4 days ago

Episode 45: Hot Takes on Freelancing, Pricing Myths & the Future of Design

In this episode, Brad Hussey and Mike Janda go deep on creative business insights, hot takes, and personal stories from their careers. From the early days of Flash-based websites to modern-day agency success, Mike shares how he built a thriving design business and what freelancers really need to know to succeed.

🚀 What’s in This Episode?

✅ How Mike Janda went from a rough-and-tumble childhood to a creative empire.
✅ Hot takes on freelancing myths (spoiler: value-based pricing isn't what you think!).
✅ Why some creatives are sleeping on Wix Studio—and why you shouldn’t.
✅ Rapid-fire Q&A: Mac or PC? Grid system or freeform design? Music or silence while working?
✅ The reality of starting a creative business then vs. now—and where the industry is going.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

✅ The “Janda Boys” origin story—how Mike’s wild childhood shaped his work ethic.
✅ Making the switch from creative passion to profitable business.
✅ The dot-com era, Flash, and the early days of digital design.
✅ Value-based pricing? Minimum project rates? Overrated advice!
✅ Freelancing vs. running an agency—which path is better?
✅ Rapid-fire: Mac or PC? Helvetica or Times New Roman? Light mode or dark mode?

💡 Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Creative Agencies:

✅ You don’t need a “minimum project fee” to land high-value clients.
✅ Value-based pricing only works in certain cases—here’s when to avoid it.
✅ The future of design is evolving fast—don’t get left behind.
✅ Wix Studio is a serious tool for agencies—stop sleeping on it!
✅ Pick your career path intentionally—freelancer or agency, but don’t drift.

🔗 Additional Resources:

About Two Pixels Off (Podcast)
Learn how to run a successful creative business. Two Pixels Off hosts, Mike Janda and Brad Hussey, share actionable strategies and tips to help creative entrepreneurs market their services, sell effectively, execute projects, price profitability, and more. Get out your notepad! Listen to Two Pixels Off on your favorite podcast platform!
Learn More: https://twopixelsoff.com

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Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.
Learn More: https://wixstudio.com

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Connect with Mike Janda
Website: https://michaeljanda.com
Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda
YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda
Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com

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Connect with Brad Hussey
Website: https://www.bradhussey.ca/
Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/
X: https://twitter.com/bradhussey
Facebook: https://facebook.com/bradhussey
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhussey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bradhussey
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity