Can you afford to not take time off?

Closing our studio for a full month: Reflections, Lessons, and Future Ambitions

The decision to close Viscera Studio for an entire month for the Holidays was both thrilling and daunting for all of us. As a team, stepping away from our daily operations required extensive planning and communication. Would our projects remain on track? Would our clients understand? We grappled with these questions as we prepared for this collective rest. Ultimately, this is a transformative change for our studio to unsubscribe from ‘hustle culture’ and focus on quality deep work rather than the ‘grind’. With it being our first week back, we’re returning well-rested, energized, and excited for the year.

Reflections on Taking Time Off

Closing the studio meant everyone—not just me as the founder—took time off with pay. This decision wasn’t just about rest; it was about valuing our team's hard work and dedication and ensuring we all had the opportunity to recharge. Preparing for this break was no small feat. Together, we spent months coordinating schedules, wrapping up projects, and communicating with clients to ensure a smooth transition.

What became clear during this time was that Viscera Studio is much bigger than any one individual. The systems we’ve built and the trust we’ve cultivated among our team and clients enabled us to step away confidently. This wasn’t just a testament to our planning but also to the strength of our collaborative spirit.

Lessons from Time Off

One of the most profound takeaways from this break was the realization that creativity thrives in spaciousness. When we’re caught up in the hustle of daily tasks, we can lose sight of the joy and curiosity that fuel innovative thinking.

As a team, we realized how often we’re busy doing rather than simply being. This month off gave us all a chance to recalibrate, rest, and rediscover our excitement for the work we do. When we’re rested we’re able to be more free and playful– which is an essential element of creativity and creation. With this newfound perspective, we’re better equipped to approach our work with joy and intention.

The break also allowed us to reflect on our goals and priorities. With some distance, we returned with a clearer understanding of how to approach our projects strategically and with greater focus. This time reinforced the importance of rest as a vital component of creativity and productivity.

Returning to Work

Our first day back at the studio was intentionally slow and deliberate. We took time to reconnect as a team, sharing stories from our time off and easing into the rhythm of work. The energy in the studio felt different—more vibrant, more intentional. Projects that once felt routine now felt like opportunities for things we “get to do” rather than “have to do.” With space, we have a renewed sense of purpose for the work we do. It was a powerful reminder of the strength we draw from each other and the importance of stepping back to move forward.

Ambitions for 2025

Looking ahead, we’re committed to deepening our impact as a studio. Together, we believe that entrepreneurship and creativity have the power to transform cities and communities. This year, we’ll continue exploring ways to support businesses and organizations that align with our mission. From strategic branding to architectural/construction management projects, our work will remain rooted in fostering growth and creativity.

We have so many exciting projects expanding this year and I’ll share more soon. But in the meantime, we have exciting new partnerships, fresh content (including a reboot of our podcast, Vicinity!), and expanded services to continue to deepen our work and impact.?

Happy 2025!

Closing the studio for a month was a bold and slightly nerve-wracking decision, but it turned out to be one of the best things we’ve done for ourselves as a team. It reinforced the importance of rest, reflection, and recalibration. As we move into 2025, we’re excited to see how these lessons will shape our work and the impact we can make together. Here’s to a year of collaboration, creativity, and transformation!