Double Your Design Business

How do I increase my revenue and hit my financial goals? What are some practical steps to land clients? Should I go after the big fish or stay with smaller/medium size potentials? If there is one thing I can should be doing to land more clients what is that? Want practical business advice on how to grow you design practice? You've come to the right place.
Jung Hong
CSUN Professor/Designer MFA Candidate
AxisOfEvilDesign.com
KGBKhrome.com
4:45 What are practical steps to build my business from a small practice to a bigger agency? I have a partnership with 2 interns.
5:51 What are your business goals? What are you trying to hit in revenue within the next year?
6:45 How will you personally transform in order to be worth the money you want to be paid? Will hiring more people help?
7:50 building a sales pipeline or sales funnel. How can I get more job opportunities?
9:45 asking for referrals. Why are you afraid of asking for referrals?
15:17 How can I expand my services beyond what I'm doing right now?
17:11 Email marketing tips. Here are some from Neil Patel
neilpatel.com/blog/11-types-o...
18:40 Simon Sinek- the order in which you say something matters.
21:08 3 key ideas: Know, Trust, Like. People hire people they know, trust and like. Get known to get hired.
24:00 Aaron shares his experience with a pushy sales person
30:45 The problem with sales and pushy sales techniques.
31:39 How do you convince a client that they need your help?
32:30 Chris talks about the negative aspect of projecting your needs on the client
34:00 How to help business owners by identifying their problems (with examples)
37:30 How do you test if a rebranding process would work?
39:30 Why you shouldn't be premature in assessing the problem that a business has?
41:45 Should a graphic designer be more involved in consulting?
42:11 How do you deal with the transition from graphic designer to branding consultant?
46:19 Client and consultant roleplay to exemplify the process
54:00 Chris talks about logo importance in branding
56:30 Chirs talks about closing the gap between low revenue and high revenue clients
01:05:30 The negative aspect of unsolicited advice
01:08:54 Difference between a average company and a amazing company
01:12:00 What should you be doing as a small company to improve?
01:15:50 How do you work with clients that refuse the diagnose stage?
01:18:45 Video Recap
01:21:26 Should you work for free for your portfolio?
01:24:00 The Wrap
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This is the Futur of Education- Disrupting the design education paradigm.
Want a deeper dive? We have courses on Typography, Lettering, Sales & Marketing, Social Media and The Business of Design here:
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Keep the content flowing. We need your support today! Our goal is to get 20k fans to become a sustaining member for $5/mo by Jan 31, 2018.
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The step-by-step blueprint and coaching program designed to get your creative business off the ground:
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✍️ Other Courses, Templates, and Tools:
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Recommended books, tools, music, resources, typefaces & more:
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Shorts Playlist:
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*By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality education to you. Thank you.
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🎙 Futur Podcast: thefutur.com/podcast/
✍️ Futur Blog: thefutur.com/blog/
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Credits:
Executive Producer- Chris Do
Host- Chris Do
Cinematography- Aaron Szekely, Mark Contreras
Editor- Aaron Szekely
Futur Theme Music - Adam Sanborne www.adamsanborne.com
Annotations- Isaiah Nwukor
Typefaces: Futura, Din, Helvetica
Futur theme song- Adam Sanborne
===
*By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality education to you. Thank you.

[@kleinsocrates9242]

i am never watching any video less than 1hr from Chris the more he talks the more i figure out how my life willl be in the next couple years. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MIND

[@thefutur]

Thank you so much Klein!

[@yamzara4006]

I'm still watching this episode multiple times. Every time I watch this I learn new things.

[@christophershayo]

I truly can't believe this information is FREE. Many thanks to you guys for providing this much value for us!

[@rocknfilm]

The futur and the teAm under Chris Do is disrupting the economy of advertising, a true pioneer. WTF I can’t believe how amazing your impact is, you’re cranking over a thousand believers a day. You’re making history with your product. Core is the shit, can’t wAit to meet you guys. I’m in Venice and San Pedro. The futur is yours, your , the brand of the branding. Confucius had a vision, you have broke the code, I see it. MY MOTTO IS PURO ARTE, that’s my brand. However with your inspiration I’m redirecting. Need a testimony, I got you anytime. PeAce.

[@NicoleGraphix]

I love how much you all pour so much heart into keeping the standards high in the design community. It's lacking when designers are often undervalued and underappreciated for what we can truly provide to the world. Your channel is giving us the confidence to keep our heads high and gives those outside the design community a better understanding on how we work (hard). Thanks so much for this video. Happy holidays team and enjoy the holidays! And all the best to Jung! Would love to see an update on how he's applied what he's discussed today :)

[@thefutur]

He's coming back Nicole. We will have to dive deeper into what we discussed.

[@AishaLaDon]

I really found this to be helpful. I think I need to start telling people that I am a Brand Strategist and not a designer. My strength is in helping companies tell a story. I am like an Art Director, then just outsource the design work. The strategy is what I love to do more than the design itself. Thanks so much Chris.

[@ConorTimmonsDesigns]

Again!!!! Holy crap the value! These past couple videos from you guys have been exactly what I’ve been asking myself recently. Amazing work the futur crew! 😍

[@thefutur]

We're glad the videos are helpful, Conor.

[@Mirror2You]

Conor Timmons Ditto

[@melindalivsey1]

Yay for deep dives! Great episode.

[@sorianosoul]

I'm really love your videos because you give TIPS I REALLY CAN USE!!! Nice job , and thanks for all your time!

[@GarrettHoyos]

Seriously insane amount of value in this video. Thank you so so much.

[@dungster33]

Pure gold, Mr Do is on point!

[@chepetusa]

all the minutes in your videos are gold! thanks a lot for sharing! love from Guatemala.

[@thefutur]

Appreciate it!

[@giovannidelarosa2945]

Jung Hong, one of the best Professors I have ever had!

[@thefutur]

yay!

[@mostafaa.5271]

This video is gold!! Thank you so much for sharing it for free :-)

[@rocknfilm]

People, you cannot hit a quarter millions in subscribers in his amount of time. This is a Disrupt phenomenon. I love it and will say that after 25 Years in the music business. This is the Puro Arte concept which translates as the moment of eureka of an artist. You are the essence all designers and art directors need in the massive world of advertising...I truly would like to see you do the next super bowl. I know you can, dope. Peace

[@lilliillliiiljlijjlli7831]

You have an excellent sense of style, Chris.

[@sumeetgupta77]

Awesome ​loved it. So much value you and your team share Chris. Thank you so much

[@ghoststalkermusic]

I have been subscribed and watching the channel for a month or so now. This video has been my favorite one so far. This is the best representation of what Chris Do and The Futur are all about. It all 'clicked' for me when you talked about logo design being a simple entry point for a much bigger service you can offer for a client (if that's what you want to do). I work in sales and thankful it is all inbound, but I am always wondering how to progress, I really like the idea of asking for referrals from clients I already have a great relationship with!

[@thefutur]

welcome JW.

[@victorlara8356]

Videos like this is why I became a sustaining member ❤️

[@thefutur]

Thank you. Victor!

[@gloriatibavisco1760]

It is extremely good! Chris and team a lot congrats ! I am very grateful, thank you !

[@makersembassy]

Just 3 words about this episode: That was Gold!

[@thefutur]

B.A.D Branding Architecture & Design thanks!!

[@za.jeanpaul]

Awesome vid Chris. Love the content, keep 'em coming!

[@sonoftroy8572]

Chris, you are my mentor, I thank you

[@thefutur]

You're very welcome

[@AC-ty1tr]

Loved this, actually very useful information, very clear, very direct. :)

[@TsikyImanoela]

1:12:42 EVERYONE, that's the sweetest spot

[@voltron736]

That was some sage level knowledge at the end. Thank you

[@stephan.]

awesome as always !

[@atomboi2028]

Amazing content! Thank you.

[@breppbrepp]

Love this content. Helps a lot to get this special insight. And oh yeah, gang signs are kinda cool when he does it

[@ashm7925]

Thanks for the share! Your channel is really helping me refine my business and I am truly grateful guys!

[@thefutur]

happy to hlep ashley.

[@Rob89665]

Great video! Learned a lot.

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

I totally get where you're coming from on your take on CONvince, and I agree, it has always been one aspect of sales/marketing that never appealed to me, and has never been my forte BUT... there is a positive side to it (besides the fact of getting what you want) which maybe can also be useful in teaching/coaching, and I guess it reflects your attitude from what I've seen in these years in your videos. It has EVERYTHING to do with togetherness, collaboration, cooperation (same root...) Surnky language nerd hat on... "to convince" has nothing to do with the English 'con' and its negative implication, it comes from the Latin convincĕre (vincere + cŭm), still used in Italian, vincere meaning to win, to overcome, and cŭm (con) meaning WITH. So it is how you win, via what means, with whom or what, you overcome things TOGETHER, a win-win situation, because the other party comes together with your side. A sort of alliance for a COMMON (again... 'con' as root) goal. If you look at it that way, and work on that positive side, I think it changes things. That cŭm, that 'with', after all is what you find in COMPASSION, COMPANION, COLLABORATE, etc. By coinvincing, you basically onboard the client (as you say) and take them by the hand for a common journey... and hopefully get paid :)) Lesson is over, class dismissed :)))

[@thefutur]

thanks for the English lesson!

