Hard Lessons. Real Talk. Creative Freedom. Designers Mean Business!
"I know what it feels like to be creative, overworked and unsure of where your next mortgage payment is coming from. After two decades in design, I've learned that real growth comes from experience, reflection and being prepared to rebuild with purpose. This is why I've created the Badass Designer Mentoring Programme to help designers find balance, confidence and freedom in their creative careers."
Gareth Robertson
Brand Builder, Design Director, Creative Mentor
About Gareth...
If you have ever felt stuck, frustrated, overwhelmed or unsure how to run your design business, you are not alone; I’ve been there too.
Since starting my career in 2005, I’ve experienced the full spectrum of life in design. I’ve worked in independent agencies across the West Midlands and Leicestershire, gone solo as a freelancer, built a small agency team and led clients through the highs and lows of running a creative business. Along the way I’ve survived economic crashes, Brexit, Covid and all the chaos that comes with trying to keep a studio afloat.
After years of long hours, rising overheads and the mental toll of running a business that never seemed to stop demanding more, I made a hard decision to stop, reset and start again; not from scratch, but from experience. I stripped everything back and I rebuilt my studio to work for me and rediscovered the joy of design while I was at it! Now, with nearly twenty years of hard-earned lessons and a Wonder Global Design Award to my name, I’m focused on helping other designers find their own balance between creativity and business. Through the Badass Designer Mentoring Programme, I help creatives design a business that fits their life, not the other way around.
My Mentoring Mission
To help independent designers to build badass, sustainable and profitable design businesses; without losing the creativity that inspired them to start.
Through honest conversations, practical guidance and personal accountability, I’ll help designers identify their biggest challenges, find realistic solutions, and gain confidence in the business of design.
This isn’t theory. It’s real-world mentoring from someone who’s been there, done it and learned the hard way; so you don’t have to.
Why am I doing this?
Graphic designers are some of the most skilful and creative people in business but running a business is a whole different craft. Pricing, negotiation, marketing, planning and client management aren’t things we’re taught, and they can quickly feel overwhelming.
Some designers look for support to overcome those challenges; others want accountability, a sounding board for growth, or a fresh perspective as they plan their next move. Wherever you are in your journey, having someone who’s been there makes all the difference.
Since 2005, I’ve worked in agencies, freelanced, built and closed a studio, led teams and weathered recessions, Brexit and Covid. I’ve rebuilt my business into something that truly works for me and now it’s time to give back.
Trusted Strategic Partners
Finding good people to work with or collab with can be hard. Fortunately for Badass Designer Mentees, I’ve done the hard work for you! I’ve compiled a directory of connections across the UK who I’ve worked with closely since setting up in business in 2012. As part of the programme, you’ll have access to these great contacts as you start to forge new relationships within your business. I’ll be adding more trusted partners to the directory over time.
The Best Trade Only Large Format Printers
The Best eCommerce Websites for Print Resellers
The Best and Biggest Trade Print House in the UK
The Best Insurance for Designers
The Best Trade Only Clothing Embroidery
The Best Signage Business in the South West
The Best WordPress Website Specialists
The Best Photography Collaborator in South West
The Best Brand-Focused Copywriter
The Best Number Crunchers in Wiltshire
The Mentoring Programme
This is not a course. This is bespoke mentoring, tailored to your requirements, created to help you strengthen, streamline and scale your creative business. Together we’ll refine your strategy, sharpen your focus and build the clarity and confidence to reach your next level. You’ll get personalised guidance, practical tools and honest feedback designed to spark real progress and lasting results. The first cohort launches in April 2026 and is limited to five places. Participants also receive access to the upcoming Badass Designer Community for continued support, collaboration and growth.
Focused Tailored Mentoring
We’ll identify your biggest challenges, build a plan, and work together to overcome them.
Business Development & Marketing
Learn how to attract the right clients, communicate your value, and grow your pipeline with confidence.
Goal Setting & Business Planning
Set realistic 1, 3, and 5-year goals and break them into clear, achievable actions to keep you focused.
Regular Accountability Check-ins
Stay accountable and keep momentum with regular hour long online catch-ups and progress reviews.
Experienced Knowledge Sharing
Ask me anything: “What would you do, Gareth?” — and I’ll share my honest, experience-based answers.
Who is this for?
The Badass Designer Mentoring Programme is priced competitively at £130 per month. I want this to be affordable for everyone but also enough of an investment to ensure priority is given to it each month.
- Freelance designers wanting to grow with confidence
- Small studio owners feeling stuck or unsure what’s next
- Creatives who need clarity, structure, and accountability
If you’re ready to take your design business seriously and put real systems behind your creativity this could be the turning point you’ve been looking for.