About this podcast
”The Design Imposter” podcast, hosted by Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins, is your go-to resource for creative professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to conquer self-doubt and imposter syndrome in the world of visual design, branding, marketing, communication, social media, and beyond.
Join us, the co-founders of The Creative Circle Collective, as we delve into candid conversations about graphic design, freelancing, entrepreneurship, agency ownership, pricing strategies, logo design, branding, UX & website design, social media, education, careers, and the ever-present imposter syndrome.
In each episode, we get real, vulnerable, and share our own struggles as entrepreneurs, offering practical tools and strategies to help you build confidence in your creative abilities. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business, growing your freelance career, or taking your creative ventures to the next level, this podcast is for you.
Tune in to ”The Design Imposter” and learn how to silence the nagging voice of doubt, embrace your true potential, and build the empire of your dreams. It’s time to step into your power and thrive in the creative industry.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 34 episodes
- #33: LinkedIn Hustle: It’s Not Just for Show · 1 h 14 min · Episode 33Are you using LinkedIn to its full potential, or are you just scrolling past opportunities? In this episode of The Design Imposter, Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis sit down…
- #34: Turning Triggers into Superpowers · 1 h 4 min · Episode 34What does it mean to live authentically, especially when faced with major life changes? In this episode of The Design Imposter, Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis sit down with…
- #32: From RFP to Proposal: Tips for New Agencies and Freelancers · 42 min · Episode 32Is your RFP proposal process overwhelming and fruitless? Discover the strategy to secure more wins! Delve into the intricate world of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in this…
- #31: Navigating Race, Parenthood, and Professional Support · 1 h 30 min · Episode 31Do you feel alone and underrepresented at your job?Join us as we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation about the intersection of race, parenthood, and professional life in a…
- #30: Hiring & Firing: A Manager’s Perspective · 1 h 18 min · Episode 30How many strikes are too many before it’s time to let someone go? Dive into the tough decisions behind hiring and firing from a manager's perspective in this episode of The…
- #29: SEO, Reddit, & AI · 1 h 20 min · Season 2 Episode 29Is SEO a scam?No, it’s just a lot more complex than blogging and keywords. In this episode, Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins, discuss SEO with Edan Ben-Atar and dive into what…
- #28: Grad School for Creatives: Alumni Insights from the University of Baltimore · 1 h 39 min · Season 2 Episode 28Do you feel stuck in your career? Looking for ways to advance? Wondering if a masters degree in publishing, design, marketing or writing will take you to that next level? Join…
- #27: Designing Within Giants: Leading UX in the Corporate World (Part 2) · 1 h 3 min · Season 1 Episode 27Join us on "The Design Imposter" as hosts Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis chat with two awesome UX leaders, Bri-anna Lewis and Kellie Porter, about what it's like to be in…
- #26: Designing Within Giants: Navigating Big Organizations as a Creative (Part 1) · 54 min · Season 2 Episode 26In the vast expanse of corporate landscapes, where do designers find their place? This episode of "The Design Imposter," hosted by Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis, ventures…
- #25: The Cost of Being a Freelancer + Entrepreneur · 49 min · Season 2 Episode 25You just signed your first client and are ready to cash in that check! But wait! Have you covered all your expenses as an agency owner or freelancer?In this episode of The Design…
- #24: Behind the Mic: Starting a Podcast with Evan Dvorkin · 54 min · Season 2 Episode 24Have you thought of starting your own podcast? Join co-hosts Jessica Valis & Monique Jenkins as they discuss podcasting with the producer of the Design Imposter Podcast—Evan…
- #23: Career Crossroads: Job Changes + Entrepreneurship · 59 min · Season 2 Episode 23Have you had entrepreneurship on the brain? On this episode of the Design Imposter, Jessica and Monique discuss corporate work culture, feeling validated in your work, and…
- #22: Saying No to a Client: Setting Boundaries in Creative Work · 24 min · Season 2 Episode 22This invaluable episode focuses on the importance of learning to say 'no' to maintain work-life balance, avoid overcommitting, and ensure high quality output. Key topics cover…
- #21: Creative Burnout for Designers · 30 min · Season 1 Episode 21Feeling uninspired, unmotivated, or like a total imposter when it comes to your current design assignment? In this episode, Monique & Jessica discuss the signs of burnout and…
- #20: Entrepreneurial Goals for 2024 · 14 min · Season 1 Episode 20Have you added business goals to your list of New Year’s resolutions?In this episode of the Design Imposter, Monique and Jessica reveal their personal and professional goals for…
- #19: Navigating Disagreement with a Client · 37 min · Season 1 Episode 19It’s the moment of truth—the design reveal! But the client hates it! How do you handle the criticism and feedback on your design?Join co-hosts Monique and Jessica on The Design…
- #18: Identifying the Red Flags of a Terrible Client · 30 min · Season 1 Episode 18Feel undervalued by your clients?Join us on The Design Imposter Podcast for a crucial discussion on recognizing when a client or project might not be the right fit. In this…
- #17: Defining a Niche + Identifying Your Ideal Client · 22 min · Season 1 Episode 17Discover the art of defining a niche in our latest episode of The Design Imposter Podcast. We delve into the essential steps of identifying strengths, researching the market…
- #16: Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals for Designers · 21 min · Season 1 Episode 16Not sure where to look for designer Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals?Prep your wallet as Monique and Jessica divulge their not-so-secret design must-haves. Whether a graphic…
- #15: Proposal Writing Strategies for Freelance Designers · 30 min · Season 1 Episode 15Nervous to send that next big proposal? On this episode of the Design Imposter podcast, hosts, Monique and Jessica, discuss their proposal building strategies. They explore…







