Ep 22: Mastering Copywriting: How to Unleash the Power of AI for Self-Taught Designers with Lauren Jefferson

In this episode of the Self-Taught Designer Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Lauren Jefferson, co-founder and CEO of FocusCopy, as she shared her wealth of expertise in transforming ordinary words into compelling brand messaging. Lauren Jefferson is the co-founder and CEO of FocusCopy. FocusCopy caffeinates your brand messaging, energizing your target audience to take action. Lauren, a former digital marketer turned copywriter, understands what it takes to convert a stranger and turn them into a raving fan using copy. Beyond leading FocusCopy, she is a personal mentor and an active alumni of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston.

Ep. 21: What is Imposter Syndrome and How is it Affecting our Creativity?

In this insightful episode, we delve into the world of impostor syndrome, burnout, and the importance of self-care, particularly for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. Our guest, Anne Robinson, a licensed clinical social worker and a burnout coach, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as she discusses strategies to overcome these challenges and thrive in your creative journey.

Ep. 20: The Power of Self-Reflection: Finding Clarity on Your Journey with Lauren Martin

Meet Lauren, a seasoned freelance designer with over 12 years of experience in fashion, marketing, and design. In January 2021, she dove into full-time web design, social media marketing, and branding, launching Lauren Design Studio. Lauren's diverse journey has led to lasting professional relationships with clients, and she's passionate about collaborating with new ones. Travel and cultural experiences shape Lauren's life, adding depth to her personal and professional outlook. As a designer, she loves tackling creative projects and helping businesses achieve growth.

Ep. 19: Unleashing Your Niche Potential: How to Thrive by Embracing Variety with Courtney Vickery

Curious about what makes you stand out among the sea of self-taught designers? Wondering how to craft a network that propels your business forward? Excited to unravel the enchanting world of PR in design? Ready to take a plunge into the art of niching down? Well, get ready because Courtney's about to spill the beans on all these burning questions and more!

Ep 18: Holly Christie: Optimizing Your Skill Set"

Holly's not your average digital wizard – with over two decades in the marketing game, eighteen years slaying the website design scene, and nine years crafting websites, she's the real deal. And guess what? This episode is all about celebrating the wild and wonderful uniqueness of every self-taught designer. Holly's switch from digital marketing to web design is like a dance party for creative fingerprints!

Ep 17: Biancia Akers "From College Dropout to Design Dynamo: My Journey to UX/UI Mastery"

Discover the inspiring journey of self-taught designer Biancia Akers on The Self-Taught Designer Podcast. From graphic design to thriving in UX/UI design, Biancia's story unfolds the magic of dreams, hope, and hard work. Based in Chicago, she not only leads her design agency but also empowers others through mentoring and community building.

Ep 16: Mastering the Kick-Off Call: Onboarding Clients with Ease

Embarking on this stage might feel like uncharted territory, especially without formal training. But worry not! We've got your back. Join us as we equip you with the insights and strategies to navigate Kick-Off Calls with confidence and finesse.

Ep 15: Is Over- Positivity Bad?

Join us as we dissect the potential drawbacks of excessive optimism. Let us explore whether an unwavering positive outlook could inadvertently blind us to challenges and hinder personal growth.

This episode sheds light on the balance between hope and overly positivity. If you've ever pondered the limits of positivity, this short yet impactful episode is a must-listen.

Ep 14: New Year, New Skills: Preparing for 2024 in Design

Step into the future with us in this special episode dedicated to the year ahead. We're peering into the crystal ball to explore forecasted trends, game-changing tools, and a strategic roadmap to elevate your design prowess.

2024 is beckoning, and we're here to ensure you're not just ready but poised to thrive. Join us as we unravel the latest trends and equip you with actionable insights that will keep your creative edge razor-sharp.

Ep 13: Reflect & Project: A Designer's Year in Review & Look Ahead

As we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, it's essential to pause and ask: How was this year for you? What were the lessons, the triumphs, and the unexpected twists that shaped your growth? But it doesn't stop there. We're also shifting our gaze to the horizon and pondering: What can we anticipate for the next phase of our creative voyage?

