Better: The Brand Designer Podcast
Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, founded by Giselle Field of Wander Design Co. and Jen Davis, was founded on the belief that designers need community. We find that the branding world often feels secretive, competitive, and sometimes just plain old confusing. When we realized that our honest, soul-chat-level convos could potentially help other designers, we realized a podcast was only natural! Better: The Brand Designer Podcast was officially born.Giselle passed away during a climbing trip in Peru in summer of 2020. We encourage all listeners of our podcast to listen to our two Celebrating Giselle episodes. Giselle's adventurous, kind, funny...
S13 E15: Motherhood & Creative Business Q&A with Sydney Walden
In this weeks episode I'm chatting with fellow design business owner and mom of three Sydney of Rouse Design Studio in a fun Q&A style all about motherhood and business, and also how we both live on land and raising animals and what that brings into the mix as well.
Guest Name: Sydney Walden (Rouse Design Studio)
Guest Website: rousedesignstudio.com
Guest Social: @rousedesignstudio
Links:
The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers<...
S13 E14: I’ve Stopped Doing These Things in My Design Business
Running a business means you're constantly evolving, and in this solo episode I'm sharing with you guys what that's looked like for me lately, what I've outgrown, what I've let go of, and what's working in this season of business for me and my micro agency model.
Also if you're curious to learn more about Scale with Confidence send me a DM on insta @hellojunecreative!
Links:
The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers
Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as...
S13 E13: Pivoting to and Designing for a Faith-Based Niche with Lisa Johnson
In this episode, I chat with Lisa Johnson, brand and web designer and owner of Verve & Concord. We chat about her decision to pivot her business and niche down to work specifically with Catholic and faith-based women in business, what led her there, how it's deepened her client connections, and why choosing a niche that's personally meaningful makes a difference in how you show up and market yourself.
Guest Name: Lisa Johnson
Guest Website: verveandconcord.com
Guest Social: @verveandconcord
Guest Linkedin:<...
S13 E12: Stock Isn’t Dead—You’re Just Using the Wrong Kind with Tina Loszewska & Jordan Aulin
In this episode, I chat with Tina and Jordan, the founders of Editorial Stock Images (ESI). We talk about why the word "stock" tends to make designers cringe, what's actually possible when stock imagery is done well, and how they built ESI to give creative service providers access to assets that feel emotional, editorial, and real.
>> Sign up here for ESI and use code BETTER15 and get 15% off your membership!
Guest Name: Tina Loszewska & Jordan Aulin
Guest Website: editorialstockimages.com
Guest Social:...
S13 E11: How to Offer Art Direction Services with Meghan Svetich
This week’s episode, I chat with Meghan, who works full-time as an art director in New York at a corporate apparel brand while also building her studio, Reine Creative, on the side. We dive into what it really looks like to plan and art direct a photoshoot from concept to execution, and why having strong creative direction behind your visuals matters so much, especially for your website and social media. It was so fun chatting with her and having another past Minimind student on the pod!
Guest Name: Meghan Svetich
...
S13 E10: Spring Clean Your Design Business with Me
I'm back with a solo episode talking all things spring cleaning… your business that is. With spring right around the corner, I'm sharing exactly how I'm cleaning up the backend of my business and refreshing my systems to stay organized during busy seasons and make sure my team is set up for success.
Links:
The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers
Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)
Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in...
S13 E09: The Pace That Holds You: Sustainable Success for High-Capacity Women with Ashleigh Henry
This week I have my good friend Ash back on the pod (last time was in 2022!) and so much has shifted for her since then. We chat about her pivot from running an agency and business consulting to stepping into personal development and life coaching focused on pacing, identity, and the “silent burnout” many high capacity women experience. She also shares more about her program, Harmonious Living.
Guest Name: Ashleigh Henry
Guest Website: ashleighchenry.com
Guest Social: @ashleighchenry
The Harmonious Living Prog...
S13 E08: How to Get into the Business of Font Design with Meg Burk
*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3-6, 2026 and reserve your ticket now to attend!Â
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In this week’s episode I have on a past Minimind student and friend of mine, Meg Burk, who is a multipassionate brand designer, font designer, and soon launching her own clothing active wear line as well. We're chatting all things fonts, creativity, and what it really looks like to build a business that holds space for more than one passion.
Guest Name: Meg Burk
Guest Web...
S13 E07: Why Every Designer Needs An In-Person Experience (At Least Once A Year) with Kenzi Green & Marisa Burgett
*Get your ticket for The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026!
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This week, I welcome Kenzi and Marisa, the founders of The Brief Collective, back on the pod for a conversation about the power of getting together with like-minded creatives in person. They share all the details about their upcoming designers retreat, Scaling Summit, happening May 3rd–6th, 2026 in Asheville, NC.
Guest Names: Kenzi Green & Marisa Burgett
Guest’s Website: thebriefcollective.com
Scaling Summit Retreat: Get your tick...
S13 E06: Designing Brands That Hold Up Over Time with Matt Ellis
*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026 and reserve your spot!
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This week I chatted with Matt Ellis, who is the Executive Director of Brand at Metalab in the UK. We talk about how he spotted a gap at MetaLab to bring in more brand services that actually enhance product development, and what makes a brand stand the test of time. He also shares his take on AI—experimenting with new tools while keeping your craft sharp, using AI to explore ideas and make them richer rather than just sp...
S13 E05: How an Adult Autism Diagnosis Changed My Approach to Creativity with Jennifer Murtell
*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026 and reserve your spot!
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In this episode, I chat with Jennifer, VP of Strategy & Innovation at creative agency Marks. She shares her journey from traditional advertising to becoming a leader in brand strategy, and how her autism diagnosis helped many of her ways of thinking finally make sense. We talk about the power of emotional detachment and truth-telling in creative work, plus why adaptability and future-focused thinking matter more than ever—especially for small agencies and independent designers.
...
S13 E04: How to Pay Yourself, Pay off Debt, and Save like a CEO (Even with Variable Income) with Gina Knox
In this episode, I chat with Gina Knox, a financial coach who helps small business owners craft strategic financial plans. She shares her journey from art school to QuickBooks to financial coaching, and dives into the unique financial challenges small businesses face and how to get better at managing your finances. Gina is on a mission to help business owners thrive financially, and I took so much goodness away from our conversation and I hope you do too!
Guest Name: Gina Knox
Guest Website: ginaknox.co
<...
S13 E03: How to Reignite Your Inner Creative Spark When It Fizzles Out with Vidya Ramachandran
In this episode, I chat with Vidya, a leadership catalyzer, strategy consultant, and founder of Warrier Strategy. We talk about the challenges of monetizing your passion, especially in creative fields, which can often lead to burnout. Vidya also shares her personal journey from a seemingly fulfilling life to experiencing burnout, what led her to make major life changes, and how she ultimately transitioned into coaching other business owners and creatives.
Guest Name: Vidya Ramachandran
Guest Website: vidyawarrier.com
Guest IG: @vidya.r.warrier
<...S13 E02: The Wildest Client Feedback You’ve Ever Gotten
In this episode, I read and chat about some of the wild client feedback you have received as designers that you guys submitted, plus share a few stories of my own.
*Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template
Links:
The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers
Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)
Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*
Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “He...
S13 E01: Peek Into My Daily Schedule
Happy New Year listeners! In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what an ideal day and weekly schedule looks like for me as a mom of two, wife, and business owner working 24 hours a week. I'm also chat a bit about Scale with Confidence, my new sister offer to The Design Minimind.
Links:
The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers
Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)
Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in...
From the Archives | S9 E1: How to Get Faster at Brand & Web Design
Enjoy this episode from the archives while we're on our Holiday break! We will be back with season 13 next week!
In this solo episode, I’ll be chatting about ways to improve your efficiency and get faster at brand and web design, allowing you to scale back on your working hours.
Inbox Question:
“What's an appropriate amount of time spent on choosing brand colors (initially)?” - Shelby Reed
Links:
The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers
Down...
From the Archives | S8 E5: Market Research for Small Studios with Emmanuel Probst
Enjoy this episode from the archives while we're on our Holiday break! We will be back with season 13 on Jan 13th!
I chat with Emmanuel Probst, Global Lead of Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, a global market research company. We dive into all things market research and brand transformation. Emmanuel gives insights into the skills and empathies independent designers can offer clients that larger agencies can’t, as well as ways to find unique inspiration outside of social media. There are so many incredible topics discussed in this episode and I can’t wait for you to hear it!<...
From the Archives | S9 E11: How to Level-Up Your Web Services with Chris Misterek from Showit
Enjoy this episode from the archives while we're on our Holiday break! We will be back with season 13 on Jan 13th!
I interview Chris Misterek from Showit! As you all know I am a huge fan of Showit and we talk everything from Chris' own design journey, to the Showit design community, to creating websites that convert.
Guest Name: Chris Misterek
Guest Business Name: Showit
Guest Website: showit.com
Links Mentioned:
Sign up...
From the Archives | S7 E5: The Power of Having Your Ideal Clients Coming to you on Autopilot with Adrienne Johnston
Enjoy this episode from the archives while we're on our Holiday break! We will be back with season 13 on Jan 13th!
Adrienne Johnston joins Jen to talk all about how she generates 5+ leads per week WITHOUT doing active content marketing! This was such an interesting and insightful conversation all about using the power of simple, effortless SEO shifts to start capturing leads that may not have been aware of you.
Guest Name: Adrienne Johnston
Guest Business Name: Adrienne Johnston
Guest...
S12 E18: Answering Your Inbox Questions
We’re wrapping up Season 12, which means it’s inbox question time! I’m answering questions submitted by you guys, mainly from those hopping into our podcast Facebook group. And if you’re not a part of the group yet, go join—you can submit your own question, and it might be featured on a future episode!
Links Mentioned:
Apply to be a guest!
Claude Ai
S5 E14: Iterating on the One Concept Method
S5 E23: Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinness<...
S12 E17: Jen’s 2025 Business Recap: 22 Lessons Learned
In this solo episode, I'm recapping my 2025 business year and answering some questions about what worked, lessons learned, and things I'm leaving behind in 2025 and what I am taking into 2026.
Mentions in Episode:
My Bookkeeper: Balanced Roots Bookkeeping / @balacnedrootsbookkeeping
Brand Shoot: Lynette Ortiz Photography / @lynetteortiz.photo
Shopify Developer: Jenuine Creative / @jenuinecreative
My Episode with Bethany: The Part-Time Breadwinner: Working Less, Earning More, Living Fully
My Episode with Marty Neumeier: Diving into Octavo...
S12 E16: Agency vs. Courses vs. Live Programs: How to Choose the Best Path to Scale Your Online Design Business with Shay Brown
In this week’s episode, Shay, the COO of Bucketlist Bombshells, joins me to discuss scalable business models for brand and web designers. We talk about the challenges designers face, such as revenue plateaus and burnout, and provide actionable insights on transitioning to more sustainable models, as well as the importance of defining a niche, raising rates, and creating recurring revenue through current clients and monthly membership models.
Guest Name: Shay Brown
Guest Website: bucketlistbombshells.com
Guest IG/Connect in the DM’s: @bucketlistbombshells
S12 E15: Branding Bestie Chit Chat: How to Trade Your Design Services with Lauren Braier
This week, we are back with another branding bestie episode with my design bestie, Lauren. We chat about the benefits and strategies of trading design services, how Lauren recently did trades with vendors for her wedding, and some past and current trades we’ve both done. We also talk about the importance of choosing the right trade partners, times when trades are appropriate, and making sure you don’t skip the contract just because it’s a trade.
*Don’t forget to drop a post in the podcast FB group or DM Lauren or Jen if you wish and...
S12 E14: Are You Making these Brand & Web Design Business Mistakes?
✨ The Design Minimind - Apply Here (applications open until Nov 20th — limited spots are filling fast!)
Episode Description:
In this solo episode, I chat about some common mistakes brand and web design studio owners frequently make that are interfering with the growth and profitability as a business owner. Drawing from years of experience and observing patterns among my students in The Design Minimind as a mentor.
Episode Mentioned:
S5 E14: Iterating on the One-Concept Method
Link...
S12 E13: Going from “Freelance” to “Studio” (and Surpassing $10k Months!) with Shani Josefovits
The Design Minimind - Accepting Applications NOW OPEN! - Apply Here.
___
This week, I had a past Design Minimind student Shani of Shani Jay Creative on to talk about her experience in the program and how much of an impact it had on her business and the revenue goals she hit and surpassed! We talk about the importance of confidence, going all in, proper mindset, and strategic investments in building a sustainable and profitable design & web business.
Guest Name: Shani Josefovits
Guest Website: shanijaycreative...
S12 E12: Spooooky Client Stories (Round 3!) with Audrey Humphreys
I’m back with another spooky client story episode in celebration of Halloween, with Audrey who is my production designer here at Hello June. We read your spooky stories that you submitted anonymously and Jen shares a spooky(kinda) lead that reached out to her as well!
Guest Name: Audrey Humphreys (HJC's production designer!)
Guest Website: audaciouscreativestudio.com
Guest IG: @audaciouscreativestudio
Episodes Mentioned:
S8 E12Â |Â Spooooky Client Stories (Round 2) with Lauren Braier
S6...
S12 E11: Person-First vs. Platform-First: Optimizing Your Social Media Content for Connection with Katie Campbell
In this episode, I chat with Katie of Katie Creative Co, who is a social media strategist. We dive into the nuances of using social media effectively—focusing on a people-first approach that prioritizes genuine relationships over algorithmic approval. Katie shares her tactical breakdown of growth, nurture, and connection content, the power of vulnerability and personal storytelling, and practical ways to avoid burnout. This episode is perfect for those looking to enhance their social media presence while staying authentic and avoiding burnout.
Guest Name: Katie Campbell
Guest Website: ka...
S12 E10: Diving into Octavo, a Thriller for Designers with Marty Neumeier
*Pre-order Octavo on Amazon*
Episode Description:
In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with one of my design icons, Marty Neumeier, who is an accomplished designer and author. We chat about his new design-thriller book, The Scarlett Files/Octavo, his shift from non-fiction to fiction, and how he integrates design and writing within his work. Marty also shares how his early experiences shaped his career and why storytelling plays such an essential role in branding, design, and his writing.
Guest Na...
S12 E09: Demystifying SEO for Web Designers—SEO Q&A with Julia Bocchese
*Submit your Spooky Client Stories* 👻 🕸️
This week, I chat (Q&A style) with Julia Bocchese who is an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) expert, to discuss SEO strategies tailored specifically for web designers. We talk about the challenges and misconceptions around SEO, including client communication, expectations, and the technical nuances of ensuring sites rank well on Google. Key topics covered include the importance of user experience, site speed, mobile design, image optimization, and the role of tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics. The episode also addresses a bit about AI optimization as well.
S12 E08: How to Scale Your Studio with White Label Design with Kayla Batista
In this episode, I chat with Kayla Batista, owner of Brand Barista, all about her journey in the design industry and the unique dynamics of being a white label designer. Kayla shares her background, her transition from one-on-one client work to specializing in white label design, and the flexibility it brings, especially during challenging times. We delve into her business model, the nuances of pricing and process, and how to establish effective and respectful relationships between agency owners and white label designers. Kayla also talks about her course, 'The White Label Way,' and her upcoming Discord community, offering...
S12 E07: Launching a New CRM: Introducing Tezzera with Abbey McGrew
*Join the Tezzera waitlist | Launching Fall 2025
In this episode, Abbey McGrew is back on the pod, all the way from Season 1! We discuss all the details of Abbey's latest venture, Tezzera, a CRM designed specifically for designers, tackling a major gap in the market. Abbey discusses the features of Tezzera, its development process, and her vision to make administrative tasks feel creative and on-brand. Tezzera is launching with beta testers in October, with the official launch planned for Nov.
00:00: Intro + Minimind Testimonials
05:51: Abbey’s Life Updates: Mo...
S12 E06: So You Want to Book Luxury Clients? These Are Your First Practical Steps with Bethany McCamish
✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨
Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!)
This week, I chat with Bethany McCamish, a speaker, author, podcast host, and design agency owner, about her multifaceted career journey. Bethany shares invaluable insights into attracting and serving luxury clients, the importance of personal branding, and the impact of authentic storytelling on social media. We both discuss practical advice on elevating your design business and positioning your...
S12 E05: Catch Up With Jen: My Wins and Struggles Recently
In this solo episode, I wanted to switch gears and just have a fun little chat with you about life and discuss some current wins and struggles running a business and being a mom currently to little kids. I also discuss a new educational offer I'm creating in partnership with the Minimind—designed to help fellow designers scale their businesses more effectively.
00:00: IntroÂ
00:56: Personal Life and Business UpdatesÂ
02:33: Client Wins and Business GrowthÂ
06:38: Team Dynamics and Work StructureÂ
14:5...
S12 E04: Six Sneaky Places Design Businesses Leak Time & Money with Shannon Mattern
✨ Get access to my Creative Direction Figma Template for FREE ✨
Episode Description:
In this episode, I chat with Shannon Mattern, a web design business coach and founder of the Web Designer Academy, to discuss her journey from corporate marketing to running a successful web design coaching business. Shannon shares the key turning points in her career, including how she identified and overcame six common areas where design businesses leak time and money and shares with us what those are. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, proper pricing, and setting boundaries to e...
S12 E03: How to Use AI in Your Branding Business & The Future of AI in Boutique Branding with Liz Martinez-Nelson
✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨
Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!) below!
👉🏼 Grab the template here! — Coming Sept 1st!
Episode Description:
As the first guest of season 12, I talk with Liz from Favorite Things Studio to discuss the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in brand strategy and design. Liz shares her journey from casting director to boutique brand designer, emphasizing the value of AI tools...
S12 E02: How to Name Your Business (or Your Clients’ Business)
✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨
Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!) below! I'll send it out September 1, 2025 (or automatically after that date) - are you ready? đź‘€
👉🏼 Grab the template here!
Episode Description:
In this solo episode, Jen talks about the intricacies of naming your business or your client's business. She covers the emotional (yes, that’s a thing!) and psychological aspects of naming, common...
S12 E01: How to Thrive During Slow Seasons
✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨
Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!) below! I'll send it out September 1, 2025 (or automatically after that date) - are you ready? đź‘€
👉🏼 Grab the template here!
In this first episode of season 12, Jen is talking about something we've all experienced as business owners—slow seasons. But here's the thing: these quiet moments are actually golden opportunities! She shares ideas and ways for thriving during...
S11 E21: Answering Your Inbox Questions
Wrapping up season 11 with a fun one! I’m answering your questions straight from the inbox.Â
Questions:
5:03: I’m a branding designer currently and I was wondering if you had an episode on pricing brand projects with and without websites?Â
6:55: How do you professionally incorporate Ai into your process?Â
12:05: If client "A" offers 10K for a project but you're a little iffy about some portion of the project vs client "B" offers 8K for approximately the same amount of time, which do you choose?
16:39: Creative directi...
S11 E20: My Favorite Adobe Illustrator Hidden Gems
In this solo episode, I’m talking about the tools and shortcuts I use every day in Adobe Illustrator (my favorite Adobe software!) while designing for my clients. Plus, I’m sharing exactly where to find them in Illustrator and how I use them. Follow along in more detail over on the blog post while you listen! - hellojunecreative.co/blog.
00:00: Intro
03:52: Pattern Brush Tool
05:31: Duplicate Shortcut
06:27: Smooth Tool
07:39 Pattern Tool
09:21: Width Tool...
S11 E19: 5-Year Update on Motherhood & Business (Q&A Style!)
In this solo episode, I'm getting real about what five years of motherhood and business ownership looks like—and spoiler alert, it's nothing like I expected when my son was born back in 2020.
With baby two now in the mix, I'm diving into how being a mom has completely shifted alongside my career. We're talking daily schedules (chaos included), managing client expectations, and Dylan (my husband) now being home full-time with the kids. Plus the financial pressures of variable income and my ongoing feelings of mom guilt.
00:45 Motherhood & Business Q&A
...
