Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

 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 solopr...

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 q...

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.

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 web...

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 p...

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...

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 th...

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 leg...

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 o...

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 ...

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 ...