Business Mentoring & Coaching for Designers & Creatives

Hybrid Coaching, Consulting, & Strategy for Creatives That Fits just Right

Person typing on a laptop at a wooden desk with plants, a coffee mug, and headphones.

Frustrated by well-meaning business coaches & strategists who just don't understand the realities of creative business life?

I’ve been there. Nothing is more frustrating than investing in support for your business growth only to spend half your time working together educating the person you’re paying about how website design, branding, and creative business flows. 

Our industry has unique processes and challenges—and I’d love to help you negotiate all of that. After over 15 years in business and growing SM&Co into a flourishing creative agency (I still take care of a few design clients so I can keep my skills fresh, despite now focusing on consulting), I’ve seen it all. 

Let’s make your design business more joyful, with ease baked in.

Geometric design with overlapping diamonds and triangles in brown on a black background.

Wondering if your design business can be, well, easier?

The existing paradigm for design business makes it difficult for solo and micro agencies to grow or scale (these are two different things!) profitably and ethically. Most coaching and consulting for creative businesses focuses on profit margins, clients, and projects for large agencies or simply scales down those models to small, boutique companies.

And friction, stress, and unhappy clients—and unhappy creatives—are the result. Businesses like ours need to say goodbye to the exploitative vendor model we’ve borrowed from large agencies and creative something uniquely ours that creates incredible impact for our clients. 

That’s what I’ve done at SM&Co—and, using our propriety Alignthority® facilitation system, what I help a handful of creatives do each year.

Pyramid diagram labeled "Alignthority™" at the top, with four levels: "Authority," "Expert," "Professional," and "Technician." An upward arrow on the left indicates progression or hierarchy.

Let’s talk about the truths I deeply believe about the design business

There’s a lot that needs to change about this industry—and that’s the hard truth. The average freelance in the USA is only making $28/hr—and you can and should do better. Further, 36 percent of businesses hired freelance designers last year, so there's space enough for us all. And 51% of B2B content marketers say visual design is essential for their success (your impact is massive). Design is not only important—it’s necessary.

  • You didn’t start your design business to be stressed out and overwhelmed—just like when you worked for a boss. 

    And yet, all too many creatives tell me they’re ready to “burn it all down” on a regular basis. Somethings amiss in our industry—and there’s more to it than just raising your prices or getting better clients. 

  • Have you ever really sat down and calculated the lifetime value of your creative work on your clients’ businesses?

    Chances are you haven’t (creatives are notorious for not taking create for their impact) and it’s time to really get serious about believing in yourself and the results you create.

  • You are not just a set of hired hands. Your vision matters. 

    And you have so much to bring to the table with your creative business. And it all starts with believing in you authority and owning  your point view.

“At the end of the day, everyone is too close to their own business, and you do need somebody else to be a sounding board.

But Sarah's so much more than just a sounding board. She does spark ideas. She does make an effort to really get in and understand what it is that you do, how you do it, and who you do it for, and those are critical aspects to moving any business forward.”

— Nic Sidoti, Web Designer & Marketer

— Two Business Coaching Options—

  • Ongoing Coaching

    This solution is for folks who’d prefer regular connection to create momentum and generally have a good idea of where they’re headed but need a level head to talk it through and strategize.

    1. Flexible arrangement: 1-2 sessions per month, Voxer coaching, or some combination of all three.

    2. Feedback as needed on client challenges, marketing strategy, or team issues

    3. Support from someone who’s seen it all

    4. Opportunity to have proposals and client docs reviewed

    Price varies depending on scope, from $500 - $1500 per month; three month minimum required

  • Three Month Coaching Program

    The solution for solo designers looking to streamline and scale—on their own terms.

    The solution for solo designers looking to streamline and scale—on their own terms.

