243: The Anti-Design Trend: Doing Less (Visually) to Stand Out More

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclassIf you’ve ever opened Canva and felt the urge to add just one more thing... a shadow here, a glow there, maybe a new font “just this once”, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth that most designers won’t tell you: over-designing your graphics might actually be lowering your brand’s perceived value.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what I call the Anti‑Design Method. It’s all about creating graphics that feel clear, clean and high-end, without needing to touch every Canva trick in the book.What you’ll learn:Why adding “more” design can make your brand look cheaperWhat the “Science of Simplicity” isThe #1 principle to apply insteadHow to use size contrast to immediately improve your graphicsWhat to strip back in your design (fonts, colours, effects, and more)TimestampsIntro 0:00Making everything simple 2:30Thoughts on hierarchy 3:19Don't use too many fonts 6:00Don't use too many effects 6:26Final thoughts 8:34PSA 9:17Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CCA3QQbAsWwRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep243/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Joining me is Shay Brown, co‑founder and COO of Bucketlist Bombshells, freedom‑lover and business strategist extraordinaire. We dig into how she’s built a purpose‑driven, multi‑6‑figure business without burning out; how she works roughly 25–30 hours a week; and how you can choose the right business model for your season too.Whether you’re curious about whether to do a course, a membership or high‑ticket ‘done‑with‑you’, this chat is for you.What you’ll learn:Why your business model should start with “What does your niche want?” The trap of low‑ticket courses vs the power of high‑ticket offersThe “trash - trim - transfer” framework: how to reclaim time and scale your businessHow to map your energetics + lifestyle to your business modelBoundary setting, rhythms and the beautiful reality of working 25 hours a week on purposeTimestampsIntro 0:00Interview 2:05Wrap-up 41:27ABOUT SHAY:Shay is the Co-Founder and COO of Bucketlist Bombshells, a purpose-driven business coaching company that empowers women to build successful service-based online businesses – specifically in graphic design, branding & website design, digital & content marketing, social media management, public relations, and business operations. Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, Shay’s holistic business coaching style blends her expertise in sales, operations, and financial management with a compassionate focus on mindset development. Over the past 10 years, she has helped grow Bucketlist Bombshells to generate over $6 million in revenue and serve over 10,000 women worldwide, achieving recognition in Forbes, BBC and CNBC. When she’s not coaching women inside their business programs Bucketlist Bombshells Launch Camp™, She’s Fully Booked® and Scale With Purpose Mastermind™, you can find her co-hosting their top-charting podcast, The Freedom Filled Life™ Podcast, inspiring entrepreneurial women. Shay now enjoys a balanced life with a part-time 4-day workweek, allowing her to travel, pursue her hobbies, and focus on her personal wellness!CONNECT WITH SHAY:Your FREE Dream Client Playbook to consistently land more clients & grow your revenue: https://bucketlistbombshells.com/seriouslyinbusinessGet booked out in your business and start generating $5k+ months: https://bucketlistbombshells.com/shesfullybookedHit 6 figures and ready to scale? Join our small group coaching program: https://bucketlistbombshells.com/mastermindTune into the Freedom Filled Life Podcast: https://bucketlistbombshells.com/podcast/Connect with Shay directly in the DMs here: https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistbombshells/Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DxQeWzmH_nQRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep242/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Join the Co+Creation Design Club: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/clubI chat with Jessica, a fellow designer turned business owner, about what really goes on behind the scenes of a rebrand, why even designers struggle to do it for themselves, and how the right support turns brand chaos into clarity and momentum.We keep it real (kids, beads and all) and talk through the nitty‑gritty of design blocks, DIY frustrations and how to step into a brand you’re proud of.What we cover:Jessica’s story: launching her business in maternity leave, outgrowing her brand, and feeling misaligned.The truth about rebranding: why it doesn’t always happen, even when you know designThe value of external eyes and accountabilityStrategic systems in Canva to save timeJessica’s tips for getting startedTimestampsIntro 0:00Interview 3:00Wrap up 26:00GET IN TOUCH WITH JESSICA:Free Website Audit: https://jessicahainesdesign.com/website-audit-checklistWebsite: https://jessicahainesdesign.comFree Facebook Group: https://jessicahainesdesign.com/facebookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicahainesdesignABOUT JESSICA:Jessica Haines is a website designer and SEO coach for women in service-based businesses. She creates websites that capture your magic, get you found in searches and turn your visitors into clients and subscribers.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EkyHfwRlIbYRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep241/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Join the Co+Creation Design Club: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/clubToday I’m chatting with Chloe & Vickie of The Movement Perspective, two clever Pilates‑studio owners and coaches who recently created a standout Instagram carousel that blew the roof off their reach. We dig into how the idea came about, how they designed it (with a little help from me), what roadblocks they faced and the exciting results that followed.Key Takeaways:How they transformed raw membership‑statistic data into a visually compelling carousel The importance of brand colours, font hierarchy, arrows, movement and design elements in making slides work, not just “look nice”How combining strategy (know your audience) + design (make it scroll‑stop) + CTA/coaching content = meaningful resultsThe results: ~28,500 views, 89% non‑followers reached, 394 profile visits, 71 new followers from one carousel postWhy templates, brand asset libraries and on‑brand visuals save massive time and increase consistency (especially for busy business owners)The value of ongoing support, feedback and community in the ClubTimestamps:Intro 0:00Interview 2:06Wrap up 26:25Vickie and Chloe are the co-founders of The Movement Perspective and the powerhouse duo behind the Studio Mastery™ Method; a six-month mastermind helping female boutique Pilates studio owners add $10K+ in monthly revenue, fill their classes on repeat, and finally pay themselves without burning out. After building their own 7-figure studio, Breathe Pilates Studio, they now teach others how to do the same.. with simple systems, smart strategy, and a whole lot of fun. Follow Vickie and Chloe on @the.movement.perspectiveWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GdxJI8YKFTARead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep240/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Join the Co+Creation Design Club: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/clubToday I’m chatting with Sarah from the Co+Creation Design Club (and previously the DIY Design My Biz crew) about what happens when your visuals don’t feel like you anymore. We dig into the moment when you know “something’s off”, how to spot it, and how to move from uninspired graphics to a brand you own and love. This one’s for you if you’re showing up in business but your graphics are just… there. It’s time to make them matter.Key Takeaways:Your brand visuals are doing more than “looking nice”That feeling of “something’s off” usually means there’s a misalignment between how you show up and how your visuals make you feelA rebrand isn’t always massive, but sometimes you do need to go full‑tilt if the old colours, graphics, templates no longer serveWhy you should build systems & templates (for social, podcasts, lead magnets, courses) once, reuse them oftenHow having support (a coach, design team, community) means you don’t get stuck mid‑carousel or mid‑templateYour Facebook (or community) space isn’t just an “offer platform”...it’s building relationshipsTimestampsIntro 0:00Interview 2:13Wrap Up 24:58Sarah is a Facebook group strategist and business coach for Christian women. She helps them start, grow and monetize their Facebook groups so they can grow their online businesses with more peace and less overwhelm.Connect with Sarah in my Facebook Group: https://sarahbeisel.com/communityGrab my free guide - 100 Conversation Starters for Facebook Groups: https://offers.sarahbeisel.com/conversationstartersJoin the Group Growth Club: https://offers.sarahbeisel.com/clubWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zMW_bD2Ba-YRead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep239/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

