The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business

by Cameron S. Foote

The only complete manual for running and maintaining a design business. Graphic design is a unique business, requiring its own distinct management style and operations agenda in order to run efficiently and maximize profitability. This is the first comprehensive business manual for graphic design firms of all sizes, providing specialized tips tailored to the specific goals and needs of design companies. Divided into four sections that treat the cornerstone concerns of every successful business--organization, marketing, personnel, and operations--the book details how each of these areas functions in the design world, and what firm principals and managers can do to optimize their efficacy. The appendices include sample business forms and documents to help put the information into practice.

Genres: Design, Business, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Mike Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource with many of the ratios and guides used in the industry and other guides. Thoughtful and helpful advise that holds up even after many years. Focused on small businesses and with some dated references, but a lot of valuable information.

[Fanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good choice if, like me, you are planning to open your Graphic Design studio. This guide provides invaluable, concrete information about running a successful studio and warns about the usual pitfalls to avoid.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a dry read and written like a textbook but has useful information about the logistics of starting your own design business. Recommended for all freelancers to have in their bookshelf as a reference.

[Kali Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more helpful business books I’ve read this year, though it is almost two decades old. Contacted a CPA about some of the content and was advised several things had changed (i.e., you CAN write off nonprofit discounts now).

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the followup to The Business Side Of Creativity, which explained how to go from employee to starting your own freelance gig. This followup edition takes a person from freelancer to studio owner. All questions are answered and guidelines provided. This is a book no studio owner should be without. Highly recommended!

[Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential if you find yourself running a design business with little to no previous experience running a creative studio/agency. For me it's like someone turned on the lights in the dark room that is running your own shop.

[Stephanie]

interesting and helpful so far.

[Bjm Index]

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