Exploring creative ways that designers are actually paying their mortgage.

We live in a world where some of the most talented designers, makers, and creatives struggle to make a living doing what they love. Not because they aren't doing great work, but because they haven't found the right business to harness their creativity.

I spent the majority of my career (like most designers) focused entirely on how to help other people make money—with no clear path to making more than my annual salary allowed.

It wasn’t until I was exposed to a new business model through a friend starting their business, that I had the confidence to jump into working for myself full-time, after working for others for years.

They shared what they were doing, how it was working, and most importantly—how they were monetizing the exact work they were doing before, just in a new way. Their willingness to be transparent changed everything for me.

The goal of Creative Profit is to give you that same revelation, by exposing new paths that you didn’t know existed before. Not vague inspiration, but concrete pathways that successful designers have taken. Real examples, actual numbers, proven models.

Money is a taboo topic for most creatives—as if caring about compensation somehow compromises creative integrity.

The design industry thrives on this mindset. Design schools train you to perfect your craft but leave out the business models that make that craft sustainable. You were lead to believe that "doing great work" is enough—that somehow great portfolios magically transform into financial stability. Unfortunately for us, this just isn't the case.

The truly revolutionary designers aren't just focused on craft—they're reinventing how creative work generates wealth. Not only for shareholders or clients, but for themselves.

In today's world, creativity isn't a only means to build a business—business is what gives you the freedom to be truly creative. Financial stability isn't the enemy of creative work—it's the foundation that makes meaningful creative exploration possible.

Riley Hennigh

Creative Profit