So, you’re ready to launch your own brand design studio? WOHOOO! 🥳 But before you dive headfirst into designing gorg brand identities, there’s some groundwork to cover. Setting up a creative business isn’t just about making beautiful things, it’s about building a foundation that supports your creativity and pays the bills!

‼️ If you’re starting fresh, I highly recommend freelancing for a bit first. Why? Because it helps you figure out what you actually enjoy, what kind of clients you vibe with, and how you like to structure your time. You’ll learn what works (and what doesn’t) before committing to a full-fledged studio.

Now, let’s break it down step by step 👇

1. Business Stuff (a.k.a. The Boring but Essential Bits)

Before you even think about branding, get your business structure in place. Trust me, future you, will thank YOU.

💵 Separate Your Finances

Open a dedicated bank account for your business. Mixing personal and business expenses is a headache waiting to happen.

📁 Register Your Business (LLC Recommended)

Not required, but highly recommended. An LLC protects your personal assets and makes you look more professional.

🔒 Lock Down Your Online Presence

Secure your domain name and social media handles ASAP! Even if you're not launching immediately, grab them before someone else does.

Set up a professional email using your domain (bye-bye Gmail, hello credibility!).

Only use this email and bank account for business, it keeps things clean and organized.

2. Do Brand Strategy on Yourself 🧠

Before designing for others, define your own brand. This is your chance to get crystal clear on what you stand for and who you want to attract. Start by identifying your target audience. Who do you WANT to work with, small businesses, personal brands, startups? What do they actually need from you? Understanding this will help you shape your services, pricing, and messaging so you’re not just throwing offers into the void.

Your values and mission come next. What’s your purpose? What do you believe in as a designer? These core beliefs will guide your decisions, from pricing to client communication. Then, think about your brand personality. How do you want to be perceived? Fun and quirky? Sleek and professional? Make sure it aligns with your ideal clients and feels authentic to you.

Finally, use your strategy to shape your creative direction. Your branding from the logo, colors, typography, and overall aesthetic, should reflect your mission and resonate with your audience. Your own branding is a portfolio piece, so make it count.

3. Build a Portfolio that Speaks for Itself! 😎

You don’t need hundreds of projects, just a few SOLID ones that showcase your best work. Start showing off your work wherever you can. Post consistently on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Behance, wherever your audience hangs out. If possible, create a website to showcase your portfolio. Even a simple one helps build trust. If you don’t have client work yet, passion ( aka mock ) projects can demonstrate your skills just as good. 

4. Create Systems & Policies (So You Don’t Lose Your Sanity)

A creative business isn’t just about creativity, it’s about running things smoothly. Invest in a well crafted contract from a lawyer that protects you. Look for clauses covering late fees, early termination, and intellectual property rights.

Set up a simple finance and client management system. At minimum, you need a way to invoice clients, process payments, and manage inquiries. You can start with Google Forms and PayPal or go all-in with platforms like HoneyBook or Dubsado. Then, streamline your workflow by defining your client process. How do clients find you? What happens once they book? What’s your onboarding process like? What are your project milestones and communication checkpoints? Getting these details sorted now will save you sooo much stress later.

5. Beta Test Your Services (Highly Recommended!)

Before you launch at full price, run a beta project with a discounted rate and full transparency, let clients know it’s a test run! This helps refine your pricing, timeline, and workflow before you fully commit. Plus, real client feedback is invaluable when perfecting your process.

6. Market Yourself (Go ALLL OUTTT) 📣

Social media is your best friend. Post your work consistently, share projects, celebrate client wins, and give people a behind-the-scenes look at your process. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, Behance, and Dribbble are GOLD for attracting potential clients. Getting on third-party platforms like Behance and LinkedIn can also open up networking opportunities and lead to unexpected ( & might I say the best kind of ) collaborations.‍

Ready to HIT Launch?

Starting your own brand design studio is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking, but having a solid plan makes all the difference. Set up the business basics, define your strategy, build your portfolio, and market yourself like a pro. YOU got this.

I hope this was helpful! If you have any questions or need support, shoot us an email or check out our website. Alongside branding services, we curate specialist resources specially for Brand Designers and Creatives just like YOU, from courses, workshops, templates, and a podcast, to keep our community inspired, curious, and hungry for more. Scroll through our creative buffet and grab the tools that fuel your creativity in all the right ways.

Love,
Alyssa xx