Starting a Design Studio?

Since around July 2019, I’ve been doing product and design consulting for a friend—three days in the office, two days off (rest, miscellaneous stuff), for a fixed service fee. By the end of this month, that collaboration will wrap up, and we’re discussing a more flexible arrangement.

I’m big on marking time with rituals. I joined Liulishuo in May 2013 and left in May 2019. I’m hoping after a year of pause and (so-called) reflection, to start fresh in May 2020.

If I keep my spending in check and maintain a decent quality of life, I can enjoy some freedom without a full-time job. But after a year off, I can’t just sit still. To be honest, part of that drive comes from a deep-rooted fear of not having enough money. But more importantly, I need to do something valuable (to others)—not just waste my life.

Being home too long has gotten on my wife’s nerves. She even told me seriously that staying home is making my faith regress. “Remember when you were at Liulishuo? It was hard and stressful dealing with people, but you always prayed and relied on God. Now you’re just limp 😠. You’re better off working.”

Before I became a Christian, my goals were simple: excel in design, start a business, make money, and live a quiet life (I even hoped to retire by 30). Since 2008, when my faith started shaping up, I’ve been haunted by one question: What’s my value? What’s worth dedicating my life to? (This is one of those pesky truths my faith brought me.)

Around 2014, at Liulishuo’s first decent-looking office, we had a wall for employee dreams. Mine was: to find what I truly want to do.

Years have passed, and I still haven’t found it, but I’ve got some general directions: One, return to the workforce as a designer or design manager. Two, start my own design studio. Three, study the Bible and work full-time at church (😄 meaning not doing design work, just church stuff. I’m trying to avoid the Christian jargon). Right now, all seem possible. But none are certain. I really need to pray about this.

I’ll keep praying for the path ahead while also trying out some things. Back to today’s topic: “Starting a Design Studio?” Yes, it’s just an idea for now. I wouldn’t ordinarily share unformed ideas. But since the other day I said, “Diaries should be real,” I’m sharing some raw thoughts. I’m not sure if this is my path, but I can try it.

If it’s God’s leading, the way will open. To all my friends—old and new—feel free to refer some business my way!