Week 2: Business Models, Studios, Estimating, Invoicing and Budget Management
In this weeks blog we are looking at how design businesses operate. We will be looking at the structure of four different design businesses to gain insight into how theyoperate.
The panel discussion from this weeks lecture gave great insight into how different businesses operate. It was interesting to see how they structured the businesses to their employees requirements and not so much the requirements of the businesses.
The notion is if your employees are comfortable and happy good work will come to fruition.
Most design businesses operate on the same framework as others. However, what I have noticed from this weeks research is that the more successful design businesses seem to have a sort of niche in terms of how they operate.
Kate Moross / Studio Morosss
Studio Moross is a London-based design studio founded by Kate Moross. Before starting this week, I had never heard of Kate Moross and her business, but I am delighted I now know of her and am quickly becoming a fan of her work.
The studio is know for it’s vibrant, colourful designs that span across a range of industries.
The studio separates itself in two departments: design and video. The design department mostly accounts for branding, art direction and illustration. Their most notable clients are ParkLife Festival which they have worked for, for many years.
The video department specialises in music videos for artist signed to record labels and broadcasts for television networks.
At the helm is Kate Moross, who oversees the studio’s overall direction and vision. The team value collaboration and encourages its members to work together to create designs that are both innovative and visually stunning.
In addition to having a permanent set of staff. Studio Moross also has staff which work on a part time basis. This includes accountants, lawyers and any freelancers that can assist on projects when best to suit the needs of the company.
UsTwo
While both UsTwo and Studio Moross are design business, they differ in their focus and approach to design. UsTwo is an agency that specialises in digital product design. The agency has a global presence, with offices based around the world.
UsTwo mission statement is simple but effective.
“We’re on a mission to launch products services and companies that have a meaningful impact on the world.”
UsTwo achieves this mission in three different ways; they work with clients. Secondly, they invest in other businesses and lastly they launch their own ventures.
Monument Valley, a game designed and developed by UsTwo, became globally recognised, which accelerated their growth.
The structure of the business is split in three. There is the studio sector of the business which runs on the model of a creative agency. Producing identities for clients for clients as well as the usual outputs a studio would produce.
Then there is the game section of the business. This is in my opinion is what sets UsTwo apart from other agencies as they generate their own products for consumers.
Lastly, the adventure part of the business is all about investment funding where the business invests in companies that have potential for the future growth of UsTwo.
Lovers
Lovers is a graphic design collective based in London. Lovers works with clients across a range of industries, from fashion and music to food and beverage. What I found interesting about Lovers after listening to Lisa was how selective Lovers are about projects. They are not in the business of working for anyone. They stay true to their company values and the brands they love.
As a design collective, Lovers work on a different business model to other design businesses. Lover can harness collective creative power for brands. This due to the team structuring of the business. With a small internal team consisting of Creative directors and producers, Lovers offers has a global network of freelancers for projects. This network consists of designers, strategists’s, developers etc… These freelancers are brought on by a project by project basis.
The management of projects is crucial to the functioning of Lovers. The collective uses project management tools such as Scoro, a scheduling tool called TeamGant, as well as Google Drive and Trello.
In addition to these tools Lovers is also developing their own software called Tell. This will be an invite only platform for fellow freelancers (Lovers) to answer a questionnaire based on the products they would like to work on.
The work of Lovers reminds me a lot of another collective I researched in the last module GDE710. Kiss Collective are also another design collective based in Leeds specialising in branding. Although they still run on the same model, the scale of the business is a lot smaller by working locally and not globally.
Theo Inglis
A freelance graphic designer and writer based in London. Theo has a background in art history. Theo has a unique approach to design by including historical references in his work.
Theo works as an independent in his own studio with his own clients, he sets a fee per project. By working on his own, Theo has the freedom to work when he wants, where he wants.
As a sole trader and owner of his own business, Theo also has to manage the day to day running of his business. This includes managing the accounts managing projects, the production of products and also the marketing of his business and finance for projects.
The biggest challenge Theo faced starting out was finding work. However due to past experience working in a branding agency Theo had become used to giving pitches for projects.
