Monday Morning Book Review: The Business of Design

Today's Monday Morning Book Review is for the business-minded design lovers. The book is The Business of Design. I had the pleasure of attending a conference call through the Design Success University where the author, Keith Granet, was speaking. He is an experienced, intelligent and very inspiring gentleman. After spending nearly 30 years advising design professionals, Granet wrote the book, The Business of Design to help designers and architects navigate the business of running a design practice- whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned professional. As the owner of a one-woman design firm, I am in the process of reading this book now and the information in invaluable.

The Business of Design by Keith Granet. $26.40 on Amazon

With chapters like "The Foundation of a Design Business", "Marketing and Public Relations", "Human Resources", "Project Management" and "Product Development", Granet really offers information for every step of business development. He has also includes priceless interviews with well known professionals within the design community: Victoria Hagan and Michael Graves to name two.

I have found this book inspiring as it approaches a design business from the mindset of a business person. Just because you are a trained designer, does not mean you will be a successful business-person- in fact- usually the 'creative mind' and the 'business mind' do not co-exist. I definitely believe that this book bridges that gap and lends the business support needed for design professionals thinking about going into business, working for someone else or already in business for themselves. It is well written, easy to read and flavored with common sense and well-studied advice. I highly recommend this book for anyone working within the design profession. What good is it to be able to pick out pillows if you don't know how to get paid appropriately for it? Definitely a must- read! Happy Reading!