BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest podcast artwork

PODCAST · arts

BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest

This is not your average design podcast.This is the part after the brief. The part behind the beautiful logo.This is the real, raw, voice-note-style space for creatives, freelancers, and especially women in design who are building a life—not just a portfolio.Hosted by Nelett—graphic designer turned creative life mentor with over 25 years in the industry—BEYOND Design gently peels back the curtain on what really goes on behind the work:The self-doubt. The burnout. The tiny wins that no one claps for.The scary emails. The dream clients. The ones that ghost you.The overthinking. The overdelivering.The bravery it takes to do this with heart.From a small studio in Namibia to working with international brands, this podcast is rooted in the belief that your GPS doesn’t define your greatness—your perspective does.And design?That’s only about 20% of it.The re

  1. 23

    AI Is My Assistant, Not My Replacement: Why Designers Still Matter

    Send us Fan MailAI is everywhere right now — in design, branding, content, websites, logos and almost every creative conversation.And here is my honest take: I love AI.It helps me think, organise, clean up admin and move faster where faster helps.But AI is not my replacement.In this episode of BEYOND Design, I talk about AI in graphic design, human-centric creativity, and why designers still matter in an AI-saturated market.Because when everyone can make something look good, the designer who can think, guide, feel and bring real life into the work will stand out.SHOWNOTES + VIDEO: https://kunshuis.com/2026/06/17/ai-is-my-assistant/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  2. 22

    How to Set Up Your Freelance Design Business

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of BEYOND Design, I’m talking about the part of freelancing we often avoid in the beginning — setting up the basic foundation of your freelance design business.Not the fancy website.Not the perfect brand.Not seventeen apps and a dramatic business plan.Just the simple things that make you feel more legit, more organised, and less all over the place when a client finally asks, “Can you send me a quote?”We’ll talk about the four basics every freelance designer needs: admin, client basics, simple tools, and a clear online presence. Because sometimes the reason your business feels messy is not because you are not talented enough. It is because the structure behind the work is not holding you yet.I also share a simple 7-day get set up plan to help you start putting the right things in place without overthinking everything.You do not need to build the whole business in one day.You just need somewhere solid to stand.Read the full shownotes and 7-day checklist here Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  3. 21

    Business Side of Design: Talent Gets You Hired — This Keeps You Booked.

    Send us Fan MailThe 80/20 Truth: Design talent might get you hired once… but it’s the other 80% that keeps you booked.In this episode we talk about the part of freelancing nobody posts about: boundaries, client communication, systems, confidence — and even that thing I call “email apnea” (when your inbox makes you hold your breath like it’s about to ruin your day).You’ll leave with one practical takeaway: five non-negotiables for how you work, so clients don’t run your life.Full show notes (and steal the non-negotiables list) Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  4. 20

    How I Started Kunshuis (And I’d Do It All Again Today)

    Send us Fan MailThis is the most requested episode I get: how I started Kunshuis.I’m taking you back to 2009/2010 — the spare-bedroom days, after-hours work, the awkward phone calls, the “Eish… I hope this works” moments… and the simple things I did that still matter today.In this episode, I share what I did first to get clients, why I didn’t niche (and why I don’t regret it), the small habits that made me feel like a proper professional, and how human connection became the lifeline of my business. If you’re starting out, starting again, or you’re craving a calmer way to build your freelance life… this one’s for you. 🖤 Get the full show notes (plus links + resources) here Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  5. 19

    Working From Home Without Losing Your Mind

    Send us Fan MailWorking from home sounds like the dream… until it’s week two and you’re sitting in the same spot again, feeling flat, distracted, and a bit alone.In this episode, I share the real story of how KunsHuis started (dining-room desk, pay-as-you-go internet, all of it) — and what actually helped me climb out of that early working-from-home slump. We’re talking dedicated space, routine, boundaries, staying connected, and the small things that make freelancing sustainable.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you:  https://kunshuis.com/2026/03/06/working-from-home/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  6. 18

    Find Clients Without Social Media: Start with Your Inbox

    Send us Fan MailSomewhere between the school bags, the “quick” client emails that are never quick, and making supper… a lot of creatives are quietly waiting for work to just… arrive.And babe, I get it. I’ve done it too.In this episode, I’m sharing a very unglamorous but very effective truth:Before you go looking for new clients… check your inbox.Because the clients you’re praying for aren’t always strangers.Sometimes they’re already sitting in old emails… warm leads… past clients… the “let’s chat after the holidays” people.We’ll talk about why the inbox feels so heavy (it’s not just admin, it’s feelings).How to follow up without sounding awkward or desperate.And how to create a simple little rhythm so you stop guessing and start moving again.You’ll walk away with a calm plan you can use this week — even if it’s already February and your “fresh start” only arrived now.✨ I also made a free Starter Planner to help you do it: Inbox to Clients👉 Download it here: www.kunshuis.com/inbox🎧 Listen to the episode + show notes here Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  7. 17

    Design Your Days (So You Don’t Lose Yourself by Wednesday)

    Send us Fan MailSomewhere between the school bags, the client emails, the dog walk, and making supper… a lot of creatives are quietly burning out.In this episode, I’m sharing the simple rhythm that’s helping me hold client work and build what’s next — without losing myself halfway through the week.We’ll talk about why the problem usually isn’t time… it’s transitions.How to protect your mornings like a studio.And how to use weekly themes + monthly batching so your podcast/course/products don’t become another stressor.You’ll walk away with 5 practical takeaways you can use this week — even if life is full and your energy is not unlimited.👉 Show notes + the full article version are on my blog (and you can read it even if you don’t listen):  https://kunshuis.com/2026/01/21/design-your-days/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  8. 16

    How to Stay creative in the holiday season

    Send us Fan MailIf you're in that weird space between wanting to rest and still wanting to feel inspired — this one's for you.In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay creative during the holidays without forcing it. Because let’s be honest — your brain might be fried, your to-do list is a bit of a joke, and inspiration doesn’t exactly strike between school concerts and shopping lists.I’m sharing what I’ve learned about letting creativity play (instead of pushing it), what that actually looks like when you’re tired, and why your best ideas often show up when you stop trying so hard.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you : https://kunshuis.com/2025/12/09/stay-creative-during-the-holidays/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  9. 15

    Why we need to stop designing lives we constantly want to escape from

    Send us Fan MailIf December is the only time you finally breathe, this episode is for you.I’m talking about the moment I realised the life I was designing — the one I thought looked “successful” — was actually exhausting me by the end of every year.This one’s not about productivity hacks or how to squeeze more into your day. It’s about learning to pause on purpose. Daily. Not just during the holidays.Let’s talk about why rest is not a reward. Why slowing down doesn't mean falling behind. And why we need to stop designing lives we constantly want to escape from.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/12/04/stop-designing-lives-we-constantly-want-to-escape-from/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  10. 14

    The System Behind My Creative Life

    Send us Fan MailLet’s be honest — running a freelance design business can feel like a mess. And no, it’s usually not the design work that’s the problem… it’s everything around it. The emails, the timelines, the feedback loops, the invoices, the “wait, where did I save that thing?” moments.In this episode, I’m walking you through the real reason I created the Designers’ Playbook Desk — not as another Notion template, but as the system I needed to survive and actually enjoy running my business again.This is the full story: what’s inside, how it works, and how it supports both your creative flow and your mental load. If you’re tired of holding your whole business in your head, this one’s for you.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/11/27/creative-business-system/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  11. 13

    Educating Our Clients — The Unsung Responsibility of Graphic Designers

    Send us Fan MailClients don’t come with a manual — and neither do we.So when a project goes sideways, it’s usually not about the design… it’s about the gap between what we know and what our clients think happens behind the scenes.In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of our job as designers: educating our clients.Not blaming them. Not rolling our eyes behind the scenes.But guiding them with clarity, simple language, realistic timelines, and boundaries that make the whole process smoother for both sides.If you’ve ever wondered why clients “don’t get it,” or you’re tired of repeating the same things on every project, this conversation will feel grounding, honest, and a little freeing.We talk about:• why clients don’t automatically understand design• what we actually owe them before, during, and after a project• how better education creates better collaborations• and the mindset shift that changed my whole business→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/11/20/educating-your-clients/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  12. 12

    What Makes a Top-Rated Creative (It's Not Just Talent)

    Send us Fan MailLet’s be honest — being a “top-rated” creative isn’t just about having talent or pretty work on your feed. It’s about how you run your freelance business. How you communicate. How you lead a project. How you carry yourself when no one’s watching.In this first episode of the Playbook Series, I’m sharing what actually makes a designer truly trusted — the stuff that turns one-off clients into long-term ones, and stress into structure.We’re diving into the business side of the Graphic Designer’s Playbook Planner — the part most people skip, but the part that honestly changes everything!→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/11/12/what-makes-a-top-rated-creative/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  13. 11

    Creatively Tired, Still Inspired: A Soft Reset for Designers

    Send us Fan MailFeeling creatively drained… but also kinda excited for what next year could be?In this episode, I’m talking about that strange end-of-year feeling we creatives know too well — tired, worn out, low on ideas… but still catching little sparks of inspiration for the year ahead.From what I wrote in VISI Magazine to the real-talk reset I’m doing in my own studio, this is a soft, honest conversation about creativity, burnout, faith, and what it means to finish the year gently — not perfectly.I’m also sharing 3 small, real things I’m doing right now to protect my creativity (and nervous system) through December. So if your spark feels dim, this one’s for you.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/11/05/creatively-tired/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  14. 10

    When Clients Ghost You (And You Start Doubting Everything)

    Send us Fan MailEver been ghosted by a client?You send the concept, the quote, the carefully worded email… and then—nothing. No reply. No feedback. Just silence.In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when a client disappears—without disappearing into yourself. We’ll talk about why ghosting happens, how to gently follow up (with copy-paste scripts!), and how to protect your peace, your pricing, and your confidence.It’s real, human, and full of soft boundaries to help you design a freelance life that actually works.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/10/29/when-clients-ghost/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  15. 9

    Ask, Don’t Guess — Why Great Designers Ask Better Questions

    Send us Fan MailHave you ever been told to “just do what the client wants”? 🙃Yeah... same.In this episode of BEYOND Design, I’m sharing why asking smart, strategic questions isn’t “too much” — it’s exactly what makes you a powerful, professional designer.We’re diving into:• What questions actually build trust (and better results)• The difference between a designer and a button pusher• Why “make it pop” isn’t a brief — and how to translate it• One question that cost me a client (but gained me clarity)• A real story from the archives that changed how I freelance foreverIf you’ve ever second-guessed yourself for speaking up or worried about coming off as “difficult,” this one’s for you.✨ Plus: grab the Ask Better Questions Free Guide below.→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/10/22/ask-dont-guess/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  16. 8

    Are You a Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha… in Business?

    Send us Fan MailWhat do your business habits say about you?In this light-hearted (but sneakily powerful) episode, I’m blending two of my great loves—Sex and the City and helping creatives build businesses that actually fit them.Whether you’re a Carrie chasing ideas, a Miranda with airtight boundaries, a Charlotte with a big heart, or a Samantha running the show—you’ll love this playful take on creative personalities and how they show up in freelancing.Expect laughs, real talk, and maybe a moment where you think, “Eish, that’s me.”✨ Curious who you are in business?Take the quiz here → kunshuis.com/quiz→ Show notes, 🖤 and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/10/15/carrie-charlotte-miranda-or-samantha-in-business/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

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    Episode 8: Mental Health in the Shadows of Design

    Send us Fan MailBehind every design file is a thinking, feeling, human—and sometimes, our biggest creative battles happen in the quiet spaces no one sees.In honour of World Mental Health Day (10 October), this episode goes beyond the deadlines and deep into the heart of what we carry as creatives.From prayer and the Bible App to tapping, the Emotion Code, Dr. Caroline Leaf’s thought rewiring, and Joe Dispenza’s meditations—I’m sharing the gentle tools that help me stay grounded, clear, and connected.If your thoughts have been louder than your talent lately… this one's for you.→ Show notes, 🖤 free Creative Reset Challenge, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: https://kunshuis.com/2025/10/08/mental-health-for-creatives/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  18. 6

    Graphic Designer Burnout – Are You Creating or Just Managing?

