Brand Design Masters - Personal Branding, Creative Entrepreneurship, Small Business Marketing & Career Success for Designers and Content Creators

byPhilip VanDusen

ArtsDesignBusinessMarketing

For designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and content creators who want to level up their careers and creative businesses. Hosted by Philip VanDusen, Brand Consultant and founder of BONFIRE, this show explores personal branding, content creation, freelancing, and creative career growth. Philip and his guests deliver practical coaching, strategies, and inspiration to help you market your work, attract new clients, grow your influence, and build long-term success. Covering personal branding, content creation, freelancing, digital marketing, and creative entrepreneurship, every episode is designed to support your growth as a creative professional in the Creative Economy.

Episodes(40 episodes)

AI Without the Hype: with Mitali Deypurkaystha

AI is in the midst of changing the landscape of business, careers and humanity as a whole. And if you're like most creative professionals or business owners, you're probably feeling a mix of curiosity, overwhelm, and maybe even a little fear.In this episode, I sit down with certified AI consultant Mitali Deypurkaystha to cut through the noise and get practical. We talk about what’s really happening in the AI landscape, why most businesses are getting it wrong, and how you can approach AI in a way that actually drives results without chasing shiny objects....

Published: May 11, 2026Duration: 1h 1m 41s

ReDesigning Your Creative Career After 50

ReDesigning Your Creative Career After 50with Philip VanDusenIf you’re a creative professional over 50, redesigning your creative career after 50 isn’t about starting over, it’s about building resilience, relevance, and long-term leverage. In this episode, I walk you through a practical framework for career reinvention, income diversification, and staying professionally valuable in an AI-accelerated world.The Workbook Prompts:"If traditional employment became unreliable tomorrow, how else could I create value with what I know?""Which parts of my work still challenge my thinking, and which p...

Published: Apr 20, 2026Duration: 13m 48s

Most Small Businesses Are Using AI Wrong - Here’s How to Fix It

Most Small Businesses Are Using AI Wrong - Here’s How to Fix Itwith Philip VanDusenMost small businesses are using AI wrong, and in this episode I break down exactly how to fix it with practical, real-world strategies you can implement immediately.If you’re a small business owner feeling squeezed by rising marketing costs, shrinking attention spans, and increasing customer expectations, this is for you. I walk you through seven powerful ways you can use artificial intelligence to work smarter, reduce friction, and grow with...

Published: Apr 13, 2026Duration: 13m 2s

How to Stop Wasting Time - 7 Time Management Hacks That Actually Work

How to Stop Wasting Time - 7 Time Management Hacks That Actually Work with Philip VanDusenMany creative professionals feel constantly busy but still end the day wondering if anything meaningful actually moved forward.In this episode, Philip VanDusen explores why traditional productivity advice often falls short and why most time management systems fail to solve the real problem. The issue is not a lack of apps, tools, or productivity frameworks. The real challenge is self-leadership.Instead of focusing on software or complicated productivity stacks, Philip shares seven practical practices designed to help...

Published: Apr 6, 2026Duration: 25m 12s

Navigating Career Transitions and Inflection Points - with Kathy Oneto

Navigating Career Transitions and Inflection PointsCareers rarely unfold in straight lines.In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I originally recorded with strategist and executive coach Kathy Oneto about navigating career transitions and professional inflection points. We explore why careers often evolve through pivots rather than predictable steps up a ladder, and how moments of friction or curiosity can signal that it’s time to rethink what comes next.We also discuss how creative professionals can stay resilient during periods of change by developing broader skillsets, building what I call...

Published: Mar 30, 2026Duration: 53m 15s

How to Stay Relevant as a Creative Professional

How To Stay Relevant as a Creative ProfessionalIn this episode, I break down how you can stay relevant as a creative pro in a fast-changing industry where ageism, AI, and commoditization are real forces. If you’re a mid-career designer, creative director, strategist, or agency owner, this is about building career insurance that protects you from volatility you can’t control.I share the uncomfortable truths many experienced creatives avoid talking about, including what really happens when roles disappear and why doubling down on craft alone is no longer enough. Staying relevant in yo...

