Jade Agard Design

02/11/2026

Affinity for iPad just dropped and it’s free for individuals! I put together everything that’s missing at launch, what needs a Canva account and what costs extra, so you can decide if it’s ready for your workflow. Are you downloading it this week, or waiting for more features?

Affinity for iPad is out and free for individuals, but some desktop tools are missing. See the limitations list, file compatibility and AI costs.

30/10/2026

Sensory branding is getting a lot of attention this year, and it asks you to think about texture, sound and motion on top of the logo and colours. I put together a guide on how to plan it, pitch it and document it for clients. Have you ever picked a paper stock or a website animation because of how it feels? Tell me about it in the comments!

Sensory branding adds texture, sound and motion to your brand strategy. Learn how to plan it, pitch it and document it for clients.

20/10/2026

Where did your first clients come from? Mine came mostly from Instagram, and I’m now putting more effort into my website and email list so I’m not relying on one app. I shared what’s working, what hasn’t worked yet and five steps you can start this week. What’s one place you could send people that you fully own?

Build an owned audience with your website, email list and referrals instead of relying on Instagram. My real results plus 5 steps to start this week.

06/10/2026

Everyone's posting "Made by a human is the new luxury," but what does it actually mean for your client work? I looked at the research and shared where it holds up and where I cannot confirm it. Do you show clients your sketches and decision notes, or keep the process behind the scenes? Tell me below.

Your design process is your biggest advantage as AI polish gets easy. See what 2026 trend reports and research say, and how to show your process.

05/10/2026

The amount of AI used for design is astonishing and disheartening. I’ve seen both real design made by humans and by an AI all be labeled as AI.

A creator even showed themselves in their content and people said that she also looked like AI. So if something is really well done people think it’s AI.

Messy design makes you feel like it’s real but for creatives that have mastered their craft so they look very professional messy design is actually very challenging to do. But if we want to stand out and keep our connection with people we need to show our messy work. The behind the scenes. The chaotic project files and not just the final product. We have to show the thinking behind our designs.

It could be frustrating but honestly I think this could be great for us and show the value of our work, our thinking and our skill.

02/10/2026

Since you've been asking, here's what's actually inside the Brand Presentation Template.

And I want to be real with you because I know how many templates out there look good in the preview and then become a whole project to actually use. This one is not that.

The structure is already done. Brand strategy, creative direction, brand values, audience insights, visual direction, mockups. Every section a solid client presentation needs is already laid out and waiting for your content. You're not starting from a blank slide and hoping it comes together.

It also works in Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Express, and Affinity, so whatever your setup is, you're covered.
And every template I make comes with a companion guide that walks you through how to fill out each section, including AI prompts if that's part of your process.

If you've been spending hours formatting slides or second-guessing how to present your strategy work, this is the part where that stops. Link in bio 🔗

01/10/2026

Ever had a client relationship that just wasn't working anymore? You're not alone, and you're allowed to end it professionally. New post on how to fire a client the right way, without burning bridges or your reputation.

Learn how to fire a client the right way: what to say, when to say it, and how to protect your business and reputation in the process.

16/09/2026

If your studio software costs have crept up this year, you're not imagining it. I went through every design studio subscription I was paying for and found free replacements for most of my client process, from intake forms to invoicing to design software itself. What's the one subscription you'd cut first if you could? Full post is up on the blog.

Running a one-person design studio? Here's exactly what to automate first, what to leave alone, and the tools that make it worth your time.

24/08/2026

guys can we talk about pricing for a sec

because if you're anything like me a few years ago, you're either guessing your rates or googling "how much should I charge as a designer" at 1am 😅

I built the Services & Pricing Guide template because I was so tired of clients asking "so what's included" and me fumbling through an explanation in real time on a discovery call. Not a good look when you're trying to sound like the expert in the room.

This template lays out your services, your pricing, and what's actually included in each package in a way that looks polished and feels intentional. No more scrambling to explain your process while a potential client is staring at you waiting for numbers.

And the companion guide walks you through how to actually price your services with confidence, not just what to charge but why, so you're not leaving money on the table or undercharging out of fear.

Literally the two things I wish I had when I was starting out, bundled together so you don't have to figure it out the hard way like I did.

If you've ever gone quiet mid-sentence trying to explain your pricing to a client, this is your sign.

Link in bio to grab it 🤍

24/08/2026

Ever sent a branding proposal and then spent the next three days refreshing your inbox? Same. Turns out it's almost never the design work that makes clients hesitate, it's pricing clarity. New post is up with what actually belongs in a proposal that gets signed (and where a design contract fits in too). Anyone else relate to the post-send spiral?

A branding proposal don't get rejected over design skill. It gets rejected over pricing clarity. Here's how to fix that before you hit send.