profitably.

The Difference Between Consultation and Discovery

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 04:01:00 +0000

#137 Many graphic designers give away their advice, expertise and ideas in the sales process for free. Learn what to stop doing on consultation calls and how to get paid for discovery calls, so you get more respect and are more valued as an expert.

How to Get More Leads From Your Website With Josh Hall

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 04:01:00 +0000

#136 Just because graphic designers put up a portfolio website doesn't mean potential clients will find it or contact you. Learn strategic steps to get people to your site, keep them on your site and taking action, so you build a profitable creative business.

Top 11 Creative Business Books

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 04:01:00 +0000

#135 Find out what books are on my list of top creative business books for freelance graphic designers to help you with starting your own business, sales and marketing, getting clients, positioning, pricing and profit, confidence, mindset and more.

Day Rates for Graphic Designers With Sarah Masci

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:52:42 +0000

#134 Sarah Masci of Day Rate Mastery joins me to talk about how graphic designers can increase their profitability by charging day rates instead of hourly rates or value-based pricing and how she went from charging $50 per hour to $10k months working less.

Why Graphic Designers Need Contracts

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:01:55 +0000

#133 Find out important reasons why freelance graphic designers should use contracts for design work in their creative business, including some surprising things you may have thought of.

The Talent, Not the Tool, With Don Bolognese

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:09:53 +0000

#132 Renowned artist/illustrator Don Bolognese joins me to talk about how it's the designer's talent—not the tool—that's vital for a successful creative career. He shares interesting stories and insights from his 67-year career and how it evolved over time with changes in technology.

When Designers Should Turn Down Work

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 04:00:29 +0000

#131 When you take on work that isn't a good fit with your skills and expertise, it can result in a bad testimonial, no referrals and the work not being profitable. Find out when graphic designers should turn down work from a prospect or existing client.

Accessible WordPress Themes: What to Know

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 04:00:51 +0000

#130 Many web designers and developers think using an accessibility-ready WordPress theme means a website will be accessible. But many themes have accessibility issues, and there is more to building an accessible website than using an accessible theme.

How to Get Into Textile Design

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 04:00:32 +0000

#129 Hear how Kelly Irvine went from being an in-house graphic designer to a freelance textile designer, creating exclusive prints for the fashion industry, and how she makes passive income with her designs in online stores at Spoonflower and Society6.

11 Ridiculous Client Requests and How to Respond to Them

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:00:48 +0000

#128 Graphic designers often get ridiculous or demanding requests from clients. We can laugh at some, but others are cringe worthy. Find out 11 ridiculous client requests and how to respond to them, so that you leave your dignity and respect intact.

What Questions Should a Graphic Designer Ask a Client

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 04:01:11 +0000

#127 By screening prospects and asking strategic questions, designers change the conversation from design to problem solving, get more respect and increase the perceived value of their work. Find out what questions a graphic designer should ask clients.

Website Maintenance Packages With Kyle Van Deusen

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:01:57 +0000

#126: Find out how Kyle Van Deusen went from graphic designer to web designer and how he built the business of his dreams by leveraging website maintenance packages for recurring revenue in his web design business.

11 Proven Ways to Keep Clients Coming Back

Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:43 +0000

#125 It's easier to get graphic design work from existing clients than from new clients. Find out 11 ways to keep clients coming back that will impress them, help you have a good experience working together and get work from them in the future.

How to Get Clients as a Freelance Graphic Designer

Wed, 04 May 2022 04:01:50 +0000

#124 Learn how to get clients as a freelance graphic designer by standing out from other designers, getting noticed and building your authority—and not in a salesy way. You'll maximize your marketing efforts and get in front of lots of potential clients.

Automate Business Tasks With Funnels— With Dominique Falla

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 04:01:00 +0000

#123 Did you get into freelancing to focus on design, not business tasks? Do you dread the administrative tasks you have to deal with as a freelancer? Hear from Dominique Falla how creatives can spend less time on tasks they don't like and more on design.

15 Social Media Post Ideas for Graphic Designers

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 04:00:37 +0000

#122 A lot of creatives struggle with creating content for social media, blog posts or marketing emails. Here are 15 social media post ideas for graphic designers that will inspire you.

Website Design for Museums With Eric Holter

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 04:01:00 +0000

#121: Eric Holter of Cuberis talks about how their niche of designing websites for museums has helped the creative business get work easier, be more profitable, be memorable and be seen as industry experts. He also talks about how he gets clients.

