Starting a Design Business! Please Help

ginchyqueendangle

Hi All

Im hoping you helpful lot will be able to assist. My best friend did his degree in design and is a very talented designer/artist. Whether its making jewellery or photography he always gets great results.

The thing is hes looking to set up his own business and doesnt know where to begin, i want to see him make summat of himself and i suppose im his kick up the backside. Im looking for some helpful info to point him in the right direction.

Obviously start up costs are going to be an issue but im thinking along the lines of grants etc. What are the main issues he needs to address. Any tips/hints on creating a full business plan? Is it possible to wangle some way of free advertising (small scale)

Iv already got him to look out all his photography and design work so he can start on a physical portfolio and load them into the computer so he can also have images for a website.

Iv already arranged to meet up with him tomorrow to discuss what hes looking to do i just want to have some useful info for him.

Sorry if this is quite long winded but as hes always busy travelling with work he doesnt always have time to resource/research into things.

Looking forward to your replies.

Ginch

black_pudding_2

Have you tried the Prince's Trust?
They give advice to people starting up their own business and give grants too

ginchyqueendangle

Thanks Black Pudding all help is appreciated. Il pass the details along.

Ginch

joggyb

Contact your local BusinessLink (https://www.businesslink.gov.uk) - they'll have a list of all the grants and loans etc available for him to apply for. He will be able to get some free help from BL, too, for writing his business plan.

ginchyqueendangle

Bump :rolleyes:

ginchyqueendangle

Hey all

Well im just back from our little discussion, and boy does he have lots of pieces. I saw the contents of 4 full portfolios and a large large box of sketch books etc.

Im so jealous, and really wish id carried on with my artwork :sad: :undecided

Anyhoo iv given him the details you helpful lot have passed on and he will be doing some serious reading while hes away with work again.

We have worked out the basics for what he could sell straight away whilst increasing his portfolio. And whiles hes away, hopefully you helpful bunch will inspire me with hints and tips to assist him with.

Cheers

Ginch

sgx.saint

Do a google search for Shell Livewire or something similar.

Have a read of the site, very useful for new startups including competitions and grant information.

Mark7799

joggyb wrote:

Contact your local BusinessLink (https://www.businesslink.gov.uk) - they'll have a list of all the grants and loans etc available for him to apply for. He will be able to get some free help from BL, too, for writing his business plan.

As the OP appears to be based in Scotland, Business Gateway may be a better approach http://www.bgateway.com/bg-about-us .

Pacific_State

Your friend should either learn to sell or get someone to sell or market for him.

Designers, in my experience, make some of the worst salespeople. They are great at expressing their ideas on paper or on a computer screen. However, when it comes to selling themselves and their designs, they have a lot of trouble (except to businesspeople who are bothered more about image and design than effectiveness - not that many of them).

I am sure your friend would be brilliant, but, if he's not good at marketing and sales, he needs to plug that gap before he launches.

Mark (MD)