Print Life podcast

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When we talk about income as surface designers, we often focus on how much designers are making—but the real question is why some designers earn more than others. In this episode, we’re diving into the factors that truly shape your income, from clarity and confidence to strategy and consistency. If you’ve ever hesitated to put your work out there, struggled with pricing, or felt stuck in a cycle of undercharging and overworking, this episode is for you. Tune in as we discuss: ✔ The key difference between designers who thrive and those who struggle. ✔ The role of mindset in pricing your work confidently. ✔ Why no single sales method guarantees success. ✔ How to shift from hesitation to action and increase your visibility. Your income isn’t just about where you sell—it’s about how you approach it. Let’s shift your beliefs around pricing and step into the value you bring to the industry. 🎧 Listen now and let’s talk about it! Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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120: Goal Setting & The Three Things That Matter Most 14:23

il y a environ 20 jours14:23

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Setting Goals That Actually Move Your Creative Business Forward Let’s be real—most of us have set goals like “I want to sell more art” or “I want to grow on Instagram.” But are those goals actually helping you move forward? If you feel like you’ve been setting goals but not seeing real progress, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down the key things that truly matter when it comes to goal setting as a designer. These are the steps that will help you create real momentum, avoid distractions, and finally start seeing results in your creative business. In this episode, I cover: ✔️ How to set goals that actually align with the business you want ✔️ Why process-based goals work better than vague outcome goals ✔️ How to break down big goals into clear, actionable steps ✔️ The importance of tracking progress and adjusting along the way ✔️ Why flexibility (not perfection) is key to long-term success If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and setting the same goals year after year, tune in now and start setting goals that actually get you where you want to go. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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119: Do You Really Need a Niche? 13:28

il y a environ 28 jours13:28

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There’s a lot of advice floating around about whether or not you really need a niche as a designer. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “You don’t need to niche, just focus on your style,” or “You don’t need to niche, just find your audience.” Here’s the truth: That IS niching. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why choosing a niche isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about giving yourself a clear path forward. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, unsure of where to find clients, or unclear about your next steps, this episode will help you shift your perspective on niching and why it can actually create more freedom in your business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why "my prints look good on everything" is the biggest myth keeping you stuck ✅ The real reason designers resist niching ✅ How niching gives you clarity on your portfolio, pricing, pitching, and marketing ✅ Why versatility is not the same as strategy ✅ A simple action step to start defining your niche today—without overthinking it! Stay Connected & Keep Learning 📌 Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife 📌 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/ Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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118: 5 Ways to Get Better Results by Doing Less 21:18

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This week, I’m talking about something that so many of us struggle with—including myself: doing too much and getting nowhere. We often feel like we need to chase every opportunity, every revenue stream, and every strategy, thinking that the more we do, the more successful we’ll be. But the truth? Doing less strategically leads to bigger and better results. So today, I’m sharing five ways to get better results by doing less —so you can create more impact, more income, and more mastery in your business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Simplify Your Offers – Stop spreading yourself thin across multiple avenues. Choose 1–2 core areas to focus on and go all in. Establish a Consistent Practice – Mastery comes from repetition. Whether it’s designing, pitching, or marketing—consistency builds confidence and skill. Streamline Business Processes – Systems create freedom. Simplify pricing, pitching, and client communication to remove resistance. Streamline Your Creative Workflow – Set up a process that allows you to create without wasting time on decision fatigue. Keep Your Focus & Avoid Distractions – Stop chasing every new opportunity. Go all in on the areas that bring results before adding more. This is your permission slip to simplify, focus, and create a business that works for you. What can you let go of to move forward with more clarity and ease? Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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117: The Power of Letting Go 11:17

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In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—how I decided to let go of parts of my business this year to create space for more freedom and joy. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or defined by your work, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through my journey of balancing multiple creative ventures and how I finally decided to simplify my focus. We’ll talk about recognizing what lights you up, creating space for meaningful work, and how to let go of what no longer serves you. My hope is that this episode gives you the clarity and courage to step into 2025 with intention and focus. Key Takeaways: To do your best work, you must let go of what no longer serves you. Success doesn’t come from juggling everything—it comes from focusing on what matters most. Simplifying your business can reignite your creativity and energy. Freedom and flexibility require intentional decision-making. I hope this episode inspires you to take a closer look at what’s truly bringing you joy in your work—and what it might be time to let go of. Thank you for tuning in! Let’s make 2025 the year of clarity, focus, and aligned growth. Happy New Year! Leslie Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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116: Pricing, Money Mindset, and Adding Value as a Creative 46:58

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In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of pricing your creative work, overcoming money mindset blocks, and building a sustainable business by adding value for your clients. Whether you’re struggling with confidence in charging for your art or feeling stuck in a cycle of chasing the money, this discussion provides a fresh perspective on aligning your creativity with financial success. Plus, we break down actionable strategies for pricing, adapting to feedback, and growing your brand visibility. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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115:Artist Interview with Becky Dator 42:51

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In this episode of The Print Life Podcast , I’m thrilled to welcome Becky Dator, a creative manager with two decades of fashion industry experience across apparel, textile, and color design. With her roots in Philadelphia, Becky’s journey spans well-known brands like Free People and Print Fresh, where she’s held roles from design and project management to art direction and team leadership. We dive deep into her incredible path, starting with a chance encounter that sparked her desire to become a fashion designer, and trace her career’s evolution from student to a leader in the print and textile space. Throughout our conversation, Becky shares unique insights into the creative world of in-house design teams, her approach to art direction, and the joy of seeing her team’s work come to life in stores and on the streets. We also explore her latest project—launching her own brand focused on upcycled vintage with hand embellishments— and discuss the importance of staying flexible, creative, and open to opportunities throughout a design career. If you’re curious about the inner workings of textile studios, art direction, or building a sustainable fashion line, this episode is packed with inspiration. Join us as we explore the layers of the fashion industry through Becky’s lens and gain valuable advice for navigating a creative career in print design. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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114: Artist Interview with Hollei Anne Hayes 43:55

