There' only one problem here, he charges $75 for designs that are worth $300, at least. $1,000 if we where local clients.
I design, and consider myself pretty good but it's not my passion. The only time I can make awesome (think unmatchedstyle.com awesome) designs and have the motivation and mindset to make them is when I charge clients $500 + and work on MY terms, not on some stupid, unnecessary deadline. Designing for me is a trial and error game, it sometimes takes time, inspiration takes time. Maybe that's his deal.
Tyler, do yourself a favor and charge more (tons more) on some other medium than WickedFire. Dont get a bunch of projects, get 2 maybe 3 projects per week at $300-$500. Have people call you, and put your terms. Under promise and try to overdeliver. If they want you to design one of their sites tell them: "Sounds great, I am able to start on your site in X days. After that it will probably take me another week to finish it to be safe."
Seeing the talent you have you are damn right people would be willing to wait 2 weeks for your designs. Now, if you finish before, simply send it via email before the deadline. It will only take 5 minutes. Your client will be happy and will refer you to other people because you delivered. Not because you where super fast, or because you where super cheap. Because you delivered.
Designing and working with clients doesn't have to be a pain in the ass, bring you stress over deadlines or anything. Just put your own terms and work within them. if they don't like it they can go to the Indian that does shit work for 30 bucks.
Position yourself godamn it, be hard to work with, be expensive, have a longer than usual delivery time. But once YOU put your terms, deliver. No excuses.
Awesome fucking post.