Let’s be real: when you’re launching a business, it feels like everyone is trying to sell you something. CRM systems, social media ads, financial software, productivity apps that promise to save you "87 hours a week"—it's a lot. But here’s a bold truth you probably haven’t heard: you should hire a graphic designer before you hire an accountant.
Before you scoff, hear us out.
You only get one shot at a first impression. According to a study from Stanford University, people form an impression of a brand within 50 milliseconds of viewing its visual content. That’s faster than a sneeze. If your logo looks like it was made in Microsoft Paint and your website screams “1998 called,” you’re losing business before they even scroll.
An accountant can help you track lost revenue.
A graphic designer can help you prevent it.
Let’s kill this myth: branding isn’t just for “later” or for “big” companies. The reality? Consistent brand presentation across all platforms increases revenue by up to 23% (Lucidpress, 2021). That logo, color palette, and typography isn’t fluff—it’s a conversion engine.
Accountants keep your books clean.
Graphic designers help get money in the books.
Would you trust a bank with a blurry logo? Would you book a consultation with a lawyer whose website looks like a GeoCities relic? Probably not. Consumers make buying decisions based on feel, and visuals are a shortcut to trust. In fact, 94% of first impressions relate to your site’s design (Northumbria University).
If your brand looks cheap, people assume your services are too.
Design is your silent sales rep, working 24/7.
Starting small? No problem. Design can give you the polish of a Fortune 500 company even if you’re still working from your kitchen table. A killer logo, sleek website, and cohesive social media graphics level the playing field—fast. And no one needs to know it’s just you and your dog behind the curtain.
Design gives you credibility.
An accountant gives you clarity. But credibility comes first.
We’re not saying you’ll never need an accountant. Of course you will. Taxes are real and QuickBooks doesn’t run itself. But if you haven’t brought in any customers yet, what exactly is there to account for?
Hire a designer first to:
Then hire the accountant—when you actually have revenue to count.
A great accountant can save you thousands.
A great designer can make you thousands.
Choose your first hire like your business depends on it—because it does.
Ready to build a brand that books business?
Let’s design your future.