A year ago I left a studio I loved to work on my own. I expected more freedom. I didn’t expect how much structure I’d need to build to enjoy it.

What got better

Direct relationships with founders. Fewer meetings, faster decisions, and projects that start and end with the same person in the room.

What got harder

No one to sense-check an idea at 4pm. I now keep a small circle of peers for honest feedback, and it’s made the work sharper.

What I’d tell anyone starting out

Protect your mornings, write your own briefs, and say no earlier than feels comfortable. The best projects need room.