What the Helvetica?

🎙️ What’s in Today’s Episode?

This week, we're talking all things freelancing, creative growth, and marketing hacks for designers! Mike Janda sits down with multidisciplinary designer Maiteryee Kalaskar (M for short 😉) to break down strategies for finding clients, staying consistent in marketing, and building authority as a creative professional.

🎧 Episode Highlights:
🧠 The Power of Consistency: Why "hope is not a strategy" and how to consistently market your services.
💡 Top 3 Sales Strategies for Creatives: Practical tips for staying top of mind, networking, and building authority.
🛠️ Cold Emailing Done Right: How to approach skincare brands (or any industry) with confidence.
🌍 Networking That Works: How face-to-face connections can lead to big opportunities.
💰 Who Should Sell Your Services? Exploring whether to hire a salesperson or handle it yourself.
🎨 Authority Building: Why posting online can give you the edge in client selection.
💡 Bonus: M shares how her YouTube presence helped her land a skincare client—and why consistency matters more than ever.

💡 Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:
📌 Every day, do something related to sales. Small actions build momentum.
📌 Use a niche landing page to stand out in cold outreach.
📌 Build authority by showcasing your work and expertise online.
📌 No one closes sales better than YOU. Own your expertise.

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

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”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Maitreyee Kalaskar

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Maitreyee Kalaskar is celebrated for her vibrant, bold design style and her constant drive for experimentation. Through her social media platforms, she shares valuable insights, tips, and resources from her experiences. She also engages with the global creative community by hosting meet-ups and live sessions to discuss key topics in the creative industry.

Mee Studios, founded by Maitreyee Kalaskar, is a multidisciplinary creative agency that specialises in custom design solutions. We feel no two brands are alike, so the same solution cannot be copy-pasted. With experience working with major brands like Budweiser, OnePlus, Adobe, UCLA, and ADPList, the studio blends in-house talent and renowned freelancers to deliver top-tier creative work.

Behance: https://www.behance.net/Maitreyee_kal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maitreyeekalaskar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maitreyee_kal/ | https://www.instagram.com/meestudios_/

Website: https://meestudios.in/

 

In this episode of 'What the Helvetica', Mike Janda is joined by UK advertising veteran Thad Cox. Thad shares his unique insights on the ever-changing landscape of advertising and branding. From the evolution of Instagram content to disruptive packaging and emotional advertising, this episode is packed with valuable information. Thad also highlights innovative campaigns from brands like Lala Cafe's drive-by kindness and Gentle Monster's art gallery approach to sunglasses, and explains how the Wimbledon social media strategy gained 1 million new followers in 14 days. A must-watch for anyone interested in creative marketing strategies!

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Thad Cox

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Thad is a former Creative Director from the ad world, helping creative business owners use that creativity they’ve got to build their business in a way that’s effective and makes them happy, instead of them feeling like they have to sell their souls to survive.

Website: www.thadcox.co.uk

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrthadcox

Twitter: @mrthadcox

LinkedIn: @mrthadcox

Facebook: @coxthad

Substack: https://thadcox.substack.com/

Discover the art and science of brand naming with branding expert Rob Meyerson. In this insightful interview, learn essential strategies for creating memorable and impactful brand names. From qualitative and quantitative research to effective client communication, gain valuable insights to elevate your branding game. Join host Mike Janda on What the Helvetica as he delves into the world of brand naming and strategy with expert guest Rob Meyerson. Learn about the significance of qualitative and quantitative research, effective client communication, and the value of strategic thinking in creative work.

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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👋 Connect with Rob Meyerson

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Rob Meyerson is principal and founder of Heirloom, an independent brand strategy and identity firm. He is the co-author of Designing Brand Identity, sixth edition, and author of Brand Naming. He also hosts How Brands Are Built, a popular branding podcast and blog.

Heirloom: https://www.heirloomagency.com/

How Brands Are Built (blog/podcast): https://howbrandsarebuilt.com/

Brand Naming on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3Ulw4kK

Designing Brand Identity on Amazon: https://a.co/d/jiK3kIp

Personal Website: https://robmeyerson.com/

What does it take to level up your creative career and land high-value clients while maintaining balance in your personal life? In this episode, Mike Janda sits down with creative entrepreneur and educator Kady Sandel to uncover exactly that. They dive deep into personal branding, transitioning from low to high-value projects, breaking free from the feast-and-famine cycle, and the game-changing power of networking. Plus, Kady opens up about her inspiring journey from Serbia to the U.S., sharing her strategies for finding clients and successfully balancing business with family life. You won’t want to miss this episode packed with actionable insights!

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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👋 Connect with Kady Sandel

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Kady Sandel is a business coach for designers and the CEO of her own design agency in Austin, Texas. She is the host of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast, which has helped over 20,000 designers grow their businesses. She is also the creator of the popular 12-week program The Profitable Designer, and The Creative CEO Accelerator.

Kady went from $65 logos to charging $10k+ per project, all by applying the business-building strategies she teaches at Aventive Academy. Kady is also an author with a bestselling book in the Logo & Branding category, titled BrandFix - Brand Strategy for Busy Entrepreneurs.

Website: https://aventiveacademy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aventiveacademy/

The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ - use WTH coupon code to get it for free!

Podcast: https://aventiveacademy.com/podcast/

Curious about the life behind the persona of G'Day Frank? Join Michael Janda on this episode of What the Helvetica as he interviews the creative genius Reagan Mackrill. They dive deep into the art of personal branding, the hurdles of social media algorithms, and the balancing act of family life with content creation. Discover the highs and lows of Reagan’s journey and get an insider’s perspective on making it big in the digital world. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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👋 Connect with G’day Frank (Reagan Mackrill)

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Reagan 'Frank' Mackrill is the Aussie branding guy with the beard and hot pink fingernails from Sydney, Australia. He works with brands around the world to develop and manage their strategy, identity and market presence with his business, G'day Frank. He’s also a husband, father of 2 kids, Star Wars fanboy and podcaster.

Website: https://www.gdayfrank.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gdayfrank

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gdayfrank

Podcast: Doctor Branding (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack & YouTube) 

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful design agency from the ground up? Join host Michael Janda as he sits down with Dan Janssen of Lincoln Design Co. for an insightful conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Discover how Dan navigates the creative process, develops standout brands, and scales his agency while tackling the challenges of the industry. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Don’t miss it!

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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👋 Connect with Dan Janssen

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Dan Janssen: Chief Creative Office at Lincoln Design co. Agency owner for 20+ years, designer, action sports enthusiasts. I got my start in the skateboard industry in San Diego and started my first agency in 2005. Fast forward almost 20 years and Lincoln Design Co is up and running in the Pacific Northwest, service clients in the outdoor, action and entertainment industries.

Website: https://www.lincolndesignco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolndesignco/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LincolnDesignCo

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/lincolnproduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danlincolnco/

Renowned fine artist and muralist Daniela de Castro joins host Michael Janda to share her inspiring creative journey from Venezuela to the U.S. She delves into her distinctive artistic process, emphasizing the recurring theme of hands in her work. Known for her large-scale murals and intricate hand paintings, Daniela also provides valuable insights into building a thriving art business, fostering community, and unveiling upcoming projects that explore the cutting edge of 3D installations.

 

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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👋 Connect with Daniela de Castro

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Website: https://danieladecastro.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/danieladecastro_studio

You may have dreamt of becoming a digital nomad, but what is it really like? Let's explore the ins and outs of digital nomad life in this episode of ‘What the Helvetica?’ with Michael Janda and Elisabeth Mayr. They discuss Elisabeth's journey as a freelance UX designer, educator, and podcast host. Discover her experiences traveling the world as a designer, starting a co-living space in Sri Lanka, and balancing work-life while freelancing from anywhere. They also touch on sensitive topics like diversity in the workplace, being an influencer, world issues, dealing with haters, and gaining a global perspective. #digitalnomad #creativelifestyle #digitalcreators

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🎙️ About What the Helvetica? Podcast

----------------------

”What the Helvetica?” is an engaging series of conversations between Michael Janda and guest entrepreneurs, delving into the realities of building a business. What happens behind the curtain? What crucial insights remain unspoken? It’s not all sunshine and roses; ”What the Helvetica?” dives deep to unveil the raw truths of entrepreneurship—good, bad, and ugly—and listeners may learn a thing or two along the way.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-helvetica/id1744396039

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03dUQpH60WJwgkDZqZLnr3?si=c3abf90398bd456a

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5ee30875-178e-460f-bd13-aa3b751a2e70

🎧 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/172847580

🎧 Other App Links Are Here: https://www.whatthehelveticapodcast.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

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Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda

Website: https://michaeljanda.com

Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com

 

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🤝 Connect with Lensea Film / Destyn Patera

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Elisabeth Mayr is a freelance UX Designer and Digital Nomad with the mission to help fellow freelancers create a work life that works for them.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/elisabethmayr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/

Freelance Blueprint website: https://freelance-blueprint.com

Client facing website: https://elisabethmayr.co.uk

Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/freelance-blueprint/episodes/The-Freelance-Blueprint---Welcome-to-the-Podcast-e29bt72/a-aac0bul