The best designers put clients second.

Always put your clients second if you want to be successful as a creative business owner.

There’s this classic problem that all creatives have, myself I used to be the same way.

You feel like - man I’m so lucky to get paid to draw, that I’m somehow already winning (true but not quite) and so if the client actually wants to pay me, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them happy.

You literally tear your hair out with worry and anxiety from clients consistently pushing you with requests, messages, not being happy and not valuing your time.

"If only I'd seen the red flags" "If only I'd charged more..."

But you never do.

So when I say - put your clients second.

What I really mean is - if you run a No Compromise business, you understand that if you run a better business, you make better decisions.

You have better systems, you attract better clients, you charge more and you’re in control.

And for your clients, that means - a better experience, better outcomes, more trust, and a better rollout because they’re more invested in you, and the work you’re creating.

When I teach this, my clients create confidence in themselves by understanding the value you create for clients, understanding the need to be assertive and push back.

To run every project - on your terms, not because you're a dick, but because it's better for the client.

Understanding that if you don't set boundaries right, if you don't tell the client how it's going to go.

They will tell you.

Running a No Compromise Creative Business is not just a cool name with a cool logo, it’s living your life with No Compromise.

Having time for your kids, your partner, your hobbies.

Making space and energy when you’re not answering emails, taking on shit clients, and bending over backwards and still getting “the invoice was more than I expected”.

However you take it, if you’re running a creative business, do it your way, it’s your game, your playground, say no to people.

Fire clients.

Go over and above for clients who appreciate you.

It’s your life, you’ve only got one. Live it on your terms.