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Jennifer Bove: Starting a Design Studio During a Downturn

July 1, 2009

Faculty member Jennifer Bove is guest blogger at Fast Company this week. From stock market meltdowns to surviving a six month anniversary, follow the chronicles of starting Kicker Studio in multi-parts.


Our first day open, however, the Dow dropped over 500 points. It made the list of Time’s top 10 stock market meltdowns.


With our old-economy thinking, mixed with new-company optimism, we estimated that it might take six weeks or so for us to land our second client. And we weren’t really prepared for what would happen if it took longer than that.


We tried new tactics, such as forging alliances with other design companies who might have more work than they needed. Designers understood us!

6 Comments

  1. The recession has hit designers of all kinds fairly hard.  Forging alliances with other design companies is a great way to make connections, network, get recommendations, new clients, and new work.  Good luck with everything!

    Posted by Media Contour on 07/01/09 @ 3:20pm #

    1. I think that designers should focus on creating some type of product in addition to offering services. For example, something like “Get Signoff” for web designers from Headscape in England. Fairly priced products that make life easier or save customers money will sell in any economic climate.

      Posted by Michigan Web Design and Development on 07/01/09 @ 5:57pm #

      1. Starting a Design Studio During a Downturn

        Posted by guccilo on 07/08/09 @ 4:23am #

        1. It hasn’t been easy to explore what it means to create work that has meaning for them, designing concepts that are deeply personal remind that while it’s important to do what you’re good at, it’s equally important to do what moves you.

          Posted by seo on 08/16/09 @ 2:46pm #

          1. r43 Thank you for keeping updates! QuickTime Converter

            Posted by Best DVD Creator on 09/24/09 @ 1:06am #

            1. When things get down, look up and press harder than ever, that is where the real potential is found.

              What is the Bible

              Posted by drew @ what is the bible.com on 03/13/10 @ 3:31am #
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