    Send us Fan MailEPISODE 7: Graphic Designer Burnout – Are You Creating or Just Managing?🎧 A quiet crisis in the creative world... let’s talk about it.Are you actually creating… or just managing chaos?This episode goes straight into the heart of something many of us are silently dealing with: graphic designer burnout.Not the dramatic kind. The kind that sneaks in through late-night emails, endless admin, and blurred boundaries.We’re unpacking the real reason behind creative fatigue—and what to do when you feel like you’re running a business, answering WhatsApps, re-sending invoices… but barely designing anymore.✨ If you’ve ever felt like a secretary with a MacBook instead of the creative visionary you know you are—this one’s for you.Inside, I’m sharing my story, gentle mindset shifts, and practical ways to reset (without burning everything down).→ Show notes, 🖤 free Creative Reset Challenge, and links mentioned are waiting for you here:  https://kunshuis.com/2025/10/01/graphic-designer-burnout-2/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  19. 5

    Face it, Your Clients are Running Your Freelance Business—Not You.

    Send us Fan MailEver feel like your clients are secretly running your business?Like your inbox has become your boss and “quick edits” turn into all-nighters?You’re not alone. In this episode of BEYOND Design, I share the raw truth of what happens when we let clients set the pace—and how to flip the script so you become the Creative Director of your own freelance life.We’ll talk boundaries, client leadership, and the small shifts that helped me rebuild my studio (after nearly losing it to burnout and chaos).🖤 Want to dive deeper or explore the tools I mentioned? Head to the show notes: https://kunshuis.com/2025/09/24/running-a-freelance-business/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  20. 4

    What 20 Years of Deadlines Made Me Realise—And 7 Tips to Change It

    Send us Fan MailTwenty years of deadlines taught me something no design degree ever could: you can’t create your best work when your body, mind, and spirit are running on empty.In this episode of BEYOND Design, I’m opening up about how deadlines shaped my life—and how I finally learned to reclaim peace, set boundaries, and design without burning out. I’ll share seven simple but powerful shifts that helped me move from urgency to clarity, and maybe they’ll help you too.🖤 Want to dive deeper or explore the tools I mentioned? Head to the show notes. Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  21. 3

    Mastering the Art of Pricing for Graphic Designers

    Send us Fan MailBecause your price isn’t just a number—it’s a mirror of your confidence.Let’s talk about the part of freelancing no one prepped us for: pricing.If you’ve ever stared at a quote, second-guessing yourself… wondering if you’re asking too much—or way too little—you’re not alone.In this episode, I’m getting real about how I went from R300 logos to building a pricing system that feels aligned, confident, and sustainable. We’ll walk through hourly rates, project fees, retainers, value-based pricing, and even the magic of design days. Plus—what to do when clients want discounts, free work, or “quick” favours.Because pricing isn’t just about money—it’s about boundaries, energy, and the kind of business you want to build.🎧 Come behind the scenes with me, and if you want the tools to back it all up—quotes, invoice templates, revision policies, and payment schedules—you’ll find them in the Playbook and Playbook Desk.🖤 Want to dive deeper or explore the tools I mentioned? Head to the show notes. Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  22. 2

    The Only Way the Industry Will Respect Us Is If We Start First

    Send us Fan MailEver whispered “I’m just a graphic designer” and felt that pang in your chest?In this episode, I’m talking straight from the heart—about why so many of us shrink when asked what we do, and how the only way the world will ever truly respect design… is if we start first.From awkward dinner-party moments to the real power of design that lives in everything from your coffee cup to your shampoo bottle—we’re unpacking why design isn’t “just” anything. It’s communication. Connection. Strategy.If you’ve ever felt unseen, unvalued, or like your work doesn’t matter, this one’s for you.🖤 Want to dive deeper or explore the tools I mentioned? Head to the show notes Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  23. 1

    Business for Creatives (Tiny Moves, Big Results)

    Send us Fan MailThis one’s for the creatives who feel like business is the part they’re “not good at.”In this episode, I’m sharing what finally clicked for me after years of thinking I had to be more “corporate” to be taken seriously. Spoiler: I was wrong. Business isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about learning how to stay you, consistently.From boundaries and money rhythms to better client questions and less chaos—I’ll walk you through 10 tiny moves that can lead to big results. The kind that makes you feel steady, respected, and creatively free.🖤 Want to dive deeper or explore the tools I mentioned? Head to the show notes: https://kunshuis.com/business-for-creatives-tiny-moves-big-results/ Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  24. 0

    Hello to Beyond Design

    Send us Fan MailThis podcast has lived in my heart (and notebooks) for years. BEYOND Design is finally here—and in this first episode, I’m taking you back to where it all began. From the agency days in Cape Town to flipping through a phone book in Windhoek looking for my first freelance clients… this is the story behind the story.We talk about why design is only 20% of what we do—and how the other 80% is life, boundaries, burnout, faith, and figuring it out as we go. This space is for the creatives who are building something real, messy, and meaningful. I’m so glad you’re here.🖤 Want to dive deeper or explore the tools I mentioned? Head to the show notes: kunshuis.com/my-journey-beyond-design Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

  25. -1

    TRAILOR: Welcome to Beyond Design

    Send us Fan MailThis is not your average design podcast.This is the part after the brief. The part behind the beautiful logo.This is the real, raw, voice-note-style space for creatives, freelancers, and especially women in design who are building a life—not just a portfolio.Hosted by Nelett—graphic designer turned creative life mentor with over 25 years in the industry—BEYOND Design gently peels back the curtain on what really goes on behind the work:The self-doubt. The burnout. The tiny wins that no one claps for.The scary emails. The dream clients. The ones that ghost you.The overthinking. The overdelivering.The bravery it takes to do this with heart.From a small studio in Namibia to working with international brands, this podcast is rooted in the belief that your GPS doesn’t define your greatness—your perspective does.And design?That’s only about 20% of it.The rest—it’s your nervous system.Your rhythm.Your boundaries.Your beliefs.Your body.Your God.That’s the part no one talks about. So I am.Each episode is a soft but powerful mix of honest stories, soulful lessons, mindset shifts, and heart-led guidance. For the creatives who want to work smarter, live slower, and create from a grounded, inspired place.Expect messy truths.Gentle reminders.Practical takeaways.Never preachy. Always personal.It’s like a voice note from a friend who gets what it’s like to freelance with your whole heart.Because you don’t need more noise.You need someone to remind you:✨ You’re not alone in this.✨ You’re powerful.✨ And you can design your life—your way.So take a breath.Make some tea.And let’s go beyond design—togetherThanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:Website & Resources → kunshuis.comShop creative tools → The Kunshuis CollectiveShow notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blogFree support for creatives:21-Day Creative Reset ChallengeDownload: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:The Playbook Planner — your creative sidekick for focus + flowThe Playbook Desk — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with easeLet’s connect & stay inspired:📸 Instagram Join the Beyond Design Room on FacebookBecause design is only 20%… the rest is life.Thanks for being here, friend. You’re not alone in this journey—let’s design it together.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This is not your average design podcast.This is the part after the brief. The part behind the beautiful logo.This is the real, raw, voice-note-style space for creatives, freelancers, and especially women in design who are building a life—not just a portfolio.Hosted by Nelett—graphic designer turned creative life mentor with over 25 years in the industry—BEYOND Design gently peels back the curtain on what really goes on behind the work:The self-doubt. The burnout. The tiny wins that no one claps for.The scary emails. The dream clients. The ones that ghost you.The overthinking. The overdelivering.The bravery it takes to do this with heart.From a small studio in Namibia to working with international brands, this podcast is rooted in the belief that your GPS doesn’t define your greatness—your perspective does.And design?That’s only about 20% of it.The re

HOSTED BY

Nelett Loubser

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest have?

BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest currently has 25 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest about?

This is not your average design podcast.This is the part after the brief. The part behind the beautiful logo.This is the real, raw, voice-note-style space for creatives, freelancers, and especially women in design who are building a life—not just a portfolio.Hosted by Nelett—graphic designer turned...

How often does BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest release new episodes?

BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest has 25 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest?

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Who hosts BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest?

BEYOND Design: 20% Is Design — Here’s the Rest is created and hosted by Nelett Loubser.
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