What if hiring someone isn’t the answer… because you haven’t defined your OWN job yet?In this episode, I’m joined by Ash Battye - leadership coach, business owner and founder of Emerald HQ - to unpack the not-so-glamorous but super essential reality of hiring in small business.We dive into what actually needs to happen before you post your first job ad (spoiler: it starts with YOU), how to delegate without micromanaging, and how to recover if a hire isn’t the right fit.Whether you’re prepping for your first VA or trying to grow your team with intention, this episode will help you step into your leadership role with clarity and confidence.We chat:Why defining your own role is step one before hiring anyoneWhat mindset shift helps small business owners become strong leadersHow to attract the right candidates (and avoid hiring from overwhelm)The difference between delegation and micromanagementWhat to do if a hire isn’t working out, and how to handle it with integrityTimestampsIntro 0:00Interview 1:58Wrap up 41:28About Ash Battye and Emerald HQAt Emerald HQ, we support women in business to build teams that actually work - the kind where people share your values, take ownership, and grow with the business. We focus on hiring the right people the first time, HR admin that sets you up for long-term success, leadership support that helps you step out of being the employee and into your role as leader of your business, and defining and embedding culture that attracts and keeps the right people. Everything we do is real-world, people-first, practical, and built for small businesses. Founded by Ash, Chief Hiring Nerd and Hiring & Leadership Partner, our work combines clarity, culture, and confidence to create trusted teams and sustainable success. At Emerald HQ, our focus is ultimately on supporting women to build with intention a business they enjoy and life they love, whatever success looks like for them.Connect with Ash:https://www.instagram.com/emeraldhqau/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighbattye/ Step into your role as leader of your business and join the Emerald Leaders Lounge as a founding member for just $79 per month - https://www.emeraldhq.com.au/emerald-leaders-loungeWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/im279J3cqV8Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep238/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Ever opened Canva and immediately wanted to close your laptop again? Maybe it’s the 47 unnamed files…Or that logo you swear you uploaded but can’t find anywhere…Or just the time-suck of starting from scratch every single time.In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact system I use to organise my Canva like a pro, and save HOURS of design time every month.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why your Canva chaos isn’t about the app 5 must-do steps to organise your Canva for goodHow naming files and using folders can literally save you hoursThe sneaky search feature inside Canva most people don’t useWhy your Brand Kit is the key to consistency (even if it’s not perfect yet!)💜 Ready to finally make Canva your shortcut, not your stress? Join me for The Canva Shortcut: Canva Made Simple for Busy Business Owners: a 2-hour live virtual workshop happening Nov 10! 🎨Get your free ticket: https://www.whitedeer.com.au/canvashortcutOr join me in person: https://www.whitedeer.com.au/unboxedTry Canva Pro 👉 https://partner.canva.com/whitedeerTimestampsIntro 0:00Tip 1 4:53Tip 2 6:56Tip 3 9:24Tip 4 11:17Tip 5 12:36Wrapping up 14:29Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ddbOUBt6PA4Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep237/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

