How to Start & Run a Design Business: Pricing & Estimating Creative Design Jobs

How to estimate a job based on time & materials. How to estimate a fixed bid and allow for profit margins. What do you need to know to start and run a design business? Want to run your design business like a boss?
Top Ten Things To Consider When Starting / Running A Business.
Successful Business Man & Designer Chris Do imparts experience wisdom and knowledge on the most important issues entrepreneurs face when starting and running a business.
Frank Shi, a smart, young entrepreneur on the verge of starting a motion graphics business, asks Chris Do the following questions:
1:20 What are some common business mistakes entrepreneurs make in the creative business field?
8:09 How do you effectively communicate with business partners. How do you negotiate fair terms? How do you sell your company/service w/o much experience to show?
10:24 How do you write a mission statement: How do you communicate who you are and what you do in a sentence?
12:11 How do you budget for unexpected things that go wrong in a project: How do you put together a bid?
26:50 How to prevent your business from crashing & burning in the first year? Getting of the Runway.
29:23 Pros and Cons of running a brick and mortar operation vs. running a fluid, mostly remote team?
31:43 Team Building. How to do Management. How to create Company Culture, How to inspire the team?
Frank Shi
_________________________________________________
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Credits:
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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.

[@piercepopculturedesigns9380]

The best thing I've done for myself is to go back and rewatch some of this content. I was going through a slump and depression was setting in and I remembered days when I was grinding and building and absorbing all this knowledge. Thanks to you and the team for steadily putting out such inspiring and educational content.

[@tristanmarroquin749]

Love this interview. No beating around the bush and real legit answers.

[@ChrisDo]

You know my style. All steak little sizzle.

[@dtadetayo]

You get, straight to the point.

[@toriapendleton]

I know this video is almost 3 years old, but as an 18 year old looking to pursue a degree in Visual Communications/Graphic Design, the more videos of yours' that I watch, the more I think I should minor in a business degree.

[@thefutur]

That’s a good idea.

[@DanielBro42]

well?

[@lofi_Insomnia_]

Watching this after covid-19 layoff.

[@fongdimbulator]

Same boat here. Spent the last week doing some long overdue folio website updates and now binging on Futur vids to get into that "make yo own money" mindset

[@elliefoster9555]

Totally hooked on these videos, I've had them running all morning! They answer all the questions that are almost impossible to find definitive answers for, especially tough if you're freelance and work alone. I think this has changed how I'll deal with clients forever, thank you!

[@michelleguzmanphoto]

This is one of my favorite episodes ever. The questions were what I would want to ask (business mistakes and pricing). The answers were very helpful. Chris Do is a great speaker. I loved the real examples, especially the pricing/bid example. Great set, topics, answers, camera ops, editing, etc.... This channel is always giving excellent, high quality content. Thank you!!!!!!

[@thefutur]

Thanks @michelle.

[@ChrisDo]

+Michelle G Thank you and that means a lot considering how many episodes we've taped.

[@tunisjobs9677]

Cheers for the Video! Forgive me for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you considered - Fiymaria Graphic Gainer (google it)? It is a good one of a kind guide for getting the best graphic design for your project minus the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my cooworker after many years got great results with it.

[@prettycoder9195]

Cheers for the Video clip! Apologies for chiming in, I would love your thoughts. Have you heard the talk about - Fiymaria Graphic Gainer (should be on google have a look)? It is a great exclusive guide for getting the best graphic design for your project minus the headache. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my m8 finally got excellent results with it.

[@ChrisDo]

Thanks everyone for commenting. I will do an episode on bidding. What industries do you work in? What are the sizes of projects your bidding on? What specific challenges are you having? Post questions you want answers to and I'll answer all of them on video.

[@jeffreyyoungblood7438]

I honestly don't think I've ever bid on a job. My challenge is believing in myself and prioritizing what I need to focus on.

[@thefutur]

Jeffrey Youngblood you work your way up. Keep watching and apply what you learn. Small steps at first.

[@shhhhhhhhhh11]

I work in video production and would love to see more episodes on bidding jobs. Thank you for all of the incredible information. This channel is a goldmine.

[@lnaturalist]

Chris Do I found my dude. Thx Chris you're amazing bro.

[@darshparekh6830]

Hey Chris, Its been some months that I started my own creative agency.. We work on the fluid model and don't have enough cash flow to rent a place right away. I was wondering how can we take the agency to the next level. Well, this is absolutely what I needed to see today. Not only did I learn selling confidence and assurance to prospective clients but to also bid the projects correctly. I love how you say that talent needs to be nurtured and work culture plays an important role in that. I am not letting go of this video for a long long time. I wish you could come out with more such insightful videos on your channel. Wish you luck..

[@thefutur]

Make sure to subscribe to our channel to be notified of new episodes. Chris is working on the bidding episode as so many of you have requested.

[@TenderloinsToughest]

Has anyone ever sent you 10%?

[@thefutur]

someone just asked me for our address. I assume the "check's in the mail". But still waiting.

[@thefutur]

Yes. Jacob Campbell was the first.

[@dreifalcon4746]

Hi Sir, can I ask? Can a freelance graphic designer that completed only a (national certificate III) run a business design online? Where should I start? Please can you guide me? Thank you and God vless always ❤️

[@RecklezzMusic]

This has helped me a ton, I work in software and I usually underbid on projects, where I end by giving myself a small salary just to keep things running. Now I understand why many of the online calculator nearly take 50% over what I do.

[@_dvyne]

I think the process has the best intro yet

[@frankiejaimes1]

LOVE THIS! I'm a Brand Consulting and this video is exactly what I was needing. Thank you!

[@thefutur]

If you want to see the follow up to this in-person join us in Santa Monica for the live taping. Event details here: www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=25637748195

[@Shopifywithnoop]

i loved this episode so much. So much of those questions that i have been longing for an answer has been clearly given here. Thank you so much for this. Means a lot

[@aleksandrolkhovskiy4075]

man I love how chill you are in this video!

[@thefutur]

Thanks

[@christianharbin21]

These questions are well-thought out ! The answers were spot on and truthful. No BS. Just useful information. Thanks for sharing!

[@higheryibes4430]

For me as an introvert and freelancer, you are god send. Thank u for being a model not by talks, but through action and results from your life. Deep gratitude sir.

[@kavishadow2483]

This episode feels like it was directed straight at me. Great one. Thanks, Chris and team

[@renderbricks]

I am running an animation studio in the 15th year now and this is a great and very useful talk here. This should be a core part of all type of creative studies to stop all mistakes artists and creatives do when they slowly and painfully transform from a passionated hobbyist to a professional and realize that creativity, skills and talent is a serious business. It's all about money. And money gives you (creative) freedom to run a successful business and healthy life.

[@thefutur]

yes it does. You'll love the new podcast i'm working on where I interview Blair Enns. He goes into the "peculiarities of creative people" and their aversion to money, and specialization.

[@burry218]

This is one of my favourite channels. This man is a visionary. I love this.

[@thefutur]

thank you. we'll keep working til we earn your #1 spot.

[@hipster707]

Definitely one of the best videos. Straight to it! Keep it up guys!

[@Denelle18]

Wow! Took a lot from this episode. Advice is still gold! Thank you Chris Do. Loved the straightforward interview. Wish to have that kind of communication strategy too!

[@everythinghtown7901]

Just want to thank you and send some good energy your way, I truly appreciate your insights on the design industry!

[@samer.mghabghab]

I used to find online design entrepreneurial style youtube videos somewhat horrible. But listening to your videos while working has been a guilty pleasure of mine for the past year

[@thefutur]

Thank you 🙏

[@arianaluz240682]

Thank you Chris for taking the time and sharing your knowledge to those in the world who need advice, like me , in the process of starting my own design studio!

[@thefutur]

Ariana Fridman you are very welcome!

[@christiancalligraphycorner139]

Wow, this is an incredible episode. I love it. I thank you for the information, and the insightful, it has helped me a lot. Thank you very much.

[@julianaquintas2852]

I'm part of a new design company and I am so glad I found this video. I can't thank Chris Do enough for the amazing insights!

[@thefutur]

Hi. Welcome.

[@AdrianaCordovez]

Thank you so much Chris for taking the time to teach us about the Business of Design...your lessons are very helpful in my career! I appreciate it very much. Cheers!

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome.

[@nicknavarrette8022]

Such a powerful episode.

[@jeffpunz5337]

This was great, man. Appreciating The Futur content very much and finding it motivational. Great job guys

[@NikDavis]

Helpful, informative, easy to follow. Thanks a ton Chris!

[@thefutur]

sweet. thanks.

[@stevenmercado9081]

Chris Do just dropped some serious knowledge. Thank you so damn much for this episode!!! I've been stressed to the gills, working the past two months into freelance, and have been freaking the hell out about managing clients/scoring contracts and had no clue how to bid appropriately. This episode just lit up my foggy path. I need to watch this a few more times. I hope you doing a Deep Dive on Bidding /Part 2.

[@ChrisDo]

+Steven Mercado I will Steven. Based on the response below, I kind of have to now. Good luck getting out of the fog. Hopefully our channel is a beacon for you.

[@stevenmercado9081]

Thanks Chris! I love this channel. Skool is definitely my light house. You guys always have something innovative to give and provide clarity. Much appreciated.

[@ChrisDo]

+Steven Mercado You got it. we can change our logo to a light house. : )

[@rebeccazwitser8536]

Thank you so much Chris, I loved the bidding table and combining all the costs that I don't usually think of. The idea of what would it cost for someone else to do the work is brilliant - definitely takes me out of the 'do it all myself' model. I loved all these questions and really enjoy the way you succinctly answer them. Thanks heaps!

[@thefutur]

thanks Rebecca.

[@shawaw99]

I'm learning SOOOOO MUCH from this channel!! So glad I subscribed!!! Thank you guys!!!

[@thefutur]

Thank you

[@POVDrivingTour]

Love this channel!!! Very insightful and inspiring.

[@stephantynes3155]

Thank you. I'm starting to freelance as a graphic designer and this helps a lot.

[@antonioarana8002]

Watching to Chris Do under that light is instant peace

[@revoidfx]

This is awesome! So much knowledge!

[@ChrisDo]

+Zak Ross Glad you got value out of this Zak.

[@effvc]

I never get sick of that intro for some reason (which isn't normal..). I feel like it encompasses your friendship, business relationship, and personalities all in one short clip.. Anyway! finally getting around to watching this. Really enjoyed this. Definitely one of my favorites. As for the bidding question, would definitely like a video more about the bidding process. I have spoken to a few local web design companies and they are similar in that they don't even mark up for copy work that they hire out. Copy usually holds up a site launch or project and can be such a headache, so they will actually just connect the copywriter with the client (talking smaller company having to hire freelancer copywriter). They only charge a markup if they are actually managing the copywriter (as in project management) and they will roll that into the price of the contract. Would love to hear some feedback on something like that, as copy is very often times a pain-point for a project especially when clients "claim" will supply copy, yeah, we all know that never happens. Great questions and answers. Really looking forward to more videos like this and love that you and Jose are so active in the comment section. You guys are definitely building an online community.

[@ChrisDo]

If ***** doesn't beat me too it first, I will do a web bidding episode.

[@effvc]

That would be killer! Have been estimating, dealing with RFPs, and sending out proposals quite a biy lately so that would be greatly helpful. Keep up the awesome work and thank you!

[@magicsmoke6000]

Awesome episode! Best part: I'll show "the viewers" how to bid. :)

[@Arvolve]

Outstanding value, thank you!

[@Stewblack23]

I am writing a bid right now based on this formula. Great content.

[@luluthediver]

This was seriously amazing +Chris Do. Really to the point. We would love to hear more details about bidding and how to justify your bid to the client.

[@ChrisDo]

+Anmar Al Gaboury Happy to do this. Deeper dive on bidding. Do you ever sign up for the webinars that we run? I field questions like this and answer you directly.

[@jhay_vine5083]

This has been so helpful. Thank you ❤️

[@joshuaharmening7750]

This is absolute gold.

[@gabrielsmetzer4137]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing Chris! Your wisdom is valuable.

[@thefutur]

+Gabriel Smetzer Thank you Gabriel.

[@bobyalex3d]

Thanks God I found this channel. There is so much helpful stuff !

[@jeemdesk427]

Very informative. I appreciate you sharing the process.

[@timlay2564]

IDK what's cooler...all this information about starting & running a design business OR the fact that you have a Danny Way Alien Workshop board!! The KA board by Evan Hecox is just an added bonus!

[@Versillio]

That was excellent timeless advice on a range of topics. Thank you.

[@larissalphonse]

Really great! Thanks Chris

[@lozchai5421]

Chris you really are a pillar of inspiration and motivation to me (clearly you are to thousands of designers & others) but I make sure to watch your videos EVERY SINGLE DAY! Even when im working I have something playing of T.F in the background. I believe even if I am totally focused & in the zone creating something, the words you speak are planting positive creative seeds subconsciously in my mind. I am 70% self taught in design, which includes you & your teams videos..The schooling I did in field of design was many years ago, but I dont believe that matters, if you got it you got it. Creativity comes naturally to me, and ive now been running my own small GD biz for about 2 years! I have a solid base of clients, over half of them are return clients, & then the rest word of mouth, this is my full time gig & I dont pay for any advertising whatsoever. All my reach is organic, & I network with other small biz peeps, it just seems to happen. Always looking for ways to expand & improve my business & services, im obsessed with ideas & implementing them. I am so grateful & blessed to be doing what I LOVE, love doesn't even describe how I feel, im super PASSIONATE & when im having a moment, I look for your videos that pick me up & get me back into the GRIND! Always works! Right now, im under charging for what I offer, my value - so im stepping up my game. Anyway, I know this is an old video back from 2015 but ive watched it twice now & you are just super helpful, knowledgable & smart , dont mean to blow smoke up your arse but just saying it how it is lol :) - ill leave you with a saying of mine, theres prob similar out there but I live by this "Theres no 9 to 5 , late nights & early rise, we grind to thrive " - Loz @ LOZ CHAI DESIGN xx (Australia)

[@thefutur]

thanks Loz. I'm going to be in Brisbane next year at a design conference. maybe you can make it?

[@lozchai5421]

Oh really yes this is fantastic news! id love more information on where you are speaking , ticket costs etc ! :) if you could email me the info , or guide me to where I can find out more that would be rad! my email is [e-mail] ! :) thank you! how exciting! Really, if it wasn't for your videos, knowledge, tips and advice you pass on I am not sure how my outlook would have been today, because many of the things I do and implement come back to what you have taught me. :) I still have a long way to go, but I love the process and its all about the process - be real , be raw and be rad - Loz

[@jencarlson]

You guys are blowing my mind. Thanks for awesome advice. Go Chris!

[@thefutur]

Jen carlson hi Jen. Come to our workshops sometime.

[@Peem_pom]

no other videos like this online. epically useful, you have demystified so much of the process

[@thefutur]

Glad to hear. Thank you.

[@ATiporaLife]

everything about this conversation was perfect. thank you 🙏🏾 ❤

[@thefutur]

Thank you

[@mikaylabirkholtz8175]

AMAZING!!! Chris, you are such an inspiration! You are an incredible mind. I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for this knowledge going into the freelancing world.

[@thefutur]

thank you. good luck!

[@salivahanapattur1921]

Recently I've decided to move on from my well-paying current job and reboot my father's old design firm. One of the major factors for being confident on taking this risk is knowing I have access to quality knowledge on this channel. Thanks, guys!

[@thefutur]

You're very welcome.

[@cheriturner7852]

I switched directions in my career at the late age of 51 and graduated with my BFA in Graphic and Web design. These episodes are invaluable to me as a newbie and n the industry and have helped me understand so many concepts and business development standards that I would never acquire on my own with little experience in the field. Chris....you are a Monster speaker! Bringing me all of the pertinent information I need in an innovative and cutting edge format. You are the Man!

[@thefutur]

never too late to start Cheri.

[@TheBillaro]

Hey Cheri. I'm 46 and I started copywriting and funnels a year ago, turning down more money in an industry i dont like, teaching! Now i'm studying GD and Chris is indeed brilliant. How is your career going? Happy to find your comment because as a 46 year old i feel a bit silly retraining with the youngsters!

[@LennyYT]

That breakdown on the whiteboard was #GOLD.among other great insights. Thank you so much!

[@gichubill]

thanks alot , the business side is always a tricky subject for us. Bless up bro

[@IntuitiveMarketingStudios]

I totally loOoOove the opener Lol! 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheBrandSamurai]

This is really helpful. Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@DionnaLHayden]

Thank for sharing. I always walk away with something new (even when I rewatch) 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@mariaxecho]

This is 8 years ago but its gold in some junks thousand contents which only look for views, This is literally pure gold who teach us the true design business !! Thank you so much!!

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome

[@georginiuss]

4 years later, and I am from another country (argentina). And this video is useful as hell. Lots of great information really down to earth. Thank you

[@theskmsoftware]

Absolutely great discussion. Thanks man

[@dtadetayo]

2021 and this content is still useful. The Futur, you are doing well.

[@nicolasramirez9197]

its so difficult to find such intensely informative and fully concrete knowledge. awesome stuff

[@thefutur]

Nicolas Ramirez thanks!!

[@BASE5NYC]

I ve been in the design/advertising business for a long time, about 15 years, but have somehow missed this series entirely. It's really well put together & has some great advice for younger people starting out, something not often found in KZbin vids. Seems like most vids are just about ego & Net fame. Anyway, great job by your whole team. I'm stoked to keep watching them today while I'm supposed to be working. - 1 topic suggestion which may already be done...The thing I get asked all the time by new designers is how do I find all my work. Where are all these jobs coming from? I get a lot of referrals but new designers or agencies obviously don't have that luxury.

[@thefutur]

Desk1 One thank you for acknowledging that. Appreciate it.

[@daviddebello7593]

Certainly an eye opener. Great advise!!

[@tradingmonarchs]

Thank you for this.

[@chillhomie7]

that moment when you realize you just came across a gem. Bro this is amazing series of informative videos.

[@thefutur]

+chillhomie7 Thanks and dig in. We have a lot more content coming your way.

[@JanneWolterbeek]

This was very insightful, thanks!

[@danyrgm]

Chris!!! This is so so soooo helpful!! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUUUUUCh!!!!!!!!

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome

[@MJamilHoque]

I agree with those who say this interview is a great help and concisely delivered. I'm a UK based designer who is looking at starting up a product development practice and this puts allot more reassurance in my little steps.

[@hfortenberry]

I love you man. This is such amazingly helpful information. Thank you!

[@thefutur]

Aubrey love is good. Ten percent is better.

[@andrewdejuan4914]

Mr. Do, your philosophy in the business of design, inspired us to incorporate. And it works!!! we felt more confident than ever! and can mark up (reasonably) with our clients :) so a massive grateful thank you!

[@thefutur]

nice. Thank you.

[@tugssanaa]

one of the best education channel in youtube and in the internet

[@thefutur]

Thanks

[@sumeetgupta77]

Chris, you blew my mind by teaching how to bid. From $5k to $20.5K That was awesome

[@thefutur]

Glad to help.

[@vitastudio5772]

This video is gold.

