Real Talk with Tian

Am I quitting the podcast? Real Talk with Tian the podcast is pivoting to weekly IG LIVES. Join me weekly on Instagram for the same real talk you have come to know and love. WHEN: Tuesdays at 11 AM Eastern Time or catch the replay WHERE: https://www.instagram.com/knitdesignsbytian/ Thank you for being a part of the podcast commununity. I'd love your support on IG. If you need to reach me, you can also find me on my website at https://www.tianconnaughton.com To book a coaching call, go to https://www.tianconnaughton.com/work-with-me To join my courses, go to https://tianconnaughton.thinkific.com/manage/courses  You got this and I cannot wait to see all that you do! A rising tide lifts all boats! Tian    

In this episode, I'm sharing a snippet from a recent IG Live where I talk about 2 of the 6 biggest mistakes designer are making that's keeping them from making consistent pattern sales. Listen and reach out if you have any questions. You can find me on Instagram @KnitDesignsByTian and @TianConnaughton Watch the full Instagram Live here https://www.instagram.com/p/CeRUC3Hora5/ Grab the FREE guide and training video, The 6 Biggest Mistakes Designers Are Making That's Keeping Them From $1k Months CLICK HERE Ready to get more training to hit your goals, CLICK HERE to start your subscription to Pattern Partnership today!

Welcome to another episode of the Real Talk With Tian Podcast. In this episode, we're talking about the problem with your marketing when you don't get to the core of who you serve and the problem you solve for your target audience.   Want to learn more? Grab my 5-day challenge and learn how to make a bigger impact without doing more. It's about working differently and adding systems.  Learn more at TianConnaughton.com Join the 5-Day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge here>>> https://tianconnaughton.thinkific.com/courses/5-day-market-your-pattern-make-more-sales-challenge  Follow me on IG at @tianconnaughton and @knitdesignsbytian

Welcome to another episode of the Real Talk With Tian Podcast. In this episode, we're talking about the risk to growth and progress in pursuit of perfection. Let's get into this conversation.   Want to learn more? Grab my 5-day challenge and learn how to make a bigger impact without doing more. It's about working differently and adding systems.  Learn more at TianConnaughton.com Join the 5-Day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge here>>> https://tianconnaughton.thinkific.com/courses/5-day-market-your-pattern-make-more-sales-challenge  Follow me on IG at @tianconnaughton and @knitdesignsbytian

The secret to getting results in your business and in your life is to show up to do the work consistently. I know it get thrown out there a lot that you gotta be consistent if you want to see results. That's tru, but what does that actually mean? You might be thinking or maybe you've tried showing up 7 days a week on IG and got burned out, so you quit. Maybe you sent out an email to your list and a bunch of subscribers unfollowed.  The narrative is scary on the surface without context or guidance. That's why I'm breaking it down for you in this quick episode.  Want to learn more? Grab my free 5-day challenge and learn how to make a bigger impact without doing more. It's about working differently and adding systems.  Learn more at TianConnaughton.com Join the FREE 5-Day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge here>>> bit.ly/marketyourpatternchallenge Follow me on IG at @tianconnaughton and @knitdesignsbytian

In this episode, we're talking about being scared to put work out into the world and the factors that contribute to that fear. PRO TIP: it has nothing to do with how good your work is. It has to do with your direction. Let's brainstorm together. Learn more at TianConnaughton.com Join the FREE 5-Day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge here>>> bit.ly/marketyourpatternchallenge Follow me on IG at @tianconnaughton and @knitdesignsbytian

In this episode, I share a quote from The Artist's Way and how it relates to us as creatives. How we are get stuck worry about about people, what they are doing and what they are NOT doing, and how that is tripping us up on our journey. Learn more at TianConnaughton.com Join the FREE 5-Day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge here>>> bit.ly/marketyourpatternchallenge Follow me on IG at @tianconnaughton and @knitdesignsbytian

Welcome back to another season of Real Talk with Tian.  In this season, we are getting super candid around topics relating to being creative. We're talking about the reality of being a designer (knit and crochet), technical editor, how to run your business like a real business and less like an expensive hobby. I cannot wait to share more with you. Stay tuned for season 4! Learn more at TianConnaughton.com Join the FREE 5-Day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge here>>> bit.ly/marketyourpatternchallenge Follow me on IG at @tianconnaughton and @knitdesignsbytian

