Make It Pop

You've probably said it. I've definitely said it. “I want my brand to feel premium.” But here's the thing, when everyone's trying to look luxe, it all starts to look the same. In this episode, I'm calling out the Pinterest-perfect branding trap and sharing why chasing the “premium” vibe might actually be holding your business back.We'll chat about:What premium really means (hint: it's not beige with gold foil)The branding mistakes that make you blend inWhy playing it safe is the opposite of high-endAnd how to build a brand that's actually aligned, magnetic, and irresistiblePlus, I'm giving you five practical steps to shift your branding from meh, without losing yourself in the process. So if your brand feels flat, safe, or too similar to someone else's... this one's for you.x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Hi guys! Super pumped to bring you this episode after a tiny break (not so tiny...)If you've ever wondered, “Is this too weird to put in my branding?”, well this episode is for you. And spoiler alert! It's probably the exact thing that'll make you unforgettable.I also share how turning 40 sent me into a bit of a spiral (hi, existential dread), and how I've been journaling my way back to myself, quirks and all.We're talking about the weird little things that make you you, the colour you're obsessed with, the phrases you always say, your slightly awkward sense of humour, and how those exact things are what your brand is begging for.I'll give you a bunch of ways to actually use your quirks in your branding (yep, even the stuff that feels random) and make your business feel more like you, without sacrificing strategy.If you've ever felt like your brand is blending in, this episode is your reminder to stop being beige (unless you LOVE beige) and start owing the quirks that make you so unique.x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

I turned 40 this week… and something feels off. Ok, more like I'm pooping my pants

Think branding is just about pretty logos and colour palettes? Think again.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how strong, strategic branding supports real business growth, beyond just the visuals. From building trust and streamlining systems to increasing confidence, charging premium prices, and attracting your dream clients, branding touches every part of your business.Whether you're ready for a full glow-up or just need to reconnect with your current brand, this episode will help you understand where branding fits into your business ecosystem, and why it's one of the smartest investments you can make.If you've ever wondered, “What's the actual ROI of branding?” this one's for you.x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Feeling stuck on picking the perfect brand colour? Wondering if you need a signature shade like Tiffany blue or Coca-Cola red to stand out online?In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most common branding questions I get asked: Does your personal brand actually need a standout colour? Spoiler alert! It's not about being loud, it's about being aligned.We'll chat about:Where the pressure to have an iconic colour comes fromWhy picking a trending shade won't make your brand memorableHow to choose colours that feel like youWhen a hero colour actually does helpAnd why your presence and personality matter more than a colour swatchWhether you're brand new or deep in a rebrand spiral, this one will help you breathe a little easier and feel way more confident in your brand palette choices.Your colour is a tool, not a rule. Let's make it work for you.x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Hello Fearless Friends!I am SO excited for this episode and yep, the return of a guest interview!Today's episode is an absolute must-listen because we're diving into the magic of brand photography with the incredible Belle V—a powerhouse photographer based in Perth who specialises in capturing businesswomen in their element. If you've ever felt awkward in front of the camera or struggled to make your brand photos feel like you, this episode is going to change the game.Here's what you'll learn in today's episode:- Why brand photography and design go hand in hand—and how to make them work for you.- How to choose the right photographer for your business (hint: it's not just about price!).- The power of stepping into your future self during a brand photoshoot.- How energy & confidence play a huge role in how you show up in your photos.- The biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to brand photography—and how to avoid them.Belle doesn't just take pictures—she helps women step into their future selves and own their space with confidence. We talk about her journey, her unique approach to photography, and how the right brand images can completely shift the way you show up online.It's definitely time to book those brand photos in! Connect with Belle V:- Follow Belle on Instagram- Find out how to work with BelleConnect with The Fearless DesignerFollow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Hello! And thank you SO much for joining me for today's episode! We're diving deep into the powerful connection between your brand values and your brand visuals. We'll explore how to effectively reflect your core values through colour palettes, fonts, imagery, and design style, making it easier to attract the right audience and enhance engagement. Whether you're ready for a brand refresh or looking to add more impact to your visuals, this episode is packed with actionable tips and quick fixes to elevate your brand to fearless new heights.x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Hi guys! Thanks for joining me today on this incredibly heartfelt episode. I shared how embracing fearlessness is my mantra for 2025 and all the bold moves I'm making with my brand. From personal challenges to professional growth with new workshops and a killer brand update – it's all about slowing down to speed up. Remember, whatever challenges you're facing, you're not alone. Your brand is your superpower and I hope you enjoy getting to know me even more.x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

