Mat Casner Freelance CEO

You Have the Skills. It's Time to Build the Business That Pays You for Them.

Design Business Pro is a graphic design and web design business coaching program for freelance designers who are done undercharging, done overworking, and ready to finally build a profitable business with confidence.

You didn't get into design to struggle. But somewhere between your first client and right now, the business side of freelancing got complicated — and nobody taught you how to handle it.

That's exactly what we fix here.

Join the Waitlist — Get Notified When Doors Open

You're Good at Design. So Why Does the Business Feel So Hard?

You have real skills. Clients have told you your work is excellent. You get referrals. You stay late to get projects right.

And yet.

You're still quoting rates you're embarrassed by. You're still saying yes to clients who drain you. You're still trading hours for dollars and wondering why the math never quite works out.

You've Googled "how to charge more for web design." You've watched the YouTube videos. You've read the blog posts.

But nothing has actually changed.

Here's what nobody tells you: the gap between where you are and where you want to be isn't a design skills problem. It's a confidence problem. A clarity problem. A positioning problem.

And those are exactly the problems a good graphic design and web design business coach actually solves.

The Designers Who Thrive Aren't More Talented Than You.

They Think Differently About Their Business.

The designers charging $5,000 for a website — while you charge $800 for the same scope — aren't better designers.

They've just figured out three things you haven't been taught yet.

They know exactly who they serve best and how to position themselves as the obvious choice for that client.

They know how to price based on the value they create — not the hours they log.

And they know how to build a client relationship that generates recurring revenue long after the first project ends.

None of this is complicated. None of it requires a marketing degree or a massive social media following.

It requires the right framework, a coach who has actually done it, and the confidence to start acting like the CEO of your own business.

That's what Design Business Pro is built to give you.

I'm Mat Casner:

Your Web Design Business Coach

I'm the Person I Wish I'd Had Knew When I Was Starting Out.

I didn't start as a coach. I started as a graphic designer, then grew into a web designer.

For years I freelanced on the side while working full-time jobs — including a stretch at a large advertising agency in Kansas City where I was managing web and marketing projects for Fortune 500 clients.

Here's the thing that changed everything for me.

The agency was billing my work at $150 an hour. I was charging my own freelance clients $20 to $25 an hour for the same quality of work.

The same skills. The same output. A fraction of the price.

When that finally landed — when I really internalized what that gap meant — I stopped seeing myself as a commodity and started seeing myself as an asset. I raised my rates. I changed how I talked about my work. I changed who I worked with.

And my business changed completely.

I left my corporate cubicle more than 15 years ago and have been running my own full-time design and web agency — Redlogic Communications — ever since. I still take client work today. I'm not a guru who stopped designing a decade ago and now sells courses about it. I'm a practitioner who coaches because I know what works in the real world right now.

For the past decade I've worked with freelance designers all over the world — graphic designers, web designers, brand designers, and other creative professionals — helping them build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and genuinely enjoyable to run.

My mission is simple: I want to help you own your unique talents, charge what you're worth, and build a business that actually supports your life.

Think like a creative. Act like a CEO.

That's what we do here.

"Before the 8 Weeks Were Over, I Had Made More Money Than I Had in the Entire Previous Year."

I want to tell you about Isaac.

Isaac is a writer and marketing consultant. Smart, talented, genuinely good at what he does.

In the summer of 2022, he sat down with his wife and told her he was done. Done trying to grow his business. Done with the struggle. Done with the dream. He was ready to quit.

That same week, a friend referred him to one of my summits. He almost didn't come.

But something made him give it one last shot.

Here's what Isaac told me afterward:

"There's a lot of gurus out there who are gonna tell you that with their training or course they're gonna turn your business around. But as soon as I started receiving communication from Mat, there was just something different. I could tell he was there to serve."

Isaac came to the summit. Then he enrolled in my 8-week program.

Before the eight weeks were over — before the course even finished — Isaac had made more money in his business than he had in the entire previous year.

The entire previous year.

Not because I handed him a magic formula. Not because I promised him overnight results.

Because we worked through three very specific things together: his mindset about himself and about money, how to package his services around what he actually loves to do, and how to price those packages so he was finally making a real profit.

Three things. And his business transformed.

I'm sharing Isaac's story because I know some of you reading this right now are exactly where he was in the summer of 2022.

Talented. Working hard. Doing everything you know how to do.

But something isn't clicking.

It can work. I've seen it too many times to think otherwise.

What Design Business Pro Actually Teaches You

Most design education teaches you how to design. Design Business Pro teaches you how to run a design business.

There's a difference — and it's the difference between a talented designer who struggles and a confident creative professional who thrives.

Here's what we work on together:

Clarity — Know Exactly What You Offer and Who You Serve Best

Most designers try to serve everyone and end up attracting the wrong clients at the wrong rates. We use a structured framework to help you identify the clients you serve best, the services you love delivering, and the positioning that makes you the obvious choice — not just another option.

Confidence — Charge What You're Worth Without Apologizing for It

Undercharging isn't a pricing problem. It's a confidence and mindset problem. We work through the beliefs that are keeping your rates low and replace them with a value-based pricing approach that reflects what your work actually delivers to a client's business.

Recurring Revenue — Build a Business That Pays You Beyond the First Project

One-time projects keep you on a feast-or-famine treadmill. We help you build recurring revenue through maintenance plans, retainers, and strategic upsells that turn a single client relationship into years of consistent income.

Sales Without the Sleaze — Close Clients Confidently and Authentically

You don't need to be pushy or manipulative to close a sale. You need to know how to have a real conversation about value. We teach you a sales approach that feels natural, builds trust, and converts the right clients — without ever feeling like you're performing.

From "I Was Seriously Considering Quitting" to a Full-Time Design Business She Loves

Sarah was a college instructor teaching graphic design when COVID hit and changed everything.

Fewer teaching jobs. Less respect for her expertise. Almost no control over her time. She felt like "just the help" rather than a valued professional.

When the pandemic forced a reset, a friend asked her to design a book cover — and something clicked. She already had the skills. She built a website and launched a freelance design business.

Then reality hit.

How much do I charge? Hourly or packages? What do I do when a client keeps changing their mind? What if they ask for a refund on work they already approved? How do I break out of feast or famine?

The questions piled up fast. The stress was real. She was seriously considering quitting and going back to a traditional job.

That's when she found Design Business Pro.

"Right away I was like — this is the resource I need. A friendly, encouraging person with a lot of real-world experience. I needed mentorship and practical advice."

In the time she spent working through the program, Sarah describes getting the equivalent of a mini business degree — comparable in practical value to the graduate degree she already held.

She learned how to price her work, package her services, set client expectations, and build a referral-based business.

The results? Her hourly earnings nearly tripled. She stopped wanting to quit. She built a steady flow of referral work. And she's now able to split her week between her design business and her passion for fine art — the exact life she set out to create.

"I had all the skills. It was inside me all along. Mat's encouragement and advice helped bring it out and made it possible for me to build a business that actually supports my life."

She's been running her business full-time for over two years now. She's not looking back.

What You Get Inside Design Business Pro

Design Business Pro combines structured training, live coaching, and a community of working designers — so you get the knowledge, the accountability, and the support to actually implement what you learn.

The Design Business Academy

An 8-week course built specifically for freelance graphic designers and web designers. We cover positioning, pricing, packaging, client management, sales, and recurring revenue — everything design school skipped. You work through it at your pace with lifetime access.

Monthly Group Coaching Calls

Live calls with Mat where you can bring your real business questions, deals you're trying to close, clients you're navigating, and pricing decisions you're wrestling with. Real answers for real situations.

Private Community

A private community of designers who are building serious businesses. Ask questions, share wins, get feedback on proposals, and stay accountable to your goals. No trolls. No fluff. Just working designers helping each other grow.

Guest Expert Trainings

Regular sessions with outside experts covering topics like SEO, content marketing, legal basics for freelancers, and more — so you're getting a well-rounded business education, not just a design education.

Backstage Pass — A Look Inside Mat's Agency

See how a real working design and web agency operates. Real processes, real client communication, real pricing decisions. Not theory. Not what worked in 2010. What works right now.

Access to the Full Training Vault

Every past training, every resource, every template — available the moment you join.

Is Design Business Pro Right for You?

This is for you if...

You're a freelance graphic designer, web designer, or creative professional who already has marketable skills but struggles to price them confidently.

You've been freelancing for at least a year and you're ready to stop treating your business like a side hustle and start running it like a CEO.

You're tired of undercharging, attracting the wrong clients, and trading hours for dollars with nothing left over.

You want a coach who has actually built and run a real design business — not just someone who teaches business theory.

You're willing to do the work. You're not looking for a magic shortcut. You're looking for the right framework, the right support, and the clarity to finally move forward.

This is NOT for you if...

You're looking for a get-rich-quick formula or overnight results.

You're brand new to design with no client experience yet — this program is built for designers who already have skills and need to monetize them better.

You're not willing to examine how you think about your own value. Mindset work is part of this program. If that's not something you're open to, this isn't the right fit.

You want someone to do the work for you. This is a coaching and education program — the results come from your implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Design Business Pro open right now?

Not at the moment — but doors will open again soon. Join the waitlist below and you'll be the first to know when enrollment opens. Waitlist members also get access to exclusive early-bird pricing.

I'm a graphic designer, not a web designer. Is this still for me?

Absolutely. While many of our strongest students are web designers, the frameworks we teach apply to any creative service business — brand designers, illustrators, print designers, and other creative professionals have all built better businesses through this program. If you sell a creative service, this was built for you.

How much does it cost?

Pricing is shared when enrollment opens. Waitlist members are always offered the best available rate. What we can tell you is that the program is priced to be a genuine investment — not a $27 PDF — because real transformation requires real commitment from both of us.

How much time does it take each week?

The 8-week Academy is designed to be completed in 2 to 3 hours per week. Coaching calls and community engagement are additional but optional. Most students find that the time they invest quickly pays for itself through better pricing and more efficient client management.

I've tried other courses and they didn't work. Why is this different?

Most design business courses are built by people who stopped doing the work years ago. Mat still runs an active design and web agency. The frameworks inside Design Business Pro are tested in the real market — not just in a classroom. And unlike self-paced courses you abandon by week two, the community and coaching structure keeps you accountable.

What if I join and it's not for me?

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Use the training, show up for the calls, engage with the community, and implement what you learn. If you genuinely don't believe it's worth your investment at the end of 30 days, forward your receipt with the subject line "Not For Me" and we'll give you a full refund — no questions asked.

What if I join I'm not sure I'm ready. What's a good first step?and it's not for me?

Download the free 6-Figure D.E.S.I.G.N. Business Blueprint. It's a no-cost resource that walks you through the foundation of building a profitable design business. If it resonates, you'll know you're in the right place.

You Already Have What It Takes.
Let's Build the Business Around It.

Isaac was ready to quit. Sarah was ready to go back to a traditional job.

Neither of them had a skills problem.

They had a business problem — and they needed someone who had already solved it to show them how.

If you're reading this and something in you is saying yes, this is exactly where I am — trust that.

You don't need another year of undercharging. You don't need to figure this out alone. You need a proven framework, a coach who has been in the trenches, and a community of designers who are serious about building something real.

That's Design Business Pro.

Doors aren't open right now — but they will be. Join the waitlist below and be first in line when enrollment opens. Waitlist members get notified first and always receive the best available pricing.

Join the Waitlist — I'm Ready to Build a Real Business
Download the Free Blueprint First

Think like a creative. Act like a CEO.

— Mat Casner, Design Business Pro

Written by Mat Casner

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A Simple Strategy that Turns Your Valuable Graphic Design Skills Into a Profitable Freelance Career That You’ll Love

Mindset & Strategy | 0 comments

Are you confused about how to transform your graphic design skills into a freelance career and future-proof business? Discover a simple strategy.

Graphic design is vital for any business.

Why?

It tells people about you without having to say much. Graphic design businesses are created daily and account for a $15 billion dollar industry in the US alone.

So, it’s time to transform your talent into a lucrative career.

Besides the money factor, why would you want to turn your graphic
design services into a business? Because you’ll have more freedom and
flexibility to create from anywhere you choose. Yet, at the same time, you’ll
solve other people’s challenges by showing that you’re the business growth
“doctor.”

Your freelance graphic design business requires a strong foundation, and a logical structure.

To do this, you need to build your marketing system based on the following 3 essential factors:

1. Position your expert services like a pro

Know what you want to be known for

Define your brand positioning and what makes you, your graphic design skills, and business abilities, unique. This gives you unique expert positioning.

Knowing what sets you apart from other graphic designers allows you to attract the right clients. In fact, you can choose who you work with and when. Since those requiring graphic design services are infinite, narrow down the industries that you want to work with.

By doing this, you’ll become an expert in a specific niche. Do you
like working with athletes? Tech companies? Non profit organizations or
churches? Bloggers? Or even local businesses? Deciding which kind of company
you want to focus on, will not only help you specialize, but you’ll be regarded
favorably by other clients too. 
Narrowing down your niche means that you’re more focused.

Know your client well (their struggles and pain points)

Now that you’ve decided on your target client; how, where, and when will you find them?

Intensify your research and understanding by connecting with them on a personal level. Read what they read, join any clubs that they belong to, attend community events, and experience their pain (and their dreams)

That’s the only way you can authentically tap into their biggest and most pressing wants, needs, and challenges—to best serve them with your skills and talents.

And by knowing who your target client is, you’ll be able to channel them toward your expertise effortlessly.

These are handy tools and services to help you connect with your
target audience online:

Social media monitoring tools.

Example: Hootsuite

Social media news and industry trends.

Example: Social Media Examiner

Social media publishing platforms.

Sample Social Media Publishing Platforms

Keyword research tools.

Know what problems you can solve with your expertise.

The ultimate problems you can help solve are the ones that you’ve
already conquered in your own life and/or the lives and businesses of past
clients. You cannot be a problem solver if you cannot relate to the problems of
your clients. You can only achieve this through experience. The key is empathy
above sympathy.

The bigger and more painful the problem, the higher your track record and outcome will be. The only one that your customers will trust and who they will recommend to others.

Know how to solve these problems can transform your client in powerful ways.

Start with the end in mind. Setting goals (with your client) upfront
means that you know which expectations you’re supposed to meet. Remind your
clients how much time you will save them and how much additional revenue you’ll
help them generate.

Always ask yourself; How much effort do I need to put in to help my
clients?

Craft a message that communicates these aspects via channels your potential client frequents

Social Media is the best place to show people who you really are. Take
advantage of today’s
trends and best SMM (social media marketing) practices to generate leads and
clients. But, the key is to find the best platform for your business, which
would be where your target clients are active.

2. Convert and Serve

Sell your services as premium based on the transformation/outcome you can provide

Create custom package offers for your clients’ business, marketing,
and outcome needs. Position yourself as an expert by selling premium packages
according to the results that the client expects. A common rookie
mistake made by graphic designers, is that they only think about the time
that they spend in creating a design. So, don’t
charge hourly rates, since clients are not buying your time, but
rather the value that you provide
them.

Provide great service and value

Your business is not just about the creation of a design. Overall
services such as timeous communication, easy processes, and even something as
simple as providing options, instills trust in you from your client.

Under promise / Over deliver

This is the best way to gain a client’s trust. Surprising clients by
delivering ahead of time or by adding something of value over and above what
they asked for, builds good relationships.

Get great results for your customers

The only way to retain clients and generate high-quality referrals is
by performing well. This means aiming for exceptional results and ensuring that
you achieve them.

3. Report and
Retain:

Capture client stories

Establish a simple, automated system to collect testimonials after
delivering your service. By showcasing what you’ve done for others, clients are
more likely to hire you.

Turn your clients into raving fans

Client feedback is a powerful tool that you can use in case studies on your blog and across your social media channels.

Lifetime Value: Get recurring work from your clients

Consider the LCV (lifetime client value).

One client can be worth thousands (or more), over a period of time. This means you can earn a steady income without the headache of serving difficult, less loyal clients. 

That’s why positioning is key in your business.

Live your dream life with passion, flexibility, solid relationships,
and a steady income. It’s essential that you work with clients that you love
serving, and turn down opportunities that don’t align with your brand, and
marketing needs.

Only work on projects that excite you, to avoid exhaustion, as this
affects your creativity negatively. Having a team of designers is often
accompanied by complaining, feelings of underappreciation, and feeling as
though your clients don’t approve of your best ideas, since it’s a creative job
where you don’t have the final say. Regardless of the superiority of your
creativity levels, you constantly need to educate people.

Be customer-focused and your business will scale, with the right
marketing strategy and client-generating action plan.

You’re growing… even if no one sees it yet.

by | Apr 28, 2025 |

The flowers are starting to bloom here in Kansas — and they are absolutely gorgeous. But guess what? For the past several months, those same flowers were invisible, hidden underground, preparing for the right moment to pop through the surface. Ever feel like your...