Episodes

  • Episode 37: The Truth About Design Tools and Platforms for Creative Agencies
    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    → Be Open to New Tools: Don’t let outdated biases hold you back—try something new like Wix Studio or Canva.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

    ******* 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

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Episode 36: How to Price a Website - Your Ultimate Guide
    Dec 10 2024

    Pricing creative projects can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode of Two Pixels Off, we dive into the strategies behind pricing a website project for a restaurant client.

    Mike Janda and Brad Hussey share their unique approaches to pricing, reveal their final numbers, and explore the art of triple-threat pricing.

    What’s in This Episode?

    📌 Fun audience comments and listener feedback.

    📌 A competitive deep dive into pricing a restaurant website project.

    📌 Triple-threat pricing: What it is and how to use it effectively.

    Episode Highlights:

    📌 Kicking things off with listener comments and shoutouts.

    📌 Introduction to the mock restaurant website project.

    📌 Mike’s pricing strategy: From cost analysis to market comparison.

    📌 Brad’s nimble freelancer approach to pricing.

    📌 Triple-threat pricing explained and applied.

    📌 Using Wix Studio Pitch for effortless client proposals.

    Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:

    📌 Understand Your Costs: Break down your base rate and production costs to ensure profitability.

    📌 Market Research Matters: Use data points to justify your pricing to clients and build confidence in your quotes.

    📌 Triple-Threat Pricing: Offer clients three options to fit different budgets while highlighting the value of premium packages.

    📌 Leverage Tools: Resources like Wix Studio and Wix Pitch can enhance your workflow and make your proposals shine.

    🔗 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 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

    *******

    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

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    49 mins
  • Episode 35: Freelance Growth Strategies You Never Knew Existed! - Hedgehog Concept
    Dec 3 2024

    🚀 Welcome back to Two Pixels Off, the ultimate podcast for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and agencies! In today’s episode, Mike Janda and Brad Hussey take a lighthearted yet profound dive into Brad’s story—from family genealogy quirks to the core of his success as a creative entrepreneur. We explore the "Hedgehog Concept," Brad’s unique perspective on teaching, and how he’s living the dream by combining his passions and talents. Plus, enjoy a fun lightning round where Brad spills on his favorite movie, early creative projects, and unexpected fears!

    What’s in This Episode?

    🟡 Brad Hussey’s family history and the origins of his last name

    🟡 Insights into Brad’s creative passions and entrepreneurial mindset

    🟡 How to discover and live your "Hedgehog Concept"

    🟡 Mike and Brad’s favorite movies, concerts, and quirky fears

    Episode Highlights

    🔥 Living the Hedgehog Concept: Brad’s sweet spot of passion (creating), skill (teaching), and monetization (courses, templates, and community).

    🔥 Creative Entrepreneur Tips: Why staying humble yet confident matters in client relationships.

    🔥 Software Sprawl Solutions: Why tools like Wix Studio are game-changers for freelancers and agencies.

    🔥 Lightning Round Fun: Cameron Diaz as Brad’s first crush? Must-watch comedies and embarrassing teenage concert hacks!

    Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:

    ✅ Find Your Hedgehog Concept: Discover what you love, what you’re great at, and how to make it profitable.

    ✅ Set Boundaries: Humility doesn’t mean letting clients push you around. Discipline and confidence go hand in hand.

    ✅ Streamline Your Workflow: Tools like Wix Studio help eliminate unnecessary subscriptions, saving time and money.

    ✅ Stay Curious and Keep Building: Whether it’s a deck, a YouTube channel, or a thriving community, consistent creation fuels long-term success.

    🔗 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 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

    *******

    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

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 34: Payment Terms That Work for Freelancers
    Nov 26 2024

    Join Mike Janda and Brad Hussey (aka B-Dog from the C-Dog 🐶🍁) for another insightful and entertaining episode of Two Pixels Off! This podcast is your go-to resource for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and agencies looking for actionable advice and a healthy dose of humor to brighten their day. 🚀

    What’s in This Episode?

    Today’s topic: Payment Terms—a critical aspect of freelancing and creative business. From navigating the pitfalls of 50/50 billing to optimizing your invoicing strategy, Mike and Brad share tips to help you get paid what you’re worth—stress-free.

    Episode Highlights:
    • Hot Takes on Payment Terms: Why 50/50 billing is a no-go and better alternatives to explore.
    • Brad’s Bold Approach: Why charging 100% upfront works for him—and when it might work for you.
    • Mike’s Invoicing Rules: Strategies for balancing payments with work completed and why the largest invoice should always come last.
    • Lighthearted Moments: From Game of Thrones discussions to Brad’s “extra fingers” (seriously, don’t Google it).
    Key Takeaways for Freelancers & Agencies:
    • Adapt payment terms to fit your project and client’s needs.
    • Always take control as the seller and dictate fair, balanced payment terms.
    • Practical invoicing strategies to manage cash flow and reduce risk.

    🔗 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 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

    *******

    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

    🎧 Tune in now to discover how to master your payment terms and build a thriving creative business!

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Episode 33. LinkedIn Cold Outreach Mastery - Land High-Paying Clients from LinkedIn!
    Nov 19 2024

    Are you a creative entrepreneur struggling to land high-paying clients? This episode of Two Pixels Off is your ultimate guide to mastering LinkedIn cold outreach and growing your business. In this episode of Two Pixels Off, Michael Janda and Brad Hussey share powerful strategies for creative entrepreneurs looking to grow their business and land high-paying clients. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you succeed whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or solopreneur!

    *******

    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 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

    *******

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 32: How to Create Winning Sales Proposals and Contracts for Creatives Business
    Nov 12 2024

    In this episode of Two Pixels Off, hosts Mike Janda and Brad Hussey delve into the essential sales documents required for a successful creative business. They discuss the significance of proposals and contracts, and share practical advice on building and presenting these documents to secure clients and protect your interests. This insightful episode covers everything from capabilities decks to detailed contracts, offering expert tips on leveling up your sales strategy.

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    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 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

    *******

    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

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Episode 31: Building Trust With Clients as a Freelancer
    Nov 5 2024

    In this episode of Two Pixels Off, hosts Mike Janda and Brad Hussey dive into the importance of building trust with clients for creative entrepreneurs. They discuss various strategies to enhance client relationships, share personal anecdotes, and explore innovative ways to foster trust and credibility in business interactions.

    *******

    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 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

    *******

    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

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    51 mins
  • Episode 30: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Those 'Small' Projects
    Oct 29 2024

    In this episode of Two Pixels Off, Mike Janda and Brad Hussey discuss the critical concept of opportunity lifetime value for creative entrepreneurs. They delve into the importance of evaluating potential long-term value of clients and projects instead of focusing solely on immediate project sizes. The conversation includes real-life examples, strategic insights on client relationships, and the role of data-driven decisions in business growth. Mike and Brad also touch on the pitfalls of setting minimum project sizes without considering broader opportunities.

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    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 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

    *******

    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

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    42 mins