If Canva could talk, it would probably throw some serious sass your way...In this cheeky but wildly helpful podcast episode, I share what your Canva chaos is actually trying to tell you about your brand, your systems, and your mindset. Because the truth is... how you use Canva reflects how you run your business.From version 87 logos to Untitled 45 file names, I’m walking you through how to fix the mess, streamline your system, and make Canva your biz bestie again.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why chaotic Canva files signal deeper biz issuesThe importance of your Brand Kit (and how to finally set it up)How inconsistent colours + fonts destroy trustWhen to stop tweaking designs and JUST POST IT 💜Why Canva is a mirror, not the problem💜 Ready to finally make Canva your shortcut, not your stress? Join me for The Canva Shortcut: Canva Made Simple for Busy Business Owners: a 2-hour live virtual workshop happening Nov 10! 🎨Get your free ticket: https://www.whitedeer.com.au/canvashortcutOr join me in person: https://www.whitedeer.com.au/unboxedTimestampsIntro 0:00Tip 1 2:46Tip 2 6:53Tip 3 10:10PSA 11:52Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BiqiQCmls74Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep236/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

So many women in business get tangled up in all the things they “should” be doing with design. But I firmly believe: mindset (your brain) will always override skills. In this episode, I walk you through three mindset traps I see over and over: perfectionism, comparison, and fear of visibility...plus a bonus mindset shift you can start applying today.Key TakeawaysPerfectionism: Why chasing “perfect” stops you from ever showing up Comparison: The sneaky way comparing yourself to others paralyzes creativity (and what to do instead)Fear of Visibility: Why you might avoid showing up, and how stepping into the spotlight is a muscle you can growBonus: You are creative even if you don’t feel like itGet your free ticket to the Design Masterclass 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclassTimestampsIntro 0:00Tip 1 2:30Tip 2 6:04Tip 3 9:23Bonus Tip 12:26Extra things you should know 14:22Wrapping up 17:36Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O8DLs_YdE8ERead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep235/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

I chat with Trang Nova, a speaking coach, storyteller, and founder, about one of the most powerful tools in your business toolkit: storytelling.In our conversation, she walks us behind the scenes of her own daily routines, shares her journey from a shy immigrant kid to TEDx speaker, and gives actionable tips for transforming your stories into marketing, content, and connection.If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to sound “real” in your posts, stressed about how much backstory to share, or unsure where to drop a story in your emails/website, you’re going to love this episode.We discuss:How your morning routine is non-negotiableUsing storytelling to build trust, curiosity, and emotional connectionHow to convert a bland summary into a compelling storyStarting lessons with a story, whether in emails, social media, workshops, or pages on your websiteABOUT TRANG:Trang Nova is a speaking coach for entrepreneurs who want to speak with confident authority so they can be recognised as visible leaders in their businesses and on stages. Through Trang’s lifelong journey from being a withdrawn introvert to now being featured on global platforms like TEDx and Medium, she realised that speaking is a skill that can be mastered by anyone, not just those to whom it comes naturally. So now, she is on a mission to help others harness the power of their voice. Trang believes that when more visionaries speak up, then more leaders will successfully fulfil their potential and lead powerful movements to make this world better for us all and future generations. When she’s not on stage or coaching others, you’ll probably find her hiking on a mountain somewhere, giving her dogs forced cuddles, or stuffing her face with ice cream!CONNECT WITH TRANG:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trang_nova/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trang-nova-a887aba0/Website: https://www.trangnova.comPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/60IpvCPgc4amSdwhcatUpm?si=6ae13a26e03f4f37Email: [email protected] on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q8DjUze63IARead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep234/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio