Money matters: a small studio and two independent designers share big tips on managing finances

In an ideal world, we would all be money magicians, effortlessly handling invoices, making payments on time, and keeping impeccable track of receipts! But we’re human, right? And life gives us plenty of plates to spin. This is especially true for smaller teams and freelancers who may not have the resources or the budget for a dedicated finance team. So, we wanted to chat with some creatives with a few years of experience navigating this side of admin, with or without help. Design studio OKOK Services and independent designers Sthuthi Ramesh and Charlie Nash, provide valuable, relatable, and oh-so-honest insights into their approaches to managing finances. By delving into their unique perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in financial management, learn how it can positively impact businesses and individuals alike, and rest easy knowing that it’s not just us who run away from the idea of starting our tax returns. At the beginning of her journey as an independent creative, London-based designer Sthuthi Ramesh did not prioritise tasks like bookkeeping, which caused challenges at the end of each year. “Now,” she tells us, “I make a conscious effort to stay on top of my accounts and finances, aiming for a monthly check, or at least once every two months. I handle the bookkeeping for my limited company myself, which helps me track the areas of highest expenses each term.”