Welcome to the Curated Collective Podcast with Megan Weeks where we discuss graphic design, speak with creative experts in the industry and inspire each other to share and improve our craft. My name is Megan Weeks, with over 8 years of experience in graphic design I decided it was time to start sharing my knowledge about the industry. Follow the podcast and listen to our bi-weekly episodes!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/cd4755a2-7ede-43b4-bb28-83c5664d648d__2F2025-1-10_2F394619350-44100-2-120be556147fb.mp3

Season 3 Episode 1 - Hey there, welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast! 🎙✨ In this episode I answer all your questions. From where to find clients, to how to get started as a designer and how to manage your day! I hope you find this episode helpful if you are an aspiring graphic designer. Questions? Drop them below and I will do my best to answer!Want to learn more about YouTube, design business, and more! Join the graphic design community here: https://patreon.com/curatedcollectiveco

GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS Q+A (Where To Find Clients)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/154faf74-d167-41ca-844c-7300fa0f8c88_2F2024-11-13_2F391514588-44100-2-09c78e9e41384.mp3

Episode 23 - Hey there, welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast! 🎙✨ In this episode I share the 5 steps I take to prepare for taking time off without slowing down my graphic design business. From how to automate tasks, to how I prepare content and how I make a return plan. I go over it all with you and how I am able to relax and shut my computer knowing my business is still running. 

Want to learn more about YouTube, design business, and more! Join the graphic design community here: https://patreon.com/curatedcollectiveco

Listen and FOLLOW the podcast on Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/hlfa6DDvmOb

0:00 welcome :) 
1:36 set up your systems
5:40 prepare content ahead of time
10:30 delegate tasks
13:16 time off is a biz strategy
14:45 create a return plan
18:20 thank you :)

How I take time off WITHOUT slowing down my graphic design business

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/45c47db5-bf63-49ca-aa01-8413a3af5f0b__2F2024-10-8_2F389480127-44100-2-70d0849f570b9.mp3

Episode 22 - Hey there, welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast! 🎙✨ In this episode, Megan Weeks is diving into her journey of self-improvement and leveling up her graphic design business! She’s sharing 7 ways she’s working on both personal growth and business upgrades — because, as every solopreneur knows, the two go hand in hand! From setting clear goals to exploring new creative techniques, these changes are all about making next year the best one yet. Whether you’re a designer or a small business owner, you’ll find plenty of inspo here!
 
0:00 welcome :) 
1:15 some honest truth
3:15 what we see online is not always true
6:40 my 2 biggest values
9:18 self care task 1
10:55 self care task 2
14:14 self care task 3
16 50: self care task 4
20:07 self care task 5
22:32 self care task 6
24:49 self care task 7
26:02 thank you :)

7 WAYS I am improving myself and my graphic design business

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/888ba0f0-7da0-4c74-9506-6d9366bfa9a7__2F2024-9-25_2F388680999-44100-2-12dc5ade0d66b.mp3

Episode 21 - Hey there, welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast! 🎙✨ In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of copywriting with the amazing Naomi from Glas House Media. We’re chatting about why EVERY website designer should have a copywriter on their team and how it can totally transform your site (hello, more leads and conversions! 🙌). Whether you’re a designer or just looking to level up your website game, this convo is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.

✨ GET THIS FREEBIE ✨ Anatomy of GOOD Copywriting: https://mwdc.myflodesk.com/copywriting

Hit play, grab a coffee, and let’s get into it!

Want to learn more about YouTube, marketing or my editing style?! Join the graphic design community here: https://patreon.com/curatedcollectiveco

Why Web Designers NEED a Copywriter with Naomi from Glass House Media

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/b27b0c51-952e-42a3-815d-dc4663d60885__2F2024-8-28_2F387186035-44100-2-21812cb301242.mp3

Welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast. In this episode I talk all things YouTube! This is one of my favorite platforms to be on and over the few years it has been so fun to grow it more and connect with you all. If you want to learn more about how I grow my account to over 500+ new subscribers every week, then this is the video for you!

how I gain 500 new youtube subscribers EVERY 7 DAYS!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/1bc02d94-c2d2-4f3e-bded-7a904f8facfa__2F2024-8-15_2F386415971-44100-2-614b9e5120feb.mp3

Episode 19 - Welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast. In this episode I share all things I did within my launch strategy that led to my graphic design communities growth! Within 2 weeks I was able to grow my community way past my goal and it has been SO FUN to connect with other designers and help others along their journey! 

Join the graphic design community here: https://patreon.com/curatedcollectiveco

Or feel free to skip to any of these parts of the video: 

0:00 welcome :)
1:40 what is the community
2:20 what I would&#39;ve done different
6:20 send a survey to your audience
8:50 brainstorm your best fit student
11:11 discover their tipping point
12:35 what makes your offer better
16:00 missed opportunities
17:00 share the benefits
19:05 unique selling points
20:10 unique method
22:23 sense of urgency 
24:20 did I reach my goals?
27:00 thank you!

the LAUNCH STRATEGY that made my graphic design community grow FAST

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/786f1ee6-d509-4a1f-badd-a30cd3e96cf3__2F2024-7-23_2F385199585-44100-2-fc6d8fc8a1214.mp3

Episode 18 - Welcome back to the Curated Collective Co. podcast. In this episode I share all the updated things I have learned about Instagram when it comes to growing, monetizing and landing clients! From the content, the bio, the marketing tactics and more! I go over it all in this episode. I hope you all enjoy!

How To Land Graphic Design Clients On Instagram (2024)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/6cd1eeb7-9b87-49a5-b5a2-a372b3b8683f_g_2F2024-7-9_2F384542012-44100-2-05492cb68b17c.mp3

Episode 17 - In this episode I answer all the questions I got about my new graphic design community, Curated Collective Co. Community! From how much it costs to what is inside and the long term goals. If you have any other questions don&#39;t hesitate to reach out. Doors open August 14th and you join here: https://curatedcollectiveco.com/pages/the-community
 
Or feel free to skip to any of these parts of the video: 
 
0:00 welcome :)
1:28 the long term goals
3:45 the tiers
5:00 pricing
6:30 the blueprint 
8:20 do we get 1 on 1 feedback?
10:00 is this for beginners? 
12:03 founding members
13:35 figma nad shopify tutorials? 
14:40 practice files?
15:25 courses vs. community
19:30 sneak peek of chat rooms 
21:41 how to search for beginner videos 
23:45 how to join
24:30 thank you and next steps!

Graphic Design Community Q+A (What You Will Get)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/a50651e3-d0ab-446d-b3bc-65036883a77a__2F2024-6-26_2F383846379-44100-2-fc66a0b1fe232.mp3

In this video I share with you how email marketing made me $25k as a graphic designer. From how I use it in my business, which tool I use to send and create workflows, my exact funnel and strategy and more! If you are not doing email marketing yet, you definitely should be! If you want to learn more about graphic design or email marketing feel free to skip ahead to any of these parts:

0:00 welcome :) 
0:17 why email marketing is powerful
2:40 interesting data
4:45 how to get subscribers 
5:00 my funnel system 
7:14 my flodesk email setup 
8:24 segments and workflows 
8:54 where my emails take subscribers
9:30 marketing tip 
10:40 the email platforms
10:57 honest thoughts on flodesk 
12:40 speak directly 
15:30 subject lines
17:25 what I learn from my launch strategist 
23:20 next steps :)

How Email Marketing Made Me $25k as a Graphic Designer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/613b2389-f5e1-4751-9290-daaf55b81562__2F2024-6-10_2F382921159-44100-2-372e09531173e.mp3

In this video, I&#39;ll be sharing my top tips and strategies for staying productive as a graphic designer. From managing tight deadlines to maintaining creative inspiration, I&#39;ll cover everything you need to know to boost your productivity and have balance in your life. Whether you&#39;re a freelance graphic designer, working in a design studio, or just starting out, these tips will help you stay organized and motivated. Also, let&#39;s talk about not shaming ourselves if we don&#39;t get everything done - we are all human!! 