[@keshnadonia]

I feel like I'm getting more value here than I did in my years in college 🤔. I can lean more here than going to grad school.

[@thefutur]

we strive to do just that Keshna

[@rocknfilm]

Keshna Donia his value is perplexing

[@payals2659]

I appreciate you guys.

[@pablocarvajal1828]

Love your Videos!!!!!

[@TheWickdTrader]

Very helpful!!

[@Emanoflove]

Real Life Class...

[@insomniexx]

I love you Chris do !

[@brianfong5711]

1:23:12 Hello Chris. Love what you are doing. I thought you might want to know that you have glare on your glasses from your iPad? Looks like 2 white triangles in your lenses, stylish frame by the way. Maybe an anti-glare coating can be applied. Keep up the great work! Hope you get to a million subscribers.

[@thefutur]

thanks Brian! yeah, i have regular lenses vs. anti-reflective. it's an issue with bright light sources near my face.

[@ScottValentine]

40:06 This is exactly what most Architects do, not just small ones but most of the big big superstar ones do this. I've learnt this since pitching to developers and them telling me about the superstar they are working with and they don't do an exhaustive facilitation process. As a first year graduate of The Futur University, I now see the rest of the world as crazy.

[@thefutur]

it's kind of amazing right? there are those that do and so many that don't get what we've been saying for years Scott.

[@FryderykWrega]

Great show as always. I'm wondering about that "Apple trust" Chris mentioned... ;)

[@thefutur]

starting to wonder myself in light of the throttling issue.

[@moniquewrites9046]

To your point at 23:03, when a guy is super pushy or is overly complimentary, I get bad vibes from that. When a guy builds a relationship through conversation or other means it's more natural. It feels creepy when a guy over sells. It's like subliminally, my soul is saying, "he's bad news" or "what is he hiding?" I think this is a principle for life.

[@Mirror2You]

Omg this was so helpful and I feel compelled to donate because this information is priceless. God Bless you all at The Futur and guests. Where do you donate?

[@thefutur]

if you wish to become a sustaining member (we encourage this) then you can go to academy.thefutur.com or you can just make a one time donation at thefutur.com

[@Mirror2You]

The Futur okay thank you I will save the links when I get paid from clients I’ll remember you all using these links!!

[@danmoreta1549]

Seems like Aaron is the magician! lol

[@raerlymade]

I am reinventing myself this year going from in-house designer to a business owner. How do I build a new portfolio quickly from scratch in order to start my own design business without doing spec work?

[@colleenstudio]

so is spec work okay only if you initiate. I was always told spec work is bad and I've done it earlier in my career and it's not a good feeling.

[@nishma]

Did i miss you talking about "looking for larger clients or sticking to small"? because if you talked about it i'll re watch, it was the most hot topic for me and i didn't catch it maybe i wasn't paying attention just at the wrong time? or was it skipped after all? thanks

[@thefutur]

we touched on it, but Jung didn't ask that question specifically.

[@rocknfilm]

PURO ARTE

[@TheChocolateHorse]

32:24 Real Talk / I do this everyday, its so tough to see brands you enjoy be satisfied with there identity when you know it could be better and you know you could help them...

[@TheChocolateHorse]

43:04 Perfect

[@TeamTenHD]

Is it Vincent Valentine??

[@LuisIrishJauregui]

How do you adjust the strategy questions for a business that has not yet started to operate? meaning a new business that is being built... they probably don't know where their pain points will be or where they might need help..

[@marsvai2410]

Haha, just watched a good old South Park episode of timeshare, "Asspen" .

[@pablocarvajal1828]

Also, what application do you use for the ipad wipeboard? The one Chris uses throughout the video?

