The Freak Show

Are you a creative person?Whether your answer was an instinctive “yes” (or a suspiciously quick “no”), then I invite you to tune into this conversation.‘Cause somewhere along the line, we were sold that creativity is messy and chaotic and that systems look like boring, rigid, soul-sucking spreadsheets…And Harriet and I are here to flip that right-brain vs. left-brain script!In this episode, we’re pulling creativity and systems out of their opposite corners of the ring and letting them work together: since that’s when brands & client experiences become spotlight-worthy.We talk about how systems can be playful, how data fuels better creative decisions, and why the best client experiences don’t come from doing more, but from designing smarter, clearer & more human processes.From onboarding emails that don’t suck the joy out of your brand, to automations that hype YOU up as much as your clients, if you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between being organised or creative, this one’s for you.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The myth of “I’m just not creative” (and how it hurts your business)✦ How to design onboarding that builds trust & **excitement✦ Why one-email-one-task prevents overwhelming your clients✦ Adding your personality & tone of voice to automations✦ Why automations aren’t just about saving you time——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE SECRET SET: The free monthly event for service pros, by Ceels Lockley✦ WELCOME PACK TEMPLATE: Get your clients onboarded in style.✦ FREE DUBSADO EMAIL TEMPLATES: Set yourself up for success with smart fields ready to use in Dubsado.✦ OVERHAUL YOUR ONBOARDING CHALLENGE: Look like you’ve got your sh*t together.✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Harriet:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:28 Harriet’s Freak Show Audition10:34 The Common Ground Between Design & Systems12:54 Creativity’s a Muscle & Requires Practice16:00 Overthinking Tools, Systems & Shiny-Object Syndrome18:52 What Great Client Onboarding Actually Requires23:55 Injecting Personality Into Confirmations & Default System Emails28:35 Why People Remember How Working With You Felt36:52 Systems Aren’t About Time, They’re About Headspace

New year. Clean slate. Loud internet.Word of the year, vision boards, goal setting, reflection prompts… If January already has you feeling behind & scattered, you’re NOT alone.And whenever I start feeling out of control, I look at my circus & my monkeys.In this episode, I’m walking you through 3 simple, practical ways to reset your brand without a full-on rebrand.“Spring cleaning” belongs in the Spring, so think of this as an opportunity to clear the clutter and make your brand feel usable again right now, as it is.Because when your brand is easier to use and lighter to show up with, you feel prouder to share it & visibility stops feeling like such a heavy lift.Think of it as brand maintenance:Less “new year, new you.” More “same you, but with fewer tabs open.”(Also, take a shot every time I say “off-the-cuff”. Or don’t. We’ve got monkeys to manage.)SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why you’re never “too late”, no matter the time of year✦ Why creating a brand maintenance habit keeps momentum going✦ The brand folder system that’ll save you hours of faffing✦ How to reset your website in under 15 minutes (no overhaul required)✦ Creating social templates that make showing up feel lighter, even on low-energy daysTAKE THE STAGEPick one of the 3 resets from this episode and do it this week:Organise your brand assets(Quickly) update your websiteSimplify your social templatesThat’s it. One task.Then DM me and tell me which one you’re starting with: I’ll be cheering you on from the front row.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ ORGANISE YOUR CANVA WORKSPACE: Have your brand assets, templates and projects at your fingertips & save a lot of time!✦ TUTORIAL: Automatically update the year in your website (in Webflow)✦ BROKEN LINK CHECKER: Easily find broken links & get them fixed ASAP.✦ UPDATE YOUR LINK IN BIO: Capture subscribers right from your social media profile (*affiliate link)Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:32 You’re Not Behind (And There’s No Prize For Starting on Jan 1st)03:22 Reset #1: Organise Your Brand Assets07:17 Reset #2: (Quickly) Update Your Website08:54 Reset #3: Design Social Media Templates To Support You12:10 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

