Design Domination Podcast

The podcast for design, accessibility and creative business, helping designers gain confidence, clarity and a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.

Hosted by Colleen Gratzer

Episode #59: Managing Your Freelance Business During the COVID-19 Crisis

March 25, 2020 Business/Career, Project ManagementLeave a Comment on Managing Your Freelance Business During the COVID-19 Crisis

Managing your freelance business during the COVID-19 crisis—and any crisis for that matter—is vital. We need to learn from this and stay level headed, focused and innovative to help our clients and our own businesses. We also need to be empathetic and understanding. How can we continue to serve them? How can we help them with new and unique needs they may have now? How can you continue running your business? How should we react if they start cutting out our services? How should we react if they ask to delay projects?

Managing Your Freelance Business During the COVID-19 Crisis: Read or Listen

Episode #58: Business Breakthroughs With Brand Doctor Henry Kaminski Jr.

March 11, 2020 Branding and Logo Design, Business/Career, Featured Guest, Niching2 Comments on Business Breakthroughs With Brand Doctor Henry Kaminski Jr.

The Brand Doctor Henry Kaminski Jr. joins me to talk about how he leveled up his business and stopped competing on price. He also shares business breakthroughs about branding, focus and values. Find out why he says branding really is about subtraction.

Business Breakthroughs With Brand Doctor Henry Kaminski Jr.: Read or Listen

Episode #55: Designing Digital Products With Tom Ross of Design Cuts

January 22, 2020 Digital Products, Featured Guest, Graphic Design2 Comments on Designing Digital Products With Tom Ross of Design Cuts

Tom Ross of Design Cuts joins me to talk about designing digital products—figuring out what to sell, how to price it, their submission process and more. Get tips to help you get an edge on your competition in the creative products marketplace.

Designing Digital Products With Tom Ross of Design Cuts: Read or Listen

Episode #54: Stop “Should-ing” All Over Yourself—Set Goals

January 8, 2020 Business/Career, Financial, Marketing/Promotion, Mindset1 Comment on Stop “Should-ing” All Over Yourself—Set Goals

Experts always say we should set goals to be successful. But do you avoid setting them because you don’t see the point or you’re afraid you won’t achieve them? Do you ever look back and think, “I should have done this or that”? Stop procrastinating and get motivated, and learn how setting goals can help.

Stop “Should-ing” All Over Yourself—Set Goals: Read or Listen

Episode #53: Design With Accessibility in Mind

December 18, 2019 Accessibility, Branding and Logo Design, Color, Graphic Design, Publication Design, Website Design1 Comment on Design With Accessibility in Mind

Most designers don’t think about accessibility, but it affects branding, design, documents and websites. It’s a great way to differentiate yourself from other designers while helping your clients reach more people and legally protecting them.

Design With Accessibility in Mind: Read or Listen

Episode #52: 17 Essential Elements for an Effective Portfolio Website

December 4, 2019 Accessibility, Business/Career, Clients, Marketing/Promotion, Website Design2 Comments on 17 Essential Elements for an Effective Portfolio Website

Your website needs to be an effective marketing tool to help you get clients. You want to be top of mind when someone needs a designer. Here are 17 essential elements for an effective portfolio website, so you get found and leave a positive impression.

17 Essential Elements for an Effective Portfolio Website: Read or Listen

Episode #51: Boost Value With a Brand Style Guide

November 13, 2019 Branding and Logo Design, Color2 Comments on Boost Value With a Brand Style Guide

After designing a logo for a client, do you provide a brand style guide along with the files, so the client has guidance on how to use the logo and your hard work doesn’t go down the drain? If not, you’re missing out on positioning yourself as an expert, adding value to your work and charging more.

Boost Value With a Brand Style Guide: Read or Listen

Episode #50: Confidence, Closing and Content With Mike Killen

October 30, 2019 Featured Guest, Mindset, Pricing2 Comments on Confidence, Closing and Content With Mike Killen

Mike Killen and I talk about confidence, how it’s vital in closing the deal with clients and why you should be selling futures, not features. Get actionable tips to use when talking to clients, including how to respond when a client says, “That’s too expensive.” Also find out why you shouldn’t worry about criticism when putting your content out there. The answer will surprise you!

Confidence, Closing and Content With Mike Killen: Read or Listen