[@thefutur]

ProCreate

[@jaredk.6185]

@Chris Do I am currently a corporate graphic designer for a home builder. I love your videos and have been trying to rebrand myself so that I can do work outside of my full time job at a high level as a way to make myself more financially stable (read pay off student loans/buy a house). I currently do good work, in a variety of different mediums (digital, logo design, marketing ads, cinema graphs, etc...) for a company with a great name in my local community how do I take what I have learned at my career and what I have done in my career and apply it to side work? Second questions how do I gain clients when so far all of my clients except 2 have been for the company I work for? ( I am looking to ad one $2k-5k client a month which may seem like a tiny goal, but the math allows me to pay everything off in a year)

[@thefutur]

1. we are the sum total of our experiences. you have to figure out a way to combine all of what you know into what you make. it's an individual question. but for me, i'm influenced by comic book art, skateboarding art and fine art. so whenever an opportunity comes up, those influences creep out of me and onto the screen. 2. you have to prove you know what you know. make things like the things you admire. then share it with the world. better yet, share the process of you working through the problem as you learn.

[@ScottValentine]

I'm no Chis but if you want my 2 cents keep reading Here are a few facilitative questions for you; What is working at a high level for you? Do you think you can reach that level utilising only your out of work hours? If you start pushing a separate brand publicly will this impact on your current job? Is there room for you to grow your skills in your current role if your end goal is to achieve more money?

[@jaredk.6185]

Thanks for the reply that makes sense I have been toying around with logo design as well as page layout and even just consulting for people who aren't "creatives" around me so they know what to ask for from people they are working with, I also really love board games and the art/design has finally reached a level that makes me excited and not ashamed to talk about it! Let me know if you need any graphic work, I'm clearly available for some work hahaha (somewhat kidding somewhat serious, either way not ashamed at the ask cuz I know Chris loves boldness)

[@jaredk.6185]

Scott, Working at a high level is a loaded question, what I meant was I produce 10-100 things a week for a production home builder known for quality, excellence, value, customer service, and being early adopters of new/long lasting trends. I have made logos for communities that are worth literally millions of dollars, and I have made business cards for people who only worked in our building for 2 weeks. No matter what though it all has to represent the company the way it is seen by the public. We always say I am in the business of selling houses but I just happen to do it through graphic design. Yes I do think I can do one job a month at a high level outside of work ours, I have become extremely efficient at creating good-great work in a matter of an hour (due to higher ups coming with a last minute high importance project) as well as creating a work flow that allows me to pump out high volume as well. So I think I can take on a few more hours a week to help push the myself into a better life The company I work for, and specifically the marketing team of which I am apart of wants us to be the best we can be and that means learning on the job (I watched this episode while I was working today) as well as being out in the world and learning what people are doing that is successful. My direct supervisor loves that I want to create a better life for myself by getting outside personal clients while I maintain/succeed at my job. I am just struggling to know where to start with finding clients There is more room to grow, heck I have a 1 year review tomorrow that I believe will get me a raise, we will see, but I do know that my end goal isn't making more money, I purely want to get the weight of the debt on me removed as quick as possible. A job a month at 2-5k would help me do that rather quickly. I love watching the futurs videos they really inspire and push my thinking to a place of discomfort and growth and the community really is an excellent one. I am stoked you asked these questions because it further helped me define my goals and help me know how to answer if a client were to ever ask what I do during the week and if I'd be able to manage their work as well.

[@ScottValentine]

Hey Jared, Is producing 10-100 things a week a goal that will help raise revenue for you or your existing employers? What do you define as “extremely efficient at creating good-great work”? Is this work propelling the company profits through the roof? It’s fantastic your employer is supportive, but there is a gazillion hours of Futur content, don’t watch it at work. Watch one a night at home and make sure to take notes so the lessons sink in, don't forget all Chris's recommended reading. What if you put the time and energy in getting clients and projects on the side job into helping your existing employer grow? What would that be worth to them? What would make you worth 2-5k more a month? That’s quite a massive jump no matter your pay grade. Let me clarify your statement about your goal. Your goal is not to make money, your goal is to get out of debt, which requires money. Is that correct? Getting 2-5k consistently on the side I would suggest is quite difficult. People that need your help need it now, not little bit by little bit over the next few weeks. You said you have very supportive employers so you might do well to talk to them and ask them, “how can I be worth more to you? I want to make $x per month or year, how can I be worth that to your business? Set some goals on a timeline with them, identify where you are now, identify where you will need to be and then create small goals that get you to the end big goal. As Chris says at the end of this video, pick the lowest hanging fruit first.

[@jarredhoelle8253]

Hey Chris, can you tell me if you charge different prices for the CORE session you do for clients before you start a creative project based on the project? Like pricing the client (how you price logo design) Or is your kick-off session always the same price regardless?

[@thefutur]

yes of course. price the client not the job. $30-$80k. and going up.

[@jarredhoelle8253]

Thanks! Can you also tell me, and maybe this applies to when you first started out doing them, but did you do them for every creative project? Logo, website, packaging, high-end booklet design? Is any project too big or small for a session?

[@rocknfilm]

And I love Caballer by the way. I. M a bilingual spik that cant wait to Disrupt the Hispanic global marketplace. You have a global reach with the Hispanic population. Let’s do this. Where do I schedule a meeting or a channel where I would be able to pitch clients. Relationships that can easily speak to the Spanish world. It’s only a matter of time. Dale

[@anthonyl8431]

Hi Chris, Hi the Futur, as usual, great content ! Thanks. I 've got a question regarding spec work (1:05:00) You 've made the Mini Cooper commercial. Legally speaking, there are no risks ? big brands don't mind you as a company creating fictive ads and showcase them, using their image for your own company's benefit ? I know students and learners do it all the time, did'nt know company could do it.

[@thefutur]

I think there’s a small probability it will lead to legal action especially if you use it as a portfolio piece and label it as spec.

[@anthonyl8431]

@@thefutur Thanks for the fast answer ! thanks for clarifying. 👍

[@_veewhy]

Since the girls weren't around today, so i actually noticed Aaron. Hey Aaron, if you ever see this, you are goddamn good looking. The world needs to *hand*-le you better!! "if you know what i mean" ;) P.S. i am not hitting on Aaron, just appreciating what is.

[@MattDelovino]

That outro hahaha

[@mae2309]

do you guys erase your videos? for some reason I can't find the one you did on Tuesday if am not mistaking. I was driving and saw that you came out with one.. I marked it onto my favs but now I can't find it. Chris you were wearing a white shirt with a black tie. you were Inside the booth.. and now I can't find the damn video. hahahaha.. it was close to a 2hr streaming. cheers hommie!

[@thefutur]

yes. we do take down certain videos. they become a part of a paid course. we don't always make it clear which ones get taken down.

[@mae2309]

The Futur hmmmm.. fair enough. Is there a link to were we can donate a few bucks to watch them again..

[@tonybp]

I've been getting emails from the competition posing as clients and asking me about my rates and general stuff about my work, once I find out who they are I don't reply but I was wondering "what would thefutur guys do?"... would you ignore them or what kind of reply would you send back to them?

[@thefutur]

we are not as famous as you apparently. not sure if that's ever happened. the call will pretty much vet out any posers.

[@tonybp]

Ha hah... I could only wish I was as famous and good as you guys. Anyway, I guess I should just keep ignoring them.

[@rocknfilm]

You guys are like Howard stern, the sidekicks are great. The guests are cool. Now imagine when you guys become gurus and bring Richard Branson and redo his brand and putting his team to sleep. Disrupt phenomenon

[@darekarraul]

so spec work is student work?

[@thefutur]

no. spec work is done by everyone who wants to demonstrate a new skill or type of work.

[@mrmagnetic927]

Convince or Conversation...They both start with Con

[@thefutur]

you got me. have a dialogue then.

[@loganmckinnon6521]

lol! I don't see anything on the screen you have the windows screen up! music casually starts playing

[@loganmckinnon6521]

on the same note thank you for your insights!

[@chaddiaz1620]

What is the price????!????

[@InspireDose]

@1:11:40 I hope you don't feel like a loser right now Chris!

[@thefutur]

no. not a total loser. but am busy trying to crack what people want from our channel.

[@ayeshas7828]

I want to steal Chris Do's brain

[@thefutur]

you are. i'm giving it to you.

[@taylorwensley5869]

WHAT IF WE SELL IDEAS UGHHHHHH UMMMFPHHH

[@zimamoon]

:)

[@01234SR56789]

life story :p i got lucky hey

[@chaddiaz1620]

Chris, you never answered the question....

[@thefutur]

which one?

[@keseybadgett7594]

The URL has a typo. It should read axisofevildesign.com/. Feel free to delete this comment.

[@thefutur]

thanks! fixed it. dyslexic. :)

[@pablocarvajal1828]

When is the next time your guys are going to go live?

[@thefutur]

we'll get back to you on this. not sure just yet.

[@photocamera9390]

Chris have you seen gary_stranger on instagram? if not, he will blow your mind.

[@WENDICOOPER]

Too long

[@thefutur]

we have cut downs.