Designers who share more win more

There are a lot of designers more talented than me.

But I’ve built a great business, worked with amazing companies, and didn’t struggle often to find work because I understood this early…

You don’t just need a portfolio. You need a signal.

If you’re a freelance designer—or want to be—this might be the most important shift you can make.

Start building your media engine.

I just got back from a mastermind with Dan Martell, and while most of it was focused on scaling companies, one section hit me hard.

“Your brand is your best growth engine.”

Not your resume. Not your referrals.

Your content.

Below, you’ll find the 8 most important lessons from the event. I’ll show you how they apply directly to you as a designer looking to stand out, attract better clients, and build a reputation.

1. Capture > Create

Don’t wait for “the perfect post.” Just record what’s already happening.

This builds a culture of capture—and that’s the foundation of consistent content.

2. Stay Consistent (Even if You’re Bored)

You’ll get tired of your own content before anyone else does.

But your audience isn’t hearing it for the 50th time. They’re hearing it for the first.

Repetition builds recognition.

3. Show and Tell

Sharing images of your work—along with a bit of your thinking—on your favorite platform is one of the most effective ways to attract attention and build trust.

Too many designers rely only on words. Let your actual design work do the talking and support it with the story behind it. Check out this IG video with 3 portfolio tips to learn more.

4. Teach, Don’t Tell

Don’t just say “clean layout” or “accessible colors.”

Explain why it matters. Show how you applied it.

Teaching scales. It helps people trust you faster.

5. Know Who You’re For

There are thousands of web designers out there.

But are you the go-to designer for SaaS founders? Authors? Coaches?

Your niche is part of your brand. Make it clear.

6. Qualify Before You Sell

This one hit home…

“You’re likely skipping qualification and jumping straight to the offer. Don’t.”

I’ve done this.

And I’ve worked with the wrong clients because I didn’t slow down.

Even if it boosted my bank account, it hurt my schedule, energy, and mental clarity.

If you want long-term success, don’t just sell. Filter.

7. Use Your Greatest Hits

Go back to your best-performing posts.

Use them to build your tone blueprint.

Then remix those ideas into a repeatable content rhythm.

(And yes, AI can help—but only if it’s drawing from your best work.)

8. Keep It Simple

Use Dan’s “Banger Creator” Framework:

One problem. One analogy. One lesson.

That’s it.

Don’t try to jam five insights into a single story. Simplicity is what makes it stick.

You don’t need to become a YouTuber.

You don’t need to post daily.

You just need to start showing how you think and design—consistently.

That’s how the best clients find you.

That’s how you build a reputation.

My advice? Start small. Share what you’re learning. Be consistent.

The signal gets stronger every time you show up.