New, Free, On-Demand Video Course, Get Published, Teaches Aspiring & Experienced Knit & Crochet Pattern Designers How to Secure Third-Party Publishing Collaboration from WeCrochet, Knit Picks, and Expert Knit and Crochet Designer, Tian Connaughton   WHAT STUDENTS ARE ALREADY SAYING: " I just wanted to tell you that I spent the last 2 days on your Get Published course and I absolutely loved it!! Such a wealth of information! Every single interview was packed with fantastic insights. I am at the very start of my publishing journey and I'm so happy I found your course. I have now made my first ever design submission

So often I work with designers, tech editors, and creative business owners who struggle with what to post on Instagram. And the conversation usually starts with how often to post. If these are your questions, you're asking the wrong questions. Let's take a step back and get to brand fundamentals. In this quick video, I'm going to share with you what to look for instead. To learn more about how I can support you, find me at tianconnaughton.com or bit.ly/LaunchByDesign You got this!

So, how are you? Seriously, how are you? I wasn’t sure if I was going to do an episode this week or skip it in light of all that’s happening. There is so much uncertainty, I didn’t want to add to the noise. But in the end, I decided to record this episode because maybe you're feeling unsure about your business and if it will survive. You’re wondering if you should still be selling... is that even appropriate.    These are unprecedented times. There are so many uncertainties with full-time jobs, schools, let alone a fledgling business. But this is the perfect time to be of value to your community. This is the perfect time to go out and serve the heck out of your community. Now is the time to start focusing on what you can control and that is how you show up in the world for yourself, your family, your audience.   In this episode, I’m sharing some actionable steps you can take right now to reclaim control.   Stay tuned. Real talk starts now.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

In this episode, we're talking about the essentials of getting your designs noticed. We’re talking about how to effectively talk about your designs as in marketing and promotion.    Here’s the deal, marketing is essential to the life of your business. Sure, you enjoy designing and you have some great designs published but you get so stiff and robotic-like when it comes to sharing the pattern with your audience and on social media. Maybe you are not confident about the pattern. Maybe you didn’t get it professionally tech edited so you’re not too excited to share it because in the back of your head maybe you’re afraid there might be errors? But if you want to grow your design business you need to learn how to talk about what you do in a not-so-sleazy marketing way that is authentically you!   Want to learn more about how to market your next (or previous) pattern, check out Pattern Launch Plan https://www.tianconnaughton.com/books Pattern Partnership >>> Pattern Partnership (thinkific.com)

On today’s episode, I am handing out permission slips. I talk to a lot of crocheters and knitters aspiring to start designing, and the thing that keeps coming up over and over is this idea that each of them needs to reach a particular milestone or achievement to be able to start designing.    If you feel like you need permission, I got you. Grab your printable permission slip here because the world needs what you have to offer. PATTERN PARTNERSHIP: https://tianconnaughton.thinkific.com/courses/pattern-partnership-membership  INSTAGRAM: @Knitdesignsbytian https://www.instagram.com/knitdesignsbytian/  

(REBROADCAST) S1 E9 - How to deal with jealousy? Let's see a show of hands: You see a new design on Ravelry, it’s climbing the ranks on the way to the top 10 Hot Right Now list and you’re thinking “this is a stupid easy pattern I could have made”. You see a really new designer blowing up on IG, getting all kinds of accolades from big names in the industry and you’re thinking, “she just got here, how's she getting so popular so fast”. You keep seeing what you perceive to be this basic designer with her basic patterns making moves and getting opportunities by yarn companies, event organizers, everybody and you wish you were getting it too. In today’s episode, we’re talking about jealousy. Yep, the good the bad and most definitely the ugly. If you are struggling with jealousy, I’d love to work with you in a one-on-one coaching session. For more information, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching. I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I mentioned in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesignsbyTian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let’s have some real conversation there around jealousy and competition. If you enjoyed the episode, rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now! One-on-One coaching: TianConnaughton.com/coaching Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian Click here to learn more about Pattern Partnership To book a one-on-one coaching session, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching Copies of my books can be found here>>> TianConnaughton.com/books - Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing - Pattern Launch Plan: Sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now.

(REBROADCAST) Episode 2 is about tackling the major questions crochet and knitwear designers are facing and looking at ways to get past some of the doubts in order to step into what we’re meant to do. We are getting to the bottom of the major questions many aspiring designers ask and the biggest question you are likely asking yourself right now... why even bother when there are already tons of amazing designers out there?    Pattern Launch Plan: sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy(book) Unlock Your Inner Designer: how to start designing (book)   Website: tianconnaughton.com Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian

You’re probably thinking you’re ready. You’re probably dreaming of your glow up, of hitting it big and being discovered? In this episode, we're going to talk about how to prepare your business with systems and processes so when opportunities come along, they don't break your business. Real talk starts now.   CLICK HERE to learn more about Pattern Partnership.   Find me on Instagram at KnitDesigns by Tian and Tian Connaughton   Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

A slow down in sales can be so frustrating, regardless of the stage you are in your business. You feel like you are doing all the right things and bam – you hit a wall. Is it you? Is it your product? What’s happening? I hear you. I’ve been there and, in this episode, we’re taking it way back help you get out of that headspace of feeling like… what am I even doing and wanting to stay under the covers and just hide. We know the feeling and we’re going to show you 2 things you can do to upstart sales during those dry spells. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now CLICK HERE to learn more about Pattern Partnership.   Find me on Instagram at KnitDesigns by Tian and Tian Connaughton   Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

Something we talk about in Pattern Partnership a lot is value. How to add more value? How to show up for your audience with value… value, value, value. You might be wondering what does this means and what is value and how it matters. And that’s what we’re going to be talking about today in this episode. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now. CLICK HERE to learn more about Pattern Partnership.   CLICK HERE for the Free 5-day Market Your Pattern (make more sales) Challenge   Find me on Instagram at KnitDesigns by Tian and Tian Connaughton   Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

Through this season of the podcast, we’ve been talking about fears and focus being a key to hitting our next-level vision. And all those conversations have been leading up to this episode where we talk about taking action and doing the things that move our business forward. In this episode, we’re getting to the tactics and looking at the 3 actions you can take right now to move your business forward. Ready to get to it? Real Talk starts now. CLICK HERE to learn more about Pattern Partnership.   Find me on Instagram at KnitDesigns by Tian and Tian Connaughton   Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a snippet from a training bundle inside Pattern Partnership around fear. This is a topic we don’t hear being talked enough about right now. It’s not a popular mainstream topic but one I speak on a lot and I don’t see me stopping talking about it because it’s such a major part of our lives and how we go through life. It’s what determines if we pursue a goal or wait until conditions are optimal to try… which we know that if you wait until the timing was perfect, you’re likely already too late. So, in today’s episode, I’m giving you a little preview. I’m sharing a snippet from a training that’s coming soon. So, if you want to learn more about how to get the full training, let me know and I’ll let you know how you can get it. But in the meanwhile, let's get into it. I’m not mincing my words. Real talk starts now!   Learn more about Pattern Partnership and take $10 off your first month when you go to bit.ly/patternpartnership or CLICK HERE   Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!  

So, a question that I’ve been having a lot. And this is a question and conversation that I have with myself… yes, I do talk to myself.  And one that I talk to with my coach, my students, and coaching clients, and that is, “what is your purpose?” What are you here for? What are your goals? And the thing that comes up for a lot of is what does success actually means. Does it mean that I need to make a lot of money? Does it mean that I have the time and space to be with family? What does that actually mean? What does that actually look like for me? And that’s something we’ll talk about in this episode. Real talk starts now   Registration for Pattern Partnership is now open. Join today and get help with your goals. CLICK HERE   Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

In this episode, I’m talking all about why you’re focusing on the wrong things and what to do instead. Stay tuned. Real Talk with Tian starts now. Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE(for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

What are you focused on? Are you so focused on the making that you neglect doing money-generating activities? Chances are you are. So, we’re going to get into focus and the 80/20 rule. Real talk with Tian starts now. Learn more about PATTERN PARTNERSHIP HERE (for crochet and knitwear designers) and The SOCIETY HERE (for markers, creative, business owners)   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

It’s the start of a new year. You have your goals set for the year. Your intention set. Your one word. Your color-coded calendars. You’re ready to make those goals a reality. But there is one major thing missing that despite the intention and goals and all that stuff, you’re going to fall short… again like last year. Ready to finally make your goals come true? Real talk starts now! Registration for Pattern Partnership is now open. Join today and get help with your goals. CLICK HERE SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up!   SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

Are you tired of trying everything to make your creative maker and design business grow? You have beautiful designs, amazing ideas, but you’re not getting noticed or making sales. Welcome back to the Real Talk with Tian Podcast. Hello, I’m Tian Connaughton of TianConnaughton.com and the creator behind The SOCIETY and Pattern Partnership. This is Season 3 and I am so thrilled to be back to talking with a whole new season of the real talk that gets to the heart of the matter. We have an amazing season planned that I cannot wait to share with you… coming at you on Thursdays. By the end of the season, I want you to feel confident in your business and have a plan to turn your creative hobby into a profitable business. Stay tuned. Real Talk with Tian Season 3 starts now!   SHOW SPONSORS: Convertkit - I've been using ConvertKit to build new forms and landing pages to grow my email list as a creator. It's the easiest way to launch your next creative project! Sign up through the link below and you'll unlock 1,000 subscribers for free. CLICK HERE to sign up! THINKIFIC - I’ve been using Thinkific to deliver my courses and membership training programs. This platform has been a pivotal part of the exponential growth of my business. Sign up through the link below to try for free. CLICK HERE to sign up! SKILLSHARE - Explore your creativity. Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover. 2020 was a year when we dealt a lot and being able to zone out and learn something creative was exactly what I needed. And, I’m STILL learning and exploring my creativity with painting classing and making videos for Instagram. Sign up through the link below to join Skillshare today and get TWO WEEKS of Premium for Free! CLICK HERE to sign up!

Welcome to episode 10, Season 2 finale of the Real Talk with Tian podcast. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 practical tips for maintaining and even scaling and growing your creative business during these uncertain times...and beyond.    We didn’t see this coming. When I started planning season 2 of this podcast back in late 2019, I had planned to end the season another way, completely different. Maybe it will be a bonus episode later or in the next season. But with the pandemic and these stay at home orders, we are all facing uncertainties in our lives and in our business. In life, like you, we’re all just doing the best we can. But in business, we can do so much. So, in this episode, I want to share with you some strategies for how you can navigate running your creative business during the COVID-19 pandemic.  BOOKS: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to tell your story in a noisy world by Gary Vaynerchuk Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing Pattern Launch Plan: Sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study)   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

I have a pretty good idea of what it's like stitching and designing in the US. But what is it like around the world? I have questions! So, today I'm talking to Dom Trad, a knitwear designer located in Australia, about her journey.  This conversation gets really deep and touches on a lot of great topics. It's one to not miss. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now.   Find Dominique Trad on: Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/dominique-trad Ravelry Group: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/domknit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquetrad/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DominiqueTradDesigner     COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

So, how are you? Seriously, how are you? I wasn’t sure if I was going to do an episode this week or skip it in light of all that’s happening. There is so much uncertainty, I didn’t want to add to the noise. But in the end, I decided to record this episode because maybe you're feeling unsure about your business and if it will survive. You’re wondering if you should still be selling... is that even appropriate.    These are unprecedented times. There are so many uncertainties with full-time jobs, schools, let alone a fledgling business. But this is the perfect time to be of value to your community. This is the perfect time to go out and serve the heck out of your community. Now is the time to start focusing on what you can control and that is how you show up in the world for yourself, your family, your audience.   In this episode, I’m sharing some actionable steps you can take right now to reclaim control.   Stay tuned. Real talk starts now.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

