THE ACADEMY AS YOU KNOW IT HAS COME TO AN END. NOW WE’RE IMAGINING WHAT ALL THAT GOOD STUFF MIGHT BECOME NEXT.

Our business school for graphic, brand and web designers is taking a little breather

Our business school for graphic, brand and web designers is taking a little breather

The BUSINESS SCHOOL for graphic Designers

We built something
pretty special.

We built something
pretty special.

12 MODULES. ONE INCREDIBLE BLUEPRINT. AND A PHENOMENAL COMMUNITY OF DESIGNERS WHO BROUGHT IT ALL TO LIFE.

YEARS OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, TOOLS AND SYSTEMS POURED INTO ONE PLACE — AND HUNDREDS OF DESIGNERS WHO LEARNT, SHARED, GREW AND BUILT BETTER BUSINESSES ALONGSIDE US.

So what happens now?

So what happens now?

The Academy in this format has officially come to an end, but everything inside it is far too valuable to let gather dust on a cyber shelf.

A book? An app? Something entirely different?

We don’t know yet. But we’re giving ourselves the space to imagine what its next season could be.

Whatever it becomes, this isn’t the end of the good stuff.

We're are still here, quietly cooking up what might come next...stay close

IT’S TIME TO SHINE BEAUTIFUL DESIGNER

In the meantime,
Do you want help with...

If you answered:

YES

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Donna is still working 1:1 with designers!

From bite-sized help with a specific challenge to deeper coaching and ongoing support.

..

..

How to attract your ideal clients?


How to maintain a consistent income and avoid the feast or famine with client work? 


How to get clients to respect you, trust your ideas and take your prices seriously?


How it IS possible to earn the money you want AND live a balanced lifestyle? 


How the heck other designers charge so much and are booked out for months in advance? 


How to know if the design and business systems you’ve got in place are the best ones?

for now

There’s still plenty here for you

While The Academy in this format has come to an end, there are still plenty of ways we can help you build a better design business.

Scroll through the 12 Academy modules and take a look at what we taught. Hear from some of the amazing designers who put it all into practice. Dive into our podcast, explore our free resources, and have a wander through the site—there are years of knowledge, advice and practical business goodness here for you.

 Why The Academy content was game-changer for our students

 Why joining
The Academy was a game-changer for our students

OWNER & DESIGNER
CLARK & CO BRAND DESIGN

OWNER & DESIGNER
BRAND NEW DAY STUDIO

OWNER & DESIGNER
MORPHE MEDIA MANAGEMENT

DESIGNER & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Kendra C Creative

The Design and Prosper Academy has all the information you need to run a successful graphic design business and the ongoing support to ensure you continue acing it as a CEO. Kris and Don are constantly updating the content and improving the academy experience. The Design and Prosper Academy content is so comprehensive, that I have not felt the need to seek out any other courses to supplement my knowledge.
 
If you’re a graphic designer looking to take your business to the next level, I can’t recommend this course enough.”

“Investing in the Design and Prosper Academy is the best decision I’ve made for my business. It saved my business!”

Elise Hopkins | FOUNDER OF Mauka Creative

Kris and Donna are my favourite design educators in the online space! They are absolutely full of knowledge and wisdom about the industry. The online education space can feel a little overwhelming and same-same, so I loved being able to hear from Kris and Don with some really amazing experiences and perspectives. 

Being already full-time in my business, I wasn’t able to attend all the sessions live but I really loved The Academy portal and facebook group!

“I just got back my first $10K proposal from a cool-as-heck dream client and I’m so excited to be able to use The Academy framework from start to finish!”

MADISON / FOUNDER OF ATLAS STUDIO 

The D&P Academy is truly a game changer for people like me who have put their heart and soul into their design business only to end up feeling completely burnt out, and out of time, energy and funds to keep it going.

Kris and Don’s wisdom has been pure gold and has reignited my joy and passion for what I do and aspire to do. On top of that, they are the warmest, most charming people who make the journey both fun and inviting, and have opened the door to an amazing community of other like-minded designers.

Bottom line: huuuge value and well worth the investment!" 


“This is the resource I've been searching for my entire design career! Kris and Donna are 100% legit and know absolutely what you are going through and how to get back to your happy place in business.”

KIM O | GRAPHIC DESIGNER / ENTREPRENEUR / REIGNITED BOSS BABE

Since finding Kris and Donna through their outstanding podcast, I knew they were special and would help me grow my business. Only a short while later they opened the doors to The Design & Prosper Academy and I signed up as soon as I could!

Kris and Donna have created this nurturing community of likeminded creatives, which is all about sharing, learning and supporting. I treasure this space.

To any designer that is considering joining The Academy – I encourage you to absolutely go for it!!! It has been the best investment I have made in my career. It is such a gift to work with Kris and Donna - take up this special opportunity.”


“Learning from Kris and Donna has been an absolute delight. These women are phenomenal mentors, teachers, and I have come to see them as friends too!”

SOPHIE WALKER | GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS OWNER

I'm just sending along the QUICKEST of notes to that say that - now a year out from last falls' academy - I'm about to send what's likely to be my final proposal for the year, and it will put me at over $100,000 in sales. 2022 has been HUGE. 💥💥💥

Thank you is never enough, but thank you - from my heart. xx 


“I would not be here without you both, and the wisdom // resources // confidence I gained from those 12 weeks.”

CARLY BURT | GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS OWNER

Thank you both so so much. The Academy has been such an incredible experience for teaching me the ins-and-outs of running a business, and providing me with the confidence, security, and resources to feel that I am a high level professional.

You’ve taken the guesswork out of client communication, invoicing, and client processes, and the ongoing D&P portal and live-call support is invaluable.

I feel comfort in knowing that you and the community show up every week and that I can come for mentorship/support when I need it. Big big thank you, you’re both so uplifting, supportive, and wise in the ways of design and mentorship and communication. I’m grateful to be in the D&P community. xx 


“You’ve shown me the value of investing in coaching and mentorship, and growth.’

MARIA LOBO | OWNER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR PLANET LOBO

I have a Bachelors in Fine Arts, but I never studied graphic design. I fell into it while trying to find something that would fit my now kid-filled life. I never felt like I had the confidence or polish to get out there and charge the right prices for my work. I spent (wasted) a ton of time trying out new business systems and felt I could never manage my time effectively.

I am now charging with confidence and feeling like I can finally breathe. My dream-days are coming to life! The Academy is pure GOLD. The value is more than I could have dreamed. The money you spend will come back to you in spades. Absolutely cannot recommend these lovely ladies enough!! They are the MAGIC you need. 


“Kris and Donna have held my virtual hand and introduced me to the most wonderful business systems and time management tools to make my graphic business dreams a reality!”

NINA LOTA /NINA LOTA DESIGN — GRAPHICS AND BRANDING

ONE MODULE AT A TIME

..

..

12 MODULES. ONE INCREDIBLE DESIGN BUSINESS BLUEPRINT.

Over the years, we poured everything we know about building a successful, sustainable design business into The Academy.

From finding dream clients and pricing for profit, to processes, proposals, boundaries, finances and everything in between — these 12 modules became the blueprint at the heart of Design & Prosper.

Take a scroll through what was inside…


MODULE 01 // ATTRACTING YOUR DREAM CLIENT

WHAT WE’LL COVER
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WHAT WE'LL COVER
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DEFINING Your dream client
Perceptions about themselves 
Understanding their fearS AND PROBLEMS
The CLIENT journey
The CLIENT transformation

To discover who your ideal client is, the one who fits into your dream life and business that you identified in the pre-work ‘Establishing Purpose’.

To effortlessly attract the clients you want, you first need a clear vision of who they are! 

Once you know who you are reaching out to, you clear the way for planning how to align yourself with their goals, quell their fears and how to create their irresistible desire to work with YOU. 


This process will give you a clear understanding of your dream client’s needs, desires and psychographics—what makes them tick, what doubts are underlying their purchasing decisions and the transformation that you can bring to their brand and business.

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ATTRACTING YOUR DREAM CLIENT WORKSHEET
MY DREAM CLIENT VIDEO TRAINING
THE TRANSFORMATION VIDEO TRAINING

MODULE 1 RESOURCES

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MODULE 1 RESOURCES

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ATTRACTING YOUR DREAM CLIENT WORKSHEET
MY DREAM CLIENT VIDEO TRAINING
THE TRANSFORMATION VIDEO TRAINING

BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You will have a clear idea about the wording you are going to use on your website and throughout social media, and will have created the journey—a simple path, broken into easy steps, that will lead your dream client to you.

BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You will have a clear idea about the wording you are going to use on your website and throughout social media, and will have created the journey—a simple path, broken into easy steps, that will lead your dream client to you.

WHAT WE’LL COVER
- Brand Voice
- Brand Audit 
- Peer Analysis

In Module 2 it’s time to get crystal clear about your brand messaging, identify gaps in your brand strategy, and learn how to target yourself towards your dream client.

We’ll also look at inspirational peers who have businesses you aspire to, learning how they do what they do and how you can adapt their approaches to focus your own business.

MODULE 02 // CREATING YOUR BRAND VOICE

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You’ll know where you’re going—you’ll have created a roadmap for your business based on your vision, values, mission and voice. This will transform your communication with your clients, attracting the projects you want to be working on and allowing you to confidently present exactly what YOU bring to the table.

MODULE 2 RESOURCES

GOOGLE SPREADSHEET 
SELLING YOUR BRAND—
1. Brand Voice
2. Brand Audit
3. Peer AnalysiS

WHAT WE'LL COVER
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WHAT WE’LL COVER
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Lead Generation Brainstorm
Audience Targeting Strategy
Design Your Lead Magnet
Planning Your Content

The aim for module 3 is to explore and gain insights into the many lead-generating strategies available and to make a clear, easily acted on plan for how you will use these strategies to move your business forward.

There are so many ways to target the audience you dream of —and so many ways to miss them completely! This is where we find the strategies that will work for you. 




MODULE 03 // FINDING YOUR AUDIENCE

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You’ll have a confident plan in place, complete with a blueprint for creating an effective and valuable lead magnet that converts anonymous visitors to your site into an engaged email list ready to take the journey you mapped out for them in Module 1.

MODULE 3 RESOURCES

GOOGLE SPREADSHEET /
LEAD MAGNET—includes 3 worksheets:
1. Lead Generation Brainstorm 
2. Audience Targeting Strategy
3. Design your lead magnet 


A COMPLETE SYSTEM FOR MANAGING & TRACKING MONEY IN YOUR BUSINESS
PRICING your work ACCURATELY AND with confidence
HOW TO WORK OUT YOUR PROFITABLE BUSINESS MODEL

In this powerful module we show you how to gain total clarity and control over your numbers. For you to succeed in business, it‘s essential to be all across your numbers—to show up with a CEO mindset, not an employee mindset.

There are many moving pieces to consider in order to build a profitable design business. Created with designers in mind, these  game-changing, easy-to-use money resources will help you create abundance with ease.



WHAT WE’LL COVER
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MODULE 04 // DESIGN FOR PROFIT

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You’ll have your head around your money! You’ll know where you’re making it, where to focus your energy for wealth creation, how to price your work and how to plan for the future financial growth of your business.

MODULE 4 RESOURCES

GOOGLE SPREADSHEET /
DESIGN FOR PROFIT — includes 6 templates:

01 EASY BREEZY COST ESTIMATE CALCULATOR 

02 SWEET & SIMPLE TIME TRACKER

03 LOOK AHEAD CASH FLOW FORECAST

04 WRAP IT UP PROFITABILITY TRACKER

05 MAGIC METRICS AND GROWTH TRACKER

06 CHA-CHING CASHBOOK + PROFIT AND LOSS

WHAT WE’LL COVER
- Initial Touchpoint Brief
- Discovery Call Brief
- Brand Strategy Brief
- Brand Audit Questions
- Website Brief
- In-house Brief
- Photoshoot Brief

This module will totally empower you! We give you the tools to head into a brief knowing exactly the right questions to ask at the right time.

Confident briefing is essential to ensure accurate quoting and establishing powerful connections with clients.

We’ll teach you how to gather the intel you need to successfully create full-body ‘yes’ design solutions! 

MODULE 05 // ULTIMATE BRIEFING SYSTEM

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You’ll have a briefing system that hands you the treasure, putting all the information you need to quote and work effectively at your fingertips. Knowing how to gather and curate accurate intel delivers you both sides of the magic coin—a highly profitable experience for your business and on brand, on brief, elevated design solutions for your clients.

MODULE 5 RESOURCES

GOOGLE SPREADSHEET 
Ultimate Briefing System—includes 6 worksheets
1. Initial Touchpoint Brief
2. Discovery Call Brief
3. Brand Strategy Brief
4. Brand Audit Questions
5. Website Brief
6. Inhouse Brief
7. Repeat Client Brief

INDESIGN TEMPLATE
Photography Brief Template
(11 page customisable template)

In this module you’ll learn how to create proposals and contracts that position you as the experienced professional, all the while building confidence and trust with prospective clients.

With our customisable InDesign template, you’ll be able to prepare high-end proposals with ease.



WHAT WE’LL COVER
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Proposals that convert
Demystifying contracts, clauses & disclaimers
CUSTOMISING YOUR InDesign proposal & contract template

MODULE 06 // PROPOSALS THAT CONVERT

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You'll send professional proposals and contracts to clients with absolute confidence.

MODULE 6 RESOURCES

INDESIGN TEMPLATE /
PROPOSAL & CONTRACT TEMPLATE
(24 pages, includes ideas for wording legal clauses)

WHAT WE'LL COVER
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WHAT WE’LL COVER
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Scheduling
Managing your time
Folder System—Google Drive
Customising your InDesign Welcome Guide

Tearing out your hair about where your time goes and how to stay on track and organised? We’ve got you.

In module 7 we share a clear plan of how to schedule your time by creating a model week. You’ll learn how to track where your time is actually going from a bird’s eye viewpoint. And, we look at the easiest and most efficient way to save, store and archive your work.

MODULE 07 // CLIENT & STUDIO MANAGEMENT

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You'll have a clear, stress-free system for handling client workflow and effectively managing your time, and you’ll know how to recognise and avoid those sneaky time sucks. You’ll also have access to our beautiful templates for customisable, high-end welcome guides.

MODULE 7 RESOURCES

GOOGLE SPREADSHEET 
Everything Time Tracker

GOOGLE FOLDER FILING SYSTEM 
Take a look inside our digital filing system 

GOOGLE CALENDAR SYSTEM
Model week structure 

INDESIGN TEMPLATE
Welcome Guide 12 page template

Managing your time is only a piece of the time management puzzle — setting clear boundaries with clients is also imperative for staying on track. Boundaries are beautiful, they ensure you get to run your business your way!

To support you with this, we provide our high end Welcome Guide template for you to adapt and implement with your clients.

In module 8 we teach you a professional process that impresses clients and encourages them to trust your expertise and knowledge - meanwhile being simple, easy and enjoyable for you to use.

Using a realistic example project, we show you step by step exactly how WE put together conceptual inspiration for branding projects.

WHAT WE’LL COVER
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HOW TO EXTRACT ESSENTIAL CLUES FROM YOUR DESIGN BRIEF
BRAND STRATEGY BOARD
(IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS)
BRAND DIRECTION
(SIMPLIFIED STRATEGY)

MODULE 08 // DESIGN PROCESS: BRAND STRATEGY

    LESS

BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You'll have an easily duplicated, enjoyable process for brand strategy for designers—one that ensures successful results every time without requiring you to become a marketing genius. This process is a lot of fun!

MODULE 8 RESOURCES

INDESIGN TEMPLATE
Brand Strategy Board Template 

INDESIGN TEMPLATE
Brand Direction Template

You'll have our exclusive Brand Strategy Board template, a highly conceptual, detailed process that will position you as a brand strategy expert and encourage a deep and lasting connection between you and your clients.

The Brand Direction is a simple alternative strategy to a deep dive that still demonstrates a depth of knowledge and discernment around brand direction, while offering a quick and efficient process for lower budgets.

WHAT WE'LL COVER
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The importance of documenting research & inspiration
The difference between research & inspiration (with REALISTIC examples) 
What is divergent research?  
Brainstorming techniques

Struggling to develop your concepts? This module will give you access into our system for easily gathering research, thinking with a discerning designer’s mind, and creating design solutions that are original and exceptional—every time.

Many designers get stuck in an infinite loop of ‘same same’ inspiration! In this digital age, we’re brainstorming according to the algorithm—In this powerful module we teach how to break free of this.

MODULE 09 // DESIGN PROCESS: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You will have an easily duplicated method for researching, gathering inspiration and creating concepts that will help you develop unique and exciting design solutions that perfectly fit the brief for every single client you present to.

MODULE 9 RESOURCES

INDESIGN TEMPLATE 
Research/Inspiration Template
(15 page template)

PDF WORKSHEET 
Visual Matrix Icon
Brainstorming Template
(1 page template)

It’s nerve racking to present your work, we’ve all had  sweaty palms and wobbly knees! In module 10 we teach you a method for selling concepts that makes a ‘YES’ from your client irresistible.

You’ll not only receive our beautiful slidedeck and detailed written rationale template (with extensive scripts!), you’ll also get complete examples of a presentation and written rationale showing you exactly how we would present a branding project. 


WHAT WE'LL COVER
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WHAT WE’LL COVER
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A STRATEGY to PRESENT one concept with confidence
HOW TO CUSTOMISE OUR Slidedeck rationale TEMPLATE
HOW GO DEEPER WITH A Written rationale USING OUR SCRIPTS

MODULE 10 // SELLING CONCEPTS

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You will have easy to follow templates that allow you to confidently present your concept to your client, both in person and via printed material, and know how to use language that inspires them to engage at a level that can only result in one answer - YES! 

MODULE 10 RESOURCES

INDESIGN TEMPLATE 
Presentation Template/Example
(26 page template)

INDESIGN TEMPLATE 
Written Rationale Template/Example
(24 page template)


This is where you learn how to use beautiful design language that will elevate your solutions and communicate how you have successfully resolved your client’s design brief and met all project objectives, We call this design poetry and our scripts are all yours.

This is such an exciting module—these are the tools that will give you the key ingredients for showing up with confidence and inspiring your client to emotionally invest in your concept.

WHAT WE'LL COVER
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WHAT WE’LL COVER
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What are Brand Manuals?
Why create Brand Manuals?
Brand Manual success factors
Brand Manual essential components
Brand Snapshot—a simple alternative 

Discover exactly what Kris and Don include in brand manuals! Module 11 will give you a resource that will enable you to confidently prepare a professional and credible brand manual with ease.

The resources in this module will allow you to up-level your business by providing professional brand manual design services to your clients.

MODULE 11 // BRAND MANUALS

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You’ll have added a whole new level to your business by knowing how to easily and professionally provide Brand Manual services to your clients.

MODULE 11 RESOURCES

INDESIGN TEMPLATE
Brand Manual Template
(32 page template)
A user-friendly, adaptable template for creating a highly professional, industry-standard brand manuals.

INDESIGN TEMPLATE
Brand Snapshot Template
(7 page template)
A brand snapshot template that is quick and easy to use—as an addition to the main brand manual or as a standalone snapshot for lower budget projects.

When you connect with a client you love, all you want to do is keep working with them—and the more lovely repeat clients you have, the less work you have to put into attracting new business.

In module 12 we teach you how to create long term relationships with your clients and secure ongoing work that keeps you and your business ticking along happily.


WHAT WE'LL COVER
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PROJECT LAUNCH TO-DO'S AND SCRIPTS
Your post-launch checklist
Feedback questionnaire 
Referral strategies with scripts
Retainer options with scripts

MODULE 12 // PROJECT LAUNCHES

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BY THE END OF THIS MODULE
You’ll have the tools and strategies in place to keep the clients you love booking you over and over again. 

MODULE 12 RESOURCES

GOOGLE SPREADSHEET
Project Launches—includes 4 worksheets
1. Project Launch Checklist
2. Getting Feedback (Feedback Questionnaires)
3. Referral Strategies
4. Retainers


It was so much fun and I’m so grateful every day that I had the opportunity to attend!!!

The group learning setting was so great, as well as the community that came along with it. I feel like I learn easier when I have peers to bounce ideas off of and ask questions. 

“The resources are absolutely genius and so easy to follow—I don’t know how Kris and Don made it so easy! Everything was just jam packed with value and I enjoyed every second of it.”

MIA FREDA / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

These ladies are just amazing. Their dedication to their students is super impressive and the knowledge and tools they share are empowering. I feel thoroughly supported and motivated to keep rising. 

“Kris’s and Donna’s attention to detail is off the charts—leaving no question un-answered and no stone un-turned.”

GENEVIEVE GINTY | PHOTOGRAPHER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

I’ve increased my prices (and still increasing!) and my quotes are still converting. I've set up processes that meet my workload/time spent goals for a great work/life balance.

I loved everything! Thanks for taking the extra time to personalize the experience.


“Kris and Donna are graphic design angels. Wonderful wisdom, insights, and a truly human-centered approach which really resonates with me.”

TAYSIA PETERSON, CEO / DIGIALITY WEB DESIGN

I’m so proud of the work I’m putting out into the world, and I’m finally earning the income I deserve. This course gave me the confidence, tools, and strategies to elevate my brand and step up my business in ways I never imagined. Highly recommend it to any designer ready to level up!

“Completing the Design and Prosper Academy course has been a game-changer for my business.’

Jodie Heselwood | FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

I wanted to thank you both again for offering the Academy. I'm thankful for getting to know you and to also realize that designers around the world can be in contact with each other and help each other out.

I love that you are taking a stand for what will work best for you. You are modeling exactly what we should all be doing.


“I LOVE your course and your videos. You make even the dry parts of business interesting.”

DEIDRE JONES — Founder / Graphic Designer

Take the time to work each step of the Get Clients Now Training* and spend MOST of the time in the strategy portion. As designers it's so tempting to jump ahead to the layout - but the strategy is critical to the payout! Thanks Kris & Don.

“This week I closed a $60,000 project as a direct result of this mailer – I think it paid for itself!”

KELLY KAUFFMAN / KKAUFFMAN DESIGN

*Good news! Get Clients Now Training is included as a bonus resource in The Academy

How The Academy has supported and inspired real designers like you

ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
Lauren Babula Design

OWNER & DESIGNER
MONET MAHER DESIGN

WEB DESIGNER & COPYWRITER
ASHTON WEST DESIGN CO