The Jenna Rainey Show
Ready to leave your 9-5 but don’t know how? Wondering what it takes to scale a creative business and make consistent income? Want to hear from the biggest creative brands on how they built their businesses? The Jenna Rainey Show is packed full of tangible and impactful tools for starting and building a thriving business. Hosted by best-selling author and creative powerhouse Jenna Rainey, this podcast is a peek into tactical strategies behind social media, pricing, negotiating, creativity and MORE! Listen in each week as Jenna shares her own personal failures and successes throughout her career as an artist, course creator and influencer. From side hustle to art empire, Jenna reveals what it was like growing a six-figure stationery business to collaborating with some of the biggest retail stores and brands, launching online courses and scaling to that seven-figure mark as an artist. She regularly has conversations with guests where they share how they built creative empires and hacks that will inspire YOU to go after your biggest dreams! The Jenna Rainey Show is a NO BS conversational-style show that is focused on helping YOU tackle your fears and achieve those goals. Because we believe that the *starving artist* narrative was made to be broken!
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That's a Wrap on Season 1
02/24/2021
That's a Wrap on Season 1
And that's a wrap on season 1 of the Jenna Rainey Show! It's been an amazing first year debuting this podcast show with just over 85 episodes and loads of amazing guests. Thanks for listening and for all the stellar reviews. Until next time, come hang out with me on Instagram @jennarainey and on the blog at . I've got a lot of amazing business/art courses, resources, and a new watercolor book in the works so stay tuned for much more from me.
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What It's Really Like Being an Influencer with shutthekaleup
02/24/2021
What It's Really Like Being an Influencer with shutthekaleup
Being an influencer might not be what you think! In this episode, I invited my good friend—and one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram—to be on the show. It's Jeannette Ogden from ! Jeannette's account is all about nutrition, wellness, fitness, and mom-things. We talk about what it's like to work with brands, how to get collabs, and some behind-the-scenes insights. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/shutthekaleup/
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Why Having an E-mail List Saved My Business
02/17/2021
Why Having an E-mail List Saved My Business
Strategic email marketing is one of the most engaging and cost-effective ways to build personal, profitable relationships with your customers. Let that process for a minute. Email marketing is HUGE. So why you should have an email list? What is my favorite strategy? How did it save my business? Tune in and find out. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/17622104
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3 Tips for Growing a Stationery Business
02/10/2021
3 Tips for Growing a Stationery Business
This one's for all you designers out there who want to start—or grow!—a thriving stationery business. I started my business 8 years ago as a stationery designer and after 5 wonderful years of amazing clients, I decided to shift my focus and sell the company. During those 5 years I learned SO much. I had no formal training or experience so I basically jumped in the deep end with two feet and figured things out as I went. So now we're here so you can learn from my mistakes and also learn about things I wish I would've known about sooner. But remember, there's so much value to be gleaned from every mistake and every win. Keep going. The hills and valleys are part of the journey. You've got this. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/stationerybusiness/
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E-Commerce Sites: How to Write Product Descriptions
02/03/2021
E-Commerce Sites: How to Write Product Descriptions
Did you know that there is a whole lot of strategy involved in writing descriptions for your products or services so that it reaches more eyes? And it applies to a wide range of e-commerce platforms including Etsy, Shopify, SquareSpace, Creative Market...anywhere you list your products (or services in some cases!). So in this episode I want to give you tips on how to use SEO and keyword research to improve the chances of your listings showing up in search results. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/productdescriptions/
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How to Make a Living with Your Ideas with Jeffrey Madoff
01/27/2021
How to Make a Living with Your Ideas with Jeffrey Madoff
