What Makes a Top-Rated Creative (It's Not Just Talent)

Let’s be honest — being a “top-rated” creative isn’t just about having talent or pretty work on your feed. It’s about how you run your freelance business. How you communicate. How you lead a project. How you carry yourself when no one’s watching.

In this first episode of the Playbook Series, I’m sharing what actually makes a designer truly trusted — the stuff that turns one-off clients into long-term ones, and stress into structure.

We’re diving into the business side of the Graphic Designer’s Playbook Planner — the part most people skip, but the part that honestly changes everything!

→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you here: 

https://kunshuis.com/2025/11/12/what-makes-a-top-rated-creative/

Thanks for listening to BEYOND Design ✨

If this episode spoke to you, here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:

Website & Resources → kunshuis.com
Shop creative tools → The Kunshuis Collective
Show notes & blogs → kunshuis.com/blog

Free support for creatives:

• 21-Day Creative Reset Challenge
• Download: Asking Better Questions (Client Guide)
  
  

🖤 My favourite tools for life + business:

• The Playbook Planner
  — your creative sidekick for focus + flow
• The Playbook Desk
  — a Notion-powered space to run your freelance business with ease

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Transcript

What being a top rated creative really means

SPEAKER_00 0:27

Before we dive into anything today, let me just say this. If you've ever looked at another designer online and thought, she's booked out, charging triple, her work is beautiful and somehow got a spotless studio, and you're sitting in your yoga pants juggling six open tabs, half heaped in toast, and wondering if you're even doing this right, this episode is for you. Because I've been there and honestly, so much of what actually makes a designer great isn't what you see online. It's not the feed. It's the work that happens behind the scenes, your systems, and how you show up and in the way you run your business. And that's what we're talking about today. This is the first episode in a little playbook series I'm doing, walking you through the front section of the playbook planner, not the weekly calendar part, the business side, the part we usually ignore when things get busy, even when it's the stuff that actually helps you feel like a proper, confident designer. So what does it really mean to be a top-rated creative? Let me say this right off the bat, it's not just about talent. It's not about having the best mock-ups or knowing the latest shortcuts in Illustrator. That stuff matters definitely, but it's not what keeps clients coming back. Being a top-rated creative is about how you work, how you handle pressure, how you communicate and how you carry yourself. It's the stuff no one sees on Instagram, the stuff that happens in your emails, in the way you set boundaries and how you lead a project from start to finish. So here's what I've learned after years of being in this industry and what I've written into the playbook. Today we're talking about what makes a top writer creative. So let's break it down. Number one, passion and patience. This job takes both. Yes, you need to love what you do, that gets you into the door. But staying in the room and staying in this industry, that takes patience. The guy that helps you send that third follow up email or do the unglamorous parts of the work, like chasing content or fixing print bleeds without losing your head. It's not always about fast, it's definitely not always fun, but it's worth it when you stick with it. Number two, always learning. You don't have to know everything, but the best creatives I know, they're always open to learning. Whether it's figuring out a new tool, learning to price better, or even understanding how to set up your project folder properly, because yes, that definitely matters. The point is you have to stay open. You don't need another course to be valid, but staying curious will take you far. Number three, stay inspired. Not everything you do is going to feel exciting. Some weeks you're in flow, some weeks you're just admin and revisions. You've got to find ways to stay inspired. For me, it's a good playlist, it's always flipping through magazines. And sometimes it's just rearranging my space. Whatever works for you, protect it. Because when you're inspired, your work has that extra something. Number four, own your niche. This is a big one. You don't need to do everything for everyone. In fact, when you do that, you're harder to refer. When you figure out what you're good at and you own it, that's when your confidence grows, your messaging gets clear, and dream client starts finding you. You can still do other things, but you feel stronger when you know your thing. Number five, communication is key. Listen, you can be the most talented designer out there, but if you're not clear in how you communicate, you're going to get stuck. The designers, clients love working with, they explain things clearly. They ask the right questions. They don't disappear when feedback lands. And it's not about being perfect, it's about showing up and keeping the lines open. And also taking ego out of the feedback. Number six, be a pro. This is where the process matters. Having clear steps, using templates, setting boundaries. It all counts. You don't need to be a big agency setup, just a system that works for you. You want to come across as calm, organized, and in control, not scrambling every time a new client emails you. That's what being a pro looks like. And that's why I developed the Creative's Playbook Desk on Notion. It's a whole freelance system, so you don't have to think about anything. It's on my online shop, Kinsas.shop. Number seven. Work life rhythm. Let's not even pretend work life balance is a perfect line, but you can find your own rhythm. Set your work hours, stick to them. Don't reply to emails at 10 PM. And remember you're allowed to log off. Your creativity actually needs it. You'll do your best work when you're not running on fumes. Number eight, create a space that works. This doesn't have to be a Pinterest perfect space, but your space should help you focus. I started in my spare bedroom. I made that space mine. And that's where I started in the spare bedroom. So for you, even if it's just a clean corner, a good chair and a notebook, create a space where you feel clear and ready, not overwhelmed. Number nine, price right. This one's personal I know, but undercharging will burn you out faster than anything else. When you price properly, you can give your full energy to a project without feeling resentment or stress the whole time. Don't be afraid to update your prices, and if you don't know how to price, start learning. You can also listen to episode four of the podcast Mastering the Art of Pricing for Graphic Designers. ten Believe in yourself. This isn't just a pep talk. It's a reminder that you're not just a designer. You help businesses grow, you make ideas visible, you bring structure, strategy and beauty into the world, even on your off days. You've got value, sweetheart. eleven Build Real Relationships. Design is personal. And the people who keep coming back to work with you, they're not just clients, they're relationships. Be kind, be respectful, collaborate well, and build a small circle of other creators who get it. You're not meant to do this alone. twelve. Celebrate others. We need more of this. Share the win, compliment the post. There's enough space for all of us. And the more you celebrate others, the more you show up from a place of confidence, not comparison. thirteen embrace change. Nothing stays the same in this industry or in life. Software changes, algorithms change, your season of life will change. That's okay. Don't be afraid to pivot, update your office, shift your schedule. What worked three years ago might not work now. That doesn't mean you failed, it just means you're growing forward. So dear creator, you don't have to master all of this today. But maybe one of these points hit home and trust that. The truth is being a top-rated creative isn't about being everywhere, pleasing everyone, or doing all the things. It's about building a business that works for you, that honors your talent, your time, and your life. That's why I say design your life, not just your work. If you want to go deeper, this episode ties into the first few pages of the Graphic Designers Playbook Planner. If you already have one, go open to the top-rated creative section and have a proper look. Maybe grab a pen and jot down what resonated with you right now. And if you don't have the planner, you can find it at kinsos.shop. It's not just a planner, it's a tool. A quiet business coach on your desk. Alright, that's it for today. Thanks for being here with me. Thanks for doing the work, for showing up for growing, even when it feels slow. You're not behind, you're just building a freelance life that actually fits you, and that's what matters. Design your life wherever you are. We chat again soon. Bye.