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A MICRO-BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR BRAND AND WEB DESIGNERS
Dream Big Designer
A complete roadmap for turning your design skills into a profitable, sustainable business (built by the CEO of a design agency with 11 years of experience serving 450+ clients, generating multiple six figures annually, and helping clients get featured in Forbes, Goop, and Nordstrom).
You’re already great at design
BUT YOU'RE READY FOR MORE
More mornings sipping coffee without immediately opening your laptop, more weeks where your invoices are paid before the project even starts, and more dream clients sliding into your inbox saying "I've been wanting to work with someone like you". And let’s just shoot it straight—you've got bigger dreams than your current reality is delivering.
Here’s where most resources for designers fall short; they teach you how to design, not to build a business. Growing a successful design agency takes practical skills and tools most designers never learn. Think: strategic offer suites, smart pricing models, client workflows that run themselves, sales strategies that actually work, and ideally—guidance from someone who's been (and stayed) where you're going. Inside of Dream Big Designer, I hand over my complete agency playbook: every template, workflow, and system I use to run my own thriving design business, plus the training and community support to implement it all with confidence. Whether you're dreaming of leaving your 9-5 or ready to take “freelancer” off your title for good, you'll get everything you need to build a sustainable agency that works for you.
Let’s make sure DBD is right for you
Could any of these be your bio?
Agency employee dreaming of freedom
You’re done getting Slack messages at 5:03 pm asking for quick edits, and you fantasize about working in leggings from your couch, choosing your own clients instead of having them handed to you by a project manager.
Freelancer stuck in the feast-or-famine cycle
One month you’re slammed, juggling 6 half-paying clients and the next you’re staring at your calendar, wondering if you’ll need to take on a logo project for $500 to make rent, You know your work is worth more.
New to design, but ready to build your studio
You've got the technical skills and want to shift into offering brand and web design—without starting from square one. You haven't booked a client before and don't even know where to start (should you revamp your portfolio? Or focus on setting up your marketing plan first?)
Studio owner struggling to grow like you expected
You’ve built the site and socials, but the clients aren’t coming—instead of staying stuck (and posting another "now booking" story just to hear crickets), you’re ready to scale your business to the damn moon.
Yes? Then I bet you want...
Control over your time, creativity, and income—choosing the projects that light you up (and pay well) instead of taking whatever comes your way
Complete systems, templates, and processes to help you build long-term stability and growth—along with the confidence to put it all into play
Not just theory, but actual systems to book (and wow) your first high-ticket clients on launch day, from someone who's built a thriving design agency from scratch
Proven strategies that actually bring in clients and turn your studio into a sought-after brand—with a clear framework to attract premium clients that align with your vision
Good news: you already have what it takes
We just need to fill in a few gaps
If you're charging $500 for logos or watching the agency you work for bill clients thousands for your work (that they pay you $30/hour for), you're not alone. The gap isn't in your creative abilities—it's in how you're positioning, valuing, and viewing what you bring to the table. The same design skills that have clients raving about your work could be booking $10k, $15k, and higher projects, with a waitlist of dream clients ready to pay. The only thing standing between you and building a successful design agency is learning to show up as the CEO you're meant to be, not just another designer. That's exactly the gap we're closing inside of DBD.
What makes DBD different
Learn from an agency owner who's served over 450 clients, not just a course creator.
Most "business for designers" courses are taught by people who are actually full-time course creators (and have never built a successful agency). The majority of their income comes from selling courses, not client work. Make it make sense? 🤔
Instead, you're learning from a designer who has served 450+ clients and has actually been in the trenches building the business you want.
When I share a pricing strategy, it's because I used it to book an $18K client last month. When I teach about scaling without burnout, it's because I've figured out how to make my old 9-5 salary in a month while working 24 hours a week. And it's not just my results—hundreds of DBD students have used this exact framework to grow their own design agencies, raise their rates, and finally feel confident as business owners.
Get 1:1 support (so you actually implement the program, instead of letting it sit in your inbox).
This isn't a "buy the course and let it sit in your inbox for 6 months" situation. DBD includes 6 months of direct access to me via Slack where you can get feedback on your pricing, portfolio reviews, and guidance through tricky client situations. Most people buy courses and never finish them—but when you have someone in your corner answering questions and keeping you accountable, you actually implement what you learn and can see real results.
These designers are proof
Here’s a sneak peek at what your future could look like after DBD
"I raised my rates, and I booked my first three clients—all within the first couple weeks of the course!
Before DBD, I was at a full-time design job and super unhappy. After spending hours on a commute to my 9-5 job, I quit.
I started taking on freelance work but had no idea how to price anything—I think I charged $300 for a logo! I didn’t understand the process of getting a client, serving them, and creating an offboarding process.
Now I’ve raised my rates and am confident knowing the price represents the value of the work. I raised my rates, and I booked my first three clients—all within the first couple weeks of the course!"
—Stephanie, Brand Designer
"I've doubled my revenue and started booking out 3 months in advance.
Before DBD, I struggled to raise my prices and I didn't know how to find clients that would trust me upfront. My clients were always impressed with my work once it was delivered, but I struggled to get clients that would hand over creative control. At the end of each project I was left thinking, 'I should have charged way more for this.'
I spent all of November finishing up the DBD course and have since doubled my monthly revenue and started booking out 3 months in advance. Also, I just hired two dessssperately needed design contractors a few weeks ago! DBD is so so soooooo helpful!"
—Deja, DejaMakes
“I got my first client the day I launched!
After taking Dream Big Designer, I wasn’t launching with the hopes that something would happen, I launched expecting good things to happen.
It’s wild! My first client reached out the day I launched, I sent a proposal and by the end of week one of being live, she was in!
I just increased my prices today!! 6 months in and already feeling the need. I'm currently working on creating some templates to sell and use as my semi-custom sites and I just got back from a week away for my 40th! First full vacation in over a year."
—Jodi, Letters and Lines Creative Co
"She helped me shift my messaging to speak directly to my ideal clients, and two weeks after...I booked two new projects, including my first $7,000 client.
Before DBD, I constantly second-guessed myself, especially when inquiries would ghost me after I sent a meeting link. Now, with a clearly defined client experience and intentional messaging, I’m attracting clients who are a much better fit—and they’re following through and booking.
Meredith helped me shift my messaging to speak directly to my ideal clients, and two weeks after making those changes, I booked two new projects, including my first $7,000 client.
I’ve also stopped offering unnecessary discounts. DBD helped me understand and communicate the full value of my services, so I no longer feel the need to lower my prices out of fear that a client won’t book. That change has helped me approach sales calls with more clarity
and confidence. There are so many online courses out there, and a lot of them are mediocre at best, but DBD is 100% worth it."
—Megan, Little Mo Designs
You're next.
QUICK HONESTY HOUR
The success you're craving doesn't happen on accident (or overnight)
Those $10k, $30K, and $50k months don’t happen after watching a few videos. The designers who thrive after DBD are the ones who believe in their worth enough to invest in themselves, take practical steps inside each module, and choose to stay consistent even when doubt creeps in. Unlike other courses promising overnight success, DBD helps you build something that lasts—an agency that supports your vision for freedom and creativity. And here’s what I know: if you're still reading this, you've got exactly what it takes to be next.
It's more than just another course
As a DBD student, you gain access to…
A micro business school
CEOs aren't born, they're built—and most designers never learn the business side of running a profitable agency. Inside DBD, you'll master everything from pricing psychology to strategic offer suites that take you from getting treated like a glorified intern that clients boss around to a design expert they'll pay thousands and wait on a waitlist for. It’s your crash course in becoming the business owner your clients respect, leading projects like you know your $h!t, and wearing your CEO title with pride.
A clear path to ditch your 9-5 agency job
The "security" of your 9-5 might actually be keeping you from the freedom and financial growth you really want (take it from someone who now makes their 9-5 salary in 1 month). DBD gives you a clear, easy-to-follow roadmap to transition from dragging your feet to your thankless agency job that kills your creativity to building the consistent revenue and independence that lets you take afternoons off, travel when you want, and finally feel in control of your own schedule (without the "how am I going to pay rent?" panic).
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My signature freelancer to agency owner framework
Gain the tools to stop being the designer who does everything themselves and start building a scalable business that brings in clients even when you sleep, travel, read, or binge-watch Schitt’s Creek for the 6th time (no shame). You'll learn exactly how to create systems that run without you, when and how to bring on team members, and how to position yourself as a creative director instead of a do-it-all designer. This is the “how” to growth without burnout (and I can’t wait for you to experience the difference).
More confidence & income
"I'm just accepting anything so I can make money" is about to become "I'm booked out with clients who respect and pay for my expertise." You'll build the genuine confidence to raise your rates and be selective about which clients you work with, set boundaries clients actually respect so they don't hassle you for "one more quick change" on a Friday at 5:01 pm, and stop second-guessing your worth (and offering a discount only to get ghosted) every time you send a proposal.
Become the CEO of a sought-after design agency
Your step by step journey inside of DBD
Dream Big Designer is a complete business course for designers ready to leave their 9-5 or freelancing role behind to build a sustainable, profitable agency. You'll learn at your own pace with lifetime access* to all the templates, systems, and resources I actually use in my own business. No fluff, no guesswork—just the exact steps to build the agency you've been dreaming about.
What you'll learn
Your A-Z framework to build a profitable, sustainable design agency
MODULE 01
Build a powerful brand foundation
Create the strategic groundwork that positions you as an expert from day one.
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Position your brand professionally so that when clients find you, nothing looks amateur on your website or social accounts
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Develop a complete business plan establishing you as an expert in the design world
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Learn how to prep for and execute a brand photoshoot that gets all your social and web content done in one (making it way easier to post & create a gorgeous site)
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A clear, step-by-step website audit to transform it into a client magnet
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Optimize your socials to drive qualified leads to your website
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Up your legal protection with contracts and client agreements that keep you covered
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Gain financial clarity with our P&L template (say goodbye to tax season panic and avoiding your bank account)
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Make your business official with the proper structure and software setup
MODULE 02
Attracting ideal clients
Stop waiting for clients to find you—here's how to become a dream client magnet.
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Identify your ideal high-ticket clients using our proven client attraction framework
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Position yourself as the obvious choice through content that mirrors your ideal client, making them think "wow, she gets me"
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An outreach strategy to sell your services directly to hot leads
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Pre-written sales scripts to make genuine connections with new leads
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Build a community where you're known as the go-to designer (and people happily jump on your waitlist for the next available spot)
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Create strategic marketing that has clients saying yes before they even get on a sales call
MODULE 03
Creating a luxury offer suite
Transform your one-off projects into high-value, premium packages.
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Package your design services at premium prices (goodbye $300 logos, hello $10k+ brand experiences)
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Establish your rates confidently using a revenue planning framework that actually helps you hit your financial goals, not just pay the bills (our students are proof!)
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Apply pricing psychology principles that are more than just "charging what you're worth" b.s.
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Create an offer suite that increases the lifetime value of each client
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Structure payment plans that improve cash flow without awkward money conversations
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Map out your transition from your 9-5 to becoming the CEO of your own agency (yes, it’s broken down step-by-step)
MODULE 04
Sealing the deal with sales calls
Turn inquiries into "heck yes!" clients with confidence (no awkward sales tactics required).
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Gain the confidence to lead sales calls like a pro, even if they currently terrify you
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Make it easier than ever to book with you by building a strategic client funnel
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Spot red flags early to save your precious time for dreamy clients only
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Get more “I’m in, where do I sign?” thanks to proven sales call scripts that feel natural (the same scripts I've used to book hundreds of clients)
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Create a follow-up system that turns "thinking about it" into "just paid the invoice!"
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Keep track of your leads from inquiry to signed contract
MODULE 05
Systems optimization
Set up the business backend that lets you focus on what you want to do, not what you “have to do”.
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Steal my CRM processes for booking, onboarding, project management, and more (that save hours of time and energy each week)
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Create a project management system that clients rave about, keeps projects on time, and keeps you sane
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Set up email marketing that nurtures leads while you work on other things (so they come to your call ready to sign)
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Create automations that literally work while you sleep (goodbye, late nights and manually doing EVERYTHING)
MODULE 06
Obsession-worthy client experience
Create an experience so good, clients can't help but tell everyone they know.
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Guide clients through a proven brand and web design process from start to finish (including the exact Asana templates I use with Quixotic clients!)
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Set clear boundaries clients not only respect but appreciate (no more "one more quick change" emails. Clients will understand and respect your revision policy).
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Our simple process to produce intelligent concepts that nail your clients vision every single time
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Create your luxury client experience that leaves clients feeling SO taken care of that you literally see their referrals popping up in your inbox before you've even finished the project
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Collect powerful testimonials that showcase the value of your work together and help take future prospective clients from "is this really worth it?" to "just signed the contrat!"
MODULE 07
Marketing mastery
Build a consistent pipeline of qualified leads (without feeling like a pushy salesperson) from your marketing, not just likes and follows.
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Learn lead generation strategies that consistently attract ready-to-pay, high-ticket clients (on fun, creative projects you actually want to share in your portfolio)
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Bring in new clients anytime you want with our lead nurturing framework
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Turn interested followers into paying clients with conversation starters that feel natural and fun, not pushy or salesy
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Plug and play tactics designed to get you paid when rent is due, not just 6 months from now (because sometimes you need a new client before Friday).
MODULE 08
Continuous growth tactics
Scale your business without working more hours (yes, it's possible!).
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Learn the best sources of passive income for your dream agency (and your specific income goals)
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Introduce passive income products to diversify your income and increase your revenue (we’ll walk you through each step)
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Expand your team and outsource tasks you no longer want to do (getting your time back and sustainably scaling all at once)
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Create systems that sustain your business long-term (yes, while you're poolside in Nantucket or even when you just need a mental health day)
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Develop a business model that gives you true freedom to create the Pinterest board life you’ve been dreaming of: whether it's 24 hour work weeks and more afternoons with your kids, or a full suite of passive income products that make those monthly vacays a real thing.
Included supportive resources
Complete, ready-to-use systems that will save you hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.
Rates calculator spreadsheet
The financial planning system that shows you exactly what to charge based on your income goals, business expenses, and project scope (the same calculator we've used to build out $70k months).
Complete Dubsado template suite
Every form you need to run a professional agency, plus an in-depth training on how to get the most out of your CRM (it’s so easy, you can set it up in a day—even if it’s your first time using a CRM). Customize these templates in minutes instead of spending weeks creating them from scratch.
Asana project management system
The exact Asana templates I use to keep my projects organized and on-track, and my clients raving about their experience (seriously, our process has resulted in hundreds of referrals). The best part? Set them up once, look professional AF to clients forever.
Implementation support
Real support that ensures you actually implement what you learn and see results.
1:1 Slack channel with Meredith
Your own private channel for direct access to me (yes, seriously) whenever you need guidance or a question answered. Get portfolio reviews, pricing help, feedback on your website, a review of your social content, and support through tricky client situations. Past students cite this as the most valuable part of the program (and I LOVE seeing you in there). As a DBD student, you get access to 6 months of 1:1 Slack support from Meredith.
Dream Big Designer community
Connect with fellow designers who understand exactly what you're going through. Celebrate those "OMG I just signed my biggest client to date" moments, troubleshoot when your scratch disks are full and illustrator's crashing, find accountability partners to keep you on track, get help through those "I feel like a total imposter" moments, and build relationships that last well beyond the course.
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Step-by-step implementation guides
Detailed action plans that break down exactly what to do first, second, and third to avoid overwhelm. Each guide gives you clear, manageable steps to implement what you're learning without getting stuck in analysis paralysis or "should I update my website copy or my marketing plan first?" situations.
“Just yesterday, I received THREE inquiries in 2 hours, which was unheard of before.
I made the common mistake of, “hey, I can design a logo!”, thinking that's all it took. But, as crazy as this sounds, what I actually needed to know was how to run a business.
After taking Dream Big Designer, I’ve leveled up and streamlined my processes.
DBD helped me grow my business from a side hustle to a full-time job. Since putting everything into place, I’ve grown my confidence. Just yesterday, I received 3 inquiries in two hours, which was unheard of before."
—Ellen, Ellen Dawn Design
"Having the opportunity to look into Meredith's mind and really understand how to create a business that is successful and is rooted in strategy and passion has been almost immeasurable in how worth it it has been.
DBD has absolutely helped me make more money in my business, especially with proposals and understanding the backend of client processes. Truly, it has provided me with an incredibly strategic foundation to have a successful design business. I would 1000% recommend this as the perfect course for designers who are struggling with their strategy, their process, marketing, or mindset.
Joining a group like this has changed my business in so many positive ways. Meredith and her team are incredible and you can tell that they care about each student and are there to help."
—Claire, Juniper Folk Designs
"Since starting the course I have accomplished my goal of leaving my 9-5 to start my business!
Before I found DBD, I was working at an agency for a year and wanting to open my own business but I didn’t know where to start. I wanted to set myself up for success in my business and that is where DBD came into play. It provided me with clear guidance and the steps I needed to take to get myself out there and seen. It's been a huge help in setting myself up for success. Since starting the course I have accomplished my goal of leaving my 9-5 to start my business! I have gained confidence in my business, and it has helped me break out of the freelance rut and position myself as an expert in the field. Meredith and the network of designers who are in the same position as I am have been a huge help and inspiration along the way.
This is a course that is well worth the investment and it’s something you can continue to utilize and refer back to on your journey no matter what stage of your business you are in."
—Alyssa, brand designer
"DBD gave me the structure I was missing.
Trying to build a business while working a 9–5 is harder than people think. You spend all day designing, then try to switch gears and do more of the same at night...it’s easy to burn out and even easier to give up.
DBD gave me the structure I was missing. Instead of this giant, overwhelming list of “shoulds,” I had a step-by-step system to follow...which is so much more powerful than aimlessly researching on Google and YouTube... I wasn’t just guessing anymore. I had a clear direction and a proven model to work from.
The Services module was a game changer for me. I finally understood how to price and define my services, and create offers that feel aligned and professional. Instead of just copying what I saw on other designers’ websites and questioning if I was good enough, the course gave me a clear framework for how to build a business that’s sustainable and scalable."
—Leigh, brand designer
Ready to say YES to your best chapter yet?
CHOOSE THE OPTION THAT FITS YOUR needs best
Life's about to get really good
Most designers inside of DBD start in a similar place and face a lot of the same challenges as each other. This is cool for two reasons: you know you’re not alone (trust me, you’re not!) and it helps us more accurately track realistic outcomes after completing the course. Here’s what some of those look like (and yes, these are taken directly from current and past students).
Here's what life after DBD could look like
WHERE YOU'RE AT NOW
WHERE DBD CAN TAKE YOU
"I don't know where to start and the little things are tripping me up."
You'll have a clear roadmap and know exactly what to do first, second, and third—no more guessing or second-guessing.
You're experiencing "paralysis from being overwhelmed" and feel scattered with "100s of to-dos as a solopreneur."
Your streamlined systems will handle the background work while you focus on the work you love—and actually close your laptop at a reasonable hour.
"I'm struggling to ask for the amount I believe my work to be worth."
You'll confidently command premium rates of $10k, $15k, and beyond, knowing exactly how to communicate your value to clients who appreciate it.
You’ve DMed “I can do it for less if that helps” more times than you’d like to admit and you’ve even done a brand package for free thinking it’d “build your portfolio”
Your new clients will read your proposal and say “this sounds perfect, when can we start?” instead of ghosting or asking for discounts.
"My client work comes in waves... it's not consistent at all"
A booked-out calendar 3-4 months in advance with a waitlist of ideal clients excited to work specifically with you.
"I'm terrified of going into people's DMs because I might look desperate."
