Welcome to the Print Life Podcast! A podcast created for surface pattern designers who want to get their foot in the door designing and selling exclusive art in...
In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that’s been circling the design space for a while: Do you really need a niche to succeed—or is versatility the key?There's been a lot of noise out there: "niche is dead,” “you are your niche,” “be the one-stop-shop.” And while there’s some truth in the intention behind those ideas, they can also create confusion. So, today I’m breaking it down.We talk about the role of experimentation, why staying scattered too long can hold you back, and how niching doesn’t mean restriction—it means clarity. I also share my own journey from specialist to generalist and how that path helped me attract aligned clients, build authority, and avoid burnout.Here’s what I want you to walk away with: → You can be versatile—but start with a foundation. → You can specialize—but still stay creatively expansive. → You can find your place—by choosing intentionally.We’ll talk about:Why niching isn’t the enemy—it’s actually your anchor.How I evolved from working in Illustrator to directing design teams.The real reason many designers stay stuck (hint: it’s not skill).What “you are your niche” really means—and how to not get boxed in.How to use your strengths as your starting point to attract the right work.If you’re tired of feeling scattered and unsure about where to focus your time, this episode will help you clarify your next step.🎧 Tune in and let’s talk about what it really takes to gain momentum—your way.✨ Ready to go deeper? Get on the Print Life waitlist and learn how to turn your art into aligned, intentional work that sells. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/
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121: What Really Shapes Your Income as a Surface Pattern Designer
When we talk about income as surface designers, we often focus on how much designers are making—but the real question is why some designers earn more than others. In this episode, we’re diving into the factors that truly shape your income, from clarity and confidence to strategy and consistency. If you’ve ever hesitated to put your work out there, struggled with pricing, or felt stuck in a cycle of undercharging and overworking, this episode is for you.Tune in as we discuss:✔ The key difference between designers who thrive and those who struggle.✔ The role of mindset in pricing your work confidently.✔ Why no single sales method guarantees success.✔ How to shift from hesitation to action and increase your visibility.Your income isn’t just about where you sell—it’s about how you approach it. Let’s shift your beliefs around pricing and step into the value you bring to the industry.🎧 Listen now and let’s talk about it! Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/
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16:25
120: Goal Setting & The Three Things That Matter Most
Setting Goals That Actually Move Your Creative Business ForwardLet’s be real—most of us have set goals like “I want to sell more art” or “I want to grow on Instagram.” But are those goals actually helping you move forward? If you feel like you’ve been setting goals but not seeing real progress, this episode is for you.Today, I’m breaking down the key things that truly matter when it comes to goal setting as a designer. These are the steps that will help you create real momentum, avoid distractions, and finally start seeing results in your creative business.In this episode, I cover:✔️ How to set goals that actually align with the business you want✔️ Why process-based goals work better than vague outcome goals✔️ How to break down big goals into clear, actionable steps✔️ The importance of tracking progress and adjusting along the way✔️ Why flexibility (not perfection) is key to long-term successIf you’re tired of spinning your wheels and setting the same goals year after year, tune in now and start setting goals that actually get you where you want to go. Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/
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14:23
119: Do You Really Need a Niche?
There’s a lot of advice floating around about whether or not you really need a niche as a designer. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “You don’t need to niche, just focus on your style,” or “You don’t need to niche, just find your audience.”Here’s the truth: That IS niching.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why choosing a niche isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about giving yourself a clear path forward. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, unsure of where to find clients, or unclear about your next steps, this episode will help you shift your perspective on niching and why it can actually create more freedom in your business.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why "my prints look good on everything" is the biggest myth keeping you stuck✅ The real reason designers resist niching✅ How niching gives you clarity on your portfolio, pricing, pitching, and marketing✅ Why versatility is not the same as strategy✅ A simple action step to start defining your niche today—without overthinking it!Stay Connected & Keep Learning📌 Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife📌 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/ Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/
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13:28
118: 5 Ways to Get Better Results by Doing Less
This week, I’m talking about something that so many of us struggle with—including myself: doing too much and getting nowhere. We often feel like we need to chase every opportunity, every revenue stream, and every strategy, thinking that the more we do, the more successful we’ll be. But the truth? Doing less strategically leads to bigger and better results.So today, I’m sharing five ways to get better results by doing less—so you can create more impact, more income, and more mastery in your business.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Simplify Your Offers – Stop spreading yourself thin across multiple avenues. Choose 1–2 core areas to focus on and go all in.Establish a Consistent Practice – Mastery comes from repetition. Whether it’s designing, pitching, or marketing—consistency builds confidence and skill.Streamline Business Processes – Systems create freedom. Simplify pricing, pitching, and client communication to remove resistance.Streamline Your Creative Workflow – Set up a process that allows you to create without wasting time on decision fatigue.Keep Your Focus & Avoid Distractions – Stop chasing every new opportunity. Go all in on the areas that bring results before adding more.This is your permission slip to simplify, focus, and create a business that works for you. What can you let go of to move forward with more clarity and ease? Stay Connected: Join the Print Life Membership: https://lesliekenehan.com/printlife Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekenehan/
Welcome to the Print Life Podcast! A podcast created for surface pattern designers who want to get their foot in the door designing and selling exclusive art in the fashion industry. Host Leslie Kenehan brings you all things design, sales, marketing & mindset to support you in growing your creative business. Freelance? In House? Just getting started? You are in the right place. Welcome to the Print Life Podcast! https://lesliekenehan.com/