On episode 10 of The Next Level Tom chats with John Boran Jr. about shifting careers from the agency world into higher education. They discuss the need for more practicing professionals in the education sector, and how volunteering your time and knowledge can benefit your personal work.

Socials: @multioculartype | @johnboranjr

Portfolios: multioculartype.co | johnboranjr.com

Books: Designing Type - Karen Cheng, The Shape of Design - Frank Chimero as available for free on Franks website, Unreasonable Hospitality - Will Guidara.

Guest: Cole Friedman | colefdesign.com

Freelancers, beware! In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative thinker Cole Friedman to break down the 5 biggest mistakes freelancers make, and how to stop making them. Whether you're new to freelancing or knee-deep in client chaos, these lessons are essential for protecting your time, sanity, and creative confidence.

We talk red flags, revision traps, deposit disasters, and the sneaky ways client feedback can mess with your self-worth. Cole shares real-world experiences, practical advice, and mindset shifts that will help you take control of your process and lead with confidence.

💥 Topics We Cover:

• When to stop letting the client run the show
• How to spot (and handle) problem clients early
• Why endless revisions are killing your workflow
• Detaching your value from client opinions
• The non-negotiable contract terms every freelancer needs

This one’s packed with sharp takes, real talk, and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever said “I wish I knew that sooner,” this episode is for you.

We teamed up with The Unapologetic Designer podcast for a special crossover episode featuring Kenzi and Marisa from The Brief Collective, and we’re getting real about the money side of design.

We’re diving into the mindset shifts it takes to break free from the “starving artist” myth and start booking the kind of high-ticket clients that actually value what you bring to the table. From positioning yourself like a pro to navigating imposter syndrome and confidently raising your rates, we’re laying it all out.

Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, this one’s packed with hard truths, actionable tips, and plenty of laughs along the way.

🎙 Topics we cover:

• What high-ticket really means
• Breaking the low-pay cycle
• Attracting premium clients (without being salesy)
• The confidence game in creative biz
• Saying no to bad-fit projects
• Personal stories + battle-tested strategies

Subscribe, comment, and tell us: What’s one limiting belief you’ve had to unlearn as a creative?

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Free Six Figure Designer Community: https://www.skool.com/six-figure-graphic-designers/about

Design Biz Academy University: https://thebriefcollective.com/course-university

Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefcollective

Wix Studio: www.wixstudio.com