Helpful Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs
Over the course of my business, I've learned so much and I’ve found many resources that I absolutely love. When I work with clients, I send them to a designated page where I have a running list of websites, books, printers, and other helpful resources for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses. I thought I’d share some of my favorites with everyone! If you find them helpful or if you have other resources you love, I’d love to hear from you.
CONTRACTS
If you need any type of contract for your business, The Contract Shop* is perfect for creative entrepreneurs. Here are some popular ones:
GDPR Compliant Terms & Conditions + Privacy Policy for Your Website
Graphic Design Contract Template
Website Designer Contract Template
Copywriter Agreement Contract Template
Interior Designer Contract Template
Social Media Manager Contract Template
Wedding or Event Planner Contract Template
Wedding Photography Contract Template or Photography Bundle
Custom Calligraphy or Stationery Contract Template
Hair & Makeup Stylist Contract Template
Floral Design/Styling Contract Template
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
I use Dubsado for project management, bookkeeping, sending contracts, sending design proofs and more. I love it! They are constantly adding new features and their customer service is amazing. If you want to sign up, use code lcdesign for 20% off your first month!
For file sharing, I always use Dropbox and WeTransfer.
BOOKS
Profit First has been the best thing to happen to my business. I heard about it from another small business owner and bought it immediately. The book teaches a method that simplifies accounting and money management to help you create a profitable business. I seriously cannot recommend it enough.
If you’re interested in branding, you should definitely check out How To Style Your Brand by Fiona Humberstone. I also have her second book, Brand Brilliance, which I also love! Whether you’re a designer or not, both of these books are beautiful and incredibly informative.
STOCK IMAGES
Pexels and Unsplash are amazing for free stock images. Moyo Studio*, Jana Bishop, Stocksy, SC Stock Shop and Kate Max Stock have beautiful paid options. A few of them offer freebies if you sign up for their newsletters too. Creative Market* also has affordable stock photos and templates, but I typically use them for fonts!
PACKAGING
There are a lot of great places for packaging, so I'll just list a bunch to check out! Cards and Pockets (for colored envelopes and custom printed liners), Lumi, Packlane, Georgette, Sticker Mule, ClearBags, Design Packaging, Tono + Co, Studio Carta, Continental Tape Printers, Make & Stow, and The Container Store. When I send out client thank you gifts, I typically buy shipping boxes, tissue paper and shredded packing paper in bulk from Amazon.
WEBSITE PLATFORMS
I love Squarespace for several reasons, which you can read about here, but mainly because it’s user-friendly, it offers beautiful templates and it’s extremely affordable. I use it for client websites and for my own!
PRINTING
Moo.com and Primoprint are great for digitally printed business cards and other collateral. They have a ton of options and the quality is amazing. Stationery HQ is also one of my favorites. I love their savoy cotton paper, especially in double thick for notecards! Czar Press and Hoban Press are my go-to places for letterpress printing. If you’re looking to print custom photo books, albums, cards, etc., Artifact Uprising is a must!
Hopefully you will find some of these to be useful. They've certainly helped me! Like I said before, I’d love to hear your recommendations too!
Please note, * indicates an affiliate, but they are only listed because I honestly use and love them.