The holidays are here, Mariah's singing "All I Want for Christmas" on loop, and the internet's a snowstorm of slapped-on Santa hats & Canva snowflakes. You want your content to feel festive too (and take advantage of this massive sales season), but your branding doesn’t exactly scream "eggnog and elves"…In this bite-sized, actionable episode I’m answering the question I get every single year: “How can we sprinkle our visuals with a bit of holiday cheer without it being off-brand?”I’ll walk you through 5 designer-approved ways to bring some holiday cheer into your Instagram posts, so you can plan your content for December in a way that feels creative, festive and intentional while staying unmistakably YOU.No rebrand. No last-minute panic. No meltdown required.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Starting with your brand to keep holiday content intentional✦ How to nod to the season without going completely off-brand✦ Using fonts & colours as your non-negotiable to anchor your visual identity✦ Taking advantage of seasonal & playful language to give that Christmas feel✦ Getting inspired by holiday themes to turn everyday posts into seasonal onesTAKE THE STAGEDM me your one of your holiday posts @flyingcolorscreative on Insta, and I'll slide in with feedback on how to improve it. Or if Canva's sounding like your idea of a nightmare before Christmas, join my free community The Colour Circle, and we’ll get it sorted together!——Mentioned in this episode✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:48 Brand Consistency Isn't About Being Samey All Year Long03:26 Tip No.1: Start With The Story04:25 Tip No.2: Subtlety Wins06:14 Tip No.3: Keep Your Original Fonts & Colours07:22 Tip No.4: Add Festive Cues in Your Copy08:48 Tip No.5: Bring The Season Into Your Concepts10:13 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

We’ve all promised ourselves “next week I’ll get my act together.” And today, we’ll talk about how to actually make that happen. I’m joined by business strategist, best-selling author, speaker, and host of the Starting The Conversation podcast Alice Benham to dig into the truth about rebranding when everyone tells you you “don’t need to”.From learning to trust your business-owner gut, handling (unsolicited) feedback to juggling all the moving parts of this full rebrand — brand, website, marketing, wardrobe, and office — one thing’s for sure: what keeps things moving is implementation. We also get digress (as always) into picky girl-lunches, former monochrome palettes, running a business out of Post-it notes, and how to keep showing up in the messy middle of… well, everything.You’ll hear us talking A LOT about taking messy action and how real success comes from consistent implementation. But it can be difficult to find the time, structure & support to stay accountable to your goals. So this is your invitation to join me inside of ON IT, and finally prioritise your own brand & business.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The micro-frictions that tell you it’s time to rebrand✦ Filtering feedback & separate useful community input from noise✦ What no one tells you about capacity for all the tiny updates that come with rolling out a rebrand✦ How to market during the “messy middle”: building in public vs. big reveal announcement✦ Why business growth comes from steady & boring action——Mentioned in this episode:✦ ON IT: Cast vision, set goals, track progress & finally work ON your business *(affiliate link)✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hours✦ Listen to “Forget Notion and Asana — Here’s My System for Staying on Track” on The Ordinary Business Podcast by Jess Freeman✦ Listen to Alice’s “My experience of being bullied online” on Starting The Conversation✦ Listen to how Alice suddenly lost 26K£ due to a software glitch on Starting The ConversationAlice’s rebrand team:✦ Branding: Hannah May, Maybe Design Studios✦ Web Design: Danielle O’Reilly, Finding Design✦ Photography: Chloe Maxwell, Stories by Chloe✦ Personal Stylist: Sophia Bayly✦ Hair & Makeup: Nicola Beddoes✦ Office Interior Designer: Francesca Toman, Ches & CoFollow & Connect with Alice:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her Website✦ Listen to the Starting The Conversation podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show03:52 Alice’s Freak Show Audition08:20 How running a business on post-it notes can work14:09 Micro-friction moments that added up to the big rebrand decision20:23 How to deal with pushback on your rebrand & learn to listen to useful feedback28:43 The engagement high vs. the come-down after the big reveal32:49 Setting the right time & capacity expectations for after the rebrand41:20 Showing up during the messy middle & creating momentum that lasts54:36 Growth isn’t the strategy itself, it’s the implementation of it

Yeah, I’m not perfectly consistent. In fact, no one is.Even so, I felt ashamed, guilty, and dare I say even hypocritical for missing the past couple of weeks of the podcast. So what better way to make a comeback than… to TALK ABOUT IT?And while we’re at it, let’s talk about how we’ve got consistency all wrong. Because if we let it mean never missing a beat, we’re setting ourselves up for failure before we even start. Real consistency lives somewhere between “showing up every single day” and “disappearing for 3 months because life happened.”In this episode, I’m unpacking why your bounce-back rate matters more than never falling behind, the difference between consistency in marketing vs. branding, and how your visual identity can become the system that makes consistency easier (not harder). We’ll also dig into why so many entrepreneurs mistake a shiny rebrand for a solution to inconsistency… only to stall when it’s time to actually use it (you guessed it… consistently).So if you’ve ever felt guilty for dropping the ball, burned out from chasing the algorithm, or stuck in a cycle of redesign–retreat–repeat, this one’s for you.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “perfect consistency” is setting you up to fail✦ The real reason beautiful brands gather digital dust✦ How improvisation becomes the enemy of implementation✦ What consistency actually looks like for solopreneurs (and why it’s not about posting daily)✦ Why memorability > frequency when it comes to branding——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Listen to Ep. 002 “What If You’re Bored Of Your Own Brand?”✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Fix whatever design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:33 The guilt of being perfectly inconsistent01:46 Replacing “perfect streaks” with “bounce back rate”03:21 The branding trap: beautiful visuals, no space for consistent implementation05:56 Improvisation vs. intentionality (and why we default to winging it)10:11 Social media frequency vs. brand consistency13:07 Why consistent beats pretty every time

If you don’t know what to write your newsletter about this week (or if writing anything for your business makes you wanna scream), today’s episode is exactly what you need.What do “The Unlikely Game Changer”, “The Embarrassing Moment”, “The Necessary Reframe”, “The Truth Comes Out”, and “The Unexpected Transformation” all have in common?They’re the topics inside Sara Joelle’s Swipe File (out NOW) for October!! And in this episode, she’s giving you a FREE, behind-the-scenes walkthrough of how to use it. Yep, you’re getting a front-row seat inside Sara’s squirrel genius brain as she turns one of the topics into a ready-to-go newsletter idea you can send today.And that’s just the opening act.Because Website Girl came to overdeliver, and once she gets going, every sentence is a strategy, and every tangent a mini masterclass. And this conversation is overflowing with copywriting tips & newsletter strategies, that’ll make you want to open a blank doc before the episode’s even finished.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “write like you’d talk to a friend" is not helpful copywriting advice✦ How to turn boring stories into high-converting content your subscribers wanna read✦ Free walkthrough of Sara’s October Swipe File (and ready-to-use newsletter ideas you can steal today)✦ Newsletters vs. Sales Emails: including how often you should actually send them✦ Why copy comes first and design comes second (always)TAKE THE STAGETake “The Necessary Reframe” topic to write your next newsletter or blog post:Share about a time you were forced to change your perspective about something you’d previously never considered changing your mind on. This can be a shift in mindset, a change in routine, a new perspective about an industry topic, or even something as simple as starting to like someone or something that you previously disliked.Then grab Sara's brand-new Swipe File subscription ($31/month for 31 content ideas that fit any business) to get the other x4 topics, x6 angles per topic, and x7 subject lines per angle…It’s a no-brainer: https://evacoutodesign--btlcopy.thrivecart.com/swipe-file/ (*affiliate link)——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Keep listening to us on Sara’s podcast Point Of The Story: “Cold Pitches, Freak Magnetism, and a Brand Worth Using with Eva Couto”✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hours✦ SWIPE FILE: Never worry about what to write on your newsletter again (*affiliate link)✦ MAIN CHARACTER MOMENT: Confidently write about yourself in EVERY situation✦ SITE SERIES SPRINT: An actually-easy-to-understand, self-paced website copywriting course✦ SUCCESS STORY: 3-month group mentorship program for copywriters (*affiliate link)✦ WRITE YOUR SITE: Co-working calls to help you start & finish writing your website✦ WEBSITE COPY TEMPLATE: Wicked easy template for writing your website copy✦ COLD PITCHING GUIDE: How-to guide to help you send the best, most professional cold pitch emails in the game✦ Sarah Kleist, Sara’s Website Designer✦ Mathilde Langevin, Sara’s Brand Photographer✦ Smart, Pretty & Awkward newsletter, by Molly Beck✦ The 3-2-1 Newsletter, by James ClearFollow & Connect with Sara:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her Website✦ Subscribe to Tuesday’s Table Of Contents✦ Listen to the Point Of The Story podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show04:09 Sara’s Freak Show Audition10:46 The Reality Of Writing Your Own Website14:58 Why Overthinking Kills Your Brand’s Tone Of Voice24:05 Inside Swipe File: Write Your Next Newsletter Now28:51 How To Tie Everyday Stories To Tips Without Forcing It33:29 Newsletters vs. Sales Emails: Frequency & Content42:10 Selling Without The Girlboss Sleaze45:48 Why Copy Should Always Come Before Design51:34 Audacity As The Key To Success

I know Sharpay Evans said “bigger is better, and better is bigger”, but is that the ONLY path to success? Well… I don’t think so, and this game-changing realisation not only flipped my business upside down, but also redefined what growth looks like to me.What started with Paul Jarvis’ book “Company of One”, turned into me rethinking the whole myth of infinite scaling (and the pressures behind what it takes to make money while you sleep), the hidden costs of always chasing more & more, and why small businesses — like your local coffee shop or a two-person studio — often have more impact than corporate mega-brands. Which is why I’m forever inspired by the real stories of solopreneurs building thriving, human-sized businesses without chasing millions of followers or dollars.If you started your business to define success on your terms: whether that’s free time, mental health, or a community that hangs on your every word… then I invite you to listen to this one! (and I pinky promise you I’m not sponsored or endorsed in ANY WAY by Paul Jarvis, I just really like this book, it changed my life, and I recommend it to everyone).SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “bigger is better” doesn’t fit solopreneurs✦ The invisible costs of scaling: burnout, bureaucracy, and losing what you love✦ How small businesses build trust and impact through intimacy and authenticity✦ Real examples of solopreneurs thriving by staying small (and why it works)✦ What if it’s about quality of life, not just revenue?TAKE THE STAGE✦ Is growth really worth it, if the price is your creative life itself?✦ If your business’s success wasn’t measured by its scalability, how would YOU measure it?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Company Of One, by Paul Jarvis✦ Emelie Sanders, from Pass The Queso✦ Jess Freeman, from Jess Creatives, ThreadFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:25 Why Scaling Didn't Fit My Business04:27 The Trap of Infinite Growth & What You Lose With It06:40 When Intimacy Beats Size (And Bigger Isn't Better)08:52 The Practical Perks of a Human-Sized Business12:09 How You Can Redefine Success

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a beige wardrobe (or brand), wondering how to break free without losing your nerve, this episode is for you. Eva & Brigitta dive into how the messy overlap of style and branding influences the way you show up online as a personal brand.We unpack why the beige default is holding you back, how to start sprinkling colour into your wardrobe without ending up saying “I have nothing to wear!”, and why your personal style is one of the ultimate expressions of your values and personality. From cybersecurity to fashion, Brigitta is living proof that leaning into what makes you YOU is how you create your unmistakable brand.Expect history lessons, nerdy tangents, and a spicy take that’ll have you rethinking everything about what “professionalism” looks like.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The overlap of branding & style as a tangible expression of identity✦ Why beige became the go-to (and why it’s time to exit that curve)✦ The difference between choosing neutrals vs. defaulting to them✦ How to add colour to your wardrobe without tipping into overwhelm✦ Why your outfit can’t fake confidence (but it can amplify it)✦ How the rise of quiet luxury, old money and trad wife aesthetics repackage conformity as “taste”——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Brigitta:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her website✦ Subscribe to The Show Notes✦ Listen to The Style Curious private podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:10 Brigitta’s Freak Show Audition13:35 The Overlap of Branding and Personal Style22:56 Trust Yourself Over a Colour Analysis25:46 Different Contexts, Different Clothes, Same You44:13 How to Start Adding Colour Without Getting Overwhelmed48:41 How to Navigate Fashion Trends57:55 The Problem Pith “Quiet Luxury”, “Old Money” & “Tradwife” Aesthetics01:05:10 Self-Expression Won’t Scare Off Your Dream Clients01:06:32 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

September is the unofficial New Year’s 2.0, and after a much-needed August break (that I hope you took too, by the way), we’re all ready to shake off the summer haze and get back into business mode with fresh energy, but without the pressure to hustle ourselves into the ground.I’m sharing three actionable ways to reconnect with your brand, spark your creativity, and make fun a part of your routine so that showing up feels exciting again. And this is your invitation to bring more clarity, play and intentionality back into your brand, so you can stop leaving it for last in the to-do list & find the consistency you’ve been searching for.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why September can be your ultimate fresh start✦ The reason you keep pushing your own brand to the bottom of the to-do list✦ How to find clarity & purpose within your brand values✦ Pausing to play and experiment as the key to consistencyTAKE THE STAGEReady to go from vacation mode to back-to-business and feel inspired by building your own business again? Here are some prompts:✦ What do you want your brand to make people feel right now?✦ What’s something new you could try for your brand, just to have fun with it?✦ How can you make your brand content recognisable from a mile away?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ BRAND DESIGNER GETS (RE)BRANDED: listen to episodes 027-029 for the mini-series✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome (back) to The Freak Show00:54 September Feels Like New Year’s 2.002:30 Rest Is Productive (and Hustle Isn’t Mandatory)03:54 Step 1: Find Clarity in Your Brand’s Core Message05:32 Step 2: Pause, Play, and Get Inspired06:42 Step 3: Stay True to Your Brand (Not Trends)

Something about rags-to-riches stories always rubbed me the wrong way. ‘Cause most online business journeys don’t fit that shiny (and predictable) arc. They’re pretty… normal.Take my own story for example: I followed everyone’s expectations until I said “f*ck it” on Christmas Eve 2019. That was over 6 years ago, and in honour of my 6th Brandversary, I wanted to tell you the real story. From a nightmare internship that had me designing menus in PowerPoint (yes, really) to building a business that lets me own my weird, I’m taking a trip down memory lane. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just started tagging along, here are two big reminders:1) Sometimes all you have to do when you want something is send a DM.2) It takes a village to build a business & keep it running for 6+ years.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ How regular beginnings get lost in rags-to-riches funnels✦ When a nightmare internship led to starting freelancing✦ Making less than an orange juice an hour (and other corporate red flags)✦ Why it takes a village to build a business that lasts✦ Redefining what "professional" looks like——Mentioned in this episode:✦ B-SCHOOL: Online course for for entrepreneurs who want to build a meaningful, profitable business, by Marie Forleo✦ THE BREAKTHROUGH DESIGNER: 3-month coaching program to take you from frantic freelancer to badass business owner, by One6Creative (*affiliate link)✦ ON IT: Cast vision, set goals, track progress & finally work ON your business, by Alice Benham (*affiliate link)✦ LIFE OF THE PARTY: An all-encompassing social media strategy course to grow an invested community that outlasts the algorithm, by Xanthe Appleyard (*affiliate link)✦ Follow Joana Galvão, from GIF Design Studios ✦ Follow Vix Meldrew, Online Learning Expert✦ Follow Ceels Lockley, Offer Strategy CoachFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ See what my very first website looked like✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:30 Why Rags-to-Riches Stories Feel Off03:42 My 6th Brandversary & Six Years In Business04:27 The Post-Grad Panic of a Passionate Designer07:56 Rules That Didn’t Make Sense & Internship Red Flags12:41 Quitting on Christmas Eve as My Gift to Myself14:32 Toying with Freelancing and Finding a Mentor16:53 The People Behind Six Years of Success

The grand finale of our rebrand anniversary series is here, with the third ring of my Three Ring Confidence framework: Development. And THIS is where all the work, effort, energy and time you’ve put into this massive project actually starts working for you & bringing the results you crave (instead of just a shiny Google Drive folder).In this episode, we’re unpacking how I brought my rebrand from Eva Couto Design to Flying Colours Creative® to life, touchpoint by touchpoint. From having fun with Instagram (yes, it’s possible) to website rollercoasters, I’m telling you everything that worked, what needed tweaking along the way, and why implementation is where every rebrand hangs. If you’re sitting on a rebrand (or dreaming of one), this is your sign to stop planning and start doing — because a brand isn’t something you have, it’s something you use.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your rebrand doesn’t exist until you start using it✦ How social media became my low-stakes playground for testing new visuals✦ The mammoth task of a website overhaul✦ Why backend assets matter just as much as the front-facing flair✦ How this rollercoaster ride helped shape The Extravaganza experience——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours.People I worked with for my rebrand:✦ Katie Pannell, Naming Expert & Founder of 26&thensome✦ Ceels Lockley, Offer Strategy Coach✦ João Nogueira, Website Developer✦ Adrienne Cruz, Podcast ManagerFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:36 Why Implementation Is Where Your Rebrand Lives or Dies05:35 Why Instagram Was My First Touchpoint11:47 Revamping the Newsletter: From Rebel’s Corner to Uncaged13:03 The High Stakes Of Tackling the Website16:39 Launching The Freak Show Podcast18:39 Email Signatures, Client Portals, and More Backend Implementation21:25 A Brand Is a Tool You Use, Not a Thing You Have23:12 Rethinking The Extravaganza

Time for the second ring of my Three-Ring Confidence framework: Design. Today is all about taking that big top brand energy we uncovered last week and turning it into a visual identity that screams me.Spoiler: designing my own brand wasn’t the smooth ride you’d expect from someone who does this for a living. It was a chaotic, stomach-butterfly-inducing tightrope walk, full of self-doubt and big decisions. From wrestling with colours to taming the shiny-object urge, I’m spilling the tea on how I brought this circus to life without losing sight of who I am. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a visual identity that feels like you, grows with your business, and doesn’t alienate your audience, this is one you’ll want to tune into.And if you want help with rebranding yourself… I’m booking Extravaganza projects for the rest of 2025: only 5 spots left! Apply now & let’s design a brand that looks the part, acts the part & sells out.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why seeing your brand come to life can spark some confidence wobbles✦ How I balanced nostalgia & play with a circus brand theme✦ The tightrope of keeping what works while embracing bold reinvention✦ Avoiding the Frankenstein trap and over-tweaking your brandTAKE THE STAGEWhat’s one visual element in my brand (a colour, a font, an icon) that feels like me, and how can I make it work harder to tell my story? If you’re stuck, revisit last week’s episode for the direction ring to uncover what makes your brand mesmerising before you dive into design.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours✦ Katie Pannell, Naming Expert & Founder of 26&thensome✦ Case Study: Brand Naming Flying Colours CreativeFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:02 Three-Ring Confidence Framework: Design02:14 Why Designing My Own Brand Was the Worst (and Best) Thing Ever05:33 Embracing Discomfort: The Key to a Bold Rebrand07:48 From Fun House Concept to Visual Identity11:12 Future-Proofing Your Brand with Intentional Design Choices12:40 Avoiding the Frankenstein Urge in Your Rebrand13:56 The Power of Implementation

This episode kicks off a 3-part mini-series called “Brand Designer Gets (re)Branded”, diving into my own rebranding journey —from Eva Couto Design to Flying Colours Creative® — one year after the fact. With my 6th Brandversary on the horizon, I’m giving you the good, the bad and the ugly of what rebranding yourself looks like (spoiler: it’s a wild ride).Using my Three Ring Confidence framework, today we’re tackling the first ring: Direction and unpacking why I decided to rebrand in the first place, the messy emotions that came with it, and how outside perspective makes all the difference to finding clarity.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The emotional rollercoaster that comes with rebranding✦ Deciding to do the unpopular thing and going from a personal name to a studio name✦ The Direction Ring: setting intentions and asking the right questions✦ Bringing it all together through the “Fun House” creative directionTAKE THE STAGECommit to treating your brand like your most important client (because it is), and set this intention: “I hereby commit to treating my own brand as my most important client, and be as thorough and intentional while rethinking my brand and business as I would for any of my clients.” Then, use one of these prompts to start thinking brand-first:— What reputation do you want your brand to have in the way it does business?— Where does your brand go against the grain and industry standards?— If your brand were a [mood, colour, song, meal, outfit], what would it be and why?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours✦ “Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business”, by Paul Jarvis✦ Katie Pannell, Naming Expert & Founder of 26&thensome✦ Case Study: Brand Naming Flying Colours CreativeFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Join The Colour Circle——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:01 Introducing the Three Ring Confidence Framework03:44 Why I Decided to Rebrand for My Fifth Brandversary06:50 The Emotional Rollercoaster That Comes With Rebranding08:42 Why Changing Your Brand Name Doesn’t Mean Changing You13:36 How Some Outside Perspective Saved My Rebrand17:55 From Eva Couto Design to Flying Colours Creative23:12 Treating Your Brand Like Your Most Important Client

Personal branding isn’t just about showing your face on camera, and it certainly isn't influencer-exclusive. As an online service provider, your audience isn’t just buying your service… they’re buying YOU. So let’s unpack how to make your personality the star of your show, so you can avoid the commodity trap and create a brand that’s unmistakably yours.You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t brave, so what if I told you being a personal brand myself landed me a five-figure project once (from buttering toast, nonetheless)? Owning your weird turns lurkers into buyers, so tune in to learn how.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your audience needs to choose you, not just your service✦ The disconnect that happens when your online personality doesn’t match your real one✦ How visuals set the stage for your brand’s first impressionTAKE THE STAGEWeaving your personality into your brand means being clear on the narrative you want your brand to tell, so start by asking yourself:✦ Does your brand look like it’s run by you?✦ Is it consistent enough to be recognisable?✦ Does it feel like an honest reflection of where you are now?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.✦ Listen to Ep. 025, for how Interact got in touch with me✦ Listen to Ep. 009 to learn all about that 5-figure branding projectFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:28 The Personal Brand Boom Beyond Creators & Influencers03:16 Finding a 5-Figure Project By Making It Personal05:33 Why Your Audience Needs to Want You Beyond Your Service07:30 The Risk of Mismatched Brand Personality10:25 Why Visuals Are Your Personality’s First Impression15:49 Find Resonance, Not Just Reach16:05 Making Your Brand Unmistakably You

The other day, I got a DM that sounded wayyyy too good to be true. Interact, a quiz platform that I absolutely LOVE, slid into my DMs asking if I wanted to partner with them.At first, I thought it was a scam, but no. It actually led to something I've been dreaming about for over a year: creating a quiz that actually helps you figure out what the hell is going on with your brand.In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes on how this whole thing came together, why I'm obsessed with quizzes (thanks, teen magazines), and most importantly, walking you through the four circus acts that reveal exactly where your brand is right now and what it needs to grow.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your brand confusion isn't a you problem (you're just too close to see the label from inside the jar)✦ How to tell if your visuals have officially been outgrown by your personality✦ Meet the four circus acts: Fire Breather, Tightrope Walker, Juggler, and Contortionist — and find out which one you areTAKE THE STAGETake the "What's Your Brand's Circus Act?" quiz right now — seriously, pause this episode and do it. It takes under 5 minutes, and you'll finally understand what's been driving your brand decisions (and what you need more of to grow).——Mentioned in this episode:✦ What’s Your Brand’s Circus Act?: Take the quiz!✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.✦ Try out Interact & build your own on-brand quiz!✦ Pass the Queso✦ Coming Up RosesFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:36 The DM I Thought Was a Scam08:28 Meet the Four Circus Acts09:52 The Fire Breather12:26 The Tightrope Walker15:36 The Juggler17:38 The Contortionist19:34 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Ever feel like you're fighting your own content every time you sit down to create? Like no matter how many templates you buy or tips you save, nothing feels quite right anymore?You're not behind, you're not broken, and you definitely don't suck at this. You've just outgrown your brand — and that's actually a massive flex.In this episode, we're diving into why that resistance you're feeling when you create content isn't a content problem at all. It's your brand waving a big red flag that says "I'm ready for something bigger." You'll walk away understanding the difference between a surface-level refresh and a full rebrand, plus exactly how to tell which one you actually need.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why buying more Instagram templates won't fix your content struggles✦ The difference between a brand refresh and a full rebrand✦ How to tell when you've outgrown your current visual identity✦ Why trying to fit new ideas into old visuals is like squeezing into jeans two sizes too smallTAKE THE STAGEThe Content Carousel Workshop replay is waiting in your inbox if you signed up — dive into those practical Canva tips and see if that scratches the itch.But if you’re still feeling the friction, The Extravaganza might be calling your name.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show01:52 Do You Need a Rebrand?05:40 Why Social Media Templates Won’t Fix Your Problem09:12 A Refresh Is Not a Rebrand13:40 Summer = The Perfect Time for a Rebrand16:12 Signs That You’re Ready18:57 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

We've all poured our hearts into brilliant content, hit publish, and then received 2 likes on a carousel post that took 2 hours to design. If you’re feeling frustrated with your IG content lately, you’re not alone!And if you want to get out of this rut, here's the uncomfortable truth: no one is reading your brilliant content if your design is working against you. It's not the algorithm, it's not your ideas, and it's definitely not because you don't have anything valuable to say. It could just be how it looks!In this episode, we're calling out the "content over design" myth and breaking down why your posts have about 1.5 seconds to stop the scroll and how to make sure they do. You'll walk away understanding how to use design as a strategic tool to finally get your genius ideas the attention they deserve.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why "as long as your content is valuable, design doesn't matter" is complete bullshit✦ The uncomfortable truth about how people actually consume content✦ Why carousels feel harder than writing entire newsletters✦ Three non-negotiable design principles that make your content impossible to ignoreTAKE THE STAGEJoin me for the free Content Carousel Workshop happening June 16th! We're diving deep into the design strategies that turn your brilliant ideas into scroll-stopping, share-worthy content. Replay included even if you can't make it live.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Xanthe Appleyard’s postFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:51 The Annoying Truth About Content Design12:57 The 1.5 Second Rule14:44 Three Things Your Audience Is Subconsciously Scanning For18:53 Why Carousels Are Such a Pain in the Ass22:35 Join the Content Carousel Workshop!

We're halfway through the year, and while you're probably checking your revenue numbers and updating those Notion dashboards, there's one thing most people forget to audit: their brand.Whether the past six months went exactly to plan or left you quietly panicking over your unfinished goals, your brand deserves a check-in. With time, your brand, your business, your industry, and you have all evolved. And it's part of your job as a freakishly good service provider to make damn sure your brand evolves with you too.In this episode, I'm walking you through what I call a quarterly dress rehearsal (aka your brand's performance review). This is the ritual that's led me to major decisions like rebranding into Flying Colors Creative, starting this podcast, and having those clarity-gaining conversations with past clients.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why summer is the perfect time to audit your brand (before the biggest sales season hits)✦ The three-step quarterly dress rehearsal: visual lineup, audience reaction pulse, and alignment gut check✦ How to spot visual disconnects that make people think they clicked the wrong button✦ What to do when your brand isn't exciting you anymoreTAKE THE STAGESet a reminder right now — literally put "Brand Dress Rehearsal" in your calendar every quarter. Your future self and your future clients will thank you for keeping your brand front of mind so it becomes front of mind for others too.Also, if content design inconsistencies were one of your main problems, grab your ticket to my free Content Carousel Workshop happening June 16 at 3PM Lisbon time. You'll learn design tips and tricks to make your visuals enhance your content instead of hiding it. Sign up for the replay even if you can't come live!——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Sign up for the FREE Content Carousel Workshop: Design better on-brand content that looks the part, performs & steals the show.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:24 Why Your Brand Deserves a Check-In05:59 Introducing Your Quarterly Dress Rehearsal09:59 Step 1: Your Visual Lineup Check13:05 Step 2: The Audience Reaction Pulse16:41 Step 3: The Alignment Gut Check22:44 Closing Thoughts and a FREE Workshop Invite!

We’ve all been there: saving yet another “low-lift content” tip to a folder we’ll forget about, hoping it’s finally the thing that makes content feel easier. But what if the problem isn’t your templates, your workflow, or your posting schedule?In this episode, we’re breaking down the low-lift content illusion — why it sounds dreamy in theory but falls flat without the one thing that actually makes content creation easier and way more effective: a brand that does the heavy lifting for you. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s missing, what to focus on instead, and how to finally create content that’s both sustainable and unmistakably yours.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “low-lift” content only works when your brand is doing the heavy lifting✦ The difference between authenticity and autopilot (and why effort ≠ fake)✦ What actually makes your content feel sustainable, and why it’s not another custom GPT✦ How intentional branding helps you say more, with lessTAKE THE STAGEGrab your ticket to the Content Carousel Workshop (it’s free!) happening June 16 at 3PM Lisbon time. You’ll learn how to design Instagram carousels that stop the scroll and stay on brand so your message doesn’t get lost in the noise. Sign up here and get the replay even if you can’t come live!——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Sign up for the FREE Content Carousel Workshop: Design better on-brand content that looks the part, performs & steals the show.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:41 Why “Low-Lift Content” Sounds Great but Often Fails04:57 What All the Content Hacks Are Missing09:01 When Did Effort Stop Being Authentic?12:37 Closing Thoughts and FREE Workshop Invite!

It’s our 20th episode, troupe!!!And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a good ol’ fashioned Q&A, straight from you? This past week, I opened the virtual curtain and invited you to toss your boldest, most chaotic, and curiously specific brand questions into the ring… and let’s just say, you delivered.In this solo episode, I’m answering everything from how to build a brand people remember, how to spot (and fix) invisible disconnects that are quietly repelling your dream clients, and what to do when your DMs are quiet but your to-do list is full.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ What to do when you can’t be your own case study✦ Is “being different” the reason your brand isn’t converting?✦ How to create a brand theme without sounding like you’re trying too hard✦ The real reason your rebrand feels stuck in limbo✦ What to do when you “can’t find what’s unique” about your businessTAKE THE STAGEOpen up a doc or your Notes app and ask yourself this:What’s one recurring compliment you’ve gotten from your clients or community?Now ask: how can I turn this into a brand element — a theme, a visual, a word I reuse — that makes me instantly recognizable?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.✦ Submit your Big Top questions every Tuesday on my Stories!✦ Sign up for the FREE Content Carousel Workshop: Design better on-brand content that looks the part, performs & steals the show.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show03:38 Can You Really Be Your Own Proof of Concept?08:49 Do Haters Mean You’re Doing Something Right?14:29 How Do You Create a Brand Theme That Sticks?20:36 Just Rebranded — Now What?24:11 Why Can’t I Make Sales?29:52 How Do I Build a Brand World People Remember?32:44 Why Can’t I Figure Out What Makes My Brand Special?38:07 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps