In this episode of The Designated Designer, I’m joined by Jesse Heebner of Heeby’s Surplus and American Door Products for a conversation that goes way beyond brochures and branding!

We dig into what it really means to design with intention; where it becomes directional instead of just decorative. Jesse shares what it’s like growing a family business, navigating expansion, managing people, and making strategic decisions in an industry that doesn’t always get the spotlight.

We talk about understanding your customer’s journey, why consistency matters more than constant change, and how design, cleanliness, and organization quietly shape trust long before a sale is ever made.

If you’ve ever wondered how design fits into real-world business growth, this episode is a grounded, honest look at what happens when strategy leads and design follows with purpose.

In this episode of The Designated Designer, I sat down with mortgage & lending expert Jim Gillespie to traverse a topic most creatives would rather sidestep: money, mortgages, and the financial systems that quietly shape our lives.

Jim breaks down the evolution of the mortgage industry, from the predatory lending that led to the 2008 crash, to the guardrails created by the Dodd-Frank Act. He explains how today’s lending standards actually work in plain English.

Together, we explore why so many creatives feel unprepared when it comes to home buying, what credit scores really measure, and how self-employed entrepreneurs can position themselves for approval.

Whether you're dreaming of buying a home, repairing your credit, or simply trying to build a healthier financial foundation, this episode gives you clear steps, grounded wisdom, and a much-needed crash course in financial literacy for the creative mind.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone who wants their money self to finally catch up with their creative self!!

Buckle up, fellow creatives—this week, we’re running straight toward our fears (unless, of course, that fear is a horror movie villain, in which case, run away). But when it comes to client revisions? I say embrace them. Yep, you heard me. I love client feedback!

The design world is full of horror stories about revision nightmares, but what if we flipped the script? What if revisions weren’t the enemy, but an opportunity to refine, grow, and—dare I say—create something even better than before? In this episode, I break down why I no longer cringe when a client requests changes, how I handle feedback like a pro, and the magic that happens when collaboration is done right.

So take a deep breath, resist the urge to panic at that incoming email, and let’s talk about why client revisions might just be your secret weapon.

✨ Press play, and let’s grow together.

In this episode, we’re finally diving into a topic I’ve been procrastinating on—creative contracts. ✨

I’ll share my personal journey of navigating the world of contracts, from the slapdash Google searches of my early days to discovering professional templates and evolving them into something uniquely mine.

You’ll hear about the highs and lows of figuring it out on the fly, lessons learned from awkward client moments, and why contracts are an essential tool for clarity, professionalism, and sanity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with tips, real talk, and a little bit of imposter syndrome along the way.

So let’s dig into the art (and struggle) of building a creative contract that works for you!

Choosing to be different is never the easy road—but damn, isn’t it the most rewarding? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what it really means to take the unconventional path, whether it’s in business, in life, or in standing firm on who you are—even when the world makes it easier not to.

Inspired by Chappell Roan’s journey (and how her story hit me like a ton of bricks), we’re talking about the grind, the failures, the getting-back-up-again moments that no one shows on social media. Because let’s be real—being a business owner is an endurance test, not a highlight reel. And while the world hands out comfort in predictability (hello, 9-5 life), we chose something different. We chose uncertainty. We chose the uphill battle. And that’s something not everyone can say they had the guts to do.

So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in a sea of “successful” designers making it look way too easy. Or if you’re battling imposter syndrome, burnout, or just wondering why this road feels so damn hard sometimes—this episode is for you.

Buckle up, we’re getting real. 🎙✨

In this episode of The Designated Designer, I’m joined by the lovely Vickie Moore from Design Some Moore! She's a fellow creative spirit navigating the wild world of freelancing, design education, and community building!

We talk about the messy middle of figuring it all out — from leaving the 9–5 to embracing self-discovery, learning the business side of design, and finding your creative rhythm along the way. Vickie opens up about how hosting co-working calls positively impacted her career, what design school didn’t teach, and why meaning matters more than just making things pretty.

If you’ve ever felt alone on your design journey or unsure of your next creative step, this one’s a reminder that we’re all figuring it out together! One project, one client, and one breakthrough at a time 💖✨

Feeling stuck in neutral?

Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Ready to throw your laptop out the window even though you JUST finished paying it off? Same. In this unscripted, from-the-heart episode, I share my latest creative high, the inevitable social media spiral that immediately followed, and the simple ritual that’s helping me find balance amidst all the chaos. From overwhelming passion projects and business stress to blue jays and perspective shifts—this one’s a heckin' journey. So buckle up, and let’s talk about it.

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we're talking about navigating the pivotal moment when a client inquires about your services. This is what I call "handing over the keys." From navigating client inquiries to building trust through calls, proposals, and creative touchpoints, I share lessons learned from my own journey, including overcoming shyness and embracing client communication. Whether you're a designer aiming to book the job or a client seeking the right fit, this episode dives into the factors that shape these decisions and how to stand out as a creative professional.