Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Resourceful Designer, where today's message is all about the art of engagement over trivial chatter. I'm your host, Mark Des Cotes, and in episode 341 we dive deep into the importance of engaging more and talking less. We explore how the wisdom of an elementary school teacher, who emphasizes understanding her students to truly elevate their learning, can be a powerful lesson for us as graphic designers in our own client interactions.

I'll share with you how critical it is to connect with clients on a level that goes beyond flaunting our design skills. We discuss why it's paramount to focus on bringing a client's vision to life, rather than overwhelming them with our technical prowess. In this episode, we'll delve into the pitfalls of design platforms like Fiverr, where lack of communication often leads to less-than-ideal results.

We also talk about the golden moments of design that come from a genuine exchange of ideas, the transition from transactional to transformational conversations, and the art of using strategic silence to uncover a client's real needs, adopting techniques used by great salespeople and interviewers like David Letterman.

So before you speed ahead to your next client meeting ready to showcase your portfolio, remember to pause and truly listen. The insights you gain may very well unlock the potential for your greatest design work yet. Stay tuned as we navigate together the journey of growing and running a successful design business with community, creativity, and a keen ear for our clients' stories.

Join the Resourceful Designer Community as we support each other in our goal to prosper, all this and more for just $15 a month.

Let's dive into the episode!

Welcome to episode 340 of Resourceful Designer. Today we're diving into an intriguing question: Are your design clients time or money minded? We'll unpack the significance of understanding whether your clients value their time over their money or vice versa. I'll share some personal anecdotes, like the time I decided to replace my wife's car backup camera myself to save money, and on another occasion, when purchasing a course on Facebook ads, valued my time more.

We'll explore how this distinction applies to your design business, how it affects the way you position your services, and ultimately, whom you attract as clients. Do your clients often haggle over prices or seek discounts? Or do they prefer paying more to ensure quality and save time? By delving into these differences, I'll help you understand the importance of marketing yourself effectively to attract the right kind of clients for your business. Are you ready to shift your perspective and potentially the trajectory of your design business? Stay tuned as we discuss how being a problem solver for your clients goes beyond just design work—it's about addressing their deeper concerns with money and time. Let's get started.

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the topic of accepting credit card payments from clients. I received an email from Phil, thanking me for the podcast's impact on his transition from working for an employer to running his own business. Phil's client asked to pay by credit card, and he was unsure how to proceed. I share the simplicity and speed of credit card payments and elaborate on the various options available, from PayPal to Stripe and other accounting software. I discuss the fees involved and the ways to incorporate them into pricing strategies, emphasizing the convenience and tax deductibility. Join me as I break down the process of accepting credit card payments and provide insights for design business owners looking to streamline their invoicing and payment processes.

Have you ever been in a sticky situation where a client has asked for your working files?

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve deep into the topic of whether or not to hand over working files.

Join me as I share personal experiences and insights to help you navigate this common dilemma in the design industry.

From legal considerations to negotiating with clients, I offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions and protect your creative assets.

Tune in to discover the nuances of sharing final files and gain valuable tips on handling such requests in your design business.

On this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the critical topic of backups. Through two poignant real-life stories, I stress the importance of not solely relying on web hosts for backups.

I share a scenario where a client's website was lost due to an overlooked credit card update and the absence of off-site backups.

I emphasize the significance of using plugins likeSolid Backups for WordPress or services like Backblaze for complete cloud-based backups.

I underscore the need to protect valuable data, whether for personal memories or business assets. Join me to understand the pivotal role of backups in safeguarding your design business and creative work.

Hey there, it's Mark, and in this episode, "Persistence Will Pay Off," I want to talk to you about the challenges of running a design business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for years, finding clients can be tough.

I've been there myself, going through long stretches without new projects coming in and questioning if my business was sustainable. But I made it through, and so can you.

I'm here to share some words of encouragement and actionable tips to help you stay motivated and push through the tough times.

From staying persistent and believing in your talent to refining your portfolio, exploring new niches, expanding your skills, and never stopping networking, I've got you covered. So, let's dive in and navigate the ins and outs of running a design business with a positive mindset and a focus on success. Let's get started!

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I discuss a common mistake designers make when presenting their work to clients.

Drawing from my own experience, I delve into the significance of presentation and its impact on a design business.

Sharing insights from my college days to my current approach, I highlight the practice of presenting designs to clients with crucial information included. I explain how this method not only enhances professionalism but also leverages client sharing to attract potential leads.

Join me as I reveal how this simple adjustment in presentation can make a substantial difference in your design business' growth.

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share my journey as an entrepreneur and the pivotal role delegation has played in shaping the success of my business.

From initially shouldering every responsibility solo to embracing the power of collaboration, I delve into the transformative impact of outsourcing tasks beyond my expertise.

By strategically investing in external help, whether through hiring specialists or utilizing online platforms, I've been able to optimize productivity and focus on growth-oriented activities.

Through examples from my own experience, I highlight the importance of recognizing the value of time and leveraging it effectively to propel business growth.

Whether it's mastering the art of delegation or making strategic investments, this episode offers insights into empowering your business through collaboration and outsourcing.

Exploring Design Trends: A Dive into FreePik's 2024 Trend Report

Click here to see the trend report: https://www.freepik.com/visual-trends-2024

Join me as I delve into Freepik.com's 2024 trend report, highlighting key design trends predicted for the year. Freepic.com, a platform known for offering high-quality design resources for free, reached out to discuss its latest trend report, sparking my interest in exploring the upcoming trends.

With full transparency, it's noted that while Freepik.com approached me for the discussion, there was no compensation involved.

I begin the episode with a reflection on the reliability of future trend reports, drawing a comparison to Logo Lounge's trend reports backed by substantial data. However, skepticism arises concerning Freepik.com's ability to predict upcoming trends without disclosing their methodology or data sources.

I then proceed to dissect the 15 trends outlined in Freepik.com's report, offering insights and personal reflections on each.

Trends range from floral and botanical motifs to futuristic holographic shapes, 3D fonts, vibrant colour schemes, and vintage-inspired engraving styles. Some trends, like grainy gradients and glass morphism, are recognized as existing techniques while others, such as "Neo Brutalism," are met with skepticism.

I encourage you to explore the report yourself and share their thoughts on the predicted trends.

Welcome to this episode of Resourceful Designer, where I explore the topic of thick skin in the world of design.

Reflecting on my 30+ years as a designer, I share the often unspoken truth about needing a resilient attitude to thrive in this industry.

I draw from personal experiences, offering valuable insights on handling criticism, difficult clients, and managing expectations, particularly when running your own design business.

Join me for a candid conversation about the realities of being a designer and the resilience required to navigate the challenges of this creative profession.