*Pre-order Octavo on Amazon*

Episode Description:

In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with one of my design icons, Marty Neumeier, who is an accomplished designer and author. We chat about his new design-thriller book, The Scarlett Files/Octavo, his shift from non-fiction to fiction, and how he integrates design and writing within his work. Marty also shares how his early experiences shaped his career and why storytelling plays such an essential role in branding, design, and his writing.

Guest Name: Marty Neumeier

Guest Website: martyneumeier.com

Octavo Book: Pre-order on Amazon

Substacks

• The Scarlett Files: martyneumeier.substack.com
• Level C: levelc.substack.com

00:00: Intro & Minimind Wins From Past Students

07:55: Marty's Journey in Design and Writing

10:50: The Scarlet Files on Substack

11:19: The Origins of Graphic Design

12:58: Leonardo da Vinci's Influence

16:33: Challenges of Writing Fiction

18:49: The Intersection of Branding and Storytelling

26:20: Marketing Strategies for Authors

40:44: The Renaissance and Modern Story

43:36: The Aldine Press and Its Innovations

48:00: The Importance of Mentorship

52:31: Level C: Master Classes for Professionals

57:10: The Role of Testing in Design

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

*Submit your Spooky Client Stories* 👻 🕸️

This week, I chat (Q&A style) with Julia Bocchese who is an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) expert, to discuss SEO strategies tailored specifically for web designers. We talk about the challenges and misconceptions around SEO, including client communication, expectations, and the technical nuances of ensuring sites rank well on Google. Key topics covered include the importance of user experience, site speed, mobile design, image optimization, and the role of tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics. The episode also addresses a bit about AI optimization as well.

Guest Name: Julia Bocchese

Guest Website: juliareneeconsulting.com

Guest IG: @juliareneeconsulting

SEO Tips for website designers: Read Blog

Collaborations & Partnerships: Learn More

Setting up Google Search Console: Watch Video

00:00: Intro, Minimind Reviews, & Spooky Client Stories
05:40: Understanding SEO for Web Designers
06:37: Client Communication and SEO Expectations
07:43: SEO Challenges for Designers
09:33: User Experience
10:35: Site Speed Optimization Tips
13:17: Mobile Design
18:26: Accessibility
22:33: Website Launch and SEO Considerations
26:54: Google Search Console and Analytics Setup
28:16: Connecting Google Search Console to Your Website
33:34: SEO Myths and Misconceptions
37:15: Blogging and AI Optimization for SEO
41:27: Ways to Work with Julia

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*Some are affiliate links*

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer p

In this episode, I chat with Kayla Batista, owner of Brand Barista, all about her journey in the design industry and the unique dynamics of being a white label designer. Kayla shares her background, her transition from one-on-one client work to specializing in white label design, and the flexibility it brings, especially during challenging times. We delve into her business model, the nuances of pricing and process, and how to establish effective and respectful relationships between agency owners and white label designers. Kayla also talks about her course, 'The White Label Way,' and her upcoming Discord community, offering resources and support for designers interested in white label work. Whether you're looking to understand white label design or considering it as an income stream, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Guest Name: Kayla Batista

Guest Website: brandbarista.co

Guest IG: @brandbarista

Guest Course: The White Label Way

00:00: Intro & Minimind Resource Library

03:00: Mini interview with my 5 yr old son Ryder

04:49: Kayla's Design Journey

06:44: Starting a Business Amidst Challenges

08:39: The Shift to White Label Design

09:25: Balancing Work and Personal Life

12:51: What is White Label Design?

28:58: Pricing Strategies for White Label Work

30:01: Custom Proposals and Client Communication

35:37: Building Long-Term Client Relationships

39:26: Company Culture and Team Respect

39:55: Kayla’s Course Info & Discord Community

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

*Join the Tezzera waitlist | Launching Fall 2025

In this episode, Abbey McGrew is back on the pod, all the way from Season 1! We discuss all the details of Abbey's latest venture, Tezzera, a CRM designed specifically for designers, tackling a major gap in the market. Abbey discusses the features of Tezzera, its development process, and her vision to make administrative tasks feel creative and on-brand. Tezzera is launching with beta testers in October, with the official launch planned for Nov.

00:00: Intro + Minimind Testimonials

05:51: Abbey’s Life Updates: Moving and Motherhood

11:10: Introducing Tezzera: A New Business Venture

24:25: The CRM Features it will include

36:55: Beta Testing and Launch Plans

Guest Name: Abbey McGrew

Guest Website: wayfairdesignstudio.com

Guest IG: @wayfairdesignstudio

Podcast: Design Unfiltered on Patreon and The Heart-Led Brand

New CRM Launching Fall 2025 - Tezzera

Join the Tezzera waitlist

IG: @tezzera.co

Episodes Mentioned:

S10 E13: Maternity Leave, New Motherhood, & Mom/Design Biz Life - from Design Unfiltered with Abbey McGrew

S1 E11: Attracting Dream Clients and Building Your Design Business with Abbey McGrew

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast

✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨

Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!)

This week, I chat with Bethany McCamish, a speaker, author, podcast host, and design agency owner, about her multifaceted career journey. Bethany shares invaluable insights into attracting and serving luxury clients, the importance of personal branding, and the impact of authentic storytelling on social media. We both discuss practical advice on elevating your design business and positioning yourself in the luxury market.

Guest Name: Bethany McCamish

Guest Website: bethanyworks.com

Instagram: @bethanyworksdesign

TikTok: @bethanymccamish

Podcast: Unbreakable Brands

00:00: Intro

02:59: Bethany's Career Journey

10:56: Booking Luxury Clients

13:06: Defining Luxury and Premium Clients

14:41: Avoiding Common Mistakes

17:18: Building Personal Connections

23:55: Importance of Messaging and Visuals

25:18: Curating Your Portfolio for Luxury Clients

27:43: Engaging Luxury Clients Through Content

37:55: Bethany’s Mentorship Programs for Designers

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

In this solo episode, I wanted to switch gears and just have a fun little chat with you about life and discuss some current wins and struggles running a business and being a mom currently to little kids. I also discuss a new educational offer I'm creating in partnership with the Minimind—designed to help fellow designers scale their businesses more effectively.

00:00: Intro

00:56: Personal Life and Business Updates

02:33: Client Wins and Business Growth

06:38: Team Dynamics and Work Structure

14:53: Struggles and Challenges

22:31: Future Plans and New Offers

My Recently Hired Bookkeeper:

Website: www.balancedrootsbookkeeping.com

IG: @balancedrootsbookkeeping

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

✨ Get access to my Creative Direction Figma Template for FREE ✨

Episode Description:

In this episode, I chat with Shannon Mattern, a web design business coach and founder of the Web Designer Academy, to discuss her journey from corporate marketing to running a successful web design coaching business. Shannon shares the key turning points in her career, including how she identified and overcame six common areas where design businesses leak time and money and shares with us what those are. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, proper pricing, and setting boundaries to ensure profitability in your business.

Guest Name: Shannon Mattern

Guest Website: www.shannonmattern.com

Guest Instagram: @shannonlmattern

Shannon’s Course: Web Designer Academy

Shannon’s Podcast: Profitable Web Designer

00:00 Intro and Creative Template Freebie Info

02:49: Shannon's Story

19:19: Identifying Time and Money Leaks

20:39: The Cost of People Pleasing

21:24: Setting Boundaries and Managing Scope

24:34: Perfectionism and Pricing Challenges

25:35: Client Feedback and Pricing Models

28:30: Empowering Clients with Choices

35:25: Mindset and Self-Concept in Business

37:43: Web Designer Academy Course Overview

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*These are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

✨ **Grab my Creative Direction template for FREE** ✨

Curious what the first stage of my brand design projects looks like? Grab the Figma template (and four bonus audio trainings walking you through how to populate it!) below!

👉🏼 Grab the template here! — Coming Sept 1st!

Episode Description:

As the first guest of season 12, I talk with Liz from Favorite Things Studio to discuss the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in brand strategy and design. Liz shares her journey from casting director to boutique brand designer, emphasizing the value of AI tools (ChatGPT being her bread and butter) for creating more efficient and high-quality outputs and how to use them elsewhere in your business and systems. We discuss all things skepticism and the advantages of using AI in the creative industry, and how AI is reshaping the way designers approach their projects. Liz also shares details about her Brand Strategy Purrr-fection course and how she's helping other designers master the fundamentals of strategic branding.

00:58: New Updates to the Upcoming Design Minimind Course

06:06: Liz's Journey to Brand Design

08:10: Starting from Scratch: Learning the Tools

14:06: Customizing AI for Your Business

19:16: The Future of AI in Brand Strategy

26:33: Leveraging AI for Client Questionnaires

29:09: Transparency with Clients About AI Usage

32:13: Exploring Visual AI Platforms

36:57: Creating Custom AI Workflows & Systems

40:30: Legal and Ethical Considerations of AI

43:16: Brand Strategy Purrr-fection Course

Guest Name: Liz Martinez-Nelson

Guest Website: www.favoritethingsstudio.com

Instagram: @favorite.things.studio

Liz’s Course: Brand Strategy Purrr-fection

Links:

The Design Minimind

• Sign up to be notified - Applications for cohort 5 opens Nov 1st, 2025

Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*

Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*

Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*

Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.*

*Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.

Connect With Us:

Our Free Facebook Community

Our Website

Podcast Instagram

Hello June Creative Instagram

The Design Minimind

Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

Tags: designer, design, brand design, design studio, design business, brand designer, better podcast, better designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design