Episodios

  • Side Hustles for Designers

    Side Hustles for Designers
    Apr 14 2026

    🎨💼 Side Hustles for Designers — The Real Story

    In this episode, we go beyond the hype and unpack what it really takes to build a successful side hustle as a designer. No sugar-coating—just honest experiences, real challenges, and practical lessons from the creative space.

    We talk about the journey behind starting—from landing your first client to navigating underpricing, burnout, and discovering your true value as a creative.

    Inside this conversation:
    • How to start freelancing and secure your first paying clients
    • Turning your skills into income through digital products
    • Building a personal brand that attracts real opportunities
    • Common mistakes designers make (and how to avoid them)
    • Managing your time, energy, and expectations effectively

    Whether you're just getting started or already juggling projects and looking to grow, this episode offers grounded insights and a fresh perspective on making side hustles actually work.

    ✨ It’s not just about extra income—it’s about building freedom, growth, and long-term sustainability.

    🚀 JOIN THE KDK COMMUNITY

    Stay connected, discover opportunities, and plug into Kenya’s creative ecosystem:

    🌐 Website: https://kdk.co.ke/
    🛍️ Shop: https://shop.kdk.co.ke/shop
    🎓 Campus Tour: https://campustour.kdk.co.ke/

    👉 WhatsApp Community:
    https://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO

    🎧 FOLLOW & ENGAGE WITH KDK

    ▶️ YouTube: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🎧 Spotify: Kenyan Design Konversations
    💼 LinkedIn: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/254designkonvos
    🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation
    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/

    👕 KDK MERCH

    Support the movement and represent the culture:
    🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464

    📚 KDK BOOK CLUB

    Explore curated resources on creativity, design, and growth:
    📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folder

    🎯 OUR MISSION

    We’re amplifying the Kenyan creative voice. If this resonates with you, follow, share, and be part of the journey shaping the future of design.

    Welcome to Kenyan Design Konversations. 🚀
    Más Menos
    49 m
  • Switching Careers into design Ft GDG JKUAT PART 2

    Switching Careers into design Ft GDG JKUAT PART 2
    Apr 14 2026

    🎨 Thinking about switching careers into design?

    In this episode, we share our real journey into the world of design—what inspired the transition, the challenges we faced, and the lessons we learned along the way. Whether you're coming from a completely different field or simply exploring your creative side, this conversation is for you.

    We dive into:
    • Building practical design skills
    • Creating a strong portfolio
    • Overcoming self-doubt
    • Finding your first opportunities in the industry

    If you’ve been thinking about making the leap, this might be the clarity—or push—you’ve been looking for.

    ✨ It’s never too late to start something new.

    🚀 JOIN THE KDK COMMUNITY

    Stay connected, discover opportunities, and be part of Kenya’s growing creative ecosystem:

    🌐 Website: https://kdk.co.ke/
    🛍️ Shop: https://shop.kdk.co.ke/shop
    🎓 Campus Tour: https://campustour.kdk.co.ke/

    👉 WhatsApp Community:
    https://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO

    🎧 FOLLOW & ENGAGE WITH KDK

    ▶️ YouTube: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🎧 Spotify: Kenyan Design Konversations
    💼 LinkedIn: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/254designkonvos
    🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation
    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/

    👕 KDK MERCH

    Support the movement and represent the culture:
    🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464

    📚 KDK BOOK CLUB

    Explore curated resources on creativity, design, and growth:
    📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folder

    🎯 OUR MISSION

    We’re building a platform that amplifies the Kenyan creative voice. If this resonates with you, follow, share, and be part of the journey shaping the future of design.

    Welcome to Kenyan Design Konversations. 🚀
    Más Menos
    1 h y 13 m
  • Design Career Myths Ft GDG JKUAT PART 1

    Design Career Myths Ft GDG JKUAT PART 1
    Mar 30 2026

    Design Career Myths: What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a Designer
    With Gloria & Marianne (The UX Girl)

    Have you ever considered a career in design—but hesitated because of what you’ve heard?

    In this episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the creative industry: the myths surrounding a design career and what it really takes to succeed.

    Many aspiring designers hold themselves back because of common misconceptions—like needing to be “naturally talented,” owning expensive tools, or believing design is only about making things look good. These ideas create doubt and stop people from exploring their true potential.

    The reality? While strong design skills matter, what truly defines a great designer is the ability to solve real problems. Design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about thinking critically, applying strategy, and creating solutions that work in the real world.

    In this conversation, we break down these myths and reveal what working in design actually looks like. We explore how mastering design principles, building practical skills, and focusing on problem-solving can unlock real opportunities in the industry.

    With the design world evolving rapidly and demand for creative solutions growing, there’s never been a better time to get started. But without clarity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or misled by outdated beliefs.

    This episode offers an honest, practical perspective on building a design career—whether you’re just starting out or thinking about making a transition.

    🔑 In this episode, we cover:

    • The most common design career myths—and why they’re misleading
    • What it really takes to become a successful designer
    • Why problem-solving matters more than aesthetics
    • How design principles apply in real-world projects
    • The key skills needed to thrive in design roles
    • How to approach your design journey with clarity and confidence
    • What the industry actually expects from designers

    If you’ve ever doubted your path or felt unsure about getting started, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction—and move forward with confidence.

    🎧 Tune in to discover the truth about design careers and start building skills that truly matter.

    🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
    Stay connected with conversations, opportunities, and updates from the KDK ecosystem:
    🌐 Website: https://kdk.co.ke/
    🛒 Shop: https://shop.kdk.co.ke/shop
    🎓 Campus Tour: https://campustour.kdk.co.ke/
    👉 WhatsApp Community: https://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO

    🎧 LISTEN, WATCH & FOLLOW KDK
    ▶️ YouTube: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🎧 Spotify: Kenyan Design Konversations
    💼 LinkedIn: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/254designkonvos
    🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation
    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/

    👕 KDK MERCHANDISE
    Support the movement: https://wa.me/c/254796227464

    📚 KDK BOOK CLUB
    Explore curated resources for creative growth:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folder

    🎯 OUR MISSION
    Tap into the Kenyan creative pulse. If this resonates with you, join the community, follow the platforms, and be part of the story shaping Kenya’s creative future.

    Welcome to Kenyan Design Konversations.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 6 m
  • How Much Should Designers Charge in Kenya?

    How Much Should Designers Charge in Kenya?
    Mar 23 2026
    How Much Should Designers Charge in Kenya? (A Practical Guide to Pricing Your Work)with KDK CrewHave you ever wondered how much you should actually charge as a designer in Kenya?In this episode, we break down one of the most important—yet often confusing—topics in the design industry: pricing your work and understanding your true value as a designer.Across fields like web design, graphic design, and UI design, many designers struggle to set the right rates. Some undercharge and burn out, while others overprice without understanding the market. Finding the right balance between value, skills, time, experience, and market demand is what separates sustainable careers from short-term gigs.The Kenyan design industry is growing rapidly, with more businesses recognizing the importance of quality design. However, many designers still find it difficult to confidently price their services. Without a clear pricing strategy, it becomes challenging to earn consistently or scale your career.In this conversation, we explore the key factors that influence pricing, including your level of experience, the complexity of the project, time investment, the value delivered to the client, and your positioning in the market.We also discuss why understanding your worth goes beyond your skill set. Pricing is not just about time spent—it’s about the results you create and the impact your work has on a client’s business.This episode offers practical insights and real-world perspectives to help you approach pricing with clarity and confidence. The goal is to move you away from guesswork and toward intentional decisions that support both your growth and income.Whether you’re just starting out or already working with clients, this conversation will help you better understand how to price your services and build a more sustainable design career.🔑 In this episode, we cover:How to determine the right pricing for your design servicesBalancing value, time, skills, and experienceCommon pricing mistakes designers makeUnderstanding the Kenyan design marketHow to charge clients confidently and professionallyTips for increasing your income as a designerStrategies for building a sustainable design careerIf you’re looking to earn fairly from your work and grow within the design industry, this conversation will give you the clarity and direction you need.🎧 Tune in to learn how to price your design services effectively and start earning what you truly deserve.🚀 Join Our CommunityBe part of the inner circle and stay connected to conversations, opportunities, and updates from the KDK ecosystem:🌐 Website & Resources: https://kdk.co.ke/🛒 Shop: https://shop.kdk.co.ke/shop🎓 Campus Drive: https://campustour.kdk.co.ke/👉 WhatsApp Community: https://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO🎧 Listen, Watch & Follow KDKStay up to date with all our content:▶️ YouTube: Kenyan Design Konversations🎧 Spotify: Kenyan Design Konversations💼 LinkedIn: Kenyan Design Konversations🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/254designkonvos🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/👕 KDK MerchandiseSupport the movement:🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464📚 KDK Book ClubExplore curated resources for creative growth:📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folder🎯 Our MissionTap into the Kenyan creative pulse. Join the community, follow the platforms, and be part of shaping the future of design.Welcome to Kenyan Design Konversations.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • Career Regrets Senior Designers Wish They Avoided

    Career Regrets Senior Designers Wish They Avoided
    Mar 23 2026

    Senior Designers’ Biggest Career Regrets (And What You Can Learn)
    with Apiut T

    Have you ever wondered what experienced designers wish they had done differently earlier in their careers?

    In this episode, Apiut T explores an important yet often overlooked topic in the design industry: the career regrets of senior designers—and the lessons emerging designers can learn from them.

    Across product design, graphic design, and UI design, many senior designers have built impressive portfolios, led major projects, and gained years of experience. But along the way, they’ve also faced mistakes, missed opportunities, and decisions they wish they had approached differently.

    As the design industry continues to evolve—especially within Kenya’s growing creative and tech ecosystem—opportunities are expanding. However, building a sustainable and impactful design career still comes with challenges. Learning from those who have already walked the path offers valuable insight for designers at every stage.

    In this conversation, Apiut T breaks down some of the most common career pitfalls senior designers reflect on, including staying too long in comfort zones, underestimating the power of personal branding, delaying specialization, neglecting business and negotiation skills, and overlooking the importance of strong professional networks.

    Through practical reflections and real-world examples, this episode focuses on turning experience into guidance—helping the next generation of designers move with clarity and intention.

    We also explore why thinking beyond craft is essential. While technical skills are important, long-term growth often depends on understanding strategy, communication, positioning, and the broader role of design in business and society.

    Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the industry, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about your direction, opportunities, and long-term goals.

    🔑 In this episode, we cover:

    • Common career regrets shared by senior designers
    • Mistakes designers often make early in their careers
    • The importance of specialization and career direction
    • Why business and negotiation skills matter
    • The impact of personal branding on opportunities
    • Lessons from experienced product, graphic, and UI designers
    • Practical advice for avoiding common career pitfalls

    If you’re building a long-term career in design, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who has navigated the journey ahead.

    🎧 Tune in to learn how to avoid common design career regrets and make smarter decisions about your future.

    🚀 Join Our Community
    Stay connected to conversations, opportunities, and updates from the KDK ecosystem:
    👉 WhatsApp Community: https://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO

    🎧 Listen, Watch & Follow KDK
    ▶️ YouTube: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🎧 Spotify: Kenyan Design Konversations
    💼 LinkedIn: Kenyan Design Konversations
    🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/254designkonvos
    🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation
    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/

    👕 KDK Merchandise
    Support the movement:
    🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464

    📚 KDK Book Club
    Explore curated resources for creative growth:
    📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folder

    🎯 Our Mission
    Tap into the Kenyan creative pulse. Join the community, follow the platforms, and be part of shaping the future of design.

    Welcome to Kenyan Design Konversations.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 18 m
  • From Intern to Lead Designer

    From Intern to Lead Designer
    Mar 9 2026
    Guest: ChuckHow does a designer grow from an intern into a lead designer? In this episode, Mariga, Musacorp75, Valentine, and Dave explore the journey of Chuck, highlighting how mentorship, persistence, and continuous learning shape a successful design career.The design industry is full of talented individuals, but growth rarely happens alone. Behind many successful designers is a mentor who helped guide their thinking, challenge their creativity, and sharpen their technical abilities. Mentorship provides direction, accountability, and real-world insight that accelerates professional development.In this conversation, we explore how mentorship helps transform raw potential into professional excellence.A mentor does more than teach tools or workflows. They help young designers learn how to approach complex design problems, balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and build confidence in their ideas. Through mentorship, designers begin to think strategically about their work and the impact it creates.Mariga, Musacorp75, Valentine, and Dave also discuss how guidance from experienced professionals can shape a designer’s career trajectory. From learning the foundations of architectural and structural design thinking to developing leadership capabilities, mentorship often becomes the bridge between learning and leading.Another key theme in this episode is collaboration. Great designs rarely come from isolation. They emerge through conversations, critique, and shared perspectives between designers, engineers, clients, and creative teams. Mentorship encourages this collaborative mindset early in a designer’s journey.We also explore the balance between artistic vision and technical skill. Designers who grow into leadership roles understand how to transform ideas into functional, innovative solutions that serve real-world needs.This episode offers an inspiring perspective on how guidance, curiosity, and dedication to craft can shape a meaningful career in design.• The journey from intern to lead designer• Why mentorship is essential for design growth• Developing both creative and technical design skills• How collaboration strengthens innovative design• Learning architectural and structural design thinking• Transitioning from learning design to leading design teams• How mentorship builds confidence and leadership in creativesIf you are an aspiring designer, this episode provides valuable insight into how mentorship and continuous learning can accelerate your growth and open new opportunities.🎧 Tune in to explore how designers evolve from beginners into industry leaders.🚀 WhatsApp Communityhttps://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@KenyanDesignKonversations🎧 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2IUGFOYi5SzRPYw621EfLC?si=e49fa73518704439💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyan-design-konversations-undefined-534466379🐦 X (Twitter)https://x.com/254designkonvos🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation?_r=1&_t=ZS-94WsKlNxL09📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/Support the movement and represent Kenyan Design Konversations.🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464Explore curated resources that inspire creative thinking, design leadership, and cultural awareness.📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folderHappy Days — ScandinavianzCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)Free Download / Stream:https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/scandinavianz/happy-daysMusic promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/kkN1CCQsuMkThere’s a fascinating pattern hidden inside stories like this. Skill starts the journey, but mentorship compresses time. Instead of spending ten years discovering lessons through trial and error, guidance allows designers to inherit experience. In a sense, mentorship is like borrowing someone else’s decades of mistakes and insights and installing them as shortcuts in your own career operating system.
    Más Menos
    1 h
  • Why Some Designers Grow Faster Than Others

    Why Some Designers Grow Faster Than Others
    Mar 8 2026
    Why do some designers grow quickly in their careers while others feel stuck for years? In this episode, Mariga, Musacorp75, Valentine, and Dave unpack one of the most important questions facing creatives today: what truly separates fast-growing designers from those who plateau.The design industry is evolving rapidly, especially within Kenya’s expanding creative and tech ecosystem. Opportunities are increasing—but so is competition. While some designers attract strong clients, build visibility, and grow their careers quickly, others struggle to move beyond survival mode.In this conversation, we explore the real difference: mindset and strategy.Designers who accelerate their growth are intentional about learning, seeking feedback, refining their craft, and adapting to change. Career growth rarely happens by accident—it is built through consistent improvement and strategic decision-making.Mariga, Musacorp75, Valentine, and Dave discuss practical factors that influence growth: proactive client acquisition, building a focused portfolio, strengthening communication skills, and collaborating effectively with developers, marketers, and clients.We also explore the importance of developing a business mindset. Talent alone is rarely enough. Designers who grow understand positioning, visibility, branding, and long-term career strategy. They align their skills with real market needs.Another important theme is visibility. Many designers struggle with self-promotion, particularly introverts. Yet growth often requires presence and visibility. This episode explores ways to build visibility authentically without compromising personality or values.Ultimately, this conversation is about clarity and direction. When designers combine strong skills with strategic thinking, they create real momentum in their careers.• Why mindset influences the speed of career growth• The difference between talent and strategic positioning• How designers can attract clients proactively• Building a portfolio that generates opportunities• Communication skills that unlock bigger projects• The role of business thinking in creative careers• Overcoming visibility challenges as a designerIf you feel stuck, plateaued, or unsure why others seem to move faster, this konversation offers practical insight into what may need adjustment—and how to move forward intentionally.🎧 Tune in to learn how to accelerate your design career and position yourself for long-term success.🚀 WhatsApp Communityhttps://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@KenyanDesignKonversations🎧 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2IUGFOYi5SzRPYw621EfLC?si=e49fa73518704439💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyan-design-konversations-undefined-534466379🐦 X (Twitter)https://x.com/254designkonvos🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation?_r=1&_t=ZS-94WsKlNxL09📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/Support the movement and represent Kenyan Design Konversations.🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464Explore curated resources that inspire creative thinking, design leadership, and cultural awareness.📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folderHappy Days — Scandinavianzhttps://soundcloud.com/scandinavianzCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)Free Download / Stream:https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/scandinavianz/happy-daysMusic promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/kkN1CCQsuMkAn interesting pattern shows up across almost every creative field. Skill matters, obviously. But the designers who grow fastest often treat their career like a system: they learn publicly, refine their positioning, seek uncomfortable feedback, and iterate constantly. In other words, they design their careers the same way they design products—through experimentation, feedback loops, and relentless improvement.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 6 m
  • What Kenyan Employers Look for in Designers

    What Kenyan Employers Look for in Designers
    Mar 8 2026

    What Kenyan Employers Look for in Designers
    Hosts: Mariga, Musacorp75, and Valentine

    Are you a designer in Kenya wondering what makes employers say “yes”? In this episode, Mariga, Musacorp75, and Valentine dive into what Kenyan employers truly look for when hiring designers.

    We explore:

    • What employers prioritize in a designer

    • How to build a portfolio that stands out

    • The role of experience (even for beginners)

    • Soft skills that influence hiring decisions

    • Common portfolio mistakes to avoid

    • How to tailor your applications for Kenya jobs

    From startups in Nairobi to established agencies, the competition is high—but understanding employer expectations can give you the edge. Learn why a strong portfolio often matters more than a CV, how to present your work effectively, and how to showcase problem-solving, communication, and business-awareness skills.

    Tune in to get practical insights on positioning yourself for meaningful design opportunities in Kenya.

    Join the KDK Community & Follow Us:

    • WhatsApp: https://tr.ee/otMQ4zF4pO

    • YouTube: Kenyan Design Konversations

    • Spotify: Kenyan Design Konversations

    • LinkedIn: Kenyan Design Konversations

    • X (Twitter): https://x.com/254designkonvos

    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversation?_r=1&_t=ZS-94WsKlNxL09

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/

    Support KDK & Merchandise:
    🛒 https://wa.me/c/254796227464

    Book Club & Resources:
    📖 https://drive.google.com/drive/folder

    Music Credit:
    Happy Days by Scandinavianz — SoundCloud | Free Download
    Más Menos
    55 m