The design world is an amazing playground for creative entrepreneurs. It’s a space where you can really show off your talents and pick up some invaluable experiences along the way. But let’s be real, running a business isn’t for every creative.
Back in 2005, I decided to chase my dream of running my own agency. Before jumping in, though, I signed up for a GNVQ in business start-up. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It wasn’t easy, by day I was the Creative Director at a fantastic agency in Brighton, and by night, I was up late, working on my GNVQ. But it was worth it. It opened my eyes to the nuts and bolts of running a business: financial planning, strategy, and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building something successful.
Here’s the thing…designers are incredibly passionate about what they do. We put our hearts and souls into every project, to the point where the work becomes an extension of ourselves. But when you move from being just a designer to running a design agency, that’s where things can get tricky.
Here are a few common struggles you might run into when you’re running your own design business:
- You Spend Too Much Time Perfecting Your Work – You quote a project with a timeline in mind, but then inspiration strikes, and suddenly that simple idea turns into something bigger—and takes way longer. You go the extra mile because it feels right, even if it means your profit margins take a hit.
- You Hate Invoicing and Admin – Let’s be honest, creating is exhilarating, but admin? Not so much. Bookkeeping, invoicing, and all that paperwork often end up on the back burner, which can leave your finances in a bit of a mess.
- You Struggle with Saying No – Every project looks exciting, and you want to say yes to all of them. But that can lead to burnout as you spread yourself too thin, working late nights and weekends, and losing that all-important work-life balance.
- Balancing Creativity with Profitability – Your gut tells you to prioritize creativity and originality, but running a business means making tough decisions—sometimes at the cost of your creative vision—to stay within budget or meet tight deadlines.
- Difficulty Pricing Your Services – Many designers wrestle with how to price their work. It’s easy to undervalue yourself, especially if imposter syndrome creeps in or you’re worried about losing a client. But undercharging doesn’t just affect your income—it can also impact how your work is perceived.
At the end of the day, while blending creativity with entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to remember that being a successful business owner requires more than just talent. It’s about shifting your mindset to value business skills as much as your design skills. Whether you learn through formal education, mentorship, or just by doing, understanding the business side of things is key to building a sustainable, fulfilling career.