Finding the Gaps, Practitioner Interviews.

1. Longevity in Design Careers

• Variety in projects keeps work engaging and prevents burnout.
• Successful studios maintain diversity in their projects, spanning industries and disciplines.
• Automation is replacing routine tasks, but human creativity and lateral thinking remain valuable.

Manchipp discusses working on diverse projects, from billion-dollar developments to healthcare branding, which keeps the work exciting.

2. Side Projects

• Side projects can provide creative freedom and a break from client constraints.
• Some designers build entire careers from side projects, transforming them into full-time ventures.
• Side projects allow experimentation with new ideas, materials, and formats outside of professional work.
• They can serve as a personal creative outlet and sometimes lead to unexpected career opportunities.

Sam mentioned he turned personal projects into a full-time career but warns about turning all hobbies into work.

3. Creative Ownership

• Many designers are interested in authoring their own work rather than just providing services to clients.
• Some practitioners explore new business models, like developing in-house products rather than only offering design services.

Kristoffer and Tom discuss wanting to create 100% self-initiated projects but struggle to find time.