Three Lessons from Design Studio/Business Ownership

It’s hard to believe that just about two months since I stepped into full time studio ownership! Since 2021, when started Spark Creative Co., I have always balanced other jobs to keep things afloat. After about six months of praying through my options, gaining more clients, and completing a design mentorship with Thuro Design, I finally took the leap into full time business ownership on June 30, 2025. I have learned so much in the past four years of running Spark Creative Co., and even more in the last few months. Here are three lessons I’ve learned from being a design studio/business owner that might also resonate with you if you’re in a season of business ownership, transition, leadership, or dreaming of starting your own creative venture someday.

1. Embrace Your Unique Perspective

   Not every client is going to be the right fit for me (or you!)—and that’s okay. It’s so easy to get sucked into the latest trends. We are surrounded by social media ideas, “to-do’s,” and hundreds of notifications a day. I often feel the pressure of adopting a certain design style or to imitate a process from a successful design studio. I am learning that I need to build systems and processes that work for me, right now. They don’t need to be permanent, but they do need to be mine. Online templates, Pinterest posts, Instagram reels, and design books are great sources of inspiration, but my perspective, style, values, and approach is just as important and is what will set me apart.
   

   This means I say “no” to clients more often than I used to. A client lead may not be a good fit for a variety of reasons. They may have needs that are outside of my expertise, we may not be in value or budget alignment, or maybe we are simply not the right fit. That’s okay. While turning down work feels scary, it is giving me the space to work with clients who are are more aligned with my values and skillset.
   

2. Use Goals as a Roadmap, Not a Marker of Success Setting goals used to scare the crap out of me. I used to actually avoid setting goals because it seemed like I always fell short of my own expectations. Now, I have reframed goals to be guides rather than a measure of my success.
   

   I’ve created a habit of setting quarterly goals for my studio. Each quarter I review what worked, what can be carried over, and what no longer works. Then I adjust for the next quarter. This shift has made setting goals less intimidating and has helped me stay focused rather than becoming defeated.
   

3. Wear All the Hats…And Find Your People. Owning a design studio means I have to be a jill of all trades. As a founder, it often feels like I should have gotten my degree in….well…everything. Marketing, copywriting, project management, financial planning, estimating, and social media management are all essential for running a business. And then actual graphic design work has to fit in there somewhere! Transitioning from being an in-house designer to running a business has been big change full of growth and learning. And lots of trial and error. If you’re a founder, business owner, or leader, you know exactly what I mean.
   

   Amidst the trial by fire, it’s important to have a community of support. You don’t have to do this alone! Go to networking events and connect with industry-adjacent peers and colleagues. Sign up for that mentorship. Reach out to someone you follow on social media. Outsource small tasks and collaborate whenever possible. Support other local leaders and business owners. Running a business isn’t possible without a small village—keep working to build yours piece by piece! I have found this to be essential for my flourishing and continued growth.
   

Thanks for being here, friends! Go change the world with your unique perspective, vision, and village 🌍