Three Reasons Designers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through Before 2026)
If you’ve been feeling stuck in your design business — stuck at the same income level, stuck recreating your processes every time a new client reaches out, stuck second-guessing your pricing, or stuck behind a brand that doesn’t reflect your true talent — this episode is the shift you needed.
Today, John breaks down the three biggest reasons designers don’t grow (even when they’re working hard!) and teaches the mindset, strategy, and structure shifts he coaches inside The McClain Method. If you want a more confident, profitable, luxury-aligned business heading into 2026, this is your roadmap.
✨ IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- Why your business feels chaotic even when your design work is beautiful
- How reinventing your process for every new client drains energy, creativity, and profit
- What a real, repeatable business system looks like for designers
- The difference between pricing based on fear vs. pricing based on transformation
- Why your digital presence matters more than your portfolio
- How brand alignment impacts the level of clients you attract
- How to step into a higher level of confidence and clarity before the new year
🛠️ RESOURCES MENTIONED (REGULAR PRICING)
Looking to strengthen your client experience or add a new service to your business? These are the resources mentioned in the episode:
Client Care Manual + FF&E Schedule + Install Day Guide (regular price)
👉 https://www.mcclainmethod.com/offers/PE6w4g74/checkout
Designer On Demand Workshop + Workbook (regular price)
👉 https://www.mcclainmethod.com/offers/jEyXLVKF/checkout
🖤 BLACK FRIDAY: THE DESIGNER EDITION — Nov 24–28, 2025 ONLY
For one week, John is releasing five one-day-only offers designed to solve the most common problems designers face — pricing, processes, client care, branding, clarity, and more.
Each offer unlocks at 6 a.m. EST and disappears at midnight.
This page is only active from Nov 24–28, 2025
👉 https://www.mcclainmethod.com/black_friday
⭐ VIP LIST: EARLY ACCESS + REMINDERS
Want first access to every daily deal and early reminders before each offer expires?
Join the Black Friday Designer Edition VIP list here:
👉 https://www.mcclainmethod.com/black_friday_vip
🏛️ THE BIG ONE IS COMING…
The ne
🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!
📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin
Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
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