FOR many designers the challenges of running a design studio as well as a business can be overwhelming.

There’s chasing up money, patenting designs and a whole host of other crossover duties to keep even the most organised owner busy.

It can be very daunting, especially if the designer has no previous business experience.

One of the ways designers are able to improve their business skills is through Springboard, an educational program supported by both the Australian Government-funded initiative, Building
Entrepreneurship in Small Business Program, and the Australia Council.

Springboard mentor and co-director of the Australian Design Unit, Heidi Dokulil, says the Springboard initiative is a great way for designers to jump straight into the industry. “Design students struggle to establish their design business after graduating,” she says.

“They often have to teach or hold down second jobs.”

Rurally based Elliat Rich is one of the designers selected for the program. “There are few design peers to call on in Alice Springs - the internet helps but there’s not the direct contact,” explains Rich who, after being a finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Awards for 2007, has spent the past few years refining her designs.

“I’m interested in nomadic cultures living within urban environments,” says Rich. Her works include: Lichen, an item made of canvas that can be transformed from a swag to a tarpaulin to a jacket; Urban Billy, a tea set made of glass; and the Yala sofa, featuring a cherry-blossom pattern that reacts with heat from the body to appear or disappear.

Despite her obvious talents, Rich felt she needed guidance on how to introduce her designs to the market. “Springboard has helped me develop a business plan as well as offering links to websites, articles and, importantly, professionals in the industry,” she says, adding that meeting and building relationships with other Springboard finalists has also been very valuable.

In contrast to Rich, Springboard designer Tim Fleming operates right from the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Fleming studied sculpture at RMIT University before starting his business, Flatland OK.

His plywood products include hand mirrors (in the shape of a hand), skull and crossbones and plywood trees.

Fleming also designs the occasional piece of furniture. “I come from an art background - I’m not particularly business savvy,” says Fleming, who attended Springboard’s seminars.

“It’s great getting feedback and advice about where I should be headed, both in terms of developing my product and pinpointing my market.”

As well as direction from mentors and guest speakers, Fleming has appreciated being surrounded by so many talented people.

“If I had the money to invest in these designers, I wouldn’t hesitate. There are so many great ideas in the one room,” he says.

Amy Cunningham is another of the applicants to make it through to the second round of the Springboard mentoring program. Trained at the College of Fine Arts Sydney, Cunningham specialised in furniture and interior design. Since graduating in 2005, she has designed a piece of furniture every year.

The first year was her Show Off shelving unit, while the following year she designed a coffee table-side table set called Steppe. This year Cunningham created Silhouette, a screen that doubles as a hat stand.

Cunningham is never short of ideas but admits she sometimes lacks belief in her work. “Springboard has been great for giving me that extra confidence,” she says.

“It has also provided me with business knowledge, from breaking into the market to dealing with manufacturers and legal issues.”

While Cunningham’s furniture is well conceived and executed, she has been advised to develop a holistic approach to her work and incorporate her furniture designs with her interior-design skills.

“I also have graphic-design skills, which I should be making more of,” says Cunningham.

Peter English, a solicitor and founding partner of Surry Partner Lawyers, Sydney, has been educating designers on the legal concerns of their industry.

In presentations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, English has highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property.

“Many designers are keen to publish their work through magazines and websites but that enthusiasm can be fraught with problems if designs aren’t patented,” says English.

“It’s also important for designers to develop a recognisable style of ‘handwriting’ so that they can create their own brand.”

English says formal agreements need to be in place, either with suppliers or manufacturers. “Things have to be clear and in writing if there’s a business transaction,” he says.

Industrial designer, Dhiren Bhagwandas, has developed his own design signature since graduating from Swinburne National School of Design in 2005.

His lighting and furniture designs, marketed under the business name Matter, highlight Springboard’s focus on sustainable products - his Finn light is made from reconstituted cork and is presented as a flat pack, assembled within minutes.

Now entering stage two of the Springboard program, Bhagwandas has benefited from specialised information from mentors.

“It’s looking at design from a holistic approach, including marketing and distribution, but it has also been valuable sharing ideas and information with other designers,” he says.

For Dokulil, the rewards from her involvement in Springboard have been considerable. “It’s wonderful working with such a broad-based group of designers, from furniture and textile designers to ceramicists,” she says.

And with Australian design continually gaining in prominence overseas, the timing of the Springboard initiative is ideal.

“Australian designers need to make sure the business end is sorted out before they take that next step,” she adds.