Stock Photo Licensing

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:19 +0000

Many graphic designers may unknowingly violate stock photo licensing terms when they buy a stock image or when they send one to a client. Here are some things to be aware of when choosing free and paid stock images for your graphic design projects.

How to Start a Freelance Business

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:01:15 +0000

#119 Looking to work for yourself as a graphic designer? Find out how to start a freelance graphic design business, including what to think about with your branding, business type, insurance, financial considerations, networking and marketing, and more.

17 Red Flags for Bad Clients

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:01:05 +0000

Graphic designers, want to spot a bad client before working with them? Watch for these 17 potential red flags for bad clients, so you can avoid taking on bad clients, have more pleasant client relationships and a better freelance design business.

Why Designers Should Embrace (Not Hate) Canva

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:01:04 +0000

#117 Graphic designers love or hate Canva. Does Canva hurt the design industry? Is Canva a threat to graphic designers? Will they lose work? Can designers leverage Canva as an opportunity to get more work? Here's why designers should embrace, not hate, Canva.

John Falke's Journey From Two to a Team

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:01:58 +0000

#116 John Falke, web design business owner and Agency Mavericks coach, talks about how he went from a two-person web design business to having a dream team. Get lots of tips you can use when hiring someone, including a template for the hiring process.

5 Common Web Accessibility Mistakes

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:01:18 +0000

#115 Find out 5 common web accessibility mistakes that web designers and web developers make and why they're a problem, so that you create more accessible websites that reach more users.

How to Reach Out to Potential Clients the Right Way

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:01:00 +0000

#114 Find out how to reach out to potential clients the right way as a freelance graphic designer. Learn how to start building relationships and maximizing your marketing efforts, so you get more clients and more work and make more money.

5 Ways to Make It Easier for Clients to Say Yes

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:01:00 +0000

#113 Here are 5 ways to make it easier for clients to say yes to working with you. These things will also help you get more respect, enhance your value and charge more for it, and stand out from other designers.

8 Reasons Designers Should Care About Accessibility

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:01:00 +0000

#112 A lot of graphic designers aren't thinking about accessibility. But there are many benefits for you as a logo designer, print designer or web designer. Find out 8 reasons designers should care about accessibility.

Outsourcing vs In-house for Your Design Business

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 05:01:00 +0000

#111 Some graphic designers have misconceptions about outsourcing work vs keeping it all in-house. Find out common objections designers have about outsourcing and how outsourcing can help your freelance design business.

How to Get Taken More Seriously as a Designer

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:01:00 +0000

#110 Sometimes it can be hard to get clients or coworkers to take you more seriously as a graphic designer instead of seeing you as an order taker. Find out 8 ways to get taken more seriously as a designer and treated like an expert, not an order taker.

9 Ways to Be a Successful Subcontractor

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0000

#109 Other designers and creative agencies are often looking for freelancers. You can stand out and get hired over and over—and charge more—by proving to be a reliable and trustworthy. Here are 9 ways to be a successful subcontractor.

My Top 21 InDesign and PDF Accessibility Tools

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:00 +0000

#108 When making PDFs accessible for Section 508 or ADA compliance, there are some tools you can use that make the process a lot easier and faster. Here are my top 21 InDesign and PDF accessibility tools for making accessible PDFs.

5 Business Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#107 Many graphic designers suffer from business issues that are actually symptoms of a bigger issue. Once you realize this, you can transform your business. Find out 5 business lessons I learned the hard way, so you hopefully don't have to.

Adobe InDesign vs Affinity Publisher: Which Should Designers Use?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

#106 When it comes to page layout programs for graphic designers, for some it comes down to Adobe InDesign versus Affinity Publisher. Find out the key differences between InDesign and Publisher and how to decide which page layout program is best for you.

How to Choose the Best Images for Your Design Projects

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

#105 Find out what graphic designers and web designers should consider when looking for images and how to choose the best images for your design projects to have the most impact. Also find out where to find stock images that you can legally use.

11 Cool Acrobat Tips for Designers

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#104 A lot of designers use PDFs for design proofs, but you may not realize some of the helpful features Acrobat offers. Here are 11 cool Acrobat tips for designers that will save you time, improve your workflow or let you do some really cool things.

What to Do When a Client Can't Afford You

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

#103 Find out how graphic designers should respond when clients can't afford you, or they say it's over their budget or you're too expensive. Also learn why this happens in the first place and 4 things not to do when they say this.

