SO IT TURNS OUT THAT MARKETING WORKS
Rebecca and I just spent five days in January on a business retreat with an intimate group of our design besties. Most people wouldn’t be so enthusiastic to visit the Lodi, CA wine country in the middle of winter, but we put this retreat together with some big goals in mind for all of our businesses. We put this retreat together with Renee Bush and Brooke Stoll, who’s guidance on business strategy, branding, profitability, and processes helped our entire group launch into 2026 in an amazing place.
There’s still a ton of work to do based on the retreat, and we’ll keep sharing more on the podcast and in our Patreon. We had so many amazing one-on-one and group conversations during our time together, but one conversation kept popping up every day. Renee kept bringing us back to the concept of Show It, Tell It, Prove It in marketing.
Most designers only Tell It
“I’m full-service.”
“I’m detail-oriented.”
“I care deeply about my clients.”
Cool, cool. But our future clients are scrolling with one eyebrow raised, because they aren’t looking for claims, they need evidence.
Show It without perfection
This is the visual and experiential layer. Your work, your vibe, your philosophy and point of you without explanation. Share the project photos, before and afters, behind the scenes in the studio, screenshots of client deliverables, sourcing days, and site visits. If someone landed on your page with the sound off, could they still feel what you do?
Stop focusing on making things perfect and show people what you’re doing.
Tell It with language, context, and story
Renee reinforced with our group during the retreat that people want to make the connection between what you’re showing them and what you’re saying. They’re already going to help you do the work if you give them a path to follow. Once they’ve seen what you’re doing, then you explain why you made certain decisions, how you think, who your work is for (and who it’s not).
It feels easier to me to write a caption, or a blog post, or an IG story when I think of it this way. I’m just narrating my expertise instead of focusing only on the finished project aesthetics.
Can you back it up and Prove It?
No matter where potential clients find you, don’t forget that your goal is to establish trust with them. Your proof is going to be client testimonials, case studies with real outcomes, press features, clear process breakdowns, heck its even the texts from your contractor saying “thank you for this detail drawing it really helps the tile guy”.
You’re not bragging. You’re proving to people that the things you’ve shown them and told them about are real and their outcomes are real for your clients. This is how you reduce the risk a potential client takes on when working with you on a major emotional and financial decision.
Bring the receipts
When you show, people get intrigued. When you tell, they understand. When you prove, they feel safe saying yes.
You don’t have to get louder, or start buying ads to attract your ideal clients and projects. You just have to get clearer. Clarity comes from backing up your design magic with receipts!
Fizzles & Sizzles
Rebecca's Fizzle
There’s been a lot of Fizzle in the world lately but on a tiny level this hummingbird crashed into our glass door and sat with us stunned for 15 minutes. Watching it recover and fly away felt hopeful in a very small, needed way. Also the colors! Humans could never.
Rebecca's Sizzle
Nothing new, but I’ve been in a bit of a tailspin trying to solidify processes and figure out what’s next for Studio Plumb. Coming out of the retreat, I feel focused and ready. I realized there isn’t one right way to run a studio, but there is a right way for me. I now have clear, actionable steps, with a focus on tightening systems, leading with more confidence, and removing myself as the bottleneck. That clarity feels grounding and makes 2026 feel doable and exciting!
Shaun's Fizzle
I’m okay, everyone’s ok, but I got in a car accident. I’m not a car person, but I’m choosing to go into the car buying process with excitement. Just because it wasn’t planned, doesn’t mean it’s not a good opportunity.
Shaun's Sizzle
I’ve been working with an adventurous client who has been really lovely to work with. We swapped their dining room and living room, we’re painting the ceiling peach and the walls lavender and the window treatments are this lush plum color. Gah! It’s going to be so good.
Stuff We're Digging
- 01. Kilim coasters? Say less.
- 02. Take better notes with this screen protector/pencil tip
- 03. This Dictionary of Color Combinations has been fun to pull from
- 04. How to organize your presentation samples
- 05. It's not too late to book your own solo retreat!
- 06. I will always love these as nightstands in small bedrooms
