It can be an intimidating prospect for some to start their own business. This can be especially true in the design field, as competition is usually very fierce. I personally find the idea of starting my own design firm as exciting and rewarding. I've worked in sales and marketing for several years and have learned that networking and building solid client relationships is essential in almost any field. Another integral ingredient in creating a design firm is to have a philosophy about your approach to work. As author Adrian Shaugnessy states in his book How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul, “as well as good people and good work studios need to have a philosophy; they need to have something they can believe in.” I couldn't agree more with Shaugnessy's statement, in that in order to move forward with a goal, it must be clearly defined within the subtext of a specific design philosophy. I wish to start my own motion graphics design firm. In order to get my clients interested, I would target market Art Directors, C-level executives, and other people in positions of decision-making power. I would research their own company philosophy and style, then scale down my compiled list to target those that compliment my own. I would mass email introductory correspondences to each decision maker, with a friendly, warm, and short biography of my skills, philosophy behind my design style, and a link to a web site displaying my work portfolio. At the same time of this email outreach campaign, I would cold call these prospective clients with a brief introduction and pitch of what I offer. I would invite them to a follow up call on a specific day and time to either present my portfolio in person, or via a website link that I could discuss with them over the telephone. Another option I would explore for reaching clients is attending networking events related to the design industry. Many of these types of events can be found on networking websites such as Meetup.com or Linkedin.com. With regard to balancing the client-designer relationship I am willing to conform to what their vision is, with a few considerations of course. In the end, the client is paying for my services, and if I don't feel that their concept serves their best interests and goals as a company, I must voice my objections and offer alternative suggestions or options for a design style. Companies come to my design firm because they need ideas, a vision and focus to bolster their brand. It's my responsibility to guide them through this process and offer the best possible solutions for their project even if this doesn't entirely mirror their initial concepts of the project. Making sure current clients turn into future clients is essential. Hopefully my work will stand for itself in many ways for ensuring client loyalty. If I do an excellent job and they are happy with my work, this allows for a great chance they will return to me for my services in the future. Keeping in contact with clients after my project is complete is important. Sending birthday cards, holiday cards, and even offering free services after the paid project is complete are all ways of ensuring they will remain happy and reoccurring clients. Getting to know clients personally and professionally from day one helps the entire process run smoothly, and solidifies future working relationships. BM
