Many designers today are the sole proprietors of their brand and aesthetic. But running a one-man (or woman) show isn’t all fun and games. Before (and after) the fun stuff, there are bills and contracts and forms and follow up. Just like any business owner, many designers face challenges that could be overcome with some helpful advice from a colleague who has been in a similar situation.

The rise of social media has provided a digital outlet for designers to form alliances across state and country lines. Discussions pop up hourly on Twitter and Facebook about billing practices, pricing, resources, and much more. But taking it one step further is a group based in Southern California called the Design Forward Collective. Organized out of a desire to create a non-competitive collaborative sisterhood, the group is devoted to education and giving back to the community. Group members rely on one another for advice and support each other without the threat of competition, which ultimately elevates the design community as a whole.

The Design Forward Collective is creating verbiage that outlines standards for conducting business, developing a resource network that every designer can utilize, and is setting itself apart for taking a forward-thinking approach to business development and teamwork. So, take it from these inspiring ladies: Why not collaborate?