Claim OwnershipNever Went To Business School
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Business school? What’s that? Join Rebecca & Rebecca owners of Same Same Studio, in conversations about their experiences going from freelancing to running an agency. Want honest tea from the inside of running a creative business? Then you have come to the right place.
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114 Episodes
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In this episode, we take a radical feminist look at why the creative industry remains inaccessible for many women. We talk about the pressure to work for free, the expectation to prove yourself before being taken seriously, and how this creates a barrier that women, especially those without financial safety nets, cannot cross. We also discuss the lack of women in leadership roles, the gatekeeping that happens in award jurys, and how decision making power is still concentrated in the hands of men. A conversation about access, opportunity, and the hidden costs of succeeding in the creative industry.
In this episode, we look at the feminist history of design and how the industry we know today was shaped by decisions, structures, and narratives that left many women out of the story. We explore how early design movements pushed women into “craft” while men defined what counted as “design,” why credit was unevenly distributed, and how these patterns still show up in creative work today. A conversation about recognition, visibility, and understanding the systems we inherit as creatives.
In this episode, we talk with Scy Heidekamp, creative technologist and founder of Qtures, about working at the point where art and technology meet. Scy shares how she approaches AI in her creative practice, why documenting your process matters, and what ethical questions creatives should think about as tools evolve. We also explore the idea of quantum creativity, what it could mean for the future of creative work, and why claiming your identity as a creative is more important than ever. A conversation about curiosity, community, and staying grounded while the industry shifts around us.Scy's WebsiteQuantum Creativity Framework
In this episode, we talk with Shideh Heravi, UX researcher and founder of Healthblokk, about how a personal health challenge led her to build a startup for people with dietary restrictions. She shares what she learned from her own journey, the reality of starting something on your own, and why asking questions matter more than perfect answers. We also talk about building around a problem, staying resilient, and finding your place in the tech startup scene as a woman.
In this episode, we talk with Vanessa Olt, a Berlin-based business consultant and until 2025 the co-founder of Nea-Kosma with Rea Stamatoulakis, about the financial realities behind building a creative business. Vanessa shares the insecurities she sees most often in her clients, from money anxiety to business clarity struggles, and explains how she supports them through a mix of co-creating and what she calls “business therapy.” We discuss the importance of understanding how creatives think, speaking their language, and adapting business models to match their needs and financial comfort levels. A grounding conversation about money, financial literacy, and helping creatives feel supported rather than overwhelmed.WebsiteInstagram
In this episode, we talk with Catherine Spet, an interdisciplinary artist based in Vienna, about finding balance between art, philosophy, research and graphic design. She shares her journey from digital and game art to the techno scene, her thoughts on the role of AI in creative work, and what it really means to work across disciplines. We also discuss imposter syndrome, the realities of combining passion projects with commercial work, and the importance of building connections to grow a network.WebsiteInstagram
In this episode, we talk about why hourly pricing doesn’t reflect the real value of creative work, and why it’s time for the industry to move on from it. We dive into the challenges that come with trading time for money, how it limits creatives, and what alternative pricing models actually make sense. A conversation about reframing worth, and shifting an industry to where clients value outcomes over cheap hours.Hourly rate calculatorShould you charge by the hour?
In this episode, we talk with Lina & Florentin from No Worries Just Shapes, a 3D design duo from Vienna, about their journey from photography to creating immersive digital worlds. They share how their fascination with nature and technology shapes their work, how AI influences their creative process, and why community and collaboration are essential to what they do. We also dive into their experiences with public speaking, hosting meetups, and building connections in the creative scene.WebsiteInstagramVienna Motion Bunch
Design strategist Lara Langner talks about the many sides of her creative career, from design and freelancing to strategy and product work, and how one principle connects it all: value. She shares how understanding value shapes the way she prices her work, chooses projects, and defines her identity as a creative. We also discuss the realities of freelancing, financial ups and downs, and finding balance when doing many things.WebsiteInstagram
We finally did it – Creative Club is live! In this episode, we share why we’re launching consulting for creatives, what it’s all about, and how it ties into our mission to help freelancers and small studios build sustainable, profitable businesses.From pricing and positioning to process and mindset, we’re breaking down what you can expect, who it’s for, and how you can get started.Book your FREE 15-minute callNewsletterWebsite
In this episode, Johanna Lederer, founder and creative director of Studio Arde, shares how she made the leap from employee to entrepreneur. She talks about the challenges of starting her own studio, building a business rooted in values, and empowering women in the creative industry and in business. Johanna also opens up about the importance of planning, finding focus through niching down, and how coaching and mentorship shaped her growth. A conversation about courage, clarity, and creating a business that truly reflects who you are.WebsiteInstagram
In this story-time episode we share the messy behind-the-scenes of a web project that didn't end as planned. What started as a standard design and development job ended with a new stakeholder, shifting requirements, an unpaid final invoice, and a threat to ruin our reputation if we pursued collections.We break down what happened, how we documented every step, and the systems that protected us (contracts, sign-offs, paper trails). We also share what we’ll do differently next time and practical tips for freelancers and studios.If you’ve ever had a client change the brief or refuse to pay, this one’s for you.
Designer and studio owner Erik Herrström shares his journey from Sweden to Vienna and the experiences that shaped his career. He talks about working with global brands like Nike, Google, and Spotify, the leap from freelancing to running his own studio, and the lessons learned along the way. Erik reflects on the value of networking, learning from others, and embracing mistakes as essential steps in building a successful creative business.WebsiteInstagram
Freelance photographer and podcast host Ulrich Aydt shares his path into photography and freelancing, the challenges of pricing creative work, and what he’s learned from hosting creative therapy sessions. He talks about building community, staying balanced while juggling projects, and why collaboration and asking for help are essential for any creative.WebsiteInstagramPodcast
In this episode, we look back at August and share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes. From project updates and website development to experimenting with SEO strategies, we cover the progress and challenges that shaped the month. We also talk about launching our Creative Club, the ongoing struggles freelancers face with pricing, and why industry standards matter. Plus, we reflect on balancing social media engagement with real value, and what we’ve learned along the way.
We invited Studio Sirene to have a conversation that explores the dynamics of a design collective, focusing on the unique structure, roles, and responsibilities within the group. We discuss their approach to client relationships, financial logistics, and the importance of work-life balance. They also share insights on hiring practices and offer advice for those looking to start their own collective.Website: https://sirene.studioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.sirene/
In this episode we celebrate 100 episodes of Never Went To Business School. We go over what it has been like and what we want to improve in the future.
In this conversation, we critically analyze an article promoting the idea that being a generalist is more beneficial than specializing in a specific field. We discuss the implications of this perspective on the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of specialization, adaptability, and the potential harm such narratives can cause to freelancers and creatives.
In this conversation, Sandra Reichl, co-founder of A Passion Thing, shares her journey from a young artist to a successful entrepreneur in the creative industry. She discusses her experiences as a freelancer, the challenges of building and managing a team, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the creative field. Sandra emphasizes the need for business skills alongside creativity and reflects on the personal growth that comes with navigating the complexities of the industry.InstagramAgencyMagazine
In this monthly recap, we look back at what we did in July – from new lead generation efforts to progress on internal projects and updates on our pricing tool. We share what we worked on, and what we’re still figuring out, and how we’re thinking about visibility, value, and making space for non-client work.
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