Ep 12: Stephanie Dutta: How Rule Breakers & Opinion Makers Rise Above the Average

Stephanie Dutta is a self-taught designer who broke the mold in the corporate design world. She's the founder of Jeanie Design Studio, a branding and web design agency that creates fierce and fiery brands. Stephanie is passionate about creating user-friendly and eye-catching designs, and she encourages her clients to be unafraid, unapologetic, and take risks in order to get noticed in business.

Ep 11: Seasonal Strategies: Navigating the Holiday Rush as a Freelance Designer

With a light chuckle, I'm here to remind you that the holiday season is a time of festivity, but also of frenzy. And that's especially true for us self-taught designers. So, let's huddle up because we're about to unveil the keys to staying ahead of the game, mastering client expectations, and ensuring those tight deadlines don't dim your holiday spirit.

Ep 10: The Craft of Communication Design Podcast

We have Abi Gaitling, a seasoned expert in education, community engagement, design, and PR, who shares her insights on creating well-rounded, holistic marketing experiences. Having studied art, education, business, and public relations (PR), Abigail has a unique mix of graphic and communication design skills which she leverages to help small businesses scale and grow. She and her team kick butt designing beautiful branding, creating chic websites, and managing binge-worthy podcasts.

Ep 9: Time Management Tips for an Insanely Productive Business

Welcome back to another episode! If you've ever felt like you're racing through life without making real progress, today's episode is your guide to transformation. Join us as we uncover the art of time management for an unprecedented level of business productivity.

Ep 8: Thankful Design: The Journey of a Self-Taught Designer

Just like the pilgrims who ventured into the unknown to forge a new life, self-taught designers embark on their own journeys, facing challenges and emerging stronger and wiser. Despite the challenges, self-taught designers bring a unique value to the world. They are passionate, dedicated, and creative individuals who are not afraid to forge their own paths.

Ep Special: Contracts With Nicole Cheri Oden

In this dynamic episode, we are talking to Atty. Nicole Cheri Oden, about the crucial aspects of business contracts and scope management in design services. Contracts are a form of self-care for businesses, emphasizing the need to reframe legal considerations for business owners and clients. Our mission in this episode is to make legal processes accessible, affordable, and approachable for online business owners, addressing common fears related to legal and financial aspects.

Ep 7: Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch

Join us as we venture into self-expression and persuasive communication. Your elevator pitch is the key to unlocking opportunities, and in today's episode, we unravel its potential impact on your design freelancing career.

Ep 6: Juliana Piper Designing with Focus: Navigating ADHD as a Self-Taught Designer

Learn the unique challenges of launching a design business, especially in the early stages, while also juggling the complexities of ADHD. Along the way, we'll uncover valuable insights and advice on how to turn it all around, from finding support through groups or coaching to harnessing the power of hyperfocus.

Ep. 5: Beat the Burn Out

Unravel its intricacies, discover the unique challenges self-taught individuals face, and explore rejuvenation strategies. Whether you're feeling the weight of burnout or want to be prepared, this episode offers insights, stories, and solutions to keep the passion alive.

Ep 4: Balancing Learning and Doing

Balancing Learning with Doing in Design" is the essential guide for every self-taught designer's journey. In a world brimming with tutorials, courses, and masterclasses, it's easy to get caught in the whirlwind of perpetual learning. But how do you bridge the gap between theory and practice?

Ep 3: Net-Working Your Design Magic: The Self-Taught Designer’s Guide

Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of connections, conversations, and collaborations uniquely tailored for the self-taught designer. Whether you're an aspiring pixel wizard, a flourishing design enthusiast, or simply someone curious about forging genuine connections in the digital age, this guide is your compass.

Ep 2: Building a Portfolio from Scratch

Venture beyond client work as we delve into the transformative power of personal projects and the brilliance of conceptual work. Discover how to narrate your unique design journey, display your passion, and stand out in a crowd. Whether you're crafting your first portfolio or looking to enhance your existing one, this episode is your guide to making an unforgettable impression.

Ep 1: Relaunch Edition Again

Navigating the intricate pathways of the design world is a journey, especially when you're steering the ship on your own. Welcome to the relaunched "Self-Taught Designer Podcast" – a dedicated space for all designers who’ve carved their paths outside traditional design schools. As we embark on this new chapter, we aim to delve deeper into the highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs faced by our self-taught community.