Business Skills for Confident Designers

Every designer needs a set of business superpowers: the ability to attract the right opportunities, communicate value, negotiate fair compensation, spot red flags early, and build strong, lasting professional relationships. In this session, Michael Flarup shares lessons drawn from two decades of independent creative work, distilling the skills that separate reactive designers from confident, in-demand professionals.

Through honest stories and practical strategies, Michael breaks down how to price creative work, manage expectations, handle difficult situations, and protect your time and energy. These are skills that apply whether you work in-house, collaborate with external clients, or take on occasional side projects. This session focuses on creative independence, professional confidence, and understanding your value—no matter where you sit on the org chart.

Key takeaways:

• Communicate value clearly to stakeholders and collaborators
• Handle budget and scope conversations with confidence
• Spot project red flags early and course-correct
• Set expectations that stick and reduce rework
• Build trust-driven relationships that support long-term growth