Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Hey there, welcome back to Resourceful Designer! Today I want to talk honestly about something many designers dream about: working from home. I've been running my design business from home for over 20 years, and while I love it, I want to strip away the Instagram glamour and talk about the realities, the good, the tough, and the unexpected. Working from home isn't a magical solution. Yes, there's flexibility, but it comes with the challenge of managing yourself, facing potential loneliness, blurring work-life boundaries, and handling every aspect of your business, from invoicing to taxes. Not everyone is cut out for this, and that's okay. The myth that following your passion means you'll never "work" a day in your life just isn't true; there are parts you'll love, and parts you definitely won't. My hope today is to help you decide if running your design business from home is right for you, the real version, not the dream. So stick around as I break down what working from home actually means and how to set realistic expectations for your journey. Let's dive in!

Hey there, my friend, Mark here with some big news. Resourceful Designer is now on YouTube. Yes, I know, technically, you've been able to listen to the podcast on YouTube for years. But that's not what I'm talking about. I've created a brand new Resourceful Designer channel where I'll be releasing weekly videos to help designers like you with the business side of freelancing. The same type of content you know and love from the podcast, but now in video format. And no, don't worry, I'm still going to do the podcast. I'm just taking a break this week as I finish the YouTube launch. But I'm already working on next week's podcast episode. So now, not only do you get to hear my dulcet voice on the podcast. You can also see me in all my dadbod glory on YouTube. I already have three videos out, with more coming out every Thursday, so click the link in the description or visit https://www.resourcefuldesigner.com/youtube to have a look. And don't forget to subscribe while you're there. And of course, press that bell to be notified when new episodes are released. Thank you for your continued dedication to Resourceful Designer. It means so much to me. Until next time, Stay Creative, and see you on YouTube.

Welcome to Resourceful Designer. I'm Mark, and today we're talking about one of the biggest challenges designers are facing right now: staying relevant in a world where AI can generate logos, create websites, and even write flawless presentations in just minutes. I get it, it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath our feet. But here's the truth: while AI might be able to deliver polished designs quickly, it still can't replace what makes you, as a designer, truly valuable. In this episode, I'll share why your clients aren't just looking for beautiful mockups or perfect slides; they want emotional authenticity, trust, and a human connection. I'll talk about how you can stand out, not by competing with AI on output, but by showing up with confidence, understanding your client's real needs, and building relationships that machines simply can't replicate. If you're worried about being left behind, don't be. Your voice, your presence, and your ability to connect are your real superpowers, and today we'll dive into how you can use them to thrive as a designer in an AI-driven world. Let's get started.

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark, and today I want to share a unique perspective I've gained as both a graphic designer and someone with a growing collection of tattoos. I got my first tattoo at 53, thanks to my talented daughter who became a tattoo artist, and now, at 56, I have six pieces inked on my body, each with a story. In this episode, I'll talk about how the permanence of tattoos has made me reflect on the power we have as designers: in our world, designs aren't set in stone like tattoos are. We have the flexibility to tweak, evolve, and improve our work, even years later. I'll dive into how striving for perfection sometimes holds us back, why knowing when a design is "done" is an art in itself, and how embracing imperfection and change makes us better creatives. Plus, I'd love to see your tattoos and hear your thoughts, so stick around!

Welcome to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark, and in this episode, I'm sharing practical advice for home-based graphic and web designers looking to make more money, without taking on more clients or raising your rates. I'll tell you a story about learning to let go, and how sometimes, we hang onto tools, subscriptions, and services in our business that quietly drain our bank accounts month after month. I walk you through a step-by-step subscription audit, showing you how to identify essential expenses, cut out the things you don't need, and consolidate tools where possible. It's not about keeping up with trends or having the most impressive software stack; it's about running a profitable, sustainable business and making sure more of the money you earn actually stays in your pocket. So, get ready to give yourself a raise by spending smarter, not harder. Let's dive in and uncover the hidden savings in your business!

Welcome to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark, your host, and today, I want to share a powerful story that brilliantly illustrates how to handle price negotiations with grace while standing firm in your professional worth. Like many designers, I've encountered those budget conversations that can make your heart sink, the ones where a promising client comes in, but their budget just doesn't match the value you know you can deliver. In this episode, I reflect on an invaluable lesson I learned from a fellow designer I met years ago in Montreal. He went from being the "affordable option" to becoming the designer that clients saw as an investment, not just a cost. I'll guide you through a practical email template that turns a rejection into an opportunity, educating your clients and setting the stage for future collaboration, all while maintaining your standards and building relationships, not burning bridges. We'll explore how shifting your mindset from being everywhere and shouting the loudest about your services to positioning yourself as a valued, trusted advisor can radically transform the way clients perceive and treat you. I'll share concrete, actionable steps to help you build a professional response system for low-budget inquiries, foster goodwill in your network, and keep the door open to better clients in the future. If you want to learn how to gracefully say "no" without compromising your worth, and even turn those "no's" into long-term opportunities, you'll love today's episode. Let's dive in and redefine how we handle low-budget clients, together. Get the email template I talk about in this episode here

