BLOG POST
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Owning a Design Agency
When I first jumped into owning my own design agency, I pictured myself cozy behind my laptop, creating designs all day, being my own boss, and having the ultimate freedom over my schedule.
While some of that has turned out to be true, there’s a whole side of running your own agency that I wish I had been better prepared for.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been freelancing for a while and still feel like you’re figuring it out, here are five lessons I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.
Design skills are only half the job
When I started, I thought my website portfolio that I spent countless days and nights on would be the magic ticket to gaining clients. In reality, being a great designer is just part of the equation. You also have to be your own project manager, marketer, accountant (if you don't hire a professional), and sometimes therapist, both for yourself and for your clients.
Learning how to put together polished proposals, track your hours, and manage client expectations is just as important as creating good work.
Your rates will probably be too low at first
Like most designers starting out, I undercharged in the beginning. I was afraid that higher rates would scare away potential clients, so I quoted my potential clients a lot lower and didn't make profit for the first three months.
Here’s what I wish I knew: good clients respect fair pricing. And your rates aren’t just about your time, they cover your expertise, revisions, admin work, and running a business.
Boundaries save your sanity
Without clear boundaries, you’ll find yourself answering client emails at midnight or getting texted about “just one quick change” during your weekend.
Set expectations early. Office hours, revision limits, turnaround times, and put them in writing. My rules are: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM work hours, typically 2 revisions, and 2 days minimum turnaround time, depending on my client base and schedule. Clients who respect your boundaries are the ones worth keeping long-term.
Feast or famine is real
Some months you’ll be drowning in projects. Others, you’ll be refreshing your inbox wondering when your next client will appear.
The trick? Save during the busy months, keep a marketing routine even when you’re booked, and explore side projects or passive income streams ready to help you through the slower times.
Networking beats cold pitching
I thought finding clients would be all about sending cold emails to strangers. The truth is, most of my best clients came from referrals and relationships, past clients, fellow creatives, even friends who connected me with someone in need of design support.
Show up in your creative community, collaborate, attend events, and share your work. The more people know you and trust you, the more your name will come up when someone needs a designer.