    This three-month long process typically includes:

    1. My signature Spark Sessions consulting program (3x 2.5 hour workshops);

    2. Framework development (a co-creative process);

    3. Three additional sessions to build your business strategy (a total of six one on ones with Sarah); 

    4. Access to me via Voxer, email, or Slack; and

    5. All sorts of great resources, templates, and workshops we have at our disposal.

    During our first session, we’ll set tailored goals for you and your business. This means that while this is the general framework for our work, I’ll use the various tools in my toolbox to collaborate with you to develop the right plan of action.

    $5,500 flat fee; monthly payment plans available without penalty upon request.

  • Six Month Program

    The solution if you’re ready to grow a team, diversify your revenue, and create leverage in your business.

    This six-month long process includes:

    1. My signature Spark Sessions consulting program (3x 2.5 hour workshops);

    2, Framework development (a co-creative process);

    3. Org chart and other organizational planning;

    4. Marketing strategy development;

    5. Nine additional 2x monthly sessions to build your business strategy (a total of 12 one on ones with me); 

    6. Access to me (and my team) via Voxer, email, or Slack; and

    7. All sorts of great resources, templates, and workshops we have at our disposal.

    During our first session, we’ll set tailored goals for you and your business. This means that while this is the general framework for our work, I’ll use the various tools in my toolbox to collaborate with you to develop the right plan of action.

    $10,000 flat fee; monthly payment plans available without penalty upon request.

— Client Stories —

  • Sarah Lobkovich, OKR Strategist, Sitting at a Table

    How Sara amplified her business by embracing her vision with Spark Sessions

    Meet Sara Lobkovich, an OKR Strategist, thought leader, and Spark Sessions client who diversified her marketing and leaned into her authenticity following our work together.

    Read the Story
  • Jamar Diggs

    How Jamar landed a Fortune 500 company client with Spark Sessions

    Meet our client Jamar Diggs, a YouTube Marketing Strategist and one of Sarah’s Spark Session’s clients. Learn how she facilitated his framework development and transitioned from agency owner to in-demand consultant.

    Read the Story
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"It's hard to find a business consultant who's got the ability to take a big picture view – Sarah's brilliant at this. If you're good at helping your clients' businesses thrive but need a clever person to help you take your own advice, Sarah has the skills, enthusiasm, and tools to do this – she'll help you thrive too!"

— Joanie Gorman, JiG Creative

FAQ About Business Coaching for Designers & Creatives

If your question isn’t answered here, simply reach out at hello@sarahmoon.com and I’ll answer you just as soon as I can.

  • I have options ranging from $500 to $5500. Please share your budget range when reaching out so I can match the best option for you!

  • Yes, except for monthly coaching.

    Depending on your start date, payment plans of varying lengths are available to make cashflow easier for you.

  • Yes! But on a case by case basis—I want to make sure I know enough about your industry that I can make an impact. Reach out and let's discuss!

    You may also want to consider Spark Sessions, which is a similar program with a narrower scope.

  • These are two entirely different services!

    Strategy sessions are for one you need a quick, one hour advice session.

    Business coaching is focused work together. You have access to me outside of our sessions (Voxer or email), and we work together towards solving your biggest challenges.

  • Absolutely! You will work primarily with Sarah, but our entire team’s expertise is available. 

  • Are you a creative business owner such as a designer, brand strategist, or marketing agency owner? Are you a very small team? Are you struggling to grow in a way that feels good to you?

    Then you may be a right fit. Go ahead and apply, and I’ll set you up with a no obligation call (or asynchronous Voxer if that's a better fit) if it seems like a good fit. 

  • Probably! I don’t want to create one of those toxic relationships that’s common in the coaching world where you’re dependent on me, but if you are continuing to make forward progress and I believe I’m helping you to do so, you can continue to work with me on a monthly basis following our initial engagement.

Hanging Edison light bulbs with warm glow against brick wall background.

Ready for a design business coach that really gets it?

Stop going it alone and schedule a call (or Voxer session) to discuss if this is the right solution for you. My promise to you? If it’s not, I’ll help you find the person or program that is.