10 tips for starting your design business

1. Be realistic with your finances
Anna Haigh, founder, Action Cat
"Don't put your finances at risk by taking on massive overheads. Work from home at first until you have a solid client base offering you regular work, then a shared studio is great for mixing with other creatives. When you hire freelancers, they probably have their own space to work independently, so you don't need to worry about having any office space for them, which is helpful for many reasons."

2. Make the most of technology
Todd Albertson, co-founder, Weapon of Choice
"The remote locations (Albertson and his business partner Tom Brown are split between Vancouver and Washington, DC) have not been a hindrance. We use audio iChat to create a virtual studio and swap files for feedback. Anyone considering a similar set-up should be inspired by their partner's work and comfortable with their partner's level of project management and troubleshooting skills. Then, the distance is really just a technicality."

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