Have you thought about taking your hobby or side gig and making a living out of your creative creative? Do you have doubts, concerns, fears about taking the leap? You're not alone. I've been there and my guest on this episode has some insights and inspiration to share. Jeffrey Madoff is the founder of Madoff productions in New York City. His company collaborates with ad agencies, public relations firms, and directly with clients to produce commercials. He's worked with Victoria Secret, Ralph Lauren and more. Jeffrey began his career as a fashion designer and was named one of the top 10 designers in the US before switching careers to film and video production. He also teaches a popular course at the Parsons School of Design and recently published a book by the same name—Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas. In this episode, we're his students for a short lecture and I can't wait for you to soak in all the wisdom. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/jeffreymadoff
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7 Steps to Build a Brand
01/20/2021
7 Steps to Build a Brand
Curious about how to build a brand but don't know where to start? And what's the difference between a business and a brand? These days with websites and social media, so much of our business is visual. That's why I think every business owner should treat their business as a brand (in other words, give time and attention to the visual details). In this episode, get my 7-step process to building a business and a brand! Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/buildabrand/
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What I Wish I Knew About Owning a Business Before I Started
01/13/2021
What I Wish I Knew About Owning a Business Before I Started
Especially as a new business owner, mistakes, bumps, obstacles...they're inevitable. It's all part of the entrepreneurship journey. In this episode, I reflect on my last 8 years of owning a business and what I would tell 23-year-old Jenna... ...the 23-year-old Jenna who's sitting at her kitchen table late at night after a long day at the cubicle, practicing calligraphy and painting, and getting ready to take the leap to start a creative business. If you're starting a new creative venture (or want to!), I've got insights to share to help you prepare so you can succeed! Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/owningabusiness/
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How to Set Goals and Hit Them
01/06/2021
How to Set Goals and Hit Them
Do you set goals for your life or business? And here's an even bigger question...do you typically hit those goals? Because I know a thing or two about setting goals and not hitting them...or forgetting them...or changing my focus (thanks, ADD). But it can happen! Life happens and pivots are common—sometimes even essential. Over the years, I've learned a few things about goals and in this episode, I share with you my favorite resources and tips to help you stay on track. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/setgoals/
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Before You Hit Publish on a Blog, Do This First
12/30/2020
Before You Hit Publish on a Blog, Do This First
Do you have a blog? If you're thinking, Who the heck has a blog anymore?, then I urge you listen to this previous episode where I explain why it's so important! If you do have a blog, I want to let you in on 4 insider tips to help expand your audience. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/16936010
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The Importance of an Email List
12/23/2020
The Importance of an Email List
The importance of an email list is something I cannot stress enough! Especially when our economy is experiencing a downturn at the moment and customers are staying in doors, how are you as a business owner staying front of mind with your clients/customers? If you're still scratching your head and asking, "Why start an email list? Email is dead!"...think again! Email is the only way to *algorithm proof* your biz and allow you to keep in contact with your potential and existing customers! Creating an email list is the KEY to sustainability and helping you weather any storm that comes along. When should you start an email list? NOW! Even if you're just starting a business, email should be your focus! The thing with email is, it compounds over time...the more you nurture it, the more it will grow! Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/16935947
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What It's Really Like Working with Your Husband with John Rainey
12/16/2020
What It's Really Like Working with Your Husband with John Rainey
Do you work with your spouse or partner? Or are you thinking about working with your significant other on a business venture? John Rainey (my husband) will be the first to tell you that while it's not always easy, it can definitely be worthwhile. John started working full-time at Jenna Rainey HQ a year and half ago and he is the content KING. He's my videographer, YouTube director, podcast editor, and he does a friggin' good job at it all, too. (And he's all self-taught!) So in this episode, he shares his insider tips for building a successful YouTube channel, our daily routine, and his favorite (and least favorite) things about working with me. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/johnrainey/
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How to Plan Your 2021 Promo Calendar
12/09/2020
How to Plan Your 2021 Promo Calendar
Do you know what gets me excited and geared up for a new year? Planning out my entire year's promo calendar! Last month, my team and I sat down on a few Zoom class and laid out our entire 2021 calendar. I know it can feel daunting but doing this strategic work ahead of time can help you to give you clarity and focus while you create content throughout the year. And I think this year especially has us all ready for the feeling of a fresh start a new year brings. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/16935872
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A Year in Review: What Worked and What Didn't
12/02/2020
A Year in Review: What Worked and What Didn't
Are you getting ready to plan your 2021? In Q4 of each year, I think it's a great practice to take some time to reflect on what worked and what didn't in your life and business, so you can keep those things in mind moving forward. We've got to learn from our mistakes and also keep doing whatever drives success and fulfillment! In this episode, I'm going to give you an inside look of this past year at Jenna Rainey LLC—what we launch, what we did differently, what worked, what didn't work, and how we overcame some challenges. If you're curious about what goes on behind the scenes in my business, about how I manage my time, or you just want to learn from my mistakes, this episode is for you. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/16935803
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3 Truths About Mental Illness and Being an Entrepreneur
11/18/2020
3 Truths About Mental Illness and Being an Entrepreneur
I want to get real and personal with you today about a topic that's incredibly important to me—living with a mental illness. This year (2020) has been tough for so many people. Even without the uncertainty of the economy and the pandemic, being a business owner has its challenges. Mental illness is not a weakness and it is not anyone's fault. You are capable of success and being a leader, you are strong and have so much to contribute to your relationships, your experiences, and LIFE. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/mentalillness/
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The Truth Behind Copying
11/11/2020
The Truth Behind Copying
There's a time to copy and then there's a definite time to not copy. Here's the difference: It is ok to copy to learn. It is NOT ok to replicate or copy someone's work to pass it off as your own and use it for marketing or commercial purposes. This is in fact why there are copyright laws and intellectual property lawyers. Here's the thing. It's really hard these days to be completely pure in your work. Inspiration is everywhere: it's easily searchable and something we stumble into often by scrolling on Instagram and Pinterest, and who knows just how much a quick glance through social media is actually seeping through our minds and impacting our ideas, our creative process, etc. BUT, there are a couple key points that I want to share with you from my own experience over the last couple of years that I hope will help you understand the deeper impact of copying. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/the-truth-behind-copying/
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Crash Course on Instagram Hashtags
11/04/2020
Crash Course on Instagram Hashtags
How many hashtags are you using? Are you using popular ones or niched ones? If you find hashtags confusing, you're not alone! There's so much conflicting info and research about Instagram hashtags, so get out your notebook and let's get a tangible game plan to navigate the hashtag dilemmas. In this crash course episode, I give you the best tools I've found that helps accounts of ALL sizes. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/hashtags/
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What It's Really Like Working for Jenna with Kelly Martin
10/28/2020
What It's Really Like Working for Jenna with Kelly Martin
Just over a year ago, I decided it was time to hire an assistant. I wanted to grow my business and also do less of the things that weren't my specialities. That's when Kelly came into my life and now, she's my right-hand lady/operations manager/integrator. I'm super excited to introduce you to her and let you all in on what it's really like behind-the-scenes working at Jenna Rainey HQ. Kelly is just the organization to my Type B-ness. She is the poking holes to my big crazy ideas. She is the detailed-oriented Asana task champion. She just has absolutely changed my life. In this episode, Kelly gives some really good, honest answers about: - My strengths and weaknesses - How we met and the interview process - Why we make a strong team together - What she does, what her roles and responsibilities are within my business - Some of her favorite organization hacks that's she's picked up over the years Even if you don't have anybody working for you right now, knowing about the dynamic with somebody who does take on an operations manager role can be insightful and helpful for the future!! Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/kellymartin
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3 Mindset Shifts Every Creative Needs to Make
10/21/2020
3 Mindset Shifts Every Creative Needs to Make
Mindset is a HUGE topic not only in the entrepreneurial space, but also in wellness and personal growth. And for good reason! Mindset is incredibly powerful, even more than we realize sometimes. In this episode, I give you my 3 top mindset shifts that I think are game-changers. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/16199465
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My Morning Routine with Minimal and Well
10/14/2020
My Morning Routine with Minimal and Well
I'm a firm believer that your morning routine can set the tone for your day—personally and professionally. So when Jennifer Cook of Minimal and Well asked me to be part of her Power Morning speaker series, I was pumped. I'm super passionate about wellness and over the last 8 years of owning my business, I've experienced how morning habits and what you put in your body affects your mood and mental clarity. And it's important to remember that it's an ongoing process that looks different for everyone! My morning routine gets tweaks about every quarter depending on what my body and soul needs in that season. For those of you who are struggling to find inspiration in the morning and sustain that energy throughout the day, this interview is for you! Episode show note: Minimal and Well: https://www.minimalandwell.com/
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When to Do Free Work
10/07/2020
When to Do Free Work
Have you ever received an email or DM or text from a friend asking you for help on a creative project...for free? Or maybe it was in exchange for a hug or some exposure. It can be a tough situation! In this episode, I talk about what to consider when asked for free work. Because in my experience there may be a time and a place for it! In all honesty, doing some free work what got my business off the ground. But you do want to be careful and not devalue yourself so there are good things to keep in mind when you get these requests. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/16199282
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What I Wish I Had Known Before Licensing My Art
10/05/2020
What I Wish I Had Known Before Licensing My Art
Now that I've been licensing my art for a few years and we're gearing up for our Brand Plus Brand course launch, I've been thinking about things I wish I had known before starting this journey. So for this bonus episode, we turned the tables and I'm actually the guest answering questions from my licensing agent, Julie Turkel, on her podcast. If you are an artist designer, photographer, any creative brand owner, and you've been thinking about getting into licensing, or maybe you are in licensing already, and you just want some insight on the journey, I think this is going to be a very interesting episode for you. Episode show notes: Brand Plus Brand: Julie's podcast:
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Surface Pattern Design Q&A with Just Jos
09/28/2020
Surface Pattern Design Q&A with Just Jos
A surface pattern design Q&A with Jocelyn Sipowicz (aka Just Jos)! Jos is lifestyle print and product designer (and alum of Brand Plus Brand—my course on licensing that I co-teach with my agent, Julie Turkel!) She has robust experience in the fashion industry (Coach, Chico's) as well as home textiles and accessories (Loloi). In her work with brands, she acts as a facilitator between other artists and the brand. So... listen up all you creatives aspiring to get into licensing—Jos lets us in on some insider tips! Julie and I were so excited to have her on the podcast to share with you her ideas for getting collection inspiration, building a library that attracts manufacturers (spoiler alert: it's about diversifying!), and the themes she sees currently trending. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/justjos/
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How to Make More Money on Creative Market
09/23/2020
How to Make More Money on Creative Market
Let's talk about how you can make more money on DIY licensing platforms like Creative Market. What do I mean by DIY licensing platforms? They are websites where you can simply upload your artwork and the company either puts it on products—everything from phone cases to beach towels and coffee mugs—or sells the art files to other designers. Popular examples are Creative Market, Society6, and Redbubble. MILLIONS of users are on these platforms and they function just like a search engine. This also means that you don't necessarily need to have a big following to get your artwork out into the world and can make some extra cash! Licensing work has been a game-changer for my business. Most of the things I paint or design are for collections licensed to manufacturers and retail stores. I have collections in the baby category (blankets, sheets, play mats), tech (computer and phone cases), and office (planners, notebooks, pencil cases). There are so many possibilities! And a huge benefit to licensing is that not only does it generate passive income, the artwork can be reused and repurposed for various collections. It has allowed me to say adios to the 12-14 hour working days. I want that for you, too, so listen to this quick episode to see how you can get started. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/creativemarket/
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Creating Impact with Technology with Brandi Bernoskie
09/16/2020
Creating Impact with Technology with Brandi Bernoskie
How do you create impact with technology and still make your customer experience feel personalized? That's the question I explored in this episode with Brandi Bernoskie. Brandi is a digital strategist, website developer, and founder of Alchemy+Aim and North Star Sites—companies that help entrepreneurs and business owners elevate their online presence and enhance their digital experience. Brandi’s has worked with thought leaders like Brené Brown, Laverne Cox, Martha Beck, Judy Smith, and Kate Northrup as well as other notable change makers since 2013. Whether you're starting a website or already built one, this episode will be golden to helping you with your digital strategy and how to think of ways to humanize your brand, connect with your audience, and automate and offload in your business so you're working in your genius zone. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/15836114
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How to Build Passive Income as an Artist
09/09/2020
How to Build Passive Income as an Artist
Passive income is the dream of many artists. So let's talk about how to make that dream into reality. In this quick episode, I'm sharing with you 5 things I do to build passive income. Episode show note:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/15836093
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Informative Shopping Research with Julie Turkel
09/02/2020
Informative Shopping Research with Julie Turkel
Informative shopping research (sometimes referred to as competitive research) in the world of licensing is KEY, especially when pitching your work to partner with your dream manufacturing brand or licensing agent. Informative research helps you answer these questions and more: What's trending (even outside your industry)? What manufacturers have licensing programs? What kind of designers and/or artists are manufacturers working with? What void is there in X brand's product line design? What void is there in X agent's design roster? How can I improve my library of work to catch the eye of a manufacturer/agent? In this episode, Julie Turkel, my licensing agent and co-instructor for Brand Plus Brand is back to giver her insider tips on the why and what of informative research. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/informativeresearch/
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Pinterest Hacks that Will Make You and Your Work More Discoverable
08/26/2020
Pinterest Hacks that Will Make You and Your Work More Discoverable
Pinterest is a search engine—an amazing free tool that you can use as a creative entrepreneur to boost organic search traffic, generate new leads, and attract new customers. In other words, it helps MORE people discover you and your beautiful work! In this short episode, I'm giving you my 3 tips to help you optimize your pinning strategy. Episode show notes: https://jennarainey.com/pinteresthacks/
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The Power of Niche Marketing with Tom Ross and Mike Janda
08/19/2020
The Power of Niche Marketing with Tom Ross and Mike Janda
Niche marketing, when done with intentionality, can transform your business. Two people that understand the ins and outs of this niche marketing approach is Tom Ross and Mike Janda. Tom is the founder and CEO at Design Cuts, the highest-rated online marketplace for designers. Design Cuts helps their community of 550,000 members save money off the best digital resources to help their regular creative projects. They also empower hundreds of creatives to make money passively via their skillsets, and have earned their shop owners millions of dollars. Tom also hosts the popular podcast The Honest Designers Show and Biz Buds, which have received over 1.5 million downloads. He loves mentoring fellow creatives to help them master their marketing and regularly speaks at creative events to inspire others. Mike 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. Mike sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of Burn Your Portfolio and The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing. Tom and Mike are super knowledgable educators and mentors for creative entrepreneurs. This episode is packed for of information and practical takeaways of how you can implement a niche marketing strategy, whether you have an audience right now or not. Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/15458444
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Mom & CEO: Can You Be Both?
08/12/2020
Mom & CEO: Can You Be Both?
Being a mom and CEO is incredibly challenging, there's no question about it. Since 2012, I've identified myself as a business owner, artist, and designer who earns a good living doing something that I love. Once I became a mom to my now 1.5 year old son, EVERYTHING changed. If you're a parent, then you know allll about those first few months of parenthood—the sleepless nights, the 30 minutes a day you get to shower and get some work done, and the mom/dad guilt. But really...can you be both a parent and CEO? Absolutely yes. In my experience, the rewards of both have always outweighed the challenges. To all my parents and business owners (or aspiring business owners) out there...you've got this! Episode show notes:
/episode/index/show/jennaraineypodcast/id/15458399