Creative Directing
POV: I’d been running my brand studio for a while, toyed with hiring, but never felt like a full time hire was the right move.
But it had been 7 years, and it was time for a ✨ change ✨
My studio has shifted from just little old me doing all the design work, to me creative directing a roster of about 6 key subcontractors that I bring on by project.
I still do a lot of the design work—but I am able to support up to 15 or so clients at a time, all while working 20-24 hours per week.
And the studio has never been more profitable—in fact, my small studio just hit its first $40k revenue month this May (86% 1:1 design services and 14% education).
But I’ve made some mistakes in the past with hiring:
❌ I didn’t charge appropriately to support the profit margins I wanted
❌ I wasn’t in control of my contractor payout amounts—this has been key in managing project profitability
❌ My systems and SOPs weren’t set up to support multiple subs at once
❌ I wasn’t as secure in myself as a designer or creative director, and took more of a back seat role as opposed to someone shaping the direction of the design.
What’s changed?
✅ My offer suite and pricing model is set up to integrate support from the get-go
✅ I determine the scope, payout, and timeline for my subcontractors, and they choose if they want a project or not
✅ My SOPs are DEEP and allow my subs to self-train on HJC systems, design conventions, and best practices
✅ I trust myself as a creative director. I give clear and concise feedback, stay on top of my timelines, and give my subs ample time to complete their work.
How do you know when it’s time to hire project-based subs? My golden rule: when you’re losing leads due to timeline. Interest in our services had started to pile on faster than I could deliver on my own: and thus, my amazing subcontractors come in and help me fill the gaps!
I have so much more to share on this topic—stay tuned for a Better: The Brand Designer Podcast episode about this soon! 🎙️
If anyone out there has advice on being a creative director—I’m all ears! Send me a DM over on my instagram and share your wisdom! 💌
“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
—Matthew 20:26
