We were lucky to catch up with Andersen Conner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andersen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is a relative term for me.

I’ve realized over the years of working for different companies that if success is something that is not completely controlled by you, then you are working towards someone else’s idea of success. Once I realized this for myself, then I began building my own ventures and being my own boss. It’s quite liberating.

Of course, it is a LOT easier said than done. And the same may not be true for everyone else. When I first started making money on my own, I gained an incredible amount of experience through quite an interesting array of positions – including ranch-hand, surf photographer, and WordPress production manager to name a few. These opportunities taught me a multitude of applicable skills that I still carry with me today as I design and build software and assist other founders with doing so.

It’s all a matter of perspective, in my personal opinion. I think of work more-so as play and try and do things that I’m really passionate about.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a designer, product builder, and wilderness photographer based in Boulder, Colorado. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of nature and technology, and over the last decade, I’ve built a career that blends both. I’m the founder of Vagabond Studio, a creative and digital agency that helps founders, brands, and nonprofits bring their ideas to life. We specialize in product design, branding, and full-stack web and app development — taking projects from concept to launch.

Recently, I’ve founded and built Wild Food Network: an intelligent mapping platform that helps foragers, naturalists, and explorers discover where wild edible species thrive. Blending environmental science, real-time data, and community observations, it illuminates hidden habitats for wild food across the American continent, and soon – the world.

On the side, I document remote wilderness regions across the U.S. and offer fine art prints and behind-the-scenes educational content.

My entry into product and tech wasn’t necessarily traditional and I learned almost everything by doing. I co-founded Foraged.com, a venture-backed wild and specialty food marketplace focused on reconnecting people with where their ingredients come from. We grew it to over 30,000 customers and $2M+ in revenue, and I co-led product, design, and platform strategy from the ground up. That experience taught me how to move fast, ship things that matter, and think entirely about both user needs and business impact.

I’ve been in the trenches and am not just a service provider. I’ve been a founder, operator, photographer, creative director, and hands-on builder for over a decade. I’ve had to figure things out from scratch and bring a scrappy, solutions-first mindset to every project I take on. Whether it’s helping a nonprofit find its voice online, building an e-commerce platform for a new CPG brand, or capturing the solitude of a backcountry landscape, it all comes from the same place: helping people tell a story that matters.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with clients, collaborators, and communities alike. If you work with me, you’re getting someone who’s fully there. I care deeply about doing good work, treating people well, and building things that last.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been honesty and being genuine. Be a good human.

I don’t rely on huge flashy ads or aggressive outreach. Instead, I focus on identifying small to mid-sized businesses that are doing well in their core operations but are clearly struggling with their web presence or technological infrastructure. In today’s world, your digital presence is often the first, and sometimes only, impression a customer gets. If your website is outdated, clunky, or templated, you’re likely losing credibility and conversions without even realizing it.

When I approach a potential client, it’s not a pitch. It’s a conversation. I’ll often send a note pointing out real issues I noticed, followed by a few simple ideas they could implement to improve. There’s no pressure or ego, only a a desire to help. I’ve found that this kind of honest engagement builds trust right away, especially with founders who are overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.

I don’t try to “sell” them something they don’t need. I’m here to try and solve a problem that’s actively costing them time or money. And I frame it as a partnership, not a service. I want them to succeed as much as I want my own ventures to succeed, and I think that sincerity comes through.

Most of my clients come from word of mouth, referrals, or even cold intros that turn into long-term collaborations. The work becomes more meaningful when it’s built on mutual respect and clear communication. At the end of the day, people want to work with someone who actually gives a damn about their success.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that saying yes to everything leads to growth.

When I started Vagabond Studio, I was eager to help anyone who needed design, branding, or web support. I said yes to almost every client, no matter the budget, fit, or red flags. I thought more work meant more success. I quickly learned that the wrong clients can drain your energy, stall your momentum, and dilute your vision.

I’ve worked with clients who didn’t value the process, constantly pushed scope, and ignored the expertise I brought to the table. You get burned out by the end of it, and the final product doesn’t even reflect your best work. Not every opportunity is worth it.

Over the years, I’ve become much more intentional. Vagabond Studio now focuses on working with founders and small businesses that align with our values. I want to be with others who are ready to collaborate, invest in quality, and build something meaningful. I’ve learned that boundaries, clarity, and saying “no” can be just as powerful as saying “yes.”

In my personal life too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://andersenconner.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/andersen_conner
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersenconner/