Two designers merging into one agency: How do we split brand and decision-making authority without killing each other?

I started a similar agency back in 2019 with a close designer friend. We were both perfectionists, and we spent a solid four months arguing over our own logo instead of focusing on client work. We literally fought for days over paper weight for business cards. In the end, we realized clients don't care about your logo; they care about how fast you deliver quality work. If we hadn't put our egos aside and split roles into 'client-facing designer' and 'production lead designer,' we would've gone under in our first year.

To formalize the delegation of authority, follow these steps: 1) Grant full authority for visual identity, typography, and logo approval to a single partner. 2) Require the other partner's signature for pricing, contracts, and financial terms. 3) Add a clause to the partnership agreement stating that the decision of an independent outside mentor will be binding in the event of a deadlock.

Honestly just flip a coin, or let one of you pick the name and the other design the logo. Designing your own brand doesn't make you any money; once you start invoicing clients, this logo won't matter at all. Decide quickly and get to work.

Do you really believe two creative partners who can't even agree on business card paper can run an agency long-term? There's no guarantee that tomorrow, during a client revision, you won't criticize each other's designs in front of the client. Unless you do a 51-49 split instead of a 50-50 partnership you'll be deadlocked in every single strategic crisis.

went through the exact same thing with my buddy... simple fix, treat your agency's own branding like a client project and put a revision cap on each other... enforce a hard rule that it's done after three ronuds of feedback or those cards are never getting printed.

Two designers co-founding an agency is like two chefs cooking in the same pot; that soup is bound to burn... Youll burn through your capital arguing over cotton paper versus matte coated stock. One of you needs to put on a suit and take on the sales role right now.

In creative agencies, partnerships thrive on complementary roles, not overlapping technical skills. You may both come from design backgrounds, but starting today, one of you must be the managing director and the other the art director. If you cannot accept this hierarchy, you should reconsider the partnership altogether.

note: I wrote this based on my own experience, it might not apply to everyone.

this thread is archived.

There's a trap here, let me mention it. Most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval.

If you post the result here, it will help others too.

We got stuck at the same point for a while. The only thing separating friendship from partnership is a written contract.

If you post the result here, it will help others too.

Generally correct, but one part is missing. If you're offering equity instead of salary, also state what you're offering in return.

When we decide without measuring, we always end up in the same place. If I were you, I'd go this route.

I'm a small business, let me explain from my side... If you get three different answers on a topic the question was asked wrong.

The answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule. honestly just leaving this note, it might be useful.

Yes, that's exactly how it is with agency branding decisions. If you're offering equity instead of salary, also state what you're offering in return.

If you get three different answers on a topic, the question was asked wrong. If I were you, I'd go this route.

Thanks for writing this, that's the right way. Mistakes made on the agency branding decisions side are usually reversible but expensive.

That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

we need to make a distinction here. valuation methods for exits must be defined by formula; "market value" isn't enough.

if you have questions write them; I'll answer as best I can.

I agree. Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.

Most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval. That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

I'm in the same situation, that's why I'm asking. Do a small three-month project before talking stocks, so you see each other.

If it's your first time start small; scaling comes later. If you have questions write them; I'll answer as best I can.

Exactly, and not many people know this. Everyone rushing into agency branding decisions gets stuck at the same point.

Mistakes made on the agency branding decisions side are usually reversible but expensive. If you post the result here, it will help others too.