0:00 podcast episode 15 :) 
1:44 simplify business model 
4:56 automate and delegate 
9:45 zero shame policy!
14:32 time and task blocking
17:00 final thoughts
18:15 thank you!

THIS is how I stay productive as a graphic designer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/f1110a90-8565-48d8-988a-e70c40b956a5__2F2024-5-19_2F381147502-44100-2-cfcf8b004110a.mp3

Ep 14 - In this episode I share with the life lessons from my 20&#39;s because I turned 30 this week! I go into things I learned about business, relationships, money, health and wellness. I am so excited to turn 30 and enter into a new decade truly knowing who I am and what I am working towards.

Feel free to jump ahead to any of these parts of the video: 

0:00 30th birthday
0:20 focus on internal health first 
1:40 let go of what you cannot control 
6:13 it&#39;s not that serious
12:00 spending money wisely
15:45 everyone&#39;s just figuring it out
17:48 saying &#34;no&#34; is powerful 
21:40 forgive others to move forward
24:42 schedule time for yourself
25:30 choose friends wisely
30:27 life moves fast, moments are precious

Life lessons from my 20's (and turning 30)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/60da2204-ee2d-44e6-9c25-06de1defafab_g_2F2024-5-7_2F379984925-44100-2-9d942742586e4.mp3

In this episode I introduce the new podcast name, Curated Collective, I am so excited to share more about this branch of my business that I have been working on! I am currently working away building a graphic design community and resource hub for you all. 

Feel free to jump ahead to any of these parts of the video: 

0:00 new podcast name!
0:12 introducing myself 
2:42 what is curated collective co.
3:45 what to expect
4:50 why the name?
6:35 how this is different
7:20 when is the launch date?!
7:30 sneak peak into community
9:00 what the community will offer
12:50 the changes you will see!
13:38 thank you :)

I'm Building a Graphic Design Community (Introducing Curated Collective Co.)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/1099b87f-f5d2-40bf-8f06-dd09e738f4d9__2F2024-4-10_2F377135507-44100-2-5c1bf8bf87439.mp3

Ep 12 - In this episode I talk all about how to find peace when life gets chaotic. Whether it is friendships, relationships, sickness, health or work getting in the way, it is important to find peace amongst it all. Without chaos and disappointments, we wouldn&#39;t have the excitement or things to look forward too. April taught me to view the glass half full even though there was a few days that I felt really down. I wanted to feel my healthiest again, I wanted to dive back into work and hangout with friends, however, the universe kept reminding me to slow down and stop trying to do it all. 
 
0:00 welcome!
0:50 feeling disconnected 
2:26 feeling guilty for feeling negative 4:30 my april chaos 8:32 being too hard on myself 9:40 adult friendships and FOMO15:30 health is wealth17:00 putting health before work19:00 how to actually put yourself first24:42 how I am choosing peace over chaos 29:02 money and materialism 31:38 finding overall peace in my business33:22 thank you for listening to me :)

How I Am Choosing Peace Over Chaos (Health, Work and Friendships)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/9ac21172-f027-483b-baff-f2993c0f529c__2F2024-3-26_2F375627828-44100-2-5aa5b2f538e47.mp3

Ep 11 - Let&#39;s talk about all the tips and tricks I do to get out of a creative rut in this episode! In this episode I will dive into 4 different things I do to help me get those creative juices flowing and to help me feel inspired to create beautiful branding projects. If you feel stuck on your creative journey then this episode is for you! If you enjoy this episode or if any of the things I mentioned helped you please comment, like and subscribe! 

Feel free to jump ahead to any of these parts of the video: 
0:00 welcome!
2:14 create themes around logos
4:52 draw before designing
6:43 step outside your cave
9:30 passion projects
11:54 final thoughts

How To Get Out of a Creative Rut as a Graphic Designer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/5d61006b-70a4-4adf-84be-7c3405431454__2F2024-3-12_2F374036365-44100-2-f68bbe3709ed4.mp3

In this episode I have special guest, Shay Frago, a holistic hormone health coach! We talk about all things business and how slowing down is important for speeding up! When you are aware of your hormones and your health everything else falls into place. When I went on a journey to discover my menstrual cycle and how to balance everything, I noticed that I was able to do more in my business. I had more energy and I was able to honor my body during the different phases of my cycle. Hope you enjoy this chat all about hormones and entrepreneurship! 
 
Tempdrop wearable BBT thermometer I mentioned: https://tempdrop.refr.cc/contact
Saalt (Eco-friendly sustainable period products): https://saalt.com/?aff=207use code SHAYFRAGO for a discount
Probiotics: Seed or Organic Olivia
Lunar Sync supplements, catered towards key minerals, vitamins, and herbs to support each phase: https://drsaris.com/ Use code VIDA20
https://www.instagram.com/shayfrago/
https://www.instagram.com/flirtyfertileandthriving/

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Hormonal Balance with Shay Frago

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/586ec55b-b28e-4426-bb5f-434f0abff7c7__2F2024-2-29_2F372605902-44100-2-0a5956b024f17.mp3

Ep 09 - In this episode I have special guest, Andria Vetick on to share her journey into graphic design! She not only went to college for design but has taken a few of my courses. Andria&#39;s story is so inspiring as she shares when she first got inspired to design. We also discuss the ways new clients can be found and how being prepared with a good process is ideal for onboarding freelancing clients. I hope you enjoyed this episode and feel motivated to also take your design passion to the next level! Go give Andria a follow here: 
https://www.instagram.com/andriavdesign/
 
Feel free to jump ahead to any of these parts of the video: 
0:00 welcome
1:33 current client projects
3:15 meet Andria
8:59 college for graphic design
10:37 how to get started as a designer
13:28 how to balance 9-5 and design biz
19:50 landing client success story
12:40 social media for clients
25:05 hardest thing as a designer now
32:47 where to connect 
33:10 thank you! 

// TAKE MY COURSES //

https://meganweeksdesignco.com/education/

GUIDE TO: LANDING GRAPHIC DESIGN CLIENTS 
This course has 5 video led modules, a downloadable e-book and you will be able to join my community as well 💕
https://meganweeksdesignco.thinkific.com/courses/guide-to-landing-graphic-design-clients

✨ WordPress Website Design Course ✨ 
https://meganweeksdesignco.thinkific.com/courses/wordpress-website-design-course

✨ Custom Branding Process Course ✨
https://meganweeksdesignco.thinkific.com/courses/custom-branding-process/

NOW OFFERING BRAND + WEB DESIGN COURSES IN A BUNDLE 💥
https://meganweeksdesignco.thinkific.com/bundles/branding-and-wordpress-web-design

DUBSADO DECODED (Project Management for Creatives)
https://meganweeksdesignco.thinkific.com/courses/dubsado-decoded

Landing Graphic Design Clients: Andria's Success Story

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/b6009236-9786-4fea-95f6-3f0cf2549681__2F2024-2-17_2F371188413-44100-2-acde620c89b52.m4a

Ep 08 - Discover the reality and hard truth about running a creative business in our episode, &#34;6 Hard Truths About Being a Creative Business Owner.&#34; We&#39;re diving into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to make it as a business owner. From managing finances to the loneliness of entrepreneurship, I am laying it all out so you can thrive as a creative entrepreneur. This video is your guide to navigating the ups and downs of running your own creative business. Hope you enjoy this episode with straightforward advice and real talk about what it really means to be a creative boss.

Feel free to jump ahead to any of these parts of the video: 
0:00 let&#39;s make coffee
2:50 hard truth 1
7:57 hard truth 2
10:12 hard truth 3
14:21 hard truth 4
17:52 hard truth 5
22:25 hard truth 6

6 Hard Truths About Being a Creative Business Owner

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/d1624ccf-2708-4222-97e1-027b5b23aeba_g_2F2024-2-1_2F369400218-44100-2-8e5e6a21f78a8.mp3

Ep 7 - Being a freelancer or graphic designer can mean freedom, but it also comes with managing your own taxes and that can get tricky. Don&#39;t worry! This podcast episode breaks down everything you need to know about taxes for freelance graphic designers in plain, simple terms with CPA and small business accountant, Jackie Easterday! 

In this video, Jackie goes over:

S-Corp vs. LLC 
Keeping track of deductions and write offs 
Quarterly tax payments vs yearly
Quick tips for organizing your finances

If you&#39;re a freelancer looking to navigate tax season stress-free, this video is for you!

Feel free to skip ahead to any of these parts: 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=0s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">0:00</a> welcome!
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=95s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">1:35</a> meet Jackie
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=311s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">5:11</a> what to look for in a CPA
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=375s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">6:15</a> LLC or S-Corp?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=740s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">12:20</a> separating business and personal expenses
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=988s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">16:28</a> bank account set up
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1212s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">20:12</a> how much should you save?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1332s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">22:12</a> how to pay yourself?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1432s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">23:52</a> quarterly vs. yearly taxes
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1620s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">27:00</a> how to pay for taxes?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1728s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">28:48</a> best way to save receipts 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1888s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">31:28</a> write off&#39;s
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2095s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">34:55</a> what to keep in mind for tax season
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2280s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">38:00</a> next steps
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2445s&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">40:45</a> conclusion 

Check out Jackie&#39;s site and grab her helpful resources: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Feasterdaygroup.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3hReC1GY01CcDk0S2lBV1dCcFNIR1RuUnpBQXxBQ3Jtc0tsZXJHcEkza1gyVE4xMUNZZDRnRWtpVmhGYkNxb0dVckxwVVp2dzZxMWJvenQ4MkFVanduSjlzdjVPcmdCNDdlZmFGNjZkTHpPak1HNnlwbmVIWGZqQ2RaVlRkY3N4RjcyZzB1VWlraFNvQ1FJSEk2WQ&v=vV53y3LhPKE" rel="nofollow">https://easterdaygroup.com/</a>

Taxes for Freelancers (EVERYTHING You Need to Know)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/481788dc-cd6d-4d0a-a035-3be684a5f203_2024-1-29_2F369295662-44100-1-1a6fe207da53d893.mp3

Join me as I uncover the top five reasons why being a graphic designer is not just a job, but a lifestyle filled with creativity, innovation, and fulfillment. From the endless opportunities for self-expression to the thrill of bringing ideas to life through visual storytelling, I&#39;ll showcase the diverse aspects that make this career truly extraordinary. Whether you&#39;re a seasoned designer or aspiring to embark on this exciting journey, tune in to discover why graphic design isn&#39;t just a profession—it&#39;s a love affair with imagination, design, and endless possibility. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by the artistry and joy that comes with being a graphic designer.https://www.instagram.com/meganweeksdesign/

5 Things I LOVE About Being a Graphic Designer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/5/22/dbba0b05-f102-47c9-a9b3-660dbadb9445_2024-1-29_2F369295740-44100-1-0430ebf90bc9c4db.mp3

In this episode, join us as we dive into the world of social media and uncover the latest strategies to propel your online presence to new heights in 2024. With the evolving algorithms and trends, staying ahead of the game is crucial for anyone looking to make a mark on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and more.Our expert guest Maddie Swalcy will share insider tips on content creation, engagement tactics, and leveraging features to captivate your audience. Learn the dos and don&#39;ts of building a genuine online community, mastering the art of storytelling, and utilizing analytics to refine your approach. Follow Maddie here: https://www.instagram.com/maddieswalcy/https://www.instagram.com/meganweeksdesign/