Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Curtis Hamilton, Founder of Design Design Communications, located in Northfield, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I started Design Design Communications in 1984, serving small, mid-sized, and large corporate customers. In the beginning, I was hired by a number of ad agencies and public relations firms. Later, I shifted my focus to working on projects for smaller businesses.
Tell us about yourself
I was always going to be a designer. When I was a young teenager, I did projects for local businesses in my hometown of Mattoon, IL. I did projects like country club flyers, church signage, and school posters and worked on the yearbook staff.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being successful at a job I have loved for many years. Even when the job changed dramatically from drawing boards in a studio to websites, I was always in my "element." And when it got really far away from the art, illustration, and photo imagery I loved, I found a way to start ancillary new businesses to maintain my involvement in those interests. Right now, I own and run about five different businesses, with more being developed.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In the beginning, it was growing the business, which evolved into running a business, and everything that goes with having fifteen employees, including family members. Also, just the constant pressure of maintaining a high level of income for my family.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
When starting a business, make sure it's something you love to do, and be prepared to evolve over time. The business, like the world, changes. Whereas I used to design tons of print pieces, I now design, manage and market websites (over fifty clients), design branded interiors (for large corporations) and produce fine art utilizing AI. To name a few areas I have found ways to apply my creative abilities towards. Look forward to every day and the people you meet and work with.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.designdesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignDesignCommunications/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designdesigncommunications/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/designdesigncom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curthamilton/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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