How to Respond to a Job Opportunity the Right Way

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#102 Whether you're looking for freelance design work or contract work or a part-time or full-time job as a designer, find out how to respond to a job ad the right way. This will help you stand out and get the best chance of getting a new client or a new job.

9 Differences Between Subcontracting and Having Your Own Clients

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#101 Some designers prefer subcontracting for design agencies or other designers, while others prefer having their own clients. One may be a better fit for you based on your personality and goals. Find out 9 differences between them and what to expect.

Alt-text Tips for Images for Document and Web Accessibility

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#100 Confused by Alt-text for images for document and web accessibility? Find out which images need Alt-text, how to write good Alt-text, how long it should be and how to add it to web and InDesign images. Also find out lots of Alt-text tips.

How to Make PDF and Print Documents More User Friendly

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#99 When you design for print and the web, if you only export your layout files to low- and high-resolution PDFs, you're not providing a better user experience and a higher value to clients. Learn how to make PDF and print documents more user friendly.

6 Reasons Designers Should Use InDesign's Automated Table of Contents

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#98 Many graphic designers avoid using InDesign's automated table of contents feature. But there are several problems with creating a table of contents manually. Find out 6 reasons designers should use InDesign's automated table of contents feature.

5 Reasons Designers Should Track Time

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#97 Do you think tracking time on a project is tedious, will distract you or and make you race against the clock? Find out 5 reasons graphic designers and web designers should track time and how it will help your creative business.

How to Reduce Client Revisions

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#96 Excessive design and text edits from clients can be frustrating and a time suck for graphic designers. They can derail a project and make it less profitable. Find out 9 ways to reduce client revisions and have a happier client relationship.

How to Get Good Testimonials

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:07:00 +0000

#95 Find out why client testimonials are important for freelancers and creative businesses, how to get good testimonials from clients, where to put them and how to get a competitive edge over other designers.

12 Issues Automated Web Accessibility Checkers Can't Detect

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 18:00:19 +0000

#94 If you rely on automated web accessibility tools, you're doing it wrong. A site could pass an automated checker and be filled with major accessibility errors. Find out 12 issues automated web accessibility checkers can't detect.

How to Price Design Work

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#93 Learn how to price design work and how to use some types of pricing strategically, so you can have a more profitable freelance creative business and get more respect as a designer. Also find out some pricing pitfalls to avoid.

9 InDesign Accessibility Mistakes Designers Make

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#92 Many designers who think they're creating accessible InDesign files and PDFs really aren't. Other designers, who are looking for help with document accessibility, don't understand the process. Find out 9 InDesign accessibility mistakes and how to fix them.

What to Do When a Client Doesn't Like Your Designs

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#91 Have you ever sent off a design proof only to have the client not like it and ask for a bunch of design changes? Find out what to do when a client doesn't like your designs.

Selling by Helping With Nick Gulic

Wed, 26 May 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#90 Do you have trouble charging more for your work? Does the sales process make you nervous or feel sleazy? Do you need more confidence when talking to prospects? Nick Gulic talks about his sales process and selling by helping.

11 Mistakes That Hurt Your Freelancing Business

Wed, 12 May 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#89 Are you making any of these common creative business mistakes that most freelance designers make? Find out if you're making any of these 11 mistakes that hurt your freelancing business and how to fix them.

The Limitations of Acrobat's Accessibility Checker

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#88 Many designers rely on Acrobat's accessibility checker to determine whether their PDF files are accessible or not. But that checker has limitations and can give false positives. Find out some things to look for and how to ensure your documents are accessible.

A Creative With a Cause

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 04:30:00 +0000

#87 An inspiring story of how Lisa Prince Fishler, a creative with a cause, went from having a photography business to starting a nonprofit based on her passion for saving shelter animals, how they are making a difference and how you can help.

Should You Put Pricing on Your Website?

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#86 Does putting pricing on your website help or hurt creative freelancers when it comes to getting new design clients? Find out the pros and cons to help you decide if you should put pricing on your website.

The Client Is Not the Enemy

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 04:01:00 +0000

#85 Situations may arise when designers work with a client that make you feel like you're on two different sides. But the client is not the enemy. Find out how to deal more effectively with situations that make you feel like you're on two different sides.

Stop Spamming and Seeing What Sticks

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:05:00 +0000

#84 If you send messages to prospects that are all about you and your services, you're turning them off. Stop spamming prospects and seeing what sticks. Learn the right way to reach out to prospects and how to send cold emails that will help you get noticed.

