The Profitable Graphic Designer

Kady Sandel
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The Profitable Graphic Designer

Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    139 How to Craft Proposals That Win You High-Paying Clients

    Proposals are more than just documents—they’re your ticket to landing high-paying clients. If your proposals feel generic or aren’t getting the results you want, it’s time to rethink your approach. I’m breaking down exactly what to include in a winning proposal, from crafting a compelling executive summary to confidently presenting your pricing. With clear structure, strong messaging, and polished design, you’ll be able to create proposals that close deals and attract the clients you really want to work with. You will learn: The essential sections every high-converting proposal needs How to write about your services in a way that highlights client outcomes Tips for presenting your pricing confidently and professionally The most common mistakes designers make in their proposals—and how to avoid them How to set clear next steps that make it easy for clients to say yes Grab your laptop and let’s transform the way you craft proposals! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

    25 min

  2. 17 DEC

    138 How I Automated My Design Business and Took a Month Off

    Tired of feeling like your design business would collapse if you stepped away for even a week? I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I automated my branding agency, hired a team I trust, and took an entire month off—without losing clients or momentum. I’ll walk you through the tools, systems, and mindset shifts that made it possible for me to work just 15 hours a week when I’m in the office and confidently step away when I’m not. If you’ve been wondering how to scale your business while actually creating more freedom for yourself, this episode is for you. You will learn: How to build a team you can trust to handle your client work The tools I use to keep my agency running smoothly, including Gmail, Trello, Slack, and WhatsApp My approach to batching tasks and planning ahead to free up time The weekly schedule that helps me stay focused while working fewer hours Why shifting your mindset is the first step to building a business that works for you Take a moment for yourself, grab your favorite drink, and let’s get started on building a business that truly works for you! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    25 min

  3. 10 DEC

    137 Your Roadmap to a Profitable 2025 as a Designer

    Creating a profitable 2025 starts with setting clear goals, defining your ideal clients, and building systems that support your growth. This episode is your step-by-step roadmap to envision where you want to be by the end of 2025—and build the structure to get there. From revenue planning to refining your service offerings, I’m sharing the actions that will set you up for a successful year. You will learn: How to envision your ideal 2025 and set actionable goals. Strategies for defining revenue targets and achieving financial health. Tips for identifying and attracting your ideal clients. How to structure your service offerings for maximum impact. Systems and actions to streamline your business. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    24 min

  4. 3 DEC

    136 Raise Your Design Rates (Without Losing Clients)

    Raising your design rates isn’t just about earning more—it’s about reflecting your expertise and the transformation you bring to clients. In this episode, I share how to approach rate increases confidently, attract high-paying clients, and position yourself as a premium service without fear of losing clients. This is about aligning your fees with the value you bring. You will learn: How to communicate your value beyond deliverables. Strategies for positioning yourself to attract premium clients. How to structure proposals with tiered pricing. Ways to handle rate objections confidently. Steps to gradually increase your rates over time. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    27 min

  5. 26 NOV

    135 How to Create a Strong Brand for Your Own Design Business

    Branding isn’t just for your clients - it’s essential for your design business too. Often, designers overlook their own brand, assuming their work will speak for itself. But a strong brand identity is what sets you apart, attracts clients, and establishes you as a serious professional. In this episode, I share everything you need to know about creating a powerful brand for your business. You will learn: How to define your brand’s core values and mission. Steps to build a consistent visual identity that represents you. Tips for crafting brand messaging that aligns with your values. How to structure your portfolio to attract the right clients. Why consistency is crucial as your business grows. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    27 min

  6. 19 NOV

    134 Pricing Your Design Services Confidently - The Ultimate Guide

    Think about it: every time you set a price that genuinely reflects your work's value, you’re establishing a standard for the clients you want to attract. When I charge $25k for a branding project, I’m not just picking a number—I’m showing clients the level of transformation and expertise I bring. This confidence in pricing doesn’t just impress clients; it signals that you know your worth. In this episode, I’m guiding you through the steps to develop that same confidence in your pricing so that clients trust in your value from the start. You will learn: How to shift your mindset and embrace the value you bring to clients. The importance of setting a minimum base rate and how to calculate it. Strategies to adopt value-based pricing and charge for outcomes, not hours. Tips for presenting your prices confidently to clients, even during tough conversations. How to handle objections without feeling pressured to lower your rates. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    26 min

  7. 12 NOV

    133 How I Turned My Side Hustle into a Thriving Design Agency

    When I charge $25k for a branding project, I’m not just picking a number - I’m showing clients the level of transformation and expertise I bring. This confidence in pricing doesn’t just impress clients; it signals that you know your worth. Think about it: every time you set a price that genuinely reflects your work's value, you’re establishing a standard for the clients you want to attract. In this episode, I’m guiding you through the steps to develop that same confidence in your pricing so that clients trust in your value from the start. You will learn: How to shift your mindset and embrace the value you bring to clients. The importance of setting a minimum base rate and how to calculate it. Strategies to adopt value-based pricing and charge for outcomes, not hours. Tips for presenting your prices confidently to clients, even during tough conversations. How to handle objections without feeling pressured to lower your rates. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

    26 min

  8. 5 NOV

    132 FREE Brand Guidelines for Brand Designers – Elevating Your Visual Identity Skills

    If you think your job ends after you design the logo, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m sharing why brand guidelines are essential for brand designers who want to elevate their craft, charge higher rates, and secure more client referrals. I’ll show you how these comprehensive brand books not only improve your design process but also set you apart as a designer who thinks strategically and long-term. Whether you’re new to brand design or have been doing this for years, this episode is all about becoming a designer who delivers real value and builds stronger client relationships. You will learn: Why creating brand guidelines boosts your professionalism and helps you charge higher rates Key elements every brand designer should include in a brand book How guidelines ensure consistency and longevity for your client’s brand Tips for positioning brand guidelines as an essential service, not just an add-on Ways that working on guidelines can make you a better designer overall Settle in, grab a pen, and get ready to take your design skills - and your business - to the next level. Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/

    21 min
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About

Welcome to The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast. My name is Kady Sandel, and this podcast was brought to you by Aventive Academy – an online business education platform that helps brand, graphic, and web designers get more clients, increase their pricing, and build a profitable design business. You can find out more about starting and growing your freelance design business at aventiveacademy.com

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