Published: Mar 23, 2026Duration: 10m 26s

How to Get Promoted When You Work Remotely

How To Get Promoted When You Work RemotelyIf you want to get promoted when working remotely, this episode breaks down what actually drives career advancement when you’re not in the office every day. I walk through how remote employees can increase visibility, earn trust, and position themselves for a promotion even when their manager and leadership team rarely see them in person.In this episode I share practical, real-world strategies you can use right now to make sure your work doesn’t go unnoticed. We’ll talk about...

Published: Mar 16, 2026Duration: 10m 43s

10 Ways Small Business and Can Use AI Now - and Why It Matters

10 Ways Small Business Can Use AI Now - and Why It MattersBrand Design Masters Podcast EP163with Philip VanDusenLeveraging AI should be the top priority this year for small businesses and creative professionals. In this episode, I break down ten ways that small business owners and creative teams can use AI right now to work smarter, move faster, and stay competitive without losing what makes their brand human.If you’re a founder, solopreneur, or creative professional supporting clients, I walk you through ten pr...

Published: Mar 10, 2026Duration: 14m 14s

Design Project Planning Step by Step: How to Plan the Work and Avoid Creative Chaos

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Philip breaks down the complete process of design project planning step by step and explains why creative projects fail long before design even begins.If you’ve ever dealt with scope creep, unclear objectives, endless revision rounds, stakeholder misalignment, or subjective “I just don’t like it” feedback, this episode is for you.Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, consultant, or client-side marketing leader, you’ll learn how to plan the work so you can work the plan and keep projects running like a well-oiled machine. ...

Published: Mar 2, 2026Duration: 41m 57s

Unlocking Your Potential as a Creative Professional

Links Mentioned:BONFIRE Mastermind group: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfirePersonal Brand Wheel: https://philipvandusen.com/pbwBrand Positioning Statement Tool: https://philipvandusen.com/brand-positioning-statement-optinIn this episode of Brand Design Masters, I break down what’s really holding creative professionals back and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.If you’re a designer, creative director, freelancer, or agency owner who feels stuck, under-leveraged, or uncertain about your next move, this conversation is for you. I unpack the five most common barriers that limit growth in creative careers and...

Published: Feb 23, 2026Duration: 43m 3s

LinkedIn Just Got Much More Important - AI is Changing Everything

EP 160: LinkedIn Just Got Much More Important Brand Design Masters Podcast with Philip VanDusenLinkedIn just became one of the most powerful platforms for personal branding, client acquisition, and career growth. In this episode, I break down why AI search, content longevity, and platform dynamics are dramatically increasing LinkedIn’s importance for professionals and B2B businesses.AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are reshaping discovery. LinkedIn is now one of the most cited sources in large language model answers, especially for verifiable human expertise. That means your LinkedIn content can surface in AI...

Published: Feb 17, 2026Duration: 36m 31s

How to Get More Clients Without Working Harder

How to Get More Clients Without Working Harder with Philip VanDusenBrand Design Masters Podcast – EP 158BONFIRE https://philipvandusen.com/bonfireTUBEBUDDY (affiliate link) https://tubebuddy.com/philipvandusenGetting more clients doesn’t have to mean working longer hours, posting nonstop on social media, or chasing cold leads that go nowhere. In this episode, Philip VanDusen breaks down how creative professionals can grow their client base without burning out by widening their offer, strengthening their network, and positioning themselves as strategic partners instead of execution-only vendors. <...

Published: Feb 2, 2026Duration: 37m 31s

How to Transform Your Career: A 5-Stage Framework for Creative Professionals

Career transformation isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a process.BONFIRE: https://philipvandusen.com/bonfirePERSONAL BRAND WHEEL: https://philipvandusen.com/pbwIn this episode, Philip VanDusen shares a practical, experience-based framework for navigating career pivots as a creative professional. Drawing on 30+ years across corporate leadership, global agencies, solo consulting, and personal brand building, Philip breaks down the five predictable stages of career transformation and how to recognize where you are right now.This episode is especially relevant for mid- to late-career designers and creatives facing burnout, layoffs, AI disruption, agei...