For a lot of us, running a yarn store seems like glamour, right? And I'm raising my hands because I'm one of those people that as soon as I started crocheting and knitting, I was ready to open a yarn store where I'd play with yarn all day... but I have a feeling that that's not the reality of owning and running a yarn store. Today, we're having a chat with Ana Campos of Circle of Stitches in Salem, MA and the dyer behind Toil of Trouble. Ana shares her behind the scene, the real tea of running a brick and mortar yarn store. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now!   Ana Campos Circle of Stitches Fiber-Retreat   BOOKS MENTIONED Macunaima by Mario de Andrade Power of the Witch by Laurie Cabot   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study)    One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

Folks want to get featured, get highlighted in magazines, podcasts, and social media. I get it! This might be you, but are you ready? Do you have a strong foundation in place in your business to handle all the new traffic and eyeballs that will be coming at you? In this episode, we’re gonna break it all down about all the things you need in place before you get featured. So grab your tea. Real talk starts now.   Get the resource: BUILDING BLOCK METHOD 3-Easy Steps To Maximize Your Exposure   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton    

When I launched, Pattern Grading Made Easy in the fall of 2019, I had no idea, couldn’t have imagined what the course would have become… the knitters, crocheters, tech editors, designers I’d meet… and the supporters who’s reached out. In this bonus episode, I’m talking to Bug, the owner of Knitcircus Yarn, her mission of supporting women, and her giving back to the community by sponsoring a spot in PGME. If you want to hear about her journey to becoming a yarn store owner as a new knitter, her commitment to helping further size-inclusivity, how you can request yarn support for your next design, AND get a sweet coupon code good until April 20, 2020. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now!

In this special bonus episode of the Real Talk with Tian podcast, I’m talking with a very special guest, Marielle Zatar. In this conversation, we get into her design journey and being a knitting teacher in the Middle East, then we jump into why she joined Pattern Grading Made Easy, her results from the 4-week course, and making the investment in her business. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! Live course with community and weekly Q+A - Pattern Grading Made Easy (live) Self-study at your own pace - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

Hey there, Tian here. I am so excited to share with you this bonus episode of the Real Talk with Tian podcast. We’re talking with Rachael Reese about her journey as a homeschooling mama and knitwear designer, and how the course, Pattern Grading Made Easy has given her her time back, from grading a hat pattern taking her a week to now just a few hours. Keep listening. Real talk starts now.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! Live course with community and weekly Q+A - Pattern Grading Made Easy (live) Self-study at your own pace - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

Welcome to this bonus episode of the Real Talk with Tian podcast, where we’re talking to Jessica Clement. We get into her journey from academia to knitwear design, and why Pattern Grading Made Easy, the course has been so valuable in getting her to the next level in her design journey. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! Live course with community and weekly Q+A - Pattern Grading Made Easy (live) Self-study at your own pace - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

Designing and running a business can start in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes it’s not wanting to follow other’s instructions or maybe it’s a rejection or two that’s led you in a totally different direction than you’d imagined. While your path might be completely different, I want to share with you an amazing designer and coach who’s created her own space in her industry. Stay tuned. Real talk starts now!   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton     You can find Francoise Danoy: Website: https://www.arohaknits.com/ Instagram: @arohaknits    Book mentioned You were born for this by Chani Nicholas 

There is a time and place for saying yes and in this episode, I’m talking about saying yes to opportunities and my year of yes. A lot of great things came from that year, but I also lost a lot as well and today I’m sharing my experience and all I learned like finding boundaries. Stay tuned, real talk starts now.   Need help taking that next step? Need clarity on your message to attract your ideal customer? Get the support you need to reach your creative goals.    BOOK Year of Yes by Shondra Rhimes   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

What is the next step on the fiber journey for an obsessed knitter? For many, stitching is enough. Then there are those who want to take the craft to the next level, which is designing. When it comes to designing, there’s a lot to consider. There are many questions. So today, we are talking to an amazing knitwear designer who is really making a big splash in the industry, and today, we’re going to learn about her journey. Real talk starts now!   Need help taking that next step? Need clarity on your message to attract your ideal customer? Get the support you need to reach your creative goals.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton   Rebecca McKenzie  https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rebecca-mckenzie Instagram @Raginpurlwind   Books The girl on the bridge by James Hayman Nerds in shining armor by Vicki Lewis Thompson Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Today's real talk is about marketing and promotion for creative business owners. Yes, we're tackling the question I've been getting a lot lately from markers, creatives, and designers just like you. And that question is, 'I'm marketing like mad and I'm still not getting any positive results. What am I doing wrong?' If this is a question you have, stay tuned. Real talk with Tian starts now! Need help taking that next step? Need clarity on your message to attract your ideal customer? Get the support you need to reach your creative goals.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy: How to grade like a pro! (self-study) - Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) bit.ly/patterngradingselfstudy   One-on-one Coaching with Tian Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton  

In this episode, we’re talking to Sunne Meyer about her creative journey, working with Bluprint, and how Bluprint is working to support independent designers and makers. Want to learn how you can work with Bluprint to get kits created for your knit and crochet designs? Keep listening.   Bluprint website Find Sunne Meyer Instagram @Sunnelite    BOOKS Thread of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle by Clare Hunter The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker     Need help taking that next step? Need clarity on your message to attract your ideal customer? Get the support you need to reach your creative goals.   COURSES Tian Connaughton - Courses Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study)   COACHING Tian Connaughton - Coaching   Website: TianConnaughton.com Instagram: @TianConnaughton

Welcome to Season 2 of the Real Talk With Tian podcast. Yes, we are back with a fresh season of dishing up the dirt on running a creative business. So, what you expect in Season 2? In this season, you can expect the real talk you know I bring to help you achieve your goals. Also, in this season, I'm bringing you some interviews. I've had the pleasure over the last few years to meet some amazing people and this season, I'm talking to a few and I'm sharing the conversations with you. I'll do more if you like them. So, that's what you can expect. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episode. Share the podcast with 5 of your creative friends that you know need to hear this.  You can reach me on Instagram @TianConnaughton or on my website - TianConnaughton.com The first episode of Season 2 is dropping soon, so stay tuned for some real talk! Bye for now! xo Tian

In this episode, I’m answering your questions, about failures, how to land clients, biggest lessons learned.   Before signing off for Season 1, I just want to remind you that you don’t have to feel confident to start. You just have to be brave. Don’t forget to subscribe to be notified when Season 2 is ready, starting in Fall 2019.   I hope you were able to take away something from this episode and this season. If anything I talked in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesigns by Tian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode.    To book a one-on-one coaching session, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching   Copies of my books can be found here>>> TianConnaughton.com/books Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing Pattern Launch Plan: Sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy   Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now.

Let's see a show of hands: You see a new design on Ravelry, it’s climbing the ranks on the way to the top 10 Hot Right Now list and you’re thinking “this is a stupid easy pattern I could have made”.  You see a really new designer blowing up on IG, getting all kinds of accolades from big names in the industry and you’re thinking, “she just got here, how's she getting so popular so fast”. You keep seeing what you perceive to be this basic designer with her basic patterns making moves and getting opportunities by yarn companies, event organizers, everybody and you wish you were getting it too. In today’s episode, we’re talking about jealousy. Yep, the good the bad and most definitely the ugly.   If you are struggling with jealousy, I’d love to work with you in a one-on-one coaching session. For more information, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching. I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I mentioned in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesignsbyTian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let’s have some real conversation there around jealousy and competition. If you enjoyed the episode, rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now! One-on-One coaching: TianConnaughton.com/coaching Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian

Did you copy me or did I copy you? How to deal with (maybe) copycats.   Yes.    No.   Maybe?   This is not an easy question and it’s not necessarily a one size fit all solution because there are nuances to each circumstance. But If I was in a room full of designers or on a podcast talking to a bunch of designers, I didn’t know their specific situation...like I am here, this is the recommendations I would give you. Instead of a straight yes or no, ask yourself a series of questions that I’ll share here for YOU to determine the true origins of the design for yourself so you can decide for yourself what you should do.   Listen to the podcast for the questions to ask yourself. Some possible solutions.   If you’re ready to start design and have questions about how to start, check out my book, Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing. Grab your copy at TianConnaughton.com/books and start your journey today.   I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I talked in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesigns by Tian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let’s have some real conversation around copycats. To book a one-on-one coaching session, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching   Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon.  Bye for now.

In this episode, we are talking about pricing. And the question is, "Am I doing it right?"    Pricing is a huge topic and there are many different approaches you can take as a designer, tech editor, dyer, etc. But let’s be clear right at the top here. This episode isn’t intended to tell you WHAT you should charge or even to provide definitive answers to your questions. YOU have to make the decision based on your business. This episode is not to give you advice because that’s just not possible without knowing your specific business model and your goals. Instead, this episode is intended to give you some framework to help you think about how YOU might want to price your offer because this is your business, your pattern, your whatever and YOU get set the price. And just remember, price is never perfect or even permanent. You can see what works, pivot, and make adjustments whenever you want.   If you are struggling with pricing your designs, your tech editing service, your yarn, etc, I’d love to work with you in a one-on-one coaching session. For more information, go to TianConnaughton.com/coaching.   I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I mentioned in this episode resonated with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesignsbyTian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode. Let’s have some real conversation there around pricing.   If you enjoyed the episode, rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now.

In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that affects all of us, whether you’re a designer or maker of any kind. And that topic is what to do when a design idea fails? Story of my life and maybe yours too. But despite failures and things not working out as expected, I’m never upset to have taken the risk in the first place REGARDLESS of the result.   I hope you were able to take away something from this episode. If anything I talked in this episode about resonates with you, reach out on Instagram (@KnitDesigns by Tian) and leave a comment in the post for this episode.    Did you enjoy this episode? Rate, review, hit subscribe and share with 5 of your crafty friends that you think need to hear this. I can’t wait to talk to you again soon. Bye for now.     Books and courses for beginner and experienced designers to move forward  Pattern Launch Plan (book) and Unlock your Inner Designer https://www.tianconnaughton.com/shop   One-on-one coaching sessions available  https://www.tianconnaughton.com/coaching

In this episode, we're talking the essentials of getting your designs noticed. We’re talking about how to effectively talk about your designs as in marketing and promotion.    Here’s the deal, marketing is essential to the life of your business. Sure, you enjoy designing and you have some great designs published but you get so stiff and robotic-like when it comes to sharing the pattern with your audience and on social media. Maybe you are not confident about the pattern. Maybe you didn’t get it professionally tech edited so you’re not too excited to share it because in the back of your head maybe you’re afraid there might be errors? But if you want to grow your design business you need to learn how to talk about what you do in a not-so-sleazy marketing way that is authentically you!   Want to learn more about how to market your next (or previous) pattern, check out Pattern Launch Plan https://www.tianconnaughton.com/books

On today’s episode, I am handing out permission slips. I talk to a lot of crocheters and knitters aspiring to start designing, and the thing that keeps coming up over and over is this idea that each of them needs to reach a particular milestone or achievement to be able to start designing.     If you feel like you need permission, I got you. Head over to the website, tianconnaughton.com to grab your printable permission slip because the world needs what you have to offer.  

In episode 3, we're talking about our fear. We all struggle with imposter syndrome. We live in constant fear of being found out... that everyone will find out we’re frauds. And it’s that self-sabotaging mindset that is holding us back from achieving our highest purpose. In this episode, we flip the switch on the negative self-talk and look at some strategies for when those fraudy feelings are just kicking your butt and we need s bit of help keep us on track.

Episode 2 is about tackling the major questions crochet and knitwear designers are facing and looking at ways to get past some of the doubts in order to step into what we’re meant to do. We are getting to the bottom of the major questions many aspiring designers ask and the biggest question you are likely asking yourself right now... why even bother when there are already tons of amazing designers out there?    Pattern Launch Plan: sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy(book) Unlock Your Inner Designer: how to start designing (book)   Website: tianconnaughton.com Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian

Season 1, Episode 1: I am a business-woman currently making a living as a designer, tech editor, and author. Real Talk With Tian, hosted by Tian Connaughton of KnitDesigns by Tian, is a podcast about the realities of living a creative life. This podcast is for crochet and knitwear designers, tech editors, fiber artists, and makers. In each episode, I will share tips, advice, insights, and things I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to. So join Tian with the real talk on Thursdays. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!   Pattern Launch Plan: sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy(book) Unlock Your Inner Designer: how to start designing (book)   Website: tianconnaughton.com Instagram: @KnitDesignsbyTian