Reflection
Each of the four design businesses - UsTo, Studio Moross, Lovers, and Theo Inglis - has a unique approach to design that sets them apart from one another. UsTwo is know for its user-centred approach to digital design, while Studio Moross is recognised for it’s bold, playful designs. Lovers creates vibrant, colourful designs that often incorporate playful typography and illustrations, and Theo Inglis has a deep understanding of the cultural significance of design. Despite their differences, all four businesses share a passion for design and a commitment to creating work that is both innovative and visually stunning.
By embracing experimentation and collaboration, each of these businesses has been able to create designs that truly stand out and make an impact. Whether it’s through digital design, print design, or a combination of both, these businesses are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of design and inspiring others to do the same.
Research Task:
This challenge was a tough one. Having great design alone won't make a business successful. Models need to be put in place so the projects can run smoothly.
So, where do I even begin with all of this?
I researched some of the leading design studios globally to gain insight into the processes they have in place. I even took time to understand the flow of work with my current employer.
The process model I developed I hope ensures positive results for our clients. Through collaboration, planning, and strong commitment.
After some research, I came across two design studios that not only showcased their work but also provided valuable insights into their unique studio culture. From this, I developed my own process model specifically for my design collective.
Toward Studio - A Team Always on The Move
Toward Studio, based in Cardiff are a dynamic and forward-thinking design collective from branding and illustration to web design and beyond, teamwork is at the very core of how the studio operates.
“We create brands and websites that shift people and organisations toward the future. Emotionally, culturally, commercially and financially. Design that moves.” (Toward,2023)
This process model at Toward Studio revolves around four key principles: "Think big," "Make the most," "Teamwork," and "Challenge everything."
Firstly, "Think big" emphasizes the importance of aiming high and thinking expansively. Rather than settling for mediocrity, the team at Toward Studio strives to push the boundaries and explore innovative ideas in their projects. This mindset allows them to create impactful and remarkable work.
Secondly, "Make the Most" highlights the belief that every project presents a creative opportunity. The team approaches each assignment with the intention to showcase their best skills and abilities. By maximizing their potential in every piece of work, they aim to impress clients and attract more opportunities through the recognition of their exceptional craftsmanship.
Thirdly, "Teamwork" is a fundamental pillar of Toward Studio's process model. They recognize that a great agency is built on the foundation of a talented and cohesive team. By allowing collaboration, they create a supportive environment that nurtures creativity and encourages the exchange of ideas.
Lastly, "Challenge everything" encapsulates their commitment to questioning assumptions and breaking away from conventional norms. Toward Studio actively challenges their clients, each other, and themselves to think beyond the obvious and explore alternative possibilities. By challenging the first idea and constantly seeking improvement, they strive to deliver truly unique and innovative solutions.
In summary, this process model encourages the team at Toward Studio to think big, make the most of every opportunity, foster teamwork, and challenge conventional thinking. Through this approach, they consistently produce exceptional work that goes beyond expectations and sets them apart in the creative industry.
inc.collective Process Model
Drawing inspiration from Toward of "Think big," "Make the most," "Teamwork," and "Challenge everything," I have developed my own process model that encompasses six distinct phases. Each phase serves as a step in the creative journey, in the hope that it guides me and my future team towards delivering great results.
Phase 1, "Learn," lays the foundation for research and gaining an understanding of the project at hand. This knowledge fuels creative exploration in Phase 2, "Discover," we seek inspiration and uncover unique perspectives that will shape our approach.
Phase 3, "Concept," We generate ideas and develop concepts for the client.
Phase 4, "Develop," we transform the concepts into designs.
In Phase 5, "Present," We engage in open and collaborative discussions, sharing ideas and seeking valuable feedback. This process eventually leads to the final phase, Phase 6, "Deliver," where we bring the client’s vision to life.
By adopting this process model, I align myself with the values of thinking big, making the most of every opportunity, and allowing teamwork.
These six phases provide a structured yet adaptable approach that will empower me and the team to produce exceptional work.