Welcome to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark, and today I want to share something fascinating that can make a real difference in how you communicate with your design clients. Did you know that the pronoun you use, choosing "I" instead of "we", can actually impact whether or not a client hires you? Most of us, especially solopreneurs, try to sound bigger and more established by saying "we" when talking to clients, but research shows that using "I" instead creates a stronger emotional connection. When I use "I" instead of "we," clients see me as more personally invested in their project, which boosts satisfaction and even sales. I'll give some practical tips on how to implement this, why it works, and how a simple change in wording can make your business stand out. Stick around for insights that could help you build more profitable and meaningful client relationships!

Hey there, design friends! Welcome to Resourceful Designer, your go-to podcast for running a successful design business. Today, I'm diving into one of the most nerve-wracking yet crucial decisions every designer faces: when and how to raise your prices. I know just how tough it can be; I've been there myself, wrestling with doubts and worries about how clients will react. In this episode, I'll walk you through 10 essential things you need to consider before raising your rates, so you can approach your pricing strategy with confidence and clarity. We'll talk about everything from understanding your market, checking for price resistance, and knowing your "why," to communicating your value and aligning your prices with your ideal clients. If you're unsure whether it's time to raise your prices or how to do it the right way, stick around, I've got you covered!

Welcome to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark Des Cotes, and in today's episode, I'm diving into something that hits home for so many of us: networking as an introverted designer. Did you know that over 85% of designers are introverts? Yet, building a thriving design business still relies heavily on forging professional relationships, which can feel like a real challenge when you recharge by spending time alone. I'll share my own journey from dreading networking events to actually enjoying them, and I'll bust the myth that being introverted means being shy or antisocial. Instead, I'll show you how introverts' natural tendencies, like deep listening, genuine relationship building, and thoughtful follow-ups, can actually be superpowers when it comes to networking. Stick around as I walk you through my step-by-step strategies for attending events, making the most of online communities, and managing your energy, all while staying true to yourself. Whether you're gearing up for a conference or just want to build better connections online, I've got practical tips to help you grow your business, without the awkward small talk or forced self-promotion. Let's tap into your strengths and turn networking into a rewarding, authentic experience!

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark Des Cotes, and today I want to open up about five major mistakes that can seriously damage your design career; mistakes I've witnessed and, yes, even fallen into myself.  Through my own experiences, from the pitfalls of handshake agreements to the lessons I've learned the hard way, I'll give you practical advice to help you avoid these mistakes. My goal is to help you run a thriving, professional design business that not only creates beautiful work but is built to last. So, grab a pen and paper, get ready to reflect on your own business practices, and let's make sure you're setting yourself up for success!

Hey there, my design friend! Today on Resourceful Designer, I want to share a story about why I was genuinely happy that a client didn't pay their invoice. Sounds odd, right? But it all comes down to the power of client relationships—the foundation of any successful design business. I'm diving into how going above and beyond for your clients (even working for free at times) can deliver incredible ROI, like solidifying long-term partnerships and generating referrals that keep your business thriving. I'll share specific examples from my own journey, how strategically offering free work surprised and delighted clients, and why sending a $0 invoice with a 100% discount can mean so much more than just giving your time away. If you're curious about practical ways to invest in your relationships, and why generosity can be your best marketing strategy, you're in the right place. Let's talk about building trust, getting grateful emails, and having your name passed around as the go-to designer, all by understanding the true ROI of "free."

Hey there, it's Mark from Resourceful Designer. Have you ever looked at your own design work and thought, "I'm not good enough to charge for this," or landed a big client and immediately worried that they'd soon figure out you're not as talented as they think? If that sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. In fact, about 70% of creatives experience what's known as impostor syndrome, a nagging feeling that your success is just luck and you don't really belong. On today's episode, I'm digging deep into this all-too-common struggle for designers. Inspired by a recent conversation with a young designer who was feeling insecure about her abilities after a layoff, I realized just how important this topic is. So, I'm revisiting impostor syndrome, not just with my own thoughts, but with powerful quotes from artists, musicians, actors, and industry leaders who openly wrestle with these feelings. Trust me, if celebrities and industry giants feel this way, it's perfectly normal that you might too. But this episode isn't just about relating; we'll also cover practical steps to combat those feelings, like documenting your wins, reframing your thoughts, and focusing on the value you bring to your clients. I want you to know: impostor syndrome is often a sign that you're pushing yourself and growing. You do belong here, and you have something unique to offer. So if you've ever hesitated to show your portfolio, undercharged for your work, or felt like you're just waiting to be "found out," stick around. This is an episode of Resourceful Designer you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!

Hey fellow designers, welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark Des Cotes, and today I'm diving into a topic that every design business thrives on: word of mouth referrals. Recently, I had a reminder of just how powerful this can be, a client from 25 years ago, whose logo I designed back in my print shop days, still refers people to me! That got me thinking about how important, yet overlooked, word of mouth marketing really is. In this episode, I break down the five T's of word of mouth marketing: Talkers, Topics, Tools, Taking Part, and Tracking. These aren't just buzzwords, they're actionable strategies that can transform how you attract and retain clients, based on real experiences from my own business and proven industry tactics. I'll walk you through how to identify your talkers (those clients who love to recommend you), provide clients with memorable topics to share, set up the right tools to make referrals easy, get involved in the right communities, and actually track what's working. Whether you're just getting started or want to supercharge your existing referral pipeline, I've got real-life stories, practical tips, and even a 30-day action plan to kickstart your word of mouth growth. So stick around, I promise you'll leave with ideas you can use right away to build stronger relationships, stand out, and get more of those golden referrals!

Hey there, my friends! Welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer. Today I want to share something that could really transform the way you approach client relationships and projects. Did you know there are four simple yet powerful questions you can ask your clients that could completely change the course of your design work? I'll be diving into exactly what those questions are, how I use them in my own business, sometimes even uncovering that what a client asks for isn't really what they need, and how you can use them to elevate your role from a basic service provider to a true strategic partner. So stick around as I break down each question, share some real-world stories, and give you practical tips to start implementing these power questions in your next client meeting. Let's get started!

Today, I want to talk about something that might sound a little counterintuitive at first: how stepping away from your design business to enjoy hobbies—like playing guitar, gardening, fishing, or woodworking—can actually make you a far more successful designer. In fact, research shows that entrepreneurs with creative hobbies can see up to a 30% boost in business performance! If you're finding yourself burned out or in a creative rut, stick around. This episode is all about how sometimes, the very best thing you can do for your design business is to simply step away. Let's dive in!

Freelancing feels like freedom, but the fastest route often runs through a paycheck first. In this episode, I show how working on a team accelerates your path to solo success—learning pricing, scope control, legally sound communication (yes, even email), and building the referral network and judgment you can't get alone. For full show notes of this episode, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode346

 I recently attended WordCamp Canada, a community gathering of WordPress enthusiasts, where I gave a presentation on the pitfalls of your About page. But that's not what today's episode is about. Instead, I want to discuss a fascinating concept I picked up from another presentation on email marketing. Today's episode, titled "The Two Sides of a Solopreneur Designer," is inspired by the idea that, as solopreneurs, we wear two distinct hats: the CEO and the employee. Each role has its own responsibilities, from planning and strategizing for the CEO to executing tasks and dealing with clients for the employee. I'll explore how mentally separating these roles can help you better manage and grow your business. So, let's dive in and learn how taking time to step away and switch into your CEO hat can make a world of difference for your design business. Stay Creative!

Welcome to another episode of Resourceful Designer. I'm your host, Mark, and today, I've got an interesting topic inspired by a friend's podcast. You know, it's funny how ideas for podcast episodes can come from the most unexpected places. Sometimes, I meticulously plan out a topic, but other times, like today, a random sentence can spark an idea. Today, we're discussing the importance of asking specific questions, especially in our design businesses. This concept hit home for me through my TV show podcasts like Under the Dome, Orphan Black, and The Expanse. When I started asking targeted questions to my listeners, feedback soared from a handful to dozens per episode. It was a game-changer! So, how does this relate to design? Well, asking clients broad questions like, "What do you think?" rarely yields useful feedback. Instead, be more precise—ask about colour choices, font styles, or layout. This approach makes it easier for clients to provide constructive feedback, helping you create designs that truly meet their goals. Stay tuned as I share insights and tips from my podcasting journey that you can apply to enhance client interactions and improve your design process. Let's get started!

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share a cautionary tale about losing generational clients and the critical lesson I've learned from my mistakes. Whether you're dealing with family-run businesses or companies with long-standing leadership, you'll discover the importance of building relationships with the next generation to ensure client loyalty. Listen as I recount personal stories and offer valuable insights to help you avoid falling into the same trap. Don't miss this crucial episode that could save your client base in the years to come!

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the crucial aspect of redefining your introductory hook to capture clients effectively. I discuss the significance of crafting a compelling introduction on your website and other marketing materials that resonates with your target audience's "What's in it for me?" mindset.  By analyzing examples of website hooks, I emphasize the importance of conveying the value you offer to potential clients right from the start. Join me as I explore the power of a well-crafted hook in attracting and retaining clients, helping you grow and succeed in your design business. Find the episode and shownotes on the website at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode342