The biggest surprises in building a design business weren’t the creative challenges, but the business ones. Mistakes are inevitable, especially for designers who start without a business mindset. I learned that firsthand.

Nearly 18 years ago, I took the leap and launched my own design business. But that journey didn’t happen overnight. Eight formative years in two agencies gave me invaluable experience, sharpened my skills, and, most importantly, built the relationships that made it possible.

When it came time to name my business, I faced a pivotal decision. Do I adopt an agency-style name to project the image of a larger company or use my own name to emphasize personal connection? I chose the latter. I understood that clients weren’t just seeking a service, They were choosing me as much as my work.

Looking back, I think what strengthened those relationships was simply being myself—often shy, but always genuinely invested in people. I didn’t always have confidence, and it showed. But rather than trying to project something I wasn’t, I focused on showing up as I was. Over time, that honesty helped build trust, and trust is what turned opportunities into lasting collaborations.

Of course, running a business came with challenges I didn’t anticipate. Here are some key mistakes I made, and what I’d do differently if I were starting over.

Treat It as a Business, Not Just a Passion

There’s a romantic notion that designers work purely for passion, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. Pricing, contracts, and financial planning are just as critical as creativity, and neglecting them can hold you back more than you realize.

Learning to value the business side of design was a hard earned lesson.

Leverage Other Talents 

In the beginning, I took on everything myself—project management, admin, and design work. While it seemed like the best way to stay on top of things, I realized the importance of collaborating and delegating tasks. It was a lesson in trusting others and leveraging their strengths to move the business forward. I’ve since learned the value of surrounding myself with a team that complements my skills, and it has made a huge difference.

Prioritize Personal Development

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks, but investing in your own development is critical. I often felt that focusing on learning new skills would take time away from client work, but in hindsight, I see that those investments in myself would have paid off much sooner.

Invest Further, When Things Are Going Well

It’s tempting to slow down when things are going smoothly, but the best time to invest in business development is when you’re already busy. Looking back, I see that dedicating more time to networking and securing future opportunities would have helped sustain momentum.

Conclusion

Eighteen years in, I’ve learned that mistakes aren’t obstacles, but rather opportunities for growth. The most significant shift has been how I now view challenges: as lessons that help refine my approach and make me a stronger leader. Every step, whether it felt like a misstep at the time or not, has shaped the way I do business today, and that’s something I fully embrace.

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