In today’s episode we are talking about different ways to make a profit as a creative. Some businesses bring more value to the consumer and therefore they’ll be able to command a much higher price point for them. So without further ado, let’s get into the show!

[smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/honestdesigners/HD_182.mp3″ social=”true” social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_gplus=”true” title=”Episode 182: The Most Profitable Ways to Earn Money as a Creative”]

Watch some of the Honest Designers episodes here: Honest Designers Podcast Playlist. And remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates direct to your inbox.


Show Notes for This Episode:

[1:00] Tom intros today’s show by explaining today’s topic.
[2:00] Tom imposes some rules for answers.
[3:30] What are the jobs we can do to make fair money as designers?
[4:00] What makes up your fair asking price?
[5:00] Reputation builds your price.
[6:00] Dustin asks what business services the group is willing to pay the most for.
[7:00] Ian shares what he is willing to splurge on: kitchen remodel!
[8:00] Same job two different quotes and presentations.
[9:00] Ian explains why first impressions are really everything.
[10:00] Provide a great experience from start to finish. It sells!
[11:00] Tom answers Dustin’s question on what he’s willing to pay for.
[12:00] Marketing, pain points and specialties.
[13:00] Designer vs brand strategist.
[14:00] Dustin questions the value of a brand.
[15:30] Ticking more boxes helps you niche, specialize and make more money.
[16:20] This is where Lisa believes a lot of designers go wrong.
[17:00] Be able to defend your price.
[18:00] Price the client.
[19:00] It’s so hard to put a solid number on a brand.
[20:00] Before and afters sell.
[21:00] The United Pixelworkers Union.
[22:00] The Value scale and where profitable jobs fall on it.
[23:00] Logo, branding, web, client services, full packages.
[25:00] Working around the price with clients who can’t afford you.
[26:00] Passive income can be anything and is very profitable.
[27:00] Licensing services.
[29:00] Great at pitching? Rep your design friends!
[30:00] Realize there is a ladder of value from price to reputation.
[31:00] With intention you really can climb the value ladder!
[32:00] Give ideas a try and see if they work. You’ll never know if you don’t try.
[34:20] Dustin shares his estate purchase and resale work and dollar store baskets.
[35:45] Ian’s video tape conversion business.
[36:00] This is not what we mean by specialization.
[37:00] Design jobs that have bombed.
[38:00] The road to a successful design business is not paved in gold.
[39:00] That’s a wrap!

Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and Instagram by searching for The Honest Designers Show.

“A must for every creative freelancer (or those aspiring to freelance). Thank you for being so… honest! Such a wealth of information from people I admire who have ‘been there and done that’. Listening to the podcast every week feels like I’m among friends. Can’t wait for more episodes!”AG_GD