Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lance Pufahl. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lance, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

I think if you’re in the creative field, you’re essentially starting behind the eight ball when it comes to profitability. For so long, graphic design has been one of the lowest paid jobs in America, and that has never made sense to me. Design is incredibly crucial to so many businesses and industries, but people consistently think designers are a dime a dozen and don’t want to pay for their services. It’s so important to know your worth as a designer/artist. When I started my company at the beginning of 2022, I was still struggling to ask clients for what I believed to be market rates, because I had never been paid what I was worth. But as time went on, I started to become more comfortable with talking about money and rates. I started to realize that clients are willing to pay for quality design, regardless of price. Profitability has been a struggle my entire career, but the sooner you realize your true worth as an artist or designer, the sooner you can be on your way to profitability.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an artist and graphic designer based out of Austin, TX and I started my company, Pink Rooster Designs, at the beginning of 2022. I provide all types of services when it comes to art and design, but I mainly focus on branding and murals. I’ve been an artist my entire life; always sketching something or drawing a superhero when I was little. I then taught myself graphic design after I graduated college, and got a job at a Marketing Agency in Kansas City. From there I continued to hone my skill as a designer, while also continuing to draw and paint as a hobby. When I moved to Austin in 2019, I knew I wanted to branch off and start my own company. I wanted to combine all of my skills and favorite things, so I landed on murals and design. I have 15+ years of experience as a graphic designer, and even more as a painter and artist.

I believe I can be a one stop shop for my clients when it comes to design. I can create a memorable brand/logo, design accompanying marketing pieces, and also paint a mural for your office space or place of business. Not many designers or companies can offer all of that. I’m a self-taught artist and a self-made businessman who works incredibly hard for each and every one of my clients to ensure they’re happy with the final result. Whether it’s a logo for a mom who’s starting her own home organizing company or a large mural for a business in downtown Austin – I’m confident that I can create something unique and memorable for you.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Regardless of whether it’s a long-term or one-off client, I think it’s crucial to stay in touch with them. For my long-term clients, I send emails every few weeks touching base with a project that was just completed or a project that I know is coming down the pipeline. Communicating with your clients – even with a short email – shows them that they are at the forefront of your mind and that you value their relationship and business. When you’re a freelancer, you want to ensure your clients always feel taken care of.

I still reach out to clients that I worked with on a singular project as well. I ask how things are going and if they envision needing any other services in the future. I’ve found that the more you put yourself (and your business) out there, the greater the chance of getting a referral or another project.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

“The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin has been a fantastic source of inspiration for myself. It speaks about creativity, what it requires of us, and the challenges we may face when we are on a creative path. He writes about all levels of creativity – whether that’s music, writing, painting, or starting a business. The book is as much a guide to life as it is a guide to creativity, and Rick has so much experience and wisdom on the subject. I’d highly recommend it to anyone in the creative field.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pinkroosterdesigns.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pinkroosterdesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-pufahl-65397b87/