How to run a successful design agency
Integrated packaging design specialist Equator Design shares advice on what it takes to stand out as a successful design consultancy in a competitive landscape and get known for it.
Cultivate creativity
Even the most talented team in the world would struggle to come up with winning ideas in a stifling environment. Building an office environment that is conducive to creativity is vital. We worked closely with architects to design environments at our Manchester, Chicago, Nottingham and Dublin offices that ignite creativity. These purposefully spacious, open plan offices maximise human interaction and drive the exchange of ideas.
Keeping the flow of ideas going creates a dynamic, enthusiastic work culture, where all the team feel involved in the creative process and confident enough to share their flashes of inspiration.
Attract the best talent
By focusing on culture, you’re also making great strides when it comes to attracting and retaining the best people. A reputation for excellence and taking care of your employees is an attractive combination and makes all those on the team want to give their best.
It’s our continued investment in people and infrastructure throughout our global operations that has helped Equator Design to win business from major retail and food brands in the US, the UK and beyond. By having the right balance of skillsets in our team, we have been able to deliver dependable success for our clients.
During the hiring process it is important to look beyond the CV, as having passion and the right personality is a much greater indication of someone’s potential. Finding good people can be tough, but if you get the culture right, they’ll come to you.
Understand your customers
One size definitely does not fit all clients. That’s why we adopt a bespoke approach. The whole culture of our business is creative and geared towards delivering what the client wants in a way that no-one else has thought of.
Successful design businesses must be adaptive and agile to meet their customers’ needs. It’s important to really get into the head of the client, live and breathe the product and nail the design concept that will put their products in consumers’ shopping baskets.
Keep an eye on the bigger picture
Leaders of successful design agencies must constantly be looking into the future to remain one step ahead of the industry and target compatible future clients. This bigger picture outlook keeps growth coming through and provides the imperative to constantly develop the client offering.
We are constantly working with people across the business to research and engage brands that we’d like to work with and show them how we can be part of their structure. It can take us up to 18 months of research, engagement and communication before we secure a piece of work with a desired brand.
Be different
With design, digital photography and in-house production all working together, we can truly deliver our designs to shelf with no compromise. We can prioritise work to meet deadlines and deliver everything our customers need from one location.
You have to do things differently to really stand out. From delivering ahead of schedule to exceeding expectations with your work rate. By getting stuff done you prove that productivity is just as important to your team as creativity – and that really is a winning combination.
Be consistent
Clients appreciate the fact that they are guided through the whole packaging journey; from strategy and concept, through to design, photography, artwork and production.
Standards throughout the whole process are consistent and reliable; building trust and close, long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. Good communication throughout the whole team means that everyone is on the same page and feels accountable for delivering excellent results time and again.
All very good. But at the top of the list should be, DON’T DO FREE CREATIVE PITCHES! This is still endemic in our business and will always devalue the worth and integrity of our industry.
I believe when a designer or agency are approached to take part in a free creative pitch, and that includes those who attempt to hide the fact by offering a ‘token fee’ that wouldn’t cover an hours work, should be named and shamed. I will always challenge this behaviour.
If I am going to be involved in ‘free’ work it will for a charity or cause I believe in and on my terms.
After leaving Carroll, Dempsey & Dempsey in 2007 I spent time thinking about the reasons for our success, during our heydey. I came up with twelve reasons and suggest these to help create a happy ship:
1. Seek out clients you like.
2. Hire a good financial head.
3. Take on interesting projects.
4. Don’t use business jargon.
5. Exude enthusiasm.
6. Absorb all influences.
7. Nurture those around you.
8. Stay close to the coal face.
9. Retain a sense of fun.
10. Appreciate the wonderful area that you work in.
11. Be honest.
12. Smile.
Thank you for this very useful article. I also own a small design agency. my website: https://bizzmanweb.com/ I found this article very inspiring. God bless!
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