Designers aren’t slaves
I’ve been around the design industry a long time.I’ve seen all types of design businesses.I’ve seen the patriarchal approach that...
Articles
Please be patient, we are migrating news, events and articles from the previous site and will be progressively adding these over the coming weeks.
Sladen IP live poll
Sladen IP wants your opinion! Look at these two quilt covers. Are the designs too similar? Should Bed Bath & Table be able to stop Spotlight...
Hanging out with… Rob Self-Pierson from Verb
In March, AGDA’s Heath Campbell was delighted to chat with Rob Self-Pierson, founder of London-based writing studio, The Table. Rob had just...
New City Jams: or, The Benefits of Having Friends Everywhere
Having left my former job and moved from Adelaide to Sydney three weeks ago (early October), I’ve had to find a job, and find one quickly. Want...
I don't have time to work ON my business
I’m hearing this a lot lately. In one way it shows our industry is healthy. Most agency owners I talk to are up to their ears in work. Or are...
The most important skill in pricing
"Thank you. We’ll get back to you." It’s the standard end to the pitch-and-pray sales meeting whereby you present and the client listens. They...
The secret to value pricing design
Value pricing will only work with some clients because as an industry we've spent far too long selling our services by the hour. We need to accept...
Taking clients on the design journey
The research and discovery phase of a design project is the most critical part of designing a solution. That’s a big statement. But consider the...
When to employ?
This month I’ve had similar conversations with a number of design studio owners. The gist of it is: I’m busy. I need help. What should I do?...
Coworking space or commercial lease?
Design studios come in all shapes and sizes. We work from a variety of spaces; from the spare room at home to palatial, commissioned accommodation....
Are Australian designers too conservative?
Recent research shows that Australian businesses rank very poorly when it comes to taking business risks. The same research identified that being...
Pause Fest 2019
DESIGN IN THE BOARDROOM
This podcast episode is a panel session recorded live at Pause Fest 2019 and hosted by DrivenxDesign. It's a panel of experts without a safety net...
From contact to client ...
From contact to client ... So you've built a client contact list as long as your arm. It's ready for that day when you finally get around to...
What does burnout look like in a design studio?
In 2016, a survey by University of Chicago found nearly 50% of us say we are often or always exhausted due to work. Added to that, there’s a...
What is perfection
What is perfection, and does it exist in terms of everyday writing. I say ‘everyday writing’ because I don’t want to get into writers like...
Why referrals suck
Often our discussion with designers is around getting more work. Gaining and retaining a loyal stable of the ‘right’ client is a common...
Victoria's Design Strategy
Background: Creative Victoria (part of the Victorian Government) is seeking submissions to help shape the creative industries strategy 2020-2024....
Is the design studio model failing?
Is the design studio model failing?. Will the current design studio model survive in a gig economy where design execution is commoditised? Is the...
Presenting: this could go one of two ways.
Presenting: this could go one of two ways. Presenting in front of a client is no longer common place.Everyone is busy.Everyone is...
Flyn Tracy [& Matt Leach in spirit] from Aus Design Radio
After a few attempts by me — the novice — at introducing to those interested how to start a podcast, it’s time to speak with an expert....