We call our library
‘The Design Business Review’
It’s a library of articles about the business of design.
The articles are based on real questions from real design businesses — pricing, positioning, client management, mental wellbeing, and the research we've done into what actually works. Many originated from knowledge earned from 30 years running a studio, and updated with research and insights from mentoring sessions with Australian designers.
New articles land every Wednesday morning AEST, straight to your inbox.
Got a topic you’re interested in but can’t find? Let us know… we might be able to help.
The social cost nobody talks about
There’s a silent change that has crept up on the creative industry. It’s not about tech, nor is it about $.
It’s not even about clients.
It’s about isolation.
Early in my career getting a job out the door required a small army. Now I can do most of the roles myself. Is that a good thing?
What happens when clients stop investing in their brand
Times are tough. Clients are looking for ways to cut costs and we know brand investment is often one of the first things questioned. The client’s assumption is simple: if we stop spending on branding, marketing or communications for a while, nothing much will change.
The evidence suggests otherwise.
Evidence-based design
When the economy is tight, clients are more risk-averse. They demand research and evidence your design direction is valid.
Evidence-based design replaces the need to justify creative decisions with subjective reasoning.
This article explores what evidence-based design looks like in practice, and the implications for pricing a project
How to get on the RFQ shortlist
Research found by the time clients send a RFQ, they’ve already decided who they want to work with. They’ve chosen a designer from reputation, knowledge and past experience. They’ve chosen someone who is visible.
They may not have worked with them previously, but they’re most likely engaged with them – it means you need to be visible before clients start looking.
Understanding client approval resistance
Increasingly, getting approvals is as much about psychology, behavioural science and language as it is about the design solution. Everyone – including clients – is under pressure and that can manifest as cold feet, regardless of how good your design solution is.
Understanding resistance as a natural human response changes how you approach presentations and feedback sessions.