The Design Mentor

I help design studio owners build real businesses, without losing the heart behind why they started.

Most studio owners didn’t set out to become business owners.

They set out to create, inspire, and share their love of design.

 

RUNNING A DESIGN STUDIO MEANS NAVIGATION:

 

PRICING & PROFITABILITY

 

 

MARKETING THAT WORKS

 

 

SYSTEMS & PROCEDURES

 

 

LEADERSHIP & GROWING

 

 
The Design Mentor was created to bridge that gap. 

I help design studio owners move out of overwhelm and into clarity—so they can run their studio to be financially healthy, well-led, and aligned with the lives they want to live.

ENQUIRE ABOUT MENTORING

I only take 5 new business owners each month. Register your interest and I'll be in touch.

Melissa Horvat Graphic Designer Newcastle
NICE TO MEET YOU, I'M MELISSA...

I'm a design studio owner for over 17 years, branding expert and designer.

You've entered my world because you're looking for support to build your design studio, or would like to start a studio. 

The Design Mentor was built from a a bold but necessary idea: the design industry has evolved, and so have the challenges studio owners face.

Let me introduce myself.

I'm Melissa, Director of Graphika and Designer with over 29 years. In 2009, Graphika was born to create a work-life balance for me and my family. Seventeen years later, it is an award-winning agency that has worked with hundreds of small and medium businesses, government departments, and corporates including The United Nations and Paralympics Australia.

My mission is to share my experience and help you grow your design studio into one that serves you and your life, with a comprehensive approach to studio ownership—one that addresses leadership, systems, growth, and long-term sustainability.

FEATURED, SEEN OR HEARD IN:

ENQUIRE ABOUT MENTORING

I only take 5 new business owners each month. Register your interest and I'll be in touch.