As we wrap up the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, some of us, if you're anything like me, are already looking ahead to the new year and thinking about ways to elevate our businesses in 2025.Today, we're diving deep into a crucial topic: auditing your branding for the new year. When was the last time you gave your brand a thorough review? And no, I'm not talking about just glancing at your logo or tweaking your Instagram bio. I mean a full-on, comprehensive branding audit. In this episode, we'll discuss why it's so important to start the year with a fresh, updated brand, and I'll walk you through my step-by-step guide to ensure your branding is as fearless and aligned as you are.x Morgan Connect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the journey we've all been on, both in our personal lives and professional careers. In this episode, I delved into my year, my struggles, and most importantly, the lessons I've learned along the way. Here's a closer look at what I shared in this special wrap-up episode and some insights that might inspire your own fearless journey.I chatted about:1. Consistency is Key—Even When PodcastingStarting a podcast was a giant leap out of my comfort zone. Although it's been a learning curve, I committed to releasing two episodes a month and stuck with it.If you're thinking about starting your own podcast or another content creation venture, remember: it's all about consistency. You don't need to have everything figured out from the get-go, but showing up regularly is half the battle. If I can do it, you certainly can too!2. The Power of In-Person EventsAfter a long hiatus due to COVID, I finally resumed hosting in-person workshops. Initially, I was apprehensive, but the experience was incredibly rewarding. There's something truly magical about being in a room full of passionate business owners, sharing ideas and learning together.So, if you have the opportunity to host or attend events, do it. It's a fantastic way to network, share your expertise, and grow as a person and professional.3. Outsourcing—A LifesaverThis year, I invested in a robot vacuum that also mops. It may sound trivial, but this little gadget significantly eased my domestic load, allowing me more time to focus on my business and self-care.Outsourcing tasks, whether it's through technology or hiring help, can free up valuable time and mental space. So, don't hesitate to delegate what you can. Your time is precious!4. Consistency in Content CreationDespite advocating for consistent branding, I realised that my content creation had been sporadic. Like many creatives, I got caught up in the doing, leaving little time to share my work. Moving forward, I plan to showcase more of my projects consistently.Take this as a nudge to be more visible—share your work regularly and celebrate your achievements. Your audience wants to see what you're up to!5. Embracing Change and Personal Touches in BrandingI'm excited to incorporate more of what I love into my branding. Inspired by my lifelong fascination with optical art and artist Bridget Riley, I'll be adding black and white geometric patterns to my brand visuals in 2025.Your brand should be a reflection of you. Don't shy away from making it uniquely yours by adding elements that bring you joy and resonate with your story.I hope these reflections resonate with you. Remember, our branding journey is ever-evolving, and there's always space for growth and change.Let's make 2025 a year of bold moves, fearless decisions, and remarkable growth. I'd love to hear from you. What are your goals for the new year? How do you plan to evolve your brand?Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a fearless 2025!x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Hello! Welcome back to this weeks episode.Today I am answering a question that has popped up a few times in the last few weeks, and that is do brand colours really matter? Hint... they absolutely DO!I'll explore the power of colour in branding and why it matters, how it impacts first impressions, and its role in building recognition and driving conversions. I also discuss aligning your brand colours with your why, values, and audience, and I'll share practical tips on creating a unique colour palette, perfect for your business.If you're ready to take this next step and work with a designer in 2025, we have limited design packages available. Head over to our website or send an email to hello@thefearlessdesigner.com to get on the waitlist.x Morgan Connect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

