Tools to grow your creative business
Discover all the tricks of the trade I use to keep my personal design business not only afloat, but thriving!
Brows the tried and trusted platforms, software(s), and websites I use every day. Some of these links are affiliate links, they don't make the item cost more, in fact some of them will offer you awesome discounts! I do, however, receive small commissions from those who use my parter links; so I would really appreciate it! ☕
All affiliate links will be identified with an asterisk* for full transparency.
Design + Creative
Design Software
Adobe is the absolute bees knees; love it or hate it. Head over to get a free 30 day trial. The core programs I use are: Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign.
Website Builders
Wix
My builder of choice - and the one this site is built on. Wix offers a plethora of templates and drag and drop features for building your sites. But any of the below are great too!
Squarespace
Webflow
Weebly
Stock
Adobe Stock ($)
Adobe Stock is great is you're already paying for CC. You can brows vectors, photos, and more.
Socials
People and accounts I love and follow (on IG) :
@herfirst100k
@thechrisdo
( Bulk ) Storage
Mega*
FREE bulk storage with sharing capabilities. Get a 20gig capacity when you sign up for free; get more with paid account options.
Bulk asset transfers for sending large files to clients; free as long as you keep it less than 2 gigs.
Project Management + Finances
Project Management
Essential to my operations. Bonsai is the only comprehensive client/project tracker + invoicing + expense tracking software I've found. I've tried them all. It has it's quirks - but it's the best you can get for not a lot of $$$.
I utilize Notion for Managing my large branding projects; using it as a Client Portal. You can use a free version of pay a small fee (like I do) to get extra features.
Finances
I use Ally's High Yield Savings account for all of my savings needs; personal and business. In fact, I keep all of my year's tax funds in their HYSA so I can earn 5% interest on it! Then, I transfer myself the earnings as a little treat.
US Bank for Business
My experience here has not been perfect: 4 out of 10. However, they have no annual fees and that's great for someone just starting or tight on funds. I haven't adjusted simply due to the hassle :)
I use these guys to organize ALL of my personal and business expenses. It's really a lifesaver. AND there's a free version if you want to just give 'er a try!
[Cyber] Security
Don't sleep on password security! Especially when you're dealing with sensitive Client data or info. With all of the accounts you're going to need running your business, think about purchasing a reputable password protection app/service.
Freeeeeeeee
Whether money is tight or you just like to keep things simple, I get it. Trust me. Here's a list of my absolute favorite freeee resources for various goodies!
Browser extensions
What Font (figure out what font any site uses)
Color Dropper (hover + find out any HEX # / Color Code)
ColorZill (Same as above, but more up-to-date)
Loom (again)
Design Things
Stock
Hi-fi mockups
Misc
Mega*
FREE bulk storage with sharing capabilities. Get a 20gig capacity when you sigh up for free; get more with paid account options.
Bulk asset transfers for sending large files to clients; free as long as you keep it less than 2 gigs.