Frequently asked questions
Many programs are based on US learnings and experiences, and while valuable, the insights have to be adjusted to the Australian market.
That’s where the DBS differs. The information in our programs and ebooks are based on the Australian design industry and written by two Australian design practitioners.
There is no adjustment needed. It’s practical, relevant knowledge you can implement immediately. It’s a minimum of theory and a maximum of practical case studies based on your studio and your industry learnt at your pace.
The results will be a better performing, more capable businesses.
A common reason designers move jobs is because there is no obvious career progression. By growing the business you create career opportunities.
Our programs will not only improve your business performance (because they are based on your studio) they will improve your team’s performance as they profit from your new experiences and learnings.
The Business of Design shortcourse covers about the fundamentals of setting up and growing a design studio.
The Design Studio Management program is perfect for a young designer wanting to learn management skills or a mature designer wanting to fast track their learning on the job.
Absolutely. There is no reason why our programs can’t involve the whole team. Both the Business of Design shortcourse and the Design studio management program have sections the design team could do together. The result would be a management team with a shared vision and culture at that inturn improves business performance.
The content of the DBS is written by Australian design practitioners written specifically for Australian designers.
The programs and publications are based on the experience gained by Greg Branson and Carol Mackay of the Design Business Council in the workshops and mentoring of design business owners. These courses are like a ‘best of’ that content.
This site packages the insights we’ve learnt into DIY resources.
It’s the old adage work smarter not harder – we all know that we should work on our business and not just in our business but yes, it’s hard to make the time.
The DBS programs are minimum theory and an abundance of practical work and the content is based on your studio and your clients. So you can learn while you earn.
Everything is aimed at you getting a return on your investment by improving your business skills that will improve studio profits.
Better still, the programs can be done at home, or in your studio, at your own pace.
DBS is an initiative of Greg Branson and Carol Mackay, co-founders of the Design Business Council.
You can read more about us on the Founders page, on LinkedIn or follow DBC on instagram.
The Design Business Council continue to play an active role in my business success. As experts in the management of Australian design studios, DBC have provided me with much needed feedback and guidance throughout my career as a Design business owner.
I cannot overstate the importance of employing their industry experience in high level business decision making. Carol and Greg have saved me both money and heartache throughout the process of my business’s growth and I continue to utilise their wisdom on a day to day level.
No one knows our industry better than DBC. I’d thoroughly recommend engaging DBC’s services for any Design business strategic thinking or training initiatives. You won’t regret it.
Craig Jackett, Jackett Agency
“We were excited to commence the Business of design Leadership Program as it gave us an opportunity for the team as a whole to come together – separate to talking about specific projects.
While we were a little unsure as to how the content would relate to all the staff, it proved to be a great learning experience for us all. We would highly recommend any design studio to invest the time into delving deeper into their business, they certainly won’t regret it. We look forward to working further with Greg on other projects in the future.”
Rikki Clarke – Director, Creative Space, Perth.
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
The Business of Design Leadership Program is leadership program that develops a management team in your studio. It involves the whole studio in an online program of mentoring and workshops.
DESIGN STUDIO MANAGEMENT
The Design Studio Management Program is a fast-track to the management skills needed to run a design studio. It’s perfect for designers wanting to move to management or start their own business.
SELLING MORE DESIGN
Selling more design for print and digital is an intensive program that shows how to sell design campaigns that build your business.