Why You’re Still Not Fully Booked Designer | EP 177

You’re doing everything right. Great portfolio. Polished mockups. Refined skills. You’ve studied the trends, followed the advice, stayed consistent with your content. You’ve taken courses, built case studies, cleaned up your website, and tried to make every project look perfect. You’ve probably spent hours tweaking your fonts, updating mockups, rewriting your About page, hoping that this time it will finally land you clients.You’ve invested in yourself. You’ve grown. You know your work is good. So why aren’t you fully booked?Why are you still stuck wondering where the next client is coming from? Why are you pouring effort into your brand with little to show for it, while designers with half your skill seem to be booked out months in advance?It’s not about talent. It’s not about luck. And it’s definitely not about posting more carousels.In this episode, I’m sharing what actually keeps talented designers stuck and the changes I made that finally started bringing in consistent, high paying clients. We’re breaking down the real reasons clients aren’t reaching out and what to do instead.You will learn:Why great design isn’t enough to stay bookedWhat to fix if you’re showing up but not getting inquiriesThe clarity you need before focusing on visibilityHow to speak your clients’ language and stand outWhat I’d do first if I had to start from scratch todayGrab a coffee and your notes. This one is a wake up call.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

What does it really take to grow a skincare brand from a personal need to national retail shelves?In this episode, I’m talking with Sarah Wilensky, the founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials, a clean skincare brand for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin. You’ll hear how Sarah built her product line from scratch, landed retail deals including Walmart and Nordstrom, and made bold decisions like a full rebrand to match her growth goals. We also break down what visual investments she made, how she found her designer, and what she looks for when hiring creatives.Whether you're a designer working with product-based brands or a founder looking to scale, this conversation is packed with insights.You will learn:What made her invest in rebranding and packagingHow she knew her visuals needed to evolve for retailThe difference a long-term designer relationship makesHow she built visibility using Meta ads and trade showsTips for standing out in the saturated skincare marketGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you work with brands that scale!And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

What does a $250,000 branding and design project actually include?In this episode, I’m sharing what happened when I landed the biggest design project of my career. It came with a high price tag, a full team, and a long timeline. But the biggest lessons weren’t about money or scope. They were about the kind of business I want to build.You will learn:What went into a $250K branding project from start to finishHow we managed multiple brands, teams, and timelinesThe surprising parts of high-ticket client workWhat this taught me about how I want to run my businessWhy “scaling” doesn’t always look the way you think it willGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what’s possible in your design business.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

You’ve heard designers talk about rebrands. But what does it actually feel like on the founder’s side? In this episode, I sat down with the creators of three beverage brands who’ve rebranded their products multiple times — and they didn’t hold back. We talked about design, shelf presence, retail growth, visual strategy, and how branding decisions get made when real money is on the line.You’ll learn:Why this brand went through three rebrandsWhat founders value most in design partnershipsThe surprising ways visuals impact shelf salesHow to make your work more strategic and founder-friendlyGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Scaling your design business doesn’t have to mean overworking, overdelivering, or overcomplicating everything. I spent years trying to grow by doing more. More services. More clients. More offers. And all it did was push me closer to burnout. In this episode, I’m walking you through how I shifted into sustainable growth by simplifying what worked, protecting my energy, and structuring my week like a real CEO. If your business feels heavy or chaotic, this is your reset.You will learn:What actually causes burnout when trying to scaleHow to structure your week so your business becomes scalableWhat to delegate first, even if you’re not fully bookedHow to simplify offers, team, and systems to support growthWhy doing less is the fastest way to scale sustainablyGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to scale your design business without burning out.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

You don’t become an agency owner by accident. It takes intention, structure, and a shift in how you think about money, clients, and your own value. I spent years making mistakes that kept me stuck in the freelance cycle. From undercharging and customizing every project to thinking hiring was only for people who were ready. In this episode, I’m walking you through everything I wish I knew earlier so you can skip the struggle and step into your next level faster.You will learn:Why productizing your services leads to better clients and more freedomHow to stop underpricing and start thinking like a CEOWhat your first hire should actually be and it’s probably not a designerThe difference between selling design and selling resultsThe mindset shift that helped me go from surviving to scalingGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to build the business you actually want.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Most designers think they need a fancy funnel to book high-paying clients. Freebies, automations, email sequences, nurture series. But the truth is, premium design clients are not waiting for your welcome email. They are actively looking for someone right now and they want clarity, confidence, and a clear next step. In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a simple funnel that actually works for a design business. One that positions you as the expert and gets more qualified inquiries without overcomplicating anything.You will learn:Why traditional funnels do not work for premium design servicesThe three parts your website must have to convert visitors into clientsWhat your call to action should say and where it should beHow to remove the friction that causes clients to ghostWhat to include on your site that builds trust instantlyClose the tabs, grab your favorite drink, and let’s upgrade how you attract serious clients.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Most designers think they need to learn more skills or work more hours to grow their income. But the truth is, your next level might be as simple as adding one high-value offer. In this episode, I share why web design is one of the smartest ways to grow your revenue without burning out. I’ll show you how to position it, how I structure my process, and why it can turn one-time clients into long-term partnerships.You will learn:Why web design is easier to sell than branding aloneHow to simplify your process and avoid tech overwhelmWhat makes web design naturally scalable and recurringHow to position websites as strategic solutions, not just designMy exact $9K to $12K web package structurePour your coffee, grab your notebook, and let’s rethink how you grow your design business with less stress and more strategy.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Can you run multiple creative businesses and still stay focused? In this episode, I talk to Ed Prowell, founder of Potting Shed, about what it takes to run a successful brand and digital studio, work with global clients, and build a company that thrives without chaos. We also unpack how neurodiversity impacts entrepreneurship, what AI is doing to the creative industry, and how to build systems that let your creativity shine.You will learn:How Ed built a flexible yet focused multi-brand studioWhy operations are just as important as creativityHow to use AI in your agency without losing the human touchWhy referrals are your most powerful lead sourceWhat tools successful agencies use to stay organizedGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business!And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

If you feel stuck charging two or three thousand per project no matter how good your work is, this episode is for you.I am breaking down the exact reasons most designers plateau at low rates and how to shift your positioning so you can finally start booking premium clients. High-paying clients are not just buying deliverables. They are investing in transformation, clarity, and confidence. Your offer has to reflect that.You will learn:Why your current offer might be pushing good clients awayHow to position your services for results instead of tasksThe mindset difference between three thousand and ten thousand dollar designersWhat premium clients are actually looking forHow to build a focused offer that scales your incomeGrab your notebook, hit play, and let’s shift how you think about value so you can finally raise your prices with confidence.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator