Shows
Better: The Brand Designer PodcastS11 E17: How to Leverage Semi-Custom Web Design with Alex McGinnessIn this episode, Alex of Arcoiris Design Studio is back on the pod to talk all things semi-custom websites, and why it might just be the best thing for small boutique studios looking to scale without the stress.They talk through how starting with a solid template can still lead to a high-end, unique result for clients, why not every business needs (or benefits from) a custom build, and how setting boundaries around scope and timelines can protect your time and profitability. This episode is full of helpful tips on creative direction, client communication, and finding smart...
2025-06-1242 minBetter: The Brand Designer PodcastFrom the Archives | S5 E23: Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinnessJen and Alex from The Arcoíris Design Co. chat all about discovering, cultivating, and making the best use of your intuition in your design business. They discuss what an “intuitive hit” is, how to recognize different types of inspiration and thoughts, and best practices for getting acquainted with your intuition and using it to provide more value to your clients and increasing your creativity. Alex shares a bit about her rebrand, her Oracle Deck, and what creating and launching her Squarespace Template shop was like!Guest Information:Guest Name: Alex McGinnessGuest Busin...
2024-07-231h 06
Rainbow Reflections26: Spirit-Led Entrepreneurship with Britta GreenViolet“I'm here to serve the world. I'm here to serve my people, and that is also serving me. And this, I suppose, comes back to the Spirit-led, this sense of underlying unity, that what serves my people serves me, and what serves me, serves my people.”
What if your business could be both spiritually fulfilling and financially stable? Our host Alex McGinness sits down with Britta GreenViolet, a revered teacher and mentor, who shares her journey of supporting leaders and creatives in creating spiritually aligned work. Britta unveils her methods for integrating mystical elements like...
2024-06-131h 19Rainbow Reflections25: The Power of Color in Branding & Web Design"Visual processing happens so much faster than any other type of processing that happens in the brain. So this means that color is subconsciously processed in our brain before any conscious processing happens.”
How can understanding color theory transform your design work and influence user behavior on your website? In this vibrant episode of Rainbow Reflections, our host Alex McGinness unravels the color wheel and the profound impact of color psychology. Explore the foundational elements of visual design, and discover the magic behind color harmonies like complementary, analogous, triadic, and tetradic combinations. Alex also di...
2024-05-3032 minRainbow Reflections24: All About Astrobranding“Astrobranding is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to differentiate themselves from others in their respective markets. We are taking elements of who you are and infusing them into the brand through your chart.”
Listen in as our host Alex McGinness explores the intriguing world of Astrobranding and its transformative power in personalizing your brand and aligning with your entrepreneurial spirit. In this conversation, she unwraps the nuances of how astrology can forge strategic connections for businesses, going beyond typical sun, moon, and rising sign attributes. We get a first-hand peek inside the...
2024-05-1625 minRainbow Reflections23: My Exact Custom Branding Process“This journey isn't about just creating a logo and picking some corresponding colors. It's about crafting a brand that resonates with who you truly are and transforming the impact you wish to make on the world around you.”
This episode of Rainbow Reflections takes us on an enchanting journey through the Unicorn Experience - Custom Branding from Arcoíris Design Studio, where our host Alex McGinness reveals the power of intertwining your astrological makeup with your brand's identity.
Navigating the design landscape is an intricate dance. Explaining the rationale behin...
2024-05-0241 minRainbow Reflections22: Why You Need Branding Before You Need a Website“Branding is your lighthouse, it is how you will shine amongst other people doing the exact same thing as you. Branding distinguishes you from your competitors, highlighting what makes your business unique. Whether it's your approach, your values, or the way you solve problems, your brand showcases your new unique selling points.”
Have you ever felt lost in the vast digital landscape, trying to make your brand's voice heard? Our host Alex McGinness breaks down her seven transformative years (and counting) in design that taught her the undeniable power of branding in web design. Bran...
2024-04-1834 minRainbow Reflections21: The Arcoíris Approach to Creativity“I really treat design like a science experiment. It's not just a one-and-done type thing.”
Have you ever paused to ponder where creativity truly begins? Today, on Rainbow Reflections, our host Alex McGinness walks us through her design process and the possibility that originality, as we know it, might be nothing more than a seductive myth. Alex pulls inspiration from Kirby Ferguson's riveting documentary "Everything is a Remix" to spark a conversation that challenges the very core of our creative beliefs.
This episode is not just a journey through the...
2024-04-0427 minRainbow Reflections20: Rainbow Reflections is Back!"I feel like for a long time, I've kind of veered away from leaning on my expertise, I really have a hard time acknowledging how much I know about the things I know. And for a while, I didn't want my podcasts to be about branding and web design. But that is what I know. So why isn't it about that?”
Embark on a journey with our host, Alex McGinness of Rainbow Reflections where authenticity in entrepreneurship shines bright and personal growth takes center stage. Alex unveils a treasure trove of insights from her ow...
2024-03-2128 minRainbow Reflections19: What's Next For the ShowWe're going on sabbatical! In this episode, I explain why I'm taking a break from Rainbow Reflections, what my plan is to do while I'm on sabbatical and the changes you can expect when I come back for Season 2.
Submit a Holographic Hotline Question:
info@arcoiris.design
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-11-1418 min
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 182: The Performances We Do At Work, with Rachel GreenleyWriter and all-around rad person Rachel Greenley (@rachel_greenley_words) is back! You first met her in January, when she dropped by to talk about her New York Times essay, This Is the Reality of America’s Fast-Fashion Addiction. In that piece of writing, she shared her experiences working in a facility processing Amazon returns. Her essay is a must-read for anyone who has wondered what happens with the items we buy online and then return! If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, you should go do that some time soon, too. It is episode 151!
2023-11-062h 21Rainbow Reflections18: Healing through Creative ExpressionMarina Fini is an installation artist & alchemist of sacred spaces. She is also a photographer, filmmaker& interdimensional artist of new worlds (+ color therapist, dream builder & fantasy creator.) She makes a variety of visual art and jewelry and is also the lead creative behind the Rainbow Bath House, a space full of magical unicorns and fairys, clouds and rainbows in the southwest desert of Sedona, AZ. In this episode Alex talks with Marina about her colorful, rainbow-focused work and explores what it means to be a multifaceted creative healing the world through color magic.
Connect...
2023-10-3155 minRainbow Reflections17: Sustainable Design - What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?In today's episode Alex chats with her designer friend Michelle from Minty Made all about sustainability and marketing. Michelle was the first person that brought sustainability in design to Alex's attention, so she wanted to have an honest conversation with Michelle about the nuances of running a sustainable business, and why that matters.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
Connect with Michelle:
Minty Made Website
Minty Made Instagram...
2023-10-1747 minRainbow Reflections16: How Your Culture Impacts Your CreativityIn today's episode Alex chats with Maria from Studio Maria. Alex saw that Maria takes on clients in both English and Spanish and she wanted to talk to her about that process. She finds it really interesting to explore how business and creativity shifts and chanes based on what language you're speaking. Furthermore, dealing with international clients can be a whole challenge of its own as well. Curious to learn more about this? Then this episode is for you!
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
2023-10-0350 minRainbow Reflections15: Things I Regret and Don't Regret Buying in My BusinessIn today's episode Alex breaks down the good and bad investments she's made in her business. And boy, are there a few. Listen to the show to find out what investments were worth it and which ones weren't so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your own business
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-09-1948 minRainbow Reflections14: Simplifying Social Media Management with Natalie BriteIn today's episode Alex chats with her longterm client Natalie Brite. Natalie runs Do Good Biz Studio, a media management studio focused disrupting the media management and design industry. Natalie and Alex talk about running an online biz, what it's been like building a longterm working relationship, the online biz industry as a whole and more. Curious how you can get support in your business without a big budget to spend? This one is for you.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource...
2023-09-0543 min
Her Unrealistic WaysAstrobranding with Alex McGinnessMeet my astrobranding strategist and graphic designer, Alex McGinness. She has been studying charts and using them to transform businesses, including my own for several years, and I’m so excited to finally have her as a guest on the podcast! In this episode, we discuss what exactly is astrobranding, and how Alex uses it as a tool to tap into the essence of people and their businesses. We get into how color is a powerful tool to draw people in, hellenistic astrology, aligning brand strategy with your chart, and more. If y...
2023-08-2937 min
Rainbow Reflections13: Managing Energetic Cycles while Running a BusinessIn today's episode Alex chats about being a human in business with her client and friend Nisha Mody. We break down what it's like to dip up and down energetically while running a business, what that looks like on a practical level, and how to keep things moving smoothly even if you're not feeling your best. This is an open and honest conversation about the realness of running a business. We're speaking from an anti-capitalist lens and a trauma-informed lens.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram...
2023-08-2254 min
Rainbow Reflections12: How Code Can Unlock Your Creative Potential as a DesignerIn today's episode Alex speaks with one of her ultimate design mentors, Rache from Squarestylist. Rache has been such a majorly positive influence on the design community, and Alex talks with her today all about code, imposter syndrome, shifting careers in a big way, and running a business from outside of the US. Plus, they definitely dive into Rache's core offerings: Standout Squarespace and Standout Shopify.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
2023-08-0842 minRainbow Reflections11: My Top 4 Recommendations When Starting a BusinessEver wonder what exactly you need to do when you first start a business? Here are 4 tips that are not commonly thought of that are super important and will make running a business so much easier. If I could go back in time and tell me younger self these tips, I would!
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-07-2544 min
Rainbow Reflections10: Listening to Your Intuition & Running a Spiritual BusinessIn today's episode Alex has her business bestie, Gabi from The Stylist Witch, on the show. Her and Gabi became connected in 2020, and have since developed a friendship based on their mutual interest of building a business centered around spirituality and intuition. They discuss the nuances of taking this approach to business together on the show today, and break down how it adds more meaning and intention to their businesses.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templat...
2023-07-1155 min
Rainbow Reflections09: All About My Morning RoutineIn this episode, Alex breaks down the different iterations of her morning routine throughout the years. She talks through the different practices she's incorporated into it, and why she does a ritual first thing in the morning. It's a daily set of habits she loves, and she's sharing her insight about them with you.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-06-2740 min
Rainbow Reflections08: Managing the Creative Process in a Creative BusinessIn today's episode Alex welcomes another guest, Esther Knox from Sereth Design, to the show. Esther is a fellow brand and web designer who Alex has developed a friendship with through the online design community. In this episode, we talk about the differences in our approach to managing our creativity in our businesses as well as discussing what it was like for Esther to manage her creative spark when she used to work in an agency. This episode dives into the intricate details about being able to give the most creatively to your clients without burning yourself out.
2023-06-1349 min
Rainbow Reflections07: Let's Chat About ChatGPTIn today's episode Alex welcomes Liz Martinez-Nelson to the show. Liz is a brand and web designer based in Austin, TX, who Alex has gotten to know through the online online design community. In this episode, we chat about AI and the impacts it will have in the creative field. Specifically, we chat about ChatGPT and how it can be used as a tool in the creative practice. This episode is so insightful and there's so much to learn from it.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagra...
2023-05-3039 minRainbow Reflections06: 4 Lessons to Learn From Creating The Desert Oracle DeckWant to know how I created an oracle deck? Want to learn why my deck is inspired by the desert? Today Alex will share all the details on how she brought her deck, The Desert Oracle Deck, to life. She'll also share some lessons you can learn from her journey.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-05-1639 minRainbow Reflections05: How Astrology Can Make Your Branding More ImpactfulIn today's episode Alex welcomes her first guest, Catherine Gerdes, to the show. Catherine is a dear friend and client of Alex's who has been through multiple iterations of her brand with Alex's support. In this episode, we explore how astrology played a role in transforming Catherine's business, both from a practical perspective (she added an astrology component to her coaching practice) and a brand perspective (we did astrobranding to add depth to her brand visuals.)
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource...
2023-05-0221 minRainbow Reflections04: Website Platforms 101In this episode, Alex breaks down her top 3 website platforms: WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify. She talks about these website platforms from both a designer's and a business owner's perspectives. If you're trying to figure out where to build a website for your business or trying to figure out what platforms to specialize in as a designer, this episode if for you!
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflect
2023-04-1835 min
Rainbow Reflections03: Let's Define SpiritualityIn our final introductory episode, Alex defines what spirituality means to her. This is to ease any tension you may feel and make sure we are all on the same page and on equal footing moving forward. Alex hopes that defining what spirituality means to her will help you understand her perspective and approach to her business and life in this world more clearly.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spoti
2023-04-0408 min
Rainbow Reflections02: How I Developed My Intuitive PracticeIn this introductory episode, Alex walks through how she developed her intuitive design practice. Her path to her intuition and creativity was not a straightforward one. As you will see, many things had to fall into place in order for her to become the designer she is today.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-03-2134 min
Rainbow Reflections01: My Story & How It Plays a Role in Who I AmIn this introductory episode, Alex shares the life experiences that have shaped her into who she is today. She has an unconventional life story, which has played a significant role in her life and who she has become over time. With an understanding of her past, it will be easier to connect with her in the present.
Connect with Alex:
Arcoíris Design Studio Website
Arcoíris Design Studio Instagram
Arcoíris Design Studio Resource Page
Astrology Squarespace Templates
The Desert Oracle Deck
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rainbowreflections/support
2023-03-2125 minBetter: The Brand Designer PodcastS5 E23: Using Intuition in Your Design Process with Alex McGinnessJen and Alex from The Arcoíris Design Co. chat all about discovering, cultivating, and making the best use of your intuition in your design business. They discuss what an “intuitive hit” is, how to recognize different types of inspiration and thoughts, and best practices for getting acquainted with your intuition and using it to provide more value to your clients and increasing your creativity. Alex shares a bit about her rebrand, her Oracle Deck, and what creating and launching her Squarespace Template shop was like!Guest Information:Guest Name: Alex McGinnessGuest Busin...
2022-06-211h 06