Responsibility and Revenue With Website Policies With Donata and Hans Skillrud of Termageddon

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:01:00 +0000

#83 Do you unknowingly take on liability with privacy policies? Find out your responsibility with website policies, common mistakes web designers and developers make and how to make recurring revenue in this chat with Donata and Hans from Termageddon.

Break Away From These "But's"

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:01:00 +0000

#82 Many graphic designers undervalue their expertise and their work. You might undercut or reduce your pricing to win new work and clients. But if you don't value your work, no one else will! Stop wondering about your worth and break away from these "but's."

"Freelancer"—The Other F Word

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:01:00 +0000

#81 Many solopreneurs who are designers call themselves freelancers when they really aren't. They're doing much more than what a freelancer does. In many cases, the word can actually hold you back. Find out why I think "freelancer" is the other F word.

Which Fish Are You?

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

#80 Are you a small fish in a big pond, or a big fish in a small pond? If you're a small fish in a big pond, you need clarity, so you can be a bigger fish in a smaller pond and get the right clients and the right design work.

Reflect, Refocus, Recharge

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:01:00 +0000

#79 In this episode, I talk about reviewing our goals, celebrating our wins and refocusing ourselves and our businesses for the next year. Reflect, refocus, recharge.

Color Blind by Design

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 12:57:09 +0000

#78 Hear how Jake Albion pursued his passion of a creative career despite being told it might not be possible because of his color blindness, how he became more driven by his disability and turned it into an advantage, and how he got into accessibility.

How Your Unsecure Website Is Costing You Business

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:01:00 +0000

#77 If you use WordPress for your website but don't take security measures, potential clients may leave your site because of a warning, or they may not see your site at all. Find out how your unsecure website is costing you business and what to do about it.

Are Your Designs Solving or Causing Problems?

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:01:00 +0000

#76 Graphic design is all about solving a problem and communicating. But those efforts fall short when you don't consider accessibility and how potentially 20% of your client's audience cannot access information because of design or file setup issues.

Squash Self-Doubt and Own Your Expertise

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#75 So many designers are afraid to call themselves an expert. They lack confidence, and that creates a snowball effect in their business: not charging enough, losing out on work and more. Find out how to squash self-doubt and own your expertise.

Man of Many Talents, Melvin Thambi

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#74 Graphic designer/fine artist Melvin Thambi joins me to talk about pursuing design and fine arts, how he got his work to be exhibited, how hearing "no" led to him achieving his dream and what advice he has for non-U.S. designers looking to get U.S clients.

Winning Color Strategies

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#73 Find out how color affects branding, how to use color strategically and what to consider when choosing colors to get winning color strategies. Also learn a bit about color theory, color accessibility and color meaning.

What Your Reply to Prospects Says About You

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#72 Do you respond to prospects right away? Do you send them a price or your hourly rate when they inquire? Do you lack confidence when dealing with prospects? Find out what your reply to prospects says about you and how to change their perceptions.

How to Manage Client Revisions to Design Proofs

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#71 Do clients often point out that you missed some of their edits in page proofs? I've got a bulletproof process to help you manage client revisions to design proofs that will help you save face and save time and will make for an easier revision process.

How to Deal With Late-Paying Clients (and How to Avoid Them in the Future)

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#70 Dealing with late-paying clients and collecting on late invoices is a huge pain. If clients often pay you late, it may be a symptom of a bigger issue. Find out how to deal with late-paying clients and how to avoid them in the future.

9 Myths About Accessibility

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#69 Most designers don't know about accessibility or have misconceptions about it, such as thinking it will hinder their creativity or that it doesn't apply to their clients. Find out 9 myths about accessibility and why you and your clients should care.

8 Tips for a Good Business Name

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#68 Find out pros and cons of using your personal name versus a business name, 8 tips for a good business name and what to do after deciding on a creative business name. I share what went into naming my businesses and what I'd do differently with one.

How to Choose Paper for a Design Project

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#67 Find out the importance of paper choice in the design process, the different types of paper and finishes, how to choose paper for a print design project and some ways you can incorporate paper into the design process for added creativity.

How to Make Money on Upwork With Victor Ramirez

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 04:01:00 +0000

#66 Victor Ramirez did so well on Upwork they featured him on a billboard in Times Square. Learn how to make money on Upwork as a freelancer, how he made $7700 part-time in less than 2 months, mistakes he made early on, what he learned, tons of tips.

