The Uncool Designer

Turns out you can teach an old dog, new tricks! In this episode Anna chats with fellow graphic designer Alison Price about her journey from old skool designer in a rut to passionate CEO of her super niched design biz. Follow on instagram: @annacreativementorFree resources for designers: https://annadower.com/freebies/Work with Anna: https://annadower.com/work-with-me/Design Biz Bootcamp: https://annadower.com/dbbwaitlist/House of Henry: https://www.houseofhenry.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna chats with fellow graphic designer Jess Geppert about her transformation from underpaid freelance designer to confident designer boss! Follow on instagram: @annacreativementorFree resources for designers: https://annadower.com/freebies/Work with Anna: https://annadower.com/work-with-me/Niche me, Baby! Challenge: https://annadower.com/niche-me-baby/Design Biz Bootcamp: https://annadower.com/dbbwaitlist/Jess Lea Creative: https://jesleacreative.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna ditches the fluff and goes straight to the core of why you have no design clients. Follow on instagram: @annacreativementorFree resources for designers: https://annadower.com/freebies/Work with Anna: https://annadower.com/work-with-me/Niche me, Baby! Challenge: https://annadower.com/niche-me-baby/Design Biz Bootcamp: https://annadower.com/dbbwaitlist/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna talks about the uncontrollable things life throws at you and how to handle it all while running a graphic design business. Follow on instagram: @annacreativementorFree resources for designers: https://annadower.com/freebies/Work with Anna: https://annadower.com/work-with-me/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the uncool designer podcast Anna Dower answers questions from her fellow designer boss-ladies. https://annadower.com/freebies/Access free resources for graphic designers here: https://instagram.com/annacreativementorFollow Anna on instagram here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/416408878711988Join the FB group Designer Boss-Ladies here:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the uncool designer podcast Anna Dower gives you the pros & cons of running your own FB group to help grow your design biz. https://annadower.com/dblsquad/Sign up for The DBL Squad here: https://annadower.com/freebies/Access free resources for graphic designers here: https://instagram.com/annacreativementorFollow Anna on instagram here:Links mentioned in this episode:MKW Creative - https://www.facebook.com/MKWCreativeCoDesigners Learning Web Dev - https://www.facebook.com/groups/796539743801042Designer Boss Ladies - https://www.facebook.com/groups/416408878711988See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the uncool designer podcast Anna Dower chats with fellow designer Jacqui Naunton about the power of and how graphic designers can use it to add value to their offerings. CANVAJacqui Naunton is a graphic designer turned online design teacher for small biz owners over at White Deer. She educates passionate business owners on how they can create their own visual brand and graphics for the early seasons of their business when hiring a designer is not yet an option (but soon will be!). Jacqui focuses on teaching design principles and Canva skills, not just handing over cookie-cutter templates. Jacqui is a new mum, cheesecake lover and Canva fanatic. https://annadower.com/freebies/Access free resources for graphic designers here: https://instagram.com/annacreativementorFollow Anna on instagram here:https://www.whitedeer.com.au/Check out Jacqui's website here: https://www.instagram.com/whitedeergdFollow Jacqui on instagram here: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the uncool designer podcast Anna Dower discusses how to get out of a funk in your design business.For more free resources for graphic designers visit: www.annadower.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat with Rhodesia Jackson about the importance of being actively inclusive in your business.You want to be an ally to marginalized communities, work with more diverse clients, and support causes you care about so you can actually change the world but how do you actually DO THAT? Do Rhodesia's ecourse & get $200 off when you use the code: uncool See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you struggling with your mindset? In this episode I discuss the different strains of mindset flu that are infecting your business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna Dowers discusses: Why you should not fear change in your businessHow I have transformed in my business over the years Shapeshifters - True Blood & my different roles in business Decisions are not set in stone - do not fear change.Growth is essential in business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Dower & Emma Kate talk about their first successful Designer Boss Digital Summit.+ Why we decided to host a digital summit for graphic & web designers + How long it took to plan & organise the summit + How we worked together as a team+ The numbers! How much money we made & how many subscribers.+ What we would do differently next time + A big announcement! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You love what you do.Creating bad-ass sh*t that rocks your clients socks off? Totes your jam.BUT even though you are definitely in this biz because you're passionate af about it…a lady's gotta get paid. After all, you can only pay your rent with million dollar smiles for so long.So, how, as a kind but driven entrepreneurial designer boss lady, can you create cool sh*t…& get paid promptly for it?Welp. Through trial, error (and more than a few weeks in the early days of staring at single digits in my business banking account), I've developed the ten commandments of getting paid.Use them wisely, lady boss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do I really need a niché for my design business? The answer is YES.Listen to Anna Dower discuss how you can layer your niché in a way that is authentically you.Join the 5 day FREE challenge: Niché Me, Baby! here: https://annadower.com/nicheme/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna gives you some quick sure-fire ways to inject some cash into your design business NOW! • Keep it simple, use content you already have• Recommend your fave biz tools & earn affiliate cash • Host a workshop & then upsell design offerings• Bundle up existing valuable content and have a flash sale• Sell some pre-made logo concepts that didn't make the cut!Links mentioned:www.annadower.comwww.dblsummit.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna answers questions from her Designer Boss-Lady crew. Some of the topics tackled in this episode include:• How do I deal with copy cats• How do I grow my design biz in a sustainable way• The best way to drive traffic to my website• How to remain focused with a looming deadline• How to build trust with clients so they respect & obey you• Getting clients to actually read what you send them• Making clients understand that design is an investment www.annadower.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I can now officially announce that Emma Kate Patterson & I will are hosting the Designer Boss-Ladies digital summit! ✨In this episode we chat about our collaboration and the FREE digital conference devoted to helping creative entrepreneurs work smarter and not harder in their design businesses.(Especially in this time of COVID chaos where it's vital we support and grow together)There is currently 14 amaaazing speakers coming at you with topics ranging from making sales, to charging premium prices, to simplifying your own schedule (and everything in-between).Join the waitlist to keep in the loop & score your free ticket: www.dblsummit.comAnd leave a comment below to tell me who you are most excited to learn from! (more speakers coming)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meg Lewis is a designer mixing comedy with performance to help others shine through brand design, podcasts, workshops, pop-ups, and videos. Meg hosts the comedy meditation podcast Sit There & Do Nothing and the design podcast Overtime. Meg also runs a personal brand and career fulfilment destination with online classes, books, and free advice titled Full Time You.In this episode Anna & Meg discuss...+ Megs journey to multi-passionate entrepreneur+ How to truly be authentic in life and your business + All the grand ideas and what to do with them + How to be a designer boss-lady with swag #megmademedoit See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It feels like the government announces a new rescue payment every other day and it is hella confusing and overwhelming for self employed peeps, right? That is why, in this new episode of the uncool designer Melanie will explain the JobKeeper payment in easy to understand terms and chats with me about how we can keep cash flowing in our businesses during the covid chaos.Melanie Miller from The Profit Lovers is a business coach that specialises in the unsexy side of business! She is the queen of money, tracking your numbers & keeping it real.Links mentioned: Plan & Track spreadsheetSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna chats about how you can keep going during the global COVID-19 pandemic.She discusses - + The rollercoaster ride of emotions+ Choosing to show up + Don't assume you know what people are thinking right now+ How you can serve your peeps+ What to do instead of discountingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna Dower chats with about how to build a design business that doesn't feel like work!Katie Wass & Kim Rosenthal We discuss....+ Choosing a niche+ Ditching the imposter syndrome+ Systems & Processes + Creative Confidence& much more. Sign up to now while doors are open:Design Biz Bootcamp http://www.designbizbootcamp.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Word nerd + Uncool Designer unite and become BFFs.In this episode Anna chats with copywriter extraordinaire Elizabeth Mckenzie.Elizabeth is a comedy writer. She's currently based in Melbourne, Australia. Her second favourite F word is fun.The CEO + Founder of Write Or Die, she helps business owners write personality driven copy + content that sell better than the latest Marvel offering on opening weekend.With a sense of self-importance known only to her generation, she's gone ahead and written a book The 30-Somethings: Life lessons from a 30-Something that you probably already know.When she's not writing in her ugg boots, she's pretending she's cool across hipster cafes in Melbourne - the LA of Australia - writing words and eating carbs.In this episode we discuss:+ How to stand out in the noisy