Seriously in Business: Brand + Design, Marketing and Business

40 Episodes
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By: White Deer, Jacqui Naunton

(Previously: "Design Hacks for DIYers") The podcast for all things branding, design, marketing and business strategy for your small biz. Hosted by Jacqui Naunton, pro graphic designer and coach at White Deer Graphic Design. This is the podcast for small biz owners (aka, entrepreneurs) who love to have fun AND take their biz seriously. We'll be diving into DIY graphic design and the crucial role it plays in building a successful business... a business that is not only your passion but is taken seriously by the world. You'll also get to learn key branding insights from yours truly, as well...

260: What I’d Do Differently If I Rebranded Today
#260
Yesterday at 8:00 PM

Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/jacquinaunton_Rebranding Terms & Conditions apply.*

If you’re thinking about rebranding… this is your sign to STOP before you open Canva.

Because the biggest mistake I see?

It’s not bad design… it’s bad strategy.

I’m walking you through exactly how to rebrand your business the right way… so you’re not back here in 3 months wondering why it didn’t work. We’re going beyond colours, logos and fonts… and diving into the strategy that actually makes yo...


259: Why Your Content Takes So Long (It’s NOT What You Think)
#259
03/30/2026

https://whitedeer.com.au/multiplyGrab your FREE Canva repurposing system: https://whitedeer.com.au/mutiply

Last year, I shared something slightly embarrassing… I had published nearly 200 podcast episodes, and barely repurposed any of them.

Which meant hundreds of hours of valuable content were basically sitting there… unseen.

Today I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually changed everything for me. Because spoiler: the problem wasn’t what I thought it was… and it’s probably not what you think either.

If content creation feels overwhelming, messy, or inconsistent, this is going to shi...


258: You Don’t Need More Content… You Need THIS Repurposing System
#258
03/23/2026

Grab your FREE Canva repurposing system: https://whitedeer.com.au/repurpose

If you’ve ever felt like you’re putting SO much effort into your content… and barely seeing results, this video is going to hit home.

Because it’s not that your content isn’t good enough. It’s that you’re not fully USING it.

I’m sharing the exact shift I made about 50 episodes ago with my podcast that completely changed how I approach content... and how I turned one podcast into 20+ pieces of strategic content without adding more to my workload.

...


257: How I Actually Manage Finances of a Course, Coaching + Agency Business (With My Accountant Mum!)
#257
03/16/2026

Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/jacquinaunton_SwitchToXero Terms & Conditions apply.*

Running a business isn’t just about the visible parts… the branding, marketing, and client work.

Behind every growing business is a whole ecosystem of systems, numbers, and processes quietly doing the heavy lifting.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the backend of my business... and I’ve brought in a very special guest to help!

My mum, Sharon Gleeson, who just happens to be an accountant with 40+ years of...


256: 6 Mistakes That Ruin Your Design Project (Before It Even Starts)
#256
03/09/2026

Work with my design agency: www.whitedeer.com.au/studio

If you’ve ever hired a designer and the experience went sideways… you’ll want to watch this video.

Because while outsourcing design can save you time and elevate your brand, it can also go off the rails very quickly if the process isn’t handled properly.

Today I’m flipping the script a little. Usually I teach you how to DIY your branding and graphics in Canva. But since my design studio currently has a few openings, I thought this was the perfect ti...


255: 5 Backend Systems Every Legit Business Needs
#255
03/02/2026

Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/jacquinaunton_5Systems
Terms & Conditions apply.*

If you’ve ever felt like your business doesn’t feel “legit” yet… this video will change that. I’m sharing 5 systems that make you look professional AND feel organised (even before you hit 100k).

Looking professional isn’t just about having a beautiful logo or a polished Instagram feed.

It’s about what’s happening behind the scenes of your business.

If your business feels chaotic, slow-growing, or stuck in hobby mode… chance...


254: This Canva template mistake is slowing down your business
#254
02/23/2026

You buy the beautiful Canva template. You swap the colours. You change the fonts. You tweak the elements. And somehow… it still looks off. Amateur. Messy. Not quite right.

The Canva templates aren’t the problem, it’s because you haven’t been trained in design principles.

I’m unpacking why Canva hacks and templates feel like the solution (because we LOVE ease and efficiency)… but why they fall flat if you don’t understand the rules behind them. And in 2026, when attention spans are shorter than ever and trust is built in milliseconds, this matters more t...


253: Using LinkedIn to Book Clients (Without Social Media Overwhelm) with Hailey Rowe
#253
02/16/2026

If you’ve ever looked at LinkedIn and thought, “Nope, not for me…”, I brought on marketing and LinkedIn queen, Hailey Rowe, to chat about how she’s booking 2–4 quality calls a week without daily posting, premium plans, or spending hours on content.

We break down the exact steps to start using LinkedIn as a low-lift, high-reward platform for connecting with dream clients and collaborators. If Instagram’s burning you out… this is your sign to explore new options.

In this episode, we cover:

Why LinkedIn is secretly powerful for coaches + service providers The two groups of pe...


252: The Real Experience Behind My Brand Photoshoot (Planning + On The Day Tips)
#252
02/09/2026

Whether you’re a few months into business or well established, having brand photos makes your design work 100x easier and builds massive trust with your audience.

Here’s what I cover:

Why brand photo shoots matter more than you thinkDIY vs Pro: which route is right for your stage of bizHow I chose my photographer (and why I travelled!)Outfit planning tips and why brand colours matterThe posing cheat sheet I created for my shoot

Spotify Photoshoot Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1UjWSHNzEVFxcwVrJe1PbA?si=fe0dc23808bf40b4

Timestamps
Intr...


251: The Smarter Way to Build a Brand in Today’s Online Business World
#251
02/02/2026

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

One of the biggest questions new business owners face is this:

Should I outsource my design or learn to do it myself?

I unpack how design has changed dramatically over the last 15 years (spoiler: you now need way more graphics than you used to) and how that impacts your decision to outsource or DIY. I also share the real costs of both paths, not just financially, but in momentum and autonomy... and introduce my signature framework that helps you strike the...


250: 5 Ways I Teach My Students to Use AI in Design (That Isn’t Actually Designing)
#250
01/26/2026

DIY Design my Biz Course 👉 www.whitedeer.com.au/diydmb

AI might be everywhere right now, but it’s not yet the magical designer that spits out perfect branded designs the moment you ask it. However… there are incredibly practical ways to use AI that will save you time, help you create better design outcomes, support your clarity and build confidence as you design.

I share FIVE ways on how I use AI strategically, from getting clarity on your audience, to brainstorming inspiration, to reviewing your final design for improvements.

Whether you’re AI-curiou...


249: Brand Rules: When They Matter… and When They Don’t
#249
01/19/2026

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

Most business owners think branding rules are optional because they’re DIYing their brand… but your branding rules are one of the biggest drivers of recognisability, trust, and sales in your business. The trick is knowing when those rules are non‑negotiable and when you can be a little fluid with them without hurting your brand integrity.

In this podcast, I’m walking you through exactly what branding rules are, why consistency matters more than you realise, and how to decide whether to follow t...


248: Steal My Social Media Design Workflow and Make Designing Faster and Easier
#248
01/12/2026

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

90% of business owners tell me the SAME thing... design feels hard, slow and draining. You know you should post. You know you have ideas… but the minute you open Canva, your brain shuts down. Colors. Fonts. Layouts. Decision after decision. And then you don’t post at all.

In this episode, I’m showing you how to make DESIGNING POSTS feel easy again. Not perfect. Not award‑winning. Just clear, consistent and fast. And I’m sharing where design is stealing your time, and how...


247: You’re More On Track in Business Than You Realise
#247
01/05/2026

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

In today’s episode, we’re flipping the usual business marketing script. Instead of telling you everything you’re doing wrong, I want to celebrate everything you’re already doing right. So much of marketing conditions us to feel like we’re never enough: not posting enough, not strategic enough, not clever enough.

But there’s another way. What if you started noticing your progress... even the tiny things? What if you gave yourself permission to be exactly where you are and STILL grow? Thi...


246: Building a Profitable, Spacious Business (No Matter Where You Live) with Tori Kopke
#246
12/29/2025

In this podcast, I chat with the inspiring Tori Kopke, a coach and rural business owner living in the wheat‑belt of Western Australia. Tori shares what a real day looks like when you’re juggling farm life, motherhood and running a profitable coaching business … and how a few simple mindset shifts and smart systems have helped her build a business that fits her life (rather than consumes it).

We dig into how she went from corporate oil & gas to marketing agency to rural business coach, why “value over time” changed everything, and how she built a team and s...


245: The Confidence Loop: How Belief Transforms Your Design (and Your Results)
#245
12/22/2025

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

You might have all the Canva skills or templates in the world, but if you’re designing from a place of doubt… well, those graphics won’t sing. I’m talking about the real behind‑the‑scenes thing that determines whether your brand looks polished, cohesive and like a brand people want to buy from.

You’ll learn:

Why confidence is MORE important than fancy templates or perfect fonts when you’re building your brandThe three-step “Confidence Loop” that will transform how you create: Clarity...


244: Designing for Emotion, Not Just Aesthetics: How to Make People Feel Something
#244
12/15/2025

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

Or learn more about DIY Design my Biz 👉 https://diydesignmybiz.com/limited

Ever scrolled past a graphic on Instagram and… instantly forgot it existed? That might be exactly what’s happening with your graphics if they’re missing this one crucial thing: emotion.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most underused design strategies in business: using feeling to guide how you design. When your visuals convey emotion, they don’t just look good, they connect. That’s what drives acti...


243: The Anti-Design Trend: Doing Less (Visually) to Stand Out More
#243
12/08/2025

Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass

If 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-e...


242: The time & profit shortcuts to create a freedom‑first business
#242
12/01/2025

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 th...


241: Why Rebranding Alone Never Works (Here's What You're Missing)
#241
11/24/2025

Join the Co+Creation Design Club: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/club

I 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 matern...


240: The Carousel Post That Beat Their Reels (Getting 28K views!)
#240
11/18/2025

Join the Co+Creation Design Club: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/club

Today 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...


239: The Shortcut to a Brand You Actually Love
#239
11/10/2025

Join the Co+Creation Design Club: https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/club

Today 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.


238: Hire Right, Lead Boldly with Ash Battye
#238
11/03/2025

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...


237: My Personal Canva Organisation System: How I Keep My Designs (and Sanity) in Check
#237
10/27/2025

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 goodHo...


236: If Your Canva Could Talk, Here’s What It Would Say About Your Brand
#236
10/20/2025

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...


235: The Mindset Shift That Turns Your Canva Designs Into Cashflow
#235
10/13/2025

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 Takeaways

Perfectionism: 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...


234: How to Use Storytelling in Your Marketing to Become More Visible with Trang Nova
#234
10/06/2025

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...


233: The $100 Social Media Shortcut That Could Save You 30+ Hours
#233
10/03/2025

You don’t have to be on Instagram to grow a business, but if your people are there, it’s a goldmine. The pressure around Insta is real: content, consistency, algorithm, what to post, when to post, how much to sell … it’s overwhelming.

In this episode, I bust myths around Instagram and walk you through the three essential ingredients to posts that actually work... ones you won’t dread creating.

What we’re covering:

Myth of consistency alone: Posting regularly isn’t enough if your content is off-brand or directionlessIngredient 1: Strategic Content Pillars: five content p...


232 The Expansion That Led To One Of The Biggest Months In My Business Yet
#232
09/22/2025

I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really been going on behind the scenes in life and business lately. From building our dream home to launching my course again, winning an award I never thought I’d even enter, and hosting a retreat with my baby in tow, there’s been a lot.

If you’re a fellow business owner trying to do big things while living a full life, this episode’s for you.

What I share in this episode:

The heart (and chaos) behind building our family homeHow I finally re-recorded...


231: I Roasted 30 Instagram Feeds: Here are the Top 5 Mistakes I Saw
#231
09/15/2025

Ever wondered what’s really holding back your Instagram from looking professional and attracting clients? After running an Instagram audit experiment with my audience, I discovered some BIG recurring mistakes...and in this episode, I’m sharing the top five.
From font choices that confuse your audience, to post sizes that kill your reach, to the magic of consistent branding… this episode is packed with practical fixes you can apply today.

Inside you’ll learn:

Why consistency is the #1 thing your Instagram is probably missingHow fonts tell a story (and what yours are currently saying)The post...


230: Your Million-Dollar Course Idea Is Already in You (and How to Find It)
#230
09/08/2025

Ever wondered if online courses are still worth it in 2025? With AI, free content everywhere and a crowded market, you might be questioning whether your audience would really pay for one.

In today’s episode, I chat with Sara Vezensek, who went from private chef on luxury superyachts to building her freedom-based business online. We dive into the realities of online courses, what makes them succeed (or flop), and why YOU already have a million-dollar course idea inside you.

Here’s what we cover:

Sara’s story from “golden cage” yachting life to online coaching f...


229: How to Finally Look Consistent on Every Platform (Without Spending Hours)
#229
09/01/2025

If your Canva feels like chaos and your feed feels like a guessing game, no matter how hard you try, nothing just falls together...you’re not alone. That’s exactly what today’s episode is all about.

In the first four episodes, we covered your Foundations (B), Aesthetic (U), Identity Toolkit (I), and Logo (L). Now we top the pyramid with D, Design Suite. It’s what brings your brand together, makes your graphics cohesive, and saves you HOURS of time and overwhelm in Canva.

Key Takeaways:

Fonts, colours, elements create cohesionBuild an at‑a‑gla...


228: Is Your Logo Doing Its Job? (Most Aren’t)
#228
08/25/2025

If your logo is “fine” but doesn’t feel like you, attract the right clients, or work across platforms... it’s probably not doing its job.
In this episode, I’m diving into why logos should come after brand foundations, the difference between pretty and purposeful, and how to make your logo work everywhere from websites to socials.

What You’ll Learn:

Why your logo should be one of the last things you designWhat makes a logo purposeful, not just prettyKey mistakes that make logos clunky or hard to useWhat to include (and exclude!) in a clean logo...


227: The Design Decision That Builds Instant Trust With Your Audience
#227
08/18/2025

Inconsistent fonts. Off-brand colours. Visuals that feel “meh.”

Sound familiar? It’s not just a design issue, it’s a TRUST issue.

This is part 3 of the Build Brand Method series and we’re diving into your Identity Toolkit...a key design decision that builds INSTANT trust and makes designing in Canva faster, easier, and more professional.

Inside this episode, I’ll show you:

The 3 design decisions more important than a logoWhy fonts reflect personality (and how to choose the right ones)How colour combos create connection and consistencyThe difference between polished DIY vs Canva...


226: Still Don’t Know What Your Brand Should Look Like? Start With A Pinterest Moodboard
#226
08/11/2025

If you’ve ever opened Pinterest for brand inspiration and ended up lost in a rabbit hole of pretty-but-useless pins… you’re not alone.

In this episode (Part 2 of my Build Brand Method series), I’m showing you exactly how to use Pinterest strategically to create a mood board that actually helps you design your brand.

Whether you’ve never thought of using Pinterest for branding OR you’ve tried but felt overwhelmed, I’ll walk you through:

The 3 biggest mistakes people make when pinning for brand inspirationSearch terms that will give you way better results...


225: Before You Design Anything in Your Brand, You Need to Do THIS First
#225
08/04/2025

If you’ve been feeling like your brand is “fine” but not WOW… chances are, you’re missing this step.

Today I’m kicking off my Build Brand Model series by breaking down the very first thing you need to get right if you want a brand that’s magnetic, consistent, and actually works for your business.

Before you even open Canva or pick a colour palette, you need this foundation in place...because when you skip it, you end up with visuals that look nice… but don’t convert.

In this episode, we cover:

The f...


Designing for All: Simple Steps to Make Your Brand More Inclusive with Erin Perkins
#224
07/28/2025

Ever wondered if your gorgeous website and emails are missing the mark for millions of people with vision or hearing differences? In this guest podcast episode, Erin Perkins, deafblind accessibility educator and CEO of Mabely Q, joins me to share how small changes can create massive inclusivity in your business and boost trust, engagement & retention.

Key Takeaways

Accessibility isn’t just a checkboxSimple, non-overwhelming steps you can start TODAYReal insight into what’s actually working (and what isn’t) for people with vision/hearing lossTools and tips that you can implement right now

ABOUT ERIN:
E...


223: What Worked Then Won't Work Now (How to Stop Marketing Like it's 2015)
#223
07/21/2025

Can you believe how much has changed since 2015? TikTok didn’t exist, Canva was new, and the iPhone 6 was “cutting-edge.” Fast forward to now, and branding and business look totally different.

In this episode, I unpack the radical shifts in tech, consumer behaviour, content expectations, and brand design, so you can stay ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond.

Marketing today requires more platforms, more content, and more connectionCanva raised the bar, so your design strategy must be sharper than everPeople crave real community and connection with YOU, not a faceless businessConsistency builds brand recognisability and trustY...


222: The Power of a Mid-Year Reset (Plus We Have Something Special To Share!)
#222
07/14/2025

Running a business that feels good and gives you freedom doesn't just happen by accident. In this behind-the-scenes episode, I chat candidly with my biz bestie Hazal (marketing coach extraordinaire) about how we're using this mid-year moment to reset, reflect, and intentionally map out our next big moves...including our first ever Escape & Expand Retreat!

From juggling business with kids to globe-trotting while working part-time, we share what they're letting go of, how they're expanding, and why it's so important to stop, reflect, and dream bigger no matter what season you're in.

In this episode:<...


221: Q&A Behind The Scenes - Creative Ruts, Boundaries, Business meets mum life & More
#221
07/07/2025

This episode is a little different... in the best way.

I went totally off-script and let ChatGPT throw some questions at me that I think YOU would want to ask. Think of it like a friendly, unfiltered chat about all things design, business, Canva, and life.

Here’s what I answer:

What to do when you hit a creative rut (and why boundaries can spark creativity)My favourite new Canva feature (it’s a game-changer for planning!)Do I think design or messaging is more important?How motherhood made me outsource and grow my bizI...