[@ShahidAli-kn4te]

You are brutally straightforward, but to me you make scenes. I can understand you, Best mentor one can wish. Thank you.

[@maeceseirafi3177]

Thank you for this useful info, specifically how to put together a bid

[@tommydrager5497]

I love how much you trained urself up and how passionate you are. you should definitely gimme a slice of that^^. I liked the "How To Price Design Services & Make More Money"-Episode the most, cause you constantly emphasized the value to the client and how that should affect your offer, rather than throwing out a hourly rate in combination with a rough time assessment. Actually I just give some feedback now, cause this episode covers a little bit of bidding, which is calculated by the hourly rate * days = subtotal. One of the enlightening moments from the "How To Price.."-Episode was the fact that this model is kinda unfitting for that sort of work. I feel now like if it is sorta inconsistent. I hope you could light me up a little bit. Greetz comes Berlin

[@karlthomas8031]

Fantastic insights, extremely helpful. Much appreciated.

[@thefutur]

Karl Thomas you're welcome Karl.

[@TonyCutter]

Wow this is great, very detailed. Thanks

[@macrivemazzola6450]

Man youre great, thank you for these videos, so much knowledge, awesome

[@thefutur]

Macrive Mazzola you're welcome. Please share with your friends.

[@leilanipatrick6018]

This is great, thanks so much!

[@Littleme347]

this is great! he's a GREAT MAN! for keep doing this!

[@alejandropadgett]

I recently jumped into the freelance world. It can be tough at times. This channel has provided so much valuable insight and knowledge to me. Huge fan. Thanks!

[@thefutur]

thanks alex. it can be brutal out there in the streets of real life. keep your head high.

[@prashanthsckumar6802]

Chris Do is awesome and inspiring. Thanks a Lot!!

[@thefutur]

prashanth sckumar appreciate it

[@daniel_rad]

This video is great. Really loving this channel

[@thefutur]

Thanks Daniel.

[@twintobacco1751]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@budjitresvalles6397]

Thanks, Chris Do, for your wisdom.

[@thefutur]

Thank you.

[@hectorparra6216]

Love it! Thank You!

[@JosephLouisTan]

Great episode! This is what I needed to hear and learn when I first started my design business (thou I lost at least 5-figures due to non paying clients) wished that the business of design was taught in school. Even now that I am an educator myself, I still got so much to learn and pass onto my students. Thanks you so much @TheSkoolNetwork for your videos and words of wisdom :)

[@thefutur]

We couldn't agree with you more. All designers need to learn some key business principles if they want to be taken seriously in the real world.

[@sauceydesigns]

Man this is such a useful talk here. Thank you so much Chris Do and team at the Futur. You guys are amazing.

[@thefutur]

David Saucedo thanks buddy.

[@mattroxo]

This was really informative! Great video

[@isihakakiwory5526]

Love your channel you already teach me a lot thank you so much The Futur team

[@javierescorihuela]

Congrats on this episode guys. Always a fantastic job but this one in particular was amazing. Finally someone who is not afraid of talking numbers. And as always, production value is topline.

[@zolushka4823]

+F Javier Escorihuela exactly! I've been waiting for this video for a long time!

[@ChrisDo]

+dev ochre Glad we finally put it out there.

[@antoniokort]

he said the thing that we need to hear 100%

[@stuk6387]

Over the past couple of days I've watched a lot of your videos - and I'm really impressed with all of them, especially this one. I've been looking for a lot of answers and I may have found them. Thank you ever so much.

[@thefutur]

You are certainly welcome. What question were you looking to have answered?

[@stuk6387]

+The Skool Network In a nutshell: how to be professional, how to get paid and how much to ask for (among many other things)... Your videos are invaluable at this time. Once I have viewed all of them I'll know more of what specifically i need to ask, and in how much detail.

[@thefutur]

+stu k keep digging. You are at the beginning of your journey. We will be here to help.

[@stuk6387]

+The Skool Network Will do. Thanks for the encouragement.