You'll have a marketing system that feels natural and consistently attracts aligned clients—even during traditionally "slow" months. Plus, the scripts to make it happen.
"It's hard to set boundaries with my clients. I feel like I'm working 24-7."
Your business will run on systems that protect your time and energy, allowing you to fully disconnect when you're not working.
"My current 9-5 sucks the life out of me."
You'll build a business that gives you true freedom—taking afternoons off, traveling when you want, and creating a schedule that works for your life.
"I want to work anytime, anywhere, and earn money even while I'm on vacation."
Your business will support your dream lifestyle with multiple revenue streams that work whether you're at your desk or on a beach somewhere.
"I've always been too nice. I volunteer to add on services they don't pay for."
You'll run projects with professional boundaries that clients respect, following a process that positions you as the expert, not just the hired help.
From one designer to another
When I left my corporate design job working with high-profile brands, I took a risk that terrified me—starting my own business. I left a paycheck that covered my rent and health insurance for a studio apartment with bad lighting, a wobbly IKEA desk, and a whole lot of panic-Googling “how to get clients as a designer”. I said “yes” to anyone who’d pay me, even when I knew I was undercharging. I questioned everything every day. I've stood exactly where you are now: trying to figure out how to book quality clients, charge what you want, and build something sustainable without a clue how to “do it right”.
A QUICK HEART-TO-HEART
xoxo, Mere
After years of trial and error, building systems that work, and refining my approach to client relationships, I've built a design agency that books clients 3-4 months in advance, makes my 9-5 salary in a month, and affords me the freedom to work with people I genuinely love. You don't have to struggle through those same years of figuring it all out alone. Dream Big Designer exists because designers kept asking me "how did you do it?" and I saw so many of them learning from people who've never actually built an agency themselves. That’s a problem. I still run my agency today—it's my primary revenue source and greatest passion—and I want to hand you the business framework I wish someone had given me. Design school teaches design—let me teach you how to build a business around that talent.
FAQ
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Do you offer payment plans?Yes! You can start today for just $397, and 5 monthly payments of $397 to follow.
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Do I get support, community or 1:1 access to you?"You'll get access to our incredible, private Facebook community, as well as four monthly group coaching calls. You'll receive ONE 1:1 call with Meredith as a bonus.
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Do I get lifetime access to the course material?You’ll have access to the course for as long as it exists. As of now, we don’t plan for it to expire. If anything changes, we’ll let you know 6 months in advance.
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Do I need experience before starting DBD?DBD is for both seasoned designers and new beginners. No matter where you are in your design biz journey, the principles we teach in this course will help you to scale.
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Do you offer refunds?If you can show me that you’ve gone through the course modules, checklists, and workbooks, put in the work that we cover in the course, and still don’t see any return, we will refund you. Otherwise, we do not offer refunds. Refunds will not be considered or granted after 14 days of purchase.
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How much time do I need to set aside to take the course?We recommend you set aside 2-4 hours per week to go through the program and implement the assignments.
What other designers are saying about DBD:
This time next year could look completely different
And future you is already so damn proud
When you join DBD, you're setting yourself up for a completely different reality. A year from now, you could be checking your calendar and smiling because it’s filled with brand projects that light you up, clients who trust your vision, and payment notifications that make your shoulders drop with relief. The skills and systems you'll learn can help you build an agency with premium rates, a luxury client experience, and clients who can't stop yapping about your work. Add the peace that comes with job security, CEO confidence, and sustainable growth, and you’ve got a future that current-you can only dream of.
Let’s make it a reality, yeah?
Disclaimer:
The results and testimonials featured on this page represent examples of what is possible when implementing the strategies taught in Dream Big Designer. These are real results from actual students, but they should not be considered guaranteed outcomes.
Your level of success depends on various factors including but not limited to: the time and effort you dedicate to implementing the program materials, your existing skills and experience, your business acumen, and more. Some students may see results quickly while others may take longer or achieve different outcomes.
While we provide proven strategies and support our students in every way possible, we cannot and do not guarantee that you will achieve the same results as those featured in our case studies and testimonials.