How Brett Williams from Design Joy Makes $1.2 Million a Year as a One-Person Designer

Jay Clair
5 min readMay 25

Brett, the founder of Design Joy, has managed to build a successful one-person design business that generates $1.2 million a year. His journey is a testament to the power of solopreneurship, the effectiveness of a subscription model, and the importance of quality over quantity. This blog post will delve into the strategies and principles he applies to achieve this remarkable feat, providing a detailed roadmap for those who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

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Embrace Solopreneurship: The Power of One

Brett is a strong advocate for solopreneurship. He believes in the power of working alone, focusing on his strengths, and maintaining a lean operation. He has managed to outperform many design agencies with multiple employees, proving that a one-person business can be highly successful.

  • The Strength of Independence: Brett’s journey highlights the strength of independence. By working alone, he has full control over his work, allowing him to ensure that every design meets his high standards.
  • Focus on Strengths: Brett focuses on his strengths, leveraging his design skills to provide a service that his clients value. This focus allows him to excel in his area of expertise, setting him apart from his competitors.
  • Lean Operation: By operating as a one-person business, Brett keeps his overheads low. This lean operation enables him to offer competitive pricing to his clients while maintaining a healthy profit margin.

Adopt a Subscription Model: Steady Income, Quality Work

One of the key strategies Brett employs is the subscription model. Instead of charging per project, he charges his clients a monthly fee. This model provides a steady income stream and allows him to focus on delivering quality work instead of constantly hunting for new projects.

  • Steady Income Stream: The subscription model provides Brett with a steady income stream. This financial stability allows him to focus on his work without the stress of an unpredictable income.
  • Focus on Quality: With a steady income, Brett can focus on delivering quality work. He doesn’t…
Jay Clair

Marketing Manager at Bluesfest and Founder of SPiLL SEO (spilldigital.au) SEO Nerd & Writer. . Me as a person: Contrarian, rational optimist & mindset junkie.