Web & Code

Featured Author: Key-Design

We believe that the people that end up doing well in this market are just generally passionate about their work as we are too.

Key-Design

Key-Design shares their insights and advice for succeeding on Envato.

Tell us a bit about Key-design

Key-Design Themes started in 2016 on the Polytechnic University of Bucharest campus. We are a team of two members each with 10+ years of experience in web development and programming.  We create premium WordPress themes that require zero coding skills.

Where do you live and work from?

We have lived in Bucharest for over 15 years and enjoy everything the city has to offer. As the Romanian capital, Bucharest is the most dynamic and energetic city in Romania. This is the best place in the world for working from home or remotely. Some of the reasons are: fast internet, cheap rent when compared with other cities in Europe and even cheaper when compared with top cities in the US, plenty of food delivery options, vibrant nightlife, and lots of restaurants and pubs.

Sway – Multi-Purpose WordPress Theme with Page Builder

What do you love about your work and why?

Having a job where you feel like you are making progress either in the work that you’re doing or in bettering yourself is very fulfilling. If you have a passion for building software that helps people and their businesses, if you want to make things better for your customers, this job gives you the freedom and creativity to tackle these processes however you want. That’s what keeps us going.

What do you find most challenging?

Being a very competitive market you have to stretch out your comfort zone and try new ways to promote your business. 

One of the first lessons you learn when starting on this market is to trust in the power of failure. Our first uploaded theme was hard rejected which made us rethink and look back at our mistakes. This situation represented a big challenge which helped us to improve our way of working.

What is your advice to other Authors who want to be successful on Envato?

We start with the customer in mind and work backward. This is a great opportunity for us and every other author likewise. Here are some things beginner authors should consider:

1. Figure out how the market works. Follow the top authors and check how they market their products. Look for a niche that best suits you and your skillset.

2. Develop a business strategy. If you’re a small team it’s easier to build a single product with lots of features. If you’re a medium/large team it is best to create niched themes.

3. Build a product that stands out from the rest. Don’t try to copy other authors, instead, be innovative and try to bring something new to already existing concepts.

4. Run a marketing campaign. Listing your product on ThemeForest gets you decent exposure, but you should consider investing in reviews, banners, and ads. 

We believe that the people that end up doing well in this market are just generally passionate about their work as we are too. Some authors that inspire us in our work are: select-themes, qode, fuelthemes.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

During the week, we usually go to the gym early in the morning. Nothing compares with a good workout and the energy it gives you throughout the day. Other activities include playing video games, watching movies, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling to new places.

We believe in a healthy work/life balance. We make our schedule and choose how much we want to work. When we’re close to a launch or a really big update, we do work harder and longer hours. There are also times when it’s best to leave work behind and recharge with family. You can be entrepreneurial. You don’t have to give up your personal life.

What’s next for your team?

In the short term, our goal is to provide reliable and frequent core updates for our most recent themes and to refine our support skills. We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to improve our customer relationship by carefully listening and attending to their requests.

In the long run, we have many written ideas waiting to take shape. Our primary focus is to expand our team and ultimately build a competitive theme that will truly stand out. Stay close and don’t forget to follow us!

You can view Key-Design’s full portfolio here. If you have any questions or want to continue the conversation, jump over to the forums and say hello!


Do you find this article useful?