Why Your Clients Want a Discount (And Why You Do, Too) - Martine Severin
Release Date: 09/11/2025
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What does it take to change an entire industry? Thirty years ago, Jomo Tariku, then an industrial design student, noticed something profound missing in his university library: contemporary African furniture designers. This observation sparked a decades-long journey of persistence and vision. I sit down with Jomo to discuss his path from sketching designs in his garage while working other jobs to having his celebrated work featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He shares how his father's incredible story as a refugee gave him the hubris to...
info_outlineHave you ever found yourself frustrated with a client who wants top-tier, champagne-level results on a beer budget? We've all been there. But what happens when you realize you do the exact same thing in your own life?
We are digging into the messy, human psychology of why we all want more than we can sometimes afford. I explore the powerful "first impression effect" that sets our expectations and the tricky mental shortcuts we use that equate price with quality. I will share actionable steps for managing expectations, setting your "non-resentment rate," and protecting your creative energy, especially when you really need the money.
Chapters
00:00 - The Contractor Story: Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget
02:18 - The Psychology of Why We Want Expensive Things for Cheap
04:45 - More Than a Budget: The Human Need for Quality and Joy
07:04 - For Service Providers: 4 Ways to Manage Client Expectations
10:11 - For Clients: How to Get Better Results on Any Budget
11:54 - The Hardest Part: How to Set Boundaries When Money is Tight
15:37 - Your "Non-Resentment Rate" and Why It’s a Game-Changer
19:06 - Breaking the Race to the Bottom & Final Recap
Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel!
https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI
Support the Show
Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/
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This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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Resources to Support This Topic
Here are a few resources that dig deeper into the concepts discussed in the episode:
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"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman: This book is a masterclass in understanding the cognitive biases that shape our decisions, including the "anchoring effect" or "first impression effect" I discussed. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who wants to understand the "why" behind our choices.
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"Pricing Design" by Dan Mall: While focused on design, the principles in this book are invaluable for any creative professional. Dan breaks down how to price your work based on value, not just time, helping you build a more sustainable and profitable business.
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"Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab: Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your creative energy, especially when dealing with pricing and client expectations. This book offers practical advice on how to establish healthy boundaries in your professional and personal life, which is essential for long-term creative health.