roller coaster with has also been essential for
me. Obviously, there are some incredible solo
acts out there, doing some amazing work. But I’d
recommend a wing man or women.
It’s crucial to start any business partnership
in a completely open way, otherwise it could
easily fall apart. Make sure you share similar
goals and want the studio to go in the same
direction. There’ll always be emotional and
stressful times, so make sure you have each
other’s backs. You may even want to consider
writing and agreeing on an exit plan, should
either of you wish to leave later on down the
line. I’ve been told it can get a bit messy (eeek!).PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
Knowing your own strengths is key. Think
about the balance of skill-sets that you have
between you. Collaborating with illustrators,
photographers, CGI studios, printers,
copywriters and web developers helps elevate
any project to the next level. Surround yourself
with specialists who can help lift your offering.
It makes sense to be connected with good
suppliers who you can rely on. Invest in your
love of creativity and connect with other creative
disciplines. It’s important to build up a contact
list of inspirational creatives who you might
want to collaborate with when the right project
comes along. Hopefully, this is something you’ve
done for most of your design career anyway.BE REALISTIC
With any new venture, it’s important to have
long-term goals. But it’s even more important
that you understand you aren’t going to reach
those dizzy heights straight away. It takes time
and a lot of hard work to get there. This applies
to your client, financial and studio space
aspirations. Chances are, you aren’t going toland that dream project for Apple straight away.
You may even have to be prepared to work on a
few projects for free, to build up a portfolio that
you can use to promote the studio. That’s
exactly what we had to do. I’d also recommend
saving some money before starting up; you’ll
need some cash to support yourself and your
family through the first few months (or years!).
That’s unless you already have clients and
projects lined up... you lucky devil, you.
Keep your overheads as low as possible to
start with. We all dream of that sweet studio
space, filled with fancy furniture and the latest
all-singing, all-dancing computer equipment.
But all you really need to get started is a
computer that works, a desk, chair, pencil,
notebook and a head full of ideas. Oh, and a
healthy dollop of internet. The Ferrari or VW
Campervan may have to wait a little bit.HAVE BELIEF IN YOUR SKILLS
Running your own studio will test you. There
will be difficult times where you may start to
doubt yourself. You’ll no longer have someone to
pat you on the back and tell you that you’re
doing a great job. You’ll need to remain
motivated and have faith in your strategy and
ability as a studio. I remember a long time ago,
when I was a student, one of my Falmouth tutors
(who shall remain unnamed) told me that I
would never make it as a graphic designer. Pretty
cold, I know. But it turns out that it was exactly
what I needed to hear, and those words still
motivate me every day. My determination to
prove him wrong has served me well so far.
There’s nowhere to hide when running your
own studio. You’ll rely on your belief in your
own and your team’s ability, and a healthy slice
of luck for sure. But it’s one hell of a ride so far
that I wouldn’t have missed for the world.NEWS, VIEWS & EVENTS“My tutor told
me I’d never
make it as a
designer... My
determination to
prove him wrong
has served me
well so far!”
Top: Honest Studio created the
brand identity for Claire Stringer,
a counsellor. Above: Example of
the studio’s identity work for
Roundhouse’s Self-Made series.
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