The Logo Geek Podcast

This week, Ian chats with James Barnard, a designer who’s built an impressive career around logo design and content, but it didn’t happen overnight. We talk about James going from working in publishing and freelancing to figuring out that logo design was the part of graphic design he enjoyed most. We chat about finding clients, learning on the job, specialising, and how he eventually built a career around the work he actually wanted to do.

We then get into content creation, including how one TikTok video about getting his logos published led to 3 million views and 70 new business leads. James shares what happened afterwards, what he’s learned about creating content that helps his business, dealing with the pressure of being visible online, and why finding a way to create content that you actually enjoy is so important.

This week, Ian's joined by Vadim Carazan, founder of WeGrow and Nine Days, to explore his journey from freelancing on 99designs as an engineering student to building a successful subscription based branding studio.

The episode dives into the retainer model behind WeGrow, how they keep client relationships flexible and fair, and Nine Days, a branding sprint that brings strategy, identity and a landing page together in one fast moving package. We also explore AI, including whether it really is a threat to designers and how Vadim built his own AI powered tool, Tessera, in just a day.

This episode is sponsored by Superside, the world's leading AI-first creative partner for enterprises. Scale creative capacity with Superside: brand and presentation design, ad creative, social and video.

Liz Mosley never planned on working for herself, but 18 years, a stationery side hustle, and two kids later, she's built an independent branding studio and a podcast that has become one of her most valuable business assets.

In this episode, Ian Paget sits down with Liz to explore the moment she stopped treating her business like a hobby, why podcasting became her biggest confidence boost, and how showing up consistently, mistakes and all, builds trust in a way AI never will.

They also dive into Liz's "100 Rejections" challenge, a personal game she created to stop fearing the word "no." It led to partnerships with Adobe and Flodesk, as well as a joint talk at Adobe Max with a former guest of the Logo Geek Podcast.

If you've ever felt stuck between working in your business and working on it, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Ian's joined by Dave Hopkins, print industry veteran, podcast host, and founder of Print Design Academy, for the show's first deep dive into print design.

As AI continues to reshape digital creative work, Dave explains why print remains such an exciting opportunity for designers. From newspapers to digitally printed aluminium cans, we explore how print technology has evolved and why it's more accessible than ever. The conversation also covers the business side of print, including pricing, managing client content, finding reliable print partners, and creating additional revenue through production management and print markups.

Whether you're new to print or looking to expand your services, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh ideas for standing out in an increasingly AI-driven industry.

Resources Mentioned

More Creative Academy: The Ultimate Support Platform for Freelancers and Agency Owners.

The Quickie Podcast - Dave's design podcast

Print Design Academy - Dave's coaching and education platform

Print Design Summit - Free five-day virtual event, held each March

Print Ready Files Checklist - Free download at Print Design Academy

Guide to Pricing Graphic Design - Free download at Print Design Academy

HART Print - Digital aluminium can printing

Newspaper Club - Short-run newspaper and zine printing

GF Smith - Paper manufacturer (UK)

Sign up to Brand Cult here, and use the mystery discount code LOGOGEEKMYSTERYCULT

In this raw and honest conversation, host Ian Paget scraps his original plan to delve into a deeply personal and highly relevant topic: the reality of balancing self-employment and new parenthood. Ian is joined by brand identity designer and strategist Danielle Clark, who is seven months into her journey as a new mother.

Danielle shares her candid experience navigating the complex world of self-employed maternity pay, the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the surprising loss of professional confidence she experienced. Ian also opens up about his own challenging journey as a single, self-employed father. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur, especially those in the creative industry, who are planning for or currently navigating the monumental shift of integrating family life with running a business.

In this conversation, Ian Paget and Stef Hamerlinck discuss the evolution of brand building, the integration of AI in branding, and the significance of mascots. Stef shares his journey from graphic design to brand strategy, emphasizing the role of AI in enhancing creativity and efficiency in brand marketing. They explore the process of creating mascots, the importance of character design, and how brands can leverage AI tools to generate engaging content. The discussion highlights the future of branding, where creativity and technology converge to create memorable brand experiences.

Hey Logo Geeks! It’s Ian Paget here for another podcast to help you make a living designing logos.

Now today’s episode is going to be a little different from usual…
There’s no guest, no interview - just me, chatting directly with you about something that’s really close to my heart. Something I’ve been thinking about for a long time now, and I’m finally ready to offer: one-to-one mentorship and consulting for designers.

But before I dive into what that is and how it can help you, I want to give you a bit of context.

Over the past 20 years of working in design, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. I’ve built a career I love, I’ve worked with amazing clients, and I’ve grown the Logo Geek brand into something that’s helped thousands of designers around the world.

But I didn’t do it alone.

I’ve had the help, support, and advice of so many generous people along the way... mentors, peers, even strangers on the internet—who offered guidance when I needed it most. And honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

That’s why I’ve always made it a personal mission to give back. I’ve done that through this podcast, the Logo Geek blog, the community on Facebook, replying to DMs, emails... you name it. And of course, I also wrote my book, Make a Living Designing Logos, to share everything I’ve learned about building a sustainable design career.

And while I’ve loved every second of that, I know sometimes… a podcast episode, a blog post, or a quick answer in a Facebook group just isn’t enough.

Sometimes what you really need is a real conversation. One-on-one time with someone who’s been through it, made the mistakes, figured things out, and can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

That’s what I want to offer now.

Bringing back what I loved

A few of you might remember I previously launched a private designer community, originally called the Logo Geek Logo Club. It was such a joy to run. I especially loved the group video calls where I got to chat with members directly and offer feedback and support face to face.

But, as much as I loved it, I had to make the hard decision to close it. I’ve got personal responsibilities... I'm a single dad to an amazing 6-year-old daughter—and I didn’t feel I could give the community the time and energy it truly deserved.

Still, the thing I missed most from that time was the direct, personal support... those real conversations that made a difference. So I’ve been thinking about how to bring that back in a way that works for my life and also helps me cover my time financially.

And I want to be completely honest with you…

This isn’t about money. I’ve been helping designers for free for years, and I’ll continue to do so. But I know that some people genuinely want or need deeper support. And if I’m spending an hour helping someone, that’s an hour I’m not spending on client work or with my daughter.

So this is simply about creating something sustainable, for me and for you.

What I'm offering

I’m now opening up one-to-one mentorship and consulting sessions, specifically for designers who want to make a living from their craft.

Here’s what it looks like:

We’ll jump on a one-to-one video call, just you and me

I’ll provide personalised advice and support based on your unique situation

You’ll get a recording of the session so you can rewatch it anytime

I’ll also follow up with notes and action steps to help you move forward

This can cover anything you’re struggling with; design feedback, portfolio advice, landing a job, finding clients, dealing with tricky clients, or even launching your own podcast or building a brand around your name.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow and scale what you’ve already built, I’m here to help.

Pricing and how to book

I want to make this as accessible as possible:

You can book a one-hour session for £100

Or, if you’re looking for ongoing support, you can get a block of ten sessions for £800, so £80 per session

To book, just email me directly at ian@logogeek.com, and we’ll start the conversation. We’ll chat about what you need, and I’ll let you know if I think I can help.

This is your time, dedicated, focused support to help you grow, gain confidence, and make progress.

Final thoughts

Look, I know how overwhelming this industry can be. I’ve been there. I’ve doubted myself, I’ve taken on nightmare clients, I’ve undercharged, and I’ve made all the mistakes you can think of. But I’ve also built a business I’m proud of, with a steady flow of great clients, and a brand that opens doors.

And if I can help you do the same, even in a small way, I’d be honoured.

So if you’re ready to take the next step, reach out. Again, my email is ian@logogeek.com.

Thank you, as always, for listening, and for being part of the Logo Geek community. I’ll be back soon with more episodes to help you thrive as a logo designer.

Take care, and speak soon.