160. Dear Gen Z: How to Build a Personal Brand

Your AI Auntie, Lauren deVane, is back with even more AI tips to be the Anna Wintour of your content. Learn how to save time and money and the real reason why your AI content sounds robotic. From how AI is democratizing education and revolutionizing the design world, buckle up as we dive into the creative world of AI with some engaging banter along the way.   Lauren deVane is the founder of The Bemused Studio, where she develops strategic brand identities for bad b*tches through dope design, smart strategy, savvy social, and, most recently, AI. She has worked with over 60 clients on brands of all types. She now specializes in educating brand designers about how they can integrate generative AI into their workflows. Previously, she led creative for Ulta Beauty's social media team, working with celebs like Kylie and Kim, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Millie Bobbie Brown. Lauren has also worked at Walgreens corporate, where she helped start their social media creative team and rebrand the Photo department. She has also designed mobile sites for brands like Ulta, The Chicago Fire MLS Team, and Hyatt.    ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Objections creatives have about AI Lauren's favorite AI tools Why you need to be confident about the "why" Honing in on the foundations of your craft Lauren's creative workflow How ChatGPT can teach you Dissonance between real life and digital personas Intro to Apple Vision Pro VR and e-commerce  MidJourney Alpha: what it is and what it does Advice to new freelancers  The role of specialists in an AI world Mindful consumerism     -----------------------   RESOURCES: Get access to the dopest ChatGPT course on this side of the galaxy with BAIS Camp and use the code KISSMYAI for 11% off BAIS CAMP. Episode 117: Midjourney & AI with Lauren deVane Episode 133: Midjourney & AI Part 2 with Lauren deVane Episode 154: Streamline Your Design Process with Canva with Juls Christie-Clark Monitor and analyze to optimize performance with Modify AI Cutting edge AI videos and images with Krea.AI Generate creative images using Leornardo AI Turn audio into content with CastMagic.AI Build and design website fast with Relume.io   ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Lauren and her distinct style, follow her on Instagram @TheBemusedStudio, or visit her websites, TheBemusedStudio.com and JoinBaisCamp.com. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok     ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!     ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Are you caught in the constant scroll or drained by your content strategy? Dive in with Morgan (aka Morgan Drinks Coffee) and Michelle as they discuss finding the balance between content creation and structured downtime. Morgan shares their journey prepping for the US Barista Championship, alongside creating coffee-related storytelling content and embracing shaking up content to stay energized. From conscious consumption to following your curiosities, don't miss this blend of strategies to stay creative.    Morgan is a video creator with over 8M followers across three platforms. Their content revolves around coffee, barista work, and all things adjacent. Additionally, they're a decorated competitive barista with the titles of 2022 US Barista Champion and 2022 World Barista Runner Up. Morgan currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and spends their free time in coffee shops with their nose in a book. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Coffee shop culture Creating TikTok coffee content  Morgan finding their creative process Adapting your content strategy Using tools to curate the content you want to engage with Morgan's preparations for the US Barista Championship Scheduling rest and finding calm  Spaghetti brain vs. waffle brain Predictions on the future of the coffee industry      -----------------------   RESOURCES: Episode 141: Marketing for Lifestyle Brands with Whitney Eckis of Get Supr     ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Morgan and catch their adventures, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @MorganDrinksCoffee. Visit her website, MorganDrinksCoffee.com ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok     ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!     ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

With 1.3 billion Gen Zers navigating social media, there has never been a better time to be a contributor rather than a consumer. Dive into personal branding with Michelle as she covers three big questions: why build a personal brand, how to do it, and what does that even look like. Build your living and breathing resume and learn the secrets to standing out in the digital world.   ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Why you want to build a personal brand How your personal brand is reflective of your personal taste Creating for the sake of creating Selecting your brand adjectives Content types from the most amount of time to the least Starting a fresh account and finding your community -----------------------   RESOURCES: Episode 156: Creating a Brag-worthy Brand Strategy Episode 112: Creative Process with Natalie MacMillan ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!   ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Unpack your bags and stay awhile as Lauren Carey of Girl Gone Abroad and Michelle explore the world of travel photography. Ever wonder how to turn your travel pics into something that captures what you actually saw with your eyes? Buckle up as we dive into the world of Instagrammable Airbnbs, what goes into a property shoot, and the secrets to capturing that solo travel glow without awkwardly asking someone to take your photo. Whether you're an Airbnb owner wanting more bookings or a solo traveler wanting to document your trip perfectly, this episode will show you how to capture a story with your photos.   