10+ Best & Profitable Design Business Ideas [2023]

Looking for fresh ideas to start a design business in 2023? Check out our list of the 10+ best and profitable design business ideas that you can start right now! Learn more about the latest trends, necessary skills, and step-by-step guides to starting a successful design business.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of design business ideas
This page may feature products from our affiliate partners, which could influence the products we discuss due to potential compensation. Despite this, our evaluations are impartial, based solely on our independent analysis. The content here is intended for informational purposes and should not be seen as legal advice. For professional guidance, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.
What are you waiting for?
Quit that job & start your business with ZenBusiness today.

Hey there, future entrepreneur! Ever found yourself doodling on a notepad, designing logos for imaginary companies, or simply daydreaming about color palettes and typography? Well, you're in the right place. Welcome to a world where your creativity can turn into a profitable venture.

Imagine this: It's 2023. You're sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your overflowing inbox filled with requests from clients all over the world, seeking your design expertise. Sounds like a dream, right? But what if I told you that this could be your reality?

Whether you're a seasoned designer looking for a fresh start or a newbie ready to dive head-first into the design world, there's a wealth of opportunities waiting for you. And guess what? We've done the homework for you.

In this article, we're going to explore over 10 of the best and most profitable design business ideas for 2023. So, buckle up, let your creative juices flow, and get ready to turn your passion into a paycheck. Let's dive in, shall we?

Website Design

Website design is the process of creating a website from scratch or from pre-existing templates. It involves creating graphics, selecting fonts, and coding HTML and CSS. Website design is a great business idea because it requires minimal start-up costs and can be done from anywhere. Here are some of the advantages that website design offers:

  • A low-cost way to establish an online presence
  • The ability to reach potential customers around the world
  • The ability to track customer analytics and adjust the website accordingly
  • The chance to create a unique online experience tailored to your brand
  • A relatively straightforward way to make money with little overhead
image of a Website Design

Graphic Design

Graphic design is a process of visually communicating ideas and concepts through the use of text, images, illustrations, and/or other visual elements. It is often used for branding, advertisements, magazines, newspapers, packaging, logos and more. It is a great business idea because it allows you to be creative while creating something meaningful and tangible that can be used by clients. Here are some benefits of running a graphic design business:

  • Provides an opportunity to express creativity.
  • Allows you to work on interesting projects.
  • Develops skills in marketing and advertising.
  • Highly flexible; you can work either part-time or full-time.
  • Helps build an online portfolio for future customer referrals.
Featured Business Formation Partners
image of ZenBusiness logo
ZenBusiness
Turn your business vision into reality with ZenBusiness's streamlined LLC formation and expert support services.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Northwest Registered Agent logo
Northwest Registered Agent
Secure your business's future with Northwest Registered Agent's personalized LLC formation and privacy-focused expertise.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Bizee logo
Bizee
Kickstart your business effortlessly with Bizee's comprehensive LLC services and free first-year registered agent support.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★

Examples of successful businesses:

Design businesses are prolific across all industries, often offering creative solutions to problems faced by their clients. Many design businesses have achieved incredible success. Here is a list of some of the most successful design business companies:

  • Apple Inc.
  • Google LLC
  • Adobe Systems Inc.
  • IBM Corporation
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Corel Corporation
  • Autodesk Inc.
  • Adidas AG
  • Hewlett-Packard Company (HP)
  • Dell Technologies Inc.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing is a form of artistic expression which uses language to create stories, poems, essays and other written works. It can be an enjoyable hobby, a skill to develop, or a business opportunity. For those who are talented writers and want to pursue a career in the field of writing, Creative Writing can be an interesting option to explore. Here are some of the advantages that make Creative Writing a good business idea:

  • Innovative - Creative Writing provides ample space for creativity and innovation. Writers can come up with new ideas and concepts regularly.
  • Variety - There is an abundance of writing genres that offer a broad range of options for writers to explore. This encourages people to be creative and try out different writing styles.
  • Flexible - Creative Writing can be done from anywhere with an internet connection which makes it a very flexible business option.
  • Profitable - With the many publishing platforms available today, writers can make good money off their works.

Logo Design

A Logo Design is a graphical representation of a company, product, or service. It is usually made up of text, images, and colors that make it recognizable and memorable. Logo Design is an effective way to market a business - whether it's creating a memorable brand or advertising. It can also be used as an identifier for your business, making it easy for customers to remember you. Here are some benefits of having an effective Logo Design:

  • It helps build your company’s identity.
  • It strengthens brand recognition.
  • It helps establish trust with potential customers.
  • It can set the tone for your company’s overall messaging.
  • It can make a lasting impression on existing and potential customers.

Branding

Branding is the process of creating a unique and consistent identity for a product or service. It includes developing a unique name, logo, tagline, and other components to help people recognize and connect with the product or service. Branding helps businesses differentiate themselves from competitors and create an emotional connection with customers. Branding can also be used to establish trust and loyalty between customers and a business.

  • Develops a unique name, logo, tagline.
  • Helps differentiate your product or service from competitors.
  • Builds trust and loyalty between customers and your business.
  • Creates an emotional connection with customers.

Fashion Design

Fashion Design is a creative endeavor which involves designing and creating clothing, accessories and other fashion-related items. It can be a great business idea because it allows entrepreneurs to express their creativity and build an income from their designs. Some of the benefits of running a fashion design business are:

  • The potential for high incomes
  • The ability to be creative and express yourself
  • The opportunity to interact with customers and collaborate with other designers
  • The potential to create products that can have appeal globally
  • The ability to work independently or as part of a team

Interior Design

Interior Design is an art and science of designing the interior of a building to improve the quality and comfort of the space. It can involve anything from the selection and placement of furniture, window treatments, wall colors, flooring, ceiling elements, and much more. Interior Design can be used to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that is perfect for any home or business. It has become increasingly popular over the past few years due to its ability to transform any space into something unique and inviting.

  • Bring a space to life with personal touches and thoughtful design
  • Add value to a property
  • Create spaces that are functional yet aesthetically pleasing
  • Help clients achieve their desired look without breaking their budget
  • Save time and money when decorating or remodeling a space

Product Design

Product Design is the process of creating innovative products to better meet consumer needs and improve efficiency. A good Product Design business idea can help create value for customers, drive growth for businesses, and open new markets for entrepreneurs. Some benefits of owning a successful product design business include:

  • Opportunity to create unique and valuable products
  • Increased consumer satisfaction
  • Ability to develop new markets through innovative product lines
  • Improved efficiency in production processes
  • Reduced costs of research and development
  • Greater customer loyalty and brand recognition

Video Production

Video production is an exciting field that offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to create unique and engaging content. It is the art of producing high-quality videos for a variety of purposes, from advertising to educational materials. A successful video production company can acquire clients from multiple industries such as corporate, entertainment, and educational institutions. Here are some reasons why video production makes for a good business idea:

  • Audiences respond positively to visuals.
  • Videos can be used for marketing, education, and entertainment.
  • High quality videos increase customer engagement.
  • Videos are powerful platforms for conveying messages and influencing audiences.
  • Video production services have the potential to bring in high returns.

Photography

Photography is an art form that captures moments to be remembered forever. It is a business idea that can be very profitable. Here are some reasons why it makes a good business idea:

  • It is a fun, creative business that appeals to many people.
  • Photographers can take on numerous types of projects: weddings, family portraits, product photos and more.
  • It provides a reliable source of income and can be either part-time or full-time work.
  • You do not need to invest large amounts in equipment as most modern digital cameras are affordable and offer high quality results.
  • You can set your own rates depending on your skill level, experience, and location which gives you more control over your income.

Newfoundr

Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.