Studio Talk 5・Clinton Webb
Clinton had me at “Chief Snack Officer” when he talked about his adorable sidekick Ella! And of course we cannot ignore the houseplants, either – just like chocolate I firmly believe that plants are essential for our mental wellbeing. What inspired me about Clinton was that he launched his business during Covid, talk about jumping in at the deep end! A great example of what we can do with determination and a skillset. I love his top tip #5, it’s all part of designing our businesses with intention and care.
Clinton Webb is the Founder and Creative Director at Fort Collins, Colorado-based web and graphic design agency, Agave Studio. He has over five years of experience in building beautiful custom Squarespace websites alongside creating brands and marketing strategies for small to medium sized businesses in Colorado and beyond.
A self-proclaimed “Plant Dad” he has about 100 houseplants and very specifically his collection of agave provided the inspiration for Agave Studio. He’s joined by his sidekick and Chief Snack Officer, Ella the pug, at Agave Studio who provides a lot of comic relief on busy days.
1) What is your professional background and how did you get into Squarespace web design?
My professional background is a little bit of a mosaic. I’ve worked at a few agencies in design and project management roles, in addition to retail management and hospitality. I got into Squarespace web design during college when I had a style blog and chose Squarespace as my platform. I instantly fell in love with how easy it is to use. Eventually, I went on to work for a Squarespace web design agency and that culminated into starting my business, Agave Studio.
2) What was your safety net (e.g. a partner, another job, savings etc.) when you first started out and how did that help you?
Unfortunately, (or fortunately?) my safety net was fairly weak when I started my business. I’ve only been in business for about six months now, and that means I started my company during the COVID-19 pandemic. Talk about launching yourself off a cliff! I was fortunate enough to have at least a little bit in savings, but I really hit the ground running in October and haven’t looked back.
3) How many websites did you design during your first year, and how did your clients find you?
At the moment, I’m seven sites in, not including my own website. For the most part, my clients have found me through my wonderful network of previous business contacts and friends. One of my current clients found me through Google, which is pretty great as well.
4) Do you have a niche market, or a speciality, or are you more of a generalist?
As you can see from my portfolio examples, I really have a wide variety of clients I work with. I would definitely say I’m a generalist, but I love working with and helping non-profits and other creatives.
5) What are your five top tips for starting your own business?
1. Really make sure you have a great project management system.
Especially if you’re going to be self-employed. I have no idea where I would be if I didn’t have mine.
2. Use your network.
If you have people that already trust you and love your work, don’t hesitate to reach out. Referral clients are the best.
3. Hire a business consultant if you can.
Or alternatively, find some blogs or podcasts for business tips. Starting a business is super daunting for a lot of people, but it’s a great journey. If you can find someone to help guide you through the process, it helps immensely.
4. Have at least 3-4 portfolio pieces ready to go for your website when you launch.
This one was a bit challenging for me, but it’s really hard for people to hire you if you don’t have work examples ready to show.
5. Create a space for your business in your home if you’re working from home.
I know a lot of us have already adjusted to the work-from-home grind due to the pandemic, but I think it’s very important to have a dedicated space. It could be a spare room or even putting a desk in the corner of your living room with a little succulent on it. Just don’t use your dining room table!
Are you a non-profit business owner? Clinton’s non-profit design package includes a $500 discount on their base website, plan plus 20% off their other services. Visit the Agave Studio website to learn more.
