Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Latest Episodes:

Design Better by Doing Less - RD347 Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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!

Why You Should Work for Someone Else Before Becoming a Freelancer - RD346 Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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

The Two Sides Of A Solopreneur Designer - RD345 Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

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!

Be Careful What You Ask: A Lesson in Getting Valuable Feedback - RD344 Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

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!

Generational Clients, And how to Lose Them - RD343 Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

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!

Redefining Your Introductory Hook To Capture Clients - RD342 May 27, 2024

Show notes

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

Discontinuing IOS and Android Apps May 15, 2024

Show notes

I will be discontinuing both the Resourceful Designer IOS and Android apps very soon. Please follow/subscribe to the Resourceful Designer podcast on your favourite audio listening platform to never miss an episode.

Thank you for your loyal support.

Stay Creative!

Mark Des Cotes

Engage More, Talk Less - The Key to A Thriving Design Business - RD341 Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

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 powerful lesson for us as graphic designers in our own client interactions.

I'll share with you how critical it is to connect with clients on a level that goes beyond flaunting our design skills. We discuss why it's paramount to focus on bringing a client's vision to life, rather than overwhelming them with our technical prowess. In this episode, we'll delve into the pitfalls of design platforms like Fiverr, where lack of communication often leads to less-than-ideal results.

We also talk about the golden moments of design that come from a genuine exchange of ideas, the transition from transactional to transformational conversations, and the art of using strategic silence to uncover a client's real needs, adopting techniques used by great salespeople and interviewers like David Letterman.

So before you speed ahead to your next client meeting ready to showcase your portfolio, remember to pause and truly listen. The insights you gain may very well unlock the potential for your greatest design work yet. Stay tuned as we navigate together the journey of growing and running a successful design business with community, creativity, and a keen ear for our clients' stories.

Join the Resourceful Designer Community as we support each other in our goal to prosper, all this and more for just $15 a month.

Let's dive into the episode!

Are Your Design Clients Time Or Money Minded - RD340 Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

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 purchasing a course on Facebook ads, valued my time more.

We'll explore how this distinction applies to your design business, how it affects the way you position your services, and ultimately, whom you attract as clients. Do your clients often haggle over prices or seek discounts? Or do they prefer paying more to ensure quality and save time? By delving into these differences, I'll help you understand the importance of marketing yourself effectively to attract the right kind of clients for your business. Are you ready to shift your perspective and potentially the trajectory of your design business? Stay tuned as we discuss how being a problem solver for your clients goes beyond just design work—it's about addressing their deeper concerns with money and time. Let's get started.

Accepting Credit Card Payments - RD339 Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

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 the various options available, from PayPal to Stripe and other accounting software. I discuss the fees involved and the ways to incorporate them into pricing strategies, emphasizing the convenience and tax deductibility. Join me as I break down the process of accepting credit card payments and provide insights for design business owners looking to streamline their invoicing and payment processes.

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