5 Lessons I’ve Learned Running a Solo Design Studio
(Also known as: Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Cried Over My Calendar)
Let’s be real: starting a solo design studio sounds kind of glamorous. You picture yourself sipping an overpriced latte, designing dreamy brands, working from anywhere, and being wildly in demand. And sure — there are moments like that.
But mostly? It’s a wild mix of creativity, chaos, client calls, and a lot of Googling.
After running my own studio (and surviving), here are 5 lessons I’ve learned — the honest, unfiltered kind I wish someone had told me earlier.
1. Your Process Is Basically a Life Jacket
When I first started, I was customizing my workflow for every single client like I was the Cheesecake Factory of design. Spoiler: that’s a fast way to drown.
Now? I’ve got a process. A solid one. With steps. And boundaries. And (gasp) automations.
Because guess what? Clients love knowing what’s coming next — and I love not reinventing the wheel every time.
2. You’re Not Just a Designer — You’re Also CEO, CFO, HR, and Tech Support
You want to spend your days creating gorgeous mood boards and fonts with just the right amount of flair. But surprise! You also need to send invoices, chase contracts, manage timelines, and occasionally fix a website that exploded for no reason.
Running a solo studio means wearing all the hats. Some are cute. Some are itchy.
All of them are part of the gig.
3. Boundaries Aren’t Just for Therapy
You know what’s sexy? Telling a client you don’t respond to emails after 5 PM.
You know what’s not sexy? Getting a Slack message at 10:42 PM that says, “Quick Q!”
Boundaries are the unsung heroes of creativity. They protect your brain, your bandwidth, and your weekend plans. Don’t be afraid to set them — clearly, kindly, and unapologetically.
4. “Dream Clients” Don’t Just Happen — You Brand for Them
At first, I said yes to everyone: friends, family, strangers with weird vibes and tiny budgets. I thought I was being open-minded. What I was really doing? Creating a portfolio of mismatched work and mild regret.
Now I know: attracting dream clients starts with how you show up. Your brand, your messaging, your voice — it’s all a giant magnet. Make sure it’s pulling the right people in (and pushing the wrong ones out).
5. Scaling Doesn’t Always Mean Hiring a Team (Breathe, Introverts)
We’re all told to “scale.” Grow! Expand! Hire! Build an agency!
But here’s the secret no one tells you: you can grow your income and your freedom without adding five employees and a Slack workspace.
Smart systems, streamlined services, retainers, digital products — these are all ways to grow without managing people or pretending to enjoy team-building activities.
Growth is personal. And sometimes, staying small is the most powerful thing you can do.
Final Thoughts (And a Pep Talk)
Running a solo design studio is a beautiful, messy, empowering rollercoaster. You’ll learn what you’re made of. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll work with amazing people (and a few that will haunt your inbox). But most of all — you’ll build something that’s yours.
So here’s to creating your own path, making your own rules, and maybe crying just a little bit less than last year.
✨ Want a designer who’s been there, done that, and still loves it?
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