Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in graphic design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Coates, an Artist & a Business Partner of Ion Brand Design, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ion is a team of professional graphic designers. Spanning four decades, we have focused on branding cities, communities, and destinations. Our purpose is to help reveal stories, culture and folklore, historical origins, and physical characteristics of a brand by engaging and listening to stakeholders in whose minds and hearts a brand already exists. We nurture and give shape to an authentic and sustainable brand. It is shared with new audiences in compelling, memorable, and evocative ways. We bring people together with an enduring, common vision that propagates brand champions.
Tell us about yourself
From a very young age, I've had an affinity for design and marketing. My dad was a psychiatrist, and my mom an artist, so I grew up exposed to liberal arts. If you think about it, graphic design is really the ultimate melding of the two of these professions.
Design can heal the world. This statement motivates me every day. The idea is that the work we do can bring people together, make communications more effective, promote healing and sustainability and help understand each other. We need more of that these days!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running a business for 35 years is a huge accomplishment. It's certainly had its ups and downs, but simple longevity is something I'm super proud of. I also value the way we treat our practice, clients, and employees with the highest ethical standards and integrity. This likely contributes to our longevity.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business, you go through waves of highs like success and popularity and also lows of financial challenges and staffing issues. Navigating change can be the hardest thing to adapt to. Learning to see what's coming and adapt quickly to fast-changing circumstances is something that takes years of experience, and this can be a very expensive education.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Develop a business plan.
- Find a partner that is good at the things you're not.
- Make sure you're passionate about your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://iondesign.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ionbranddesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ion-branding---design/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.