Published: Jan 26, 2026Duration: 1h 2m 17s

Personal Branding Power Tips

Personal Branding Power TipsIn this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip delves into an advanced perspective on personal branding, which he dubs 'Personal Branding 2.0'. Philip explores the evolution of personal branding and discusses how creative professionals can leverage new platforms and formats, like short-form video on TikTok and Instagram Reels, to build an authentic presence. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community building, and collaboration in establishing a strong personal brand. Additionally, Philip discusses the role of emerging technologies, such as...

Published: Jun 11, 2025Duration: 11m 37s

The Best LinkedIn Video Strategy for 2025

The Best LinkedIn Video Strategy for 2025In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, Philip addresses the often-overlooked potential of LinkedIn for video marketing. He discusses the importance of understanding different LinkedIn video formats, including feed videos, short videos, and LinkedIn Live, emphasizing their unique advantages. Philip outlines a seven-step guide to leveraging LinkedIn video to attract an ideal audience, starting with understanding video formats and starting small with short videos. He provides advice on choosing video topics, using the 'hamburger' method for content planning, tailoring content to one's brand, and t...

Published: Mar 17, 2025Duration: 12m 7s

10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This Year

10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This YearIf you’re a small business owner, agency, or freelancer working with small businesses, this episode is a must-listen. I’m breaking down the 10 biggest mistakes small businesses will make this year—mistakes that can slow growth, hurt profits, or even put you out of business if you’re not careful.From ignoring AI and automation to neglecting customer retention, these missteps can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is avoidable—if you know what to look for.Here’...

Published: Mar 3, 2025Duration: 11m 52s

How to Get Your Content Recommended by ChatGPT and AI Tools

Have you ever wondered how AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard decide which content to recommend? If you're a content creator looking to expand your reach, this episode is a must-listen.I recently had a game-changing conversation with someone who discovered my work—not through YouTube or Google, but through ChatGPT. That’s when it hit me: AI-driven recommendations are a massive, untapped opportunity for creators. Unlike traditional SEO, these AI tools don’t rank content the same way Google does. Instead, they prioritize relevance, authority, and context.In this episode, I break d...

Published: Feb 24, 2025Duration: 13m 32s

How to Find a Job in the Creative Industry

How to Find a Job in the Creative IndustryLanding a job in today’s creative industry isn’t easy—especially if you’re mid-to-late career. But it’s far from impossible. In this solo episode, I break down five proven strategies to help you stand out in a competitive job market, refine your approach, and ultimately secure the role you’ve been striving for.We’ll cover:• How to tailor your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers• The key updates you need to make on your LinkedIn profile to get not...

Published: Feb 17, 2025Duration: 12m 6s

Networking Strategies for Designers and Entrepreneurs

Networking Strategies for Designers and EntrepreneursEpisode 152In this episode, Philip explores how networking has evolved with the rise of remote work and digital platforms. He shares innovative, non-standard networking tactics that go beyond traditional methods such as industry mixers and LinkedIn messages. Philip emphasizes the importance of a strong online presence and gives actionable tips for optimizing platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble. He also introduces niche platforms, the power of masterminds, and personalized outreach through video messages. Whether you're an in-house cr...

Published: Feb 10, 2025Duration: 14m 25s

Best Content Marketing Strategy for 2025

Best Content Marketing Strategy for 2025Episode 151A great content marketing strategy includes more than just producing and posting as much as possible. That’s why I’m breaking down the most impactful shifts in content marketing for 2025 and beyond. This episode dives into the strategies that are working right now—based on trends in audience behavior and the changing tools of the trade. Whether you're building a brand, growing a business, or amplifying your career, these insights will help you thrive in the new era of content marketi...

Published: Feb 3, 2025Duration: 17m 19s