businessman with a folder
A design mission statement is an important foundation for any design company. This document is a simple outline of the principles and beliefs that will guide your company, your employees and your work. There are no requirements on what information a company’s mission statement must contain, but many look at the services it provides, its dedication to customers, and how it will deliver these elements. In addition, qualifications, a commitment to stay current, and even ethics are often included. The mission statement is an opportunity to give potential clients a snapshot of your design firm’s personality and expertise.
You only need to use a few paragraphs when crafting a design mission statement. This information is best provided in short declarative sentences that describe your company’s beliefs. It’s also best to avoid using too much design jargon because many potential clients won’t master the design vocabulary. By writing simple sentences in everyday language, you will be able to give anyone a quick idea of who you are as a designer.
The first thing to mention in your design mission statement is basic information. That means writing a sentence or two about your design company and the type of work you do. It does not matter if you are strictly engaged in graphic design, architectural drawing or offer a full range of design options, a reader should know this fact after reading for a few seconds. Equally important is mentioning how you do this work. If your company has a legion of seasoned designers or if you have a unique track record that sets you apart, mention it.
Your dedication to clients should also be a focal point for at least one sentence of your design mission statement. Now that readers know who you are and what you do, tell them about your dedication to them. A short statement outlining your dedication to making customers happy and working with them efficiently and effectively is a popular addition to any mission statement.
End your design mission statement with a brief mention of the future of your company. This does not mean predicting how successful you will be, but what steps you will take to continually move in the right direction. A commitment to staying current on the latest trends and techniques sends a strong message to readers. Plus, a short line about your code of ethics also lets potential clients know that you’ll be a trusted partner for years to come.