23 Pro Page Layout Tips for Print and the Web

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:02:50 +0000

#65 I share 23 pro page layout tips for print, digital documents and the web. Find out how to polish your page layout skills, so you have more professional-looking and reader-friendly pages. Also find out some accessibility and usability tips.

Brutally Honest Business Advice With Emily Cohen

Wed, 27 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#64 Emily Cohen joins me to dish out brutally honest business advice, including things that hold creatives back in business, why the solopreneur model is unsustainable, misconceptions designers have about their websites, how to reach out to prospects and more

From Designer to Brand Strategist With Melinda Livsey

Wed, 20 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#63 Hear the challenges that led Melinda Livsey, The Futur co-host, to go from designer to brand strategist, why she no longer does design work, how she builds trust with clients, questions she always asks during a consultation that position her as an expert.

Motivating Mural Design With Debbie Clapper

Wed, 06 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#62 Find out why muralist Debbie Clapper transitioned her career from graphic design to fine art, how she pursued her passion and how it changed her life. If you've ever thought of pursuing fine art as a career choice, you definitely don't want to miss this.

Logo Lessons With Ian Paget of Logo Geek

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#61 Ian Paget of Logo Geek joins me to talk about his logo design process, how to set yourself apart from other logo designers, how he presents his work, how to get less pushback from a client on your designs, books he recommends, the tools he uses and more.

Overlays and Plugins Aren't the Answer to Accessibility

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#60 Website accessibility overlays and plugins aren't the answer to accessibility and ADA compliance, despite being touted as an easy, automated solution for web designers and developers and their clients. They present a plethora of problems.

Managing Your Freelance Business During the COVID-19 Crisis

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#59 It's vital to know how to manage your freelance business during the COVID-19 crisis, and any crisis for that matter. We need to learn from this and stay level headed, focused and innovative to help our clients and our own businesses.

Business Breakthroughs With Brand Doctor Henry Kaminski Jr.

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

#58 The Brand Doctor Henry Kaminski Jr. joins me to talk about how he leveled up his business and stopped competing on price. He also shares business breakthroughs about branding, focus and values.

Overlooked Places Graphic Designers Can Find Clients

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 13:21:30 +0000

#57 Find out several overlooked places graphic designers can find clients—online and offline—that can help you based on your industry and clientele. Are you overlooking any of them?

Protect Your Freelance Business From Catastrophe

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:00:00 +0000

#56 Find out ways to protect your freelance business and income from catastrophe—disability, long-term illness, an emergency, disaster, theft, liability issues—and how to minimize their effects.

Designing Digital Products-Tom Ross-Design Cuts

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

#55 Tom Ross of Design Cuts and I talk about digital products—figuring out what to sell (fonts, templates, etc.), how to price it, their submission process and more. Get tips to help you get an edge on your competition in the creative products marketplace.

Stop "Should-ing" All Over Yourself—Set Goals

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

#54 We're always told we should set goals to be successful. But do you avoid setting them because you don't see the point or you're afraid you won't achieve them? Do you ever look back and think, "I should have done this or that"? Learn how to set goals.

Design With Accessibility in Mind

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

#53 Most designers don't think about accessibility. It affects branding, design, documents, websites. It's a great way to differentiate yourself from other designers while helping your clients reach more people and legally protecting them.

17 Essential Elements for an Effective Portfolio Website

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

#52 Your website needs to be an effective marketing tool to help you get clients. You want to be top of mind when someone needs a designer. Here are 17 essential elements for an effective portfolio website, so you get found and leave a positive impression.

Boost Value With a Brand Style Guide

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

#51 After designing a logo for a client, do you provide a brand style guide along with the files, so the client has guidance on how to use the logo? If not, you're missing out on positioning yourself as an expert, adding value to your work and charging more.

Confidence, Closing and Content With Mike Killen

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#50 Mike Killen and I talk confidence and how it's vital in closing the deal and why you should be selling futures, not features. Get actionable tips to use when talking to clients, including how to respond when a client says, "That's too expensive."

Branding and Marketing Insights With Jacob Cass

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#49 Jacob Cass of Just Creative talks about his design journey, his logo design and presentation process, how to add more value with brand strategy and some amazing marketing tips. Plus, find out why he calls himself "the pink cow."

Preparing and Packaging Logo Files - Michael Bruny-Groth

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#48 Do you spend a lot of time creating logo formats? Are you unsure which ones to send to a client? Do you properly prepare logo files to prevent potential issues? Find out that and how to add value to your work by following these best practices from me and guest Michael Bruny-Groth from The Logo Package Express.

Should You Use "I" or "We"?

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#47 Do you struggle with whether to refer to your freelancing business as "I" or "we"? Are you misrepresenting yourself if you use "we"? Will potential clients prefer just you or a team? Will you not get larger projects if you use "I"? Hear the pros and cons.

6 Reasons Freelance Designers Should Screen Prospective Clients

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 12:23:42 +0000

#46 Many graphic designers are so excited when a prospect contacts them, they miss a crucial step: evaluating the prospect. Having a vetting process is vital to avoid problem clients. Here are 6 reasons freelance designers should screen prospective clients.

14 Reasons Graphic Designers Are Seen as Order Takers

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#45 There are a lot of differences in mindset and behavior between graphic designers who are perceived as order takers and those who are perceived as experts. Here are 14 reasons graphic designers are seen as order takers instead of as experts.

9 Ways Recurring Revenue Hurts Your Business – David C. Baker

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#44 Monthly recurring revenue is all the rage these days. But what most freelancers and agencies don't realize is that it can cause problems. David C. Baker of the 2Bobs podcast joins me to talk about 9 ways recurring revenue actually hurts your business.

10 Ways a Design Mentor Can Help You

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#43 There are many ways to learn and improve your skills. But you may not even know what you need help with or you may be focusing on the wrong thing. That's where one-on-one design mentoring can help. Here are 10 ways a design mentor can help you.

Power, Positioning & Pricing for Creatives With Blair Enns

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#42 Blair Enns of Win Without Pitching and I discuss pricing, taking back your power in the client-designer relationship, how not to sell, mindset issues and much more. Also, find out what the "flip" is and why it's vital in the client-designer relationship.

5 Reasons You Shouldn't Respond to Clients Right Away

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#41 Is your MO to respond immediately to calls, e-mails and texts from clients? Stop! You're not helping yourself or your client by being so fast to reply. In this Creative Brief episode, I cover 5 reasons freelance designers shouldn't respond to clients right away.

Nail a Niche with Stephanie Campanella

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#40 A lot of designers have heard about niching but are hesitant to do it. Stephanie Campanella, who's built several profitable niched-based businesses, talks about why she niched her business, how she did it, and the benefits of niching.

18 Things to Check Before Preparing Design Proofs

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#39 Designers have to pay attention to details. Clients don't want to babysit, and you don't want to feel like they're looking over your shoulder. Find out what to check before sending design proofs to keep your work sharp and have you looking like an expert.

3 Reasons to Charge for Native Design Files

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:40:02 +0000

#38 Native design files are a designer's secret recipe, yet some designers hand them over free of charge. But, unless it's a work for hire, you have every right to charge for these files. Find out why clients want them, why you should charge for them and more

Creative Brief: 7 Things Designers Can Do During Dry Spells

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:29:33 +0000

#37 In this Creative Brief episode, I get into 7 things graphic designers can do during dry spells. These efforts could help you win more work now or in the future. Some of these are more active, some are more passive, and some you can do on an ongoing basis.

Tax Write-Offs Freelance Designers Might Miss

Wed, 29 May 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#36 Paul Koullick from Keeper joins me to talk about tax write-offs that freelance graphic designers might miss. Find out if you're forgetting any of them and find out what you need to know about estimated taxes.

Creative Brief: 45 Ways to Get Design Inspiration

Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#35 Ever get stuck in a creative rut? No more! Here are 45 ways to get design inspiration whether it's for a logo, typographic, print or web design project.

Crafting a Custom Package Solution

Wed, 08 May 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#34 Guest Amy Celona talks about how she crafted a custom web design package, how it solves her audience's problems and how she made it profitable. She also talks about how she gets little pushback with design changes and saves time on proposals.

Creative Brief: Proofreader Marks

Wed, 01 May 2019 12:44:10 +0000

#33 This Creative Brief episode is about proofreaders' marks—what they mean to graphic designers and how to decode them if and when you get them from a client, proofreader or editor.

6 Types of Problem Clients and How to Fire Them

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#32 Your freelance business does not need to feel like a circus. But you do need to be the ringleader. Here are 6 types of problem clients and how to fire them. I'll also talk about when it's not you, not them, who is the reason for the breakup.

Creative Brief: Touch Up These Typography Typos

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#31 Part of the Creative Briefs series of mini-episodes with quick graphic design tips, this episode covers commonly misused typographic marks and how to correct them.

Avoid These 12 Pricing Mistakes

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#30 Do you know what to consider when pricing your graphic design work? Are you charging enough? Find out that plus 12 pricing mistakes to avoid to be more profitable. Also learn about hourly vs flat and package pricing for graphic design work.

Creative Brief: Making Your Design Mailable

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#29 When designing a printed piece that will be mailed, consulting a mailpiece design analyst will help you make sure your design adheres to any necessary postal requirements or qualify for special rates.

Policing Plagiarism: What to Do When Someone Steals Your Creative Work

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#28 Have you ever had your work plagiarized? Unfortunately, I have and so have other designers. So I invited attorney Matthew Johnston back to talk about copyright infringement and your rights as a designer, so you can protect your creative work.

Creative Brief: 11 Things to Check in a Print Proof

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#27 Part of the Creative Briefs series of mini-episodes with quick design- and marketing-related tips, this episode is about reviewing print proofs. Here are 11 things to check in a proof from the printer to ensure your design will appear as you intended.

What to Consider Before Doing Free Graphic Design Work

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 23:35:56 +0000

#26 Some free design work such as pro bono work is good, while some, such as spec work, hurt you and the industry. You don't have to pimp yourself out doing free work to build a design portfolio. Find out what to consider before doing any free design work.

Creative Brief: Figure Out That Font

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 05:00:00 +0000

#25 Part of the Creative Briefs series of mini-episodes with quick design- and marketing-related tips, this episode covers how to find out which fonts have been used in an image or PDF.

7 Mistakes When Presenting Design Work and Asking for Critique

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 15:55:58 +0000

#24 Are you making any of these mistakes when presenting design work to clients? Find out and learn how to present your design work, so you get more respect and less pushback on your designs. Also, find out mistakes you might be making when asking for critique from other designers and others in general. Plus, don't miss this one seemingly harmless question you should stop asking clients.

Color Convo With Pantone's Leatrice Eiseman

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:00:00 +0000

#23 Graphic designers, do you pick colors arbitrarily or have trouble defending your color choices to clients? Find out from world-renowned color expert Leatrice Eiseman of Pantone how to be the expert. Learn how color affects us physiologically, how it affects design and more.

How Graphic Designers Can Leverage LinkedIn - Brynne Tillman

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 05:00:00 +0000

#22 Learn how, as a graphic designer, you can leverage LinkedIn for marketing so you can build relationships and attract ideal clients. Get tips on how to craft a profile that has impact and strategically network with connections from expert Brynne Tillman.

Client Relationships Are Like Dating

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:08:40 +0000

#21 Freelance designers, client relationships and getting clients are not that different from dating. Learn how to identify your ideal client, attract them, approach them, spot deal breakers, nurture the relationship and more.

Typeface Design and Inspiration-Fabio Duarte Martins

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 14:52:14 +0000

#20 Geek out on typography with typeface designer Fábio Duarte Martins and me, learn a bit about typeface design and discover how typeface design can be a great source of passive income.

Trademarking Logo Designs-Matt Johnston

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 12:00:00 +0000

#19 Attorney Matt Johnston and I talk about trademarking logo designs. Find out how to make sure your designs don't infringe on an existing trademark, when and what to consider before trademarking, and the trademark process.

Lessons Learned From Bad Clients with Evelyn Powers

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 05:00:00 +0000

#18 Fellow longtime graphic designer Evelyn Powers and I talk about lessons learned from bad client experiences as freelancers, how to identify red flags with prospects and clients, and how to fire bad clients.

Talking Confidence, Bullying and Negotiation With Ted Leonhardt

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

#17 Ted Leonhardt and I talk about confidence (or lack thereof) and bullying and how they affect how creatives and graphic designers—especially freelancers—perceive their value, set rates and negotiate salaries.

Creative Business Convo With Cameron Foote

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 14:34:32 +0000

#16 Creative Business owner and industry veteran Cameron S. Foote discusses what to consider before going out on your own as a freelancer, how to present your work to get objective feedback, when to push back with a client, how to earn more respect from clients and specializing.

A Hoppe Good Time Talking InDesign - Jason Hoppe

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0000

#15 Designer and humorous creativeLIVE instructor Jason Hoppe and I talk all about Adobe® InDesign and page layout. Learn some best practices and time-saving tips for an efficient page layout process.

Triple-threat Creative Career - Michael Auger

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0000

#14 Ever considered a full-time or part-time career as a fine artist? Hear from Michael Auger, who's had a solid freelancing career as an illustrator, painter and graphic designer.

Graphic Design Contracts and Estimates

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 04:00:00 +0000

#13 Do you have trouble pricing your design work as a freelancer? Do you suck up out-of-scope work that you should be charging for? Learn what to include in your graphic design contracts and estimates and figure out if your projects are profitable.

Fold Some Fun Into Your Direct Mail Projects - Trish Witkowski

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 04:00:00 +0000

#12 Print designers, do you use the same folds for direct mail projects over and over because you think other types of folds cost too much or seem too complicated? Get inspiration, education and free templates from Trish Witkowski, Foldfactory.

Passive Income With Stock Images - Anne Bracker

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000

#11 Freelance designers, have you ever considered creating stock images to generate passive income? Stock up on some tips and best practices from Anne Bracker of the YouTube channel Graphic Design How-To, who's been doing just that, so that you can make the most of your efforts.

Imposter Syndrome - Tanya Geisler

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:00:00 +0000

#10 Freelance designers, ever feel like an imposter? Like your work isn't good enough? Do you lack confidence presenting your design ideas? Do you find it hard to give yourself credit where due? This stems from the imposter syndrome. Find out how it can help us or hold us back.

Work While Doing What You Love - Robert and Alyssa Simmons

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:23:41 +0000

#9 Do you dream of going out on your own as a freelancer and working wherever and whenever you want, so you can enjoy a more flexible lifestyle? Robert and Alyssa Simmons talk about the freedom they've experienced working for themselves and pursuing their dreams.

Improve Your Processes and Your Client's Experience

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:33:37 +0000

#8 Are you getting what you need—and want—from clients? Do clients send you the wrong types of files? Does it takes a long time for clients to sign your contracts? Do you find yourself resending logo or print files for the umpteenth time? Are you embarrassed because clients point out edits you missed? Do you make it easy for clients to say yes?

Learn how to improve your processes for a smoother, more enjoyable and efficient workflow for yourself and the client, so they keep coming back.

Punch Up Your PowerPoint Proficiency - Laura M. Foley

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 02:52:03 +0000

#7 Want to increase your proficiency in presentation design? Considering a career in it? Laura Foley explains how she's made a career out of specializing in PowerPoint design. Learn best practices when using PowerPoint and how to price PowerPoint projects.

Are You Protecting Your Design Rights and Covering Your Ass(ets)? - Matthew S. Johnston

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

#6 Are your design contracts helping—or hurting—you? Do clients understand your contracts? Do you? If you don't have a solid contract, you may be unknowingly giving away your design rights or taking on liability you shouldn't be. Even worse, if you don't operate as an LLC or corporation, your personal assets could be at risk if you make a mistake. Learn how to prevent a contract catastrophe, get your contracts signed faster and protect your design rights—and yourself—from a legal crisis.

Are You Getting the Clients You Want? - Ilise Benun

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

#5 Freelance designers, are you getting the clients you want? Are you sick of prospects who can't afford your rates? Are you missing out on work that you want? Are you always in feast or famine mode? Don't be at the mercy of taking whatever comes to you. Get marketing tips for designers from Ilise Benun.

Stop Competing With Fiverr

Wed, 23 May 2018 12:39:54 +0000

#4 Do you know why a client should hire you when they can pay $50 to a cheap freelance designer, Fiverr or 99Designs, or set up a Wix, Weebly or Squarespace site themselves? Learn how to charge more for design work and set yourself apart.

Perfect Your Print Process

Wed, 09 May 2018 12:34:16 +0000

#3 Print designers, learn how to perfect your print process, so you can avoid costly errors and save face. Find out about proper file setup, folds, binding, paper, ink, coatings, fonts, images, how to get print bids and more.

Avoid These 10 Logo Design Mistakes

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:17:31 +0000

#2 Logo designers, are you making any of these 10 mistakes that graphic designers make when creating logos? Also find out what to consider when pricing a logo design. Aspiring designers will learn how to make their logo designs better and add value to their work, so they can up their game and stand out from the competition.

Introduction to the Design Domination Podcast

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 21:18:47 +0000

#1 This is an introduction to the Design Domination podcast, including information about host Colleen Gratzer's creative business background as well as reasons for starting this podcast to help aspiring designers and freelance designers.