Why you’re stuck at $50K projects,  and what $150K and $500K studios do differently

Here’s the truth no one wants to admit:

Great work may get you in the room.
It might even sell itself.
But your words set the price.

You don’t get paid for how good your work is.
You get paid for how you talk about it.
Because the words you use position you in a budget range,  long before the first call.

The scary part?
Most studios talk their way into small projects, without even realizing it.
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If you’re still saying things like:

“We create beautiful visuals.”
“We help brands grow with design and strategy.”
“We’ve worked with [insert big name here].”

You’re signaling one thing:

“We’re talented, but replaceable.”

That’s why you’re stuck with low budgets,
even though your work could play in the top tier.
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$50K Studios: The Language of Pride

These studios talk about themselves:

“We’re passionate about storytelling.”
“We’re a small, hands-on team of creatives.”
“We’ve won awards for our work.”

What they want:
Respect. Acknowledgment. Validation for their skill.

What it signals:
→ We’re talented. Please notice.
→ Hire us for what we do.

The result:
You’re hired for execution, not vision.
You cap out around $50–100K.
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$150K Studios: The Language of Proving

They’ve grown. Now they’re trying to sound legit:

“We drive results through data-backed design.”
“Our work helped increase engagement by 37%.”
“We blend strategy with creativity to deliver ROI.”

What they want:
To justify the price. To sound credible. To prove they “get” business.

What it signals:
→ We’re smart. We’re structured.
→ Hire us for how we think.

The result:
You land $150K projects, but you’re still pitching.
Still negotiating. Still trying to impress.
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$500K Studios: The Language of Leadership

These studios don’t just talk, they position.

“We don’t take briefs. We set direction.”
“This project broke our process, and made us better.”
“If you want safe, we’re not for you.”

What they want:
To lead. To attract the right clients, and repel the wrong ones.

What it signals:
→ We have a point of view.
→ We think in systems, not deliverables.
→ Hire us for what it means to work with us.

The result:
You stop pitching.
You start leading.

You land $500K+ clients, because they’re not buying your service. They’re buying your stance.
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So what’s the real difference?

Not the quality of the work.
The language that frames it.

• $50K studios talk about themselves.
• $150K studios talk like consultants.

• $500K studios talk like leaders, with personality, clarity, and conviction.

They don’t over-explain.
They don’t hide their flaws.
They speak like they already belong at the table.
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That’s exactly why I built the Focus Group.

A 4-month coaching program for studio founders and creatives who are done playing mid-level.

In Focus Group, we help you:

• Reposition your brand for high-ticket clients
• Build language that demands bigger budgets

• Develop a presence that attracts better projects, without selling out

It’s not another branding course.
It’s the conversation you should be having with yourself, but no one’s holding the mirror up.
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We’re opening spots right now, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

This is the room for creative leaders who are ready to raise their price, presence, and positioning.

If you want to charge more,
you don’t need a better portfolio.
You need better language.

Language that positions.
Language that polarizes.
Language that makes the right people say:

“This is the one.”

Yes, great work sells itself.
But words set the price.

Reply to this message with “Focus” and I’ll send you the details.
We’re only taking a few more.
Miss this — and you stay exactly where you are.