After attending the designers meetup organized by @think.senpai and @rewrite.agency on Friday, 18 August 2017 tagged ‘THE BUSINESS OF DESIGN’; Sopeju Ifeoluwa, a Writer and Brand identity specialist writes about ten super points he took out of the event and feels everyone else should know about:
1. The business of design requires choosing clients wisely. You do not have to take up every job. In fact, being professional requires turning down certain kind of jobs, not because the money the client is willing to offer is small, but because you would rather offer value that is appreciated. Be intuitive to know the kind of clients you should work for and not to work for. Truth is, some clients are problematic and you need to avoid them. If you work for such clients, be so sure they will refer people like them to you.
2. Value for money. Value translates into money. Discuss value before money. Clients will pay a premium when they understand value. Offering value for money is relevant to sustainable business.
3. Perception about your brand or business will either attract or repel clients. Build a positive perception for your brand. Work on your personality as a designer. Differentiate your personal page from your business page. Personal branding is key if you want to be taken seriously. Presentation is paramount.
5. Most Nigerians see design as being generic. It is our duty as designers in business to change that perception. Designing is easy, thinking is hard. Clients need to be educated on the process of design thinking if you want them to value and pay a premium for your services.
Designing is easy, thinking is hard. — @Soji Oyemomi
6. Most designers lack human interaction. The need for designers to collaborate with clients is necessary. It is in the conversation and collaboration that clients are educated and enlightened on the process involved in designing. Do not just throw a quote at a client, when you have not first had a conversation on how your service offerings will add value to their business.
7. Evolve! Evolve!! Evolve!!! or Dieeeeeeeeeee.
8. To each his own. Master a skill. Be good at one design related skill, at the least. Carve a niche for yourself. Do not be too broad. Be known for a particular skill.
9. Starting/setting up a design outfit/startup is not meant for everyone.It requires grit and determination. Designing, Freelancing and Entrepreneurship are not synonymous. The fact that you are a good designer does not mean you will do well as a freelancer or an entrepreneur. The corporate environment might be the best fit for you. The business side of design is paramount to its sustainability in the industry.
10. Value is not just about cash. User experience should be the ultimate value designers/creatives should render to clients. True value is intangible and unquantifiable.
What do you think about these points and do you have anything to add? Tell us in the comment section below