Better: The Brand Designer Podcast

Hosted by Jen Davis

Business Entrepreneurship Arts DesignInterviews guests

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Episodes

269

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Better: The Brand Designer Podcast, founded by Giselle Field of Wander Design Co. and Jen Davis, was founded on the belief that designers need community. We find that the branding world often feels secretive, competitive, and sometimes just plain old confusing. When we realized that our honest, soul-chat-level convos could potentially help other designers, we realized a podcast was only natural! Better: The Brand Designer Podcast was officially born. Giselle passed away during a climbing trip in Peru in summer of 2020. We encourage all listeners of our podcast to listen to our two Celebrating Giselle episodes. Giselle's adventurous, kind, funny, and supportive presence is missed every day—each and every episode that we record is dedicated to her legacy and her vision for this podcast. It is our honor to continue recording episodes in Giselle's memory and we know that she is with us every time we sit down to record. In winter of 2022, we welcomed Esther Knox-Dekoning from Sereth Design as a new co-host. Esther brought an incredible and fresh perspective to the pod—her transition from agency to design studio as well as her love for web design, sustainability, and world change brought new guests, ideas, and amazing episodes to our listeners. She departed the pod in spring 2023 to dedicate more time to her studio's growth, and will be greatly missed! Now, Jen runs the podcast solo and is beyond excited to continue interviewing guests, having interesting conversations, and sharing the behind-the-scenes of running her design studio.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 13, 2026Episode 949 min

S14E9: How to Do the Brand Strategy Work AI Can't Touch with Sarah Robb

In this week’s episode, I chat with Sarah Robb, a brand strategy coach, founder of Brand Strategy Academy, and co-author of the book Rebrand Right . After many years at Landor working with brands like Gatorade and Pfizer, she shares what she brought with her from agency life and what she left behind. We also get into how independent designers can talk about strategy in a way clients actually understand, why real conversations with people still matter so much with AI in the mix, and the pricing and confidence gaps she found when she surveyed designers. Guest Name: Sarah Robb Guest Website: brandstrategysarah.com Guest Instagram: @brandstrategysarah Guest LinkedIn: @brandstrategysarah Links Mentioned: Brand Strategy Academy Course Rebrand Right Book The State of Brand Strategy Pricing 2026 Freebie Report Free Brand Strategy Mini Course Brand Strategy Question Template Podcast Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers - Applications open for the next cohort on Nov 1st! Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

October 6, 2026Episode 841 min

S14 E8: Inside 500+ Design Days: The Real System Behind Websites Built in a Day with Bailey Collins

If you're curious what a design day looks like, this episode is for you! I chat with Bailey, designer and owner of Honeywave Creative, all about running a successful design in a day offer. She walks us through her process and the systems she has implemented to create a successful client experience doing a website all in one day. Guest Name: Bailey Collins Guest Website: honeywavecreative.com Guest Social: @honeywavecreative Links Mentioned: Six Figure Offer Framework Freebie Design Day Blueprint - Use code “hellojune” to received a brand bonus module for FREE (a $500 value) when you sign up! Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers - Applications go LIVE Nov 1st for Cohort 7 kicking off in Jan 2027! Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

September 29, 2026Episode 737 min

S14 E7: Before & After: How Picking a Specific Niche Changed My Business with Brooklyn Beckerson

In this episode, I chat with Brooklyn of Glorybright Studio about how her health journey took her from freelancing and taking on any design project to niching into serving holistic practitioners and wellness brands. We talk about how her values and faith shaped her positioning, why speaking from personal experience makes marketing and sales feel simpler, and how this shift has changed the way she shows up for her kids and family. Guest Name: Brooklyn Beckerson Guest Website: glorybrightstudio.com Guest Social: @glorybrightstudio Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers - Applications for cohort 7 open up November 1st, 2026! Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

September 22, 2026Episode 641 min

S14 E6: An AI State of the Union (for Brand & Web Designers)

In this solo episode, I chat all about how AI has impacted our studio, how we use it, how we see our clients using it (the good & the bad) where we don’t use it, and how we have implemented AI clauses in both our clients and subcontractors contracts. Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers - applications open Nov 1st, 2026 for cohort 7! Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

September 15, 2026Episode 542 min

S14 E5: You're Making Six Figures on Paper. So Why Is Your Bank Account Empty? with Emily Bowie

In this week's episode, I talk with Emily, a former Big Four audit manager who's now CFO of Thorne Advisors, the firm she co-leads with Andrea Mason. Together they help business owners get a clearer picture of their cash flow and a smarter approach to taxes. We get into why creative business owners can look profitable on their books but still feel broke, and unpack the cash leaks behind it, like underpricing and scope creep. Guest Name: Emily Bowie Guest Website: thorneadvisors.com Guest Social: @thonreadvisors Guest Podcast: Prosper and Get Paid Freebie: 5 Cash Leaks & 5 Missed Tax Deductions Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

September 8, 2026Episode 442 min

S14 E4: Behind-the-Scenes of Rebranding My 12-Year Design Agency with Kadie Smith

In this week's episode, I chat with Kadie Smith, designer and founder of Drop Cap Design. We talk about why she chose to rebrand after 12 years in business, how she'd been feeling disconnected from her brand, and what it was like being the "client," working with her senior designer through it. We also discuss why communicating clearly with clients matters so much, presenting work and gathering feedback more effectively, and growing into a creative direction role with your team. Guest Name: Kadie Smith Guest Website: dropcapdesign.com Guest Social: @kadie_smith_ Drop Cap Social: @dropcapdesign / @dropcapacademy Links Mentioned: See the rebrand of Drop Cap - Watch Behind-The-Brand and use code “BETTER” and watch for FREE being a listener of the podcast! Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

September 4, 2026Episode 330 min

S14 E3: What I'd Do Differently If I Were Starting My Design Business Today

In this solo episode, as I'm in my 14th season of the podcast and 8th year in business, I chat about things that have changed since I started in 2019, and share what I would do differently and things I would prioritize sooner if I were starting my creative business today. Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, brand identity design

August 25, 202645 min

S14 E2: The Hidden Messaging Mistakes Costing You High-End Clients with Kayla Dean

Grab Kayla's Website Copy Compendium today and use code BETTERPOD to save $200 on personal or commercial. ---- In this episode, I talk with Kayla Dean, website copywriter, messaging strategist, and owner of The Literary Co. We chat about why messaging and positioning are often the missing link for designers who want high-ticket clients, and how strong copy can reduce pricing pushback, attract better-fit leads, and support what your portfolio already proves. Guest Name: Kayla Dean Guest Website: theliterary.co Guest IG: @theliterary.co Guest Threads: @theliterary.co Website Copy Compendium: theliterary.co/wcc - Use code BETTERPOD and save $200 on personal or commercial. Trust Triggers: Get your Free Guide Here Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto , my payroll and compliance software.* Get 25% 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

August 18, 2026Episode 154 min

S14 E1: What’s the Future of Independent Design Studios? with Steven Wakabayashi

In this first episode of season 14, I talk with Steven Wakabayashi, creative director and founder of Stranger Creative, about building a strong company culture in a fully remote, globally distributed agency, what it really takes to grow from freelance-style work into a sustainable team, and having the right mindset as a business owner. We also chat about how we work with talented freelancers across different areas of design expertise, and how that produces top tier work for our clients. Guest Name: Steven Wakabayashi Guest Websites: strangercreative.com / stevenwakabayashi.com/speaking Guest Linkedin: inkedin.com/stevenwakabayashi Guest Substack: strangercreative.substack.com Guest Podcast: Yellow Glitter Links Mentioned: Just Works QTBIPOC Design (nonprofit organization) Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

July 8, 2026Episode 2339 min

S13 E23: What Matters and What Doesn’t? Nine Years of Running a Design Studio with Olivia Austin

In this week's episode I have fellow designer, mom, and business owner Olivia Austin back on the podcast. We chat about the things that don't matter and the things that really do when growing and running a business, and how becoming a mom has made all of that even clearer. Her last episode with me was back in 2022 and so much has changed since we last talked. Guest Name: Olivia Austin Guest Website: byoliviaaustin.com & thestudio.co Guest Social: @thestudio.co & @byoliviaaustin Guest Podcast: Behind the Design Course: Studio Growth Accelerator Previous Guest Episode: S6 E5: Hiring a Team that Supports Your Vision with Olivia Austin Links: The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designers Download my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well) Become a member of Editorial Stock images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership. Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “ HelloJune ” when you sign up.* Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.* 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, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design, motherhood and business