When I picked this book up at the Whitechapel Art Book Market I started laughing out loud… And that’s probably exactly the required response … if you want to overcome creative block and spark your imagination! Have a good laugh! Breakthrough!: 100 Proven Strategies to Overcome Creative Block and Spark Your Imagination [...] Read more »
Exclusive Design Trust webinar: How to conquer your critical self, with Patricia van den Akker
Do you blame the lack of money or lack of time on not being more successful? (But you know deep down that these are just excuses …) Or are you a critical creative who thinks ‘that was ok, but it isn’t good enough (yet). Have to do better next time’ … Are your worries stopping [...] Read more »
Exclusive Business Club webinar: Dealing with rejection & criticism as a professional creative – with Mark McGuinness
Do you find it hard to deal with criticism? (be honest to yourself!) Do you take feedback ‘too personal’ and do negative thoughts keep lingering around, and find it hard ‘to move on’? Are you able to keep motivating yourself to go out there? If you want to succeed as a professional creative, you need [...] 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 »
Free Design Trust webinar: Speak like a TED Talker, become better at public speaking with Sarah Lloyd-Hughes
Do you find public speaking scary? Most of us do! Whether you are pitching for business, doing a talk, or running a workshop or training session, there is no better way to influence and inspire people and potential clients about your work than through powerful, passionate and authentic public speaking. Sarah Lloyd-Hughes is a coach, [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: I launched … and nothing happened! How do I start selling my crafts?
Dear Design Doctor After 17 years as a freelance artist, I decided to start up my own small business designing and producing silk scarves. With only £1000 to my name I set to producing the first 3 scarves in what I would like to be a larger collection. It’s taken 7 months and I have [...] Read more »
Should I participate in a contemporary craft or design fair?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but actually fairs might actually not work for you (at this stage). The positives – fairs are a great way to: have face-to-face contact with potential and existing clients get feedback about your products or services to research the market you work in and compare yourself with ‘the [...] Read more »
Free Design Trust webinar: Are you working too hard in your business? with Liz Wren
This first webinar Are you working too hard on your business? was very popular. Many creatives are very passionate about their work, work incredibly hard, but don’t feel they are getting anywhere. There isn’t really a plan where you are going. Often the money doesn’t really justify the effort. You might be so caught up [...] Read more »
5 ways to celebrate
This blog post is written by The Design Trust partner Liz Wren from Through the Forest Coaching Mentoring. “Many creatives have a mindset that keeps them constantly thriving for more and better challenges. Often, they forget to actually stand still for a moment, and take the time out to celebrate. In case you need some [...] Read more »
How to increase my prices (confidently and without losing clients)?
There are lots of reasons to review and increase your prices on a regular interval. Many creative business owners find it difficult how to approach this topic, but in the business world it is fairly normal that prices or fees increase or change. What is really important is that you tell your clients in advance [...] Read more »