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Finding Your Power in Surface Pattern Design: An Interview with Hollei Anne Hayes In this episode of The Print Life Podcast , I’m joined by Hollei Anne Hayes, the founder of Hollei Anne Design Co., who has spent over a decade honing her craft in the design industry. After working with esteemed brands like Toys R Us and Skip Hop, Hollei transitioned to full-time freelance and now runs her own creative studio, where her art has been seen in major retailers like Target, TJ Maxx, and Hallmark. 🌟 We talk about her journey from corporate to owning her own business, the power of embracing your unique creative voice, and how she balances creating trend-forward designs with her own personal style. Hollei also shares invaluable insights on pricing your work, navigating the surface pattern design world, and making your art commercially viable. The big takeaway? No one is you, and that is your power. This episode is full of inspiration for designers looking to build a sustainable business and own their creative space. Whether you're new to surface pattern design or an experienced freelancer, this conversation is a must-listen. 🎧 Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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113: Artist Interview with Bec Oakes 34:01

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Bec Oakes is a Sydney based print designer, her work is bohemian, vintage and earthy, influenced by her experiences while travelling and nature. She discovered the world of print design while studying design at university and fell in love. She started out by interning and working in-house in the fashion and homewares industries but has found her place in her design business. Now her work can be found on fashion, homewares, lifestyle and fabric. Bec is a beach lover, yogi, traveler and creative who works with brands that align with her values, placing emphasis on care for the environment, people and communities. She loves to collaborate with people and businesses who are as passionate about what they do as she is. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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112: Artist Interview with Sara Torabi 30:27

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Sara Torabi, owner of Papillon Patterns, is a surface pattern designer based in Canada. Her creative purpose is to create art that brings joy and hope to lives all around the world. Inspired by the vibrant colors and beautiful nature of Canada, her work reflects the intricate details of the lines and curves she observes in her surroundings. Through her designs, she shares her love of art and nature, aiming to bring hope and happiness to those who enjoy her creations Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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111: From Audience to Client: How to Nurture and Convert on Social Media 22:14

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In this episode of The Print Life Podcast, we're diving deep into the art of turning your social media audience into loyal clients. We'll explore the crucial differences between your audience, leads, and clients, and why understanding these distinctions is essential for building a successful creative business. Leslie breaks down actionable steps to identify who’s engaging with your content, how to nurture those relationships, and the importance of being prepared when your dream clients come knocking. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow a loyal and aligned audience that converts. Key Takeaways: Understanding the distinctions between your audience, leads, and clients. How to audit your current audience to ensure it aligns with your business goals. Practical steps to prepare your business for client conversions. Why a small, engaged audience can be more powerful than a large, unfocused one. Listen now and get ready to boost your social media strategy! Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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110: A Conversation with Karina Duncan on Getting Started, Consignment Design & Diving into Freelance 29:22

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In this episode, join me to sit down with Karina Duncan, a talented textile designer who has carved out a unique space in the womenswear, resort, and swim markets with original, trend inspired print designs. With over six years of experience living and working in Portugal, Karina has honed her craft through both hand-painted and digital mediums. Starting her career as an in-house designer at a printing factory, Karina went on to work for an upcoming design studio in Braga before embarking on her freelance journey in 2021. Join us as Karina shares her insights on creating unique, lasting designs, working on consignment for studios, and building 1-1 relationships with her clients. We’ll delve into her passion for hand-painted florals, conversationals, and abstracts, and explore how she continues to make a lasting impression in the world of textile design. This is a must-listen episode for designers looking to blend creativity with commercial success! You can follow Karina at: https://www.instagram.com/karina.print/ Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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109: Elevate Your Design Process with the Power of Market Research 22:03

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In this episode we dive into the crucial role of market research in connecting with clients and boosting your sales as a surface pattern designer. Understanding the significance of knowing your market to establish strong relationships and make informed decisions that align with current trends and client needs. Learn why understanding your market is crucial for building client relationships. Strategies to develop designs that resonate with your target market and increase your magnetism in the marketplace. Key Takeaway: Mastering market research isn't just about knowing what to design—it's about developing a keen sense of what your client wants and how you can cater to those needs effectively. Leslie shares insights from her experience and the Print Life Membership, guiding you on how to leverage market research in your career as a surface pattern designer. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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108: Niching Down: The Key to Gaining Traction and Streamlining Your Creative Business 24:30

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In this episode of the Print Life Podcast we are diving in to the power of niching down for creative entrepreneurs. Are you struggling to attract your dream clients or feeling overwhelmed by your business? It might be time to refine your focus. We will cover: The importance of narrowing your niche How to gain traction faster by specializing Tips for streamlining your creative business to achieve sustainable growth Here's a sneak peek: "It’s important to start to look at our business. If it’s feeling like it’s running away from us, or if it’s not giving us what we need from it, and really ask ourselves, am I a little too broad in my offerings?" Tune in now to learn how focusing on your niche can transform your business and set you on the path to success! Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/…

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107: Returning to Yourself: Reconnecting with Passion and Purpose 18:06

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