Two Pixels Off
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, these episodes are packed with transformational advice. (Two Pixels Off is powered by Wix Studio.)
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode, Brad Hussey and Michael Janda are breaking down their technology stack—the hardware, software, and tools they use to run their creative businesses. From computers and cameras to microphones, lighting, and automation tools, this episode is packed with game-changing recommendations for freelancers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs.
If you're looking to upgrade your setup, streamline your workflow, or just geek out over tech, this is the episode for you! 🎧🔥
🎯 What’s in This Episode?
✅ Mac vs. PC? Our daily driver computers & why we choose them
✅ The best monitors, cameras, and microphones for high-quality content
✅ How we automate workflows with Zapier, Notion, and Kit
✅ Our favorite software tools for design, development, and video editing
✅ Why Elgato gear is a must-have for content creators
✅ The best storage solutions for video editing and web projects
🛠️ Episode Highlights
🔹 Computer Setups: Retina iMac 5K vs. MacBook Pro M1 Max – is it time to upgrade?
🔹 Cameras: Sony A7C vs. Sony ZV-E10 – which is best for creators?
🔹 Audio Gear: Why the Shure SM7B is the best mic for podcasts & content
🔹 Lighting: Elgato & Aputure—which lights are worth the investment?
🔹 Web Design Tools: Figma, Wix Studio, and the real truth about WordPress
🔹 Note-Taking & Productivity: Notion vs. Evernote – which one wins?
🔹 Hidden Gems: Loom for quick video messages, Handbrake for video compression, and iPhone Mirroring for next-level productivity
🎯 Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:
🚀 Invest in your gear, but don’t overspend. Some upgrades (like an SSD instead of an HDD) are more important than others.
🎙️ Audio quality matters. The Shure SM7B + a preamp = next-level sound for podcasts & videos.
📸 Cameras with good lenses beat ANY webcam. If you're still using a Facecam Pro… it's time to switch.
💡 Lighting changes everything. Elgato & Aputure make a huge difference for video quality.
⚡ Automate everything. Use Zapier, Notion AI, and Kit to save time & scale your business.
🛠️ Use the right tools for the job. From Figma for design to Wix Studio for websites, the right stack makes all the difference.
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Episode 45: Hot Takes on Freelancing, Pricing Myths & the Future of Design
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Episode 44: Pricing, Clients & Selling Your Creative Services
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Hey everyone, welcome back to Two Pixels Off! In this episode, Brad Hussey and Michael Janda bring the heat with rapid-fire hot takes on key topics for creative entrepreneurs. We’re talking pricing strategies, finding clients, and how to confidently sell your services—all packed into an engaging, fun, and insightful conversation. Plus, we sprinkle in some hilarious banter, Canada jokes, and even a wild cougar wrestling story.
🐻🔥 🚀 What’s in This Episode?
➡️ A fresh format: 1-minute hot takes on business topics! ➡️ How to stop underpricing your work and charge what you're worth ➡️ The biggest mistake freelancers make when selling (and how to fix it) ➡️ Why clients aren’t as hard to find as you think—and where to look ➡️ The "double your price" method to boost confidence and profits ➡️ The secret behind high-ticket sales (and why most creatives are afraid to ask for the sale) ➡️ And of course… grizzly bear attacks, Mounties, and negotiating with a real-life FBI-type guy 🏔️ 🎯 Episode Highlights: ✔ Pricing Work – Why pulling numbers from thin air is killing your profits & how to price with confidence ✔ Finding Clients – They’re everywhere! Learn the simple strategy to connect, build trust, and close deals ✔ Selling Your Services – It's a skill, not magic. How to practice and get better at closing clients FAST 💡 Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Creative Agencies:✅ Stop apologizing for your prices—set them based on value, not fear ✅ The secret to landing more clients is simply talking to people & solving their problems ✅ Selling is like a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger you get ✅ Clients will gladly pay premium prices… if you position yourself correctly
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Welcome to another episode of Two Pixels Off! 🎙 Hosted by Mike Janda and Brad Hussey, this podcast is all about supporting freelancers, creative entrepreneurs, and agencies as they navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
What’s in This Episode?
After last week’s dive into the challenges facing creative agencies (cue the sad trombone 🎺), this episode flips the script to focus on the positives! We’re exploring uplifting trends from the agency world, dissecting how agencies are innovating, and breaking down actionable strategies to stay ahead in 2024 and beyond.
