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for driven designers.

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“I just need to get better at designing”

Imagine this: you're working your butt off, creating amazing work, but still struggling to hit those $5k, $6k, $7k, or even $10k months you see other designers talk about on social media.


And somewhere in the back of your mind, there's a little voice whispering, "Maybe I just need to get better at designing.”

Black and white gif of girl looking pensive. Thought bubble above her head with her shouting at herself in frustration.

But I don't have to imagine this. I've been there (and I'm sure many of you have been too!).


See, it’s tricky…


Sometimes our inner voice is our biggest cheerleader, pushing us to grow. But other times, it’s just a broken record of self-doubt.


Here’s the thing: As someone who’s walked this path and built a successful design business, I know it can get hard to recognise if that voice is a friend or a limiting belief. But if you’ve been telling yourself for the past two years that you just need to “get better at designing” to succeed, it’s not a friend talking anymore.


And if any of the following thoughts sound familiar, stick with me. I’m about to show you why they are not gut feelings but myths that are keeping you from the success you deserve.


The 3 Myths Holding You Back From 6-Figure Success


#1: “Maybe I’m just not a good enough designer.”

Let’s be real for a second. You wouldn’t be where you are if you weren’t talented.


You’ve got the skills, the eye for detail, and the creativity to create top tier designs. But here’s the truth bomb: being a great designer is only part of the equation.


Think about it.


How many incredibly talented artists do you know who are struggling to make ends meet? Meanwhile, some designers with half your talent are booking high-ticket clients left and right. What gives?


The difference isn’t in their Illustrator skills or their typography knowledge. It’s in how they present themselves, communicate their value, and run their business.


Your design skills got you in the game. But it’s your business skills that will take you to the big leagues.


#2: “I can’t charge higher rates. I just need more clients!”

Oh, if I had a pound (dollar, yen, euro, rupee, etc.) for every time I’ve heard this one!


Let’s break this down with some cold, hard numbers.


Say you’re charging $500 per project. To hit that coveted $10k month, you’d need 20 clients. Every. Single. Month.


Let’s do the math:


  • 20 clients x 20 hours per project (being conservative here) = 400 hours of work

  • There are only about 160 working hours in a month (40 hours a week x 4 weeks)

  • This means you’d need to work 240 extra hours, or 60 hours per week

  • That’s 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, with no time for admin, client calls, or finding new clients.

  • The result? Overwhelm, burnout, and eventually hating the very thing you once loved.


Not exactly the dream, is it?


The real path to earning more as a freelance designer isn’t about landing more $500 clients.


Instead, it’s about transforming your business to attract fewer, higher-paying clients.


We’re talking about hitting that same $10k with just 2 or 3 clients instead.

#3: “I can’t explain my designs. Someone either likes it or doesn’t!”

This myth is the silent killer of so many design businesses.


It’s the “art school” mindset that says design is purely subjective, and if a client doesn’t “get it,” well, that’s their problem.


But here’s the thing: in the world of business, design isn’t just about aesthetics.


It’s about strategy.


Every colour choice, every font, and every layout decision should have a reason behind it that ties back to the client’s goals or values.


When you can articulate these reasons, magic happens. You’re not presenting a logo; you’re presenting a visual solution to their business challenges.


This shift does three powerful things:

  1. It justifies higher rates (because you’re providing more value)

  2. It reduces revisions (because clients understand and appreciate your choices)

  3. It positions you as an expert (leading to more referrals and repeat business)

Busting these myths isn’t just about changing your mindset.


It’s about transforming your entire approach to your design business.


You know, you’re not the only one clouded with these limiting beliefs, and… It’s Not Your Fault!


Remember all those hours you spent studying design at school/college perfecting your craft?


That was all incredibly valuable. But let me ask you this:


How many classes did you take on pricing your services?


Or on presenting your work to clients?


Or on building a sustainable business?


Or building the confidence to NOT feel like an imposter?


The truth is, most design education focuses solely on the craft, leaving the “business and mindset” side as an afterthought.


You were taught to be a great designer, not a great business owner.


And those are two very different skill sets.


Plus, our culture loves to romanticise the idea of the “starving artist.”


We’re fed this narrative that to be truly creative, we must struggle. That charging good money for our work somehow diminishes its artistic value.


Spoiler alert: That’s complete nonsense.


Your talent and creativity are valuable. They solve real problems for businesses. And you deserve to be compensated fairly for that value.


The truth is, running a successful design business requires specific knowledge and systems.


Knowledge that you weren’t given in school and systems that take years of trial and error to develop on your own.


And Here’s How I Can Help You

Remember when I said your design skills weren’t the problem?


Well, I’ve created a solution for what actually is.




This isn’t just a set of templates. It’s a complete system for running a profitable, sustainable design business. Here’s a sneak peek:


  • Project Proposal: Showcase your value and justify higher rates.

  • Client Onboarding: Set the stage for success from day one.

  • Client Tracker: To manage your clients and keep them updated all the time.

  • Design Presentation: Explain your choices and wow your clients.

  • Brand Guidelines: Ensure your work is used correctly (and set yourself up for future projects).

  • Client Off-boarding: Turn happy clients into raving fans and referral machines.


Each template is designed to help you overcome these myths and position yourself as the expert you are.


And if you’re thinking, “This sounds great, Abi, but I’ll get to it later,” believe me: Later never comes.


You have two choices:


  1. Keep struggling, undercharging, and hoping things will magically improve.

  2. Invest in yourself and your business and start walking on the path to a successful business.


Which will it be?


Here's to busting myths and building the design business of your dreams!


Abi 😊





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