Lauren Carey is the creator behind the Girl Gone Abroad brand. Born in the US and currently residing in the Netherlands, she is a digital storyteller passionate about beautiful places and spaces. Her aesthetic content captures the essence of her travels in over 60 countries, inspiring others to explore the world for themselves. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How Lauren and Michelle met Diving into photography and advice on getting started Favorite Airnbnb's Lauren has visited What draws her into a property Her process of capturing a property Tips for perfect solo shots as a solo traveler Her simple editing process in post-production Michelle's 30th birthday location and the details that made it feel like a home How storytelling plays into photography Experiences of "unreasonable hospitality"   -----------------------   RESOURCES: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara A Perfect Vintage by Chelsea Fagan     ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Lauren and catch her adventures, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @GirlGoneAbroad. Visit her website, GirlGoneAbroad.com. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok     ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!     ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Let's pull back the curtain on job titles in the creative world. Today, Michelle deciphers the role of a Creative Director and how she has structured her role within her team. She shares the key responsibilities and the challenges that may arise from taking this leap. From building a solid team to diving into professional development offscreen to enhance onscreen creativity, this episode is all about balancing the business and creative sides of being an entrepreneur. ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: How you can submit content ideas for future episodes What are the key responsibilities of a creative director? What a day in the life looks like Finding clarity on your role in your company Taking the jump from business owner to creative direction Fostering your creative process How to lead your creative team Establishing a hierarchy of communication with your clients Balancing the business and creative -----------------------   RESOURCES: Episode 131: Episode Building a Merch Brand with Caitlyn Rastetter of Dental Hygiene Nation ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!   ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Ready to serve up prices that you actually feel good about? Tune in to hear your pricing queen, Jaz, dish out the recipe to valuing your genius. Whether you chronically undercharge or have no idea where to begin pricing your services, this episode will give you the tools you need to meet your business goals (like, actually. Go down to the resources section to snag your free pricing calculator). From navigating imposter syndrome to why you need to know your numbers, this episode is a must-list for all freelancers.   For the last 15 years, Jaz has been serving Michelin-star designs on a gold platter, solving her clients' problems and helping them grow their businesses. She's the graphic designer, muralist, lettering-artist, website genius, and all-round business guru who's helped hundreds of clients achieve their business goals. While she's still a design superwoman to her clients, Jaz is now sharing her wisdom with her fellow freelancers with another title: The Pricing Queen.   As the Creative Business Kitchen owner, Jaz mentors her freelance students in all things pricing, giving them the tools they need to confidently calculate and charge what they're worth, create a never-ending list of clients who happily pay up, and, ultimately, never go hungry again. From free downloads to affordable resources, masterclasses, and one-on-one help, Jaz has a solution to every freelance problem.   ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Get to know Jaz and how she got onto her pricing journey Why your education matters Leaving the graphic design world to the musical theatre world Why you need to know your numbers How to gain confidence if you don't know how to price Underpricing attracts the wrong clients, meaning your prices should reflect your values Expensive lessons in business Reminder: your clients are not family Walking through Jaz's custom pricing calculator Transparent conversations when prospective clients can't afford you   -----------------------     RESOURCES: Access Jasmine's free Pricing Calculator Join the Freelancer's Pantry Membership     ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Jaz and her pricing expertise and bite into a good food pun, follow her on Instagram and TikTok@YourPricingQueen. Visit her website, creativebusinesskitchen.com. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok     ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!     ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Get ready to unlock the secrets of a brag-worthy brand strategy with Michelle. Listen and learn as she spills what happens during a brand strategy session with MKW Creative Co. and how they implement it. Dive into the recipe for creating a memorable brand, from the must-haves of a mission statement to brand identity. You'll learn how to measure the ROI of your strategy and the common pitfalls to watch out for.   If you're planning a rebrand or want to start on the right foot, press play and save this episode! ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: What brand strategy is, and why it's crucial for your business What happens in a brand strategy session with MKW Creative Co. Brand vs. marketing strategy Why your target audience is NOT everyone Finding your value proposition Getting clear on your brand personality Brand consistency Common brand strategy pitfalls -----------------------   RESOURCES: Episode 023: Everything in My Brand Questionnaire Episode 121: Let's Thread with Ashli Pollard ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!   ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Has the recent TikTok ban sent you into a panic? Head into the virtual emergency room with marketing experts Michelle, Amber Figlow, and Ashli Pollard. You'll hear their content strategies, adaptability, and community-building insights. From what a TikTok ban could mean for small business owners to perspectives on how important TikTok has been for women and predictions of the future of social media, this episode serves real-time insights.   Amber Figlow is a Content Strategist, Creator, and Speaker, and she serves and educates women business owners in the creative industry. She has helped hundreds of small business owners through her 1:1 services, her membership, her products, and as a content ecosystems expert.   Ashli Pollard brings her 10 years working for major product brands like Prada, Rebecca Minkoff, and Sam Edelman in New York City to her entrepreneurship membership The Do-ers, and her marketing agency Dial Zero Marketing.   ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Why the TikTok data corruption is a weak argument Suggestions to small business owners who are feeling nervous about the potential ban How Ashli's helping clients through this What is content repurposing, and how to do it for each platform Why you need to stop being precious about your content Why you don't want to go viral How losing TikTok is terrible for Facebook The bike-face phenomenon and how women are coming together on TikTok Predictions: will TikTok actually go away? Social media predictions   -----------------------   RESOURCES: Episode 145. How to Repurpose Content with Amber Figlow Episode 121. Let's Thread with Ashlie Pollard Episode 108. Social Content 'icks' with Amber Figlow A Creative Co. Episode 085. Life According to Business According to Business Consultant Ashli Pollard   ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Amber and her fantastic insights, follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @AmberFiglow, or visit her website AmberFiglow.com. Don't miss out on her FREE Airtable Content Planner! Download it here ;)   To learn more about Ashli's fantastic marketing insights, you can follow her on TikTok @ashli_p, visit her website ashlipollard.com, her consulting team on Instagram @teamapconsulting and their website, teamap.consulting, and visit Dial Zero on Instagram @DialZeroMarketing and their website at dialzeromarketing.com.   ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok   ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!   ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Ditch the design drama of navigating Adobe and embrace the simplicity of Canva and AI. Michelle and Juls dive deep into the efficient and convenient world of Canva. You'll discover why you need to use Canva as a designer, effective brand strategies, prompt engineering for AI, and the kind of collaboration that sparks joy and genius.   Juls, a seasoned graphic designer from Glasgow, Scotland, boasts over two decades of creative expertise. As the founder of Designer in Your Pocket and Branding by Juls, she isn't just in the business of design; she's a storyteller with a mission to demystify design for non-designers. Juls has cultivated a reputation for making the seemingly complex world of branding and graphic design accessible to entrepreneurs and creatives, even those without a design background.   In the ever-evolving world of design, Juls envisions a future where creativity knows no bounds. She champions Canva as more than just a tool; it's a game-changer that levels the playing field for aspiring designers and business owners alike. Through her work, Juls not only transforms brands visually but also fosters a design community that believes everyone has the power to tell their unique story beautifully. ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: How Juls started Canva and sharing her tips on TikTok The accessibility and luxury of Canva vs. Adobe Her favorite Canva features Finding your optimal times to work as a freelancer Using Canva's whiteboard for collaboration How Juls uses Canva to help her clients AI predictions on logo design Michelle's AI workflow Using the most articulate prompts for AI The importance of continuous learning   -----------------------     RESOURCES: Episode 095: Honest Review of Adobe Max     ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Juls and her Canva and design tips, follow her on Instagram @DesignerInYourPocket_Juls, TikTok, and YouTube @DesignerInYourPocket, join her Facebook group Be Canva Confident, or visit her website, designerinyourpocket. co. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok     ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!     ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a client's brand design only for them to say, "This isn't really what we had in mind?" Yes, you're entitled to a one-minute pity part, but you need to know how to bounce back productively.   Drawing on her nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, Michelle shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies for navigating these challenging situations. She emphasizes the importance of separating brand strategy from design, setting clear client expectations, and knowing when to reassess a project's direction. You'll gain valuable insights on effectively communicating with clients, managing expectations, and ultimately delivering high-quality, successful branding solutions.   ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Things to remind yourself when a client doesn't like your designs Identifying miscommunication to match the client's needs Deciding if you need to start from scratch or go through a round of revisions What to do when nothing you're creating is working for the client The responsibility that a designer has to dig out the vision from the client Striving for excellence, serving clients with quality   -----------------------   RESOURCES: Episode 148: How to Explain Your Designs to Clients Episode 146: My Brand Design Process, Step by Step Episode 023: Everything in My Brand Questionnaire   ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok   ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee!   ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.     This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard