From Good to Great:
Becoming a Powerful Designer
You’re a creative spirit, bringing ideas to life every day. But let’s be honest—the admin side of freelancing? Not so much fun. Crafting perfect project briefs, navigating tricky client emails, and staying on top of it all can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I created the Graphic Designers’ Playbook Planner. After years as a Creative Director navigating the highs and lows of freelancing, I poured everything I’ve learned into one clear, simple resource. It’s here to lighten the load so you can get back to what you love most—designing.
Welcome to THE
graphic designers' playbook PLANNER
That’s where The Playbook Planner comes in. It’s more than a guide—it’s your trusted sidekick, helping you take back your time and energy so you can focus on what truly matters: creating.
Here’s how The Playbook Planner transforms your freelance world:
- Master the Business Side: Clear, straightforward advice on everything from pricing to client communication.
- Tools You’ll Actually Use: Downloadable resources that keep your workflow smooth and stress-free.
- Step-by-Step Support: Weekly emails to keep you inspired and on track.
- Plan Like a Pro: Calendar pages to manage projects without the chaos.
- Organised Creativity: Notes and prompts to bring clarity to your ideas.
The Playbook Planner is designed to work your way, adapting to your style while simplifying the messy parts of freelancing. With less time spent on admin, you’ll have more space to do what you do best: creating designs that inspire, influence, and drive change.
Let this be the year you unleash your full creative power with
The Playbook Planner by your side.
Embracing the Power of Design
Feel the empowerment!
Are you a designer feeling overwhelmed by freelance demands? The Playbook is your solution. It's packed with 22 years of my experience, offering templates, words, and emails to streamline your creative and administrative tasks. Let's grow together in the Graphic Design Industry, using our collective creativity as its backbone.
I've experienced the challenges of uncertainty, powerlessness, and mistakes in the design industry.
but guess what...
But you don't have to go through that.
In this section, I share over two decades of insights from the trenches of design. It's not your typical textbook theory; it's about the real, often overlooked aspects of the business — the stuff schools don't teach. We'll explore how to understand client briefs, communicate with heart, and trust your gut. This is real talk, from my experience to your hands, making the complex world of design business approachable and genuinely human.
Here’s What You’ll get in the playbook PLANNER
Book section about The business side of design
feature one
LET'S BREAK it DOWN
- Basic Brand Strategy: Nail down your brand's essence with this foundational tool.
- Creative Direction Strategy: Communicate your vision like a pro.
- Five Different Briefs: Tailored for various project types to streamline client communication.
- 26 Email Scripts: Say goodbye to writer’s block with customisable templates for every situation.
- Project Timeline & Status Report: Stay on track and keep your clients in the loop.
- Proposal Document: Wow your clients with a professional, on-brand pitch.
- The Design Process & Print Proofing Sheet: Simplify workflows and avoid design hiccups.
- Pricing Design Sheet: Confidently calculate and communicate your rates.
- Manifesto Creation & “Hello, New Client” Document: Make the perfect first impression.
Digital Business Resources Made for Notion
For years, I've relied on this specific format for my own note-taking. Now, I'm delighted to share it with you. These pages are crafted to orderly house all your project notes, procedures, and client details in one consolidated space. No more misplaced notes or forgotten client contacts. They're here to bring a sense of structure and clarity to your creative endeavours.
Personalised Guided Notes Pages for Your Projects
feature four
Our undated diary pages are designed for flexibility. Start using them whenever you feel ready; there's no pressure to align with the calendar year. These pages are your ally in organizing your days and keeping track of deadlines, tailored to fit your unique schedule and workflow. They're here to adapt to you, not the other way around.
Begin When You're Ready: Flexible Undated Diary Pages
feature Three
Freelancing is equal parts creativity and organisation—and we’ve got the second part covered. The Playbook Planner Digital Resources are editable templates built for Notion (a free project management system) to streamline your freelance workflow.
And so much more!
feature two
INCLUDES:
Helps you keep the admin together
How would it feel to...
Lists of questions that makes EVERY project have almost NO revisions
01
02
HAVE ONE TOOL THAT
Diary pages to keep to-do's and deadlines in one space And keep task-anxiety out of your life!
03
Notes pages keeping client details and project notes together
04
Downloads to streamline the business
side of design
05
Weekly emails that guide you through all the info discussed
06
This gift bag is everrrything!!!
Well designed and packaged,
I can't wait to sit down and read through everything calmly. And the DOWNLOADS! 😍 Thank you so much for all the time and effort you've put into this. I think it's definitely going to become one of my most valuable resources!
from
TURIPAMWE
Sharing the power
It looks AMAZING! There's already so much value in the first few pages,
Ria-Mari Truter
WOW! Thank you for the beautiful playbook
and congratulations- it is more than I expected.
Beverly
thank you so much for your time and energy in creating this. We highly appreciate it, you have done an outstanding job ❤️🔥
Ever felt you just need that bit of guidance to take your design skills further? I've been there. That's why I created The Playbook Planner, summarised my 22 years in graphic design into easy-to-follow tips and insights. It's the kind of practical wisdom you'd usually gather over time, now available to you right away.
Believe in Your Talent — It's STRONGER Than You Imagine
You're in the right place.
"This is your day. This is the time to go after it all.
— ME, YESTERDAY
One Download Link with
14 DOWNLOADABLE creative business document templates.
a 32-PAGE book section covering the business side of design in a summarised manner because i know not all of us are readers.
YOU GET ACCESS TO VIDEOS THAT GO THROUGH ALL THE TOPICS BEING COVERED IN THE BUSINESS OF DESIGN SECTION.
ONE Fun Sticker sheet
open bound to stay open where you want it with two ribbon bookmarks.
IT Comes in a beautiful KEEPSAKE BOX WITH GOLD FOIL STAMPING
Let's recap - what are you getting in ONE BOOK?
BUY NOW
Start anytime this year weekly diary pages to keep deadlines, to-do's and TASKS close by.
Design notes section, keeping client details, your ideas, notes, AND THE procedure all in one place. With guided questions to get the conversation started.
Thank you so much for the wisdom you share!
This is certainly one of the best gifts I could ask for; for so long I wished and hoped to be able to get my hands on something exactly like this and finally I own one. Thank you so much for the wisdom you share and all your time and every bit of effort and love that went into this.
It is so incredibly truly appreciated.
—Freelance Graphic Designer
Great quality, and very informative, and it will be an invaluable tool in my business going forward
— Designer
— Marisa
Your emails are super supportive. You go girl!
READ MORE
A Graphic Designer turned Creative Strategic Stylist. A total Magazine and water addict. I help heart-led brands, clients, and designers show up with style and grace.
Designer of the Playbook
Nelett
well, hello. i'm
With all the digital planners, why
is this one a printed playbook?
To-Do's and Ideas?
method to the madness
In a world full of digital planners, why choose a printed Playbook? Writing down your deadlines, to-dos, and ideas isn't just practical; it's beneficial for your mind. Research suggests that jotting things down can significantly boost your mental well-being. It helps you manage those overwhelming days better, keeping you on track both professionally and personally.
Increased Productivity, creativity and Reduced Stress
1. REDUCE TASK-anxiety
Writing down tasks and deadlines boosts productivity, creativity, and reduces stress. A clear to-do list minimises the risk of forgetting tasks and helps manage workload efficiently. This organised approach lowers stress and enhances focus. Plus, ticking off completed tasks offers a sense of achievement, motivating you to tackle more.
2. Improved Mental Clarity and Creativity
Putting your ideas on paper does more than just keep them organised; it actually clears your mind and boosts your creative thinking. When you write down a thought, it helps you understand it better and often leads to new, exciting ideas. Plus, writing by hand makes it easier to remember these thoughts later, which is super handy when you're brainstorming for a project or trying to come up with new work ideas.
3. Enhanced Goal-Setting and Time Management
Writing down your deadlines and to-do's is key for effective goal-setting and time management. It allows you to break big goals into smaller, manageable tasks, organising your approach in a strategic way. This helps in prioritising tasks and using your time wisely, leading to better outcomes. Also, noting down deadlines keeps you accountable and on track with your goals.
Writing down our to-dos is a habit worth practising
Creating a very life-changing habit.
Building a system that will streamlines the business side of design.
Attracting your dream clients and working on projects that light you up.
Building a dream design business
Creating and sustaining processes and systems for added efficiency and profitability.
Feeling more balanced, and rested, and in alignment with what you're wanting to create for your life.
Finding time to do what you love most and saying no to the rest.
If you want THIS to be the year that you *finally* commit to:
BUY NOW
HAVING THE ADMIN SIDE OF YOUR FREELANCE BUSINESS SORTED ALLOWS YOU TO ONLY FOCUS ON WHAT YOU LOVE - DESIGN
CREATIVITY back
guarantee
100%
This for you if:
desire certainty in your business
YOu Don't like learning
want to be great at design and the business side of design.
YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO DO THE WORK AND LOOKING FOR A QUICK FIX
KNOWING being part of a tribe of like-minded designers is what grows our industry better for all designers
It's probably
for you if...
YOU DON'T want a life-giving business
not
is
It's probably
for you if...
Let’s Do This Thing!
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
in what programme is the downloadable TEMPLATES?
All templates are available in NOTION and have been exported in Adobe Suit and CANVA.
Frequently Asked Questions
In what currency is the book sold in?
I am in Namibia. The currency here is NAD (Namibian Dollar) - use this tool to work out the exchange rate.
DO YOU courier world wide?
Yes, I try and get the best courier rate for the area in the world you are in.
Do I need to be a designer to own the book?
Interestingly, the book is loved by people working with designers, from brand strategists, architects, copywriters and marketing agencies.
I am a student; WILL this work for me?
Yes! Without a doubt! The information, structure, and weekly emails are designed to help you in any season of your journey.
Will the book come out every year?
Yes, this is a yearly edition. The design industry changes so fast that I will update yearly and incorporate new working methods as trends evolve.
CAn I start anytime in the year?
Without a doubt, yes. This edition is undated. The Playbook Planner is ready for you whenever you are ready to leap! You can use it anytime during the year, whenever you are ready.
The Journey is the destination - design your life moment by moment. This tool is there to help you work towards an extraordinary life in a creative business.
I completely understand. Every dollar invested in your business is an important one!
Still on the fence?
FOLLOW ALONG
Elsewhere
FOLLOW ALONG
