Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Hey there, welcome back to Resourceful Designer! Today I want to talk honestly about something many designers dream about: working from home. I've been running my design business from home for over 20 years, and while I love it, I want to strip away the Instagram glamour and talk about the realities, the good, the tough, and the unexpected.
Working from home isn't a magical solution. Yes, there's flexibility, but it comes with the challenge of managing yourself, facing potential loneliness, blurring work-life boundaries, and handling every aspect of your business, from invoicing to taxes. Not everyone is cut out for this, and that's okay. The myth that following your passion means you'll never "work" a day in your life just isn't true; there are parts you'll love, and parts you definitely won't.
My hope today is to help you decide if running your design business from home is right for you, the real version, not the dream. So stick around as I break down what working from home actually means and how to set realistic expectations for your journey. Let's dive in!

Hey there, my friend,
Mark here with some big news. Resourceful Designer is now on YouTube.
Yes, I know, technically, you've been able to listen to the podcast on YouTube for years. But that's not what I'm talking about.
I've created a brand new Resourceful Designer channel where I'll be releasing weekly videos to help designers like you with the business side of freelancing. The same type of content you know and love from the podcast, but now in video format.
And no, don't worry, I'm still going to do the podcast. I'm just taking a break this week as I finish the YouTube launch. But I'm already working on next week's podcast episode.
So now, not only do you get to hear my dulcet voice on the podcast. You can also see me in all my dadbod glory on YouTube.
I already have three videos out, with more coming out every Thursday, so click the link in the description or visit https://www.resourcefuldesigner.com/youtube to have a look.
And don't forget to subscribe while you're there. And of course, press that bell to be notified when new episodes are released.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Resourceful Designer. It means so much to me.
Until next time, Stay Creative, and see you on YouTube.

Welcome to Resourceful Designer. I'm Mark, and today we're talking about one of the biggest challenges designers are facing right now: staying relevant in a world where AI can generate logos, create websites, and even write flawless presentations in just minutes. I get it, it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath our feet. But here's the truth: while AI might be able to deliver polished designs quickly, it still can't replace what makes you, as a designer, truly valuable.
In this episode, I'll share why your clients aren't just looking for beautiful mockups or perfect slides; they want emotional authenticity, trust, and a human connection. I'll talk about how you can stand out, not by competing with AI on output, but by showing up with confidence, understanding your client's real needs, and building relationships that machines simply can't replicate. If you're worried about being left behind, don't be. Your voice, your presence, and your ability to connect are your real superpowers, and today we'll dive into how you can use them to thrive as a designer in an AI-driven world. Let's get started.

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark, and today I want to share a unique perspective I've gained as both a graphic designer and someone with a growing collection of tattoos.
I got my first tattoo at 53, thanks to my talented daughter who became a tattoo artist, and now, at 56, I have six pieces inked on my body, each with a story.
In this episode, I'll talk about how the permanence of tattoos has made me reflect on the power we have as designers: in our world, designs aren't set in stone like tattoos are. We have the flexibility to tweak, evolve, and improve our work, even years later.
I'll dive into how striving for perfection sometimes holds us back, why knowing when a design is "done" is an art in itself, and how embracing imperfection and change makes us better creatives. Plus, I'd love to see your tattoos and hear your thoughts, so stick around!

Welcome to Resourceful Designer! I'm Mark, and in this episode, I'm sharing practical advice for home-based graphic and web designers looking to make more money, without taking on more clients or raising your rates. I'll tell you a story about learning to let go, and how sometimes, we hang onto tools, subscriptions, and services in our business that quietly drain our bank accounts month after month.
I walk you through a step-by-step subscription audit, showing you how to identify essential expenses, cut out the things you don't need, and consolidate tools where possible. It's not about keeping up with trends or having the most impressive software stack; it's about running a profitable, sustainable business and making sure more of the money you earn actually stays in your pocket.
So, get ready to give yourself a raise by spending smarter, not harder. Let's dive in and uncover the hidden savings in your business!