SaaS apps to run your design studio

Whether you're a one person show, a design studio of two or an international agency there are always ways to improve your business. Finding more efficient processes to manage a particular task can often be trial and error. I've tried so many software...

The ultimate proposal cheatsheet

Nobody’s born knowing how to write a great proposal. Invariably we learn through trial and error, which I’m sure you’ll agree isn’t the best way to learn. One of the reasons I decided to publish The Designer’s Guide to Proposals free on the blog was...

Why your proposals suck and what to do about it

If there's one thing guaranteed to ruin your day, it's losing out on a contract. Rejection smarts. But wouldn't it be nice to know why you lost out? Wouldn't you like to know why all those hours spent writing kick-ass proposal were wasted?

It's because...

Never talk about your tools

Have you ever heard a prospective client ask you questions like…

“My friend said I should use Ruby on Rails instead of Wordpress.”

“I want someone who’s really good at Photoshop, especially CS6. It’s really good.”

“I want to stay away from Ruby...

How to win more client proposals with Brennan Dunn

As part of the research for my new book The Designer's Guide to Proposals I've been interviewing a hand picked bunch of talented folks. People who over the years have refined and nailed their proposal process. Do you want to win more proposals?

Essential software for designers

I recently put the question to the designer folk of Twitter: "Which software do you use on a daily basis, what's essential?" And what do you know? I got a response! Every designer has their secret arsenal of essential design apps, so I thought it would...

Getting clients to behave during projects

In my seven years of freelancing, I can't recall having any client that caused me a lot of headache. I've had several prospects that did, but none of my clients really caused me trouble. Most of them paid before the invoice due date (and those who...

How branding can help your freelance business

Going head-to-head with established freelancers can be a daunting prospect. How do you get clients to notice you and then choose you over a competitor? Regardless of your experience, a brand can help set you apart from the crowd, make you memorable...

The art of empathy: how to win a client with a single consultation

Have you ever felt like you're sending off proposals into the darkness? You're kind of doing the right thing and following all the standards. It's not a cold sale — your potential client clearly has an immediate need. But for some reason you already...

Are you offering too many client services?

Companies like Apple epitomise simplicity. Others like Yahoo walk their own path. Apple takes away, Yahoo adds. Apple offer simple solutions to sometimes complex problems, Yahoo… There is only so much information that can be of use at any one time...