Episode Highlights:
📌 The Good News from the Agency Report:
→ Contractual trends are improving: Longer-term deals are making a comeback, signaling client confidence.
→ Clients are starting to realize the value of professional agencies over DIY platforms like Canva or AI tools.
📌 Innovation is the Name of the Game:
→ Agencies that are willing to experiment are finding success through innovation and adaptability.
→ How tools like Wix Studio and AI are helping agencies do more for less.
📌 Client Relationships Are Evolving:
→ Why trust, communication, and education are the cornerstones of a successful creative business.
→ Building long-term partnerships that are collaborative rather than transactional.
📌 Rethinking Agency Models:
→ The importance of niching down or diversifying services.
→ Stories of agencies pivoting toward vertical niches, like automotive, to stay competitive.
→ The rise of productized services, from fixed-price design packages to “done-in-one-day” workflows.
📌 How to Stay Human in the Age of AI:
→ Why building authentic, human relationships is the ultimate competitive advantage in a world of automated tools.
📌 Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Creative Agencies:
→ Adaptation is survival: Whether it’s trying new tools, redefining services, or focusing on a niche, staying flexible is critical.
→ Be strategic: Agencies that position themselves as indispensable partners are thriving. Show your value by blending tools like AI with your creative expertise.
→ Experiment wisely: Budget time for trial-and-error—test productized services, new tech, or different pricing models to discover what resonates.
→ Client relationships matter: People do business with people they like and trust. Build a positive, proactive rapport.
→ Lean into your strengths: Understand your niche, own it, and let your expertise shine.
Why This Matters for Freelancers & Agencies:
As competition rises and AI tools become the norm, standing out requires a mix of creativity, relationship-building, and smart strategy. Whether you're a one-person creative business or running a growing agency, these trends and tips will help you stay ahead of the curve.
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Episode 42: Navigating Creative Challenges in 2025? Are You Ready?
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Welcome back to Two Pixels Off! 🚀 Join Mike Janda and Brad Hussey as we dive into the key challenges creative agencies and freelancers are facing today, drawing insights from the latest Agency Forecast Report by Wix Studio and Agency Hackers. 🎨💻 🔍 What’s in This Episode?🚀 Trends shaping the creative agency world in 2025.
🚀 Why client expectations and "wanting more for less" isn’t new.
🚀 The talent pool dilemma: Are agencies struggling to find YOU? 🚀 AI’s role in streamlining workflows (and overcoming overwhelm).
🚀 Why unpredictability in agencies isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity.
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
👋 Hey friends! Welcome back to Two Pixels Off with your hosts Brad Hussey and Michael Janda. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the history of the internet, its game-changing milestones, and a peek into the tech-driven future. Join us for an entertaining, insightful journey through time with plenty of laughs, Canadian vs. U.S. jokes, and practical takeaways for creative entrepreneurs.
What’s in This Episode?
🕰️ Nostalgia Overload: From ARPANET to the World Wide Web and the birth of email—how it all started.
🌐 Big Wins and Funny Fails: Browser wars, MySpace’s downfall, and the rise of Google, Amazon, and Facebook.
🤖 AI, IoT, and the Next Big Thing: The impact of artificial intelligence, mobile browsing, and connected devices on our daily lives.
🎉 Wix Studio Shoutout: Discover how modern tools like Wix Studio empower agencies and freelancers to create transformative digital experiences.
Episode Highlights
📜 Internet Evolution: The transition from early packet switching to the mobile and IoT revolutions.
🛒 E-Commerce Boom: How Amazon and eBay changed the shopping game and what freelancers can learn from their models.
🤝 Social Media Pioneers: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube’s early days, plus the lessons they teach about community and connection.
💡 Wix Studio’s Game-Changing Capabilities: Learn how this all-in-one tool supports responsive web design, e-commerce, AI, and even IoT integration for creative entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies
→ Embrace Change: Stay ahead by understanding and adapting to technology’s rapid evolution.
→ Simplify Complexity: Modern platforms like Wix Studio eliminate barriers—focus on creativity and client results. Leverage AI: From automations to personalized user experiences, AI is reshaping web design and e-commerce.
→ Be Visionary: Early adopters like Amazon and Google remind us to think big and take bold action.
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
*******
Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Welcome to another fun and insightful episode of Two Pixels Off with Michael Janda and Brad Hussey! 🚀 Today, we’re diving into some hot topics that every freelancer and creative agency owner will relate to: handling tough clients, navigating mental health challenges, leveraging social media (or not), and how entrepreneurship is like playing the ultimate game.
Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting your creative business journey, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, laughter, and raw honesty.
What’s in This Episode?👉 The best strategies for handling bully clients (and when to say goodbye).👉 Mental health struggles in the creative industry and how to address them.👉 Why social media is a tool—but not the whole game—for creative entrepreneurs.👉 Viewing business as a game: wins, losses, and the joy of staying in it.
Episode Highlights:🔹 How to deal with demanding or rude clients (hot takes from Brad & Mike).🔹 The truth about mental health struggles in creative work—and why you’re not alone.🔹 Is social media essential for your creative business? Spoiler: It's not what you think.🔹 The ultimate analogy: Why business is the greatest game ever created.
Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:✅ You don’t have to tolerate toxic clients—your time and mental health are invaluable.✅ Building real relationships (not just likes and follows) is the foundation of business success.✅ Social media is just one tool in the creative business toolkit—don’t let it dictate your strategy.✅ Enjoy the entrepreneurial journey, even the challenges—they’re where growth happens.
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Episode 39: Turn Small Talk to Business Conversations
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Mike Janda and Brad Hussey (aka Hus Dog, B Dog) are back with another exciting episode of Two Pixels Off! This podcast is your go-to space for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and agencies looking to level up their business strategies. 🚀🎙️ What’s in Today’s Episode? This week, we dive into a game-changing topic: 👉 How to Seamlessly Transition from Small Talk to Business Conversations 🎧 Episode Highlights: 📌 Brad shares a fascinating fun fact about himself and how it shaped his journey as a designer and entrepreneur. 📌 Why going back to the originals (books like "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant") is key to mastering timeless business wisdom. 📌 How to identify pain points and pitch your services effortlessly during conversations. 📌 A practical formula for connecting with potential clients in a genuine, engaging way. 💡 Bonus: Discover how to craft an email marketing system that works 24/7 (shoutout to Brad’s Done in a Day Email Kit service!)
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Join Mike Janda and Brad Hussey for another fun and insightful episode of Two Pixels Off, the podcast for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and agency owners. Today, we’re diving into production speed tips, AI innovations, and the power of cohesive workflows to make your projects more efficient and your business more productive. Plus, we explore the mystery behind the word "wazoo" and introduce Mike's cutting-edge AI chatbot...
What’s in This Episode?
🖌 Nicknames & Wazoo Origins: A lighthearted dive into the quirks of language and creative banter.
⚡ Production Speed Tips: Learn how to streamline your workflows with practical systems and tools.
🤖 Mike's AI Chatbot: Discover the groundbreaking benefits of training a custom AI bot for your business.
🌐 Wix Studio Spotlight: How an all-in-one ecosystem can revolutionize your web projects.
Episode Highlights
🎯 Boost Productivity with Templates: Save time by creating reusable folder structures, brand kits, and pre-built assets.
🎯 The Power of Psychic RAM: Free your mental bandwidth by documenting ideas and creating external systems for task management.
🎯 Email Inbox Zero Made Easy: Learn Brad's game-changing system for organizing and managing emails like a pro.
🎯 Cohesive Systems in Action: Why working within a unified platform, like Wix Studio, can skyrocket efficiency.
🎯 AI Chatbots for Agencies: How freelancers and agencies can offer AI chatbot setup as a service for clients.
Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies
✅ Never start from scratch—use templates and pre-built systems to kickstart projects.
✅ Clear your mental clutter by offloading tasks and ideas into external tools or systems.
✅ Adopt an ecosystem like Wix Studio to streamline web design, analytics, invoicing, and social media management.
✅ Explore AI tools to boost your productivity and create upsell opportunities for your clients.
00:00 Welcome to Two Pixels Off
00:13 Nicknames and Wazoo Origins
01:00 Engaging with the Creative Crew Community
01:42 The Mystery of 'Wazoo' Unveiled
03:57 Introduction to Production Speed Tips
04:46 Mike's Cutting-Edge AI Bot: Morbot
10:51 The Future of AI in Customer Service
16:20 Practical Production Workflow Tips
17:37 Template Systems for Efficiency
26:37 Psychic Ram: Boosting Productivity
27:26 Understanding Psychic RAM
29:36 Clearing Your Mental Clutter
30:17 Effective Note-Taking Strategies
33:32 Managing Email Overload
40:50 Boosting Productivity with Cohesive Systems
48:13 Leveraging Emerging Tools for Business Growth
51:49 Implementing AI Chatbots for Clients
53:46 The Value of Community and Coaching
57:27 Practical AI Applications in Business
59:39 Final Thoughts and Aha Moments
🔗 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
*******Powered by Wix Studio. The ultimate no-code website platform built for agencies and enterprises.Learn More: https://wixstudio.com
*******
Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
*******
Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Episode 37: The Truth About Design Tools and Platforms for Creative Agencies
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In this mega-sized episode of Two Pixels Off, your hosts Mike Janda and Brad Hussey dive deep into tools, platforms, and what really makes a creative project shine—hint: it’s not just the software. From design tools like Photoshop, Affinity Designer, and Canva, to web platforms like WordPress and Wix Studio, we uncover what matters most in your creative journey. Spoiler: it’s all about the Touch of the Master’s Hand.
🐾 We also chat about dogs (yes, dogs), agency life, and shoveling both literal and metaphorical poo. Oh, and why your SEO strategy might actually suck.
What’s in This Episode?
→ The Myth of Better Tools: Why it's the artist, not the platform, that creates magic.
→ Head-to-Head Showdowns: Affinity Designer vs. Adobe Photoshop WordPress vs. Wix Studio
→ Real-World Website Reviews: A breakdown of the award-winning Boathouse Agency and Synergy websites.
→ What Makes a Tool Worth It: Is a subscription model or one-time purchase better for freelancers and creative agencies?
📌 Episode Highlights
→ 🎨 Canva vs. Photoshop: Why "beginner tools" like Canva might surprise you.
→ 🕵️♂️ Brad takes a high-stakes quiz to identify design tools—did he pass?
→ 🌐 The battle of web platforms: Why Wix Studio might just be the future for creative agencies.
→ 🛠️ "60,000 plugins" in WordPress? Do you really need them?
→ 📈 SEO truth bombs: Why the platform doesn’t matter as much as your strategy.
Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies
→ Choose the Tool You Know Best: Whether it’s WordPress, Wix Studio, Photoshop, or Procreate, mastery beats features.
→ Simplify Your Workflow: Tools like Wix Studio eliminate plugin sprawl and offer an all-in-one solution.
→ Be Open to New Tools: Don’t let outdated biases hold you back—try something new like Wix Studio or Canva.
→ Focus on ROI, Not Costs: Whether subscription or one-time fee, the right tool pays for itself when used effectively.
→ Find the Juicy Nuggets: In tools, podcasts, or books, always look for the small insights that can revolutionize your process.
🔗 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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Connect with Mike JandaWebsite: https://michaeljanda.comCommunity: https://morecreativeacademy.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/morejandaYouTube: https://youtube.com/morejandaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejandaCourses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
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Connect with Brad HusseyWebsite: https://www.bradhussey.ca/Community: https://creativecrewcommunity.com/X: https://twitter.com/bradhusseyFacebook: https://facebook.com/bradhusseyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradhusseyInstagram: https://instagram.com/bradhusseyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeCrewCommunity
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Meet Mike Janda
Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, writing books, creating courses, and sharing social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.
His awards and features include Inc. 5000 (x3), FWA, Awwwards, HOW Magazine, Print Magazine, Ad News Magazine, Huffington Post, Promax/BDA, AIGA 100, Addy Awards, Webby Awards, and BusinessQ Magazine.
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Meet Brad Hussey
Brad Hussey is a professional web designer, content creator, and marketing consultant who has taught over 600,000 students on Udemy. He runs a design and media company, Brightside Studios and The Creative Crew, an online community for creative studios and design agency owners who want to network & learn from top pros and industry leaders. Brad is recognized for his expertise and joyful approach to creating content about web design & entrepreneurship.
He creates educational and entertaining content to help others succeed, and has been acknowledged by industry leaders such as Wix, ConvertKit, Smart Passive Income, Dribbble, and Awwwards.