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Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Wouldn"t it be nice if you could spend more time designing and less time worrying about your design business? Resourceful Designer offers tips, tricks and resources for freelancers in order to help streamline your graphic design and web design business so you can get back to what you do best… Designing! Let me know what topics you would like me to cover by emailing feedback@resourcefuldesigner.com

arts design

All Episodes

30:19

Facing Impostor Syndrome - RD350

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2025/10/28

Hey there, it's Mark from Resourceful Designer. Have you ever looked at your own design work and thought, "I'm not good enough to charge for this," or landed a big client and immediately worried that they'd soon figure out you're not as talented as they think? If that sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. In fact, about 70% of creatives experience what's known as impostor syndrome, a nagging feeling that your success is just luck and you don't really belong. On today's episode, I'm digging

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34:00

How to Generate More Word of Mouth Referrals - RD349

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2025/10/21

Hey fellow designers, welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer! I’m Mark Des Cotes, and today I’m diving into a topic that every design business thrives on: word of mouth referrals. Recently, I had a reminder of just how powerful this can be, a client from 25 years ago, whose logo I designed back in my print shop days, still refers people to me! That got me thinking about how important, yet overlooked, word of mouth marketing really is. In this episode, I break down the five T’s of

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16:51

The Four Power Questions Every Designer Should Ask...

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2025/10/14

Hey there, my friends! Welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer. Today I want to share something that could really transform the way you approach client relationships and projects. Did you know there are four simple yet powerful questions you can ask your clients that could completely change the course of your design work? I’ll be diving into exactly what those questions are, how I use them in my own business, sometimes even uncovering that what a client asks for isn’t really what

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12:43

Design Better by Doing Less - RD347

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2025/10/07

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

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39:51

Why You Should Work for Someone Else Before Becoming...

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2025/09/30

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

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16:19

The Two Sides Of A Solopreneur Designer - RD345

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/07/22

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

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15:44

Be Careful What You Ask: A Lesson in Getting Valuable...

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/06/17

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

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18:51

Generational Clients, And how to Lose Them - RD343

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/06/03

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

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24:02

Redefining Your Introductory Hook To Capture Clients...

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/05/27

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

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13:13

Engage More, Talk Less - The Key to A Thriving Design...

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/04/22

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

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17:38

Are Your Design Clients Time Or Money Minded - RD340

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/04/08

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

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22:30

Accepting Credit Card Payments - RD339

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/03/18

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

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27:51

Handing Over Your Working Files: Yes or No - RD338

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/03/04

Have you ever been in a sticky situation where a client has asked for your working files? In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve deep into the topic of whether or not to hand over working files. Join me as I share personal experiences and insights to help you navigate this common dilemma in the design industry. From legal considerations to negotiating with clients, I offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions and protect your creative assets. Tune in to discover the nuances

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24:40

Backing Up: It's Better To Be Safe Than Sorry - RD337

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/02/26

On this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the critical topic of backups. Through two poignant real-life stories, I stress the importance of not solely relying on web hosts for backups. I share a scenario where a client's website was lost due to an overlooked credit card update and the absence of off-site backups. I emphasize the significance of using plugins like Solid Backups for WordPress or services like Backblaze for complete cloud-based backups. I underscore the need to protect

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10:07

Persistence Will Pay Off - RD336

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/02/19

Hey there, it's Mark, and in this episode, "Persistence Will Pay Off," I want to talk to you about the challenges of running a design business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for years, finding clients can be tough. I've been there myself, going through long stretches without new projects coming in and questioning if my business was sustainable. But I made it through, and so can you. I'm here to share some words of encouragement and actionable tips to help you stay

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19:40

Presenting Your Designs To Clients: You're Doing It...

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/02/12

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I discuss a common mistake designers make when presenting their work to clients. Drawing from my own experience, I delve into the significance of presentation and its impact on a design business. Sharing insights from my college days to my current approach, I highlight the practice of presenting designs to clients with crucial information included. I explain how this method not only enhances professionalism but also leverages client sharing to attract

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26:19

Sure, You Can Do It, But Should You? - RD334

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/02/05

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share my journey as an entrepreneur and the pivotal role delegation has played in shaping the success of my business. From initially shouldering every responsibility solo to embracing the power of collaboration, I delve into the transformative impact of outsourcing tasks beyond my expertise. By strategically investing in external help, whether through hiring specialists or utilizing online platforms, I've been able to optimize productivity and

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32:39

2024 Design Trends by Freepik.com - RD333

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/01/29

Exploring Design Trends: A Dive into FreePik's 2024 Trend Report Click here to see the trend report: https://www.freepik.com/visual-trends-2024 Join me as I delve into Freepik.com's 2024 trend report, highlighting key design trends predicted for the year. Freepic.com, a platform known for offering high-quality design resources for free, reached out to discuss its latest trend report, sparking my interest in exploring the upcoming trends. With full transparency, it's noted that while Freepik.com

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14:25

You Need A Thick Skin To Be A Designer - RD332

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/01/22

Welcome to this episode of Resourceful Designer, where I explore the topic of thick skin in the world of design. Reflecting on my 30+ years as a designer, I share the often unspoken truth about needing a resilient attitude to thrive in this industry. I draw from personal experiences, offering valuable insights on handling criticism, difficult clients, and managing expectations, particularly when running your own design business. Join me for a candid conversation about the realities of being a

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31:34

6 Pricing Hacks To Land Hesitant Clients - RD331

Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a... ·

2024/01/15

Welcome to Resourceful Designer, the podcast where I explore the ins and outs of running a successful design business. In today's episode, titled "6 Pricing Hacks To Land Hesitant Clients," I share valuable strategies to influence clients into accepting pricing offers. I delve into 6 pricing hacks. From eliminating commas in large pricing to offering three-tier pricing options, I provide actionable tips to make your pricing more appealing and increase the likelihood of client agreement. Tune in as I

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361 results

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