Design Business & The Industry of Design

Get the latest expert advice in marketing, growth, management and legal issues of interest to principals and design management. And, find tips for starting your own design business. HOW has pooled together industry experts and business consultants to provide the tools to help you achieve success in the design industry as a business leader. Plus, hear stories of design businesses from around the globe and the business philosophies that guide these successful entities.

Happy 10th anniversary of freelancing, Tom!

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Tom Tumbusch

Creative Renegade: Solo copywriter and sustainability evangelist, Tom Tumbusch of WordStreamCopy, celebrates 10 years of freelancing Continue reading → More

Categories: Freelance Design Work & How to Freelance | Tags: | Comments Off

How to Write a Graphic Design Proposal

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Ilise Benun

If you’re trying to learn how to write a proposal, this post will help. Because I’m convinced that the key technique to writing a graphic design proposal that gets you the job (this goes for a web design proposal or … Continue reading → More

Categories: Self Promotion for Graphic Design & Designers | Comments Off

14 Cool Business Card Designs

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Bryn Mooth

From super low-budget to ‘the world’s most expensive,’ these cool business card designs do a great job of representing the design firms and clients they personify.
More

Categories: Design Ideas: Inspiration for Designers, Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers, Design Projects, Featured, Self Promotion for Graphic Design & Designers | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

Bringing Balance to Your Design Business

Posted on May 15, 2012 by David C. Baker

Understanding what mission drives your graphic or web design business will help you to better achieve balance (aka success). What drives your design firm? More

Categories: Design Business & The Industry of Design, Design Firm Owners | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Networking Tips for Freelancers

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Alisa Bonsignore

Networking tips for you: the person who would rather endure a root canal than speak to a stranger at a cocktail party. Continue reading → More

Categories: Self Promotion for Graphic Design & Designers | Tags: | Comments Off

How can you differentiate yourself?

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Ilise Benun

See how Nat Clymer, portrait photographer, demonstrates his point of differentiation and stands out from the clutter through his email marketing. Continue reading → More

Categories: Self Promotion for Graphic Design & Designers | Tags: , , | Comments Off

The Keys to Design Business Success: Belief, Opportunity, Capacity

Posted on May 11, 2012 by David C. Baker

The path to success in your design business involves belief, opportunity and capacity. The end goal isn’t in sheer size, but in profitability and impact. More

Categories: Design Business & The Industry of Design, Design Firm Owners, Design Management: The Process & Business of Design, Featured | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Marketing Q&A: How to approach a referral

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Ilise Benun

Marketing Q&A: A good client gave your name to a colleague who needs your help but hasn’t called you yet. What to do? Continue reading → More

Categories: Self Promotion for Graphic Design & Designers | Tags: , | Comments Off

Creative Bliss Day 17: Selling Design Ideas With A Perfect Pitch

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Sam Harrison

Do you ever ponder “How do I go about selling my best design ideas?” Find techniques to help you sell design ideas, including these tips for a perfect pitch. More

Categories: 30 Days of Creativity Exercises & Design Inspiration, Design Business Clients: Communication & Management, Design Business: Industry Issues & Advice, Editor's Picks | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Making the jump to an office

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Lidia Varesco Racoma

Creative freelancer, Lidia Varesco Racoma, just moved out of her home office and shares tips for taking that next step in growing your business. Continue reading → More

Categories: Freelance Design Work & How to Freelance | Tags: | Comments Off