If you've ever found yourself spending too much time on DIY design for your growing business, struggling with inconsistent branding, or feeling that your visuals don't reflect the type of clients you're aiming to work with, then this episode is for you!Today, I'll discuss a pivotal moment in your business journey–knowing when it's the right time to hire a designer regularly. Don't stress though, I don't necessarily mean a full-time graphic designer on staff, but how by investing in consistent graphic design services you can transform your brand.Highlights:When to consider hiring a designer for your businessBenefits of professional design services vs. DIY or VA solutionsHow consistent, strategic branding can drive engagement and growthAlso as mentioned in the episode if you're ready to take this next step and work with a designer in 2025, we have limited design packages available. Head over to our website or send an email to hello@thefearlessdesigner.com to get on the waitlist. x Morgan Connect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Why does your business exist in the world?Why do you do what you do?Why is your business different?Why do you care?Today on the Fearless Designer Podcast we go deep into understanding your why.Your why is your core mission, the reason you wake up and do what you do. It's more than profit—it's about impact, passion, and values. We explore how to craft a powerful why statement, why we need to check in regularly with it, and how the power of your why can drive you to do some pretty fearless things in your business.Here is the step by step guide to writing your 'why' from the episode.Step One: First, think about your purpose. Ask yourself, why did you start your business? What's the deeper reason beyond just making money? Example: I want to help people feel more confident through great branding. Your Action: Write down one or two sentences that describe why you do what you do. Step 2: Identify your core values. What values guide how you run your business? Think of two or three things that are the most important to you. My Example: I value creativity and authenticity.Your Action: Write down the values that guide your business decisions. Step 3: Recall a personal story. Think of a time that you'll points that inspired you to start your business. What problem did you face or what impact did you want to create? My Example: "I struggled with my own brand identity and I wanted to help others avoid that." Your Action: Jot down one key moment that sparked your passion for your business. Step 4: Describe the impact you want to make. What positive change do you want to create for your customers? What difference does your business make? My Example: "I want to help business owners feel proud and confident in their branding."Your Action: Write down a sentence that describes the impact you want to make.Now it's time to pull all of these items together, let's combine your purpose and impact into one simple why statement. Formula: To [what you want to do] so that [the impact you want to make]. My Example: To help business owners create brands that they love so that they can confidently grow their business fearlessly. What is your why statement? I'd love to know! x MorganConnect with me:Follow The Fearless Designer on Instagram@the.fearless.designerHead to The Fearless Designer Website for more infowww.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

Did you know that your brand only has 7 seconds to grab your audience's attention?But don't stress! In today's episode I share a simple strategy to help you make every second of those 7 truly matter. It's truly ACE

In today's episode, we're diving into our very first Fearless Q&A session! Morgan will be answering some of the most pressing questions from our incredible fearless community, starting with the best way to get started with graphics to amplify your brand. We'll cover everything from setting up your brand foundations (yep, logos, fonts, and colours), to ensuring consistency across all platforms, and even planning your content creation efficiently.And stay tuned for a special announcement.

In today's busy business world, everyone has the basics down pat: logos, websites, and social media profiles. Yet, not everyone possesses a brand that cuts through the noise — a fearless brand. But what exactly IS a fearless brand?In this episode I discuss the reasons as to why having a fearless brand is so absolutely important for business owners.I'll also walk you though the ways to assess and elevate your own brand so that you can take your brand to the next level.Takeaways from this episode:Authenticity is Key: Your brand should reflect the true essence of who you are and what you stand for. It's about being real and resonating with your ideal audience.Boldness Commands Attention: Stand out by pushing boundaries and challenging norms in visuals, messaging, and how you show up. Bold doesn't necessarily mean loud; it means being uniquely you.Consistency with Flexibility: Stay true to your core message and visuals so your brand is instantly recognisable, but be adaptable enough to evolve with new trends and platforms.M x

Hi Guys! In today's short biz tip episode, I go hard and share my top 3 simple yet powerful design and branding tips to help elevate the look of your branding on Instagram.If you're a small business owner doing your own social media marketing, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement right away to create a more clear, consistent and confident visual brand on the gram.I share the importance of defining a colour palette that feels authentic with your brand, using consistent fonts across all your marketing materials, and strategising your content with pillars to make posting easier and quicker.Thanks so much for joining me and I hope you can take away a few goodies from this episode!Want more info?Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/ to get in touch.Or follow along on Insta@the.fearless.designer

I am so excited and a little nervous to share this episode with you. This ep, unlike any other, is incredibly special to me as I finally open up about my journey and how I became "The Fearless Designer."I take you back to my roots in the small town of Stawell, Australia, and share the milestones that led me to where I am today, from winning coloruing competitions as a child to feeling at home in University amongst like-minded creatives. Discover how a simple yet powerful word, "fearless," became the cornerstone of my brand during a transformative rebranding process in 2019, inspired by a passage from Elizabeth Gilbert's *Big Magic*.Also you'll learn in this episode:- How my early love for art and graphic design shaped my passion and career.- The challenges and triumphs of starting my graphic design business.- The emotional rollercoaster of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.- Why embracing fear can lead to immense personal and professional growth.- Actionable insights into refining your brand to better resonate with your audience.Understanding and sharing our brand stories is crucial for building a community and connecting with our audience. I hope my journey will inspire you to reflect on your own story and give you the confidence to share with your audience.Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/ to learn more about The Fearless Designer or follow along on Instagram @the.fearless.designer

Hi guys! In this I explore the hard hitting question... "Is Your Brand Boring?"I dive into the factors that can make a brand feel stale and give you some of my actionable tips to inject some life back into your business brand.I discuss the essential signs that may indicate your brand needs a refresh, such as low engagement, lack of distinct personality, and inconsistent messaging. I then break down simple yet effective strategies to make your brand anything but boring. From defining your brand personality to improving your visual identity and telling compelling stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help your brand stand out.Whether you're a new business owner or someone who's been stuck with the same branding for years, this episode offers critical advice on how to reinvigorate your business and capture your audience's attention.

Please welcome back the wonderful Nami Clarke to the Make It Pop Pod!In this episode Nami and Morgan discuss the significance of developing a unique tone of voice for your small business and how to actually do it.We also cover 4 actionable steps you can take to identify and refine a unique voice for your small business. Nami also provides invaluable insights for small business owners looking to enhance their brand image and build meaningful, long-term relationships with their clientele.More Info? Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/ to get in touch.Or follow along on Insta @the.fearless.designer

In this episode I share my insightful strategies on how to make the most of your time when branding your business on social media. With a focus on achieving clear goals, identifying high-impact activities, creating effective schedules, and leveraging content batching and automation, I run you through simple and practical tips for streamlining your social media branding efforts. Whether you're looking to increase brand awareness, drive traffic, or generate leads, this episode offers valuable advice for maximising your impact while minimising time investment. These short and sharp Fearless Brand Tip episodes are designed to give you quick and simple strategies and ideas to kick start your business brands instantly.Want to create a stand out brand? Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/

Welcome back to the Make It Pop Podcast! It's sure been a while but here I dive into all things branding, design, and marketing to help you create a bold and impactful brand for your small business. In this first episode of Season 2, I share my expertise as a graphic designer and brand strategist, walking you through the essential steps to designing a fearless brand. From defining your business values to building a community around your brand, I'm hoping my insights will empower you to cultivate resilience, embrace authenticity, and champion excellence in your brand journey.In this ep I cover my five key essentials to make your brand pop :- Step 1: Define Your Values- Step 2: Embrace Your Authenticity- Step 3: Cultivate Resilience- Step 4: Champion Excellence- Step 5: Build a Community Thanks so much for joining me as I relaunch this podcast. Connect with Morgan:Instagram @the.fearless.designerYoutube coming soon!Learn more: www.thefearlessdesigner.com.au

SO pumped to be welcoming the fab Shan Fitzgerald to the poddy!After 15 years in the writing game and a decade in the classroom, Shan has learnt a fuckload about language: how people understand it, interpret it, structure it, and play with it.This action packed episode covers a lot. We deep dive into brand personality and messaging strategies, and just what the heck that means. Shan also shares her tips to help us develop an authentic brand personality to cut through the noisy land of social media.You'll also learn that Shan can write copy without getting all sweary ;)We also cover:• Brand personalities and why every biz needs one• Fandom and how to turn your audience into raving fans• Tone of voice and how to apply it to your copy• Technical copy tips• The importance of words in defining your brand... and so much more!You can learn more about what Shan does at https://wildsparkcopy.com/ and to follow along on Insta https://www.instagram.com/wildspark.co/Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Find me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

Does it make you cringe thinking about creating video content for your biz? Well this ep is for definitely for you! I'm pumped to be welcoming my mate and tech goddess Tania Ryan to her very first podcast episode.  Tan specialises in using illustration, animation, and video to create engaging content for makers and brands. She is also an avid true crime fan.In this chat we cover:• The difficulties of branding our own businesses • Tips to incorporate different types of video into your branding• Canva hacks to trick Insta with easy video content• Loads of true crime recommendations• ... and an exclusive freebie just for you! Read on for the detailsTania has created a freebie just for us! 54 video content ideas that don't require you having to get in front of the camera. Head to http://petitpixeldesign.com/video-ideas to download for free.Our top true crime picks were:Serial - Season 1Trace - Maria James CaseI Catch Killers - Gary JubelinThe Lady VanishesYour Own Backyard - Kristin Smart CaseThe Jinx - Watch on BingeYou can learn more about what Tania does at http://petitpixeldesign.com/ and you can follow Tania on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/petitpixeldesign/For more information head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Follow me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

Welcoming my friend and fellow designer Amber Ladd to the podcast! I still can't believe this is Amber's first ever podcast. She's such a natural. Amber is a designer, developer, typography enthusiast, recovering perfectionist, bubble tea addict, mother, wife, sister, friend... and introverted legend. She partners with brands and individuals through offerings that span strategy, creative direction, art direction, identity design and website development. She is a big believer of bringing the most unique parts of someone's story to the foreground.In this episode I get to pick Amber's brain about all things web design and development.In this chat we cover:• The difficulties of branding our own businesses (especially as creatives)• Brand evolution • 3 tips to improve your website• How to keep your costs down when designing a website• The importance of a plan• ... and 2x exclusive announcements!!!You can learn more about what Amber does at https://www.amberladd.co/ and you can follow Amber on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/byamberladd/For more information head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Follow me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

Get ready for an action packed episode with my friend... Carmel Membery! Carmz is the social media and partnerships manager for the fab baby brand Riff Raff. Riff Raff Baby are the creators of Australia's leading white noise comforter which has changed the way Aussie parents help their babes get to sleep. Carmel has been there from the start, a proud founding member of Riff Raff and it's thanks to her drive, passion and curiosity that has ensured Riff Raff's cult social media following. Carmel's energy is infectious. She's the most organised person I know. The kind of person who gets there 10 mins early, and who's already read the menu! Thankfully Carmz shares some of her organisational tips in the ep. In this episode Carmel shares her tips on:• What a 'stand out' brand on social media looks like• Planning for creativity• Setting boundaries• How important transparency is in customer service• Being curious in life• and so much more...You can learn more about Riff Raff Baby here  https://au.riffraffbaby.com/Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Find me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

I am SO excited to introduce my latest guest... *insert drumroll* Karlie Plowman aka THE Techno Bird to the podcast!Karlie is a web designer and SEO specialist (and an absolute legend!). Karlie designs and builds custom designed websites that tells YOUR story, captivates your ideal client/customer, and leaves a memorable, lasting impression that has them coming back again, and again, and again. She is also hugely passionate and skilled in getting your website found on Google and attracting the 'right' kind if humans to your website. This ep is a candid and real chat into what it takes to start and scale a small business and how to set boundaries with your clients.We also cover:• What is SEO• How we keep ourselves inspired• How to make your brand really stand out• Non negotiables  for starting client projects• Branding tips for website designs• and so much more...You can learn more about what Karlie and buy her Desktop Monthly SEO Planner at https://www.thetechnobird.com.au/Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Find me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

Without further ado I am SO stoked to introduce my friend and all round, small biz superstar Jess McDonald to the podcast.Jess is the artist and founder of High Tees, an independent t-shirt brand which was born out of a desire to be creative again. With a degree in art, Jess found her way back to her creative roots 4 years ago and High Tees was launched. Jess's tees showcase hand drawn portraits of Australian and New Zealand icons. They are celebrations of who the icons are and what they stand for.In this chat we cover:• Handling creative life during a pandemic• The reality of being an creative business• Burnout and tips on outsourcing• How to make your brand really stand out• The importance of customer service• ... and so much more!You can learn more about what Jess does at https://hightees.com.au/ and also check out her newly launched Artist in Residence program launched through High Tees.Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Find me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

Yahoo! SO excited to introduce my first fearless guest... Nami Clarke.Nami helps coaches and course creators and shake imposter syndrome and take their launch sales from beige to badass. *Simultaneously hula hoops and cracks whip*  The creative honed her sales, marketing, and content strategy skillz running a photography studio for 10 years in one of Melbourne's fancy postcodes.  What surprised Nami more than the fact that she made use of her Bachelor of Arts, was realising that she could support so many clients who dreamed of ditching the 9-5 grind to launch their own business too.  Nami has been published by Mamamia, Elephant Journal, Huffington Post, and more, but nobody likes a bragger.  She lives in Bendigo, Australia and she's an absolute cracker.This ep is a bit like a reverse mullet - party in the front/all biz in the back. We cover:• Creative life and burnout• How we keep ourselves inspired• Emarketing 101• How to grow your email list• How to nail those email subject lines• CTA's• Ideal Customers and how to speak to them via email... and so much more! You can learn more about what Nami does at https://namiclarke.com/Head to https://thefearlessdesigner.com.au/Find me on Insta @the.fearless.designer

The first one! Woo hoo! This episode introduces Morgan, The Fearless Designers and gives you a sneaky of what this podcast is all about. Links: www.thefearlessdesigner.com.auCome say hi on Instagram:@the.fearless.designer