Was the February Challenge a real challenge for you? It took a little while before the first participant responded, and far less people joined than in January… That’s a shame, as from the comments the ones who did participate got a lot out of doing the February exercise. And that’s what’s really what counts for [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: What are the best online sites to sell craft & design?
Dear Design Doctor There are so many online retailers and market places out there, how can I choose the right one? And how do I know if they give me honest answers?’ This real client question is answered by Patricia van den Akker, Director of The Design Trust: ‘Indeed there is a big boom [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How to make the most out of Christmas
Dear Design Doctor It’s Autumn now, but Christmas is around the corner! I will be doing 3 craft fairs, and I just really need the Christmas season to work for me this year. What can I do to make the most of these important sales opportunities? Patricia van den Akker, Director of The Design Trust, [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How to get clarity on what to do next?
Dear Design Doctor I graduated 2 years ago in Graphic Design. I have been able to get some freelance work, but it has been hard financially. I have done some illustrated card designs, and sold these at local craft fairs last Christmas. Should I do more of that this Christmas? How can I make a [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How can I do market research?
Dear Design Doctor I am the founder of a new furniture and product brand. I set up the business last April and our first furniture range is being sold with a major retailer nationwide. I am writing a new business plan and would like to read about the size of the UK industry to understand [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How do I find a sales agent?
“Dear Design Doctor I’m a jewellery designer who has previously specialised in making one-off and limited edition precious jewellery. I am in the process of making some major changes to my business, with a focus away from galleries towards larger retailers. I have become frustrated by the Sale or Return culture of galleries, and I [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: my retail client hasn’t paid, what can I do?
Dear Design Doctor I really hope you can give some advice on what I can do about late and non payers!! Sadly with the state of things at the moment in the economy, it is becoming more common that buyers aren’t paying their bills or just taking their time about it. I have had late [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: Help, a department store wants to place a bulk order
Dear Design Doctor I have a company wanting to take my products to a meeting with a very large department store, and they have requested information from me as below: prices per unit when ordered in batches 25/50/100/200/500/1000? to provide lead times on above amount? can i give Exclusivity? Is this product covered by your [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How to write a design brief and design quote?
Dear Design Doctor I am a recent furniture design graduate and a client has approached me to work on a small design project designing and making an outdoor bench. I am really excited, but don’t really know how to go about this. Where do I start? The Design Doctor for this challenge is Patricia van [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How to calculate my freelance design rate?
Dear Design Doctor I am a new web designer and need to know how much I can charge for my daily or hourly rate. Do I just charge what others are charging, or is there another way? The Design Doctor is Patricia van den Akker, Director of The Design Trust: “Web design is a [...] Read more »