I Fix Design Agencies for a Living

My Background

I didn’t start out planning to specialize in design agencies. I began building businesses from scratch – AI startups, digital agencies, tech companies. But after co-founding Ester Digital in 2015 and watching it grow from startup chaos to serving Fortune 500 clients, I realized something: most design agencies have the same problems.

Brilliant creative work, rubbish business systems. Amazing portfolios, terrible positioning. You’re competing with Fiverr designers instead of attracting premium clients who actually value good design.

What I Actually Do

I’ve built complete businesses from concept to exit. Outreach.software – an AI startup that got acquired at MVP stage because the business model was solid. Ester Digital – grew from three founders to an established agency serving major clients across North America and Europe.

Currently working with the excellent Tanya Donska on DNSK.WORK, where we’re building specialized SaaS UX systems for clients like Deutsche Telekom.

Here’s the thing: I know what it’s like to chase clients, explain your value constantly, and take whatever projects you can get. I’ve lived that chaos. That’s exactly why I know how to fix it.

My Approach

I treat design agency problems like a doctor treats symptoms – I’ve seen this dozens of times before. Most agencies think their problems are unique. They’re not. The solutions aren’t complicated either, they just need someone who knows what actually works to implement them properly.

I don’t do lengthy discovery phases or theoretical frameworks. I diagnose what’s broken, fix it systematically, and build systems that work without you having to become a full-time business manager.

Why Design Agencies?

Because you shouldn’t have to choose between doing great creative work and running a profitable business. You started an agency to design, not to spend half your day doing sales calls and chasing invoices.

Most business consultants have never actually run a creative business. I have. I know the difference between advice that sounds good and systems that actually work when you’re under deadline pressure with demanding clients.

The Result?

Agencies that stop scrambling for clients and start choosing between qualified prospects. Design teams that focus on creative work while professional systems handle the business side. Founders who build valuable companies instead of just staying busy.