Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast

Lauren deVane is back (for the fifth time!) to help us make sense of the AI landscape—minus the tech bro energy. She and Michelle unpack what GPT-4o actually means for creative work, how to use AI tools with taste, and why brand builders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. From custom bots to off-label use cases, this conversation is a sharp, strategic look at where branding and AI intersect. Lauren deVane is the founder of The Bemused Studio, where she builds strategic, scroll-stopping brand identities for bold creatives. With 60+ client projects under her belt, she now teaches designers how to integrate AI into their workflows. Formerly leading creative at Ulta Beauty and Walgreens, Lauren’s worked with celebs like Kim Kardashian and Tracee Ellis Ross, and designed for brands like Hyatt and Chicago Fire. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: * Choosing the right AI tool * Understanding AI models * AI for brand designers * Why using AI isn't a threat to your business * Taste vs tools * Creative direction with AI * Postproduction AI hacks * Democratizing branding * Ethics and optimism * Custom instructions and training * Off-label use cases ----------------------- RESOURCES: * Use the code ITSGONNABEMAY for $400 off BAIS CAMP [https://baiscamp.thebemusedstudio.com/] * Episode 117: Midjourney & AI with Lauren deVane [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midjourney-ai-with-lauren-devane/id1516367817?i=1000619256856] * Episode 133: Midjourney & AI Part 2 with Lauren deVane [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/midjourney-ai-part-2-with-lauren-devane/id1516367817?i=1000632435648] * Episode 162: Leveraging AI Tools for Innovative Marketing with Lauren deVane [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leveraging-ai-tools-for-innovative-marketing-with/id1516367817?i=1000655547845] * Episode 192: Authenticity and AI with Lauren deVane [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/authenticity-and-ai-with-lauren-devane/id1516367817?i=1000679882583] * Episode 215: Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate (Part 2) [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/client-case-study-frg-real-estate-part-2/id1516367817?i=1000709132212] ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Lauren and her distinct style, follow her on Instagram @TheBemusedStudio [https://www.instagram.com/thebemusedstudio/], or visit her websites, TheBemusedStudio.com [http://thebemusedstudio.com/] and JoinBaisCamp.com [http://joinbaiscamp.com/]. ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca [https://searchlightdigital.ca/] for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. [https://mkwcreative.co/contact]   Connect on social with Michelle at: * Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/kissmyaesthetic/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mkwcreative.co/] * Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mkwcreative.co?lang=en] ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mkwcreativeco] ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma [https://zencastr.com/?via=kma]. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. [http://www.audible.com/kma]   This episode was edited by Berta Wired [https://bertawired.com/] Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera [https://www.instagram.com/hotmomsclubmusic/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] and Nathan Menard [https://www.instagram.com/nathanmenard/?hl=en]

Real estate but make it cozy with a touch of luxury. Tune in to hear Molly Gallagher of FRG Real Estate and Michelle talk all things Milwaukee, from historic homes to heritage branding. They dig into the emotional side of real estate, how to stage and sell with style, creating branded merch people actually want to rep, and what makes FRG’s team-first, family-rooted approach so special. Molly shares her insights on client care, design taste, and why community is everything in the Midwest market. Tune in to learn all about architecture, aesthetics, and selling with heart.   Molly is a partner on one of the top grossing real estate teams in Wisconsin. Her life is crazy full with 4 kids of her own and 8 kids collectively with her husband's 4! She and her husband are both Wisconsin natives and love to build, decorate, and curate their homes in the Northwoods, of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and in Boca Grande, FL. Molly is grateful every day for the incredible life she has after losing her mother at a young age and helping to raise her 4 siblings throughout her father's ongoing addiction issues. Positivity wins the day for Molly and she has a favorite saying: The more fun you have, the more fun you have! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: * Molly's path into real estate * The storytelling of staging your home * FRG's brand evolution working with MKW Creative Co. * The secret sauce of Milwaukee * Working with family * The value of teamwork * Real estate strategy and marketing insight * Looking at the real estate market in 2025 * New builds vs. historic home * Events and client connection * What makes FRG different ----------------------- RESOURCES: * Episode 174: Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/client-case-study-frg-real-estate/id1516367817?i=1000664478121] ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about FRG Real Estate, follow their Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/falkruvingallagher?igsh=MnduNnE1Z3E1amZi] @FalkRuvinGallagher [http://www.instagram.com/falkruvingallagher?igsh=MnduNnE1Z3E1amZi] and visit their website, thefrgteam.com/ [http://thefrgteam.com/] ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca [https://searchlightdigital.ca/] for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. [https://mkwcreative.co/contact]   Connect on social with Michelle at: * Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/kissmyaesthetic/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mkwcreative.co/] * Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mkwcreative.co?lang=en] ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mkwcreativeco] ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma [https://zencastr.com/?via=kma]. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. [http://www.audible.com/kma]   This episode was edited by Berta Wired [https://bertawired.com/] Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera [https://www.instagram.com/hotmomsclubmusic/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] and Nathan Menard [https://www.instagram.com/nathanmenard/?hl=en]

SEO is a long game—here's how to play it well. SEO expert Tedi Bezna breaks down what SEO actually is, where to start, and how to make your website more findable without becoming a tech expert. From keyword strategy to AI myths to what Google really wants in 2025, this convo is a goldmine for service providers, designers, and online business owners alike.   Tedi Bezna is the founder of Searchlight Digital and an SEO expert with over a decade of experience in search engine marketing. She and her all-women team have worked with over 500 businesses over the last 7 years, delivering effective, high-quality SEO services with a focus on transparency & integrity. Working collaboratively with other marketers, she helps designers & developers deliver stunning, SEO optimized sites that help their clients grow online. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: * What SEO actually means * The power of keywords * Blogging for SEO * What Google wants for SEO in 2025 * AI & SEO (and where ChatGPT doesn't match up to an SEO expert) * CTA's and conversion * Accessibility & SEO * SEO tips for website designers * Walking through clients about expectations * Inside good SEO hygiene ----------------------- RESOURCES: * Screaming Frog [https://www.screamingfrog.co.uk/seo-spider/] for SEO audits * Use code KMA100 for $100 off a Pick My Brain session with Searchlight Digital [https://www.searchlightmarketing.ca/services] ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Searchlight Digital and SEO, follow them on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/searchlightdigital/] @SearchlightDigital and visit their website, SearchlightMarketing.ca [https://www.searchlightmarketing.ca/] ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca [https://searchlightdigital.ca/] for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. [https://mkwcreative.co/contact]   Connect on social with Michelle at: * Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/kissmyaesthetic/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mkwcreative.co/] * Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mkwcreative.co?lang=en] ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mkwcreativeco] ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma [https://zencastr.com/?via=kma]. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. [http://www.audible.com/kma]   This episode was edited by Berta Wired [https://bertawired.com/] Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera [https://www.instagram.com/hotmomsclubmusic/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] and Nathan Menard [https://www.instagram.com/nathanmenard/?hl=en]

Ready to ditch the starving artist trope and paint your own path to creative success? From charging what you’re worth, to calling out sneaky art competitions, and navigating the wild world of social media—Michelle and Phoebe break it all down. Pull back the curtain on the business of murals, how Phoebe cold-pitches her way to projects, and why she’s over playing nice with companies running “for exposure” contests. Plus, hear the hot takes and honest realities of building a creative career in late stage capitalism.   Phoebe Nelson is a San Diego-based muralist, designer, and founder of Pandr Design Co. With a decade of experience painting large-scale murals across the globe, Phoebe is known for transforming blank walls into bold, colorful works of art that reflect community, brand identity, and joy. Through her work, she champions public art accessibility and empowers other creatives by sharing her business knowledge and mural expertise. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: * Phoebe's journey as a muralist and graphic designer * Diversifying creative income and business offerings * Artist education and community support * Issues in creative communities: free work and competition * Project alignment and client selection * Business risk in social media * Alternative marketing strategies * Cold emailing and direct outreach * Manifestation and future goals ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To see Phoebe's murals and support her work, follow her on Instagram [http://instagram.com/pandrdesignco] @PandrDesignCo, Tik Tok [http://tiktok.com/@phoebecornog] @PhoebeCornog and visit her website PandrdDesignCo.com [http://www.pandrdesignco.com] ---------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia [http://mkwcreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia] ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. [https://mkwcreative.co/contact]   Connect on social with Michelle at: * Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/kissmyaesthetic/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mkwcreative.co/] * Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mkwcreative.co?lang=en] ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mkwcreativeco] ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma [https://zencastr.com/?via=kma]. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. [http://www.audible.com/kma]   This episode was edited by Berta Wired [https://bertawired.com/] Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera [https://www.instagram.com/hotmomsclubmusic/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] and Nathan Menard [https://www.instagram.com/nathanmenard/?hl=en]

What if your anxiety is really just untapped creativity looking for a way out? Join Michelle and stop-motion expert Colette Peri as they give actionable tips for setting social media boundaries, making time for soul-nourishing hobbies, and rediscovering creativity just for the fun of it. In this episode, Colette shares how she found her niche, and what makes content actually magical. She and Michelle dive into creativity, pitching yourself, and staying playful even when the pressure’s on.   Colette Peri is an industry-leading stop-motion artist and educator known for her colorful aesthetic, creative ideas, and eye-catching animations. Her client list includes prominent brands such as Sony, Starbucks, REI, Dunkin’, Pottery Barn Kids, Redbull, and more. On a mission to help others pursue their creativity, she passionately believes in sharing her knowledge and opening up the doors to the stop-motion industry through her online courses. She has been a featured speaker at major conferences such as Adobe MAX, Alt Summit, and Sony Kando— delivering engaging talks on creativity + stop-motion. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: * How Colette got into stop-motion * Why your creativity is your most valuable asset * Pitching and partnerships * How to set boundaries with social media * Work/life balance * Overcoming self-doubt * Social media and the changing digital landscape * The simple antidote to anxiety * Self-regulation tools * Planning tech-free days/events * Building a sense of belonging/ community ----------------------- RESOURCES: * Stolen Focus [https://stolenfocusbook.com/] by Johann Hari * Today Show: How to live 'beyond anxiety' according to expert Martha Beck [https://www.today.com/video/how-to-live-beyond-anxiety-according-to-expert-martha-beck-228652101644] ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Colette and stop-motion, follow her on Instagram [http://instagram.com/colette.peri] and Tik Tok [http://tiktok.com/@colette.peri] @Colette.Peri and visit their website, ColettePeri.com [http://coletteperi.com]. ---------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia [http://mkwcreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia] ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. [https://mkwcreative.co/contact]   Connect on social with Michelle at: * Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/kissmyaesthetic/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mkwcreative.co/] * Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mkwcreative.co?lang=en] ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mkwcreativeco] ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma [https://zencastr.com/?via=kma]. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. [http://www.audible.com/kma]   This episode was edited by Berta Wired [https://bertawired.com/] Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera [https://www.instagram.com/hotmomsclubmusic/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D] and Nathan Menard [https://www.instagram.com/nathanmenard/?hl=en]