online world of business + Re-discovering your authentic voice & using it wisely + How to nurture your peeps + The sleazy side of sales pages + Sales page must-haves + Dealing with comparison paralysis + BFF deep dive into 90's culture See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this new episode of the uncool designer Anna chats with designer & artist Laura Blythman about all things creative.Designer, illustrator and creative director Laura Blythman is renowned for her vibrant use of colour and paper collage. Her recognisable aesthetic has garnered her a legion of fans and a super happy + colourful portfolio of work with clients ranging from start up businesses to high profile Australian and International brands.Collaborators and clients include - Pana Chocolate, National Gallery of Victoria, Boomf, Disney, Rollie Shoes, Galison / Mudpuppy, Frankie Magazine, Land of nod, Such Great Heights, Finders Keepers Market, Typo, Lark, Mr.Wolf Kids, Cotton On Kids, T2 teas, and so many more.We discuss:>> The journey from designer to artist>> Dealing with the fear of revealing your art to the work>> The mindfulness and quietness of creating art>> How to deal with copycats & much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna chats with hand lettering creative entrepreneurs Liss Amyah.Preachers wife turned pleasure advocate, Liss was married at 19, had 6 babies by 31, and was divorced by 36. In 2014, after baby number six was born, Liss started an online business teaching calligraphy and has seen thousands of students go through her courses.These days, as well as all the arty things, Liss is all about speaking her truth and telling her story in ways that are sometimes terrifying, but also deeply healing. She rarely feels terribly brave, but most days at least a little brave-ish. Liss believes that curiosity will take us places certainty never can, that pleasure is not a dirty word, and that it's totally ok to not have it all figured out.• What does the term brave-ish mean?• Liss's change in family circumstance and running a business as a single mum of 6 kids• How to make money as a creative with ecourses & memberships• The power of instagram for creatives• Advice to other women who are struggling with family/life/biz gigSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone feels like an imposter at some stage during their career and today Anna talks about…How to focus on what's important in your design businessThe moment I stopped feeling like an imposterThe power of having someone who believes in youSlowly pushing yourself out of your comfort zoneFeeding your confidence needs to become a daily ritualConfidence is the key ingredient to a successful businessMindset mantras to build confidenceWhat you & Beyonce have in commonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna answers all of your burning questions!How to best manage your time each daySaying NO to a clientPositioning your business in the marketplaceMarketing your design business so it gets seenWorking a full time job & starting a design bizLinkswww.annadower.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna chats to Erika Cramer about taking a bold stand for women owning their throne & reclaiming their confidence.After overcoming a life full of trauma, physical and sexual abuse, near-death experiences, breaking her back and being widowed, Erika Cramer found herself drowning in pain and sadness trying to numb everything she had been through. These life changing experiences finally lead her to life coaching where she went on a deep path to personal growth and healing. As a confidence coach she is here to guide women to living a life where they seek progress, not perfection.We discuss: the power of storytelling in your business to create connection & authenticityhow to figure out what story you can share with your audienceletting go of what other people thinkovercoming the fear of failing and not feeling good enough your design businessLinkshttps://www.thequeenofconfidence.com/Annas personal story - http://www.theuncooldesigner.com/episode-11/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna is joined by 4 other graphic designers who share their experience as designer boss-ladies and reveal their tipping point for success.The hard issues facing designers today: lack of confidence, difficult clients, working for no money.The deep inner work you need to do before you can succeedTaking the step to invest in yourself & your future and getting clear on your worth, boundaries & niche.How to get to a point where you are running a business you love, working with clients who have no changes & making more money!Linkswww.designbizbootcamp.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Anna's discusses….How I serve my audienceWhen my life fell apartHow I chose to succeed despite the heartacheThe 5 ways I worked smart in my design bizThe power of womenDeciding not to failSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss:Why you need to set clear boundaries in your design businessHow to remember you are the bossWhy you need a price list for your servicesThe 5 things you can do in your business today to create clear boundaries in your businessLinks mentioned in this episode:Price list template – http://annadower.com/sales-kit-template-for-designers/Boundaries boss - http://annadower.com/2017/08/06/your-mini-guide-to-client-boundaries/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss:What is passive incomeIdeas for multiple income streams in your design bizHow to come up with an idea for your offerThe 3 x mistakes designers make when it comes to passive incomeLinks mentioned in this episode:Brand Audit blog post - http://annadower.com/2018/06/13/a-designer-that-does-more-than-just-design-tell-me-more-she-said/Passive income for designers - http://annadower.com/2018/09/06/how-to-create-a-recurring-revenue-fuelled-biz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Designer Jenna Hallett turns the tables and interviews Anna in this episode: The biggest design fails everJuggling work/mum lifeHow to not quit your bizLessons from crappy clients How to intentionally create the biz of your dreamsLinks mentioned in this episode:Jenna Rae Hallett –https://jennaraedesigns.com.au/Anna Dower –http://annadower.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creative entrepreneur & designer Sian Richardson joins me for a chat about:How she took the leap to start her own design bizTaking not shit from clientsWhat makes design goodCombining travel and designer entrepreneur lifeDeciding on her distinctive design styleLinks mentioned in this episode:Good As Gold Studio - https://goodasgoldstudio.com/Sian Richardson - http://sianrichardson.co/Anna Dower Mentoring - http://annadower.com/graphicdesignmentor/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Copywriter extraordinaire Cass Lane joins me to chat about how to effectively communicate your value on your website. In this episode we discuss:Hooking your dream design clients with just one sentence The #1 big mistake graphic designers are making on their “services” page How to sell yourself as a design pro without coming across as sleazy or pushy Why you should make your prices available online Links mentioned in this episode:Seven ways you are puzzling your web visitors blog: https://wildspirit.co/puzzling/Wild Spirit Co. https://wildspirit.co/Price list template: http://annadower.com/sales-kit-template-for-designers/Design Biz Bootcamp: http://designbizbootcamp.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As s a creative mentor and someone that designers come to for help,there is one question that drives me BONKERS.Can you guess what it is?In this episode we discuss: Why asking me how to get clients drives me mad. The four essential ingredients to getting dream design clients.How to attract the right clients and repel the wrong clients. Links mentioned in this episode:Brand Rehab – http://annadower.com/brand-rehab/How to get your marketing butt into gear - http://annadower.com/2018/10/04/how-to-get-your-marketing-butt-into-gear/Educating your clients - http://annadower.com/2018/09/19/three-things-you-should-be-educating-your-clients-about-yesterday/Resources Section - http://annadower.com/resources-2/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlene Roberts is a Canadian Designer Boss-Lady that knows the burnout cycle all too well.In this episode we discuss:• Realising that you are in fact burnt out• How you got to the point of wanting to quit your design biz• Figuring out how to pull yourself out of the burn out cycle• Putting systems & processes in place to look after yourself & make sure you never get burnt out againLinks mentioned in this episode:Anna Dower mentoring: http://annadower.com/graphicdesignmentor/Crush Design Co: https://www.crushdesign.co/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martina Martian is an Australian designer & artist who has done work for some huge brands like converse, asos, reebok, cotton on & snapchat.She has a mega instagram following of over 140k and did the gorgeous artwork for this very podcast!In this episode we discuss:Overcoming the fear of being an artist for a livingThe power of InstagramWorking with big brandsCommitting to your own styleHow long the journey to success takesThe illustrative process including toolsAdvice for other artistsResources/links mentioned in this episode:Behance websiteMartina Martian InstagramMartina Martian WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A false belief is a story that fear tells your brain, over and over again, until finally your brainBelieves it.The 5 false beliefs that are holding you back in your design business:#1: If my business doesn't appeal to every man and his fam, it will fail.#2: To make big money, you have to work really hard, all the time!#3: I need to compete with cheaper designers.#4: I am boring and have no personality to inject into my business.#5: I wouldn't pay that price, so why would anyone else?Links:Fat & successful blog post - http://annadower.com/2017/08/29/fat-successful-2/www.theuncooldesigner.comwww.annadower.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Dower is a graphic designer, mentor, ecourse boss & cake lover. She is and always has been uncool but she is SMART. A smart designer who…Has run her own successful design business for over ten years. Has worked with hundreds of clients and mentored fellow designers from across the globeTook her business to six-figures. Takes every Friday off work. Never works weekends. Takes long lunches.Has cuddle breaks with her kids. Has designed a set of systems, processes and procedures in place to help her work smarter, not harder.Links:www.theuncooldesigner.comwww.annadower.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.